TSA warns of PreCheck scams targeting travelers online with fake sites

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August 3, 2025

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If you’re planning to breeze through airport security using TSA PreCheck, you should first check the URL. The TSA just posted an urgent warning on Facebook reminding travelers to use only the official government site when signing up for PreCheck.

The post says, “Signing up for TSA PreCheck? Make sure you’re using a safe and trusted .gov website” and includes this official link, tsa.gov/precheck.

Why the warning? Because scammers are out in full force, hoping to trick busy travelers into handing over personal information, and even money, by posing as TSA PreCheck.

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SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION PHISHING SCAM TARGETS RETIREES

A TSA agent at an airport screening (TSA)

The scam that’s catching travelers off guard

Scammers have created fake emails and websites that look exactly like TSA PreCheck. They send these phishing emails to people who are eager to skip airport security lines. The messages urge you to click a link, enroll fast and pay the fee.

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But here’s the problem. You’re not signing up for anything legitimate. You’re giving your data, and possibly your credit card, to a scammer. Even worse, you may not find out until you’re standing at the airport, expecting a smoother journey that never comes.

Illustration of TSA PreCheck and TSA PreCheck Touchless ID (TSA)

How to protect yourself from the TSA PreCheck scam

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also issued a warning to help travelers spot the scam before it’s too late. Here are the key steps and our recommendations to stay safe.

1. Use the official site only

Always start your application at tsa.gov/precheck. Type the URL directly into your browser. Never trust a link from an unexpected email or text.

2. Don’t click unexpected links, even if they look real and use strong antivirus software

Avoid clicking on links in emails or texts you weren’t expecting, even if they look polished and professional. Scammers are getting better at impersonating trusted sources. A strong antivirus can flag phishing emails and block malicious websites before you click. It’s an essential line of defense, especially when scammers are spoofing trusted organizations like the TSA.

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3. Do not pay online if it’s your first time

If this is your first time applying, you pay the fee in person at a TSA enrollment center. Anyone asking you to pay online during first-time enrollment is a scammer. Note: TSA will not reimburse applicants who attempt to enroll in TSA PreCheck through a fraudulent website.

4. Slow down and think

Scammers often rush you. If someone pressures you to pay quickly or click now, walk away.

5. Use a personal data removal service

Personal data removal services can help remove your personal information from data broker sites. That reduces the chance of scammers targeting you in the first place. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time.

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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/Delete

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com/FreeScan

6. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Use MFA for any accounts tied to your travel plans, like your email, airline apps or identity verification services. If scammers do get access, MFA adds an extra layer of protection.

7. Check for HTTPS and a .gov domain

Before entering any personal details, make sure the site starts with “https://” and ends with “.gov”-not “.com” or “.org.” Secure and official sites matter.

8. Report suspicious activity immediately

If something feels off, report it to ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Even if you’re unsure, your report could help stop the next scam.

Illustration of the TSA PreCheck website (TSA)

What this means for you

Getting TSA PreCheck should make travel easier, but only if you do it the right way. The real process is simple, but scammers are exploiting people’s urgency. That’s why it’s essential to slow down, double-check links and start at the official government site. Remember:

First-time applicants never pay online.
Renewal is possible online, but always begin at tsa.gov.
Any site that ends in “.com” or looks unofficial is a red flag.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

No one enjoys long TSA lines. PreCheck is a valuable tool, but only if you protect yourself from scammers posing as the TSA. The official government site is your safest bet. Stay alert. Bookmark tsa.gov/precheck. Share this with a friend who’s traveling soon.

Have you ever second-guessed a link that seemed just a little too convenient? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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How Christians can honor God through fitness and strength training

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August 3, 2025

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Regular exercise is known to benefit physical and mental health — but there has been some debate about whether pursuing physical improvement could conflict with Christian principles.

Some have cautioned that putting too much focus on fitness could veer into “idol worship,” which is when another pursuit surpasses devotion to God.

In the book “Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power and the Only Hope that Matters,” author Tim Keller defines an idol as “anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give.”

According to some points of view, that could even include exercise.

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Others — like Hunter Sprague, a Christian bodybuilder and father of three in Texas — take a different perspective.

After spending time in Christian ministry, Sprague tapped into his personal passion for exercise and strength-building to launch Monolith Movement, a coaching and mentorship platform that helps men balance faith and fitness.

Hunter Sprague, a Christian bodybuilder and father of three in Texas, spoke to Fox News Digital about his efforts to balance faith and fitness. (Fox News)

In an on-camera interview with Fox News Digital, Sprague described physical health as a form of spiritual stewardship, which is reflected in 1 Corinthians in the New Testament: “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit … therefore honor God with your body.” (See part of the interview in the video at the top of this article.)

SIMPLE JAPANESE FITNESS TREND COULD ADD 7 YEARS TO LIFE EXPECTANCY, EXPERTS SAY

Sprague acknowledged that in Gnosticism — a set of ancient religious beliefs that emerged around the 1st and 2nd centuries AD — followers believed that the physical body and the material world “just didn’t matter.”

“If you’re going to be saved, be enlightened, you have to kind of ascend the body,” he said of the belief. “It’s this mindset that it’s all about my heart, and my body doesn’t matter.”

‘Our bodies matter’

Over time, Sprague was able to strike a balance between his commitment to physical fitness and his devotion to his faith.

“Our bodies matter, our physical material world matters — it was created,” he said, noting that the physical form is a critical part of who we are designed to be.

After spending time in Christian ministry, Hunter Sprague (pictured) tapped into his personal passion for exercise and strength-building to launch Monolith Movement, a coaching and mentorship platform that helps men balance faith and fitness. (Hunter Sprague/Instagram)

“That is the natural created order — if the Lord didn’t desire for you to have a body, you wouldn’t have one.”

“I think the Lord kind of used fitness to illuminate a lot of this to me,” Sprague went on. “I can’t just live a mental faith — there has to be some experiential power that goes along with it.”

“If the Lord didn’t desire for you to have a body, you wouldn’t have one.”

In his view, exercise and fitness are a form of embracing the control — the “agency” — that the Lord has given us over our bodies.

“This is primarily a matter of stewardship,” Sprague said. “How are you stewarding the fact that you have a functioning body? How are you stewarding the fact that you’ve been given all of these tools and resources and abilities?”

“What are you doing with it for the benefit of others, for your benefit, as you seek to love the Lord and delight in him, and have that sense of peace and hope and resilience?”

Healthy living tips

In his own personal fitness routine, Sprague said he focuses on a mix of strength training and cardio.

“For a lot of people, fitness equates to just weight loss, but if you’re losing weight without building muscle, you’re shooting yourself in the foot,” he told Fox News Digital.

“For a lot of people, fitness equates to just weight loss, but if you’re losing weight without building muscle, you’re shooting yourself in the foot,” the expert told Fox News Digital. (iStock)

Strength training is “absolutely crucial” for Americans right now, the expert said, as many people are “overweight and under-muscled.”

Sprague spends three to four days a week in the gym lifting weights and using cable machines.

“It’s the hard part, it’s the slow burn. It doesn’t happen by accident,” he said. “It’s just pushing myself week after week, competing against myself.”

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For cardio, Sprague recommends finding opportunities to keep moving and to increase daily steps.

“You’ll see a massive difference between 2,000 or 4,000 steps and doubling that to 8,000 or 10,000,” he said. “And if you can go up from there, the more the merrier.”

Some have cautioned that putting too much focus on fitness could veer into “idol worship,” which is when another pursuit surpasses devotion to God. (iStock)

Walking is an “easy barrier to entry,” he said, and is very good for brain health and digestion.

In addition to alternating between walking and sprinting, Sprague recommends finding other ways to stay active in day-to-day life.

“Just more activity that’s coupled with something you enjoy is really helpful,” he said.

ZONE 2 TRAINING: THE TRENDING WORKOUT THAT BURNS FAT WITHOUT INTENSE EXERCISE

In terms of nutrition, Sprague focuses on what he calls “modular eating,” including a few lean proteins, fibrous vegetables and a handful of carbs.

If he’s trying to achieve a particular goal, he carefully tracks his food intake to get “absolute clarity” into how he’s doing.

“You’ll see a massive difference between 2,000 or 4,000 steps and doubling that to 8,000 or 10,000,” the expert said. “And if you can go up from there, the more the merrier.” (iStock)

When it comes to supplements, Sprague said he keeps it “very, very simple.”

“I do creatine and monohydrate every day. I’ll utilize protein powders to reach my protein target with minimal calories.”

‘Notice God’s goodness’

For anyone looking to honor their body and also honor the Lord, Sprague said it’s important to recognize that the physical being matters, but that it will never be the main source of happiness or peace.

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“It’s hard to be satisfied, it’s hard to get to a place where you’re like, ‘I’m done, I made it,’” Sprague said. “There’s always going to be this sense of, ‘There’s more to go, there’s more to do.’”

“My identity, my worth, my value, isn’t wrapped up in what I achieve physically — rather, this process is just a joy in itself.”

Man pouring fish oil capsules with omega 3, vitamin D in hand from medicine bottle. Nutritional supplement. Health support and treatment concept. Close up: used in piece about vitamin d being able to protect telomeres and support longer living

When it comes to supplements, Sprague said he keeps it “very, very simple.” (iStock)

In the pursuit of greater physical fitness, Sprague said it’s essential to “notice God’s goodness” in all of it.

“It’s a means of grace that the Lord designed endorphins for you — he designed dopamine for you,” he noted. “He designed the feeling of accomplishment you get when you lift something or run a little bit farther or have a really good day with your food — that’s not inconsequential.”

“The more you bring the Lord into this and notice His goodness in it, the better it goes.”

Setting specific goals and making a plan to achieve them is the most effective path to success, according to the expert.

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“Just get some momentum and start putting one foot in front of the other,” Sprague advised.

“It all comes down to time and effort. Put some pressure on yourself, set some deadlines and just go do it — because the thinking, considering and mulling it over will get you absolutely nowhere,” he went on.

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“And the more you bring the Lord into this and notice His goodness in it, the better it goes.”

Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.

Fifth-century church with ancient Christian inscription found among Turkey ruins

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August 3, 2025

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Archaeologists in Turkey recently excavated the ruins of a millennia-old city, revealing a fifth-century Christian church with a message that hasn’t been seen in over 1,000 years.

The excavation took place at Olympus, an ancient Lycian port city in Turkey’s Antalya province, according to Anadolu Agency (AA), a state-run news outlet in Ankara.

The city has been excavated continuously since 2006, but during the recent season, archaeologists uncovered multiple mosaic floors, along with large storage jars called pithoi.

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Excavator Gokcen Kurtulus Oztaskin, an associate professor at Pamukkale University, told AA that the site “continues to surprise us with its mosaics.”

The professor noted that “in 2017, 2022 and 2023, we discovered richly decorated mosaic floors at the sites we worked on. This year, we uncovered and restored the floor mosaics of Church No. 1.”

Archaeologists in Turkey uncovered a fifth-century Christian church floor, seen above, inscribed with a message unseen for over 1,000 years. (Fatih Hepokur/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The most striking discovery was an inscription found at Church No. 1’s entrance.

Oztaskin translated the message as: “Only those on the righteous path may enter here.”

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Olympus was abandoned by the 12th century — meaning the inscription has not been seen since.

The mosaics also featured vegetable motifs, a common artistic element of the era.

Split image of archaeologists working, mosaic

The ancient city of Olympus, once a key Lycian port, has yielded new Christian-era mosaics and architectural finds. (Fatih Hepokur/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The names of benefactors were also visible on the mosaics, indicating that an affluent class once flourished in Olympus.

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Excavators also found a newly uncovered building that resembles a temple, though more work will be done to determine its age and function.

Olympus was in use for several centuries. It still bears some remnants of Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine architecture.

Image of ruined church with pillar, stone walls

The ruins of Olympus include Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine architecture, reflecting centuries of layered history. (Fatih Hepokur/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Archaeologists have uncovered multiple churches, a bridge and an entrance complex.

They also found the Bishop’s Palace, the Antimakhos sarcophagus and the Lycian Marcus Aurelius Archepolis Monumental Tomb.

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The discoveries come on the heels of several recent breakthroughs in early Christian archaeology.

“Olympus continues to surprise us with its mosaics,” said excavation lead Gokcen Kurtulus Oztaskin. (Fatih Hepokur/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Earlier this spring, an archaeologist uncovered an ancient Christian settlement in Jordan known as Tharais.

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Last year, historians unveiled the earliest-known evidence of Christianity north of the Alps, in the form of a silver inscription.

Christian-Jewish group sends aid as minorities face deadly militant attacks

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August 3, 2025

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The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews swiftly mobilized its resources in July to aid persecuted Syrian Druze and Christians facing what some have called a genocide carried out by jihadists in southern Syria.

Syrian-backed forces, including jihadist fighters, launched attacks against Syrian Druze in the southern part of the country, resulting in the murders of at least 1,400 people, including a 35-year-old Syrian American from Oklahoma, Hosam Saraya, who was visiting family in Syria.

“Once we saw what was happening in Sweida, we could not turn a blind eye to it.” International Fellowship of Christians and Jews President and Global CEO Yael Eckstein told Fox News Digital.

WHO ARE THE DRUZE? RELIGIOUS GROUP AIDS SYRIAN MEMBERS UNDER ISLAMIST ATTACK, ISRAELI MEMBERS OFFER SUPPORT

Syrian security forces walk together along a street after clashes between Syrian government troops and local Druze fighters resumed in the southern Druze city of Sweida July 16, 2025. (Reuters/Karam al-Masri)

Her organization, she noted, had never operated in Syria prior to this year but said her organization “got an urgent call from a hospital from Sweida, and they needed basic medicines, surgical care, ICU medicine and equipment, first responder equipment and masks for morgue workers.”

The Fellowship coordinated with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to deliver medicine and equipment to Sweida. Eckstein said her group supplied “retired Israeli ambulances to Syria so the locals can operate them.”

The majority Druze city of Sweida was a focal point of the siege executed by Syrian Islamists loyal to new President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, a former member of U.S.-designated terrorist movements, al Qaeda and the Islamic State.

According to Christian Broadcasting Network, Christians were also targeted. Islamists reportedly murdered Khaled Mazhar, pastor of the Good Shepherd Evangelical Church in Sweida, along with 11 family members. An additional person survived the massacre of Christians because the Islamists thought she was dead.

WHO ARE THE DRUZE? RELIGIOUS GROUP AIDS SYRIAN MEMBERS UNDER ISLAMIST ATTACK, ISRAELI MEMBERS OFFER SUPPORT

The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, Israel’s largest philanthropic group, sent aid to Syria’s Druze community amid persecution and attacks by Islamic militants. (The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews)

In July, Israel launched military strikes against the largely Bedouin forces on their way to the southern city of Sweida to stop the massacre. Israel also attacked the Syrian Defense headquarters in Damascus to halt the bloodshed in Sweida. Eckstein added that at least “26 Druze villages were fully burned.”

Since Fox News Digital’s interview with Eckstein, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported at “least 30 villages were damaged by arson and destruction.”

Eckstein said the Fellowship first provided aid in Syria in April when Druze in Syria were targeted and killed.

“When we provided 1.500 food boxes to the Druze within 13 kilometers of Israel’s borders after the massacre in April, two days later Islamists burned boxes of the Fellowship,” Eckstein sid.

Israel and Syria do not have diplomatic relations. Syria is considered an enemy state because it has launched multiple wars against Israel since the rebirth of the Jewish state in 1948.

Eckstein said the Fellowship is “operating in enemy territory, and Jews and Christians are providing life-saving aid. Islamists don’t like it. We would like to see that it is in the Syrian government’s interests to receive aid and hope that more goodness will be brought to Syria.

“Now, Jewish people are standing with Christians who are being persecuted in Syria. It is really important to highlight that this is a case of good versus evil and is not just limited to Syria. It is important for Jews and Christians to stand together regarding Judeo-Christian values that sanctify life.”

The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews delivered aid to Druze, Christian and other minorities affected by recent attacks. Trucks entered through Israel’s border with Syria. (The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews)

TRUMP SIGNS ORDER LIFTING SANCTIONS ON SYRIA

Safwan Marich of the Israeli Druze community runs the Fellowship’s Emergency Response Center and told Fox News Digital that, in the Sweida region, “tyhere is a genocide going on. This needs no further explanation, especially for the Jewish people.

“Once the residents of the deserted village come back, they will understand the magnitude of disaster. Women were kidnapped by jihads, and children were kidnapped and missing.”

Marich has been in contact with his fellow Druze in Syria.

“This war is religious in essence,” he said. “There is a video of Daesh [Islamic State] going to one of the villages asking, ‘Are you a Druze or Sunni?’ And he answered that he is Syrian. He asked him again, so he answered Druze, and he was shot in the middle of the street. It is obvious there is a religious motivation behind this event.

“It is important for me to help the Druze because, first and foremost, I am a Druze. The Druze people are not aggressive and hostile, but they will not sit idly by when they are attacked. We have in the Druze tradition a commandment to help our brothers. To come to aid of Druze community wherever it might be in the world.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (not seen) and Syrian interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa hold a press conference after their meeting at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Turkey, Feb. 4, 2025. (Mehmet Ali Ozcan/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Marich also noted he is Israeli, and the other day a Druze officer was killed in Gaza. Twelve officers from the Druze community have been killed in Gaza since the war began.

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“They died defending Israel and the Jewish people. We have an expectation that Israeli society will come through and stand by Druze community, and so we can defend our brothers in Syria. The state of Israel cannot afford to have Daesh on its borders and in the Golan Heights.”

He pointed to the example of Hamas on the border and its growth as a military danger over the years as a warning about radical Islamists gaining a foothold on the Syrian-Israeli border.

Benjamin Weinthal reports on Israel, Iran, Syria, Turkey and Europe. You can follow Benjamin on Twitter @BenWeinthal, and email him at benjamin.weinthal@fox.com

IOS 18.6 security update fixes critical iPhone vulnerabilities

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August 3, 2025

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If you haven’t updated your iPhone yet, now’s the time. Apple has officially rolled out iOS 18.6, and while the update may seem small, it packs a powerful punch.

With 29 security vulnerabilities addressed, many involving Safari and WebKit, experts say updating now is your best defense against future threats.

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GOOGLE FIXES ANOTHER CHROME SECURITY FLAW BEING ACTIVELY EXPLOITED

IOS 18.6 update on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why iOS 18.6 matters right now

IOS 18.6 closes multiple security holes, including one that could expose sensitive data just by visiting a malicious site. Apple typically keeps details vague at first, but what we do know is serious. Several of the flaws involve WebKit, the browser engine behind Safari, which is a common target for attackers.

Other fixes involve CoreMedia, CoreAudio and CFNetwork, all key iOS frameworks. One major concern was a vulnerability that allowed your passcode to be read aloud by VoiceOver.

Another bug could have enabled address bar spoofing, tricking users into thinking they were visiting a safe website. These are the kinds of tricks hackers love, and you don’t want to be caught off guard.

What iOS 18.6 fixes

Apple patched:

A flaw in WebKit (CVE-2025-4322) that could expose your data through malicious web content
Three memory corruption issues tied to dangerous website content
A CFNetwork bug (CVE-2025-43223) that allowed changes to restricted network settings
CoreMedia and CoreAudio issues that affect how apps handle your data
A Photos bug that prevented memory movies from being shared

While none of the flaws have been exploited in the wild yet, experts say that’s no reason to wait.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

Steps to update your iPhone to iOS 18.6

Updating only takes a few minutes and can prevent a major headache later. Here’s how:

Plug your iPhone into power and connect to Wi-Fi
Open the Settings app
Tap General
Select Software Update
Tap Download and Install or Update Now under iOS 18.6
Follow the prompts and restart your device when prompted

Pro tip: If your iCloud storage is full, your update may fail. Free up some space before you begin.

Steps to update your iPhone’s software to iOS 18.6 (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Other Apple devices got updates too

IPhones weren’t the only devices getting attention this time around. Apple also released:

iPadOS 17.7.9 for older iPads
macOS Sequoia 15.6, Sonoma 14.7.7, and Ventura 13.7.7
watchOS 11.6 for Apple Watch
tvOS 18.6 and visionOS updates

How to check for updates on other Apple devices:

iPad: Go to Settings > General > Software Update
Mac: Open System Settings > General > Software Update
Apple Watch: Open the Watch app on your iPhone, then go to General > Software Update
Apple TV: Go to Settings > System > Software Updates, then select Update Software
Apple Vision Pro: Go to Settings > General > Software Update

Make sure each device is connected to Wi-Fi and has enough battery life or is plugged into power.

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The real trick? Protect yourself beyond updates

Not all of us remember to check our devices for new updates right away, which is why adding a layer of antivirus protection is so important. Good antivirus software will stop you from clicking on malicious links that could install malware on your device. It can also scan for hidden threats and alert you if something suspicious is found. This gives you an extra line of defense, even between iOS updates.

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

What this means for you

Security updates like iOS 18.6 are a key part of keeping your personal data safe. Even if your phone is working fine, skipping updates can leave you open to remote attacks.

And with iOS 26 and the iPhone 17 just around the corner, this could be the last update before a major shift. If you don’t plan to jump to iOS 26 immediately, applying 18.6 now helps lock in maximum protection.

IPhone updated to iOS 18.6 (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Kurt’s key takeaways

While it may not bring flashy new features, iOS 18.6 plays a crucial role in keeping your iPhone secure. With bugs patched across WebKit, CoreMedia and more, this update shores up vulnerabilities before they’re exploited. It’s fast, free and highly recommended. And remember, automatic updates aren’t instant. If you wait, you could stay vulnerable longer than you think.

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What would make you trust Apple more or less when it comes to your personal data? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM/NEWSLETTER

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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Message in bottle among items found during Colorado ski resort cleanup

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August 2, 2025

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A recent annual cleanup at a Colorado ski resort turned into something of a treasure hunt – as staff uncovered everything from outdated technology to a hamburger flipper.

Earlier this summer, Breckenridge Ski Resort in Breckenridge, Colorado, announced that its staffers had teamed up to remove a whopping 780 pounds of trash.

Much of the garbage came from patrons who accidentally dropped things off the ski lift. The resort said the effort required 150 employees — and yielded some unusual finds.

VISIT THESE NEW ENGLAND SKI RESORTS THIS WINTER FOR BREATHTAKING VIEWS, SLOPES FOR BEGINNERS, EXPERTS

The oddest find was a message in a bottle, prompting some speculation about what it might contain.

A spokesperson for Breckenridge Ski Resort told KDVR that it wasn’t a romantic love letter from decades past, however. It was actually just an old COVID-19 vaccination card.

Breckenridge Ski Resort staff removed 780 pounds of trash, and some foreign currency, during a large-scale summer cleanup event. (Sarah McLear, Breckenridge Ski Resort)

Staff members also spotted a cracked iPhone and an iPod Nano, along with a $2 Canadian coin.

Other strange finds?

Plenty of vape cartridges, along with an inexplicable hamburger flipper.

TOP AFFORDABLE SKI RESORTS IN US FOR HITTING THE SLOPES THIS YEAR

As expected, the cleanup also turned up lots of empty bottles and general trash.

The resort’s senior communications manager Max Winter told Fox News Digital in late July that – surprisingly – the staff’s favorite find didn’t make the video of the efforts.

Split image of staff member holding message in bottle, beaded necklaces

The message in a bottle that was found, at left, contained a COVID-19 vaccination card, not the love letter some people expected. (Sarah McLear, Breckenridge Ski Resort)

“[It was] actually, believe it or not, a family of moose!” Winter said.

“A couple of our employees stumbled across the family while searching for lost and discarded items.”

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“While our team kept their distance and didn’t take any photos, their encounter serves as a great reminder that our natural spaces are a shared home, and it is up to each of us to do our part to take care of them,” he added.

Split image of staff holding boots, vape catridges and an iPod nano

Other finds from the resort cleanup included boots, vape cartridges and an iPod Nano. (Sarah McLear, Breckenridge Ski Resort)

Though many of the items were trash, Winter noted that most of the 780-pound weight was made up of larger items that were recycled or upcycled.

“In some very rare cases, we’ve even been able to reunite items with their previous owners,” he recalled.

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“For example, a few years ago at our sister resort, Keystone, our teams were able to match an engraved engagement ring with a guest months after [the person’s] visit.”

The spokesperson added that the effort, called Mountain Clean Up Day, is one of the staff’s favorite annual events.

Split image of staff holding iPhone, staff cleaning up

A cracked iPhone was found during the cleanup, which is part of a broader initiative to care for the mountain during the off-season. (Sarah McLear, Breckenridge Ski Resort)

“It gives us a chance to give some love back to the mountains we call home,” Winter said.

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“In addition to being the right thing to do for our mountain, it’s also a fun paid event to connect with our teammates, see what wacky items may have been lost in the season’s powder days, and, of course, enjoy a free lunch on the mountain.”

Dopamine anchoring brain trick makes boring tasks feel more rewarding

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August 2, 2025

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Dreading a task at the end of a long week? There may be a way to trick your brain into seeing that chore as a reward.

“Dopamine anchoring” is the latest psychology hack making the rounds on social media.

This technique involves associating a desirable thing – like music or snacks – with a less pleasant task or movement, so that “over time, your brain begins to crave the task itself,” according to Joshua Stein, M.D., a child and adolescent psychiatrist at PrairieCare in Minnesota.

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From a neuroscience perspective, this strategy works through the brain’s dopamine pathway.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the brain that is associated with feelings of pleasure.

By repeatedly pairing something enjoyable with an activity, you could train your brain to associate pleasure with that behavior. (iStock)

“When we expect a reward, dopamine levels rise before we get the reward,” which helps boost motivation, Stein told Fox News Digital.

By repeatedly pairing something enjoyable with an activity like cleaning, writing or even exercising, it’s possible to train the brain to release dopamine in advance, which associates pleasure with that behavior.

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“There is strong scientific support for this, from both behavioral psychology and neuroscience,” said Stein, noting that pairing stimuli and rewards can influence behavior, even potentially helping with addiction.

This anchoring technique can also be helpful for those who have conditions like ADHD or depression, where the dopamine system can become out of whack or dysregulated.

“The more consistent the pattern, the stronger the association.”

Stein noted that some people may struggle with a condition called anhedonia, which means they have issues with experiencing pleasure, starting a task or keeping their attention focused.

“By strategically anchoring pleasant stimuli to challenging tasks, individuals can essentially ‘prime’ the brain” to better tolerate, or even enjoy, those activities, according to the doctor.

“Overall, it’s about working with your brain chemistry, not against it.”

Debunking myths

One of the biggest myths surrounding dopamine is that it’s just a “pleasure chemical,” according to Stein.

“It would be more accurate to say that dopamine is the motivation or anticipation neurotransmitter,” he said.

One risk of dopamine anchoring is becoming too dependent on it when completing tasks, an expert cautioned. (iStock)

Potential downsides

While dopamine anchoring can be a helpful tool in some cases, experts say it should not be relied upon as the sole treatment.

There can be downsides to relying on this technique as a self-help strategy. “Like any other psychological tool, dopamine anchoring needs to be used mindfully,” Stein cautioned.

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There is the risk that someone could come to rely on external rewards to do anything at all, which could undermine natural motivation over time.

“Like any other psychological tool, dopamine anchoring needs to be used mindfully.”

People should also avoid using unhealthy or overly stimulating rewards as anchors, like eating sugary snacks after reaching a goal or using social media after finishing an assignment — behaviors that can lead to dysregulation, poor focus or burnout, the expert said.

Activities like journaling or listening to audio books are just a few examples of rewards to use when anchoring. (iStock)

Stein suggests anchoring with things that are energizing but not addictive, and building in breaks where motivation can arise more naturally.

“Think of dopamine anchoring as a bridge, not a crutch,” he advised.

Stein also pointed out the misconception that people can endlessly boost dopamine. While short-term boosts are possible, too much artificial stimulation can dull the natural response over time.

Examples of dopamine anchoring

“The best way to begin practicing dopamine anchoring is to start small,” Stein said.

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The expert offered the examples below for those looking to try this technique.

Pair a long drive with a favorite podcast or audio book
Schedule a celebration with friends after completing a big project
Enjoy a favorite healthy snack while working on a challenging task
Bring along a favorite coffee drink to a potentially difficult family visit
Watch a football game while working out at the gym

The goal is to keep the rewards simple and non-addictive, so they don’t get in the way of the task, the expert said. (iStock)

“If you do this consistently, over time your brain will begin to associate that task with a sense of ease, and maybe even enjoyment,” Stein said.

The goal is to keep the rewards simple and non-addictive so they don’t get in the way of the task, according to the expert.

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“Overall, sustainability is key,” Stein said.

“You’re not trying to trick your brain — rather, you’re training it. And like any other form of training, the more consistent the pattern, the stronger the association.”

Khloe Quill is a lifestyle production assistant with Fox News Digital. She and the lifestyle team cover a range of story topics including food and drink, travel, and health.

Man establishes tiny republic of 400 people in disputed Croatia-Serbia border territory

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August 2, 2025

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A man has declared himself president of a self-proclaimed country nestled in a disputed patch of land between Croatia and Serbia — and it comes complete with a flag, cabinet, currency and nearly 400 citizens.

Daniel Jackson founded the Free Republic of Verdis, a 0.5-square-kilometer (less than 125 acres) sliver of forest along the Danube River. He did so after discovering the area was unclaimed by either neighboring country due to an ongoing border dispute.

“Verdis was an idea I had when I was 14,” said Jackson, who is 20 years old. “It was just a bit of an experiment at first with a few mates. We have all dreamed of creating something crazy.”

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Jackson officially declared the republic’s independence on May 30, 2019, news agency SWNS reported.

The area the British man claimed, known on maps as “pocket three,” has since been named the world’s second-smallest country, right behind Vatican City.

The Free Republic of Verdis, a sliver of forest along the Danube River, is shown above. “Founder” Daniel Jackson discovered the area was unclaimed by either neighboring country due to an ongoing border dispute. (Daniel Jackson / SWNS)

The digital designer, who earns a living by creating virtual worlds on Roblox, began shaping Verdis into a functioning government when he was just 18.

“We started making Verdis a reality when I was 18 by forming some laws and a flag,” he said. “We have now built up a government and have a great cabinet,” he said.

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The official languages of Verdis are English, Croatian and Serbian — and the nation uses the Euro as its currency.

Verdis is accessible only by boat from the Croatian city of Osijek, though attempts to settle there have gotten some significant resistance.

He is operating what he calls a “government in exile.”

In October 2023, Croatian police detained several settlers, along with Jackson himself, before deporting them and issuing him a lifetime ban from entering the country.

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“They deported us but couldn’t give a reason why,” Jackson said. “They said we were a threat to homeland security.”

Now operating what he calls a “government in exile,” Jackson has accused Croatian authorities of installing surveillance along his country’s shoreline to block access from Serbia, SWNS reported.

Daniel Jackson, with the flag of Verdis. Meet the man who has declared himself president of his own country

Daniel Jackson, above, poses with the flag of Verdis. The digital designer began shaping Verdis into a functioning government at age 18. (Daniel Jackson / SWNS)

“We have had a lot of problems with Croatian authorities, but we do want a good relationship with them in the future,” he added.

“They haven’t taken to us kindly and have been aggressive,” he claimed.

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Per SWNS, Jackson now travels frequently to Belgrade, Serbia, where he says officials have been more receptive.

Despite his ban from Croatia, he continues to advocate for the right to access Verdis and hopes to return to live there one day.

“When you realize that you are in a country you have created, it is magical.”

“If successful, I would step down from my position and call an election,” he said.

“I am not interested in power at all … I just want to be a normal citizen. It has been eye-opening, and I am quite proud of what I have achieved,” he added.

Verdis began with just four people but now claims over 400 official citizens from a pool of more than 15,000 applicants.

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Each person receives a passport — though Jackson has warned people against trying to use it for actual international travel.

That said, some citizens have reportedly used their Verdisian passport to enter other countries.

“It is a very small country so we have to be careful who we let in,” Jackson told SWNS.

The Free Republic of Verdis. Meet the man who has declared himself president of his own country- with 400 citizens and counting.

Verdis is accessible only by boat from the Croatian city of Osijek, though attempts to settle there have faced significant resistance. (Daniel Jackson / SWNS)

“When it comes to approving people, we look for in-demand skill sets such as experience in medicine or policing.”

Despite mounting setbacks, Jackson said he remains optimistic.

“It is a matter of when, not if, we get back on the land,” he said.

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“Croatia doesn’t claim the land, so we have the right to it, and we believe that we have a good chance.”

Jackson, who is originally from Australia, is determined to make Verdis more than just a thought experiment, SWNS reported.

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“To the naked eye it is just a lot of forest, but when you realize that you are in a country you have created, it is magical,” he said.

Reem Amro is a lifestyle production assistant with Fox News Digital. She and the lifestyle team cover a range of story topics including food and drink, travel, and health.

Radioactive wasp nest found at South Carolina nuclear bomb site facility

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August 2, 2025

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Officials at a former nuclear bomb site in South Carolina have discovered a radioactive wasp nest.

Workers were conducting a routine radiation level check at the Savannah River Site near Aiken when a nest was identified with liquid nuclear waste tanks, The Associated Press (AP) reported.

The U.S. Department of Energy filed a report on July 22 stating the nest had 10 times the radiation level that is permitted by federal regulations.

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Officials said no wasps were found at the nest.

“The wasp nest was sprayed to kill wasps, then bagged as radiological waste,” the report said. “The ground and surround[ing] area did not have any contamination.”

Workers at South Carolina’s Savannah River nuclear site found a radioactive wasp nest. Steel canisters at the site are stored beneath five feet of concrete, as shown above. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, File)

It is believed the nest became radioactive through “onsite legacy radioactive contamination” from activity left when the site was fully operational.

The site now makes fuel for nuclear plants and cleanup, AP reported. There are still 43 of the underground tanks in use, while eight have been closed.

A watchdog group, Savannah River Site Watch, called out the report, saying it lacked details about the source of the contamination and how the wasps encountered it, according to AP.

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Tom Clements, Savannah River Site Watch executive director, slammed the report in text messages obtained by AP.

“I’m as mad as a hornet that SRS didn’t explain where the radioactive waste came from or if there is some kind of leak from the waste tanks that the public should be aware of,” Clements wrote, as AP reported.

The nest (not pictured) found at the South Carolina facility had 10 times the federal radiation limits. (iStock)

The Savannah River Mission Completion monitors the site and provided a statement to the Aiken Standard, a local news outlet.

“Upon discovery of the contaminated nest, the immediate area was secured and surveyed; no contamination was found in the area,” the statement noted.

“I’m as mad as a hornet [about this].”

“There were no impacts to workers, the environment or the public.”

The nest was found in F Tank Farm area, which is “centrally located inside the 310-square-mile Savannah River Site. Generally, wasps travel only a few hundred yards from their nest,” it continued.

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In 1950, President Harry Truman announced that the United States would accelerate the atomic energy program; the plant opened during the start of the Cold War.

The plant was in charge of producing “basic materials” in support of American defense programs, primarily tritium and plutonium-239, according to the Savannah River Site.

President Harry Truman announced the United States would accelerate the atomic energy program in 1950. (MPI/Getty Images)

It has produced over 165 million gallons of liquid nuclear waste, reducing it through evaporation to about 34 million gallons, according to Savannah River Mission Completion.

Of the remaining 43 tanks, eight have closed.

Regarding the radioactive wasp nest, three additional nests have since been discovered at the site, The New York Times reported on Saturday.

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The Savannah River Site occupies some 310 square miles in the sandhills of South Carolina, near the Georgia border.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Cancer-fighting potential found in common sweetener, researchers say

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August 2, 2025

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A household sweetener could hold the potential to create an anti-cancer treatment.

New research from Hiroshima University in Japan revealed that stevia leaf extract could help fight pancreatic cancer cells.

The leaves of the stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana) are used to make stevia extract, a naturally sweet substance commonly used as a sugar substitute.

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The study, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, investigated the anti-cancer properties of stevia leaf extract when it is fermented with a certain strain of bacteria.

In laboratory research, the fermented extract exhibited “significantly enhanced antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity” against pancreatic cancer cells, the researchers revealed.

The chemical properties of stevia plant extract could help fight pancreatic cancer cells, researchers discovered. (iStock)

This led them to believe that this substance could serve as a “promising candidate for pancreatic cancer treatment.”

Paul E. Oberstein, M.D., medical oncologist and assistant director of the Pancreatic Cancer Center at NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center, shared his thoughts in an interview with Fox News Digital.

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“This is an interesting study because it evaluated something derived from a natural plant (stevia) and showed that it may have utility in stopping cancer cells from growing in the laboratory,” he said.

“As the authors point out, the actual stevia plant does not seem to have any benefit for stopping cancer, so they had to use a chemical process to change the plant and make it stronger with a fermentation process.”

“This is the process of how we discover new treatments – some of which turn out to be absolute game-changers.”

Oberstein recommended approaching this with caution, as it is unknown whether altering the plant will lead to side effects or toxicity.

The study was not performed on humans, so there is “still a lot that’s unknown about whether this will help patients,” the oncologist added.

The study was not performed on humans, so there is “still a lot that’s unknown about whether this will help patients,” an oncologist commented. (iStock)

As stevia extract alone does not have an impact on cancer cells, Oberstein said these findings most likely will not lead to any immediate changes in treatment plans.

“The study suggests that if the stevia can be changed in the lab, it may have an impact, so hopefully they will further test this and determine whether this effect happens when tested in people and if it doesn’t cause new side effects,” he added.

“I hope the researchers keep testing this in various formats and in people.”

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Dr. Kristen Arnold, a surgical oncologist and pancreatic cancer specialist at the Orlando Health Cancer Institute, reacted to these study findings in a separate interview with Fox News Digital.

“Pancreatic cancer is a very aggressive malignancy,” she said. “And we know that even with the most aggressive of therapies, unfortunately, our outcomes are not good.”

The stevia used as a beverage sweetener does not show any benefit to fighting cancer in its current form. (iStock)

“As a pancreatic cancer community, we spend a lot of time and there’s a lot of ongoing effort into trying to find better modalities to treat this disease.”

Although more research is needed to confirm these preliminary findings, Arnold said she is encouraged by the study.

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“I think the data’s very early to know if it’s ultimately going to be a game-changer, but it’s very exciting to know that we’re finding some positive pre-clinical data,” she said.

“This is the process of how we discover new treatments – some of which turn out to be absolute game-changers and make dramatic changes in the lives of our patients.”

“Not all of it pans out, but it’s a process of discovery,” Arnold added.

illustration of pancreas with cancerous cells

“Pancreatic cancer is a very aggressive malignancy,” an oncologist said. “And we know that even with the most aggressive of therapies, unfortunately, our outcomes are not good.” (iStock)

For those with pancreatic cancer, Arnold recommends seeking out appropriate clinical trial opportunities as new science develops.

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“The clinical trials are ultimately what determine how we treat patients on a day-to-day basis,” she added.

Fox News Digital reached out to the study authors for comment.

Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.

The scam that’s catching travelers off guard

How to protect yourself from the TSA PreCheck scam

1. Use the official site only

2. Don’t click unexpected links, even if they look real and use strong antivirus software

3. Do not pay online if it’s your first time

4. Slow down and think

5. Use a personal data removal service

6. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)

7. Check for HTTPS and a .gov domain

8. Report suspicious activity immediately

What this means for you

Kurt’s key takeaways

‘Our bodies matter’

Healthy living tips

‘Notice God’s goodness’

Why iOS 18.6 matters right now

What iOS 18.6 fixes

Steps to update your iPhone to iOS 18.6

Other Apple devices got updates too

How to check for updates on other Apple devices:

The real trick? Protect yourself beyond updates

What this means for you

Kurt’s key takeaways

Debunking myths

Potential downsides

Examples of dopamine anchoring

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