How to detect and remove malware from your infected Mac computer safely

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October 6, 2025

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We trust Macs to be reliable, secure, and mostly resistant to viruses. Apple’s software reputation has long been built around the idea that macOS is harder to compromise than Windows. And while there is some truth to that, it does not mean that Macs are immune. Modern malware is smarter, more targeted, and often designed to slip past built-in defenses quietly. Recently, I heard from Jeffrey from Phoenix, AZ, who’s been dealing with this exact situation.

“I used a MacBook at work and noticed it was performing oddly. I didn’t use an Apple ID on that machine per company protocol. But I had personal devices that I could work from that are now infected. The notepad, maps, and home, among others, seem to be getting hung up. I’ve tried to advise Apple but have had little success. It’s completely taken over my devices, and I don’t know how to resolve this.”

If your Mac has started acting strange, you are not alone, Jeffrey. Malware infections are more common than many Mac users realize, and spotting them early can make all the difference. Let us break down how to tell if your system is compromised, what protections Apple already provides, and the steps you should take to keep your data safe. If you’re a Windows user facing similar issues, check out our guide: What to do if you think your PC has a virus for step-by-step help.

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WHY IPHONE USERS ARE THE NEW PRIME SCAM TARGETS

Hands typing on a laptop displaying green code on the screen.

Mac malware often hides in the background, making it hard to spot at first. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Signs your Mac might be infected

Spotting malware on macOS is not always straightforward. Many threats are designed to stay hidden, running quietly in the background while collecting data or opening a backdoor for attackers. Still, there are a few red flags that usually signal something is wrong.

One of the first signs is slower performance or frequent overheating. If your Mac suddenly takes a long time to boot, runs hot during light tasks, or lags when performing simple actions, it might be doing more behind the scenes than you realize. Apps that crash or freeze more often than usual are another warning sign. Occasional app failures are normal, but if built-in tools like Safari, Notes, or Mail begin acting unstable, it may point to malicious interference.

It is also worth paying attention to what is happening under the hood. Checking Activity Monitor for unknown processes or unusually high CPU or memory usage can reveal malware that tries to hide itself with random or unfamiliar names. Redirected web traffic is another classic symptom. If your browser takes you to strange websites, shows pop-ups, or installs new extensions you never approved, adware or spyware might already be present.

Finally, unexplained changes to your security settings should always raise suspicion. If you notice your firewall turned off, privacy permissions modified, or login items appearing without your knowledge, something could have gained unauthorized control of your system.

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Strange app behavior, pop-ups, or overheating may signal something’s wrong (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How macOS protects you by default

Apple has built several layers of defense into macOS, many of which run silently in the background to keep your system secure. Knowing how they work can help you understand what protections are already in place and where you might still need to add more safeguards.

Gatekeeper is one of the most important built-in security tools. It checks every app before it runs to make sure it comes from a verified developer, warning or blocking you if the app is not trusted. Another layer of defense is XProtect, Apple’s built-in malware scanner. It updates automatically and can stop many known threats from running, although it is not as thorough as specialized antivirus software.

System Integrity Protection, or SIP, is another important safeguard. It locks down critical system files and processes so that malware cannot tamper with them even if it gains access. macOS also uses sandboxing and strict permission controls to contain threats. Apps run in isolated environments and must explicitly request permission to access sensitive data such as your camera, files, or location.

Together, these features make it significantly harder for malicious software to infect your Mac or cause serious damage. However, they are not perfect. Attackers are constantly developing new techniques to bypass these protections, and many threats rely on human error rather than technical exploits. That is why taking additional precautions is still essential, even on a Mac.

10 WAYS TO SECURE YOUR OLDER MAC FROM THREATS AND MALWARE

Person typing on a laptop at a desk with computer monitors in the background.

Even Apple’s built-in protections can miss new or advanced threats (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What to do if your Mac is already infected

If you find yourself dealing with a Mac that’s already compromised these steps can help you get back in control:

1) Disconnect from the internet immediately

Unplug Ethernet or turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This prevents malware from sending more data out or pulling in additional malicious code.

2) Back up your important files safely

Use an external drive or cloud service you trust. Avoid copying entire system folders-just grab personal documents, photos, and files you can’t replace. You don’t want to back up the malware along with them.

3) Boot into Safe Mode

Restart your Mac and hold the Shift key. Safe Mode prevents some malware from launching and makes it easier to run cleanup tools.

4) Run a trusted malware removal tool

While macOS includes XProtect, you may need something more powerful. A strong antivirus program can detect and remove infections. Run a full system scan to catch hidden threats.

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5) Check your login items and Activity Monitor

Review what apps are set to launch at startup and remove anything you don’t recognize. If you spot unfamiliar processes hogging resources, don’t just guess. Use our guides at Cyberguy.com/LockUpYourTech to compare what’s safe and learn how to shut down anything suspicious before it causes more trouble.

6) Consider a clean reinstall of macOS

If malware persists, wiping your system may be the only option. Erase your Mac’s drive and reinstall macOS from scratch. Restore only the clean files you backed up earlier.

7) Secure your other devices

If your iPhone, iPad, or other personal devices are showing strange behavior, run security scans, update their software, and reset key passwords. Malware can sometimes spread through shared Wi-Fi networks, cloud accounts, or files.

8) Reset key passwords and enable two-factor authentication

Even after cleanup, assume some of your data may have been exposed. Update your Apple ID, email, banking, and work accounts with strong, unique passwords. Turn on 2FA wherever possible.

9) Get professional help if needed

If you’re overwhelmed, you can bring your Mac to an Apple Store for in-person help at the Genius Bar, or schedule a free appointment with Apple Support.

Person working on a MacBook at a white desk with a smartphone and pen nearby.

Simple steps like scanning, updating, and using strong passwords can keep your data safe (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

7 ways to keep your Mac from getting infected

Some cyber threats do not reveal themselves immediately. Scammers often collect small bits of data over time or wait weeks before trying to use what they have stolen. These steps can help you strengthen your defenses and reduce the chances of future infections.

1) Install strong antivirus software

macOS’s built-in protections are useful but basic. A strong antivirus adds an extra layer by detecting threats in real time, blocking malicious downloads, and even identifying new types of malware before they spread. A strong antivirus also scans email attachments and browser activity, areas where many Mac users are most vulnerable.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, 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/LockUpYourTech

2) Consider a personal data removal service

Many cyberattacks begin with information freely available online. A data removal service scrubs your personal details from broker sites, reducing the chances of targeted attacks or identity theft. 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/Delete

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

GOOGLE FIXES ANOTHER CHROME SECURITY FLAW BEING ACTIVELY EXPLOITED

3) Use a password manager

Many malware attacks rely on stolen credentials rather than technical exploits. A password manager stores unique, complex passwords for every account and can automatically flag weak or reused ones. It also helps protect you from phishing attempts because it will only autofill passwords on legitimate websites.

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

4) Enable two-factor authentication

Even if someone steals your password, two-factor authentication (2FA) makes it much harder for them to access your accounts. It adds an extra step to the login process, requiring a code from your phone or a security key.

5) Keep macOS and apps updated

Outdated software is a common entry point for malware. Updates often patch vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit, so turning on automatic updates for both macOS and third-party apps is an easy but effective defense.

6) Review login items and background processes

Malware often tries to run at startup so it can operate undetected. Regularly check System Settings to make sure only trusted apps are launching automatically, and use Activity Monitor to investigate anything suspicious.

7) Use identity theft protection

If your personal data has already been exposed, an identity theft protection service can monitor for suspicious activity, alert you to breaches, and help you recover quickly if something does go wrong. Identity Theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security Number (SSN), phone number, and email address, and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals.

See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft at Cyberguy.com/IdentityTheft

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Kurt’s key takeaway

Macs have a reputation for being safer than other computers, but that does not mean they are untouchable. Malware has evolved to target macOS more aggressively than ever, and many attacks now rely on tricking users rather than breaking through security software. If your device is behaving strangely, taking action early is the best way to prevent deeper damage.

How important is cybersecurity when choosing the devices you use every day? 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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Pharaoh bracelet stolen for $4,025 as tourists warned about safety tips in Egypt

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October 6, 2025

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The international spotlight recently turned to crime in Egypt when a pharaoh’s priceless bracelet was stolen from a Cairo museum and melted down – forever lost to history.

The artifact once belonged to Pharaoh Usermaatre Amenemope, a ruler from the Third Intermediate Period.

Dating back 3,000 years, the bracelet was stolen by a specialist at the Egyptian Museum’s restoration laboratory and sold for around $4,000 this month.

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Authorities tracked down all parties involved – including the jewelers and foundry workers who touched the bracelet – and arrested them, but not in time to save the precious object.

Though this was not directly a tourist-targeted incident, the incident has raised concerns about crime in Egypt – and might make some rethink upcoming trips to the Gift of the Nile.

Egyptian authorities recently announced the theft of a gold and lapis lazuli bracelet once owned by Pharaoh Amenemope. (Chesnot/Getty Images; Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)

Fox News Digital spoke to experts about how to stay safe in Egypt – here’s what they said.

Security expert’s take: Stay alert

To American eyes, the sale of Amenemope’s bracelet for around $4,000 seems a shockingly low sum – but in Egypt, that amount is worth a fortune.

A 2023 report from CAPMAS, Egypt’s official national statistics agency, said the average monthly salary for public and private sector employees was around 5,005 Egyptian pounds per month – less than $160 U.S. dollars.

Threat management expert Spencer Coursen told Fox News Digital that poverty in Egypt creates “an environment in which opportunistic crime thrives.”

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He said, “For many locals, hustling tourists is seen less as ‘crime’ and more as ‘survival.’ This is why visitors often experience aggressive street vendors, taxi scams or ‘guides’ demanding tips after offering unsolicited help.”

A former U.S. Army Ranger and founder of Coursen Security Group, Coursen said tourists need to be on high alert against pickpocketing, scams, overcharging and harassment – particularly street harassment against women.

Experts warn that tourists in Egypt are more likely to face scams and harassment than violent crime. (iStock)

“Pickpocketing in crowded markets, taxi overcharging and aggressive sales tactics are much more common than armed robbery or assault,” the Texas-based expert said. “Egypt also has unique risks tied to regional instability and terrorism, particularly in the Sinai Peninsula and occasionally in major cities.”

He went on, “Most of the time, these risks are generally targeted at security forces or political symbols rather than tourists. Still, they shape the overall security environment in ways that make Egypt distinct.”

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Egyptian police are plentiful, the security expert noted, but they’re primarily focused on deterring larger threats like terrorism — making their effectiveness “mixed” when it comes to petty crime against tourists.

“The country’s security forces operate in a system in which corruption, bureaucracy and low pay limit accountability,” said Coursen. “Small bribes are frequently used to expedite processes or avoid hassle and are not uncommon.”

“The safest traveler is one who looks confident, maintains boundaries and knows when to say no.”

“This doesn’t mean visitors are unsafe, but it does mean enforcement isn’t always as consistent or impartial as what Western travelers might expect.”

Rather than rely on police, tourists should sharpen their street smarts and avoid dicey situations.

“Westerners in Egypt are less likely to face violent threats and more likely to face persistent distractions,” he said.

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“The safest traveler is one who looks confident, maintains boundaries and knows when to say no.”

Coursen added that tourists should carry color copies of their passports, small denominations of change rather than credit cards, and medication for food-related illnesses, as water quality is less reliable compared to that of the U.S.

Middle aged couple smiling near egypt landmark

Security professionals say tourists stand out in Egypt, making flashy jewelry or luxury items risky choices. (iStock)

“Egypt rewards those who arrive informed, alert and adaptable,” he said. “Avoid obvious risks, prepare for the predictable challenges, and you’ll be free to enjoy one of the most extraordinary destinations on earth.”

Coursen’s 4 main takeaways

The security expert boiled down his advice to four key points.

1. Stick to populated, well-lit areas, especially after dark. Avoid empty alleys and isolated spaces, where tourists become easy targets.

2. As a Westerner, you will already stand out, so don’t add unnecessary attention with flashy jewelry, designer handbags or revealing clothing.

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3. Lead with “No, thank you.” Many scams begin when a tourist agrees to accept a presumed kindness over something trivial, which then escalates into a demand for money.

4. Being mindful of local customs, plus how you dress, how you negotiate and how you interact will not only help you to avoid conflict; it will also earn you local respect.

Other expert opinions

Bobby Laurie, a Washington, D.C.-based travel expert, told Fox News Digital he “never felt unsafe while touring Egypt.”

The former flight attendant said he felt secure in his travels to many different regions and cities in Egypt – but he did caution that Cairo is especially busy and congested. He compared the overpopulation and condensed cities to what he’s seen in Central America.

“One of the things I was not prepared for … is the culture around the merchants selling items outside of temples and other attractions.”

“One of the things I was not prepared for — and to me, this could be something that makes tourists uneasy and possibly feel unsafe — is the culture around the merchants selling items outside of temples and other attractions,” he said.

“The merchants were everywhere, around you, in your face. Some pushed and pulled, hoping to get you in their store.”

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“There were many, many merchants outside each and every tourist attraction, and they are very aggressive,” he added. He compared it to being a celebrity hounded by paparazzi.

“You quickly learn that this is just the way it is, but at first, it’s alarming,” said Laurie. “The intensity varied at each stop, and this is one of those situations where you’d want to watch your belongings just because your attention is constantly being diverted.”

Tourists should stay in well-lit, populated areas and avoid situations that create easy targets for criminals. (iStock)

He also said tourist groups tend to have armed security around them — bringing some assurance to those who have booked tour guides.

“From the looks of it, it would appear unsafe because why would this officer be with you?” Laurie observed.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyle

“However, most of them are there to assist tourists with navigating the city, assist with crossing roads …. The lines on roadways are just for show! In Egypt, they mean nothing.”

Tourist inspecting item at egyptian merchant stall

“There were many, many merchants outside each and every tourist attraction, and they are very aggressive,” said one travel expert (not pictured). (iStock)

Katy Nastro, a spokesperson for the Colorado-based travel company Going, confirmed to Fox News Digital that main issues in Egypt include haggling, aggression from vendors and unwanted attention toward women.

The travel expert urged tourists to keep their eyes out for law enforcement, including those that have “Tourism and Antiquities Police” badges at tourist sites.

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“They are based at all major tourism sites, and can be reached by dialing 126,” advised Nastro.

Bipartisan lawmakers vow to skip paychecks during government shutdown

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October 6, 2025

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A growing number of lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have declared they’re forgoing their paychecks as the government shutdown drags on.

The federal government has been shut down for nearly a week after Senate Democrats rejected Republicans’ plan to fund agencies through Nov. 21 multiple times.

Reps. Chip Roy, R-Texas, Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, Tom Barrett, R-Mich., Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, and Rob Bresnahan, R-Pa., are among the Republicans who wrote to the Chief Administrative Officer of the U.S. House of Representatives asking for their pay to be withheld during a shutdown.

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Reps. Chip Roy, left, and Ashley Hinson, right have asked for their salaries to be withheld during a shutdown, while Sen. Lindsey Graham, center, has said he would donate his. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images; Amir Levy/Getty Images; Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Democrats like Reps. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., and Lou Correa, D-Calif., have requested the same.

But lawmakers requesting their pay be withheld cannot forgo it altogether, because federal law requires them to be paid.

Article I of the Constitution states, “The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States.”

Further, the 27th Amendment prevents any changes to congressional pay until after the next election.

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Rep. Josh Gottheimer speaks after the Democratic gubernatorial debate at Rider University in Lawrenceville, N.J., on Feb. 2, 2025. (Mike Catalini/AP)

Most House and Senate lawmakers are paid $174,000 yearly — a figure that has not changed since 2009 — while members of congressional leadership can earn more.

A source familiar with the matter told Fox News Digital that members of Congress can elect to have their pay withheld until a shutdown is over, but they must receive that as backpay when the government is funded again.

Meanwhile, Rep. Joe Morelle, D-N.Y., the top Democrat on the Committee for House Administration, told Bloomberg Government last week that those checks can go into an account separate from lawmakers’ usual salaries. He told the outlet, “It’s an administrative way of withholding pay for people who choose to.”

The government is in a partial shutdown after Congress failed to reach an agreement on federal funding. (Getty Images)

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Congressional staffers, meanwhile, automatically miss paychecks if their pay period falls during a government shutdown — but that is also backpaid when the shutdown ends.

Some lawmakers, like Sens. Ashley Moody, R-Fla., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., have announced they would donate their paychecks for the duration of the shutdown.

“Each day the government remains closed, I will be donating my salary to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, which provides help to vulnerable populations who may be impacted by this reckless choice,” Moody said in a statement last week.

Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital leading coverage of the House of Representatives. Previous digital bylines seen at Daily Mail and CBS News.

Follow on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com

Israel denies Greta Thunberg’s claims of mistreatment

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October 6, 2025

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Greta Thunberg’s alleged claims that she sat for hours on hard surfaces in a bedbug-infested Israeli jail while denied adequate food and water have been blasted by Israel’s Foreign Ministry as “brazen lies.”

According to correspondence from the Swedish Foreign Ministry, seen by The Guardian, Thunberg told officials she developed rashes possibly caused by bedbugs.

The activist was also said to have complained of dehydration.

A letter shared with Thunberg’s parents also reportedly said she described “harsh and exhausting” treatment after she was detained by Israeli forces during her Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla aid expedition.

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Swedish activist Greta Thunberg sits at an unknown location, after Israel intercepted the vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla aiming to reach Gaza and break Israel’s naval blockade, in this handout image released on October 3, 2025. (ISRAEL FOREIGN MINISTRY/Handout via REUTERS)

In a statement shared Sunday on X, an Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson said all detainees’ “legal rights were fully upheld.”

They insisted that Thunberg “did not complain to Israeli authorities about any of these ludicrous and baseless allegations because they never occurred.”

Greta Thunberg, wearing a black shirt and keffiyeh scarf, sits near an Israeli soldier in tactical gear.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg sits near an Israeli soldier after naval forces intercepted a Gaza-bound flotilla. (Israel Foreign Ministry)

The Israeli Foreign Ministry also called the reports “brazen lies” and emphasized that detainees had access to food, water, legal counsel and medical care.

Court documents from an Oct. 5 hearing before Israel’s Population and Migration Tribunal appear to support the official account, per local media reports, showing she requested deportation to Sweden but made no formal complaint of mistreatment while in custody.

In another post on X, the ministry shared that one Spanish detainee from Thunberg’s Flotilla allegedly bit a female medical staff member at Ketziot Prison.

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Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir described the flotilla participants as “supporters of terrorism,” saying he was “proud they experienced the same conditions as terrorist detainees.”

Thunberg, 22, was among roughly 450 activists from more than a dozen countries detained after the Israeli navy intercepted the 42-boat Global Sumud Flotilla on October 1.

Greta Thunberg speaking into a microphone

Climate activist Greta Thunberg with other activists from a human rights organization met with journalists in Catania, Italy ahead of their departure for the Mideast. (AP)

The convoy, which departed from Turkey a day earlier, sought to breach Israel’s maritime blockade of Gaza and deliver symbolic humanitarian aid.

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Other activists, such as Turkish journalist and flotilla participant Ersin Çelik, told Anadolu Agency that guards “dragged little Greta by her hair, beat her, and forced her to kiss the Israeli flag.”

Fox News Digital reached out to the Swedish Foreign Ministry and the Israeli Foreign Ministry for comment.

Emma Bussey is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital. Before joining Fox, she worked at The Telegraph with the U.S. overnight team, across desks including foreign, politics, news, sport and culture.

Lionel Richie reveals he almost became a priest before music career

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October 5, 2025

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Lionel Richie revealed that he almost joined the Episcopal priesthood before one encouraging shoutout from an audience member convinced him to pursue a musical career.

In his new memoir “Truly,” the 76-year-old music icon recalled growing up, he was a “disastrously shy altar boy” who considered becoming a member of the clergy and was training for the priesthood.

During a Friday appearance on “Today with Jenna & Friends” to promote his tell-all, Richie recalled the pivotal moment, while performing with his college band, The Commodores, that inspired him to commit to music.

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“I couldn’t figure out what the heck to do with my life, couldn’t figure it out,” the four-time Grammy Award winner said. “I’m as shy as I can be. And then I realized, maybe the priesthood might be the best way to go.”

Lionel Richie recalled that he almost became a priest before one enthusiastic shoutout from a fan convinced him to pursue music. (Kristy Sparow/Getty Images)

“Here’s what happened to change my mind,” Richie continued. “I joined the Commodores in my second semester of my sophomore year and something amazing happened. A lady on the front row of some club said, ‘Sing it, baby!’”

Richie said that the audience member’s comment prompted him to contact church leadership and abandon his training for the priesthood.

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“I called back to the priest and I said, ‘I don’t think I’m going to be college material. I just gotta be honest with you,’” the “All Night Long” hitmaker said. “There’s a moment when you have that moment.”

Lionel Richie performing with the Commodores.

An audience member shouted “Sing it, baby!” while Richie was performing with the Commodores. (Mike Prior/Redferns)

“All of a sudden, I got an acknowledgment from the other side,” Richie continued. “From that point on, I kept thinking, now how does this go forward? I didn’t know I was a writer, didn’t know I was a singer. Thank God for The Commodores because I would have never discovered Lionel Richie.”

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Richie admitted that he continued to struggle with his shyness while he was performing with The Commodores.

“Scared to death, can you imagine having panic attacks on stage?” the “American Idol” judge said. “But I wanted to be in this band so badly, and I wanted to be in this business.”

Lionel Richie in a black patterned jacket holds up an award on the red carpet at the American Music Awards

Richie said that the songs he has written are his “real sermons.” (VALERIE MACON/AFP)

In “Truly,” Richie recalled telling the priests at his church that he had second thoughts about his vocation for the priesthood.

“They gave me wise words of encouragement and told me that if things changed the door was always open,” Richie wrote. “In fact, in the coming years, whenever I worried that the music thing was to be short-lived, I’d talk about returning to my earlier plans.”

He continued, “I even picked out a seminary in Wyoming. Never went. The moment of truth probably arrived when I began to write songs—and realized they were my real sermons.

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“Truly” will be released nationwide on Oct. 15, 2025, through HarperCollins.

Ashley Hume is an entertainment writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to ashley.hume@fox.com and on Twitter: @ashleyhume

Colonial settlers of faith receive dignified reburial ceremony at St. Mary’s City in Maryland

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October 5, 2025

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Maryland officials reinterred 65 of the state’s earliest settlers in a powerful ceremony more than 300 years after the settlers’ first burials.

The reinterment was held at Historic St. Mary’s City, a colonial town off the western shore of Chesapeake Bay, on Sept. 20. Earlier this year, the site drew national headlines when it opened up a reconstructed 17th-century Catholic church.

The Brick Chapel was the center of Catholic worship in Maryland until 1704, when the Protestant governor of Maryland shuttered the building’s doors.

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The recent reinterment marked the chapel’s most meaningful use yet. Henry Miller, Ph.D., a senior research fellow at Historic St. Mary’s City, spoke to Fox News Digital about the observance.

Sept. 20 marked the day the 65 individuals were finally returned to a new burial vault after their remains had been respectfully studied and preserved.

Officials in Maryland honored early settlers with a solemn reburial service at Historic St. Mary’s City. (Jenn Dorsey, Historic St. Mary’s City)

The event, attended by Archbishop of Baltimore William E. Lori, included a procession, a chapel blessing and the reburial.

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Miller painstakingly planned all the period-accurate details, he said, such as the horse-drawn hearse, the cannon salute and the inclusion of “Salve Regina,” a hymn that settlers would have known well.

“Having the archbishop was important, as these [settlers] were almost all Catholics,” he said.

“My goal was to honor these long-forgotten men and women and children, showing them dignity and respect.”

“The parts were all planned to create a dignified, memorable and honorable ceremony to return these people to their resting place.”

Miller said it took six hours to place all the remains in the vault. To save time, the public ceremony focused on what he called “the most forgotten” — the babies left out of historical records.

ANCIENT CHRISTIAN CHURCH REVEALS MYSTERIOUS 1,600-YEAR-OLD WARNING TO NONBELIEVERS: ‘ONLY THE RIGHTEOUS’

“We placed the remains of eight of them in small black boxes wrapped with black ribbon and a sprig of rosemary attached,” he said. “They were in the coffin [we carried].”

He went on, “I found eight pallbearers who are descendants of 17th-century Maryland immigrants …. Once the coffin was brought into the chapel with an honor guard, the archbishop blessed their remains, and each pallbearer was given a box to carry to the burial vault for interment.”

People standing outside brick chapel during ceremony

The historic service featured hymns settlers once sang, including the well-known Catholic prayer “Salve Regina.” (Jenn Dorsey, Historic St. Mary’s City)

Miller added, “I named the pallbearer and their ancestor, and then said what we could about the little baby they were holding.”

All of the details, down to the coffin, were as accurate and respectful as possible, he said.

TOWER OF LONDON DIG REVEALS BLACK DEATH-ERA SKELETONS BELOW POPULAR TOURIST SITE: ‘TIP OF THE ICEBERG’

“The coffin itself is a precise reconstruction of one we excavated at the site,” Miller said. “We also carefully measured the locations and orientations of all the nails and the soil stains from the coffin wood, so that it was possible to fully and accurately reconstruct it.

“My goal was to honor these long-forgotten men, women and children, showing them dignity and respect at the place they had been buried over three centuries ago,” he added.

Clydesdale horses outside chapel next to image of coffin in entryway

The service was both a personal obligation and a professional duty to respect colonial ancestors, said an archaeologist. (Jenn Dorsey, Historic St. Mary’s City)

Miller also said, “As an archaeologist who helped excavate them, I felt both a professional and personal obligation to see them properly reinterred. It was the proper and respectful way to treat them.”

MEDIEVAL KNIGHT’S TOMB DISCOVERED BENEATH FORMER ICE CREAM PARLOR IN POLAND: ‘VERY RARE’

Before the burial, researchers studied the remains and gleaned insights on everything from chronic illnesses and dental care to lead ingestion and diet in colonial America — something that Miller says will be the subject of a future book.

He also said the event could serve as a model for how excavated remains are treated elsewhere in the U.S., noting that respecting ancestors “is a deeply seated human tradition.”

Men lifting coffin out of black hearse wagon

“I feel we honored them as the founders of Maryland,” said an archaeologist. (Jenn Dorsey, Historic St. Mary’s City)

“I feel we honored them as the founders of Maryland, and as individuals who sacrificed much to do that, giving up all they knew to try for a new life in an unfamiliar land,” he said.

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“All of them have been forgotten for centuries, except by a few historians, and this has allowed us to return them to memory.”

Beyond Maryland’s history, the archaeologist also used the event to deliver a national message about tolerance and coexistence.

“That should place St. Mary’s on a par with Jamestown and Plymouth as founding places of the American experience.”

The call came just 10 days after Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was shot in Utah, a stark reminder of how political violence continues to divide the U.S.

“[Marylanders] learned that people with different viewpoints can live together without violence,” Miller said in his speech. “That is a legacy as important in late 2025 as it was in the 1600s.”

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Overall, Miller said that St. Mary’s City should be recognized as much as Jamestown and Plymouth, considering the colonial settlement’s role in pioneering religious liberty.

The church has been described as being “the center of Catholic worship in Maryland” until 1704, when a Protestant governor closed the church down. (Historic St. Mary’s City)

“These people set the precedent in North America, beginning in 1634, for a core part of the American experience as expressed in the First Amendment, [meaning] no established church and the free exercise of religion,” he said. “The first North American introduction of these ideas happened at St. Mary’s City.”

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“That should place St. Mary’s on a par with Jamestown and Plymouth as founding places of the American experience.”

Man dies from suspected bear attack days after texting family photos of beast

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October 5, 2025

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A Missouri man was found dead from a likely bear attack this week, just two days after he sent photos to his family of a bear at his campsite in Arkansas, according to officials.

Police found the 60-year-old man’s body several hundred yards from his campsite near Mt. Judea, Arkansas, on Thursday. The area showed signs of a struggle and had drag marks away from the camp.

The man’s son had asked for a welfare check because his dad hadn’t checked in for a couple of days since sending the photos.

His body has “extensive” injuries “consistent with those expected from a large carnivore attack,” the Newton County Sheriff’s Department said in a release.

ALASKA JOGGER DRAGGED 100 YARDS BY BEAR IN TERRIFYING PREDAWN ATTACK NEAR DRIVEWAY

A Missouri man was found dead from a likely bear attack this week just two days after he sent photos to his family of a bear at his campsite in Arkansas, according to officials. File photo of a brown bear. (Getty Images)

Search efforts were still underway on Saturday to find the bear, which appeared to be a young male, according to the photos sent by the man. Officials said they weren’t sure the bear in the photos was the one that attacked.

“Until the Arkansas Crime Lab completes the autopsy, we can’t 100% say it was a bear, but everything strongly indicates it,” Sheriff Glenn Wheeler said in a statement. “We are attempting to find the bear and dispose of it so the Game and Fish Commission can test it for anything that may have led to the encounter.”

He added, “We know without a doubt that a bear was in camp with our victim and the injuries absolutely are consistent with a bear attack. This is a highly unusual case. We are very early in the investigation and search and will update as we can. If you are in the area, just be aware and use caution, especially with children. History tells us that once a bear becomes predatory, it often continues those behaviors.”

Sam’s Throne Campground has been temporarily closed following the attack. (Google Maps)

The campground, known as Sam’s Throne, has been temporarily closed to the public while the search for the bear continues. Wheeler warned people to be vigilant while enjoying the outdoors: keep food away from where you sleep, don’t approach bears even if they’re small and carry bear spray or some other way to defend yourself.

WOMAN SAVES HUSBAND’S LIFE WITH BEAR SPRAY DURING GRIZZLY ATTACK IN WILDERNESS

“I don’t want this to become open season on any bear that someone may see, as most bears fear humans and run away,” Wheeler added. “But, at the same time, don’t put yourself or others in jeopardy.”

This would be the second bear attack in the state in a month if confirmed.

A 72-year-old Arkansas man was mauled by a black bear in early September. He later died of his injuries.

A Missouri man was found dead from a likely bear attack at his campsite in Arkansas. (iStock)

Before that, the last fatal bear attack in Arkansas was in 1892, according to the Arkansas Times.

“I don’t even know how to put it into words, to tell you the truth. These things just don’t happen,” Keith Stephens, the chief of communications for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, told the newspaper. “It just seems so bizarre. It’s not even in my realm of comprehension. I’m really in shock today. Actually, when I was told about it, I thought they were kidding me just to give me a hard time from the last one. It’s obviously not a joking matter, but it just didn’t seem real.”

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The bear in the first attack was previously euthanized.

San Francisco residents lose patience with badly behaved dogs disrupting life across the city

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October 4, 2025

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While dogs are man’s best friends, it appears that pooches are causing a stir in San Francisco, with residents sharing their grievances.

In the “r/sanfrancisco” forum on Reddit, users discussed how the city is “running out of patience” with dogs.

“The worst is dogs in grocery stores, which is a health code violation,” commented one user.

WOMAN FEARED DOGS, THEN BEGAN TREKKING ALL OVER THE WORLD WITH NEWLY ADOPTED PUP

A person agreed, writing, “You aren’t special. If you need to go grocery shopping, leave your dog at home like the rest of us do.”

“We need cops to write citations for unleashed dogs. They’re supposed to—it’s up to a $500 fine in San Francisco,” said another user.

San Francisco residents complain about dogs in grocery stores and off-leash pets, calling for stricter enforcement. (iStock)

One Redditor said, “I think there needs to be a change to the current state of the law on what businesses can demand for proof of a service animal. Right now, all an employee can do is ask if it’s a service animal and what service the dog is trained to perform.”

“No documentation required. If the dog misbehaves (which a true service dog wouldn’t do), in theory a business could have the dog and owner removed, but businesses aren’t usually willing to risk the legal liability and negative PR [public relations] if they get it wrong,” they added.

Forbes recently rated San Francisco as the best city for dogs this year.

Reports about off-leash dogs have risen 6% the past year, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported.

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There are 109 dog-friendly activities in San Francisco, according to BringFido.

The popular pet travel and lifestyle brand’s website lists various places from dog parks and hiking trails to beaches and pet-friendly stores.

“We need cops to write citations for unleashed dogs.” (iStock)

The Golden Gate National Recreational Area is one of the parks mentioned.

“We are proud to be the only park in the National Park Service to designate particular areas for allowing responsible dog walking off-leash when under voice and sight control,” reads the National Park Service (NPS) site.

San Francisco resident, Rose Crelli, told the WSJ she was approached by dogs while having coffee at Alamo Square park.

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“It literally launched itself at my pastry and got its mouth all over it and covered it with drool,” said Crelli.

She claimed the dog’s owner saw the incident and continued walking.

The Golden Gate National Recreational Area is the only national park with designated dog areas. (iStock)

New resident Chandra Wilson owns a Dachshund, and told the WSJ she takes her dog everywhere she is allowed to but expects dogs to have manners.

“I saw the dog poop on the floor…People were a little gobsmacked,” said Wilson.

A manager at a local Trader Joe’s told the WSJ that the number of dogs coming into the shop is out of hand.

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San Francisco Duties of Owners or Guardians (Health Code § 41.12) prohibits dogs from being off leash in areas other than designated off-leash exercise areas.

A first offense results in a $50 fine with subsequent offenses (within 12 months) are punishable with fines up to $1,000.

Ashley J. DiMella is a Lifestyle reporter with Fox News Digital.

Expert makes bold new claim in Amelia Earhart disappearance

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October 4, 2025

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Following President Trump’s announcement that he has ordered his administration to declassify and release all government records related to Amelia Earhart, an aviation expert is speaking out about the pilot’s disappearance.

“I am ordering my Administration to declassify and release all Government Records related to Amelia Earhart, her final trip, and everything else about her,” Trump wrote last week on Truth Social. “Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

Earhart is widely known as an aviation trailblazer, becoming the first woman to fly solo across the U.S. nonstop on Aug. 24, 1932.

RESEARCHERS ZERO IN ON AMELIA EARHART’S DISAPPEARANCE AFTER 88 YEARS

Earhart flew The Electra, which disappeared on July 2, 1937, while flying from New Guinea to Howland Island.

“I have been asked by many people about the life and times of Amelia Earhart, such an interesting story, and would I consider declassifying and releasing everything about her, in particular, her last, fatal flight,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

Amelia Earhart flew The Electra, which disappeared on July 2, 1937, while flying from New Guinea to Howland Island. (Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Earheart was traveling with her navigator, Fred Noonan, on the last trip, when she communicated via radio that she was running low on fuel.

President Trump added, “Amelia made it almost three quarters around the world before she suddenly, and without notice, vanished, never to be seen again. Her disappearance, almost 90 years ago, has captivated millions.”

It remains unclear whether there are any files sealed. Fox News Digital was unable to reach out to the National Archives due to the government shutdown.

“Amelia made it almost three quarters around the world before she suddenly, and without notice, vanished, never to be seen again.”

Dorothy Cochrane, the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum’s Earhart expert, told Fox News Digital that Earhart was an advocate for women’s rights, which was unique in the early 20th century.

“When [Earhart] became a pilot and built this successful career, you know, she fulfilled her personal interests, but she also then promoted the interests of women, both in aviation and in society in general. Part of that, and then her successes, are why she’s such an iconic figure,” she said.

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Cochrane said “there’s no real mystery” surrounding the Electra’s disappearance.

“Amelia and Fred were on the right path. They had the course to get to nearby Howland Island … it was such a small island in the middle of nowhere, and there were radio communications issues; they could not find it before they ran out of fuel,” she noted.

air and space museum amelia earhart exhibit

Travelers visit the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. (Ashley J. DiMella/Fox News Digital )

Many theories have circulated about the disappearance, such as Earhart living as a castaway on the island of Nikumaroro, being captured by the Japanese, or serving as a “U.S. spy” observing Japanese activity in the Pacific.

Cochrane said she doesn’t buy into these theories, noting that “there are facts to be followed from the Coast Guard folks who were awaiting them at Howland, so it’s pertinent to search in and around Howland.”

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Mindi Love Pendergraft, executive director of the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum in Atchison, Kansas, told AP that Trump’s order “is sure to pique the interest of those dedicated to uncovering the mystery of Earhart’s disappearance.”

“If these records shed any light on Earhart’s fate, it is a welcome action for Earhart historians and enthusiasts.” (AP)

She added, “If these records shed any light on Earhart’s fate, it is a welcome action for Earhart historians and enthusiasts.”

In July, the Purdue Research Foundation (based in Indiana) and Archaeological Legacy Institute (based in Oregon) announced an expedition to investigate satellite images that could be the remains of the famous aviator’s plane.

Herbert Hoover at White House with Amelia Earhart

Earhart is pictured at the White House with President Herbert Hoover on June 21, 1932. (Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

In November, researchers will head to the remote island of Nikumaroro, which is halfway between Australia and Hawaii, according to a joint press release from the two agencies.

While on the island, researchers will determine whether the “Taraia Object,” a visual anomaly captured by satellite, is the remains of Earhart’s plane.

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Steven Schultz, chief legal officer of the Purdue Research Foundation, spoke about Trump’s order at a press conference on Wednesday.

“One of the aspects of that message was he ordered the release of any classified material related to Amelia and her final flight,” he said. “To our knowledge, there are no records, there are no such records that remain to be unclassified.”

Ashley J. DiMella is a Lifestyle reporter with Fox News Digital.

Fighting childhood cancer is focus of Trump AI executive order

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October 4, 2025

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

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

– Trump signs executive order to harness AI in fight against childhood cancers
– Elon Musk’s xAI hiring video game developers
– AI market explodes: $25 trillion tech valuation could hit $29 trillion by year’s end

President Donald Trump signs an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 30, 2025. (Bonnie Cash/UPI/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

TECH RESCUE: President Donald Trump signed an executive order Tuesday aimed at improving ways to identify and treat pediatric cancers using artificial intelligence.

TECH TIME: Elon Musk’s AI company, xAI, is expanding into video game development, seeking candidates with game design experience.

VALUE EXPLOSION: Constellation Research founder R ‘Ray’ Wang warns AI intelligence is doubling every six months, fueling a $25 trillion tech market that could rival the U.S. economy and reshape industries from Microsoft to Tesla.

ACTORS FIGHT BACK: The Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) condemned the creation of actress “Tilly Norwood” through artificial intelligence in a statement Tuesday.

Video footage shared with Fox News Digital shows a demonstration of the AI-controlled lawnmowers on the National Mall, each carrying an American flag. (Department of the Interior)

WORK SMARTER: The Interior Department announced Tuesday it is testing autonomous lawnmowers on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., in an effort by the Trump administration to use artificial intelligence to “boost operational efficiency.”

FALLING BEHIND: ‘The Big Money Show’ panel reacts to former Google CEO Eric Schmidt warning America is falling behind in the A.I. race.

AT-RISK USERS: ChatGPT could soon alert police when teens discuss suicide. OpenAI CEO and co-founder Sam Altman revealed the change during a recent interview. ChatGPT, the widely used artificial intelligence chatbot that can answer questions and hold conversations, has become a daily tool for millions. His comments mark a major shift in how the AI company may handle mental health crises.

KEEPING THE WATCH: A New Jersey school district has adopted artificial intelligence to help detect weapons and stop threats before they escalate. The Glassboro Public School District has become the first in the country to combine AI gun detection with a mass communication system that speeds up emergency responses and reduces the time it takes to notify law enforcement.

South Jersey schools deploy AI to spot weapons and alert police in seconds. (Jay Janner/The Austin American-Statesman via Getty Images)

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Signs your Mac might be infected

How macOS protects you by default

What to do if your Mac is already infected

1) Disconnect from the internet immediately

2) Back up your important files safely

3) Boot into Safe Mode

4) Run a trusted malware removal tool

5) Check your login items and Activity Monitor

6) Consider a clean reinstall of macOS

7) Secure your other devices

8) Reset key passwords and enable two-factor authentication

9) Get professional help if needed

7 ways to keep your Mac from getting infected

1) Install strong antivirus software

2) Consider a personal data removal service

3) Use a password manager

4) Enable two-factor authentication

5) Keep macOS and apps updated

6) Review login items and background processes

7) Use identity theft protection

Kurt’s key takeaway

Security expert’s take: Stay alert

Coursen’s 4 main takeaways

Other expert opinions

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

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