LATAM passenger recalls flight plunge scare

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March 12, 2024

OHIO MOTHER HOPES FOR A CURE TO SAVE HER SON, 8, FROM RARE, FATAL DISEASE: ‘GUT-WRENCHING’

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Grayson Naff, 8, is preparing for life without vision.

The Ohio second-grader was diagnosed last year with Batten disease, a rare genetic disorder that causes vision loss, seizures, cognitive decline, impaired mobility and, ultimately, death.

As the disease progresses and his vision further declines, the child — with the support of his mother, Emily Blackburn, and a host of educators and experts — has started the necessary training to navigate the world without eyesight.

Naff’s current vision is around 20/200-20/300, which is considered legally blind.

He sees best about 5 to 10 inches in front of him, Blackburn said.

Grayson Naff, 8, pictured with mom Emily Blackburn at left, was diagnosed last year with Batten disease, a rare genetic disorder that causes vision loss, seizures, cognitive decline, impaired mobility and, ultimately, death. (Emily Blackburn)

Recently, the boy began “white cane training.”

A white cane is a critical mobility tool for the blind or visually impaired. It scrapes along the ground as the person walks, allowing the individual to gather important information about the surroundings.

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“White cane training is important for certain individuals with vision loss to increase their independence while traveling throughout their environment,” Rhianna Witt, an orientation and mobility specialist with Montgomery County Educational Service Center (MCESC) in Dayton, Ohio, told Fox News Digital.

Witt has been working with Naff on his white cane training.

“The white cane allows [the blind person] to detect changes in elevation, obstacles and changes in surface texture,” she said. “It is a tool used for previewing the environment.”

Grayson Naff practices using his white cane at his school as part of the preparations for full vision loss. (Elizabeth Blackburn)

The white cane also signals to others that the person using it has low vision, Witt noted, which makes the person more visible in public places and street crossings.

“It’s important for students to learn to use their white cane with a certified orientation and mobility specialist,” Witt said.

“Practicing using their cane in practical and age-appropriate environments will help them develop the skills needed as they get older and/or their vision changes.”

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Naff was introduced to the white cane in his elementary school gym, and then he walked the halls using it, his mother said.

“His favorite color is red, so he liked how the white cane had red [on it],” Blackburn told Fox News Digital. “He learned how wide to move it, how to hold it, how to use it to hear different materials on the ground and how to fold it up.”

“I was extremely anxious for him to be introduced to the white cane,” said Naff’s mother. “Losing vision can sometimes be an invisible disability, but when you have a white cane, it suddenly becomes real.” (Elizabeth Blackburn)

Witt praised the boy for working hard on his orientation and mobility training.

“The focus has been to ensure that he is navigating his school well and gaining the skills necessary to problem-solve when his vision may be affecting his ability to orient or navigate,” she said.

While the white cane training was an important step for Naff — it was difficult for his mother.

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“I was extremely anxious for him to be introduced to the white cane,” she said.

“Losing vision can sometimes be an invisible disability, but when you have a white cane, it suddenly becomes real.”

“No one prepares you for this — I wake up every day and have to remember that this is our life.”

“Accepting that my son is legally blind — and that if he goes down the typical path of children with Batten disease, he will likely lose all of his vision — is heartbreaking.”

An even more difficult realization, she said, is that loss of vision is only the beginning of the disease’s devastating effects.

Grayson Naff is pictured with his little brother. “The only way we move forward is with hope and the love we have for Grayson,” his mother said. (Elizabeth Blackburn)

“No one prepares you for this,” Blackburn said. “I wake up every day and have to remember that this is our life.”

Her son has also started training in Braille, which allows visually impaired people to read by feeling a system of raised dots.

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Becca King, teacher of the visually impaired at MCESC in Dayton, Ohio, has been helping the boy with his Braille lessons.

“Learning to read Braille is a lot like learning to read print,” she told Fox News Digital. “It’s important to have the fundamentals and to take it step by step.”

“We take pictures, we make memories, we try to live life as normal as possible — but with a crack in our hearts and hope for the future,” said Grayson Naff’s mother. (Emily Blackburn)

“Grayson is a pleasure to work with,” she told Fox News Digital. “He is enthusiastic about learning and is willing to do anything that I ask him to. He has an infectious personality, and he is truly the highlight of my day when I get to see him.”

She added, “He is a bright light to all who know him.”

Naff also has an aide at school who helps him scribe — meaning he writes down what the boy says.

The young student also has a portable desktop magnifying device that magnifies and changes contrast to help him see his papers at school.

Ongoing care

Every six months, Naff and his family drive seven hours to see his ophthalmologist at the University of Iowa, who specializes in juvenile inherited eye disease.

During each visit, “Grayson goes through a whole day of eye exams to test if his vision has changed,” Blackburn said.

Their next visit is scheduled for May.

“The only way we move forward is with hope and the love we have for Grayson.”

“The anxiety and anticipation is challenging, because we want to accept Grayson’s vision however it may be, but our hope is that he’ll have his vision for as long as possible,” his mother said.

Naff is also taking Miglustat, a medication that could help ease or slow down symptoms.

Cost is a concern, though. Since the drug is not yet FDA-approved for use with Batten disease, it has a hefty co-pay.

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“If insurance doesn’t cover it, it’s about $100 per pill, or $9,000 each month,” Blackburn said.

There is currently no cure for Batten disease, with life expectancy typically in the mid-teens to early 20s.

Grayson Naff’s family created an organization, Guiding Grayson, to help raise awareness and funds for a cure. The boy has remained positive and happy throughout his journey with Batten disease. (Emily Blackburn)

“The only way we move forward is with hope and the love we have for Grayson,” said Blackburn.

“We take pictures, we make memories, we try to live life as normal as possible — but with a crack in our hearts and hope for the future.”

There are resources available through private agencies, schools and government agencies to assist with the difficult transition that comes with vision loss, Witt pointed out.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

“It is helpful to find a community of people who are going through a similar experience and can provide advice and stories of hope,” she added.

Anyone wanting more information about Grayson Naff’s journey and Batten disease can visit guidinggrayson.com.

US track star Noah Lyles says representing country at Olympics is ‘bittersweet’

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March 12, 2024

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Not only is Noah Lyles the face of track and field in the United States, he just might be the face of the sport around the globe.

The 26-year-old is fresh off three gold medals in the World Championships last year in Budapest, and now he is gearing up for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Lyles is the heavy favorite to win the 200-meter, and he’s a candidate to break Usain Bolt’s world record of 19.19. He’s set to compete in four events: the 100-, 200-, 4×100- and 4×400-meter races.

The U.S. has dominated the latter since the inception of the Olympics. They’ve won 18 of the 25 golds in the event, including eight of the last 10. However, no American has won the 100- or 200-meter since 2004, and the U.S. hasn’t won the 4×100 relay since 2000. So, all eyes will be on Lyles, as he represents the red, white and blue.

Noah Lyles celebrates after winning silver in the men’s 60-meter final during day one of the World Indoor Athletics Championships 2024 at Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland. (Sam Barnes/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

However, Lyles says representing the country is “contradicting.”

“It’s a bittersweet moment. I’m American, and I truly believe that we are the best in the world, especially when it comes to sports. We have definitely been proving that dominance. … And it feels good to add on to that collection that the U.S. is the best,” Lyles said in a recent interview with Fox News Digital.

“But at the same time, it’s with a heavy heart, because being Black in America, there’s a lot to deal with. I’m not going to go into everything, but it’s not easy. It’s hard to love the country that sometimes doesn’t love you back.

“At the same time, you always want to put your best foot forward. So, it’s a little contradicting, it’s with a heavy heart, but it still makes you feel extremely proud because you are an American.”

Gold medalist Noah Lyles of Team United States reacts after winning the men’s 100-meter final during day two of the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, on Aug. 25, 2023. (David Ramos/Getty Images)

Lyles admitted he’s thought about not participating in the sport because of his experiences, but “I feel I can do more good by staying in the sport and still fighting that fight and explaining my message through being in the sport.”

But as previously mentioned, the country is counting on Lyles to win golds and put the country on his back. That could certainly be a high-pressure situation for Lyles, but it’s not.

That’s because he wants to be the face of the sport.

Noah Lyles of the United States celebrates after winning the gold medal in the men’s 200-meter final during the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, on Aug. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

“I feel that a lot of who I am has been a brand in pushing the sport and pushing the needle,” he said. “Which is something I’ve always worked towards. That’s why I have media days where I take interviews that are outside of track and field, why I take on most questions and not answer with ‘no comment.’”

“I want to be able to give my voice and my thoughts and see people look at the sport and be like, ‘Wow, I like that guy, I want to see more of him, I want to watch more of this sport.’ I don’t feel pressure from it because this is what I’ve asked for.”

The Olympics start on July 24, with track events to be held Aug. 1-11.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Amid ‘fireworks’ of Trump rallies, 45th president is laying framework for foreign policy ‘vision’: expert

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March 12, 2024

ZELENSKYY TURNS TO EUROPE FOR AID AS TRUMP BASHES US FUNDING PACKAGE

Former President Trump is laying the groundwork amid campaign stumps for what will likely be his foreign policy agenda if reelected, including his eagerness to deliver foreign aid in the form of loans as opposed to grants.

“They want to give almost a hundred billion to a few countries, a hundred billion. And I said, and I’m telling you this, this is breaking news. We have breaking news. I said, ‘Why do we do this?’ If you do, you give them not a hundred billion dollars, you give it to them as a loan,” Trump said during a campaign speech in South Carolina last month.

Trump’s near-constant rallies and campaign speeches amid the primary season have overwhelmingly garnered media attention for his remarks on immigration, the economy, mocking President Biden and his performance in office, and even his remarks on NATO.

The former president, who continues to snag primary wins and saw his final GOP opponent, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, suspend her campaign last week, has also outlined how he would transition U.S. foreign policy to emphasizing a loan system for foreign aid as opposed to the U.S.’s recent history of doling out grants to foreign nations, which do not need to be repaid.

In Virginia this month, Trump underscored how he leveraged foreign aid as pressure on three Central American nations – El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras – to remove illegal aliens and return them to their home countries when he was elected in 2016.

Former President Trump holds a rally in Selma, North Carolina, on April 9, 2022. (Peter Zay/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

“When I got to the White House, you remember that, I was met by generals. I said, ‘Get these people out, MS-13.’ They say, ‘Sir, they won’t allow them back in,’” Trump recounted at the Richmond rally of his election to the White House in 2016.

“I said, ‘Which countries?’ They named those three countries. So, I say, ‘How much foreign aid do we give them?’ ‘Sir, we give them approximately $750 million a year.’ Now, that’s peanuts compared to what we give others. We give to everybody. We’re stupid. But they give $750 million,” he continued. “… I immediately cut off all funds going to those three countries. The next day, almost simultaneously, but separate, I got calls from the presidents of those three countries: ‘Sir, I understand there’s a misunderstanding.’”

Fox News Digital spoke with Peter Doran, adjunct senior fellow for the foreign policy think tank the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, who said if Trump does notch a victory come Nov. 5, the U.S. can expect a “more aggressive” Trump 2.0 administration approach to using foreign policies as leverage on the world stage.

“Everyone’s paying attention to the fireworks. But at these rallies, Trump is laying out, week by week, a coherent foreign policy vision for his second administration,” Doran said.

Former President Donald Trump holds a rally in Wyoming

Former President Trump at a rally on May 28, 2022, in Casper, Wyoming. (Chet Strange/Getty Images)

Doran explained that a potential foreign policy transition that gives greater emphasis to foreign aid loans is “valuable” to the U.S. if delivered to nations that have the ability to repay, pointing to Chile as a potential example.

“Foreign loans are valuable when they’re affordable. When a country has the ability to pay them back, and when they finance a project that can recoup a profit. One example that’s given, and it’s a good one: lithium mining in Chile,” he said.

American companies, he said, have shown interest in mining in Chile to provide lithium for a massive array of different batteries, but the companies don’t have port access to transport the lithium.

“So, in a country like Chile, which is relatively close and inside America’s interests … a loan to a country like Chile to develop links could assist U.S. companies. And that would challenge China because it’s a smart investment,” he argued.

In the 1990s, foreign nations in Africa were swimming in debt owed to the U.S. and other creditors, which spurred nations such as the U.S. to back away from delivering loans to nations that likely would not pay them back and instead deliver aid in the form of grants.

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“Low-income countries face fewer debt challenges today than they did 25 years ago, thanks in particular to the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries initiative, which slashed unmanageable debt burdens across sub-Saharan Africa and other regions,” the International Monetary Fund (IMF) wrote in a piece published in 2022. “But although debt ratios are lower than in the mid-1990s, debt has been creeping up for the past decade and the changing composition of creditors will make restructurings more complex.”

Historically, heavily indebted foreign nations that could not pay back their loans and turned to international assistance borrowed funds from the Paris Club – a group of creditor countries that works to find payment solutions for indebted nations – private banks or other institutions, according to the IMF.

“Today, China and private bond holders play a much larger lending role,” the post continues.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

While the U.S. moved away from loans to grants in the early 2000s, China began doubling down on the use of loans.

“This blew me away. Think of all of the countries between 2006 and 2020 who couldn’t pay their loans back,” Doran said. “This means they had to go to the IMF, and they had to ask for assistance. And basically, this is when they essentially default. They say, ‘Look, we’re not going to pay our loans back. And we need IMF assistance to basically cover us while we negotiate our debt.'”

In 2006, China held 2% of the debt owed by poor countries that couldn’t pay back their loans, but that number has risen to 18%, as of 2020, according to IMF data. Meanwhile, external debt owed to Paris Club creditors fell from 28% in 2006 to 11% in 2020.

HOW PRESIDENT TRUMP DELIVERED ON A NUMBER OF FOREIGN POLICY PLEDGES

“So, of all the countries in the world that couldn’t pay back their loans, China started as being a 2% lender, and China became almost the lender to a fifth of all the countries that went belly up,” Doran said.

An Associated Press article last year reported China is the “world’s biggest and most unforgiving government lender” and is “draining foreign currency reserves” in nations such as Pakistan, Kenya, Zambia, Laos and Mongolia.

The U.S. has an opportunity for “net positive” results on foreign aid loans if U.S. leaders learn from China’s mistakes.

“This is going to be a net negative for China and a net positive for the United States, if we decide not to follow the Chinese model, and create an American model that is economically successful. And that’s possible by looking to … past examples like the Marshall Plan and the Lend-Lease program,” Doran said.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivers one of his “fireside chat” radio broadcasts in this 1930s photo. (Stock Montage/Getty Images)

The Lend-Lease Act was a World War II-era policy that allowed the U.S. to lend or lease war supplies to nations that were considered vitally important to the defense of the U.S. The Marshall Plan was a post-World War II initiative signed by President Harry Truman to provide economic assistance to European nations as they rebuilt their infrastructure and economies following the end of Nazi Germany.

Doran singled out the Marshall Plan as a framework to study in the event of a second Trump administration.

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“The Marshall Plan was never about handing out free money. The Marshall Plan created a credit system where countries could buy products from America and draw on a bank account in a U.S. bank against the credits. So, the money stayed in the United States and the goods went overseas, helping our foreign account balance,” Doran said.

President Harry S. Truman is seated in the White House library circa 1950. (Fotosearch/Getty Images)

Following Trump’s comments last month on Truth Social that “NO MONEY IN THE FORM OF FOREIGN AID SHOULD BE GIVEN TO ANY COUNTRY UNLESS IT IS DONE AS A LOAN, NOT JUST A GIVEAWAY,” the White House responded that such a plan would “not be the best path forward” in a nation such as war-torn Ukraine.

White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik/File)

ZELENSKYY EXTENDS TRUMP OFFER TO VISIT UKRAINE’S FRONT LINES: ‘IF MR TRUMP WILL COME, I AM READY’

“With respect to a loan to Ukraine, as I’ve said before, what we have requested and what the Senate passed on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis last week is both military assistance and economic assistance,” White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters last month.

“That economic assistance is in the form of grants because asking Ukraine to take on and shoulder a substantial amount of debt right now, as it’s fighting for its life, we don’t regard that as the best way forward,” Sullivan continued.

In an op-ed published on Fox Digital this month, foreign policy expert and former White House official Michael Allen argued that Trump suggested a “workable and novel” idea to assist Ukraine and that the U.S. should consider his loan plan, pointing to the Lend-Lease agreement of World War II.

Allen explained that Trump has floated converting “the cost of the weapons” to a loan to provide assistance to Ukraine, while noting the former president stipulated that the loan would only be repaid if Ukraine “strikes it rich.”

“THE DEAL SHOULD BE (CONTINGENT!) THAT THE U.S. IS HELPING YOU, AS A NATION, BUT IF THE COUNTRY WE ARE HELPING EVER TURNS AGAINST US, OR STRIKES IT RICH SOMETIME IN THE FUTURE, THE LOAN WILL BE PAID OFF AND THE MONEY RETURNED TO THE UNITED STATES,” Trump continued in his Truth Social media post last month.

Allen pointed to FDR’s Lend-Lease program as showing Trump’s potential loan plan has “historical precedent.”

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“During a Caribbean cruise after his re-election in 1940, President Roosevelt conceived of a mechanism whereby the U.S. could lend or lease military equipment and ammunition to countries considered vital to the defense of the U.S. FDR likened Lend Lease to loaning a garden hose to a neighbor whose house was on fire. By not styling the assistance as a grant to the U.K., FDR assuaged concerns about ‘foreign aid,’” he wrote.

Donald Trump wearing a red make america great again hat

Former President Trump has floated converting “the cost of the weapons” to a loan to provide assistance to Ukraine. (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

“FDR had previously wrong-footed his political opponents. Instead of giving the British 50 naval destroyers, FDR insisted they be paired with a transfer to the U.S. of British bases in the Caribbean and western Atlantic. How’s that for the art of the deal?”

Allen continued, “FDR’s maneuvering to help the British provide a guide” and “We should employ such creativity, seize on Trump’s idea and take yes for an answer.”

Trump’s campaign did not respond to Fox Digital’s request for additional comment on the plan to emphasize foreign aid loans if reelected.

The 45th president has, meanwhile, hammered the plan while continuing his tour on the campaign trail.

“It’s called a loan. Give them the money, and if they can pay it back, they pay it back. If they can’t pay it back, they don’t have to pay it back because they’ve got some problems. But if they go to another nation, they drop us like a dog, like a female drops a male after a date because he doesn’t like her. If that happens to our country, then very simply we call the loan,” Trump said in his comments in South Carolina last month.

Sip-Sip Hooray! Continues Their Ascent to The Top of The Aesthetic Drinkware Sector

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March 12, 2024

Their launch in July of 2023 featured their color changing ghost glass can/cup that quickly went viral. Since then, they have launched many other new styles of glasses such as their 40oz glass tumbler which has quickly broken the internet and is in constant demand.

Scott, Louisiana, March 12, 2024, Sip-Sip Hooray! Is celebrating their monumental success in such a short period of time since their launch in July of 2023. In less than one year, they have racked up tens of thousands of followers and sales well beyond their wildest expectations. They are continuing to grow rapidly on TikTok and have recently launched a collaboration with @itsmamacookie who on TikTok has nearly 4m followers, and over 800k on Instagram. Sip-Sip has accumulated over 6 figures in sales on TikTok in less than a year and has had nearly 40,000 sales.

This growing business plans to launch more licensed collaborations in the future. Sip-Sip Hooray can be found on amazon, etsy, tiktok shop and their website which currently offers 15% off to new customers who sign up for text message marketing. On TikTok, they go live Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to give away free items. The lives take place at 7pm on Tuesday and Wednesday and 8pm on Thursdays central time. They also hold a monthly giveaway where they pick one follower on the first of the month to send a free item to. Sip-Sip Hooray! is actively accepting affiliate requests in the TikTok affiliate program.

This trendy and aesthetic glass drinkware brand is most sought after for their:

Christmas Cups
Iced Coffee Glasses
Glass Mugs
Halloween Glasses
40oz Glass Tumblers
Mug Rugs
Book Lover Gifts
and much more…

The company has recently announced that their cups have been featured in different bookstores across the country, such as- Eras Bookstore in Oakland County, Michigan. Don’t forget to sign-up for their Newsletter to hear about Flash Sales.

For complete information, visit: https://sipsiphooraydesign.com/

Media Contact:

Sip-Sip Hooray!
Attn: Media Relations
Scott, Louisiana
Support@sipsiphooraydesign.com

sipsip5 — Sip-Sip Hooray! Continues Their Ascent to The Top of The Aesthetic Drinkware Sector 28

How crypto imposters are using Calendly to infect Macs with malware

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March 11, 2024

CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK VIDEO TIPS, TECH REVIEWS AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER

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A new hacking threat is targeting crypto users via Calendly, a popular meeting-scheduling app. This is a serious issue that could compromise your security and privacy, so you need to be aware of how it works and how to protect yourself.

How crypto imposters are using Calendly to infect Macs with malware

Calendly app (Calendly) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Hackers are posing as crypto investors via Calendly

The way this particular threat works is rather straightforward, yet sneaky. To start, many people in the crypto world are seeking investments to support their crypto start-up ideas or something related.

People like this need to be active in crypto communities and investment spaces to connect with the right people to support them. It’s not uncommon for these people to have a link to schedule a meeting with them on their profile, via Calendly, a popular scheduling app not just for people in cryptocurrency but for anyone.

Calendly app (Calendly) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How the hacker infiltrates the target’s device

Unbeknownst to the soon-to-be victim, these hackers are taking advantage of these individuals by posing as crypto investors, the exact kind of people these folks want to get in touch with. When they book a meeting on this person’s calendar, they add a meeting link that runs a script that installs malware on macOS systems.

A real-life example of how crypto impersonators lure victims

This happened to one unlucky person in this situation. The hacker reached out via Telegram – an encrypted messaging app – and asked about booking a meeting. The person sent the “investor” their Calendly link, and on the day of the meeting, went to the meeting link that the “investor” had added. In most cases, this is normal – a link to a Zoom or Google Meet is not unusual. And because the user had already spoken to the person via Telegram and seemed legitimate, there was no reason to think twice about this.

The sinister scheme was revealed when links failed

Only when the person went to click the link and when the “investor” didn’t show up, did he contact him on the same Telegram thread. The “investor” apologized for the inconvenience and sent a new link, explaining there was an issue with IT.

However, the link still did not work, and the meeting never happened, with the “investor” asking to reschedule. It dawned on the person a little afterward that this may have been a hack attack, via an Apple Script (file extension “.scpt”) that downloads and executes a malicious Trojan made to run on macOS systems.

Hacker Google Meet request (SlowMist) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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How quick action foiled a Mac malware attack

Because the person who was the target of this attack promptly backed up their data upon realizing the attack, it prevented the loss of evidence regarding the actual malware downloaded onto their macOS. Cybersecurity firms were able to analyze the script information, which led them to identify similarities with previous attacks carried out by the same group and warn the public.

Security alert (SlowMist) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: HOW TO PROTECT YOUR MAC FROM THE NEW METASTEALER MALWARE

The perpetrators are a hacker group from North Korea

A cybersecurity firm discovered a phishing attack in 2023 that was carried out by state-sponsored hackers from North Korea, specifically a subgroup of the notorious Lazarus group. This group typically targets financial gains, aiming to steal money or cryptocurrency to fund the North Korean military regime.

In this particular attack, the North Korean hackers exploited the “Add Custom Link” feature within the Calendly meeting scheduling system on event pages to insert malicious links and initiate phishing attacks. They also employ similar tactics on Telegram.

This incident underscores the importance of vigilance and robust security measures to safeguard against cyberthreats, especially those originating from state-sponsored actors.

Add Custom Link feature (SlowMist) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Calendly’s response to malware attacks

We reached out to Calendly, and their CISO (chief information security officer), Frank Russo, provided us with this statement.

“We’re aware of these types of social engineering attacks by cryptocurrency hackers. This attack violates our Terms of Use, and accounts are immediately terminated when discovered or reported. To help prevent these kinds of attacks, our security team and partners have implemented a service to automatically detect fraud and impersonations that could lead to social engineering. We are also actively scanning content for all our customers to catch these types of malicious links and to prevent hackers earlier on. Additionally, we intend to add an interstitial page warning users before they’re redirected away from Calendly to other websites.”

How to protect yourself against cyberthreats

MacOS users tend to experience fewer malware attacks than PC users. But this idea can make MacOS users more vulnerable to attacks because they may feel they are simply safe. Because hackers are getting more and more sophisticated, it’s important never to let your guard down and to follow these precautions.

Be cautious with links: If you receive a Calendly link from an unfamiliar sender, refrain from clicking on any embedded links, even if the sender appears trustworthy. Additionally, exercise vigilance when dealing with phishing emails or messages related to crypto exchanges or wallets, as they may contain malicious attachments or links with malware. When using Calendly, take note of the source and domain of any links you encounter on the interface. Before clicking, hover your mouse over the text to verify the link address and avoid accessing potentially harmful phishing links.

Send meeting links yourself: Whenever possible, send the meeting link directly to the person scheduling the call. This minimizes the risk of accidentally clicking on malicious links.

Have good antivirus software: The best way to protect yourself from clicking malicious links that install malware that may get access to your private information is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. This can also alert you of any phishing emails or ransomware scams. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Mac, Windows, Android & iOS devices.

Perform regular updates: Regularly update your operating system and security software to stay ahead of potential vulnerabilities.

Have strong passwords and use two-factor authentication: Using the same password across multiple platforms will always make you more vulnerable because if one account gets hacked, they all get hacked. And two-factor authentication is just an extra shield that will prevent a hacker from getting into your accounts. Make sure to use a password manager to keep track of all your passwords.

Person typing on a laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: DON’T FALL FOR THESE SNEAKY TAX SCAMS THAT ARE OUT TO STEAL YOUR IDENTITY AND MONEY

Kurt’s key takeaways

As long as there is money and information to steal online, hackers will stop at nothing to trick innocent people into downloading malware onto their devices. So, stay up to date with the latest threats so that you can ensure you’re doing everything to protect yourself.

Have you encountered suspicious meeting requests via Calendly or other scheduling apps? Do you think the app companies should do more to verify the authenticity of such links? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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This microcar can squeeze into just about any parking spot

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March 11, 2024

CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK VIDEO TIPS, TECH REVIEWS AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER

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In many medium to large cities across the country, traffic congestion poses a significant challenge. It not only causes problems on the roads but also impacts parking availability. So, what’s the solution?

Enter the Microlino Lite – a compact and eco-friendly vehicle that could be the answer. This charming little car is the brainchild of Swiss Company Micro Mobility Systems, and it turned heads with its recent unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show.

This microcar can squeeze into just about any parking spot

Microlino Lite (Micro Mobility Systems) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The Microlino Lite by the numbers

The Microlino Lite is a dream come true for city dwellers. At just 8 feet 3 inches long, 4 feet 9 inches wide, and 4 feet 11 inches high, it’s the perfect size for navigating narrow lanes and squeezing into those tight parking spots that are the bane of every urban driver’s existence. In the same parking space needed for an SUV, you can fit approximately three of these microcars.

Microlino Lite (Micro Mobility Systems) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Inside, you’ll find a cozy space for two, complete with a sunroof for those sunny day drives and a surprisingly spacious 230-liter trunk for all your urban adventure gear.

Microlino Lite interior (Micro Mobility Systems) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: BEST DASH CAMS FOR YOUR CAR

Aesthetic appeal

The Microlino Lite isn’t just about practicality; it’s also a style statement. Available in two chic color variants, Venice Blue and Berlin Anthracite, it’s sure to turn heads and start conversations wherever it goes.

Microlino Lite (Micro Mobility Systems) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: DON’T JUDGE THIS SOLAR CAR JUST BY ITS SIZE

Power packed in a petite package

Don’t let its size fool you; the Microlino Lite packs quite a punch with its battery options. Depending on your needs, you can choose from a small 6 kWh battery, a medium 10.5 kWh battery or go all out with the large 14 kWh battery.

These powerhouses give the Microlino a kerb weight of approximately 1,315 pounds (small), approximately 1,352 pounds (medium), approximately 1,389 pounds (large). And when it comes to range, the Microlino Lite promises 58 miles, 110 miles and 142 miles for each battery size, measured by the WMTC standard. Remember, though, your mileage may vary.

Microlino Lite (Micro Mobility Systems) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Charging time

Worried about charging times? The Microlino Lite has got you covered with a swift four-hour charge from 0 to 80%, regardless of the battery size.

Microlino Lite (Micro Mobility Systems) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: BEST CAR ACCESSORIES

Awaiting American arrival

The buzz is real, but the wait continues for the Microlino Lite’s debut on American streets. As of now, it’s not clear when it will be launched in the U.S. due to differing registration requirements. But one thing’s for sure, when it does arrive, it’s set to redefine urban mobility.

Microlino Lite interior (Micro Mobility Systems) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Kurt’s key takeaways

The Microlino Lite’s compact design and impressive range are testaments to the ingenuity of Micro Mobility Systems, a company that understands the pulse of the urbanite’s needs. With its quick charging time and ample storage, it promises convenience without compromise.

Are you at all apprehensive about driving a car as compact as the Microlino? Why or why not? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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Improve your sleep by optimizing 6 biomarkers: ‘Integral to health’

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March 11, 2024

ALWAYS FEELING TIRED? EXPERTS SHARE 4 COMMON CAUSES OF DAYTIME FATIGUE

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Even if you’ve cultivated the perfect environment for sleeping, some invisible details may be interfering with a good night’s rest.

Certain biomarkers — also called biological markers or medical signs, according to the National Institutes of Health — can have a direct impact on sleep.

“Various factors can affect sleep,” said Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurologist and longevity expert, in an interview with Fox News Digital. “Some of them, biomarkers, can be measured with simple laboratory tests.”

The values of these biomarkers are an indicator of an individual’s health and wellness.

Experts shared the six biomarkers that have the biggest effect on sleep — and tips on how to optimize them.

Certain biomarkers, also referred to as biological markers or medical signs, can have a direct impact on sleep. Experts identify the measurements. (iStock)

“What you can measure, you can optimize,” said Osborn.

“Optimizing these markers may improve not only your sleep quality, but also your overall health.”

Here are six.

Biomarker 1 – Vitamin D

Optimal vitamin D levels can improve sleep quality by helping you fall asleep faster and increasing the amount of time you spend asleep, according to Michelle Darian, a registered dietitian and science and product marketing manager at InsideTracker, a health platform that provides personalized nutrition and lifestyle recommendations.

“Low blood levels of vitamin D are associated with decreased sleep time, decreased sleep efficiency and increased daytime sleepiness,” Chicago-based Darian told Fox News Digital.

SHOULD YOU DRINK COFFEE FIRST THING IN THE MORNING, OR WAIT A WHILE? EXPERTS REVEAL CAFFEINE GUIDANCE

“Research notes that vitamin D is indirectly involved in the production of melatonin — a hormone that mediates the sleep cycle — and brain receptors responsible for sleep regulation.”

To optimize vitamin D levels, Darian said she recommends getting 20 minutes of sunlight a day and eating vitamin D-rich or fortified foods like fatty fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel or fortified dairy products.

To optimize vitamin D levels, Darian recommends getting 20 minutes of sunlight a day and eating vitamin D-rich or fortified foods. (iStock)

“This can help you meet your body’s daily needs and help you fall asleep faster to increase the time you spend asleep,” she said.

For those with vitamin D deficiency, a supplement may be needed to boost levels.

“Optimizing these markers may improve not only your sleep quality, but also your overall health.”

“Studies have shown that improving vitamin D levels by taking a supplement improves sleep,” noted Darian.

People who take a vitamin D3 supplement should also add vitamin K2 to protect the inner lining of the blood vessels, Osborn advised.

Biomarker 2 – Magnesium

Magnesium helps to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for calming and relaxing the body, Osborn noted, which is in contrast to the sympathetic system that regulates fight or flight responses.

“Low magnesium levels can lead to restless sleep and frequent awakenings,” he told Fox News Digital.

Low magnesium levels can lead to restless sleep and frequent awakenings, an expert said. (iStock)

To optimize magnesium levels, he recommends including magnesium-rich foods in your diet, such as leafy greens, nuts, seeds and whole grains.

Taking a daily magnesium chelate supplement can also help ensure sufficient levels, Osborn added.

Biomarker 3 — Cortisol

Levels of the stress hormone cortisol naturally fluctuate throughout the day, peaking in the morning to help get you out of bed and declining at night as your body relaxes in preparation for sleep, according to Darian.

“High levels of stress before bed can cause cortisol levels to stay high, making falling and staying asleep harder and delaying the production of melatonin,” she told Fox News Digital.

“You need a healthy cortisol rhythm to keep your sleep cycle in check.”

UNTREATED SLEEP APNEA PRESENTS ‘DISRUPTIVE’ DANGERS TO PEOPLE’S LIVES, INCLUDING HEART ISSUES, SAYS EXPERT

If cortisol levels are too high at night, this leads to fragmented sleep (waking up during the night), decreased slow-wave sleep (deep sleep), reduced sleep duration and insomnia, Darian said.

To help regulate cortisol levels, it’s best to stick to a consistent sleep schedule, avoid caffeine in the hours before bed, and stay off electronics right before bed, she suggested.

“You need a healthy cortisol rhythm to keep your sleep cycle in check.”

“Aim to keep your bedroom environment dark, as light can keep cortisol levels elevated and melatonin levels low, which you want to avoid before bed,” Darian said.

Exercising in the morning can also help to spike cortisol and alertness early in the day, which will be conducive to better sleep as it decreases hours later.

“Incorporating diaphragmatic breathing can also help decrease stress and cortisol levels,” Darian added.

Biomarker 4 – Testosterone

Testosterone, an anabolic hormone, is needed to build muscle and bone strength, speed tissue recovery and stimulate red blood cell production to facilitate the body’s recovery processes, according to Darian.

“Low testosterone levels may hinder the body’s muscle-building and repairing capabilities that naturally occur during sleep,” said Darian.

“Low testosterone levels may hinder the body’s muscle-building and repairing capabilities that naturally occur during sleep,” an expert told Fox News Digital. (iStock)

Research suggests that adequate sleep duration — seven to nine hours of sleep at night — is linked to higher levels of the hormone, she said.

To optimize testosterone levels, experts recommend getting regular exercise and eating a diet that contains healthy fats.

“It’s important to note that too much or too little exercise can lead to low testosterone levels,” Darian advised.

SLEEP DEPRIVATION DANGERS: HOW PULLING AN ALL-NIGHTER AFFECTS YOUR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH

“Consuming foods high in zinc, magnesium, calcium, vitamin D and healthy fats such as almonds or hazelnuts; black beans, lima beans, or black-eyed peas; lean poultry or beef appear to lead to improved testosterone levels,” she added.

If testosterone levels are low, Darian recommends measuring magnesium and vitamin D levels, as low levels of both are associated with lower testosterone.

Biomarker 5 – Blood glucose and HbA1C

High blood glucose (sugar) levels can lead to increased wakefulness at night and difficulty falling asleep, while low levels may cause awakenings due to symptoms of hypoglycemia, noted Osborn.

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the last three to four months, according to Darian.

Levels of the stress hormone cortisol naturally fluctuate throughout the day, peaking in the morning to help get you out of bed. (iStock)

“Both acute and chronic sleep deprivation are associated with reductions in glucose tolerance and reduced insulin response,” she said.

To optimize blood sugar levels, Darian recommends finishing up large meals at least two hours before bed.

IS YOUR SLEEP INTERRUPTED BY LEG CRAMPS? HERE ARE SOME OF THE MOST SURPRISING CAUSES

“Nighttime meals — especially those high in fat or fiber — have been linked to poorer sleep quality,” she said.

To assist with better glycemic control, some may consider metformin, a medication for type II diabetes, Osborn added.

Biomarker 6 – hsCRP

The high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is closely tied to the immune system’s inflammatory response, Darian said.

“Research shows that sleep deprivation can lead to long-term inflammation, impairing the body’s immune system and its ability to fight infections,” she told Fox News Digital.

Biomarkers can be measured with simple blood laboratory testing. (iStock)

“As bodily processes slow down during sleep, the body must divert and allocate resources to each function.”

Less sleep time can reduce the time and energy needed to address lingering inflammation and leave hsCRP levels elevated, she warned.

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The key to lowering hsCRP is to eat a low-glycemic, anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids, Osborn said, in addition to getting regular physical activity and managing stress levels.

“A good night’s sleep is integral to your health — it’s like rebooting your computer,” a longevity expert said. (iStock)

“Individuals with high hsCRP should consume adequate amounts of fiber through foods like avocados, tofu, brussel sprouts, black beans or yams,” Darian added. “Antioxidant-rich foods like berries, nuts and seeds are also shown to support healthy hsCRP levels.”

All of these biomarkers can be measured with simple blood laboratory testing, both experts said.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

“A good night’s sleep is integral to your health — it’s like rebooting your computer,” said Osborn.

Sleep has restorative effects on the brain and the body, he said, with positive effects on memory, learning, muscle recovery, stress and disease risk.

Trump won’t give money to Ukraine if elected, says Hungary’s Orban

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March 11, 2024

BUDAPEST (Reuters) – Former U.S. leader Donald Trump will not give money to help Ukraine fight Russia if he wins the presidency again and that will hasten an end to the war, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said after meeting him.

Nationalist premier Orban, who is backing his long-time ally’s bid to return to White House, met Trump in Florida on Friday.

“He will not give a penny into the Ukraine-Russia war and therefore the war will end,” Orban told state television late on Sunday. “As it is obvious that Ukraine on its own cannot stand on its feet.”

“If the Americans do not give money and weapons, and also the Europeans, then this war will be over. And if the Americans do not give money the Europeans are unable to finance this war on their own, and then the war will end.”

Orban has refused to send weapons to Kyiv and kept up close economic ties with Moscow since Russian forces invaded Ukraine in 2022. He last met Russian President Vladimir Putin in October in China despite European Union efforts to isolate Moscow.

Orban said it was “another matter” how the war will be closed with peace talks after a truce, and how a stable and safe Europe would be created, but first peace must be achieved and “he (Trump) has the means for that.”

A statement from Trump’s campaign did not mention Ukraine, saying the pair discussed issues affecting both nations including their respective border security.

European leaders have long been nervous that another Trump presidency would mean waning U.S. support for both Ukraine and the NATO transatlantic military alliance.

(Reporting by Krisztina Than; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)

What’s going on with America’s public schools? Enrollment drops and absenteeism tell a dramatic tale

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March 11, 2024

TEACHING VALUES TO OUR KIDS CAN ONLY HELP THEM FLOURISH AND SOUTH CAROLINA IS LEADING THE WAY

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What’s happening to America’s public school students?

The drop in enrollment, plus chronic absenteeism, should be cause for great concern, or at least curiosity among parents, teachers, administrators, psychologists and many others across our nation.

The reasons for what’s going on are complicated — and critical to understand.

First, there’s the COVID piece of it. American public schools lost more than a million students from the fall of 2019 to the fall of 2020, with enrollment falling from 50.8 million to 49.4 million students in that period, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

It’s important to note that this occurred more frequently in high-poverty areas and urban centers across America during COVID. So the kids who could least afford to lose time in school lost the most, unfortunately.

William Bennett, former education secretary, addresses the Values Voter Summit at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Woodley Park, Washington, D.C. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

But beyond that first year, there were substantial declines in public school enrollment during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years, a recent study from the Brookings Institute indicated.

All told, between the school years of 2018-19 and 2021-22, about 12% percent of public elementary schools and 9% of middle schools experienced such a decline.

ON KIDS AND READING, WILLIAM BENNETT SHARES ‘INCREDIBLE LITERACY SUCCESS’ IN MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA

“This is a significant change from before the pandemic, when about 5% of middle and elementary schools saw a 20% decline between 2015-2016 and 2018-2019,” the Brookings study found.

So we saw a decline before COVID, of about 5% or 6%. Then we saw this big decline afterward.

Think of it. Kids were out of school before COVID — and they continued to be out of school after COVID.

There were declines before COVID, a radical decline during COVID — and now, after COVID, a continuing decline.

This next data point is nothing less than striking.

The proportion of students attending schools that had high or extreme rates of chronic absenteeism more than doubled — from 26% during the 2017-2018 school year to 66% during the 2021-2022 school year, according to a recent report. The analysis of federal data was conducted by the Everyone Graduates Center at Johns Hopkins University and Attendance Works.

So we saw low attendance during 2017-2018 — well before COVID — and then much lower attendance after COVID, in 2021-2022.

Many kids in public schools were out of school before COVID — and many have continued to be out of school after COVID. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier, File)

Of these numbers, people will say, “Oh, but that was a holdover from COVID in 2021-2022.”

Yet in 2022-2023, we didn’t recover.

Habits were formed, in other words.

The pattern is revealing itself: There were declines before COVID, a radical decline during COVID — and now, after COVID, a continuing decline.

On top of this, preliminary data show little improvement in the most recent school year.

VIRTUES OF COURAGE, COMPASSION, WORK, FRIENDSHIP — THESE MUST BE TAUGHT, SAY BILL BENNETT, ELAYNE BENNETT

The 11 states that have reported attendance data from the 2022-23 school year had a combined chronic absenteeism rate of 27.8%, down from 30% the previous year, according to the same source.

That’s a little better. But still — look at those numbers.

In the 2017-18 school year, 26% of students were enrolled in a school from which at least a fifth of the students were chronically absent. In 2021-22, that number jumped to 66% of students.

So absenteeism occurs long before COVID and is still significant today.

Homeschooling

Let’s look at homeschooling now because it’s important to do so.

HOMESCHOOLED CHILDREN PAY TRIBUTE TO MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT DR. EMIL KAPAUN AT ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

The number of homeschooled kids is increasing dramatically — we don’t know by exactly how much, according to a Washington Post analysis.

Homeschooling’s “surging popularity crosses every measurable line of politics, geography and demographics,” according to a recent analysis. (iStock)

Homeschooling’s “surging popularity crosses every measurable line of politics, geography and demographics. The number of homeschooled kids has increased 373% over the past six years in the small city of Anderson, South Carolina; it also increased 358% in a school district in the Bronx.”

That is huge.

Charter schools

Charter schools are public schools funded with public money — but students have left the traditional public schools in order to attend charters.

So what’s going on?

Between the fall of 2010 and the fall of 2021, public charter school enrollment more than doubled.

Between the fall of 2010 and the fall of 2021, public charter school enrollment more than doubled, from 1.8 million to 3.7 million students — for an overall increase of 1.9 million students, according to the NCES.

AS CHILDREN STRUGGLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH, SCHOOLS ROLL OUT NEW PROGRAMS, BUT SOME PARENTS ARE SKEPTICAL

By contrast, the number of students attending traditional public schools decreased by 4%, or 2.0 million students, over the same period (from 47.4 million to 45.4 million students), the same source said.

Private schools

A little more than 4.73 million K-12 students were enrolled in private schools during the 2021-22 school year.

That year was the second full one after the pandemic hit — and the first year when the vast majority of students attended school in person.

“Why are students leaving traditional public schools in the U.S.? We don’t have very good numbers on that. There’s also more to the story.” (AP Photo/Michel Spingler)

That number represents a slight bump from the 4.65 million students who attended private school in the 2019-20 school year, NCES said.

What do we draw from this?

There were some increases in the flow from the traditional public schools to the charters; some increases, relatively small, to the private schools — but a big increase in homeschooling.

Still, overall, why are students leaving traditional public schools? We don’t have very good numbers on that.

There’s also more to the story.

‘Scared of going out’

Aside from the numbers, both known and unknown, of enrollments, many American public school students are not showing up for class on a regular basis.

My wife, Elayne Glover Bennett, is present in the D.C. schools on a regular basis as director of the Best Friends Foundation (she’s also co-author of “The Book of Virtues” with me). She has talked to hundreds of students, teachers and parents in recent weeks and months about what’s going on with America’s schools.

Many American public school students are not showing up for class on a regular basis, writes Bill Bennett, author of “The Book of Virtues: 30th Anniversary Edition” along with his wife, Elayne Glover Bennett. He is a Fox News contributor. (iStock/Bill Bennett)

Why are so many students missing from class? She reports the following.

A lot of young people are scared of going out and getting shot — for things like sneakers.

They’re also scared of bullying.

Kids very much need to be part of something in which they feel they are valued members.

In addition, they feel that there’s no point in going to school — that they won’t be missed if they’re not there.

On top of this, a lot of parents have checked out due to the demands they’re feeling, whether it’s because of single parenthood, jobs and work schedules, the challenges of life, and/or drug use.

Some have just surrendered in today’s brave new world. Thrown up their hands.

Many of their kids are missing school because they are not part of anything at their schools that sparks their engagement, their interest and their motivation.

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Kids — and we saw this during COVID — very much need to be part of something in which they feel they are valued members.

The glee club, the band, the football team — they need something that gives them a reason to go to school.