Latest news with #experts
Associated Press
3 hours ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Disaster Preparedness: Practical Strategies for Business Continuity
With hurricane season approaching and climate-related disasters on the rise, organizations in sectors like manufacturing, energy, insurance, and law must be ready to respond—not react. This timely, solutions-focused webinar will walk you through the essential elements of disaster preparedness and business continuity planning, offering practical strategies to protect your people, property, and operations. Join experts from Antea Group as they share lessons learned from real-world events and guide you through actions you can take before a crisis hits to minimize downtime, reduce costs, and strengthen resilience. What You'll Learn: Please join us on June 18th at Noon CT! If you can't make the live broadcast, registering will also give you access to the on-demand recording about 2 hours after the presentation ends. Register Here! Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Antea Group
CBS News
4 hours ago
- General
- CBS News
Cicada invasion begins as Brood XIV swarms parts of U.S. See photos.
This year's cicada invasion has started as Brood XIV emerges from underground and swarms parts of the U.S. The insects are expected to be concentrated in Kentucky and Tennessee, and show up in parts of Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, as well as in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, central Pennsylvania and Long Island, New York. It is a one-in-17-year event for Brood XIV, which digs its way up from the soil as it warms and descends on neighborhoods in the billions. The brood, however, is the only group emerging this spring, meaning there likely won't be as many cicadas as last year when multiple broods surfaced simultaneously. Cicada nymphs develop in the soil over a long period and surface when the ground hits 64 degrees Fahrenheit. They can be heard crunching through the grass to climb up trees, plants, people or any vertical surface, with a forceful quality about it. Experts say they're not dangerous to pets or humans, and they don't sting or bite — and aren't poisonous or venomous. Instead, cicadas are also largely beneficial to the ecosystem, serving as a source of food source for birds and other predators. They can aerate soil and provide nutrients for trees when they decompose. Photos show this year's invasion beginning. Periodical cicada nymphs climb the trunk of a maple tree to shed their nymphal skins after a heavy rain, May 16, 2025, in Cincinnati. Carolyn Kaster/AP A periodical cicada nymph climbs to the end of a fern frond, May 16, 2025, in Cincinnati. Carolyn Kaster/AP Periodical cicada nymphs and adults are seen on the underside of a begonia plant after a heavy rain, Friday, May 16, 2025, in Cincinnati. Carolyn Kaster/AP An adult periodical cicada, in the process of shedding its nymphal skin, is seen on May 20, 2025, in Cincinnati. There are two large compound eyes, which are used to visually perceive the world around them, and three small, jewel-like, simple eyes called ocelli center. Carolyn Kaster/AP A periodical cicada flies up from the grass pursued by a cardinal, May 23, 2025, in Cincinnati. Carolyn Kaster/AP A female bluebird picks a periodical cicada from the grass, May 23, 2025, in Cincinnati. Carolyn Kaster/AP and contributed to this report.
The Independent
5 hours ago
- General
- The Independent
Why popular herbal supplements might be toxic for your liver
A growing number of liver damage and toxicity cases are linked to commonly used herbal and dietary supplements, and there has been a significant increase in people with supplement-related liver failure requiring transplants. Studies indicate that up to 20% of liver toxicity cases are connected to supplements, potentially leading to impaired liver function, liver failure, and, in severe cases, death, with over 50,000 liver disease-related deaths occurring annually. Common supplements like turmeric, black cohosh, red yeast rice, Garcinia cambogia, and green tea extract have been identified as potentially harmful, especially in high doses, and may not be accurately labeled. Experts highlight that supplements are not subject to the same rigorous testing as prescription drugs, leading to potential risks, and that many patients do not inform their doctors about their supplement use, increasing the danger. Symptoms of liver damage from supplements include fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice; with researchers advocating for increased awareness and caution in supplement use to prevent future deaths.
Gizmodo
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
VPN Not Working on Netflix? 7 Simple Fixes That Work
Netflix is famous for its region-locked content, which seems to be constantly shifting. One day, you'll find the series you've enjoyed in your library, only for it to be removed the other day. To make matters worse, VPNs not working with Netflix are a typical issue. One that turns an exciting binge-watching afternoon into a scenario of doom and gloom. If Netflix isn't working with a VPN, you're facing several issues. Perhaps a VPN has been detected or you're simply not using a VPN good enough to unblock Netflix content. Whatever the case may be, our experts have come up with a hefty number of useful tips. We'll explain why the problem appears, how to overcome it, and which VPNs to use to reduce the margin of the Netflix proxy error. Your struggle ends today — let us address it together. Netflix Not Working With a VPN: Quick Recap of the Best Solutions In a hurry? Here are our 7 fixes to bypass the Netflix VPN block and access its libraries from anywhere. Use the best VPN for Netflix (we recommend NordVPN). Clear browser cache and cookies. Use a different server. Switch between multiple protocols. Try a dedicated IP address. Disable your IPv6. Seek help from the VPN support team. Use Netflix Problem-free With NordVPN Netflix Not Working With a VPN Explained As a VPN user, you know that Netflix won't work with a VPN occasionally. However, this error manifests in multiple different ways. One of the most common ways is that the streaming service doesn't display the right catalog. Let's say you connect to a server in the United States. This means you have a US IP address. In theory, you should be able to watch Netflix US — right? With a proper choice of provider, it does. However, in some cases, it'll seem like it works, only for the desired movie or series to not appear in the catalog. This still means the VPN isn't working with Netflix. In some cases, people encounter the famous proxy error: 'You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy.' In this case, the VPN is immediately detected, and you know right away that you won't be able to watch anything. Both mechanisms mean that your VPN doesn't work with Netflix. Netflix VPN Not Working: 7 Simple Fixes This isn't the end of the world, however. The streaming service is pretty efficient at blocking VPN-originating IPs. It's also great at detecting proxy service users and shooting them down to prevent access. If your VPN still won't work with Netflix, here are 7 tried and tested fixes to consider: 1. Use a Reputable VPN for Netflix The most effective way to overcome this problem is to use a VPN that actually works. We recommend these three: NordVPN — the best pick for streaming overall; ExpressVPN — a speedy option for Ultra HD streaming; Proton VPN — many dedicated streaming servers. Having tested them many times, we can confirm they work with multiple popular libraries. Moreover, they have servers in 105 to 118 countries, making it pretty simple to alter your Netflix region and unblock content. These providers offer many streaming-friendly features. For instance, all three come with unrestricted bandwidth. This is essential for watching shows and movies in high resolution. An important aspect to consider is speed — all three have 10 Gbps server ports backed by modern protocols such as NordLynx, Lightway Turbo, and WireGuard. Another point goes towards compatibility. They supply VPN clients for all devices and even offer capable browser extensions with a location spoofing function. This leaves ample space to unblock Netflix US abroad or enjoy any other library overseas on a multitude of systems. Visit NordVPN Website Our tests have shown that they're streaming-ready, so you usually don't have to fix or tweak anything. Connecting to a server is pretty much all you need. Last but not least, they're risk-free for 30 days, so if you're unsatisfied with one, you'll be able to get a full refund and try another one. Just give free VPNs for Netflix a miss — they're far from good and even farther from extraordinary. 2. Clear Your Browser Data Some issues are bound to occur even with the creme de la creme Netflix VPNs. However, they're usually resolved in a few simple steps. If you're still getting that Netflix proxy error, consider wiping your browser data. Browser data consists of cookies and cache. These bad boys (or girls — we won't assume genders) can make your plans go awry. Cookies and cache contain some location data that can be divulged to the website you're trying to visit. You can have an IP from another country, but if these leftovers say you're in your native country, say 'goodbye' to your happy Sunday afternoons. Luckily, clearing your browser data is pretty simple: Launch your browser (Chrome, Brave, Firefox, etc). We'll use Brave. Go to Privacy and Security. At the very top, select Delete Browsing Data. Under the Basic tab, select all three options. Make sure to select the time range — we usually choose the last 24 hours, but you can do more or less and see what works for you. Finally, click on Delete Data to complete the process. After the browser restarts, connect to a VPN server again and see if the problem has vanished. PRO TIP: After clearing your browser data, also try to access the streaming platform through your browser's Incognito window. It seems to have a positive effect for many users who are struggling with a VPN that's not working with Netflix. 3. Use a Different Server One of the easiest fixes is to use a different server. I mean, it's a no-brainer, but although it sounds logical, this fix won't always work, especially if you're using a different server in the same country. However, it's worth giving a shot if you're struggling to access geo-blocked Netflix movies and series. Open up your VPN and instead of just clicking or tapping the country, choose a specific city-level server. If it doesn't work, do the same, but pick a different one instead. Try out your luck, and after a bit of experimenting, you should be able to pick the one that works. 4. Experiment With Protocols Modern VPN providers offer a handful of protocols, each with its distinct function and characteristics. We explained OpenVPN and WireGuard here, but there's more than meets the eye when it comes to protocol selection. If you choose NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark, you'll have several protocols, such as: NordLynx , NordWhisper , and OpenVPN (NordVPN) , , and (NordVPN) Lightway , Lightway Turbo , and OpenVPN (ExpressVPN) , , and OpenVPN (ExpressVPN) WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN (Proton VPN) The first two have proprietary protocols worth trying out. NordLynx, in particular, is great at overcoming geo-blocks, while NordWhisper avoids network filtering. Lightway is more speed-focused, while the Turbo version leverages multi-lane support for even faster speeds. Both Lightway options support UDP and TCP standards. Unblocking content is usually easier with TCP, while UDP focuses more on performance. We also recommend dabbling in OpenVPN and IKEv2 — these two were massive before WireGuard overthrew them. Usually, the best option is to let the VPN decide on the protocol. However, when you want to address a VPN not working with Netflix, you aim to think outside the box and break the shell around you. Switching your protocols won't hurt — you can go back to the 'Automatic' option anyway. Try this and see if it works for you. 5. Try a Dedicated IP Address Netflix has learned to be wary of users trying to access it through a VPN. Apart from deep packet inspection, the service is programmed to detect VPN-originating IPs cunningly. Namely, it can detect shared IPs by observing the level of usage. If the IP is overused, i.e., it's sending multiple requests at a time, chances are it's shared by multiple users. In that case, the IP is promptly blocked and kept on Netflix's blacklist. Next time you use this IP, Netflix won't work with a VPN either. The solution lies in a dedicated IP, which, as its name implies, is used only by one person. This, you'll agree, sounds much less suspicious. The downside is that a dedicated IP is in one location and is charged per IP address. Plus, you must have an active VPN subscription to get it. If you're okay with that, NordVPN is the best VPN for dedicated IP addresses. It offers dedicated IPs at as low as $4.19/mo for 24 months. Try Dedicated IP Addresses from NordVPN Plus, you can pick from multiple locations, including the USA, the UK, Canada, Japan, Poland, Germany, France, Norway, South Africa, etc. The said price applies to one IP, so you'll have to decide on which catalog you want to watch. After that, purchase it and you're all set. Just a quick tip: go for the monthly plan to ensure your dedicated IP address works with the Netflix library you want to access. If need be, you can extend your plan to a year or two, and use your IP for binge sessions. 6. Disable Your IPv6 Address Disabling your IPv6 is a good fix to try if you've run out of 'gas'. At this point, however, we believe you've fixed your problem of Netflix not working with a VPN. If you're unlucky, disabling your IPv6 might be the magic you're looking for. Here's how to disable it: Windows 10 & 11 Go to Settings. Select Network & Internet. Click on Advanced Network Settings. Locate your adapter, and under More Adapter Options, click Edit. Find Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) and uncheck it. Press OK to confirm your settings. macOS Open System Settings. Go to Network. Select Wi-Fi and find your network. Click Advanced next to the selected network. Select TCP/IP and in the drop-down selection, press Configure IPv6. Click Link-Local Only and confirm your settings. 7. Reach Your VPN's Customer Support If all else fails and the doom and gloom slowly approaches, take a moment to contact the support team of your VPN. They should be able to help additionally or even provide specific servers that you can use to fix the VPN not working with Netflix. Just mention the library you want to access and let them find a working server for you. Connect to it, and you should be good to go. We had a good experience with NordVPN a while ago when the support team explained to us how to access ESPN Plus abroad. They advised us to use the browser extension and select a specific US server. Guess what? It worked! How Does Netflix VPN Blocking Work? It's important to know how Netflix VPN blocking works to know how to overcome it. As explained, the service uses many tricks to counteract VPN users. One of them is to blacklist IP addresses associated with them. To detect such IP addresses, the platform checks if the IP is assigned to multiple users by determining the amount of traffic it sends. If an IP sends out an unusual amount of traffic, chances are it belongs to a VPN. There's another, more cunning trick, which involves detecting discrepancies between the user's DNS settings and original IP address. This trick usually works better on iOS and Android devices. We need to clarify that Netflix doesn't block VPN users, but rather IP addresses associated with VPN services. This means that detection won't result in account termination. You can keep using your account regularly, no matter what, which is a relief for VPN users. Why is Netflix Blocking VPNs and Proxies? Streaming services operate according to licensing agreements and copyrights. The same applies to TV channels that can usually broadcast only in their respective countries. We're not experts on this subject, so we'll just say that legal obligations are in the background of the issue. If Netflix has a license to broadcast a movie or series only in specific regions, it'll prevent users from other countries from accessing it. This, in fact, harms Netflix's profit, because these 'illegal' streams don't bring any money to the company or the copyright holder. While geo-blocks are an inconvenience, they're there for valid reasons. Hurdling geo-blocking is possible with a VPN, but according to many, not the most 'ethical' thing to do for the reasons mentioned above. The Bottom Line A VPN not working with Netflix can be a huge setback. Without it, you'll have to be content with not catching up on the latest episode of a binge-worthy show. Luckily, quite a few fixes we listed can aid your endeavors and ensure the VPN does its job without inconveniences. First and foremost, it's vital to choose a reliable provider, and our #1 is NordVPN. ExpressVPN and Surfshark follow closely. Once you're equipped with the right toolkit, watching Netflix shouldn't be a problem. If it is, abide by the steps presented in this guide. Try NordVPN Risk-Free Today
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
When refinancing still makes sense despite high mortgage rates
Refinancing in today's current rate environment isn't for everyone, but there are several reasons why it could be for you. People refinance for reasons beyond the rate. These include tapping equity, changing the loan type and removing a co-borrower from the mortgage. Rates aren't expected to drop much in 2025, but there could be pockets where they dip. Borrowers poised to take advantage of these dips could see some savings if they're refinancing from a higher rate. The amount of mortgage refinances has drastically slowed since the low rates of 2020 through 2022. The 30-year mortgage rate has hovered in the high-6 percent and low-7 percent range since 2023, according to Bankrate's weekly survey, with periodic crests and falls. It's likely that rates will stay stuck in this range for most of 2025, say experts surveyed by Bankrate. Yet, there are still reasons where it might make sense for you to refinance now. Let's dig into them. For most mortgage holders, refinancing right now would not lead to a lower mortgage rate. Over 84 percent of mortgage holders have a rate below 6 percent, according to a report from As a rule of thumb, you want to refinance to a rate that's at least 1 percent lower than your current rate. That's because refinancing isn't free — you'll pay closing costs, and with a 1 percent drop in your rate, it can still take one to three years to break even. For example, say you had a remaining loan balance of $390,000, and you were charged a 1 percent origination fee along with another $1,000 in closing costs. You also paid one mortgage point. At that rate, it would take you approximately 20 months to break even. As of May 28, the average rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage was 6.94 percent, according to Bankrate's weekly survey. That means you'd ideally want to refinance to a rate of 5.94 percent or below — a rate we haven't seen since 2022. Even though rates aren't dropping below 6 percent in the short-term, there may still be reasons to refinance. For instance, if you got a mortgage when rates were closer to 8 percent, like at the tail end of 2023, a refinance now could save you money. Refinancing isn't a one-size-fits-all thing. For many people, refinancing may not be a clear-cut, lower-rate decision. Here are a few examples of when refinancing in a high-rate environment might make sense. Along with overall market factors, interest rates are determined by your own personal finances. Your credit score and debt-to-income (DTI) ratio are going to impact how favorable of a rate you get. Let's say you got a mortgage at the tale end of 2022, when rates were reaching a high point, and put 5 percent down. Your credit score at the time was 650, and you had a DTI ratio of 36 percent. Because of your finances, you landed a mortgage with an interest rate of 7.35 percent. However, since then, let's say you've managed to pay down your debt and build your credit score to 750. If you're able to secure a mortgage at 6.5 percent or below, especially if you plan to stay in the home long-term, you could refinance to lower your payment. Refinancing to a different loan type may be beneficial, even if the rate isn't that much lower than what you're paying now. For instance, if you have an FHA loan, you may be paying an annual mortgage insurance premium (MIP) on top of your mortgage payment. Depending on how much the mortgage insurance is, refinancing may be beneficial to remove it. Similarly, if you have an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) and the introductory rate is about to end, refinancing to a fixed-rate mortgage could make your payments more affordable and more predictable. In 2020, over one million ARMs were originated, according to Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data. Once the intro period ends on an ARM (which usually ranges from three to 10 years), they switch to a variable rate that is often higher than the current fixed mortgage rate. This makes refinancing before the intro rate ends an appealing move. If you share a mortgage with someone else, and you need to remove them, you may want to refinance. This is pretty common when married couples get divorced. You may need to buy out the other borrower, which could be done through tapping equity when refinancing. However, it's important to know that there's a difference between removing someone from the mortgage and removing their ownership rights. You can remove a co-borrower by refinancing, but you'll still need to file a quitclaim deed to negate their ownership rights. Your home is an asset that you can tap to pay for major expenses. College tuition, home improvements, medical care — these are just a few common reasons people refinance to tap their home equity. But why would you opt for a cash-out refinance versus getting a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or home equity loan? First off, refinance rates are lower than HELOCs or home equity loans. The catch is that you'd be replacing your primary mortgage with a new mortgage that could have a higher rate. This isn't as much of a big deal if you're towards the end of your primary mortgage term or if your home is paid off. Before you opt to refinance in the current rate environment, you need to ask yourself some questions to determine your goals: What's your break-even timeline? If you're trying to refinance to lower your payment, you need to know how long it will take to realize the savings after closing costs. How long do you plan to own your home? You'll want to stay in the home long enough to break-even and realize savings from refinancing. Do you plan to refinance again if rates drop? Ask yourself — what if rates fall further in 2026 or 2027? Will you be willing to refinance again? Would tapping equity with a HELOC or home equity loan be better? If you want to cash in on your home's equity, ask yourself what the best option is. Would you prefer to refinance and replace your current rate, or would it be better to keep your current primary mortgage and get a second lien? Should you buy points? Mortgage points help lower your rate further, but you have to pay for them. This increases your break-even time, but will result in you paying less interest overall. However, if you decide to refinance again or sell the house, you may not see as much of a savings from buying points as you hoped.
