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Arnold Schwarzenegger gave son-in-law Chris Pratt a giant bizarre Christmas gift
Chris Pratt received a unique Christmas gift from his father-in-law.
During a recent appearance on "The Graham Norton Show," the 46-year-old actor shared the one-of-a-kind gift he received from his father-in-law, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"His love language is giving gifts. That's for sure, he just goes all out," he said. "This year, one was like a six-foot by eight-foot portrait painting of all three of my children and him as Santa Claus. And it's very lifelike, and it's very big, and it's him as Santa Claus and then the three kids peering around the Christmas tree seeing him eat a cookie."
Due to its size, Pratt admitted he isn't "sure exactly what we're supposed to do with that the rest of the year," adding they will probably "break that out in November sometime."
In addition to the "very thoughtful gift," Pratt shared that Arnold also gifted him a pair of boots that he once wore in a movie.
Pratt is married to the former governor of California's daughter, Katherine Schwarzenegger, and the couple share three children: Lyla, 5, Eloise, 3, and Ford, 1. He is also a father to son Jack, 13, who he shares with ex-wife, Anna Faris.
The "Guardians of the Galaxy" star celebrated Jack's 13th birthday on Instagram in August 2025, sharing photos of the two of them on various outings, including feeding animals, wearing matching Dodgers jerseys and watching a Detroit Lions game.
"I have a teenager???" Pratt wrote over the pictures shared to his Instagram stories. "Jack, I can't believe you are 13 today. I've watched you grow into such an incredible young man, and am truly proud of the person you are becoming."
During a March appearance on "Fox & Friends," Pratt discussed how the premature birth of his son in 2012 strengthened his connection to his faith, when he made "deals with God" to save his son. Jack was born seven weeks early and only weighed 3 pounds, 10 ounces.
"The most impactful moment was when my son was born," he explained. "He was born early and had some health scares, and in that moment, I really made some deals with God, as you do when you're praying, and I felt like if you save my son, I will give you everything."
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Pratt previously received backlash in November 2021 when he thanked Katherine for providing him with a "healthy daughter," with many believing it was insensitive toward Faris.
"For me if was the emphasis on ‘healthy child’ like your firstborn is lesser in your eyes," one commenter wrote. "You need to go read that sentence thru HIS eyes & apologize to him bcuz your wording was cruel Dude..."
His mother-in-law, Maria Shriver, defended him amid the backlash, reminding him in the comments section "what a good man you are and what a great father you are to jack and lyla."
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"What a great husband you are to Katherine… what a great son-in-law you are to me and what a great sense of humor you have," she wrote. "Rise above the noise. Your family loves you. What a beautiful life. I'm proud of you."
Olympic gold medal gymnast Shawn Johnson gives early analysis for 2028 US team
The 2028 U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Team will be the first to compete on home soil since 1996. It could also possibly be their first without Simone Biles since 2012.
Balance beam gold medalist Shawn Johnson won one of two U.S. Olympic golds in Beijing in 2008, eight years before Biles arrived.
Now, with the Los Angeles Games nearly two years away, Johnson answered on whether she believes the U.S. can win gold if Biles doesn't compete.
"Historically speaking, the U.S. is the most dominant gymnastics team we will ever see, always. So I have the greatest amount of faith in the United States gymnastics team," Johnson told Fox News Digital.
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"Simone is the greatest of all time, she has stamped her place in history forever. And that will never change. But she has also set a standard and a precedent for our country that I think will continue forever."
Johnson plans to be there in Los Angeles to watch in person. When asked which gymnasts she is most looking forward to seeing compete in LA, Johnson said, "I have so much faith in all these little ones coming up, and ones who are wanting to repeat… so all of them."
With advancements in sports science and wellness playing heavier than ever into which country gains a competitive advantages, Johnson revealed the mindset she believes the women gymnasts should adopt for their health.
"I would just say to a young woman gymnast wanting to go to the Olympics, to listen to your body. I think a lot of girls, especially in gymnastics, push themselves so hard. And it's really important that you prioritize your health, mentally and physically, above all else," she said.
LA OLYMPICS SCHEDULES TOP WOMEN'S EVENT BEFORE MEN'S FOR FIRST TIME EVER
The U.S. women's gymnastics team is coming off a historically poor performance at the World Championships in October, winning just two total medals and no golds.
It was the country's lowest medal total in the international competition since 2001.
The only two medalists for the U.S. were Leanne Wong, who won an all-around silver, and Joscelyn Roberson, who won bronze on vault.
China finished ahead of the U.S. with three women's medals, while neutral athletes competing on behalf of Russia also won three.
"It was rough," U.S. program lead Chellsie Memmel said, according to Olympics.com. "There were some very good pieces, but then there was rough. I didn’t feel like there was an attack of their events and their skills overall. There were still good things, but I have work to do.
It was only the third year since 2006 in which the U.S. didn't finish with the most women's medals since 2006, aside from 2017 and 2021, when it tied with Japan and Russia for most.
Biles, Suni Lee, Jade Carey and Jordan Chiles were the notable athletes on the U.S.'s 2024 Paris team that won three gold medals, including team and all-around who did not represent the U.S. at the World Championships.
Biles has not ruled out competing at the 2028 LA Games, but has also said she has taken time off from gymnastics, per Olympics.com.
"I’m not sure what 2028 looks like, but I will be there in some capacity. I just don’t know right now if it’s on the floor or in the stands. But I definitely want to go and be a part of that movement," Biles said.
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Crowd-for-hire boss rejects Minneapolis unrest as illegal chaos
As anti-ICE agitators disrupt streets across Minneapolis, the CEO of a national protest-organizing firm says the demonstrations have crossed into illegal territory, prompting his company to stay away entirely.
Adam Swart, chief executive officer of Crowds on Demand, told Fox News Digital his firm "would not touch the Minneapolis protests with a 10-foot pole," citing blocked roadways, obstruction of federal agents, and threats against authorities following a fatal shooting during an ICE enforcement operation.
"Blocking roadways, obstructing federal agents, and threatening authorities are illegal, and we don’t engage in any form of illegal protest," Swart said, warning the chaos playing out on city streets will have the opposite effect demonstrators claim to want. "The impact of these protests will actually be to increase ICE operations, not decrease them."
Swart said mixing peaceful protesters with agitators creates serious risks on multiple fronts.
AG PAM BONDI WARNS MINNESOTA PROTESTERS AFTER ICE SHOOTING: 'DO NOT TEST OUR RESOLVE'
"A lot of the people protesting on the streets are actually violent," he said. "They are unhinged, unstable people who pose a risk to peaceful protesters. That’s why we’re staying out."
Swart rejected claims that blocking roads or confronting officers amounts to "nonviolent resistance," calling those actions inherently dangerous, particularly during active law enforcement operations.
"When you block the ability of federal agents to get in and out of a scene, you are putting them at risk from a violent mob," he said. "That ability to enter and exit safely is fundamental to law enforcement."
He added that winter conditions only compound the danger.
"The roads are icy and snowy," Swart said. "You’re creating barriers that put vehicles at risk, and you’re also putting yourself and other protesters at risk."
Beyond law enforcement concerns, Swart warned that road blockages endanger the broader community.
NOEM ALLEGES WOMAN KILLED IN ICE SHOOTING 'STALKING AND IMPEDING' AGENTS ALL DAY
"Who else can’t get through when roads are blocked? Ambulances. Fire trucks," he said. "Emergency services have nothing to do with politics, and you’re making it impossible for them to do their jobs."
Swart said such tactics ultimately undermine protesters’ stated goals and strip their message of credibility.
"When protesters commit illegal activity, what’s lost is the substance of the message," he said. "People don’t hear what you’re protesting, they just see the blocked street."
MAYOR JACOB FREY TELLS ICE TO 'GET THE F--- OUT OF MINNEAPOLIS,' REJECTS DHS SELF-DEFENSE STATEMENT
The agitators took to the streets after a fatal encounter between ICE agents and 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good during a federal enforcement operation in south Minneapolis, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
DHS said agents were attempting to make arrests when Good allegedly attempted to use her vehicle as a weapon against officers, prompting a federal agent to fire in self-defense, killing Good. The incident remains under investigation.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the shooting was "preventable" and occurred amid escalating interference with federal officers. She said ICE agents became stranded when one of their vehicles was stuck in the snow and were surrounded and blocked by agitators.
According to Noem, Good repeatedly obstructed officers, ignored commands to exit her vehicle, and then "weaponized her vehicle" in an attempt to run over an officer, who was struck and later treated at a hospital.
Swart said the unrest following the shooting underscores why his firm refuses to participate in confrontational activity.
"The chaos on the streets of Minneapolis shows why our approach—peaceful, lawful, persuasive, respectful—is the most effective," he said.
MINNEAPOLIS PROTESTERS CONFRONT FEDERAL AGENTS DAY AFTER DEADLY SHOOTING
Swart warned the street unrest is actively counterproductive.
"If protesters think this will deter ICE, they’re wrong," he said. "What’s far more likely is that ICE will increase its presence to deal with agitators. The administration will want to show it won’t be intimidated."
He added that he has long offered Minneapolis leaders and stakeholders the opportunity to run lawful campaigns aimed at improving safety and restoring order, but said fear and intimidation have stalled those efforts.
ENRAGED ANTI-ICE PROFESSORS SLAM AMERICA, DEMAND 'NUREMBERG' TRIALS FOR AGENTS: ‘MODERATE POSITION’
Swart blamed that climate for the city’s continued decline, pointing to reduced police presence, shuttered businesses and the recent loss of Minneapolis’ only commuter rail line.
"There’s no one in Minneapolis who believes the city is well run," he said. "It’s failing by any objective standard."
Swart said the city can still recover, but only if residents reject intimidation and lawlessness.
"This can be your rock bottom," he said. "You don’t need to fall further. But people have to find the courage to stand up for their city."
"I want to engage in making Minneapolis a better place," Swart added. "Not adding to the chaos currently unfolding."
'Wonder Years' star Danica McKellar celebrates 51st birthday with authentic no-filter selfie
Danica McKellar celebrated her 51st birthday with a bared-faced selfie.
"This is 51!" the Great American Family star wrote on her Instagram last weekend while wearing a red flannel shirt, cross necklace and her wavy hair down. She continued, "No makeup, no filters, just front-facing lighting and a healthy lifestyle to look - and more importantly - feel the best I can."
The "Wonder Years" alum said she spent her day doing puzzles with her family, working out, and she even did a cold plunge in the ocean, "and we're about to have dinner."
"Feeling blessed beyond words today!! And fun fact, 51 is not a prime number; 3 x 17 = 51," the author of multiple math books, including her most recent counting book "I Love You 100," said.
The star got some celebrity love in her comments.
Mario Lopez wrote: "HBD Danica!" with a fire emoji and Candace Cameron Bure commented: "Happy birthday Danica!!" and praised her as a "beauty inside and out."
McKellar dished some of her health secrets to Fox News Digital late last year, revealing that she stays slim by making sure she fills up on healthy foods.
"My secret — one of my secrets — is that I don't eat dessert or anything that's bad for me until I'm totally full with all the healthy stuff," she explained. "Once I'm full on the healthy stuff, then I'll have maybe a couple bites. But I don't want to be hungry when I'm eating the bad stuff."
The January birthday girl also said that she doesn’t make New Year’s resolutions.
"I'm not sure why," she mused. "I think because every day I try to just resolve to be the best person I can be, to do what God wants me to do, to keep listening to God for guidance," she said during the interview. "In fact, one of the themes of my Christmas movie is listening to God."
McKellar stressed that she eats a "very boring diet," and her "No. 1 secret to staying fit, healthy, and youthful" is drinking lots of water.
KATHY IRELAND SAYS STAYING YOUNG IS A ‘STATE OF MIND’ AS SHE EMBRACES LIFE AT 62
"I really don't drink alcohol. I don't drink coffee. I don't drink soda, certainly nothing with artificial flavors or sweeteners," she explained. "I think that stuff is evil, and it actually messes up your body more than if you just had sugar. Although sugar is really bad for you. So, I just try to stay away from all that stuff."
A few days before her birthday, the actress shared several photos from her ‘20s New Year's Eve party.
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"Happy New Year from our 1920's murder mystery NYE party last night!" she wrote on Instagram.
McKellar was dressed in a black, sparkly flapper dress while her husband, Scott Sveslosky, wore a white tux with a black bow tie.
"I mean it's the 20's, right?" she wrote. "And oh how we love any excuse to dress up, ha! Wishing you all a restful day and a beautiful start to the new year!"
She also shared a photo of her teenage son, Draco, looking a little older at the party wearing a suit and a (rather bushy) fake mustache.
Gwyneth Paltrow's teen son left mortified by mother's sex scenes with younger actor
Gwyneth Paltrow's teenage son had a front-row seat to her latest movie — and instantly regretted it.
The Oscar-winning actress shared that her son, Moses Martin, had a particularly brutal reaction to watching her intimate scenes with Timothée Chalamet in her latest film, "Marty Supreme."
Paltrow, 53, joked that the experience was nothing short of mortifying for her 19-year-old son.
GWYNETH PALTROW GOT 'FIRED' FROM MOVIE AFTER HER 'CONSCIOUS UNCOUPLING' DIVORCE BACKLASH
"Oh my God! My poor son," Paltrow told Demi Moore during a Q&A event supporting the movie Friday, according to People.
"Can you imagine when he came to the premiere in L.A.? He wanted to die," Paltrow said.
Moses is Paltrow’s youngest child with ex-husband Chris Martin. The former couple also share daughter Apple, 21.
While Paltrow has never shied away from candid conversations about life, parenting or relationships, she acknowledged that watching a parent in a sex scene hits differently.
Set in 1950s New York, the film "Marty Supreme" centers on Chalamet’s character, Marty Mauser, a shoe salesman consumed by his quest to become the greatest table-tennis player in the world.
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Paltrow’s role places her opposite Chalamet in the film, which includes sex scenes her son would likely prefer to forget.
Meanwhile, Paltrow previously revisited a memorable moment from her past — when her high-profile divorce and its "conscious uncoupling" phrasing once led to real career consequences.
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"I was supposed to do a movie at one point, and it was right after the conscious uncoupling thing with Chris and there was a lot of harsh stuff in the press. The distributor was like, this might be too hot to touch," Paltrow said on the "Good Hang with Amy Poehler" podcast.
"That was great because I was getting a divorce, and then I got fired. That was so awesome."
She added, "Say you had a really nasty divorce or your parents had a nasty divorce, and then you hear this idea that it doesn't have to be done this way," Paltrow explained. "I think the implicit learning is like, ‘Oh f---, they’re saying I did something wrong,’ which, of course, that wasn’t the intention."
The "Shakespeare in Love" actress first brought attention to the term when she and Martin announced their divorce in 2014.
Fox News Digital's Christina Dugan Ramirez contributed to this report.
ESPN star's past Indiana criticism back in spotlight as Hoosier surges to CFP national title game
Kirk Herbstreit has spent the last three decades analyzing college football teams and games. He was not on hand for Friday’s Peach Bowl broadcast, but Indiana’s dominant College Football Playoff run still put him back in the spotlight.
Last season, Indiana qualified for the CFP for the first time in program history. Notre Dame ultimately defeated the Hoosiers in the first round. Indiana earning one of the coveted 12 spots in the playoff was met with some criticism, with Herbstreit among those who questioned the selection committee after Indiana's early postseason exit.
"I hope next that the committee won’t get caught up in what social media and a lot of fringe fans get caught up in … which is wins," Herbstreit said in December 2024 when asked to share his takeaway from the first-round games.
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"'They had 11 wins, they must be good.' Who did they beat, I think is much more important than how many wins you have. That's [an] old school way of approaching it. Indiana having 11 wins and beating nobody, that doesn't mean they're one of the 12 best teams. Remember… there's a big difference between 'deserving' and 'best.' What this is all about is giving us the best 12 teams."
The Hoosiers have had little trouble getting past either of the two opponents they’ve faced in the 2025 CFP.
INDIANA COACH CURT CIGNETTI WANTED ONE THING AFTER HISTORIC VICTORY OVER OREGON
Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza completed 17 of 20 passes and threw five touchdown passes en route to Indiana’s 56-22 victory over Oregon in the semifinal. After the game, Herbstreit’s past critique of the last Big Ten team standing in the current playoff drew renewed scrutiny.
One social media user asserted that Herbstreit is "insufferable," while another suggested the former Ohio State quarterback’s criteria was inconsistent. Others defended Herbstreit, with one X account writing, "He’s not wrong overall."
Shortly after Miami outlasted Ole Miss in Thursday’s Fiesta Bowl, Herbstreit delivered a blunt recruiting message to the sport’s other coaches.
"One thing that I think we’ve been able to witness first hand, if you’re a coach watching this or GM watching this, while you’re chasing five-stars and agents, free agents, and everything you’re dealing with, this is still a team sport, and it’s about winning games."
"Indiana, they don’t got a lot of five stars. You know what they've got? They've got a team," he told On3.
"If you don’t build that and you just chase five stars, you’re never gonna be here on that stage. You better stop chasing just this craziness, and you better step back and say, ‘If those are your demands, get outta here. We're gonna go find guys that want to be a part of this,'" Herbstreit concluded.
Alabama and Oregon — Indiana’s two opponents in this year’s CFP — have been outscored by a combined 69 points. The Hoosiers will meet Miami in the national title game on Jan. 19.
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Rams' Matthew Stafford named first-team All-Pro quarterback over Patriots' Drake Maye amid heated MVP race
The Associated Press announced the All-Pro teams on Saturday, and Los Angeles Rams star quarterback Matthew Stafford was named to the first team over New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.
Stafford being named to the first team over Maye is a strong indication that the 37-year-old could be in line to win his first MVP award. There have been just three instances where the MVP winner was not named to the first team at his respective positions.
The first was John Elway in 1987, when he won the MVP but Joe Montana was named as the first-team All-Pro quarterback. In 2003, Peyton Manning and Steve McNair were named co-MVPs, but Manning was named as the first-team All-Pro quarterback.
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The other instance was last season, when Lamar Jackson was named as the first-team All-Pro but Josh Allen won the MVP.
Stafford beat out Maye by 13 votes, marking it as the first time in his career that he has made the first-team All-Pro squad.
FALCONS HIRE FRANCHISE LEGEND MATT RYAN TO MAJOR FRONT OFFICE ROLE
In 17 games this season, Stafford completed 65% of his passes for 4,707 yards, 46 touchdowns and eight interceptions. The Rams star led the NFL in yards and passing touchdowns this season.
Maye completed 72% of his passes for 4,394 yards with 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions while also rushing for 450 yards and four touchdowns. The 23-year-old quarterback led the NFL in completion percentage.
Both quarterbacks are playing this weekend in the playoffs. Stafford and the Rams will look to avenge their Nov. 30, 31-28 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Saturday while Maye’s Patriots will take on the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night.
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Covenant Health data breach affects nearly 500,000 patients
When a healthcare data breach is first disclosed, the number of people affected is often far lower than the final tally. That figure frequently climbs as investigations continue.
That's exactly what happened with Andover, Mass.-based Covenant Health. The Catholic healthcare provider has now confirmed that a cyberattack discovered last May may have affected nearly 500,000 patients, a sharp increase from the fewer than 8,000 people it initially reported earlier this year.
A ransomware group later claimed responsibility for the incident, though Covenant Health has not publicly confirmed the use of ransomware. The attackers accessed names, addresses, Social Security numbers and health information, among other sensitive data that could put patients at serious risk.
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UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX DATA BREACH HITS 3.5M PEOPLE
Covenant Health says it detected unusual activity in its IT environment on May 26, 2025. A later investigation revealed that an attacker had actually gained access eight days earlier, on May 18, and was able to access patient data during that window.
In July, Covenant Health told regulators that the breach impacted 7,864 individuals. After completing what it describes as extensive data analysis, the organization now says that up to 478,188 individuals may have been affected.
Covenant Health operates hospitals, nursing and rehabilitation centers, assisted living residences and elder care organizations across New England and parts of Pennsylvania. That wide footprint means the breach potentially touched patients across multiple states and care settings.
In late June, the Qilin ransomware group claimed responsibility for the attack, as reported by Bleeping Computer. The group alleged it stole 852 GB of data, totaling nearly 1.35 million files. Covenant Health has not confirmed those figures, but it did acknowledge that patient information was accessed.
According to the organization, the exposed data may have included names, addresses, dates of birth, medical record numbers, Social Security numbers, health insurance details and treatment information such as diagnoses, dates of treatment and types of care received.
700CREDIT DATA BREACH EXPOSES SSNS OF 5.8M CONSUMERS
In a notice sent to regulators and patients, Covenant Health says it engaged third-party forensic specialists to investigate the incident and determine what data was involved. The organization says its data analysis is ongoing as it continues identifying individuals whose information may have been involved.
Then there are the familiar statements every company makes after a breach, claiming they've strengthened the security of their IT systems to help prevent similar incidents in the future. Covenant Health says it has also set up a dedicated toll-free call center to handle questions related to the breach.
Beginning Dec. 31, 2025, the organization started mailing notification letters to patients whose information may have been compromised. For individuals whose Social Security numbers may have been involved, Covenant Health is offering complimentary credit monitoring and identity theft protection services.
We reached out to Covenant Health, and the company confirmed the expanded scope of the incident and outlined steps being taken to notify patients and enhance security safeguards.
DATA BREACH EXPOSES 400K BANK CUSTOMERS’ INFO
If you received a notice from Covenant Health or if your data has been exposed in any healthcare breach, these steps can help reduce the risk of misuse.
If the organization offers you credit monitoring or identity protection, take it. These services can alert you to suspicious activity tied to your Social Security number, credit file or identity details before real damage is done. If you're not offered one and want to be on the safer side, you might consider getting one yourself.
Identity Theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security Number (SSN), phone number and email address, and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals.
See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft at Cyberguy.com
Medical identity theft often shows up quietly. Review an explanation of benefits (EOBs), insurance claims and billing statements for services you don't recognize. If something looks off, report it to your insurer immediately.
A fraud alert tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before approving credit. A credit freeze goes further by blocking new accounts entirely unless you lift it. If Social Security numbers were exposed, a freeze is usually the safer option.
To learn more about how to do this, go to Cyberguy.com and search "How to freeze your credit."
Healthcare breaches often lead to credential-stuffing attacks elsewhere. A password manager ensures every account uses a unique password, so one exposed dataset can't unlock everything else. It also makes it easier to update passwords quickly after a breach.
Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our No. 1 password manager pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials.
Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 at Cyberguy.com.
Breaches are frequently followed by phishing emails, texts or calls that reference the incident to sound legitimate. Attackers may pose as the healthcare provider, an insurer or a credit bureau. Don't click links or share information unless you verify the source independently.
The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have 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 at Cyberguy.com.
Once your data leaks, it often spreads across data broker sites. Personal data removal services help reduce your digital footprint by requesting takedowns from these databases. While they can't erase everything, they lower your exposure and make targeted fraud harder.
While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren't 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. It's 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 visiting Cyberguy.com.
Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.
You're entitled to free credit reports from all major bureaus. Check them for unfamiliar accounts, hard inquiries or address changes. Catching fraud early makes it far easier to contain.
Healthcare organizations remain prime targets for cybercriminal groups because of the volume and sensitivity of the data they store. Medical records contain a mix of personal, financial, and health information that is difficult to change once exposed. Unlike a password, you cannot reset a diagnosis or treatment history. This breach also shows how early disclosures often underestimate impact. Large healthcare networks rely on complex systems and third-party vendors, which can slow forensic analysis in the early stages. As investigations continue, the number of affected individuals often climbs.
Do you think healthcare organizations do enough to protect user data? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Grok AI scandal sparks global alarm over child safety
Grok, the built-in chatbot on X, is facing intense scrutiny after acknowledging it generated and shared an AI image depicting two young girls in sexualized attire.
In a public post on X, Grok admitted the content "violated ethical standards" and "potentially U.S. laws on child sexual abuse material (CSAM)." The chatbot added, "It was a failure in safeguards, and I'm sorry for any harm caused. xAI is reviewing to prevent future issues."
That admission alone is alarming. What followed revealed a far broader pattern.
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OPENAI TIGHTENS AI RULES FOR TEENS BUT CONCERNS REMAIN
Grok's apology appeared only after a user prompted the chatbot to write a heartfelt explanation for people lacking context. In other words, the system did not proactively address the issue. It responded because someone asked it to.
Around the same time, researchers and journalists uncovered widespread misuse of Grok's image tools. According to monitoring firm Copyleaks, users were generating nonconsensual, sexually manipulated images of real women, including minors and well-known figures.
After reviewing Grok's publicly accessible photo feed, Copyleaks identified a conservative rate of roughly one nonconsensual sexualized image per minute, based on images involving real people with no clear indication of consent. The firm says the misuse escalated quickly, shifting from consensual self-promotion to large-scale harassment enabled by AI.
Copyleaks CEO and co-founder Alon Yamin said, "When AI systems allow the manipulation of real people's images without clear consent, the impact can be immediate and deeply personal."
PROTECTING KIDS FROM AI CHATBOTS: WHAT THE GUARD ACT MEANS
This is not a gray area. Generating or distributing sexualized images of minors is a serious criminal offense in the United States and many other countries. Under U.S. federal law, such content is classified as child sexual abuse material. Penalties can include five to 20 years in prison, fines up to $250,000 and mandatory sex offender registration. Similar laws apply in the U.K. and France.
In 2024, a Pennsylvania man received nearly eight years in prison for creating and possessing deepfake CSAM involving child celebrities. That case set a clear precedent. Grok itself acknowledged this legal reality in its post, stating that AI images depicting minors in sexualized contexts are illegal.
A July report from the Internet Watch Foundation, a nonprofit that tracks and removes child sexual abuse material online, shows how quickly this threat is accelerating. Reports of AI-generated child sexual abuse imagery jumped by 400% in the first half of 2025 alone. Experts warn that AI tools lower the barrier to potential abuse. What once required technical skill or access to hidden forums can now happen through a simple prompt on a mainstream platform.
The harm is not abstract. Reuters documented cases where users asked Grok to digitally undress real women whose photos were posted on X. In multiple documented cases, Grok fully complied. Even more disturbing, users targeted images of a 14-year-old actress, Nell Fisher, from the Netflix series Stranger Things. Grok later admitted there were isolated cases where users received images depicting minors in minimal clothing. In another Reuters investigation, a Brazilian musician described watching AI-generated bikini images of herself spread across X after users prompted Grok to alter a harmless photo. Her experience mirrors what many women and girls are now facing.
The backlash has gone global. In France, multiple ministers referred X to an investigative agency over possible violations of the EU's Digital Services Act, which requires platforms to prevent and mitigate the spread of illegal content. Violations can trigger heavy fines. In India, the country's IT ministry gave xAI 72 hours to submit a report detailing how it plans to stop the spread of obscene and sexually explicit material generated by Grok. Grok has also warned publicly that xAI could face potential probes from the Department of Justice or lawsuits tied to these failures.
LEAKED META DOCUMENTS SHOW HOW AI CHATBOTS HANDLE CHILD EXPLOITATION
The incident raises serious concerns about online privacy, platform security and the safeguards designed to protect minors.
Elon Musk, the owner of X and founder of xAI, had not offered a public response at the time of publication. That silence comes at a sensitive time. Grok has been authorized for official government use under an 18-month federal contract. This approval was granted despite objections from more than 30 consumer advocacy groups that warned the system lacked proper safety testing.
Over the past year, Grok has been accused by critics of spreading misinformation about major news events, promoting antisemitic rhetoric and sharing misleading health information. It also competed directly with tools like ChatGPT and Gemini while operating with fewer visible safety restrictions. Each controversy raises the same question. Can a powerful AI tool be deployed responsibly without strong oversight and enforcement?
If you encounter sexualized images of minors or other abusive material online, report it immediately. In the United States, you can contact the FBI tip line or seek help from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Do not download, share, screenshot or interact with the content in any way. Even viewing or forwarding illegal material can expose you to serious legal risk.
Parents should also talk with children and teens about AI image tools and social media prompts. Many of these images are created through casual requests that do not feel dangerous at first. Teaching kids to report content, close the app and tell a trusted adult can stop harm from spreading further.
Platforms may fail. Safeguards may lag. But early reporting and clear conversations at home remain one of the most effective ways to protect children online.
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The Grok scandal highlights a dangerous reality. As AI spreads faster, these systems amplify harm at an unprecedented scale. When safeguards fail, real people suffer and children face serious risk. At the same time, trust cannot depend on apologies issued after harm occurs. Instead, companies must earn trust through strong safety design, constant monitoring and real accountability when problems emerge.
Should any AI system be approved for government or mass public use before it proves it can reliably protect children and prevent abuse? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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US military launches airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria, officials say
The U.S. military has launched airstrikes against the Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria, U.S. officials confirmed to Fox News.
The operation marks the second time the U.S. military has struck Islamic State targets in Syria since Dec. 19, following the killing of two Iowa National Guard soldiers and their American interpreter by a lone ISIS gunman.
ISRAEL AND SYRIA RESUME DIPLOMATIC DIALOGUE AFTER MONTHS OF SILENCE UNDER US MEDIATION
The strikes come as U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack said he met in Damascus with Syria’s new leadership to discuss the country’s future. "Today, on behalf of President Donald J. Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, I met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, and members of their team in Damascus," Barrack wrote.
U.S. Central Command said the strikes were carried out "at approximately 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time" and targeted "multiple ISIS targets across Syria."
In a statement, CENTCOM said the operation was part of "Operation Hawkeye Strike," which it said was launched on Dec. 19 "in direct response to the deadly ISIS attack on U.S. and Syrian forces in Palmyra, Syria."
Barrack said the talks focused on "recent developments in Aleppo and the broader path forward for Syria’s historic transition," adding that the United States "welcomes Syria’s historic transition and extends its support to the Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa."
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The White House and the Department of War did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.