The Hottest days ever recorded raise fears that the Earth is near tipping point ​ Extreme weather worldwide was deadly. ​

Palestinian families flocked to the beach to cool off from the rising temperatures in the city of Gaza

As global temperatures spiked to their highest levels in recorded history on Monday, ambulances were screaming through the streets of Tokyo, carrying scores of people who'd collapsed amid an unrelenting heat wave. A monster typhoon was emerging from the scorching waters of the Pacific Ocean, which were several degrees warmer than normal. Thousands of vacationers fled the idyllic mountain town of Jasper, Canada, ahead of a fast-moving wall of wildfire flames.

By the end of the week — which saw the four hottest days ever observed by scientists — dozens had been killed in the raging floodwaters and massive mudslides triggered by Typhoon Gaemi. Half of Jasper was reduced to ash. And some 3.6 billion people around the planet had endured temperatures that would have been exceedingly rare in a world without burning fossil fuels and other human activities, according to an analysis by scientists at the group Climate Central.

These extraordinary global temperatures marked the culmination of an unprecedented global hot streak that has stunned even researchers who spent their whole careers studying climate change.
Since last July, Earth's average temperature has consistently exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above preindustrial levels — a short-term breach of a threshold that scientists say cannot be crossed if the world hopes to avoid the worst consequences of planetary warming.

This "taste" of a 1.5 degree world showed how the natural systems that humans depend on could buckle amid soaring temperatures, said Johan Rockstroum, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany. Forests showed less ability to pull carbon out of the atmosphere. Sea ice around Antarctica dwindled to near record lows. Coral bleaching became so extreme scientists had to change their scale for measuring it.

Even as scientists forecast an end to the current recordbreaking stretch, they warn it may prove difficult for parts of the planet to recover from the heat of the past year.

"The extreme events that we are now experiencing are indications of the weakening resilience of these systems," Rockstrum said. "We cannot risk pushing this any further."

This week's broken records come on the heels of 13 straight months of unprecedented temperatures — fueled in part by the planet's shift into an El Niño climate pattern, which tends to warm the oceans, as well as pollution from burning coal, oil and gas.

The warming neared its apex on Sunday, when data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service, the European climate monitor, showed the global average temperature edging out a record set a little over a year earlier.

But the new benchmark only stood for 24 hours, with Monday hitting a historic 17.16 degrees C (62.89 F). Tuesday was the second hottest on record, and Wednesday tied Sunday.

Though these numbers may not seem extreme, they are the average of thousands of data points taken from the Arctic to the South Pole, in places that are experiencing winter as well as those in the midst of summer. The preliminary data was generated using a sophisticated type of analysis that combines global weather observations with a state of the art climate model — a method that outside researchers said Copernicus' is highly reliable.

The world's oceans are also awash in historic heat. Copernicus data shows that the waters around Taiwan are 2 to 3 degrees C (3.6 to 5.4 degrees F) hotter than normal, helping to fuel Typhoon Gaemi's devastation. Research shows that higher ocean temperatures give more power to tropical cyclones, while a warmer atmosphere can hold more water — and thus produce more rain.

Meanwhile, nearly 2,000 weather stations around the planet notched new daily high temperature records over the last seven days, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information.

Although scientists have not yet quantified the role of warming in all of this year's extreme events, there is abundant evidence that heat waves, storms and fires are made more frequent and intense because of climate change.

"We are running out of metaphors" to describe the unrelenting pace and scale at which the world is now breaking records, Copernicus director Carlo Buontempo said.

Scientists have estimated Earth's average temperature based on observations dating back to 1850, and now measure it by pulling data from more than 20,000 land-based stations, as well as readings from ships and buoys around the globe.

To convey the severity of Earth's current heat, other researchers have turned to the planet's past. By studying tree rings, lake sediments and other records of the ancient climate, paleoclimate researchers have determined that the world is likely now warmer than it has been in more than 100,000 years, since before the start of the last ice age.

Humanity now faces conditions unlike anything our species has known before. According to a Climate Central analysis of the five-day period ending Friday, nearly half of the planet experienced at least one day of "exceptional heat" — temperatures that would have been rare or even impossible in a world without climate change.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called for improved warning systems, stronger worker protections and other policies to protect people from these scorching temperatures.

Buontempo expects that Earth's record-breaking streak may soon end. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration last month declared an official end to the El Nino, reflecting cooling conditions in the tropical Pacific Ocean. The end of summer in the Northern Hemisphere also tends to bring down the planet's overall temperature.

Yet the unprecedented amount of heat-trapping carbon in Earth's atmosphere — which is at its highest level in more than 3 million years — will mean that even without El Nino, the world remains perilously warm.


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Harv's Corner

This is the Third of 4 weekly releases. 
​
Hi, In Harv's corner, we're heading back to school.
​In this third of four releases, I will discuss the importance of monitoring your credit and provide directions on how to do it quickly and easily. If you need help implementing or understanding the instructions, please call me at 651-336-1626.
​I'll be happy to help in any way I can.
​Stay alert!

​Credit monitoring
is a valuable tool that can help you detect and address potential fraud, identity theft, or errors on your credit reports early on. While not a foolproof solution, it offers additional protection for your financial well-being. Here's why it's important and how to get started:
​
Importance of Credit Monitoring:

Early Fraud Detection: 
Credit monitoring alerts you to suspicious activity, such as new account openings, hard inquiries, changes in personal information, or unusual credit utilization, allowing you to take immediate action.
Identity Theft Protection: 
If someone tries to use your information to open new accounts or make unauthorized purchases, you'll be notified promptly.
Credit Report Accuracy: 
Monitoring helps you spot errors or inaccuracies on your credit reports that could negatively impact your credit score.
Peace of Mind: 
Knowing your credit is being monitored can provide reassurance and reduce anxiety about potential fraud.
Most Recommended Credit Monitoring Services:
Many reputable companies offer credit monitoring services with varying features and pricing. Some highly recommended options include: IdentityForce: 
Comprehensive identity theft protection with credit monitoring, dark web monitoring, and identity restoration services.
Norton LifeLock: 
Offers various plans with credit monitoring, identity theft protection, and other features like VPN and antivirus software.
IDShield: 
Provides credit monitoring, identity theft protection, and legal consultation for identity theft victims.
Experian IdentityWorks: 
Offers different tiers of credit monitoring and identity theft protection, including options for family plans.
Credit Karma: 
Free credit monitoring service that provides access to your credit reports and scores from two bureaus (TransUnion and Equifax). It's essential to compare features, pricing, and customer reviews to choose the service that best fits your needs and budget.

How to Get Started with Credit Monitoring:

Choose a Service: 
Research and select a reputable credit monitoring service that offers your desired features.
Sign Up: 
Create an account with the service and provide the required personal information.
Link Your Accounts: 
Connect your bank accounts, credit cards, and other financial accounts to the service for comprehensive monitoring.
Set Up Alerts: 
Customize alerts to receive notifications for specific activities, such as new inquiries, account openings, or changes to your credit reports.
Review Reports Regularly: 
Even with monitoring, reviewing your credit reports from all three bureaus at least once a year is crucial for accuracy and completeness. By implementing credit monitoring, you can proactively protect your financial identity and take swift action in case of any suspicious activity. Credit monitoring is just one part of a comprehensive identity theft protection strategy. Combining it with other security practices like strong passwords, secure online behavior, and cautious sharing of personal information will strengthen your defenses against identity theft.

Harv's Corner

This is the second of 4 weekly releases. 
Hi, In Harv's corner, we're heading back to school.
​In this second of four releases, I will discuss the importance protecting yourself from identity theft. If you need help implementing or understanding the instructions, please call me at 651-336-1626. I'll be happy to help in any way I can.
​Stay alert

Identity theft is a serious crime that can have a devastating impact on your finances, credit, and reputation. 

Here are 5 essential steps you can take to protect yourself: 
​______________________________________________________

1 - Safeguard Your Social Security Number (SSN): Your SSN is a prime target for identity thieves: 

Never carry your SSN card with you, and only share it when absolutely necessary. Be wary of unsolicited requests for your SSN, especially online or over the phone.
 Opens in a new window                www.mmhpc.com

Social Security Card

2 - Create Strong Passwords and Use a Password Manager: 

Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts. A password manager can help you create and store complex passwords securely. 

Avoid using easily guessable information like your birthdate or pet's name.
Opens in a new window            www.wired.com

Password Manager

3- Monitor Your Financial Accounts and Credit Reports: 

​Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. 

​Check your credit reports from all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at least once a year for any suspicious activity. 
​
 Opens in a new window                  cnet.com

Credit Report

4 - Be Cautious About Sharing Personal Information Online: 

​Avoid sharing sensitive information like your full name, address, or birthdate on social media or other public platforms. 

​Be wary of phishing scams, where criminals try to trick you into revealing personal information through emails, texts, or phone calls.

 Opens in a new window                 ftc.gov

fishing scam

5 - Secure Your Devices and Use Antivirus Software: 

Keep your computer, smartphone, and other devices up to date with the latest security software and updates. 

Use strong passwords or biometric authentication to lock your devices. 

Install and regularly update antivirus and anti-malware software to protect against viruses and other threats.
​
​Antivirus Software
Opens in a new window                    www.kaspersky.com

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of identity theft. Remember, staying vigilant and proactive is key to protecting your personal information and financial security.


​

This is the first of 4 releases I will provide to help you protect yourself against fraud and identity theft. 
FREEZE YOUR CREDIT!

Identity theft is a serious crime that can have a devastating impact on your finances, credit, and reputation. One way to protect yourself is by placing a security freeze on your credit reports. This will prevent thieves from accessing your credit reports and from opening new loans, credit cards, or lines of credit in your name.

Placing a credit freeze (also known as a security freeze) on your credit reports is crucial in protecting yourself from identity theft. It prevents creditors from accessing your credit reports without your explicit permission, making it nearly impossible for anyone to open new accounts in your name. Here's why it's important and how to do it:

Importance of a Credit Freeze:

Prevents Unauthorized New Accounts: 
If a thief tries to open a credit card, loan, or other account in your name, the creditor won't be able to access your credit report, effectively blocking the application.

Offers Peace of Mind: 
Knowing that your credit is frozen gives you a sense of security that your financial information is safeguarded.

Free and Easy: 
Credit freezes are free to place, lift, and remove with all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).

Doesn't Affect Existing Accounts: 
A freeze prevents opening new accounts; you can still use your existing credit cards and loans.

Recommended by Experts: 
Many financial and security experts recommend credit freezes as one of the most effective ways to prevent identity theft.

How to Place a Credit Freeze:

Contact Each Credit Bureau: 
You must place a freeze with each of the three major credit bureaus individually. You can do this online, by phone, or by mail. Their contact information is as follows:

Equifax: 1-800-685-1111 or online at https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/

Experian: 1-888-397-3742 or online at https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html

TransUnion: 1-888-909-8872 or online at https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze

Provide Required Information: 
To verify your identity, you will need to provide your name, address, Social Security number, and other identifying information.

Receive a PIN or Password: 
Each credit bureau will give you a unique PIN or password. You will need the password when you want to temporarily lift or remove the freeze.

Important Considerations:

Temporarily Lifting a Freeze: 
If you need to apply for credit, you can temporarily lift the freeze for a specific period or for a particular creditor.

Keep Your PINs/Passwords Secure: 
Store your PINs or passwords safely as you'll need them to manage your freezes.

Summary:
By placing a credit freeze, you can significantly reduce your risk of identity theft and protect your financial well-being.

Harv's Corner UnitedHealth reveals cyberattack’s vast extent By BROOKS JOHNSON [email protected]

Hackers made off with Social Security numbers, credit card information, medical histories and more in the February cyberattack on a UnitedHealth Group subsidiary, the company disclosed Thursday.
The Minnetonka-based health care behemoth revealed greater detail on the type of consumer data compromised and a timeline for contacting those affected in a filing to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and a news release.

As many as one-third of all Americans may have had some or all of that data swiped, but a full picture of who was affected and in what way is still not available. The company said it began notifying affected corporate customers Thursday, but it could take until late July for individuals to begin receiving notice.

"While the data review is in its late stages, we continue to provide credit monitoring and identity theft protection to people concerned about their data potentially being impacted," the subsidiary, Change Healthcare, said in a statement.

UnitedHealth — Minnesota's largest company and the nation's largest health insurer — acquired Change Healthcare (CHC) in late 2022. CEO Andrew Witty told Congress in May that the company was upgrading security when the ransomware attack happened.

UnitedHealth paid a $22 million ransom to resolve the hack, which has left a long trail of disruption across the U.S. health care system.

Change Healthcare processes 15 billion health care transactions annually, according to the federal government, and is involved in 1 in 3 patient records. The payment system was shut down after the attack and froze payments to health care organizations around the country, affecting patient access to medications and services.

"To all those impacted, let me be clear: I'm deeply, deeply sorry," Witty said at the congressional grilling.

Thursday's disclosure marks "the next step in the process" toward providing full notice, Change Healthcare said.

The company recommends keeping an eye on bank and credit card statements, medical bills and credit reports, and filing a police report if a crime is suspected.

For now, those affected won't know the nature of their compromised information.

UnitedHealth said it could range from an individual's name or home address to a medical diagnosis to their Social Security or passport numbers — or a combination of data.

"Information that may have been involved was not the same for every impacted individual," Change Healthcare wrote. "To date, we have not yet seen full medical histories appear in the data review."

The updated HIPAA notice said some health care customers will soon be notified that their members or patients were affected in order to direct them toward assistance.

"CHC plans to send direct notice (written letters) at the conclusion of the data review, as required, to affected individuals identified," the filing said. "The mailing process is expected to begin in late July as CHC completes quality assurance procedures."

While a specific number of affected individuals was not disclosed, the company has said it is a "substantial proportion of people in America," amounting to as many as 100 million U.S. residents.

UnitedHealth Group is making free credit and identity monitoring services available for two years; call 1-866-262-5342 or visit tinyurl.com/UHGcredit to enroll.
Brooks Johnson & bull; 612-673-4229