While San Francisco's recently halted equity grading scheme sparked national uproar and derision, the real lesson of this fiasco is the near-total lack of transparency in the school district's education decision-making process.Equity grading, which has been adopted by school districts across the country, is basically grade inflation dressed up in social-justice rhetoric.Under San Francisco'sversionof equity grading, homework and most tests, outside of the final exam, would not count toward a student's final grade. Students would be able to take the final exam multiple times. Further, students could turn in assignments late and not be marked down.HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS IN TAX MONEY GOES TO CONTRACTS FOR DEI GROUPS, WATCHDOG FINDS: 'TOTAL RACKET'Also, according to the publicationThe Voice of San Francisco, which broke the story on the district administration's equity grading plan, "Currently, a student needs a 90 for an A and at least 61 for a D," but the district envisions "a student with a score as low as 80 can attain an A" and would give "a passing C grade to as low as a score of 41 on a 100-point exam."The key problem with equity grading is that it inflates grades but does not increase learning. Making it easier to get high grades disincentivizes students from putting in the effort to learn the subject matter.In New York City, where equity grading was instituted, high school math teacher Janessa Tamayosaidthat fewer students did their homework, fewer participated in class, and many stopped taking tests seriously.For most kids, warned Tamayo, equity grading "encouraged them to do the minimum."It is little wonder then that there is no evidence that equity grading improves student performance on standardized tests, despite inflated grades.The outcry from across the political spectrumwas brutal, with Northern California Democrat and Republican members of Congress and the Democratic mayor of San Francisco slamming the plan.All this backlash caused San Francisco school district superintendent Maria Su to retreat and pause adoption of the pilot equity grading plan for a year.The dumbing-down element of equity grading, however, is just half of the story. The other half is even more ominous.The rollout of the scheme was designed to fly under the radar and thereby eliminate democratic scrutiny and debate.According toThe Voice of San Francisco, reference to the plan was "buried in a three-word phrase on the last page of a PowerPoint presentation embedded in the school board meeting's 25-page agenda."The idea was to implement the plan, "[w]ithout seeking approval of the San Francisco Board of Education," with outreach to parents being "minimal" or "nonexistent."The publication found, "The school district's Office of Equity homepage does not mention [the equity grading plan] and a page containing the SFUSD definition of equity has not been updated in almost three years." In other words, the goal was to keep the public ignorant.CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINIONAfter the plan was exposed, Su acknowledged the district's lack of transparency, saying, "I have decided to not pursue this strategy for next year to ensure we have time to meaningfully engage the community." Further, she wanted to focus on, among other things, "rebuilding trust." Rebuilding trust became a goal only because the initial goal to deceive failed.The bottom line is that unelected bureaucrats tried to implement a controversial policy without any meaningful input from parents and even school board members. The goal was to hand the public a fait accompli that families in the district would have to accept.As one former teacherobserved, "the lack of transparency in public education has eroded public trust in schools."The San Francisco equity grading implosion is therefore both an academic disaster and, even more importantly, an arrogant insult to the democratic process. Not only should equity grading be discarded permanently, education policymaking in San Francisco and throughout the country must become more transparent if parents are to have real influence over the education of their children.

Most households have a stash of painkillers tucked away for surprise headaches or stubborn cramps.But some may not realize that all painkillers are not created equal, and they dont all treat the same kind of pain.Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers fall into two main categories, according to MedLine Plus.COMMON SUPPLEMENTS AND MEDICATIONS COULD CAUSE LIVER DAMAGE, STUDIES SHOWThe first is NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen and naproxen."These reduce both pain and inflammation, but can irritate the stomach if not taken with food," Dr. Jessica Oswald, MD, MPH, an anesthesiologist and pain management specialist at UC San Diego Health, told Fox News Digital.The other medication, acetaminophen, also helps with pain and fever, but does not reduce inflammation, Oswald noted.Dr. Min "Frank" Wu, a physician at AdventHealth in Littleton, Colorado, elaborated on how these drugs work differently in the body.CHILDREN'S ADHD RISK LINKED TO MOTHERS' USE OF COMMON OTC PAIN RELIEVERNSAIDs are effective in treating fever and pain relief, the doctor told Fox News Digital.These medications can alleviate a variety of symptoms related to arthritis, infection, back injury, headaches and muscle strain, along with other acute and chronic conditions that cause pain and inflammation, he said."NSAIDs work by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) throughout the body," he noted, which means they inhibit the production of "biological mediators" that cause inflammation and blood clotting.Acetaminophen, on the other hand, works by "inhibiting COX enzymes and modulating the endocannabinoid system in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to exert its effects," Wu said.ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE COULD BE PREVENTED BY ANTIVIRAL DRUG ALREADY ON MARKETAs a pain reliever, acetaminophen is effective for migraines, according to the doctor."In combination, acetaminophen/caffeine is recommended as a first-line agent by many European agencies," he noted.Acetaminophen's effectiveness for arthritic pain, however, is small and not clinically important, according to Wu."It has not been shown to be effective for low back pain or radicular (nerve pain) in general," he added.Wu pointed out that acetaminophen appears to boost the pain-relief properties of other medications."The combination of acetaminophen and NSAIDs has been shown to be more effective than either medication alone," Wu said.Oswald also spoke about this method, which she calls a "multimodal" approach."In many cases, combining different types of pain relievers can be more effective than using just one," she told Fox News Digital.For example, an NSAID like ibuprofen along with acetaminophen and a topical cream "can work together to relieve pain more effectively," Oswald said.Research has shown that NSAIDs have multiple adverse effects and should be used with caution, both doctors pointed out."They have been shown to cause gastrointestinal issues, and in severe cases can cause ulcers and bleeding," Wu noted.These side effects appear to be dependent on the size of the dose, the doctor added.There is evidence of increased gastric effects, kidney impairment and heart disease at higher doses. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also issued warnings about cardiovascular risk.At high enough doses, it can (less commonly) cause liver damage, which can potentially be fatal, according to Wu.Oswald recommended that people with certain health conditions such as kidney problems, heart issues or stomach ulcers should talk to a doctor before using NSAIDs.Acetaminophen has been linked to a potential risk of liver injury and allergic reactions, according to the FDA. Rare but serious skin reactions have also been reported."Acetaminophen is generally safer for most people, as long as they stay under 3,000 milligrams per day," Oswald added.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTERAfter weighing the benefits and risks, the doctor said that people should "absolutely" keep both types of OTC medications on hand at home."Having a few different options allows you to manage pain more effectively by targeting it in different ways," she said.For more Health articles, visitwww.foxnews.com/healthUltimately, if pain doesnt improve or keeps coming back, it's best to consult a healthcare professional who can assess the cause and discuss other treatment options, including prescription medications.

The White House is working to show President Donald Trump's consistent stance against Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon, as critics emerge from both sides of the aisle. On Tuesday, the White Houses rapid response team released a series of 30 clips on X showing Trumps statements over the years on the dangers of Iran getting a nuclear weapon.TRUMP'S 14-YEAR HISTORY OPPOSING IRANIAN NUKES COUNTERS MEDIA SPIN HE'D ALLOW THEMIn October 2023, just days after Hamas brutal massacre in Israel, Trump told a crowd at a campaign rally that Iran could not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons."Dont let Iran have nuclear weapons. Thats my only thing I have to tell you today. Dont let them have it," Trump said at the Oct. 16, 2023, Iowa rally.Then in January 2024, Trump said, "I just dont want them to have a nuclear weapon, and they werent going to have one."A few months later, in June 2024, during an appearance on the podcast "All-In," Trump told the hosts that Iran could not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon."The main thing is Iran can't have a nuclear weapon. That was my main thing. The deal was a simple deal. Iran can't have a nuclear. You know, it can't have a missile, it can't have a nuclear missile. It cannot have that nuclear capability," Trump told the podcast hosts.MASSIE TO FIELD 'BIPARTISAN WAR POWERS RESOLUTION' TO BAR US FROM ISRAEL-IRAN WAR, AOC SIGNALS SUPPORTThe most recent clip was from May 2025 in which Trump told the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum that "Iran can have a much brighter future but well never allow America and its allies to be threatened with terrorism or a nuclear attack they cannot have a nuclear weapon."MIKE JOHNSON CALLS OFF ISRAEL TRIP AMID IRAN CONFLICTVice President JD Vance also commented on the controversy regarding Trumps stance on Irans nuclear ambitions. Vance defended his boss Iran position as being focused only on "using the American military to accomplish American people's goals."He also described Trump as someone who "has been amazingly consistent, over 10 years, that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.""I have yet to see a single good argument for why Iran needed to enrich uranium well above the threshold for civilian use. I've yet to see a single good argument for why Iran was justified in violating its non-proliferation obligations. I've yet to see a single good pushback against the IAEA's findings," Vance wrote on X.ONLY THE US MILITARY CAN TAKE OUT IRANS MOST DANGEROUS NUCLEAR SITEAlthough the White House teams clips date back to 2023, there is even earlier evidence that Trump was against Iran having a nuclear weapon.In 2018, during his first term in office, Trump withdrew from the Obama-era Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). At the time, Trump called the JCPOA "one of the worst and most one-sided transactions the United States has ever entered into."The White House release on the U.S. withdrawal from the deal has several references to Trumps opposition to Iran developing a nuclear weapon. At one point it says that "Trump is committed to ensuring Iran has no possible path to a nuclear weapon."

FBI Director Kash Patel took to social media on Tuesday to condemn a former Coast Guard officer who was arrested for allegedly threatening to assassinate President Donald Trump, which Patel claimed resulted, in part, from a "destructive" Instagram post shared earlier this year by his predecessor, former FBI director James Comey."This is a guy who threatened President Trumps life using the 86 47 language," Patel said of Peter Stinson, the former Coast Guard official who was charged with making threats to kill the president. Stinson, who served from 1988 to 2021 in the Coast Guard where he held roles as a sharpshooter and FEMA instructor will appear in federal court for the first time on Wednesday.Stinson appears to have made multiple, graphic threats against President Donald Trump, according to court documents, including 13 references to the "86 47" message shared in a now-deleted Instagram post by former FBI director James Comey.Comey in May posted a photo of shells arranged in the sand with the number "86 47" on Instagram. The post, which he deleted hours later, prompted backlash, including from Trump himself, and sparked at least two interviews with the Secret Service, as Comey later detailed.COMEY CLAIMS HE HAD NO 'DARK INTENTION' WITH '86 47' SEASHELL POST, ISN'T SCARED OF TRUMPThe former FBI director has said in multiple public interviews since that he did not have any dark intentions in sharing the photo and that his wife had associated it with her time as a restaurant server to mean taking something off the menu.According to Merriman Webster, "86" is slang that can mean "to throw out," "to get rid of" or "to refuse service to." Trump, of course, is the 47th president."I regret the distraction and the controversy around it," Comey said of the incident on MSNBC. "But again, its hard to have regret about something that, even in hindsight, looks to me to be totally innocent."Comey is not currently under investigation for the post and has said that neither he nor his wife, who was with him at the time, believed it had any nefarious meaning.Still, the Comeys' repeated public statements and his compliance with Secret Service personnel have done little to assuage some Trump administration officials, including Patel, who now has Comey's former job."Tragically, this case was predictable," Patel told Fox News Digital on Tuesday in regard to Stinson's alleged threats.FLORIDA MAN THREATENS TO ASSASSINATE TRUMP, DESTROY NEW YORK WITH MISSILES IN 911 CALLS: REPORT"When former Director Comey first pulled his destructive Instagram stunt, it forced the FBI to pull numerous agents off of critical portfolios, taking key personnel away from important initiatives protecting the American people to deal with an overwhelming number of copycats following Comeys lead and posting threatening messages against the president of the United States," Patel said."Thankfully, law enforcement did excellent work preventing a potential violent actor, and well continue to be on guard," he added.Stinson is a Northern Virginia resident, and while it is unclear to what degree Stinson was influenced by the Comey Instagram post or the resulting media coverage of it, court documents show that many of Stinson's threats were posted long beforehand, including in the run-up to Election Day and during the 2024 presidential campaign.Stinson, a "self-identified" member of Antifa, made at least one threat appearing to invoke the July 13 assassination attempt against Trump while he campaigned in Butler, Pennsylvania."Those secret service agents moved very slowly," Stinson said in a post at the time. "They left him in the open way to (sic) long. A missed opportunity will not come around again. They will teach this to future agents as a failure to protect and act."FEDERAL GRAND JURY INDICTS MAN FOR THREATENING TO ASSASSINATE TRUMP AFTER REELECTIONIn February, Stinson posted on his X account, "Sure. This is war. Sides will be drawn. Antifa always wins in the end. Violence is inherently necessary."The most recent post referenced in the document was published on BlueSky on June 11, when Stinson allegedly wrote, "When he dies, the party is going to be yuge."Comey did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment on Patel's remarks nor on any role that the Instagram post in question may have inadvertently played in the case.News of Stinson's arrest comes after a federal grand jury indicted a San Bernardino County, California, man just weeks earlier for allegedly threatening to assassinate then-President-elect Donald Trump after he was elected to a second White House term."This defendant is charged with threatening the life of our President a man who has already survived two deranged attempts on his life," Attorney General Pam Bondi said at the time."The Department of Justice takes these threats with the utmost seriousness and will prosecute this crime to the fullest extent of the law," Bondi added.Fox News Digital's Andrea Margoli contributed to this report.

CNN staffers are bracing for impact as the network faces yet another corporate restructuring by its parent company Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), fueling an unsettling morale in the newsroom."I'd say the mood remains really grim," one CNN staffer told Fox News Digital. "People are uncertain."Last week, WBD announced that it was splitting into two companies, separating the studios and streaming business from its cable networks, CNN among them. The latter company, tentatively dubbed Global Networks, will be led by WBD CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels. The split is expected to be completed next year."We knew this was happening," the CNN staffer said. "And it was required to be able to sell the company. People are hoping CNN will be sold - and as Gunnar said, there is no limit, any sale can be made at any time - to a buyer who will invest in it.That's the bottom line."CNN HAS TEARS ON THE HORIZON' AS WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY PLOTS NETWORK SPINOFF, INDUSTRY INSIDERS SAYWhile Global Networks will retain a 20% stake in the studio and streaming business, CNN's new parent company will have a heavy burden taking on most of Warner Bros. Discovery's massive debt. And Wiedenfels is expected to tighten the purse strings."I think theyve telegraphed clearly that more cuts are coming.Gunnar 'efficiency,'" the CNN staffer said. "And we dont have streaming yet so - its hard to imagine it doesnt get worse [CNN is set to launch a new streaming service this fall].""His remit is not to grow stuff. This company is a cash-flow giant with shrinking revenue. Like thats the deal. Its merely a matter of how fast it shrinks. Thats why the assets were split," they continued.WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY ANNOUNCES MAJOR CORPORATE RESTRUCTURING TO SEPARATE STREAMING FROM CABLECNN has repeatedly been orphaned by corporate parents for years, from Time Warner in the 90s, to AOL in the early 2000s, to AT&T in 2018, leading to its 2022 spinoff of Warner Bros. Discovery led by CEO David Zaslav.In 2023, Zaslav tapped Mark Thompson, a veteran executive of BBC and The New York Times, to become CNN's CEO. Thompson has been vocal about his efforts to transform the news organization in the digital era in the nearly two years he's been on the job. But newsroom ire, at least for now, is being aimed at the WBD chief."Zaslav killed this place. He killed it," a second CNN staffer told Fox News Digital. "The amount of debt the new thing that CNN is part of isnt ideal, but at least it can be a new beginning. The last few years under Zas has been a disaster in terms of what he has done."FOX NEWS BEATS ABC, NBC, CBS DURING WEEKDAY PRIMETIME WHILE CNN HAS LOWEST-RATED WEEK OF YEARIndustry critics like Puck correspondent Dylan Byers have predicted doom and gloom for the future of CNN, suggesting it will meet the fate of HLN, which he has noted "no longer exists." However, a third CNN staffer says critics projecting CNN's demise are simply "reading the same tea leafs as everybody else" regarding systemic problems in cable."I'm trying to figure out what Ill do next when the whole thing collapses, but I dont even know when that will be," the third CNN staffer told Fox News Digital. "If we go under, Ill get a new job. Maybe making more money, maybe making less money, who cares? At the end of the day, its just a job, right?"Despite all the current woes, not all hope is lost within the CNN newsroom."I think it is possible for CNN to be invested in and be a relevant, powerful brand," the first staffer said. "To me - and Im biased - CNN is a brand like Nike. If we throw it away, that is a choice and a management-driven thing, not a macro fait accompli."A spokesperson for CNN declined to comment. Warner Bros. Discovery did not respond to a request for comment.CNN's corporate saga comes at a rough patch for the network, which suffered its second-worst month ever in viewership the advertiser-coveted demographic of adults ages 25-54 across both total day and primetime viewers in May and is on pace to have its lowest-rated year ever in the demo.Fox News' Brian Flood contributed to this report.

Louisiana state Sen. Blake Miguez announced a U.S. Senate bid, declaring in a campaign video that he is "running for the U.S. Senate because Bill Cassidy sucks."The video highlights old footage of Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, noting that he voted to convict President Donald Trump. Cassidy voted to convict after the House impeached Trump in the wake of the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot.However, the Senate vote happened after Trump left office, and it ultimately fell short of the threshold necessary for conviction."Today, I'm announcing my candidacy for the United States Senate," Miguez declared in a Tuesday post on X that features the campaign video. "I'm running because the American Dream is worth fighting for - and DC phonies forget that. Bill Cassidy betrayed our state, our President, and our principles."As yournext Senator, I won't bend. I won't break. I'll stand with PresidentTrump. And I'll never stop fighting to put America First. Bill Cassidy had his shot. Hemissed. I won't," the Republican state lawmaker's post reads.TRUMP'S BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL CRACKS DOWN ON BIDEN'S STUDENT LOAN SCHEME, TOP REPUBLICAN SAYSFox News Digital has reached out to Cassidy's campaign for comment.LOUISIANA RACETRACK ICE RAID NETS MORE THAN 80 ILLEGAL MIGRANTS DURING WORKSITE ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONLouisiana State Treasurer John Fleming, who is also targeting Cassidy for ouster, announced a U.S. Senate bid last year.The Bayou State's next U.S. Senate election will be held in 2026.WHO IS JOHN FLEMING, THE FREEDOM CAUCUS FOUNDING MEMBER CHALLENGING GOP SEN BILL CASSIDY?Cassidy has served in the Senate since 2015. He previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives, and before that, in the Louisiana state Senate.

With the increasing sophistication of digital threats, safeguarding your phone and personal data has never been more crucial. Android is responding with a suite of new security features designed to protect you from scams, fraud, and device theft.These enhancements are primarily rolling out to devices running Android 16. Some protections, such as enhanced theft protection and AI-powered scam detection, are also becoming available on select devices running Android 10 and later via Google Play Services updates.The most advanced features, including Identity Check and device-level Advanced Protection, are initially launching on Google Pixel and Samsung devices with One UI 7, with plans to expand to other manufacturers as they update to Android 16. Let's take a look at how these innovations are making Android security smarter and more comprehensive.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 Guidefree when you join.Phone scammers are becoming increasingly creative, often attempting to trick people into changing device security settings or granting risky permissions during calls. Android's newin-call protections add a layer of defense by blocking certain actions during calls with non-contacts. For example, you won't be able to disable Google Play Protect, sideload an app for the first time, or grant accessibility permissions while on a call with someone not in your contacts. If you're screen-sharing during a call, Android will prompt you to stop sharing when the call ends.ANDROID SCAM LETS HACKERS USE YOUR CREDIT CARD REMOTELYBEST ANTIVIRUS FOR ANDROIDS - CYBERGUY PICKS 2025Android's AI-poweredScam Detection in Google Messages and Phone by Google is now even more intelligent. It can identify suspicious conversation patterns in real-time and warn you before you fall victim to a scam. This protection covers a wide range of scams, including toll road and billing fee scams, cryptocurrency scams, financial impersonation scams, gift card and prize scams, tech support scams, and more. All message analysis happens on your device, so your conversations stay private.Availability can vary depending on your device, region, and carrier. If you don't see these features yet, make sure yourapp is updated and keep an eye out as Google continues to expand support to more users worldwide.To help protect you from scammers who try to impersonate someone you know, Android is rolling out Key Verifier in Google Messages. This feature lets you and your contact verify each other's identity using public encryption keys, either by scanning a QR code or comparing numbers. If a contact's verification status changes, like after a SIM swap, you'll see a warning, giving you extra confidence that you're talking to the right person.If you've ever used Android'sFind My Device to track down a lost phone or set of keys, you know how helpful it can be. Now, Find My Device is evolving intoFind Hub, making it easier to keep track of your devices, family, and friends all in one place, with more partner brands joining the network.Find Hub is also becoming more personalized. Whether you want built-in luggage tracking fromJuly andMokobara, ski protection withPeak integration, or Disney-themed Bluetooth tags from Pixbee, there are options to suit different needs. Soon, tags that are enabled with ultra-wideband, starting with moto tag, will provide improved nearby location tracking.Later this year, Find Hub will include satellite connectivity, allowing you to stay connected with friends and family even when cellular service is unavailable. For travelers, new partnerships with airlines such as Aer Lingus, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Iberia, and Singapore Airlines will let you share your Bluetooth tag's location directly with these airlines. This should make recovering lost luggage easier and less stressful.7 NEW GOOGLE AI TOOLS FROM I/O 2025 YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUTAndroid continues to strengthen its theft protection features. The newIdentity Check adds an extra layer of security if your PIN or password is compromised, and it's rolling out to more devices with Android 16.Factory Reset Protection is getting tougher, restricting all functionalities on devices reset without the owner's authorization.Remote Lock now includes a security challenge question to prevent unauthorized use, and one-time passwords will be hidden on the lock screen in higher-risk scenarios.GOOGLES NEW AI TECH MAY KNOW WHEN YOUR HOUSE WILL BURN DOWNFor those who want even stronger security,Advanced Protection is now available as a device-level setting in Android 16. This combines Google's most robust security tools, like intrusion logging and scam call detection, into one setting that can't be turned off without unenrolling.Whether you're a journalist, a public figure, or just want extra peace of mind, Android 16 makes it easy to activate Advanced Protection. This suite of features brings together Google's top security tools, like Intrusion Logging, USB protection, and scam detection for calls, into one powerful setting. Once enabled, these protections can't be turned off, shielding you against even the most sophisticated attacks. And new features are on the way, including tighter controls over app permissions and network connections.To turn on Google's Advanced Protection, follow these steps:Settings may vary depending on your Android phones manufacturer.You may be prompted to verify your identity (such as entering your password or using biometric authentication). Once you've completed the steps, you'll see a confirmation that Advanced Protection is active.Note: After activation, these protections cannot be turned off without unenrolling from Advanced Protection.You can review and adjust related security settings within the Advanced Protection menu, such as app permissions and network controls, as new features become available. If you don't see the option, make sure your device is updated to Android 16 and check for any additional requirements, such as a Google account or specific device compatibility. Some features may require additional verification steps, like using a security key or two-factor authentication, especially if you're enrolling for the first time or on a new device.DONT BE SO QUICK TO CLICK THAT GOOGLE CALENDAR INVITE. IT COULD BE A HACKERS TRAPWhile Android is doing a lot to protect you, there are a few extra steps you can take to boost your security:Install strong antivirus software: This adds another layer of defense against malware and suspicious apps. Google Play Protect, which is built-in malware protection for Android devices, automatically removes known malware. However, it is important to note that Google Play Protect may not be enough. Historically, it isn't 100% foolproof at removing all known malware from Android devices. So, you may want to choose a strong antivirus app and keep it updated for maximum protection.Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.Keep your device updated: Always install the latestAndroid updates to patch any security vulnerabilities. Updates often include important security fixes that protect against new threats. To do this, go toSettings, tapSystem orAbout phone, selectSoftware update orSystem update, then tapDownload and Install if an update is available.Use strong, unique passwords:Avoid reusing passwords across different accounts to reduce the risk if one is compromised. Consider apassword manager to generate and store complex passwords. Get more details about mybest expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 here.Be cautious with app permissions: Only grant apps the permissions they truly need. Review permissions regularly and revoke any that seem unnecessary or intrusive.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?Enable two-factor authentication: This adds an extra step to your logins, making it more difficult for others to access your accounts. Most major apps and services offer this feature in their security settings.Download apps only from the Google Play Store: Avoid third-party stores, which are more likely to host unsafe apps. The Play Store has security checks that help reduce the risk of downloading malicious software.Regularly review your privacy settings: Make sure you're comfortable with what you're sharing. Adjust settings to limit data sharing and enhance your privacy whenever possible.Consider a personal data removal service: Scammers often start by gathering information about you from public records and data broker sites. Using a personal data removal service can help scrub your personal details from these sites, making it much harder for scammers to target you. If you're concerned about your privacy or just want to take your security to the next level, this is a smart step to consider.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 here.Get afree scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web.Keeping your phone and personal data secure is more important than ever, but Android is making it easier to stay protected with smarter scam detection, new ways to keep track of your devices and loved ones, and the strongest security features yet. By taking a few extra steps, like using strong passwords, keeping your device updated, and considering a personal data removal service, you're adding even more layers of protection against evolving threats. Security is always changing, but with these tools and habits, you can use your Android device with greater confidence and peace of mind.Who do you think should bear the greatest responsibility for keeping your data safe: tech companies, the government, or you as an individual? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading toCyberguy.com/Newsletter.Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved.

Social media star Doctor Mike shared his thoughts in a new interview on the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement and how he believes the movement can be improved.Board-certified physician and YouTuber Dr. Mikhail Varshavski has been outspoken about his criticisms of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. However, he told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview that he would "without a doubt" be open to sitting with Kennedy if given the opportunity.The Make America Healthy Again commission chaired by Kennedy has been "tasked with investigating and addressing the root causes of Americas escalating health crisis, with an initial focus on childhood chronic diseases," the White House explained to Fox News Digital at the beginning of the second Trump administration.EVERYTHING TO KNOW ABOUT MAHADoctor Mike said of the MAHA movement, "I think the movement has ignited a good conversation in that we're talking about health. So I like it for that."But the physician is skeptical of the movement's methods. Doctor Mike applauded the desire to limit the amount of ultra-processed foods consumed by children, but believes the problems with these foods go beyond the ingredient list."The reason why ultra-processed food has been so harmful to us as a society is not because there's one specific chemical found in each of these foods. It's because the foods have been engineered in a way where they make you feel hungry very soon upon eating them, so they don't satiate you," he said. "Two, they're usually empty calories, meaning that there are not good micronutrients in them."He believes the overconsumption of these foods is partially responsible for the obesity epidemic facing America today, and therefore argues that the problem is with overconsumption rather than simply what is in these foods.HOW THE SEXIEST DOCTOR ALIVE TRANSFORMED VIRAL FAME INTO HEALTH EDUCATION FOR MILLIONS"I want to be as useful and practical as possible," he said. "That's what family medicine does. We find practical solutions for complex problems with our patients. And focusing and nitpicking on specific chemicals won't get us there."A board-certified family medicine physician with 14 million YouTube subscribers, he makes videos focused on providing entertainment, information and answering questions on a variety of health-related topics. Doctor Mike immigrated to the United States from Russia with his family at the age of 6.Doctor Mike doesn't believe focusing on ingredients will result in "drastic changes.""These manufacturers are still trying to get kids to consume ultra-processed foods. That's their fiduciary responsibility. They want to make money for their shareholders. But what we have to do is shift that incentivization away and actually put laws on the books, guidelines on the book, where it's not just a handshake agreement and saying, please phase out these ingredients, but make sure what we're phasing out will actually help," he said.Doctor Mike uses his YouTube channel to provide health information to millions of his subscribers, but also believes government agencies need to take a role in education to help Americans make better dietary decisions."We need to bring back education surrounding nutrition labels. And this needs to happen on a massive scale. Like I can do it on my social media all day long. But if the government agencies are now participating in this research, if it's not making its way to middle schools, junior high schools, high schools colleges, we're doing a disservice to our children," he said.Doctor Mike wrote a Fox News op-ed in May about his opinions of RFK Jr. and the direction of the HHS, stating "our nations health system is in shambles, and the leadership of HHS plays a pivotal role in fixing this disaster."Doctor Mike alleges that Kennedy, known for his vaccine skepticism, shares medical "misinformation," and doesn't believe he is the right person to lead the department."Today, I say that Kennedy is the wrong person to lead HHS.The integrity of our nations health agencies demands leadership grounded in facts, research, and transparency not misinformation," Doctor Mike said.However, he is open to talking with him."I think no matter how much you disagree with someone, the first step is to find common ground," Doctor Mike said. "And if there's truly an appetite for wanting to make people healthier, wanting people to make better decisions for themselves, I'm all for it."NUTRITIONISTS REACT TO THE RED FOOD DYE BAN: TOOK FAR TOO LONGThe MAHA commission is focusing on four policy directives to reverse chronic disease, including providing Americans transparency on health data to "avoid conflicts of interest in all federally funded health research;" prioritizing "gold-standard research on why Americans are getting sick" in all federally-funded health research; working with farmers to ensure food is healthy, as well as affordable; and expanding health coverage and treatment options "for beneficial lifestyle changes and disease prevention."Reached for comment, an HHS spokesperson told Fox News Digital, "Targeting harmful additives isnt 'nitpicking,' it is a necessary first step in confronting a broken food system thats fueling Americas chronic disease epidemic. As highlighted in the MAHA report, our nation's children are increasingly neglecting the whole foods essential for their health as the consumption of ultra-processed foods has surged. More than 1 in 5 U.S. children over age 6 are obesea 270% increase since the 1970s."Meaningful, systemic change requires more than general advice; it demands bold action and accountability. That is exactly what Secretary Kennedy is delivering."Fox News' Ashley J. DiMella and Emma Colton contributed to this report.

FIRST ON FOX:The Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has lashed out at China, Russia and Iran for threatening U.S. national security interests in Africa in exclusive comments to Fox News Digital.In a wide-ranging interview, Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, discussed the Trump administration's approach to Africa, highlighting terrorism, war and concerns over trade on the continent. Risch emphasized the importance of Africa to the U.S."The economic opportunities in Africa cannot be understated, and the United States needs to have a seat at the table regarding trade and investment in the region," he said. "At the same time, there are serious national security challenges we need to address head on to include terrorism, widespread conflicts affecting regional stability, migration and trafficking."TRUMP'S CRITICISM OF SOUTH AFRICA'S VIOLENT CRIME CRISIS RECEIVES UNEXPECTED LOCAL SUPPORTRussia, China and Iran have been criticized by Risch as being malign actors inAfrica, accused of military interventions, exploitative trade practices, and in Irans case, reported to be working on an agreement to extract refined "yellowcake" uranium for its controversial nuclear program."The malign actions of China and Russia, and even regional actors like Iran, are serious challenges to our national security interests in Africa," Risch said. "Countering the influence of these aggressors is as much about the U.S. pursuing greater partnerships with African states as it is about responding to the challenges put forward by countries like Russia and China in Africa."Risch weighed in on the role of the U.S. military on the continent, saying it "is to protect the American people, first and foremost, and that goal should remain the same in Africa. We have serious security threats in Africa, and we must take them seriously. Remember, Osama bin Laden hid in Sudan, bombed our embassies there, and planned his 9/11 attack."Then theres the question of Islamist terror. Risch said he was "concerned about the spread of Islamist militants throughout parts of Africa, and has supported efforts to work with countries to help them get this situation under control."He added, "I am mindful that it is ultimately not up to us to confront this problem, and we have to stop being the only major player providing international support. Others, including African nations, must do more."REPUBLICAN SENATORS MOVE TO BLOCK SOMALIA TERROR FUNDING UNTIL ALLIES PAY 'FAIR SHARE'Washington has Somalian terror clearly on its radar. In banning Somalians from entering the U.S. earlier this month, a White House proclamation stated, "The United States Government has identified Somalia as a terrorist safe haven."Al-Qaeda and Islamic State-affiliated terrorists operate openly. The U.S. military, through its Africa Command, has ramped up action against the groups since President Trump took office. So far this month, the U.S. has already carried out six air strikes against Islamic State in Somalia."I have advocated so strongly for the United States to build an approach that relies less on a central government partner that has not delivered, and more on partners in Somalia and the region to bring about effective counterterrorism gains."Fortunately, President Trumps Africa policy has already shown he thinks outside the box, as demonstrated by the handling of recent airstrikes on Somalia with less hand-wringing, and more direct and decisive action."In Sudan, Russia and Iran have been fingered as protagonists pushing military agendas and war. An estimated 150,000 have been killed, and more than 12 million displaced, since civil war broke out in April 2023."The war in Sudan must end,and the partition of the Sudanese state must be prevented. This is the worst humanitarian disaster in the world, and a playground for malign actors backing both sides," he said.BOLD MOVE TO KEEP AMERICANS SAFE FROM TERRORISTS IS BASIS FOR US TRAVEL BAN FOR SOME AFRICAN NATIONSOn President Donald Trump's spearheading of efforts to bring peace to the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Risch said, "I know this administration is working hard to secure a deal between DRC and Rwanda that will end the fighting. America must serve as a counterweight to Chinas critical minerals deals in the region, but cant fully do so until the region is more stable."In South Africa, government ministers continue to meet with senior Russian, Chinese and Iranian officials. The African National Congress political party, which South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is the leader of, has hosted officials from the Hamas terror group. Yet the country benefits from duty-free benefits for products like cars and fruit in the U.S. under the African Growth and Opportunity Act, AGOA, and other trade deals.Risch told Fox News Digital, "I have consistently raised national security concerns about South Africas AGOA eligibility. AGOA is set to expire later this year, and President Trumps current tariff regime already overrides many of its benefits. I remain critical of the South African governments posture, which is why I applauded Secretary Rubios decision not to allow U.S. representation at the G20."In November, South Africa is due to hand over the chairmanship of the G20 to the U.S. But at this time Washington is not sending a single official to the handover ceremony.Fox News Digital reached out to the South African government, but received no response.

Irish officials have begun excavating the grounds of a former home forunwed mothers which authorities say contains the remains of around 800 babies and young children who died there."Its a very, very difficult, harrowing story and situation," Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said Monday. "We have to wait to see what unfolds now as a result of the excavation."MYSTERIOUS 'DUMPED' BODIES OF WOMAN AND CHILD FOUND BY ARCHAEOLOGISTS IN PICTURESQUE TOWNThe former Bon Secours Mother and Baby Home in western Ireland which closed in 1961 and was run by Catholic nuns was one of many mother-and-baby homes during the 20th century in the European country. The homes housed unmarried pregnant women as well as tens of thousands of orphans, according to The Associated Press.Historian Catherine Corless tracked down death certificates in 2014 for nearly 800 children who died at the Bon Secours Mother and Baby Home between the 1920s and 1961. However, she could only find a burial record for one child, the AP reported.ARCHAEOLOGISTS MAKE GRIM DISCOVERY AFTER FINDING ANCIENT ROMAN BUILDINGSA mass grave was later discovered by investigators in an underground sewage structure at the home. DNA analysis found the structure contained the remains of infants and young children between the ages of 35 weeks gestation and 3 years old, according to the AP.Family members and survivors will soon have the opportunity to view the works, according to Daniel MacSweeney, who is leading the exhumation of the infant remains."This is a unique and incredibly complex excavation," MacSweeney said in a statement.ARCHAEOLOGISTS UNEXPECTEDLY UNCOVER HUNDREDS OF SKELETONS, MEDIEVAL CHURCH BENEATH UNIVERSITY CAMPUSAny remains recovered from the site will be analyzed and preserved by forensic experts. Identified remains will be returned to family members, while unidentified remains will be buried. The work is expected to take two years to complete, the AP reported.The sisters who ran the former Bon Secours Mother and Baby Home previously offered a "profound apology," acknowledging they failed to protect the dignity of the women and children that lived there, according to the AP.In 2021, Prime Minister Martin issued a former state apology after a report found that 9,000 children died in 18 mother-and-baby homes during the 20th century in Ireland.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPDaniel MacSweeney and Irelands National Police and Security Service, AnGarda Sochna, did not immediately respond to Fox News Digitals request for comment.