Most modern Windows PCs rely on Microsoft Defender as their first line of defense against malware. Over the years, it has evolved into a capable and often underrated antivirus that blocks a wide range of threats. But a hacker group has found a way to abuse a legitimate Intel CPU tuning driver in a "Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver" (BYOVD) attack to completely disable Microsoft Defender.The technique has been observed since mid-July 2025 and is already being used in active ransomware campaigns. The method doesn't rely on exploiting a software bug or delivering an obviously malicious file. Instead, it takes advantage of how the Windows driver system is designed to allow deep hardware access.Let's discuss all you need to know about the attack and how you can stay safe.HOW SCAMMERS TARGET YOU EVEN WITHOUT SOCIAL MEDIASign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, youll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join myCYBERGUY.COM newsletter.The Akira ransomware group has developed a new way to bypass security tools by using a legitimate Intel CPU tuning driver called rwdrv.sys from the performance-tweaking tool ThrottleStop. Security firm GuidePoint Security says attackers load this driver to gain kernel-level access to Windows systems, then install a second malicious driver, hlpdrv.sys, which changes the DisableAntiSpyware registry setting via regedit.exe to shut down Microsoft Defender.Once Defender is disabled, attackers can run other malicious programs undetected. GuidePoint says this method has been consistently spotted in Akira campaigns since mid-July.The same group has also been linked to attacks targeting SonicWall VPN devices. SonicWall has stated that these incidents likely involve a known vulnerability, CVE-2024-40766, rather than a brand-new zero-day. The company recommends restricting VPN access, enabling multi-factor authentication, and disabling unused accounts as immediate defenses.Akira attacks often involve stealing data, setting up hidden remote access, and deploying ransomware to encrypt files across an organization. Security experts warn that fake or lookalike websites are increasingly being used to distribute these malicious tools.FBI WARNS SENIORS ABOUT BILLION-DOLLAR SCAM DRAINING RETIREMENT FUNDS, EXPERT SAYS AI DRIVING ITResearchers at GuidePoint have published a YARA detection rule, along with file names, service names, SHA-256 hashes, and file paths to help identify this activity. They recommend administrators actively monitor for these indicators, apply filtering and blocking rules as new IoCs emerge, and only download software from official or verified sources.We reached out to Microsoft for a comment, but did not hear back before our deadline.The Microsoft Defender attack is smart and dangerous, but you're not without defenses. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe:Even with regular updates, Windows systems can be left exposed if built-in defenses are disabled. A strong antivirus software with real-time protection, kernel-level monitoring, and frequent updates can provide backup security. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices atCyberGuy.com.Many exploits rely on user interaction, such as clicking a shady link, downloading a compromised file, or mounting an untrusted virtual disk. Stick to reputable websites, avoid opening unsolicited email attachments, and use a browser with built-in security features (like Microsoft Edge or Chrome with Safe Browsing enabled).Never paste or run commands (like PowerShell scripts) you don't understand or that were copied from random websites. Attackers often trick users into unknowingly running malware this way.GOOGLE CONFIRMS DATA STOLEN IN BREACH BY KNOWN HACKER GROUPRegularly update your operating system, browsers, and all software applications. Updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities that malware can exploit.Enable 2FA on all your accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, making it harder for attackers to gain access even if they have your password.Even with strong device security, your personal information may still be exposed online through data brokers and people-finder sites.While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They arent cheap - and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. Its what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visitingCyberguy.com.Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web:Cyberguy.com.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPAkira's trick shows a bigger flaw in how Windows trusts certain tools. A driver meant for harmless CPU tuning ends up being the key to turning security off. Since it's from a legitimate source, Windows just lets it through without asking questions. We tend to think hackers always break in from the outside. Here, they're already inside the circle of trust, using the system's own rules.Should Microsoft be doing more to stop ransomware groups from disabling Defender?Let us know by writing to us atCyberguy.com.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, youll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join myCYBERGUY.COM newsletter.Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

When it comes to Grand Slam tournaments, American tennis star Coco Gauff doesnt mess around with her look.The U.S. Open is the calendar finale of the Grand Slams each year, and she said that shes planned her outfits for tournaments like this in advance.As some questioned why she gets all glammed up having her hair and nails done for the tournament, along with coordinated outfits Gauff defended the choice.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMAs the saying goes: "Look good, play good.""I dont know why its such a big deal what women choose to do with their on-court or off-court looks," Gauff said in a Vogue Beauty Secrets video."Im like, Im a human. Tennis is what I do, but its not who I am. And I like to express my way just like any other person likes to express themselves."AMERICAN TENNIS STAR COCO GAUFF MAKES MAJOR CHANGE JUST DAYS BEFORE US OPENGauff added that its "very rare" she has all three areas of her look planned hair, nails and outfit but she has focused on that just as much as preparing for her opponents."For me, thats just showing up on court being the best version of myself. But I definitely think if women want to do that, they should be celebrated and not persecuted for it," Gauff said.Gauff, who is ranked third in womens singles at the U.S. Open, won her first two matches to move on to the third round this Saturday against No. 28 Magdalena Frch.During her second-round match against Croatian Donna Veki, which ended in a straight-sets victory for Gauff, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2, she sported a red New Balance top with a red band around her waist, accompanied by a white skirt. She also had on a maroon headband and arm band during the match.It was the same look she had in her first-round match against Australias Ajla Tomljanovic.Gauff is hoping she can show off her style with another U.S. Open win, having collected the womens singles title in 2023. She also won the French Open this year another Grand Slam on the schedule.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X, and subscribe tothe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Age appears to have been getting to Deontay Wilder - but don't tell him that.The 39-year-old boxer went 42-0-1 in his first 43 fights, retaining his heavyweight title 10 times, but he has since lost four of his last six.Despite his recent skid, Wilder still believes he has "10 years left" in the game, and he has his eyes on someone specific.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMRumors and speculation have constantly swirled that Wilder would eventually get into the ring with Jake Paul, and he could make it a reality."Its been lingering around, the discussions, we havent gotten anything on the desk or anything like that. Its just rumors at the moment of time, but if it came across the desk, Im definitely down," Wilder told Fox News Digital in a recent interview. "If it came across, Id definitely accept it. I know a lot of the fans would love to see it."Paul's lone heavyweight fight was last year against Mike Tyson, which took place at AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys. When asked where Wilder would want to fight Jake Paul, he suggested Hawaii, and the he wants the help of one of sports' best hospitality companies."We might have to get On Location to get the whole experience of what a punch feels like!" Wilder said.Wilder recently partnered with On Location, as he will be a part of VIP experiences for the Canelo Alvarez-Terrance Crawford fight in Las Vegas next month.JAKE PAUL TO FIGHT GERVONTA 'TANK' DAVIS IN NOVEMBER EXHIBITION ON NETFLIX"Man, I'm looking forward to being able to participate in the festivities and then being able to have On Location in one of my fights. This Crawford-Canelo fight in Vegas, man, its going to be a major spectacle of a fight. It's going to be crazy," he said."And the official experience provider of this fight is On Location, which is the best way to experience it all, bro. They get you closer than ever to the action, inside and outside of the ring. And Im letting people know that I'll be there on site as well. I'll be at the fight with On Location meeting and hanging out with guests, and it's going to be good. I'm looking forward to it."Wilder's last fight came back in June - one day before Paul's last bout (they both won). Whenever his next fight may be, he will be searching for back-to-back victories for the first time since 2019. At first, he got into boxing because he had to pay for medical bills for his daughter, who was born with spina bifida."Daddy wasnt going to let her down, because he promised her he wasnt," Wilder said.But now, he wants to be "selfish" and fight for himself."I've been taking care of people ever since I was 12 years old. I've never been single in my adult life. So, in my life, I've always been taking care of people. Always, and still do to this day! But at this point in time, I'm selfish," Wilder said. "I've been selfless for a very long time. You know, a lot of people appreciated it, and a lot of people didn't. But at the end of the day, one gets so tired of being able to have to take care of so many people. Even the times you don't even feel like it, you don't want to, or you don't feel like it's even your responsibility, but because you are a good person and your intuition, your heart telling you to help this person out. Because the more you give, the more you receive from those that love and believe."So I've given and given and given and given, and at this point in time in my life, the second chapters come around, the older Wilder, you know, I'm selfish. I deserve to be selfish at this point in time, because I spared my youth of being selfless from the age of 12 and up, man. I'm about to be 40, and now I got to be selfish. About to have a little fun, Im about to mingle!"Paul is currently set to fight Gervonta "Tank" Davis on Nov. 14, 364 days after his bout with Tyson, in an exhibition. Paul is roughly 60 pounds heavier than Davis, with six weight classes separating the two from each of their last fights.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X,and subscribe tothe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Prince Harry is refusing to give any more explosive tell-alls in hopes of reconciling with his father.The claim was made by Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine, who recently wrote a new book about King Charles relationship with the late queen, titled "My Mother and I.""I cant see Harry giving loads and loads of television interviews or writing another book," Seward told Fox News Digital. "I think his direction will concentrate on as much charity work as he can find that interests him, or he feels that he can really help with Hopefully, Harry will just rebuild his life."PRINCE WILLIAMS MISTRUST OF MEGHAN MARKLE IS STALLING PEACE WITH PRINCE HARRY: AUTHOR"The future for Harry is a difficult one," Seward admitted. "Im not sure what the future holds for Harry. Im sure Harrys not sure what the future holds for Harry. But hes going to concentrate on his charity work, which isnt a huge amount of work at the moment. But [in 2027] he has the Invictus Games in the U.K.""He very much hopes that his father will attend," Seward continued. "And I think his father will probably attend because his father is head of the armed forces as monarch. People in the Invictus Games were once in the armed forces or are still in the armed forces with their disabilities. Its very important, and its Harrys big achievement. I think that his father will attend."The Duke of Sussex has been estranged from his family since he and his wife, Meghan Markle, quit royal duties in 2020 and moved to California. The couple cited the unbearable intrusions of the British press and a lack of support from the palace as their reasons for stepping back.Since then, the couple has aired their grievances in interviews and documentaries. Harrys 2023 memoir "Spare," which highlights private and embarrassing details about the House of Windsor, worsened his relationship with the royals.In an interview with the BBC in May, the 40-year-old said that King Charles, who was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in 2024, wont speak to him. Royal experts previously claimed to Fox News Digital that Harrys relationship with his brother, Prince William, is nonexistent."I would love reconciliation with my family," Harry told the BBC. "Theres no point in continuing to fight anymore.""Both Harry and Meghan have alluded to the fact that they have enough royal family content to bring out more material," British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard pointed out to Fox News Digital.WATCH: PRINCE HARRY SHUNS TELL-ALLS IN BID TO RECONCILE WITH KING CHARLES: AUTHOR"I doubt that a second Harry and Meghan jaw-dropping, damaging docuseries is in the cards," she said."Obviously, it would bring in the big bucks, but would do nothing for their reputation, which has taken a nosedive in recent years. The court of public opinion would also be outraged. There would be zero chance of building trust with the royal family, let alone small steps towards a private relationship with his father."In July, the U.K.s Daily Mail reported that the father of two had quietly extended an olive branch to the royals by offering to share his official schedule of engagements.According to the outlet, this was a bid to ease tensions between him and the king, 76. Earlier that month, the outlet also reported that Harrys aides had a private meeting with the kings communications secretary in London. Representatives for Buckingham Palace and the Duke andDuchess of Sussex did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment at the time."Prince Harry wears his heart on his sleeve," said Chard. "Sources have stated that he seems bereft, lonely and lacking direction Its a big shame that he cannot rekindle a private relationship with his father or spark peace talks behind closed doors. However, at this point, its understandable why the royal family will not touch him with a barge pole."CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTERBritish royals expert Hilary Fordwich believes that Harry is immersing himself in charity work now more than ever because hes hit "rock bottom.""This is a move more out of necessity and hope for reconciliation, but how is the family ever to trust him or his motives?" she argued. "There are such deep-seated grievances from all his sordid revelations, one doubts they can ever be overcome.""The only smidgen of a chance of any sort of repair of their former relationship is some sort of discreet reconciliation that would be built on many years of trust-building steps. Harry knows it will take years, hence his lamenting to the BBC that he doesnt know how many years his father has to live. That was a clear indication he felt the clock ticking. He knows Prince William is way less open to any sort of dialogue."But not everyone is convinced that Harry is done spilling secrets."Maybe Prince Harry has pressed pause for now out of respect for his fathers cancer battle, but I do not believe this will last," royal expert Kinsey Schofield of YouTubes "Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered" claimed to Fox News Digital."Unlike most people, there is monetary value in Prince Harrys grievances," she said. "Millions can be made from his family drama. Oh, to be so lucky. And complaining has been incredibly lucrative for him. He even admitted to Oprah Winfrey in 2021 that he signed deals with Netflix and Spotify to support his family in the United States. In other words, it may not matter what he ultimately wants. Financial necessity could push him back into the spotlight."LIKE WHAT YOURE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS"I have heard that Harry prefers his charity work to podcasting and book projects because that is where his strengths lie," Schofield shared. "I also think he is motivated by a desire to reclaim some of the popularity he once enjoyed as a working member of the royal family. But I am not convinced that the BBC interview will be the last time we hear Prince Harry airing his frustrations about the royal family."Schofield also believes the royals arent ready to trust Harry again if ever."Its too little too late," she shared. "Harry opens Spare by revealing that King Charles begged him and his brother not to make my final years a misery. I find this request so much more heartbreaking now that we know of the kings cancer. The Oprah Winfrey interview, Spare, the Netflix series its too much hurt.""Harry will raise his children in the United States. Strangers to their cousins. King Charles just wants peace, but I believe Prince William is checked out. He wants to protect his family and the future of the monarchy. He has unique plans for his reign. He [wants to] be a good king, and Harry is a liability."But royal expert Ian Pelham Turner pointed out that if Harry really wanted to bare all, he could at any point."Harry is well aware of other damaging skeletons in the closet," he said. "And the royal family is surely aware he knows them and could use them against the royal household if he wished to."But in reality, I feel that Harry wishes peace for everyone. He would prefer a meeting of minds where compromise is created. Perhaps a peace bridge could be built if Netflix goes ahead with a docuseries on Princess Diana, where Harry and William could come together and participate."For now, Harry will lie low in hopes that hell be welcomed with open arms again."Harry's driving force is his sense of service," said Chard. "His happy place is the military. However, he has regrettably discovered that throwing himself into charity work without the protection of the royal fold can be a struggle and certainly does not bring in the big bucks. Harry and Netflix know what will bring in the big bucks, and that is another tell-all."

The rapper Snoop Dogg described being uncomfortable with a Disney Pixar movie scene, and Travis Kelce popped the question to Taylor Swift with a pricey rock. Can you ace your answers in this week's Fox News Digital News Quiz?Test your news knowledge with this week's Fox News Digital News Quiz.Looking for more of a challenge?The Minnesota Vikings sparked a social media firestorm over its new hires in last week's News Quiz.Test yourself on melon meccas and revolutionary roots in this week's American Culture Quiz.If you're looking to play even more, you can find all of our quizzes by clicking here.Check back next week for the latest News Quiz from Fox News Digital. Thanks for playing!

The sewage in New England's exclusive Nantucket retreat is full of cocaine, according to local authorities, who this summer began testing it to monitor potential drug use in a popular summer getaway for the rich and powerful."During COVID, a lot of these communities, and most communities, decided that it was important for them to start testing the water to see if there were any spikes in COVID in the region." said Randolph Rice, a Maryland attorney and legal analyst. "But what Nantucket has now decided to do as of the beginning of the summer is to actually start testing for other types of substances, particularly drugs, nicotine and other itemswithin the system there. And what they're finding is that there is a high level of cocaine."The testing, conducted at the Surfside Wastewater Treatment Facility on Nantucket, found cocaine levels about 50% higher than the national average, according to publicly posted data from local authorities. The same tests found below-average levels of fentanyl, a deadly synthetic opioid blamed for overdoses around the country.Local health officials announced the wastewater testing program would begin earlier this summer. The island's treatment plant serves about three-quarters of local homes, which authorities said would give them access to "island-wide trends without identifying individuals or neighborhoods" protecting privacy while giving health officials a glimpse into what's going on behind closed doors.WOMAN FOUND DEAD ON YACHT SPARKS SCRUTINY OF MONTAUKS PARTY SCENE AND RISING WEALTHWhile results have bounced up and down since testing began at the start of summer, the most recent findings showed just under 1,500 nanograms per liter (ng/L) of cocaine at Surfside, compared to a national average of 1,000 and an average across the rest of the Northeastern U.S. of just 900.Nicotine content hovered around the regional average of less than 4,000 ng/L, below the national average of 4,500. Fentanyl content was far lower measuring below 5 ng/L, compared to a national average of 15.The program tests for various drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl and other opioids, as well as xylazine, an animal tranquilizer that authorities have warned is increasingly being found mixed in with other drugs.JOHN KERRYS RITZY BLUE CITY NEIGHBORHOOD ROCKED AS DRUG ADDICTS OVERRUN COBBLESTONE STREETS$20M WORTH OF COCAINE, MARIJUANA INTERCEPTED BY COAST GUARDXylazine testing came back with results lower than the minimum observable level. Methamphetamine barely registered."What's shocking is that there is a low level of trace items," Rice told Fox News Digital. "For example, there is very little fentanyl or xylazine, which is also referred to as tranq. Oftentimes, these substances are added to [drugs] to make them more potent, but they also make them deadly. So what it's telling us in Nantucket, is they're getting the pure stuff."Back in May, local authorities announced what local outlets described as the largest cocaine-related drug bust in Nantucket history.WATCH: Former DEA agent warns wealthy party towns are now fertile ground for fentanyl dangerThe suspect was identified as Francisco Fernandez Sanchez, a green card holder from the Dominican Republic, the Nantucket Current reported. He allegedly had more than 5 1/2 pounds of the drug when police searched his residence worth an estimated $250,000 on the street.David Katz, a former DEA special agent, told Fox News Digital that the contamination could have come from someone flushing a large amount of drugs to evade authorities."We used to shut the water off before we did search warrants because of that same thing," he said.Another possibility, he added, would be smaller but frequent flushes from cocaine users as the drug leaves their system in the bathroom.The latter scenario seems more likely to Rice, he said, because the testing was conducted repeatedly throughout the summer, not just in one go after any particular incident."To have consistent days, a consistent test with that level of cocaine spikes, it seems to be that it's coming from the zip code and the high level of use by its residents and visitors," he said.

Minnesota Bishop RobertBarron sharply criticized Minneapolis Mayor JacobFrey for dismissing calls for prayer following Wednesdays deadly Catholic school shooting, calling the mayors remarks "completely asinine.""Catholics dont think that prayer magically protects them from all suffering. After all, Jesus prayed fervently from the cross on which he was dying," Barron told Fox News Digital.The shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis killed two children and injured 18 other people during a morning Mass, according to police. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the bureau is investigating the attack as both a possible act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics.Investigators said the gunman left anti-religious writings in his manifesto and scrawled similar messages on his firearms.MEDIA MOCKERY OF PRAYER, 'SUBTLE SMEARS' AGAINST CHRISTIANITY MARKS COVERAGE OF NASHVILLE MASSACREAt a press conference after the tragedy, Frey criticized those calling for prayer."Dont say this is about thoughts and prayers right now these kids were literally praying," he said. "It was the first week of school - they were in a church."His remarks echoed those of some Democratic officials and liberal media figures who disparaged faith-based responses to the tragedy.Barron, an influential Catholic leader who leads the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, argued that critics misunderstand the role of prayer."Prayer is the raising of the mind and heart to God, which strikes me as altogether appropriate precisely at times of great pain," he said. "And prayer by no means stands in contrast to decisive moral action. Martin Luther King was a man of deep prayer, who also effected a social revolution in our country. This is not an either/or proposition."Barron also said the massacre should be recognized for what it was: a deliberate act of anti-Catholic violence.LIBERAL FIGURES LAMBAST PRAYERS IN WAKE OF MINNESOTA CHURCH SHOOTING"In the past seven years in our country, there has been a 700% increase in violent acts against Christians and Christian churches.Worldwide, Christianity is by far the most persecuted religion.That people are even wondering whether the tragedy in Minneapolis is an instance of anti-Catholic violence is puzzling to me," he told Fox News Digital."If someone attacked a synagogue while congregants were praying, would anyone doubt that it was an antisemitic act? If someone shot up a mosque while the devout were praying, would anyone doubt that it was an anti-Islamic attack?So, why would we even hesitate to say that a maniac shooting into a Catholic Church while children are at prayer was committing an anti-Catholic act?" he asked.The conservative Family Research Council has also documented a rise in hostility toward churches. A report released this month found at least 415 attacks against 383 churches in 43 states in 2024.Barron said he would not hesitate to call the two children slain during Mass "martyrs," describing their deaths as a tragic but powerful witness of faith.KAROLINE LEAVITT CALLS PSAKI'S PRAYER COMMENTS UTTERLY DISRESPECTFUL AFTER MINNEAPOLIS SCHOOL SHOOTINGHe acknowledged the tragedy raises deep questions about evil, but pointed to the gospels message of hope even in suffering."We know that God is all-good and all-powerful, and yet we also know that there are wicked people in the world who do terrible things.And so we must say that the just and merciful God permits some evils so as to bring about a good that we might not be able immediately to see. God is faithful in his love, but the ways of his providence are often inscrutable to us.We also know that, in Jesus, God journeyed all the way to the bottom of our suffering, accepting, as St. Paul said, 'even death, death on a cross.'We cannot always understand why God permits evil, but we know for sure that he accompanies us in our suffering," he said.Vice President JD Vance, who is Catholic, also defended prayer in a post on X directed at MSNBC host Jen Psaki.WHO IS ROBIN WESTMAN, SUSPECT IN ANNUNCIATION CATHOLIC SCHOOL SHOOTING IN MINNEAPOLIS?"We pray because our hearts are broken. We pray because we know God listens. We pray because we know that God works in mysterious ways, and can inspire us to further action," Vance wrote. "Why do you feel the need to attack other people for praying when kids were just killed praying?"A spokesperson for Freys office defended his comments in a statement to Fox News Digital:"The mayor has always said that thoughts and prayers alone are not enough. They must be paired with action and solutions. One doesnt negate the other but year after year, students are murdered by gun violence. Enough is enough. We must do more."CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

A recent study found that your morning cup of coffee really does make you happier even if you're not a caffeine addict.The study involved researchers from the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom and Germany's Bielefeld University. It was recently published in the journal Scientific Reports.The study followed 200 young adults over four weeks and measured their moods.'HOTEL VIBES' COFFEE HACK RAISES EYEBROWS AS EXPERTS WARN OF SLEEP QUALITY RISKSParticipants received prompts on their phones seven times a day as part of the study. They were asked to record how they currently felt and how recently they had consumed caffeine.Caffeine drinkers recorded better moods after a cup of coffee or tea in the first two and a half hours of waking up, compared with later in the day.The mood boosts were linked to caffeine consumption, with researchers finding that the positive emotions included enthusiasm and happiness.Psychology professor Anu Realo of the University of Warwick said the positive effects happen after caffeine blocks adenosine receptors in the brain.WHAT IS MUSHROOM COFFEE? CAFFEINE ALTERNATIVE OFFERS SURPRISING HEALTH BENEFITS"[This] can increase dopamine activity in key brain regions an effect that studies have linked to improved mood and greater alertness," Realo said.She also noted that an important factor may be related to caffeine dependence."Even people with moderate caffeine consumption can experience mild withdrawal symptoms that disappear with the first cup of coffee or tea in the morning," she added.Researchers made another surprising discovery. Some of the anxiety-prone respondents didn't always experience worrying thoughts after drinking coffee and mood-boosting effects were observed across the board.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER"We were somewhat surprised to find no differences between individuals with varying levels of caffeine consumption or differing degrees of depressive symptoms, anxiety or sleep problems," Bielefeld University research associate Justin Hachenberger said."The links between caffeine intake and positive or negative emotions were fairly consistent across all groups."Carrie Lupoli, a Connecticut-based nutritionist and health coach, told Fox News Digital that drinking coffee is deeply tied to behavior and routines."A morning cup of coffee engages all the senses and signals to the brain that the day is beginning," the expert said."That sensory experience, combined with our bodys natural rise in cortisol and willpower in the morning, creates a powerful association with feeling energized and even happier."For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyleLupoli said that even after experimenting with decaffeinated coffee, she observed the same positive effects on herself."The ritual alone still brings that same sense of calm and fresh-start energy," she said. "So yes, coffee may make us happier, but it's often as much about the habit and mindset as it is about the caffeine."Jenelle Kim, a doctor of Chinese medicine, told Fox News Digital that rituals like drinking coffee "set the tone for our day."The California-based medical expert did caution against too much caffeine, noting that it can spike cortisol and blood sugar levels that increase fatigue."In Eastern medicine, caffeine disperses qi, giving us energy, but too [much] forces the body to dip into reserves and depletes vitality," she said."In balance, one or two mindful cups can boost happiness and focus. Beyond that, it shifts from supportive to depleting."

1. Families devastated as disturbing details emerge about shooter2. Vance accuses Newsom of being a 'cheap imitation' of Trump3. Cracker Barrel co-founder slams restaurant chain's CEO over logo flopKEEPING QUIET Mother of church attacker uncooperative as manifesto reveals clues to motive. Continue reading TABLES TURNED Viral blue state prosecutor punished after saying police would 'regret' arresting her. Continue reading TRAGIC ADMISSION Mom with millions of followers 'takes full accountability' after young son's death. Continue reading CABIN CHAOS Video shows violent confrontation on flight as passengers scream for police. Continue reading STRATEGIC GAMBIT Cowboys owner reveals Micah Parsons rejected record offer before blockbuster trade. Continue reading --ARCTIC SHOWDOWN Alaska's popular governor quietly prepares Senate run against Trump critic. Continue reading FINAL SALUTE Ashli Babbitt granted military honors after denial by military leadership under Biden. Continue reading WOKENESS EXPOSED CDC official's resignation raises eyebrows with pronouns and 'pregnant people' terminology. Continue reading BLOATED BUREAUCRACY Trump team puts FEMA staff on leave after letter challenging new leadership. Continue reading Click here for more cartoonsLIB-BRAWL Former Obama official freaks out at Democrat over her record amid housing crisis debate. Continue reading F--KED UP Devon Walker departs 'SNL,' calls show 'toxic as hell' in farewell comments. Continue reading SLIP-UP Klobuchar accused of misidentifying Minneapolis school shooters gender. Continue reading DEM DISMISSED Former DNC chair says Biden's inner circle shut down his ideas to help party. Continue reading CHUCK DEVORE 2028 looks like trouble for Democrats and Republicans are poised to capitalize. Continue reading VAN HIPP Here's the pathway for President Trump to receive his much-deserved Nobel Peace Prize. Continue reading --RIGGED FOR ROMANCE VP Vance puts NFL on notice over potential Chiefs bias after Swift-Kelce engagement. Continue reading STRONG START Morning cup of coffee could be key to a happier day. Continue reading DIGITAL'S NEWS QUIZ What kids' movie set off Snoop Dogg? What's the price tag on Taylor Swift's ring? Take the quiz here HAUNTED TREASURE Medieval castle hits market with secret price tag and major catch. Continue reading HEALTH URGENCY Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stresses the importance of nutrition education. See video REP. JAMES COMER There's reason to believe Democrats interfered with crime rate reports. See video STEPHEN MILLER Democrats have chosen a 1% issue. See video Tune in to the FOX NEWS RUNDOWN PODCAST for today's in-depth reporting on the news that impacts you. Check it out ...Whats it looking like in your neighborhood?Continue readingFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitterLinkedInFox News FirstFox News OpinionFox News LifestyleFox News Entertainment (FOX411)Fox News Sports HuddleFox BusinessFox WeatherFox SportsTubiFox News GoThank you for making us your first choice in the morning! Well see you in your inbox first thing Tuesday.

Former Obama speechwriter Jon Lovett sparred with a Los Angeles city councilmember on Wednesday during a heated debate on Californias housing crisis.CaliforniaDemocratic state Sen. Scott Wiener and Los Angeles Councilmember Imelda Padilla debated on the "Pod Save America" podcast about how California should handle its ongoing housing crisis. Wieners Abundant & Affordable Homes Near Transit Act. SB 79, according to his press release, "tackles the root causes of Californias affordability crisis by allowing more homes to be built near major public transportation stops and on land owned by transit agencies, bolstering transit use, slashing climate emissions, and supporting public transportation in the process."Opponents of such legislation argue that introducing large amounts of affordable housing threatens to irreversibly change the character of their local neighborhoods. Padilla argued on the podcast that the top responsibility of a councilmember are the land use decisions that greatly impact the lives of their constituents."People get elected for the conversations that they have with folks about what they're going to do to keep their neighborhood looking and growing the way that they want it to be," she said.NEW GOP BILL WOULD CUT OFF HOUSING FUNDS TO SANCTUARY CITIES DEFYING TRUMP DHSShe added, "So, for example, for the state to say, Here's your opportunity to build something that is potentially seven stories high when nothing around it is seven stories because the state allows it, it's almost an insult to everyone who voted for the individual who they believe is going to help grow and clean and maintain their communities as they would like them to be.""But see, that to me gets to the core of the issue," Lovett responded."I really want to be fair to your point of view," he continued. "But what I hear there, is what you're saying is, Well, there weren't seven-story buildings here in the past, so there can't be seven-story buildings here in the future." But that freezes California in a moment when there were far fewer people in this state. And my concern in what I'm hearing from you is there are legitimate issues that you're raising about what locals feel about the character of their neighborhood. I'm not saying that those aren't legitimate concerns, but it seems to lose the forest for the trees, which is we have an emergency."He noted the phenomenon of Californians fleeing to Texas as people criticize Californias lack of new housing for the rising population.CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTUREPadilla noted that she has worked to negotiate a new building that would be three stories rather than six stories, one that would be a compromise between locals who want no development versus those who want more housing. She argued the compromise, made to look nice, would be preferable to a "big ugly cement box in the middle of the neighborhood" that would maximize density at all costs."Do you really think that all these young people that are seeking the Hollywood jobs that want to come to Los Angeles, want to live in a cement-looking building and find it to be dignified?" she asked. "I don't think so. But SB79 creates a situation where the developer can actually do that."Lovettturned to Wiener and asked, "Is there a part of this where people just need to accept that if we're going to build the amount of housing we need in the speed that we need it, some of these concerns can't be addressed? That we just got to move fast and not everybody's going to like it?"Scott acknowledged that no plan will equally satisfy everyone, but argued the bill will allow cities to preserve their own design standards.