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New clear protein drinks challenge traditional milky protein shakes

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Protein is popping up in everything from popcorn and tortilla chips to coffee and ice cream, and now a new form is flexing for attention.

High-protein grocery items have surged in popularity over the past year, with shoppers seeking products that support muscle repair, immune function and metabolism. Long a staple in fitness circles, protein shakes — typically made from whey concentrate and coming in flavors like chocolate, vanilla and peanut butter — offer a creamy, milkshake-like way to pack in the nutrients.

Now muscling its way into the supplement spotlight is clear protein, which is made from whey protein isolate and comes in ready-to-drink bottles or powders that turn water into brightly colored, juice-like beverages.

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Searches for “clear protein” on The Vitamin Shoppe’s website were up 11% in July, according to the company, marking the seventh straight month it has been ranked as a top search term.

Some people prefer clear protein because it’s a lighter, refreshing alternative to creamy shakes. (iStock)

Ready-to-drink brands like Isopure Protein Water, Premier Protein Clear and Ryse already line store shelves, and flavored isolate powders from Alani Nu, Ghost and Transparent Labs offer mix options in lemonade, tropical punch and other fruit-forward varieties.

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“It addresses a gap in the market for consumers who want high protein without the heaviness,” registered dietitian-nutritionist Lauren Manaker recently told Vogue magazine. “It’s also visually appealing … and fits well with the push for lighter, on-the-go health products.”

Whey protein isolate tends to be lower in fat, carbohydrates, calories and lactose compared to concentrate, making it a strong option for those with digestive issues. It also boasts a higher concentration of protein by weight.

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Yet both isolate and concentrate typically deliver 20 to 25 grams of protein per serving, according to Lena Beal, a cardiovascular dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

A man makes a protein shake in a small blender bottle as a supplement for muscle building and weight loss

Whey isolate has more protein with less fat, carbs and lactose, while concentrate is creamier and less processed. (iStock)

Both forms are quickly absorbed compared to slower-digesting proteins like casein or plant-based blends, though some experts say isolate offers a slight edge in post-workout absorption due to its purity.

“Clear protein isn’t necessarily healthier by default,” Beal told Today.com. “It’s the same protein just in a lighter format.”

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And the product itself isn’t new, she said. Isolate-based clear protein has been used in hospitals for years, especially to help patients meet their nutritional needs when food intake is limited.

Despite the trend, experts warn that clear protein often contains added artificial flavorings and sweeteners, since it lacks the fats and sugars that help flavor traditional powders. It can also be more expensive.

People doing exercises in a group, lifting weights in plank position

Protein shakes can play a big role in recovery and muscle building after a workout. (iStock)

“Until we have more data to prove otherwise, neither is inherently better,” Manaker said. “It’s all about what fits your goals and lifestyle.”

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The recommended dietary allowance for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight for healthy adults. Many experts, however, recommend more for athletes, older adults and pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Because both provide essential amino acids, Manaker said they can be great options for those looking to increase their protein intake. 

“It’s all about what fits your goals and lifestyle,” she said.

Military-inspired weighted vests sweep social media as fitness craze

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A fresh fitness craze is once again sweeping social media, though the practice borrows from time-tested military training methods — and experts urge caution before strapping in.

On social media, influencers are hyping weighted vests as one of the “best-kept secrets” in fitness, claiming they can help you lose 30 pounds and become “unrecognizable” when used during walks and workouts. TikTok searches for #weightedvest have garnered more than 30 million views.

But the vests are far from new, according to Dr. Mark Kovacs, a sports scientist and longevity expert based in Atlanta. “They’ve been used for decades in athletic and military training, but social media has helped re-introduce them to mainstream fitness,” he told Fox News Digital.

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“The appeal is simple: You turn everyday walking into a slightly more demanding workout without changing the movement,” Kovacs said.

While soldiers have marched with heavy backpacks for more than a century — a practice known as rucking — to build stamina and toughness, weighted vests have also long been used by athletes and firefighters. Now, the gear is available on Amazon for as little as $30 and from Equinox — which also incorporates it into classes — for as much as $375. Kovacs said the sleeker, more comfortable modern vests are likely to fuel a longer-lasting trend.

Weighted vests are the latest social media fitness craze, touted for boosting everyday walks. (Chris Pedota/NorthJersey.com/USA TODAY NETWORK)

Part of the appeal is that the vests look “hardcore” but are simple to use, said Sarah Fuhrmann, a certified trainer and functional aging specialist in Michigan. 

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“Just strap on and walk, and fitness ensues,” she told Fox News Digital, adding that social media often “makes old tools look new.” 

In a recent episode of Andrew Huberman’s “Huberman Lab” podcast, Michael Easter, a Las Vegas-based researcher and author of “The Comfort Crisis,” argued that humans are built to carry heavy things long distances. 

“Humans are the only mammals that can pick up weight and carry it long distances,” Easter said. “For most of human history, we carried everything — food, tools, even babies. Technology has stripped carrying out of our lives, but we were literally born to do it.”

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He praised rucking as a “two-in-one workout” that combines cardio through long-distance walking and strength training by loading the skeletal and muscular systems.

Members of the United States Naval Academy freshman class take part in a ruck run, before the exercise took off as a new workout trend online

Rucking has been used in military training for over a century, including by the US Navy. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Experts caution, however, that more research is needed to fully understand the benefits of weighted vests. 

While studies show that weighted vests can increase calorie burn, cardiovascular demand and even help with certain strength exercises like squats, the science remains inconclusive on long-term outcomes such as bone density. One recent study found that obese adults who wore weighted vests lost about 10% of their body weight but saw no reduction in hip bone loss.

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“This study’s findings are counter to some research, and consistent with others,” Colin Haines, MD, a board-certified spine surgeon and director of research at the Virginia Spine Institute, told Health.com. “What’s clear is that the broader body of evidence includes both neutral and positive results.”

Research dating back to the 1990s has shown more promising signs of improved bone growth, particularly in postmenopausal women. A 2015 study similarly showed improvements in quadriceps strength and femur bone density.

Women in this stage of life may benefit most from the trend, Kovacs said, while people with joint or back issues should be cautious and consult a medical professional before starting.

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For people interested in trying weighted walks or hikes, experts recommend starting with the lightest option available — about 5 to 10 pounds, or less than 10% of your body weight — and choosing a vest with evenly distributed weight and adjustable straps. Start at 15 to 30 minutes two to three times a week, they add.

A man exercises out in gym using TRX cables and wearing weighted vest, a new fitness trend to help boost workouts.

Weighted vests can add resistance to strength moves as well as cardio sessions. (iStock)

“Focus on posture, and slowly add weight over time,” Kovacs advised. “Always listen to your body – discomfort is a sign to back off.”

He added that weighted-vest walking should not replace heavier strength training or higher-intensity cardio entirely, but can be an “excellent supplement.”

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“It offers a low-impact way to increase training volume, especially for individuals who may not tolerate running or high-intensity workouts,” he added.

Fuhrmann agreed that traditional strength training is the “proven gold standard” for protecting bones and muscle, and noted that weighted vests can intensify traditional exercises like squatting. 

“Weighted vests can add a little spice to your walks, but they’re not a shortcut to fitness,” she added. “If they help you get more daily movement in, that’s great. But if the choice is between a vest and a solid strength program, choose the weights in the gym every time.”

Husband frustrated as in-laws join every vacation, sparks debate on Reddit

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A frustrated husband drew sympathy online after sharing that his in-laws “always want to go everywhere” with him and his wife, leaving him feeling more like a chauffeur and trip planner.

The man explained in Reddit’s “Am I the A–hole?” forum that his wife’s parents join them on nearly every weekend outing and vacation. Whether it’s a day trip to a park in New Jersey, a visit to Manhattan or even an out-of-state getaway, his wife “doesn’t see anything wrong” with her parents tagging along.

“She says that she is their only child and if her parents don’t go out with us, they do not go out,” the husband wrote, adding that he would not mind them joining occasionally. 

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At one point, his wife even uninvited her mother and told her it was because her husband didn’t want them joining.

“Am I being unreasonable for objecting to them coming along so often?” he asked in the online post.

The husband said his in-laws join him and his wife (not pictured) on nearly every weekend outing and vacation. (iStock)

Reddit users overwhelmingly sided with him, ruling he was “NTA,” short for “Not the A–hole.”

“They’re third wheeling and intrusive,” one commenter said.

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“Only child or not, your wife should not be solely responsible for her parents’ social life,” someone else said. “If they choose not to have friends or not to go places with friends they have, that isn’t on either of you.”

Many criticized the wife for putting her husband in this position.

“You have a wife problem, not an in-law problem,” one person wrote.

Another agreed: “She is an [a–hole] to do this to you.”

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But some readers argued he should have anticipated the dynamic before marriage.

“Seems a little late to be upset now,” one person said.

Reddit app logo seen on Iphone next to pinterest and whatsapp logos

The man’s dilemma sparked a heated discussion on Reddit’s “AITA?” forum. (iStock)

“If you knew this and entered into their family willingly and now want to flip things, I’m going to have to say that [you’re the a–hole,” someone else said.

Others encouraged compromise and communication.

“You need to sit your wife down and have this conversation,” one person said, adding, “Just because she wants them at something doesn’t mean she gets to dictate what you do all the time as a couple.”

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“Parents wanting to spend time with their daughter is fine, your wife being chill with that is fine, you not wanting QUITE so much time with them is fine,” someone else said. “The best way forward will probably involve compromise on both sides.”

Nari Jeter, a licensed marriage and family therapist from Tallahassee, Florida, told Fox News Digital that no one is necessarily at fault.

“They just all have different boundaries and expectations,” Jeter said. “It is totally valid and reasonable for him to want to spend some Saturdays and vacations exclusively with his wife.”

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She advised the husband to set clear boundaries.

Husband and wife having an argument with in-laws looking on in background

One family therapist said the husband should set clear boundaries with his wife, and that her parents (not pictured) should respect their marriage. (iStock)

“Saying, ‘Can we spend less time with your family?’ is vague,” she said. “But saying, ‘I’d like to take one solo vacation with you a year and one family vacation a year’ is more specific.”

Or, he could encourage his wife to do more things with her family without him, she added. 

Jeter said the wife shouldn’t feel responsible for her parents’ social life, and that her parents should reassure her that it’s healthy for her to spend time with her husband alone.

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“Loving and caring parents should understand and respect the reasonable and healthy boundaries of their adult daughter, son-in-law and their marriage,” Jeter said.

Fox News Digital reached out to the original poster for comment.

Weekend sleep apnea severity is worse than on weekdays, study shows

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For those suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the condition could be significantly worse on the weekends.

After investigating changes in severity, researchers at Flinders University in Australia discovered that symptoms of OSA were markedly more prominent at the end of the week.

The study, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, analyzed sleep data from more than 70,000 users of an under-mattress sleep monitor that tracked OSA severity across every day of the week.

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Data was collected for sleep duration, sleep timing and the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), a measure of the severity of sleep apnea.

The participants — predominantly middle-aged, overweight men — had an average of more than five OSA events per night.

The study findings indicated consistent increases in OSA severity on weekends, especially among men and younger adults. (iStock)

OSA severity “significantly increased” on weekends, jumping 18% higher on Saturdays compared to Wednesdays. The overall severity score was 6% higher on weekends compared to weekdays on average.

This increase was found to be greater in men and in participants younger than 60.

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“This real-world study evaluating day-of-week variations in OSA severity in over 70,000 users revealed a global increase in OSA severity on weekends, a phenomenon we have termed ‘social apnea,’” the researchers wrote in the study.

Weekend catch-up sleep and “social jetlag” — which can be defined as a misalignment between someone’s natural circadian rhythm and their social clock — led to a 47% and 38% increase, respectively, in the odds of OSA over the weekend.

man smoking a cigarette

A variety of factors, including smoking and alcohol consumption, can impact OSA severity. (iStock)

“This is in line with previous findings showing that irregular sleep is associated with greater odds of OSA,” the authors commented. “Since OSA is typically more severe during REM sleep, weekend catch-up sleep and social jetlag are likely to exacerbate OSA severity.”

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The authors also pinpointed other factors that can impact OSA severity, including an increase in alcohol consumption and smoking.

“Further research is needed to better understand the causes and mechanisms behind the novel social apnea phenomenon identified in this study,” they added.

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Sleep expert Wendy Troxel, PhD — a RAND Corporation senior behavioral specialist and licensed clinical psychologist in Utah, who was not involved in the study — also reacted to the findings in an interview with Fox News Digital.

“This recent study provides novel insights into the day-to-day variability of obstructive sleep apnea severity, highlighting what the authors refer to as a ‘social apnea’ effect, where OSA worsens on weekends,” Troxel confirmed.

woman holds cpap mask

A sleep expert advises those with sleep apnea to stick to a consistent sleep-wake schedule throughout the week and to use CPAP treatment as prescribed. (iStock)

Troxel agreed that these fluctuations in OSA severity are likely due to “common weekend behaviors” like increased alcohol consumption, skipping CPAP treatment and “catching up” on sleep.

“All of these can disrupt sleep and circadian rhythms and exacerbate apnea severity,” she said.

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These findings suggest that single-night sleep tests done on weeknights may underestimate the severity of OSA, according to the expert.

“Individuals with OSA should try to maintain consistent sleep-wake schedules throughout the week, limit alcohol intake and use CPAP treatment as prescribed every night of the week,” Troxel advised.

DocuSign scam uses fake Apple Pay emails to trick victims

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Phishing scams are getting smarter, and one of the latest tricks involves fake DocuSign emails that appear to show charges from major companies like Apple. At first glance, these fraud messages look convincing, often including a receipt, order ID and even a support number. But instead of connecting you to Apple or another legitimate service, that number links you directly to scammers.

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DON’T FALL FOR THIS BANK PHISHING SCAM TRICK

All about the DocuSign & Apple Pay fraud

These phishing emails pretend to be billing receipts for recent Apple Pay purchases. They typically claim that a subscription has been charged to your account and prompt you to call a phone number if you do not recognize the charge.

DocuSign screenshot.

Scammers spoof Apple, Netflix, and other brands to push fake subscription charges posing as DocuSign. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The emails often use well-known brands such as Apple, Netflix, Expedia, or even lawn service companies to make them seem credible. Some also include a “DocuSign” link with a security code, creating the illusion that you need to access a file to confirm the transaction.

In reality, neither Apple nor these other companies sends billing receipts through DocuSign. That detail alone is a red flag. Another telltale sign is the sender’s address. It may contain odd characters, such as a Cyrillic “B” replacing the “B” in “Billing,” which helps scammers bypass spam filters.

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How the DocuSign scam works

The scam aims to catch you off guard and pressure you into acting fast. The email claims your Apple Pay account has been charged for a subscription or purchase. It includes an order ID, a charge amount, and a DocuSign link that supposedly holds a receipt or confirmation file. To make it look even more convincing, some versions add a security code to “unlock” the document.

The message also lists a phone number and urges you to call if the charge was not authorized. That number is the core of the scam. Instead of reaching Apple, Netflix or whichever company the email pretends to represent, you end up speaking with a scammer posing as a support agent.

Once you’re on the call, the scammer tries to convince you that your account has been compromised or that the payment must be reversed right away. From there, the tactics vary. They might ask for your Apple ID, banking details, or card numbers. They may pressure you to download remote access software so they can “fix” the issue on your device. In some cases, they demand payment for fake account protection or reversal fees.

Man tapping his phone screen.

DocuSign scam uses fake receipts and urgent language to steal personal information from users. (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)

The end goal is always the same: gain enough access to lock you out of your accounts, steal sensitive data, or initiate fraudulent transactions. What makes these scams dangerous is how they combine multiple red flags in one message: a realistic-looking receipt, official logos, a DocuSign link, urgent language, and a phone number that appears to be the quickest way to resolve the issue.

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5 ways to stay safe from the DocuSign scam

Scammers rely on people reacting quickly without questioning the details. The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself. Here are five practical ways to stay safe.

1) Inspect the sender address carefully

Scammers often use email addresses that look close to official ones but contain subtle differences, such as extra letters or swapped characters. If the email does not come from an official domain like @apple.com, it is not legitimate.

Woman on her phone.

Fraudulent billing emails claim Apple Pay charges and link victims to fake support lines using DocuSign. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

 2) Know how companies send receipts

Apple, Netflix, and other major services do not send billing statements through DocuSign. If a receipt shows up in this format, you can safely assume it is a scam. Real receipts always come directly from the service provider itself.

3) Watch out for phishing links and use strong antivirus software

Be cautious with any links in suspicious emails. Scammers often mask harmful links behind text that looks legitimate, such as “View Document” or “Review Payment.” Hover over the link without clicking to see the real web address. If it does not match the official company domain, do not click.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.

4) Double-check your transaction history

Instead of trusting the email, confirm whether a charge actually exists. Apple users can review purchases directly from the Settings app under their Apple ID. If nothing shows up, the receipt is fake. Other services have similar ways to check history.

5) Delete personal data from the internet

The less information scammers can find about you online, the harder it is for them to craft convincing attacks. Consider removing old accounts you no longer use, limit the personal details you share publicly on social media, and use data removal services when possible. This reduces the risk of your name, email, or phone number being targeted in scams like this.

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.

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Kurt’s key takeaway

Phishing scams are constantly evolving, and the DocuSign Apple Pay ruse is just one of many. The best defense is a healthy dose of skepticism. If something feels off, stop, double-check, and confirm directly through official channels. Scammers rely on panic and quick reactions. By slowing down and verifying details, you can protect yourself from falling into their trap.

Should email providers step up their filters so fewer of these messages slip through? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Golf carts on public roads divide communities in small towns nationwide

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Spotted these days on everything from quiet cul-de-sacs to bustling main streets, golf carts are no longer just for the fairway. They’re now street legal in many communities as families ditch their minivans and SUVs to run quick errands or ramble around town.

“A slow-rolling cavalry is conquering America’s public roads,” The Wall Street Journal recently noted. 

While four-wheeled carts are changing the way small towns move, not everyone is on board with the craze. In the “r/nashville” Reddit forum, one user recently asked, “When did we decide golf carts were fine for the roads?”

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“This sounds like a ‘rich side of town’ problem,” commented another user.

Yet another person wrote, “I began hearing about them referred to as NEVs — ‘neighborhood electric vehicles’ — in 2008 as a greener way to reduce traffic for short distances.”

People on social media are debating the use of golf carts on public roads. (iStock)

“When wealthy people started to consider them fashionable,” said a different user.

One Redditor wrote, “They are a plague in my neighborhood.”

But another person said, “Golf carts are far safer than pickup trucks (especially lifted), SUVs and even sedans. Basically, golf carts are safer than cars for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.”

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A user on a different Reddit forum, “r/homeowners,” asked, “What’s the deal with golf carts and UTVs (utility task vehicle)?”

The person shared that his or her neighborhood has changed over the years and said that it’s “now starting to get what I would call more ‘suburban’ people.”

people riding golf carts causing traffic

“They are a plague in my neighborhood,” said one person about today’s ubiquitous golf carts. (iStock)

The post continued, “I’m not judging. I just don’t understand it. We don’t have a golf course anywhere nearby. I feel like this is something that is maybe more common in the further-out suburbs.”

It went on, “I’ll often see them driving through the neighborhood or even on the larger streets nearby where the speed limit is 40mph. Sometimes it’s teens/tweens driving them. Is this a common trend?” 

“I just don’t understand it. We don’t have a golf course anywhere nearby.”

A different Redditor said, “Fairly common here as well, especially in nicer subdivisions with community pools [and a] nearby park.

Another user asked, “Maybe it’s becoming like a status symbol?”

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A different person defended the use of the carts.

“I have mine street legal and run errands on the weekends or cruise around on it when I’m bored,” the person wrote. “It’s a fun and exhilarating machine that gets good gas mileage, but can also shred going up mountains or in the snow.”

golf cart driving traffic

One city law says golf carts are only permitted on roads with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less — and that the carts must remain within four miles of the owner’s residence. (iStock)

The City of Greenville in South Carolina recently reminded residents about a new state law regulating golf carts. 

The public service announcement on its X account read, “If you own a golf cart in #GreenvilleSC, a new state law is in effect. Registration, driver requirements and usage rules have been updated.”

Under the updated law, golf carts are only permitted on roads with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less and must remain within four miles of the owner’s residence.

GREAT WHITE SHARK SIGHTINGS RISE ALONG NORTHEAST BEACHES AS SUMMER WINDS DOWN

Greenville isn’t alone in aiming to manage the rise of golf cart traffic. 

In Peach Tree, Georgia — a city of just over 38,000 residents — more than 11,000 golf carts are registered, according to the town’s website.

Golf carts and go-karts caused 50 traffic crashes, resulting in three deaths in Michigan in 2023.

Golf carts and go-karts caused 50 traffic crashes, resulting in three deaths in Michigan in 2023. (Robert Sherman, Fox News)

Golf carts and go-karts caused 50 traffic crashes, resulting in three deaths in Michigan in 2023, according to the state’s Traffic Crash Reporting System.

Various counties in Michigan enacted ordinances and implemented public laws to ensure the safety of people riding in carts.

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The state does not allow operation 30 minutes before sunset or 30 minutes after sunrise. Also, drivers are unable to weave between traffic, according to a Michigan law. 

Carts are also not allowed to be driven on sidewalks. 

Pentagon tests US fighter pilots taking directions from AI

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Welcome to Fox News’ Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

Fighter pilots take directions from AI in Pentagon’s groundbreaking test
Google Pixel 10 event brings new phones, smartwatch, earbuds and AI
Elon Musk’s xAI sues Apple, OpenAI over AI competition and App Store rankings

Image of Starsage's battle manager system

Image of Starsage’s battle manager system  (Raft AI )

MACHINE WINGMAN: For the first time, U.S. fighter pilots took direction from an AI “air battle manager” in a Pentagon test that could change how wars are fought in the skies.

STAR-POWERED TECH: Google kicked off its Made by Google event last week with blockbuster energy. Jimmy Fallon played host, bringing humor and star presence. Steph Curry highlighted how the Pixel 10 empowers creators and athletes to capture and share their stories. Lando Norris, fresh from the F1 circuit, showed off how Pixel’s speed and AI enhancements fit into fast-paced lives. And the Jonas Brothers premiered a music video filmed entirely on the new Pixel 10 Pro, proving the phone’s camera is ready for professional-grade production.

TECH THROWDOWN: Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence startup xAI sued Apple and ChatGPT maker OpenAI in U.S. federal court in Texas on Monday, accusing them of illegally conspiring to thwart competition for artificial intelligence.

People walk in front of the Meta headquarters

Visitors walk in front of the Meta (Facebook) sign at its headquarters in Menlo Park, California, United States on December 29, 2022.  ((Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images))

BIG MONEY MOVE: Meta Platforms, Inc., the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is launching a new political action committee to back candidates in California who support pro-artificial intelligence policies and oppose strict regulation.

RISING CONCERNS: Artificial intelligence is developing rapidly. While some are embracing it, others are warning of the potential threats. But both sides agree the technology is changing how the world operates.

TECH SPOTTER: A missing hiker’s dead body was finally found in July in Italy’s rugged Piedmont region after 10 months. The recovery team credited the breakthrough to an AI-powered drone that spotted a critical clue within hours. The same process would have taken weeks or even months if done by the human eye.

Will Smith sports red jacket and hat on stage during concert.

Will Smith performs onstage during a concert at Cardiff Castle on Aug. 25, 2025, in Cardiff, Wales. (Maxine Howell)

FAKE CROWD FRENZY: Will Smith is facing accusations of using artificial intelligence to create a crowd in a video shared online.

TECH DEAL: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang told FOX Business on Thursday that he is in talks with the Trump administration about selling its powerful Blackwell chip to China, saying how the global adoption of American tech could help the U.S. win the AI race.

EVOLVING ROLES: Right now, many people are worried that artificial intelligence is coming for their jobs. If you’re one of them, then the recent study by Microsoft will shed some light on how AI’s generative capabilities will impact your field of work. In short, some occupations are more susceptible to its influence than others.

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New Zealand weighs ‘golden’ visa exemption for $3 million luxury homes

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America’s elite are increasingly seeking “golden” visas — with one country that offers the opportunity now pushing to open even more doors for the wealthy.

New Zealand parliament members are weighing an exemption to the country’s foreign buyer ban for golden visa holders.

For those individuals, the change would greenlight the purchase of luxury homes, namely homes that go for at least $3 million.

3 EXCLUSIVE ‘GOLDEN’ VISA DESTINATIONS THAT AMERICA’S WEALTHIEST ARE EYEING

The bill that’s under discussion would amend the Overseas Investment Act 2005 to reduce compliance costs and safeguard New Zealand’s “national interest,” according to the New Zealand Parliament’s website (NZP).

Politician David Seymour shared his support of the bill during the first reading of the amendment.

New Zealand parliament members are considering allowing golden visa holders to purchase luxury homes worth at least $3 million. (iStock)

“We are a place where our friends who would like to do business with fellow Kiwis, who would like to invest, to trade value for value, and get stronger together with us are welcome under our laws,” said Seymour.

Others in support of the measure said the country needs foreign investment to grow its economy.

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A politician who is against the bill, Julie Anne Genter, said the government’s adoption of this change would be “disadvantaging ordinary workers and advantaging those who already have money and power.”

“You can get permanent residency for life, and you can live the New Zealand dream.”

In April, the government relaxed its visa rules to attract more high-net-worth individuals, with such changes as removing an English language requirement.

The country also reduced the amount of time required for people to spend in New Zealand, as Fox News Digital previously reported.

family traveling

The New Zealand government relaxed its visa rules earlier this year to attract more high-net-worth individuals. It removed an English language requirement, for example. (iStock)

Once the golden visa is obtained, it can be held for life. People do not need to reapply. 

In under three months, 189 golden visa applications were received, while previous applications were at 116 submissions over the span of more than two-and-a-half years, Reuters reported.

Nearly half the applications were submitted by U.S. citizens, with Chinese citizens having the second-highest number of applications, the same source noted.

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Stuart Nash, former New Zealand minister for economic development and co-founder of Nash Kelly Global, told Fox News Digital the visas are becoming more popular.

“You’ve got a war going on in Europe, you’ve got the tinderbox, which is the Middle East,” he said. “You’ve got a change in the U.S. administration, which is causing more polarization than we’ve seen in a long, long time.”

Aerial shot of Queenstown, New Zeland

“There are many Americans wanting to settle in New Zealand, as we’re seen as this oasis at the bottom of the world.” (iStock)

“There are many Americans wanting to settle in New Zealand, as we’re seen as this oasis at the bottom of the world,” he added.

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“You don’t have to renounce your U.S. citizenship at all,” he also said. 

“You can get permanent residency for life, and you can live the New Zealand dream.”

Farmers Insurance confirms breach | Fox News

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Data breaches are no longer just a problem for the tech industry. They’ve become a constant across every sector, from airlines to banks to fashion brands, exposing personal data and leaving customers worried about where their information might end up. Insurance companies, sitting on mountains of sensitive details, are no exception. The latest to join the list is Farmers Insurance. The U.S. insurer confirmed that more than 1.1 million customers were affected in a breach linked to the Salesforce attacks that have swept through major organizations this year, stealing customer databases and fueling a growing wave of extortion attempts.

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DIOR DATA BREACH EXPOSES US CUSTOMERS’ PERSONAL INFORMATION

What you need to know about the Farmers Insurance breach

Farmers Insurance has confirmed a data breach impacting more than 1.1 million customers. The incident is tied to the ongoing wave of Salesforce-related cyberattacks that have hit major companies this year.

In a notice published on its website, the U.S. insurance giant said the breach occurred on May 29, 2025, through one of its third-party vendors. Farmers serves over 10 million households nationwide. It offers auto, home, life, and business insurance through a vast network of agents and subsidiaries.

“On May 30, 2025, one of Farmers’ third-party vendors alerted Farmers to suspicious activity involving an unauthorized actor accessing one of the vendor’s databases containing Farmers’ customer information,” the company wrote in its advisory.

American man at computer screens

Farmers Insurance confirmed that more than 1.1 million customers were affected in a breach linked to the Salesforce attacks that have swept through major organizations this year. (Kindamorphic/Getty Images)

According to the company, the vendor’s monitoring tools detected the intrusion quickly, allowing containment measures to be taken. Farmers said it immediately launched an investigation, notified law enforcement, and worked to determine the scope of the breach.

The investigation revealed that the stolen data included customer names, addresses, dates of birth, and driver’s license numbers. In some cases, the last four digits of Social Security numbers. Farmers began notifying affected individuals on Aug. 22, with a filing to the Maine Attorney General’s Office confirming that 1,111,386 customers were impacted.

While Farmers did not publicly name the vendor involved, reports indicate that the breach is part of the larger Salesforce data theft campaign carried out by threat actors this year.

ALLIANZ LIFE INSURANCE DATA BREACH EXPOSES 1.4 MILLION AMERICANS

The Salesforce data theft campaign

The Salesforce attacks have been ongoing since early 2025. Researchers attributed them to a threat actor cluster tracked as UNC6040/UNC6240. The intrusions typically begin with voice phishing (vishing) calls, where employees are tricked into approving a malicious OAuth application linked to their company’s Salesforce instance.

Once connected, attackers siphon customer relationship management (CRM) databases and use the stolen data in extortion attempts. The cybercrime group ShinyHunters has claimed responsibility, according to BleepingComputer. The group claims that the attacks involve overlapping threat groups, including members of the notorious Scattered Spider gang.

Code seen through glasses.

Hackers exploited a third-party vendor tied to Salesforce systems to steal 1.1 million Farmers Insurance customer data. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

“Like we have said repeatedly already, ShinyHunters and Scattered Spider are one and the same,” a representative told the publication. “They provide us with initial access, and we conduct the dump and exfiltration of the Salesforce CRM instances. Just like we did with Snowflake.”

The Salesforce campaign has affected a growing list of high-profile companies, including Google, Cisco, Workday, Adidas, Qantas, Allianz Life and luxury brands under LVMH such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Tiffany & Co.

GOOGLE CONFIRMS DATA STOLEN IN BREACH BY KNOWN HACKER GROUP

Farmers Insurance response

In response to CyberGuy’s inquiry, a Farmers Insurance spokesperson shared the following statement:

“At Farmers, protecting our customers’ information is our top priority. We recently discovered that an unauthorized third party briefly accessed a vendor’s system that contained some Farmers’ customer information. The incident involved only limited information from certain customers. An investigation-conducted with both internal and external security experts-found no evidence that the exposed data has been misused, nor any indication that Farmers’ own systems were compromised. We are contacting affected individuals directly and are providing support resources, including complimentary credit monitoring.”

8 ways you can stay safe after a data breach

If your personal information has been exposed in the Farmers data breach, take the steps below immediately to limit the damage, protect your identity, and prevent future fraud.

A hacker uses a laptop in to steal data.

Farmers Insurance said it began notifying more than 1 million affected policyholders after detecting unauthorized access to customer records in a data breach. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

1) Invest in a data removal service

You can’t undo the damage once hackers have accessed your data. However, you can limit the fallout by investing in a data removal service. 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.

2) Use identity theft protection services

Your Social Security number or other sensitive data may have been exposed in the data breach. Identity Theft companies can monitor personal information, such as your Social Security Number (SSN), phone number, and email address, and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or 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.

3) Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

Turn on 2FA for your email, banking, and insurance logins. Even if a hacker has your password, 2FA requires a second verification step, like a code sent to your phone, making unauthorized access much harder.

4) Be wary of phishing and follow-up scams

After a data breach, attackers often follow up with phishing emails or phone calls. They pretend to be from your insurance company or a support service. Don’t click on links in unsolicited messages, and verify any claims through official channels before responding. 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.

5) Freeze your credit right away

Put a credit freeze on your files with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. This stops criminals from opening new accounts in your name. It’s free, easy to set up, and you can lift the freeze temporarily when needed.

6) Update your passwords now

Change your passwords for all important accounts. Start with email, financial, and health-related logins. Use strong, unique passwords for each account. Consider using a password manager, which securely stores and generates complex passwords, reducing the risk of password reuse.

Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our #1 password manager (see Cyberguy.com) 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.

7) Check your accounts for strange activity

Look for any signs of identity misuse, like:

  • Unknown charges
  • Logins from unfamiliar devices
  • New accounts or lines of credit you didn’t open

Early detection makes a big difference.

8) Report identity theft fast

If someone is misusing your identity, go to IdentityTheft.gov. This government site provides step-by-step help and generates the letters and reports you’ll need to stop the fraud.

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Kurt’s key takeaway

Data breaches keep hitting companies we trust, and Farmers Insurance is the latest reminder. Even when the stolen data hasn’t been misused yet, the risk lingers long after the headlines fade. That’s why it’s so important to stay alert, protect your identity, and take simple steps now. By acting today, you put yourself in control, not the hackers.

Do incidents like this make you reconsider which companies you do business with? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved. 



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Pam Bondi fires DOJ paralegal for allegedly flipping off National Guard member

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Attorney General Pam Bondi fired another Department of Justice paralegal on Friday, this time for flipping off a member of the National Guard in Washington, D.C., on her way to work earlier this month.

Elizabeth Baxter of the department’s environmental division arrived for work just after 8:20 a.m. on Aug. 18 at the DOJ’s “4CON” building in the NoMa district, where she bragged to a security guard that she had just made the gesture at Metro Center Metro Stop and told the guardsman, “F–k the National Guard,” Bondi said, according to the New York Post.

“Today, I took action to terminate a DOJ employee for inappropriate conduct towards National Guard service members in DC,” Bondi told the outlet.

FORMER DOJ WORKER WHO HURLED SANDWICH AT FEDERAL OFFICER CHARGED WITH MISDEMEANOR

Attorney General Pam Bondi fired another Department of Justice paralegal. (Samuel Corum/Bloomberg via Getty Images, left, and MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images, right.)

“This DOJ remains committed to defending President Trump’s agenda and fighting to make America safe again,” she continued. “If you oppose our mission and disrespect law enforcement — you will NO LONGER work at DOJ.”

Later that day, Baxter was seen on DOJ security footage sticking up her middle finger at the National Guard and exclaiming, “F–k you!” the outlet reported. She was also allegedly seen demonstrating to a department security guard how she held up her middle finger.

On Aug. 25, she allegedly arrived at work and again boasted to the security guard that she hated the National Guard and that she told them to “F–k off!” 

BONDI ANNOUNCES NEARLY 200 ARRESTS ‘AND COUNTING’ AS FEDERAL AGENTS SWARM NATION’S CAPITAL

Armed National Guard troops patrol with the U.S. Capitol in the background amid an increased security presence in Washington.

Elizabeth Baxter was terminated for flipping off a member of the National Guard in Washington, D.C., on her way to work. (Getty Images/Tasos Katopodis)

“You are removed from your position of Paralegal Specialist, GS-0950-11, Environmental Defense Section, Environment and Natural Resources Division, and from the federal service, effective immediately,” Bondi wrote in a termination letter to Baxter on Friday following an investigation into her conduct, according to the outlet.

The Trump administration moved in recent weeks to boost the presence of federal law enforcement in D.C. in an attempt to reduce crime. Hundreds of federal agents and National Guard troops have been deployed to the city’s streets as part of the federal takeover of the district.

Trump speaks with National Guard and law enforcement personnel

Hundreds of federal agents and National Guard troops have been deployed to D.C.’s streets. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo)

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Baxter’s termination comes after Sean Charles Dunn, another DOJ paralegal, was fired after he was accused of throwing a sandwich at a Customs and Border Protection agent earlier this month in Washington, D.C.

Dunn, who worked in the criminal division’s international affairs section in the 4CON building, was initially charged with a felony, but a grand jury declined to hand down an indictment. He was subsequently charged with a misdemeanor, which could result in up to one year in jail.