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R House Announces Thrilling April Programming & Spring Specials

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R House Announces Thrilling April Programming & Spring Specials 3

Drag Race Season 17 Viewing Party + Finale, Lip Sync Showdowns, Chef’s Tasting Menu, & More

Miami, Florida, April 17, 2025, R House, Wynwood’s go-to destination for high-energy drag performances, vibrant Latin-inspired cuisine, and unforgettable dining experiences, is moving into April with a rainbow explosion. R House will host epic viewing parties and interactive drag shows featuring an electrifying lineup of Drag Race guest performers leading up to an epic season finale viewing party on Friday, April 18th with guest appearances from Miami’s own star of Season 17 Lucky Starzzz and season 16 breakout star Miami’s Mhi’ya Iman Lepaige.

Don’t miss a beat: Special Friday Night Guest Performers Highlighting South Florida Drag Talent Making Waves on an International Level.

Every Friday in April, R House brings the excitement with RuPaul’s Drag Race viewing parties. Enjoy high-energy performances from local drag stars and special guests from the show. Cheer for your favorites, throw shade at the villains, and meet the queens in person.

  • Friday, April 4th: Viewing Party and Drag Show Featuring Fort Lauderdale’s RuGirl, Suzie Toot
  • Friday April 11th: Drag Race Reunion & Lip Sync Lalaparuza Smackdown
  • Friday, April 18th: Grand Finale Viewing Party and Drag Show featuring Miami’s
  • Own Ru Girls, Lucky Starzzz & Mhi’ya Iman LePaige
  • Friday, April 25th: Yas Queen Drag Show Featuring RPDR Season 17 Star, Crystal Envy

Lip Sync Like a Star: R House’s First-Ever Public Contest:

To celebrate Season 17’s Drag Race Reunion & Lip Sync Lalaparuza Smackdown on Friday, April 11th, R House is launching a Lip Sync Battle contest open to all fans. The night will start with a viewing party for the Emmy-award winning show’s dramatic lip-sync smackdown battle where all queens from the season battle it out to win the last place in the season finale. Right after the show, R House will erupt into its own battle between its own queens but here’s the twist!

This year, R House followers will be asked to publicly submit their fiercest lip-sync performance videos to @RHouseWynwood on (instagram.com/rhousewynwood) or (tiktok.com/@rhousewynwood) TikTok. The top two voted contestants will be invited to battle it out live on the R House stage after the RPDR episode on April 11th. This must-see competition guarantees a night of stunning performances, surprise guests, and unforgettable moments.

May Preview – A Night With Tiffany ‘New York’ Pollard:

Another very special appearance most reality TV fans will not want to miss on Friday, May 23rd, is A Night With Tiffany Pollard, the legendary star of Flavor of Love, I Love New York, & Celebrity Big Brother. More details to be announced soon.

Chef’s Tasting at R House Dinner:

Experience Executive Chef Rocco Carulli’s bold, Latin-inspired Chef’s Tasting Menu, available Wednesday through Sunday always priced from $39-$49 per person. The Chef’s Tasting Menu can be found HERE ($49) and the Vegan Chef’s Tasting Menu can be found HERE ($39). Enhance your experience with Moët and SERV bubble & bottle service ranging from $100-$125.

Make Your Reservations Now:

April is set to be a month of nonstop entertainment, delicious dining, and fierce competition. Don’t miss your chance to experience R House’s signature energy and culinary excellence. For more details and reservations, visit rhousewynwood.com.

About R House:

Located in the heart of Wynwood, R House is Miami’s premier destination for bold flavors, high-energy entertainment, and unforgettable drag brunch experiences. Led by Executive Chef Rocco Carulli, the restaurant blends modern American cuisine with vibrant Latin influences, creating a menu that’s as dynamic as its performances. Since opening in 2012, R House has become a staple in Miami’s culinary and nightlife scene, offering a lively atmosphere where guests can indulge in exceptional food, handcrafted cocktails, and show-stopping drag performances hosted by Miami’s own Athena Dion.

For more information and reservations, visit www.rhousewynwood.com
Follow along on social media: @rhousewynwood.

Media Contacts:

Timur Tugberk
timur@designignthedistrict.com
Tara Gaines
design@designingthedistrict.com

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R House Announces Thrilling April Programming & Spring Specials 4

7 easy ways to protect your credit cards while traveling

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As you rush through busy terminals, juggling bags and boarding passes, your credit cards may be at risk, not just from pickpockets, but from digital thieves using high-tech tools like RFID (radio-frequency identification) skimmers. 

While today’s chip-enabled cards are more secure than old magnetic stripes, it’s still wise to take extra precautions, especially in crowded places like airports. 

Here’s how to keep your cards protected while traveling.

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traveler with passport

A person holding a passport while traveling (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

How credit card theft happens while traveling

Before diving into how to protect yourself, it helps to understand the most common ways credit cards are compromised during travel.

  • RFID skimming: Some credit and debit cards are equipped with RFID chips that enable contactless payments. Thieves carrying handheld RFID readers can capture your card’s data simply by being near you. No physical contact is required, and you often won’t even notice it happening.
  • Card skimming at ATMs and terminals: In some regions, criminals install fake card readers over legitimate machines at airports, gas stations or retail locations. These skimmers copy your card’s information when you insert it. In many cases, a hidden camera is also installed nearby to record your PIN as you type it.
  • Pickpocketing and physical theft: Airports are full of distractions, which thieves rely on. A quick bump in a security line or a moment of inattention at the check-in counter is all it takes for someone to slip your wallet out of a bag or pocket.
  • Public Wi-Fi snooping: Using unsecured airport or hotel Wi-Fi can expose your private data. Hackers connected to the same network can intercept sensitive information, including credit card numbers and login credentials, especially if you’re making purchases or accessing banking apps without protection.
  • Lost or stolen cards: It’s not uncommon to misplace a card during travel. If someone finds it – or worse, steals it from your luggage or hotel room – they could make unauthorized purchases before you realize it’s missing.

HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET 

Ways to protect your credit cards

The good news is that protecting your credit cards while traveling doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a few smart habits and the right tools, you can avoid the most common threats and enjoy your trip with more peace of mind. Here are some easy ways to keep your cards safe while you’re on the move.

man with credit card

A man holding a credit card wallet (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

THIS IS HOW TO PROTECT YOUR CREDIT AND BANK CARDS FROM GETTING HACKED

1. Use RFID-blocking gear

Some credit cards include RFID chips that make contactless payments easy and convenient. However, this same feature can be exploited if someone with the right equipment gets close enough to scan your card without your knowledge. Using RFID-blocking gear such as a wallet, card sleeve or passport holder is a simple and affordable way to prevent this type of theft. These items are widely available and effective at blocking unauthorized scans. 

2. Carry only what you need

Limiting the number of cards you bring reduces the risk of your wallet being lost or stolen. Ideally, take only one or two credit cards that you plan to use during your trip. Keep any backup cards in your hotel safe and store a secure digital record of your card details in a password manager. This can be helpful if you need to cancel or replace a card while you’re abroad. Get more details about my best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 here.

3. Set up real-time spending alerts

Most credit card companies offer instant notifications through their mobile apps. Turning on transaction alerts ensures you’ll be notified the moment your card is used, allowing you to spot suspicious activity quickly. If your card issuer offers the ability to lock your card directly from the app, enable that feature as well, so you can act immediately if anything looks off.

4. Avoid public Wi-Fi for financial transactions

Public Wi-Fi at airports, hotels and cafés is rarely secure. Avoid entering credit card information or logging into banking websites while on these networks, unless you’re using a virtual private network (VPN). A reliable VPN encrypts your internet traffic and protects your data from prying eyes on shared networks. For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

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mobile payment

A woman using a mobile payment method (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

TOP 6 REASONS WHY YOU NEED A VPN WHEN YOU TRAVEL

5. Watch for card skimmers at ATMs and terminals

Before using an ATM or card reader, take a moment to inspect it. Skimming devices are sometimes placed over the card slot or keypad. Gently wiggle the card reader or look for anything that seems loose, bulky or out of place. When possible, use ATMs inside banks or secure buildings instead of freestanding machines, which are easier for thieves to target.

6. Lock your cards when not in use

Many credit card apps now allow you to temporarily lock your card with a single tap. If you’re not planning to use a card for a day or two, consider locking it until you’re ready to make a purchase. This simple habit adds an extra layer of protection. If someone tries to use the card while it’s locked, the transaction will be declined.

7. Use mobile or contactless payments

Apple Pay and Google Pay provide an additional level of security by creating unique, one-time-use codes for every transaction. Your actual card number is never shared with the retailer, which lowers the risk of your data being stolen. Mobile payments are also faster, touch-free and less vulnerable to physical theft.

HOW TO STAY CONNECTED NO MATTER WHERE YOU TRAVEL IN THE WORLD

Bonus tips before you travel

  • Notify your bank or credit card issuer about your travel dates and destinations to prevent legitimate purchases from being flagged or declined.
  • Review your credit card statements daily during your trip. It only takes a minute and can help you catch fraud early before it escalates.
  • Use a credit monitoring service to receive alerts about suspicious activity on your accounts while you’re away. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

DATA REMOVAL DOES WHAT VPNS DON’T: HERE’S WHY YOU NEED BOTH

Kurt’s key takeaways

Traveling with credit cards doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few simple steps, like carrying only the cards you need, using RFID-blocking gear, enabling transaction alerts and avoiding public Wi-Fi without a VPN, you can reduce your risk of theft or fraud significantly. Digital tools like card-locking apps, mobile payments and identity monitoring services add even more layers of protection. Whether you’re heading on a weekend getaway or an international trip, these habits can help keep your finances safe so you can focus on enjoying the journey.

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Have a tip or tool that worked for you while traveling? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.



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REAL ID deadline leaves American scrambling to get appointments as some seek alternatives

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Americans coast to coast are rushing to obtain REAL IDs while many motor vehicle bureaus are grappling to accommodate appointments. 

With the deadline of May 7 approaching, air travelers at domestic airports and people entering some federal buildings must have a REAL ID.

Some Americans are considering alternatives if they’re struggling to get DMV appointments to obtain the new identification. 

REAL ID APPOINTMENTS ADDED AS NEW JERSEY RESIDENTS STRUGGLE TO GET NEW IDENTIFICATION

On Monday in New Jersey, the Department of Motor Vehicles (NJDMV) website showed “0 appointments available” for REAL ID services on its site; it has now added additional time slots. 

Virginia DMVs have launched Saturday events for people to get their REAL IDs, while some offices in California have extended their hours.

Some motor vehicle bureaus across the nation are offering extended hours and events for people to obtain REAL IDs as the deadline approaches.  (iStock)

Other identification forms that will be accepted in lieu of a REAL ID are a valid U.S. passport or passport card; DHS trusted traveler cards such as Global Entry; Department of Defense IDs; permanent resident cards; and border crossing cards. 

For those who do not have those IDs on hand, some AAA branches in six states are offering services to get a REAL ID. 

NO ‘REAL ID’ APPOINTMENTS OPEN IN NEW JERSEY AS RESIDENTS SOUND OFF: ‘GET WITH THE TIMES, NJ’

“In Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York, DMV/RMV services at AAA branches are free for all AAA members,” the AAA site notes.

“In Connecticut, AAA members from outside AAA Northeast territory pay $6 for DMV services and non-members pay $8,” the site adds.

REAL ID image

An example of a REAL ID shows the gold star in the upper right-hand corner, as shared by TSA.  (U.S. Transportation Security Administration)

The site says there is no additional cost for the REAL ID itself. 

“If not at renewal, only the standard duplicate license fees would apply,” states the site.

“AAA offers DMV services in 22 states, ranging from vehicle registrations, titling, tags, license renewals, issuing new licenses, and/or REAL ID,” an AAA spokesperson told Fox News Digital on Wednesday.

“Got the passport card in addition to my book and I just carry that.”

“Of those 22 states, 6 states offer REAL ID services: FL, KS, MA, MN, OH, and RI. Regulations regarding private organizations offering DMV services (and what type of services offered) vary by state,” the spokesperson added.

AAA does not have plans to roll out DMV services in additional states, the organization said.

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The processing time for an expedited passport is two to three weeks with additional fees, according to the State Department’s website.

Many Americans have taken to social media to share their frustrations, with some seeking more alternatives.

REAL IDs will be required starting May 7 in order for U.S. air travelers to fly domestically, leaving DMVs struggling to meet demand.

REAL IDs will be required starting May 7 in order for U.S. air travelers to fly domestically, leaving DMVs struggling to meet demand. (Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

“The REAL ID situation in Kentucky is such a sh–show that I’m completely bypassing it and just getting a passport next week,” a man posted on X.

“To all the PANICANS, you do NOT need a REAL ID if you have a passport,” posted one X user.

Another user responded, “That’s what I did… Got the passport card in addition to my book and I just carry that.”

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“I’m in SC and it was easier getting a passport,” shared one X user.

A woman on X shared, “Not everyone wants, or needs, a REAL ID. A passport or passport card (less expensive) can be used for domestic air travel and entrance to restricted federal buildings.”

traveler with passport

Some Americans are ordering passports amid the REAL ID deadline in order to fly domestically.  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

“If you need to switch and the DMV is too crazy where you are, just apply for a passport with the passport card, and you can use that instead,” advised one user.

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A man posted, “Use your passport. It works when you don’t have a REAL ID yet.”

Will 3D tech change sports forever?

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The world of sports is on the brink of a technological revolution, and at the center of it lies 3D digital twin technology. 

Companies like Arcturus are leveraging cutting-edge advancements to create hyperrealistic virtual replicas of live sporting events, allowing fans to experience games like never before. 

This innovation is set to transform not only how fans engage with sports but also how teams train, strategize and manage their players.

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3D sports tech

3D digital twin technology (Arcturus)

What is 3D digital twin technology in sports?

At its core, 3D digital twin technology creates a virtual replica, or “digital twin,” of a real-world environment or event. In the context of sports, this means replicating entire stadiums and live games with incredible accuracy. For example, Arcturus places cameras around the edges of baseball stadiums to capture real-time action and generate a 3D digital clone of the game. Fans can then pinch, zoom and view the game from any angle in the stadium, offering an unprecedented level of immersion.

This technology is available for postgame highlights but is expected to evolve into real-time viewing within a few years. Imagine being able to watch a game from the perspective of your favorite player or zoom into any part of the field as if you were there in person.

3D sports tech

3D digital twin technology (Arcturus)

HOW VR TECHNOLOGY IS CURING LONELINESS IN SENIORS

Transforming the fan experience

The fan experience is where this technology truly shines. Fans can virtually place themselves in any seat in the stadium or even on the field itself, bringing an entirely new dimension to watching sports. 3D digital twins can be accessed from anywhere, ensuring fans never miss out on their favorite games.

Additionally, features like augmented reality overlays and real-time statistics make following the games more engaging than ever before. Major League Baseball (MLB) has already begun integrating similar technology into its app, offering fans live 3D gamecasts that allow them to view games and access detailed player stats such as pitch velocity and launch angles.

3D sports tech

3D digital twin technology (Arcturus)

BREATHE EASIER WITH MUST-HAVE TECH FOR SEASONAL ALLERGIES 

Revolutionizing player training and strategy

The implications of digital twin technology go far beyond fan engagement; they’re also transforming how teams train and strategize. By creating virtual replicas of players using biomechanical and physiological data, teams can simulate match scenarios, track fatigue levels and prevent injuries with precision. Coaches can use digital twins to simulate different game strategies without risking player fatigue or injury.

For instance, they can test how players might react under high-pressure situations or against specific opponents. Digital twins can also monitor player workload in real time, helping coaches adjust training regimens to avoid overtraining or injuries.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

3D sports tech

3D digital twin technology (Arcturus)

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The future of stadium design

Digital twins are also being used in stadium design and management. Fans can explore stadiums virtually before purchasing tickets, ensuring they select the perfect seats. Digital twins help stadium operators fine-tune everything from air circulation to seating arrangements for maximum comfort. Teams can use digital twins to showcase branding opportunities to sponsors or give premium suite customers a virtual walk-through of their offerings.

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3D sports tech 5

3D digital twin technology (Arcturus)

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Challenges and opportunities

While the potential of 3D digital twin technology is immense, it’s not without challenges. Early implementations have experienced technical glitches, such as those occasionally seen in MLB’s 3D broadcasts, which sometimes led to humorous but unintended visual effects.

Additionally, some fans may initially struggle to adapt to such a high-tech viewing experience. However, as augmented reality and virtual reality become more mainstream, these barriers are likely to diminish.

Despite these hurdles, experts agree that digital twins represent the future of sports. With advancements in artificial intelligence and sensor technologies, we’re only scratching the surface of what’s possible.

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3D sports tech 6

3D digital twin technology (Arcturus)

Kurt’s key takeaways

The integration of 3D digital twin technology into sports marks a turning point for both fans and athletes. From immersive viewing experiences that bring games to life in ways never imagined before to tools that optimize player performance and extend careers, this innovation is set to redefine every aspect of the sporting world.

Do you think the integration of digital twin technology in sports is going too far or can it strike a balance between innovation and preserving the traditional aspects of the game? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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1 in 31 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, CDC says

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New data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has revealed climbing autism rates among children.

In 2022, a surveillance program called The Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network began monitoring children aged 4 to 8 across 15 U.S. states, focusing on multiple benchmarks of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Among 8-year-old children, researchers found that one in 31 children — more than 3% of America’s kids — had ASD.

BILL GATES LIKELY HAD AUTISM AS A CHILD, HE REVEALS: ‘WASN’T WIDELY UNDERSTOOD’

ASD was found to be 3.4 times more likely in boys than girls, and the prevalence was lower among non-Hispanic White children.

ASD prevalence among 8-year-olds was higher in 2022 than the previous year, the CDC reported. (iStock)

The CDC confirmed that ASD prevalence among 8-year-olds was higher in 2022 than the previous year, as one in 36 kids were diagnosed with autism in 2020.

By 48 months of age, identification of ASD was higher among children born in 2018 than among those born in 2014, which suggests “increased early identification consistent with historical patterns.”

KIDS WITH AUTISM SUPPORTED BY SERVICE DOGS, AS RESEARCH AND FAMILIES NOTE ‘INCREDIBLE CHANGES’

“[This] underscores the increased demand and ongoing need for enhanced planning to provide equitable diagnostic, treatment and support services for all children with ASD,” the CDC commented in the report. 

“The substantial variability in ASD identification across sites suggests opportunities to identify and implement successful strategies and practices in communities to ensure all children with ASD reach their potential.”

Boy with autism

“We’re living in a time when diagnosis has become the default, not the exception,” a psychotherapist commented. (iStock)

Jonathan Alpert, a Manhattan-based psychotherapist and author, said he considers the CDC’s findings “alarming but not surprising.”

“We’re living in a time when diagnosis has become the default, not the exception,” he shared with Fox News Digital. “Whether it’s children in schools or adults in therapy, more and more people are being told they have a disorder.”

Alpert suggested that this spike in autism is part of a “much larger trend.”

CDC TO LAUNCH STUDY INTO VACCINES AND AUTISM, POSSIBLE LINKS: REPORT

“Are we really seeing an epidemic of illness, or are we expanding definitions to the point where normal variation gets labeled as pathology?” he questioned.

“I see it in my practice every week – patients who come in are already convinced something is wrong with them because of a checklist they found online or a therapist who rushed to diagnose.”

“Many are struggling, yes — but they’re being failed by a system that offers quick labels and long-term treatment plans instead of results.”

Group of children in school

Autism was found in one in 31 kids, equating to about a classroom size in some areas of the U.S. (iStock)

The expert called out behaviors like shyness, awkwardness and emotional sensitivity, which were “once seen as a part of the human experience,” but are now being treated as “symptoms of a disorder.”

“People deserve honesty, not confusion,” he commented. “They deserve to know whether a diagnosis is grounded in real clinical need or in shifting cultural norms and professional convenience.”

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Regarding the potential link between vaccines and autism, Alpert said this could be linked to a larger issue of trust in institutions, including mental health.

“When the field becomes more focused on image and ideology than outcomes, people tune out,” he said. “And that’s the crisis we should really be focused on.”

boy with pediatric specialist

“We’re living in a time when diagnosis has become the default, not the exception,” a psychotherapist (not pictured) told Fox News Digital. (iStock)

A spokesperson from the New York-based nonprofit Autism Speaks commented that these findings reflect “real progress” in children being identified more accurately through increased awareness, broader diagnostic criteria and more “consistent, standardized screening tools.”

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“While there are many factors driving these numbers, research shows that 60% to 90% of autism risk is rooted in genetics,” they said in a statement to Fox News Digital. 

“Still, one thing is clear – this steady increase in prevalence calls for deeper, sustained investment in autism research — not only to understand its causes, but also to support the growing number of people diagnosed today.”

“This steady increase in prevalence calls for deeper, sustained investment in autism research.”

The spokesperson called for changes in policies and budgets to reflect this “new reality.”

“That means expanding access to early intervention, strengthening educational and healthcare systems, and providing supports that span a lifetime. This data is not just a number — it’s a call to action.”

Child getting vaccine

Autism Speaks reiterated its alignment with research that confirms vaccines “do not cause autism,” and advocated for vaccine info to be “based on scientific evidence.” (iStock)

Autism Speaks reiterated that research confirms vaccines “do not cause autism,” and advocated for vaccine information to be “based on scientific evidence.”

“We recognize the administration’s interest in autism research and reiterate our long-held position that federal investments need to be increased and focused on evidence-based advancements that benefit autistic people and their families,” they said.

For more Health articles, visit foxnews.com/health

“Moving forward, meaningful research must be grounded in rigorous, evidence-based methods and carried out in partnership with the autism community, including scientists, clinicians, autistic individuals and families.”

Ancient cymbals discovered in Oman date back 4,000 years, according to new study

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Archaeologists were perplexed by a strange pair of discs found in Oman – only to discover these items were actually a single 4,000-year-old instrument.

The cymbals date to the third millennium B.C. They were unearthed at a site in modern-day Dahwa, Oman, located on the southeastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula in southwestern Asia. 

The scientists released their findings in an article entitled “Bronze Age cymbals from Dahwa: Indus musical traditions in Oman,” in the journal Antiquity on April 8.

ANCIENT SETTLEMENT REVEALS REMAINS OF 1,800-YEAR-OLD DOG, BAFFLING EXPERTS: ‘PRESERVED QUITE WELL’

Historians uncovered the cymbals during an excavation of an ancient building in 2018, according to the article. The cymbals date back to somewhere between 2200 B.C. and 2000 B.C.

Pictures show the cymbals as identical in size. Neither appear to have surface damage, which the study’s authors said “support[ed] the idea of a deliberate and careful deposition.”

Archaeologists found ancient cymbals in Oman. The excavation’s findings were recently published.  (iStock; Y. Al Rahbi via Antiquity/Cambridge.org)

“Both are circular, with an outer diameter of 138mm and an embossed middle (17mm deep and 76mm in diameter) that is perforated by a 4.2mm-diameter hole,” the journal article says. 

“The walls of the cymbals are thin, with a thickness of 1.5–2mm that increases slightly at the edges where it reaches 3mm.”

ARCHAEOLOGISTS DISCOVER LONG-LOST TOMB OF UNKNOWN PHARAOH IN EGYPT

Though well-preserved, the cymbals also experienced some degradation over the millennia. 

The greenish surface of the cymbals suggests copper oxidation, and archaeologists noted that they became “corroded together.”

“Over the millennia of being buried in the ground, the cymbals became corroded together,” the study said. “When trying to separate the pair, two small fragments detached from one of the sides; one of these was submitted for chemical analysis using portable x-ray fluorescence.”

cymbal close-up, buried in dirt

The cymbals may have been used in ancient rituals. (Antiquity/Cambridge.org)

The authors added that general knowledge about ancient musical instruments is hindered by “poor preservation of perishable materials and the relative rarity of durable examples.” 

The only ancient musical instruments that still survive tend to be made of metal or bone.

“These cymbals are the first of their kind to have been found in good archaeological contexts.” 

“Copper-alloy cymbals are among the relatively rare musical instruments recovered from Bronze Age contexts in the Near East,” the study said. 

“These percussive instruments are found from as early as the third millennium BC in Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley, with Levantine examples appearing from the second millennium BC onward.”

Diagram of ancient cymbals

A diagram shows copper oxidation on the surface of the cymbals. (Antiquity/Cambridge.org)

But the slight degradation of the artifacts did not hamper the experts’ excitement. Speaking to Archaeology magazine, the study’s author, Khaled Douglas, described the cymbals as unique.

“These cymbals are the first of their kind to have been found in good archaeological contexts in Oman and are from a particularly early context that questions some of the assumptions [about] their origin and development,” the archaeologist said.

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Historians believe the cymbals were used in rituals, such as during temple construction. 

But the study cautions that not much information is available at this point.

Split image of cymbal close-up and cymbal at site

The cymbals are roughly 4,000 years old, though they may date back as early as 4,200 years. (Y. Al Rahbi via Antiquity/Cambridge.org)

“Across the wider Near East, cymbals are consistently associated with ritual activity,” the study said. 

“[P]ending further studies, it is hypothesized that the Dahwa cymbals represent a similar connection between cult, music and dancing.”

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Archaeologists plan to continue studying the artifacts in order to determine how they were used in social contexts.

“From their inception, cymbals appear to have been tied to ritual activity and temple settings and the discovery of the pair at Dahwa … suggests that music and musical instruments were important cultural components of inter-regional contact and co-operation around the Arabian Gulf,” the journal article concludes. 

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“The potentially multifaceted role of music in the social and ritual lives of Bronze Age communities remains a question for future research.”

Luigi Mangione’s ‘fangirls’ are ‘not me’: Taylor Lorenz clarifies comments

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Former New York Times reporter Taylor Lorenz said her comments about alleged UnitedHealthcare CEO murderer Luigi Mangione weren’t about her defense of him but about the mentality of his supporters.

Lorenz spoke with Fox News host Sean Hannity Wednesday in an interview where she attempted to clarify remarks she made about Mangione and his appeal to Americans upset with the healthcare system. 

“What I’m describing, and if you watch the full segment, not just the clip, you’ll see that I’m just describing the mentality of these fangirls [who] show up outside Luigi’s court and show up outside his jail cell,” said Lorenz. “Those girls are not me, OK? We have very separate belief systems. But I was describing how they believe.”

WHO IS LUIGI MANGIONE, SUSPECT IN UNITEDHEALTHCARE CEO MURDER?

Luigi Magnione: Arrested for alleged forgery, firearms not to be carried without a license, tampering with records or identification, possessing instruments of a crime and false identification to law enforcement authorities in Altoona, Pennsylvania on December 9, 2024. (Pennsylvania Department of Corrections)

The former Washington Post columnist told CNN’s Donie O’Sullivan last week about Mangione’s support among women, arguing he’s a “revolutionary, who’s famous, who’s handsome, who’s young, who’s smart.”

“He’s a person who seems like he’s this morally good man, which is hard to find,” Lorenz said. 

Brian Thompson, the healthcare executive who was gunned down in midtown Manhattan in December, was a 50-year-old father of two.

He’d been on the job for nearly four years before he was assassinated outside the New York Hilton.

SHOCKING VIDEO SHOWS UNITEDHEALTHCARE CEO BRIAN THOMPSON GUNNED DOWN ON NYC STREET

Composite image of Luigi Mangione with inset of Brian Thompson

Bugged composite for Luigi Mangione with inset of Brian Thompson

Hannity asked Lorenz if she would agree that anyone who praises Mangione lacks “a soul, a conscience and a heart.”

“Well, what I will say, Sean, once again, is that I believe in free speech. I don’t believe in things like, you know, religious things like souls and all of these things,” she answered.

CNN TAKES HEAT FOR ‘JOURNALISTIC MALFEASANCE’ AFTER AIRING TAYLOR LORENZ FAWNING OVER LUIGI MANGIONE

“If you can’t have sympathy for a dead father and husband, do you lack a conscience, a soul and a heart? That’s a simple question. You’re a smart woman,” Hannity responded.

Lorenz reiterated the challenges within the U.S. healthcare system, citing nearly 70,000 Americans dying each year due to a lack of health insurance.

“You want to talk about the assassination of innocent people? I believe that the tens of thousands of Americans [who] die each year because of the lack of health insurance. That is, to me, a violence in itself. That is assassination,” the Substack writer explained.

Hannity asked Lorenz one final time if she condemns Mangione’s supporters and the people who praise him for allegedly murdering Thompson.

“The people [who] are showing up outside to support Luigi, they’re exercising their right to speech. They’re talking about the fact that over 320,000 people died from [a] lack of health insurance in the first two years of the pandemic alone,” she said. 

“There are major things we need to acknowledge if we ever want to fix our system. We have a violent, violent healthcare system, Sean, and it needs reform. And that’s what we should be focusing on.”

Luigi Mangione is escorted by NYPD into a van after being extradited from Pennsylvania for the murder of United Healthcare CEO, Brian Thompson.

Luigi Mangioni is escorted from an NYPD helicopter in New York City, NY, Thursday, December, 19, 2024. Mangione is the prime suspect in the murder of United Healthcare CEO, Brian Thompson. (Rashid Umar Abbasi for Fox News Digital)

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced in early April that she was directing federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty in Mangione’s case. 

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He faces charges of using a firearm to commit murder, interstate stalking resulting in death, stalking through use of interstate facilities resulting in death, and one count of discharging a firearm that was equipped with a silencer in furtherance of a crime of violence, according to a press release from the Department of Justice.

Medical test linked to cancer, plus rising strep throat cases

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Fox News’ Health newsletter brings you stories on the latest developments in healthcare, wellness, diseases, mental health and more.

TOP 3:

– Common medical procedure linked to 5% of cancers

Invasive strep throat strain has more than doubled in US

– Diabetes risk linked to these food combinations

This week’s top health stories explored risks of common medical tests, food and drink combinations that increase diabetes risk, and a surge in strep throat cases. (iStock)

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‘DECADES YOUNGER’ – A U.S. senator says diabetes and weight-loss drugs changed his life. Continue reading…

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Counterfeit Ozempic medications flagged by FDA

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As counterfeit Ozempic circulates in the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning to Americans.

In an April 14 announcement, the FDA stated that Novo Nordisk — manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy — notified the agency that “several hundred units of counterfeit Ozempic (semaglutide) injection 1 mg” were in the U.S. drug supply chain. 

Ozempic is an injectable medication approved to treat type 2 diabetes. Wegovy, the same drug but at a higher dose, is approved to treat obesity.

CHEAP OZEMPIC KNOCK-OFFS HAVE RISEN IN POPULARITY — BUT ARE THEY SAFE?

“The counterfeit products were distributed outside the Novo Nordisk authorized supply chain in the U.S.,” the FDA stated in its announcement. “FDA seized the identified counterfeit products on April 9, 2025.”

Any medications labeled with lot number PAR0362 and with a serial number starting with the first eight digits 51746517 should not be used, sold or distributed, according to the FDA.  (Food and Drug Administration)

The FDA has advised patients, wholesalers, retail pharmacies and healthcare professionals to check any Ozempic products in their possession.

Any medications labeled with lot number PAR0362 and with a serial number starting with the first eight digits 51746517 should not be used, sold or distributed, per the agency.

“FDA is aware of six adverse event reports associated with this lot. However, none of them appear to be associated with the counterfeit product,” the statement said. “All six adverse events were reported by Novo Nordisk.”

OZEMPIC PUSH FOR SENIORS? SOME DOCTORS SAY MORE PEOPLE AGE 65 AND OVER SHOULD BE ON IT

Dave Moore, executive vice president of US operations and President of Novo Nordisk Inc., provided the below statement to Fox News Digital. 

“At Novo Nordisk, patient safety is our top priority, and we take the growing number of incidents involving counterfeit versions of Ozempic very seriously,” he said.

Injecting Ozempic

The FDA has advised patients, wholesalers, retail pharmacies and healthcare professionals to check any Ozempic products in their possession. (iStock)

“It is gravely concerning, and we do all we can to alert patients, healthcare professionals, wholesalers and retail pharmacies about counterfeit incidents when they arise.” 

The seized products are currently being tested by the FDA and Novo Nordisk to determine the identity, quality or safety of the drugs. 

The FDA’s investigation is ongoing, the agency added.

DIABETES AND WEIGHT-LOSS DRUG ‘CHANGED MY LIFE,’ SAYS SENATOR: ‘I FEEL A DECADE YOUNGER’

Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurosurgeon and longevity doctor who has prescribed semaglutide medications to his patients, has previously spoken about the dangers of cheaper, counterfeit versions.

“Due to the cost of brand-name Ozempic, more and more people are turning to cheaper knock-off versions, often found online or through non-regulated channels,” he told Fox News Digital.

“You should only be using pharmaceutical-grade versions prescribed by a licensed doctor.”

“These knock-offs are synthesized in non-medical environments without the necessary quality assurance or quality control, making them inherently risky.”

These medications can be harmful when there’s no oversight of their source or production quality, Osborn warned.

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“When they’re made in unregulated environments, there’s no telling what you’re putting into your body.”

Medications like Ozempic require “precision in manufacturing,” according to Osborn.

Ozempic medication

Ozempic is an injectable medication approved to treat type 2 diabetes. Wegovy, the same drug but at a higher dose, is approved to treat obesity. (Getty Images)

“You should only be using pharmaceutical-grade versions prescribed by a licensed doctor,” he said. 

“The risk with these variants is too high, and there’s no regulation to ensure they are made properly.”

People should use caution when ordering any medication online, doctors agree.

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“Unless you’re getting the medication from a licensed pharmacy with a valid prescription from a doctor, purchasing Ozempic or its knockoffs online is dangerous,” Osborn warned. “You can’t verify the product’s source, ingredients or safety.”

Weight loss injection

The seized products are currently being tested by the FDA and Novo Nordisk to determine the identity, quality or safety of the drugs.  (iStock)

Osborn reiterated that medications like Ozempic should only be prescribed by a physician licensed to write prescriptions — “not a nurse practitioner via a telemedicine visit or a chiropractor.”

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

“When used correctly, these medications are powerful tools, but can be dangerous in the wrong hands,” he said. 

“Always consult a healthcare provider with the proper training and experience in using these medications. Safety first.”

A Berlin doctor has been charged with the killings of 15 patients under palliative care

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A doctor in Berlin has been charged with murder over the deaths of 15 patients under palliative care, prosecutors said Wednesday. He is also accused of trying to cover up the evidence by starting fires in their homes.

The doctor was part of a nursing service’s end-of-life care team and was initially suspected in the deaths of just four patients. That number has crept higher since last summer, and investigators now say they’ve found evidence linking him to the deaths of 15 people between September 22, 2021, and July 24 last year.

2 PEOPLE ARE KILLED IN A KNIFE ATTACK IN GERMANY; SCHOLZ SAYS THERE MUST BE CONSEQUENCES

The victims’ ages ranged from 25 to 94. Most died in their own homes.

A doctor in Berlin has been charged with murder over the deaths of 15 patients. (REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch)

He allegedly administered an anesthetic and a muscle relaxer to the patients without their knowledge or consent. The drug cocktail then allegedly paralyzed the respiratory muscles. Respiratory arrest and death followed within minutes, prosecutors said.

The doctor — a 40-year-old man whose name hasn’t been released, in line with German privacy rules — has been in custody since Aug. 6. Prosecutors said Wednesday that he has not yet responded to the case against him.

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The charges were filed to the Berlin state court, which will now have to decide whether to bring the case to trial and if so, when.

Murder charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison. Prosecutors said they aim to ask the court to establish that the suspect bears particularly severe guilt, meaning that he wouldn’t be eligible for release after 15 years as is usually the case in Germany. They also want him to be banned from his profession for life.