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As Thanksgiving nears, Amtrak sets ridership record with 34.5 million passenger trips

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As Americans begin their Thanksgiving travels, Amtrak has set a new record.

The company provided 34.5 million customer trips in fiscal year 2025, up 6% year over year.

“There’s a genuine interest in passenger rail travel throughout the country,” said Roger Harris, Amtrak’s president, in an interview with Fox News Digital. 

NEW TSA POLICY MAY CHARGE PASSENGERS WHO DO NOT HAVE ACCEPTABLE IDS AT CHECKPOINTS

“We’re working really hard to put a better product out there every day, increase capacity and get schedules that are more convenient for customers to take,” he also noted. 

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a recent press release that there’s a bright future ahead for transportation and trains.

Amtrak broke ridership records with 34.5 million trips in fiscal 2025. The company is advising Americans to book promptly for Thanksgiving travel. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

“Faster trains, more affordable service and extended routes are opening up a new era of American rail,” said Duffy.

Amtrak will be introducing its new Airo trains in 2026, which will provide modern seating, bigger restrooms and a “contemporary food service experience.”

Harris said, “The Airo service that comes out next year is going to be replacing trains that are 50 years old.”

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With Thanksgiving nearly here, Harris said the all-time record they’re seeing embraces holiday travel as well.

“It’s the busiest time of year here at Amtrak,” said Harris. “We ask customers to try to pack light, because the trains are going to be really full.”

amtrak train emerging from baltimore potomac tunnel

“We’re very flexible in terms of our ticketing,” said Roger Harris, Amtrak’s president. “You’re also able to change your tickets on the app in case something comes up at the last minute.” (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Passengers should remember that trains close two minutes before departure, he said. “You don’t want to leave it till the very last minute to get on the train.”

Harris said train travel is not as hectic as flying — there’s no need, for example, to show up two hours before departure. However, travelers should “plan on being there in time and getting on the train before we leave.”

Nearly 82 million people are expected to travel over Thanksgiving, according to AAA.

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Harris said people should book “as soon as” they know their holiday plans. 

“The good thing about Amtrak is that we’re very flexible in terms of our ticketing,” he said. “You’re also able to change your tickets on the app in case something comes up at the last minute.”

Holiday travelers and commuters head to Union Station in advance of the Thankgiving holiday on Tuesday evening, Nov. 24, 2009.

Nearly 82 million people are expected to travel over Thanksgiving this season. Union Station in Washington, D.C., is shown above. (Bill Clark/Roll Call/Getty Images)

So far this month, there has been record cold weather in the East, lake-effect snow around the Great Lakes and unsettled weather across the West, according to FOX Weather.

Harris said Amtrak takes many measures to ensure winter travel is as safe and convenient as possible.

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“We do things like winterize the trains beforehand to make sure that they don’t freeze up,” he said. “That can be a problem in these extreme weather events. We also make sure our stations are properly maintained for things like slips and falls.”

He added, “It goes back to the whole point about being prepared, making sure that people get to the station in plenty of time, so that they don’t risk difficult weather conditions.”

Amtrak locomotive.

“If you can travel on trains at less popular times a day, you can save money,” said Amtrak’s president. (Amtrak)

Recently, some customers have taken to social media to call out Amtrak’s pricing.

“Amtrak is a scam,” wrote one individual on X. “Why [are] there $360+ tickets for the same route I paid $25 for yesterday?”

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Another user wrote, “I know Amtrak prices are famously fickle, but I think this is the funniest disparity I’ve ever seen.” The person shared a photo of a $20 train ticket — and another ticket priced at $236.

Harris said that “it’s true that with the tremendous interest we have in train travel today, trains are really full and that does have the impact of driving up prices.”

Grand Central Terminal, with crowds of people shown

People walk through Grand Central Terminal in midtown Manhattan days before the Christmas holiday in December 2023. “We really suggest that people shop around before they buy their ticket,” said Harris of Amtrak. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

He also noted the company’s flexible pricing structures.

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“If you can travel on trains at less popular times a day, you can save money. So, we really suggest that people shop around before they buy their ticket.”

Trump says Dems ‘should be in jail’ for urging military to refuse illegal orders

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President Donald Trump on Saturday purported that Democrats who urged the military to defy illegal orders engaged in “sedition at the highest level” and “should be in jail right now.”

This comes after one of the lawmakers who appeared in the video calling on troops to ignore unlawful orders, Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin, was targeted with a bomb threat just days after the clip and Trump’s subsequent statements suggesting the Democrats be executed.

In a Truth Social post on Saturday, Trump argued that the “traitors” who appeared in the video “should be in jail right now, not roaming the fake news networks trying to explain what they said was OK.”

“It wasn’t, and never will be!” he claimed. “It was sedition at the highest level, and sedition is a major crime. There can be no other interpretation of what they said!”

SEN. SLOTKIN’S HOME TARGETED WITH BOMB THREAT DAYS AFTER SHE TOLD TROOPS TO DEFY ‘ILLEGAL’ ORDERS

President Donald Trump purported that Democrats who urged the military to defy illegal orders engaged in “sedition at the highest level” and “should be in jail right now.” (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump initially responded to the video message by saying, “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!” He also shared a post from another account that said, “Hang them George Washington would.”

The White House and the president himself later attempted to walk back his comments, saying he did not wish to execute the Democrat lawmakers.

In another post on Saturday, Trump alleged that “many great legal scholars” agree with his position that “the Democrat traitors that told the military to disobey my orders, as president, have committed a crime of serious proportion!”

Slotkin, who previously worked at the CIA and Defense Department, shared the video on Tuesday of herself and other Democrat lawmakers who formerly served in the military and intelligence community encouraging troops and members of the intelligence community to ignore illegal orders from officials.

“This administration is pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens,” the lawmakers said. “Like us, you all swore an oath to protect and defend this Constitution. Right now, the threats coming to our Constitution aren’t just coming from abroad but from right here at home. Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders. You must refuse illegal orders. No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution.”

SEN. JOHN FETTERMAN ACCUSES TRUMP OF ‘DANGEROUS RHETORIC’

Split image of Sen. Elissa Slotkin, left, and President Donald Trump, right.

Sen. Elissa Slotkin was targeted with a bomb threat just days after the video and President Donald Trump’s subsequent statements suggesting the lawmakers be executed. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images; Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Other lawmakers in the video included Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona and Reps. Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, as well as Reps. Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire and Jason Crow of Colorado.

Trump administration officials and other Republicans criticized the video, which affirms that refusing unlawful orders is a standard part of military protocol.

Slotkin’s office said on Friday that police responded to her Michigan home following a bomb threat, but that she was not home at the time.

U.S. Capitol Police told her that she would have security at all hours of the day.

“We’ve got law enforcement out in front of my house,” she told MS Now. “It changes things immediately. And leadership climate is set from the top. And if the president is saying you should be hanged, then we shouldn’t be surprised when folks on the ground are going to follow suit and say even worse.”

Senator Elissa Slotkin with American flags in the background

The lawmakers in the video have vowed not to back down despite the threats. (Paul Sancya – Pool/Getty Images)

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The lawmakers in the video have vowed not to back down despite the threats.

“What’s most telling is that the President considers it punishable by death for us to restate the law. Our servicemembers should know that we have their backs as they fulfill their oath to the Constitution and obligation to follow only lawful orders. It is not only the right thing to do, but also our duty,” they said in a joint statement on Thursday.

“In these moments, fear is contagious, but so is courage. We will continue to lead and will not be intimidated,” the statement added.

Teachers fight off grizzly bear attacking students in British Columbia: ‘Heroes’

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Teachers fended off a grizzly bear that attacked a school group walking along a trail in British Columbia, Canada, on Thursday, officials said.

“The group had stopped along a trail near the community when a grizzly bear emerged from the forest and attacked,” Insp. Kevin Van Damme of British Columbia’s Conservation Officer Service, said in an update on social media. “Teachers successfully repelled the bear using pepper spray and a bear banger.”

Eleven people were injured in the attack, including students in the fourth and fifth grade, according to CBC News.

Two were in critical condition, two in serious condition and the other seven were treated at the scene, the British Columbia Health Services said.

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British Columbia’s Conservation Officer Service said the grizzly emerged from the woods and “attacked.” (Matthew Bailey/VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The incident happened in Bella Coola, a town more than 400 miles north of Vancouver.

The victims were taken to Bella Coola Hospital and were being transferred to Vancouver for further care, Van Damme said.

Officials were still searching for the bear as of Friday, who they believe may have been previously injured.

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“We recognize this incident is distressing for the community. We are in close contact with the Nuxalk Nation as our investigation continues. We thank them for their collaborative efforts to ensure community awareness and shared safety information,” Van Damme said. “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we wish them a full and speedy recovery.”

Bella Coola on a map

Bella Coola is more than 400 miles north of Vancouver in British Columbia. (Google Maps)

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Tamara Davidson, British Columbia’s Minister of Environment and Parks, called the teachers who fought off the bear “true heroes,” adding that they were well-prepared, according to the Guardian.

Family photos targeted in fake cloud storage scam sweeping smartphones

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A new scam is sweeping across smartphones and catching thousands of people off guard. Criminals are sending fake “Cloud Storage Full” or “photo deletion” alerts that claim your images and videos are about to disappear unless you upgrade your storage. The warning looks urgent and real. It even mimics major cloud services. But the moment you click the link, you enter a trap.

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How this fast-growing Cloud Storage Full scam tricks victims

Trend Micro researchers recently uncovered this fast-growing phishing campaign after seeing a massive jump in activity. The company reports a 531% month-over-month spike from September to October, which shows how quickly the scheme is spreading.

PROTECT YOUR DATA BEFORE HOLIDAY SHOPPING SCAMS STRIKE

Woman holds her face after looking at her computer

Scammers use convincing storage alerts and fake dashboards to push victims into paying small fees that expose their credit card details. (Pixelfit/Getty Images)

Scammers are sending personalized SMS and iMessage alerts that include your name and a believable count of photos or videos. Once you tap the link, you land on a very convincing fake website that appears to be a cloud storage dashboard. From there, you are urged to pay a tiny $1.99 upgrade fee to prevent deletion. Instead of protecting anything, you hand over your credit card, PayPal login or other personal information.

Trend Micro provided several screenshots and internal samples that reveal how polished the scam has become. The fake sites use progress bars, countdown timers and warnings that your files will be lost. They even simulate a cloud storage layout to match the look of popular platforms. 

Jon Clay, VP of Threat Intelligence at Trend Micro, shared an important warning to CyberGuy:

“The recent spike in ‘Cloud Storage Full’ scams shows just how well cybercriminals are perfecting emotional manipulation. These scams prey on fear and urgency, warning users their photos will be deleted unless they pay a small upgrade fee. During a time of year when we may be capturing many precious moments on camera, scammers are targeting older adults who may think this type of scam message is legitimate and who may be worried and anxious about losing something that cannot easily replace. Consumers should always stay cautious of unsolicited messages and always verify alerts directly through official apps or websites.”

Trend Micro’s analysis outlines exactly how the scam works, from the initial message to the final theft. Their screenshots show fake dashboards, false warnings and pages asking for credit card or PayPal details. Some versions even redirect to legitimate sites later to cover their tracks.

How the Cloud Storage Full scam works

Scammers follow a predictable pattern with this scheme, and each stage reveals a clear red flag that can help you spot the danger early.

1) Initial contact

Victims receive an unsolicited SMS or iMessage that claims their photos or videos will be deleted soon. Messages include the person’s first name and fake counts like “1,675 images” or “2,010 snaps” to boost credibility. Scammers add statements like “Act now” or “Final warning” to trigger panic. Each message ends with a short link that leads to a malicious .info domain.

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2) Trust building

After tapping the link, the user arrives at a fake “Cloud Storage Full” website. It mirrors the fonts, icons and button styles of real cloud services. Users see alerts such as “Your photos, contacts and private data will be lost.” Everything looks polished to reduce suspicion.

3) The hook

The site claims your storage is completely full and urges a one-time upgrade for $1.99. A progress bar sits at 100 percent full and a countdown timer warns that data will vanish in minutes. The “Continue” button goes to a fake payment page.

4) The exit

Once victims enter credit card or PayPal details, scammers harvest the data instantly. Attackers may use stolen credentials for unauthorized purchases, credential stuffing or resale on dark web markets. Some victims receive fake receipt emails to make the charge look legitimate.

Trend Micro reports that certain scam sites later redirect to real pages like iolo.com to hide their tracks.

An elderly man purchasing something with his credit card online

Scammers use fake dashboards and alerts to push victims to share payment info. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Red flags to watch for

  • Urgent warnings that your photos will be deleted
  • Unfamiliar links ending in .info
  • Messages that include your name to appear credible
  • Payment requests for tiny fees like $1.99
  • Countdown timers meant to force quick decisions
  • Sites that look familiar but have unusual URLs

Tips to stay safe from Cloud Storage Full scams

Scammers rely on fear and urgency to push quick decisions, but a few smart habits can shut down their tricks before they start.

1) Verify alerts inside the official app or website

Open your cloud storage app or go to the official website directly. If you see a real problem, it will appear there. This simple step prevents you from reacting to fake warnings.

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2) Never tap storage alerts sent through SMS or iMessage, and use strong antivirus software

Break the habit of tapping links in messages. Real cloud services rarely text users about photo deletion. A strong antivirus tool will flag dangerous links before they open.

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

3) Use a data removal service

Consider using a reputable data removal service to scrub your personal details from data broker sites. This step makes it harder for scammers to target you with personalized messages that look real.

While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com

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4) Watch for strange links

Look closely at every link. Scammers rely on short domains that look suspicious. Legitimate companies avoid shortened URLs and unknown domains.

5) Use multi-factor authentication

Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all cloud and payment accounts. It adds a powerful layer of protection if criminals steal your login.

6) Check your credit card for small test charges

Review your statements often. Attackers start with tiny charges to test a card before making bigger purchases.

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7) Use a password manager

A good password manager helps you create strong, unique passwords. It limits the fallout if your login appears in a data breach.

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

Man reviews inheritance documents

These fake storage warnings mimic real cloud services and pressure users to upgrade for $1.99. Once you enter payment info, scammers steal it instantly. (uchar/Getty Images)

Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 at Cyberguy.com

8) Report suspicious messages

Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM). This helps carriers block similar messages for everyone.

Kurt’s key takeaways

This scam spreads because it hits people where they are most vulnerable. Our phones store personal memories, family events and moments we never want to lose. Scammers know this and are now creating messages that look real enough to fool even the most cautious users. Emotional triggers like fear and urgency remain powerful tools for cybercriminals. Always question surprise warnings about data loss. When in doubt, check your account directly through the official app or website. A few seconds of verification can save you from credit card theft and identity headaches.

Have you ever received a message like this, and how did you handle it? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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South Korea breakthrough turns fabric into wearable robot muscles

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A new robotic breakthrough out of South Korea may soon turn your clothes into assistive tech. Researchers have found a way to mass-produce ultra-thin “fabric muscles” that can flex and lift like human tissue. The innovation could redefine how wearable robots support people in everyday life.

Scientists at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) developed an automated weaving system that spins shape-memory alloy coils thinner than a strand of hair.

Despite weighing less than half an ounce, this new material can lift about 33 pounds. That makes it light, flexible and strong enough to power the next generation of wearable robotics.

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WORLD’S FIRST AI-POWERED INDUSTRIAL SUPER-HUMANOID ROBOT

Dr. Cheol Hoon Park, center, examines a lightweight wearable robot with colleagues at KIMM in South Korea.

Dr. Cheol Hoon Park, principal researcher at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, examines a lightweight clothing-type wearable robot. (KIMM)

A new way to build strength into clothing

Until now, most wearable robots have relied on motors or pneumatic systems. These made them bulky, loud and expensive. They also limited how easily a person could move.

KIMM’s solution replaces the metal core of earlier coil designs with natural fiber. This shift allows the yarn to stretch more freely while keeping its power. The upgraded weaving system now produces these fabric muscles continuously, paving the way for large-scale manufacturing.

The result is a lightweight actuator that moves naturally with the body. It can support multiple joints at once, like the shoulders, elbows and waist, without restricting movement.

Real results from early testing

The team built the world’s first clothing-type wearable robot weighing less than 4.5 pounds. In testing, it cut muscle effort by more than 40% during repetitive work.

A smaller version designed for shoulder support weighs only about 1.8 pounds. In hospital trials at Seoul National University Hospital, patients with muscle weakness improved their shoulder movement by more than 57%.

These results show that fabric muscles can do much more than help factory workers; they can restore independence and mobility for people who need it most.

THE NEW ROBOT THAT COULD MAKE CHORES A THING OF THE PAST

AI-driven exoskeleton lightens your load, elevates performance

A man runs while wearing an AI-powered exoskeleton. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What this means to you

This new kind of wearable tech could one day show up in your daily routine. Picture a jacket that quietly helps lift groceries, or a work shirt that reduces strain during long shifts. For people in recovery, it could offer gentle, continuous support that makes movement easier and less painful.

Healthcare professionals could see fewer injuries, while patients gain more freedom. And in industries like construction and logistics, these fabric muscles could reduce fatigue and boost safety.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

KIMM’s success with automated fabric muscle production marks a turning point for wearable robotics. By weaving strength into soft, flexible materials, engineers are closing the gap between machine power and human comfort. As this technology spreads from labs to workplaces and homes, the idea of clothing that truly supports you, physically and practically, is becoming a reality.

PUTIN CALLS DANCING RUSSIAN ROBOT ‘VERY BEAUTIFUL’ IN AWKWARD AI CONFERENCE MOMENT

A humanoid robot with TV screens behind it

The humanoid robot Tiangong, developed by Beijing Innovation Center of Humanoid Robotics Co., moves an orange during a demonstration at Beijing Robotics Industrial Park in Beijing E-Town, China, on May 16, 2025. (REUTERS/Tingshu Wang)

Would you wear robotic clothing if it meant less strain, more strength, and greater freedom every day? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Father and son, while metal detecting, find 138+ artillery shells in Czech forest

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A father and son recently stumbled across a massive cache of old artillery shells in Czech forest — triggering a two-day operation involving a bomb squad.

The Police of the Czech Republic said the discovery was reported by a 48-year-old father who went metal detecting with his son on Oct. 28. 

The pair were less than 1,000 feet away from the Czech-Polish border crossing in Bartošovice, nestled in the Orlické Mountains.

MAN FISHING WITH GRANDSON UNCOVERS MYSTERY WRECKAGE IN MUD FLATS, ARCHAEOLOGISTS INVESTIGATING

The father told officials that he had “found an object resembling ammunition in a forested area,” according to the translation of a release issued on Oct. 31.

Once alerted, police officers were “immediately dispatched to secure the area and conduct an initial investigation,” the statement read.

A father and son’s metal detecting trip in the Czech Republic led police to uncover more than 150 old artillery shells. (Policie ÄŒeské republiky)

“The man explained that while recreationally metal detecting with his underage son, he had unearthed a suspicious metal object at a depth of about 30 centimeters,” the police said in the press release.

“Because of the nature of the find, police called in a specialist bomb technician.”

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During the two-day search, a bomb disposal expert found a whopping 138 105 mm artillery shells, 14 75 mm shells and 5 cartridge cases.

All munitions were transported to a specialized storage facility in Ralsko, which is also home to a former military airport.

WWII ammo laid out on grass with police card

Authorities said the shells included both 105 mm and 75 mm rounds, along with several cartridge cases. (Policie České republiky)

As reported by Czech outlet České noviny, the artifacts likely date back to World War II.

“The police thank citizens who act responsibly in such situations, as their vigilance and prompt reporting allow experts to intervene safely, minimize risk and protect lives and property,” the release said.

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Authorities urged the public to act similarly if they encounter suspicious objects, especially if they’re ammunition or explosives.

“Do not handle the object,” police said. 

View of forested area where ammunition was found

Bomb disposal experts removed more than 150 artillery shells discovered near the Czech-Polish border in the Orlické Mountains. (Policie České republiky)

“Do not dig it up, move it or examine it.”

“Keep a safe distance and warn others nearby [and] wait for police or a bomb technician to arrive.”

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The Orlické Mountains are situated between the Czech Republic and Poland — and the two countries have seen several archaeological discoveries in 2025.

View of WWII munitions

Czech officials reminded residents to stay alert and contact police if they uncover suspicious or explosive materials. (Policie České republiky)

Two hikers in the Czech Republic found a cache of gold items and other pieces of treasure earlier this spring — and the haul weighed fifteen pounds.

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In Poland, a group of friends searching for WWII rockets also ended up finding a jackpot of ancient treasures.

Democrats target House majority in 2026 midterms with affordability focus

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EXCLUSIVE: The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) chair says Democrats will keep their focus squarely on affordability as they aim to “take back those gavels” by capturing the House majority in next year’s midterm elections.

House Democrats need to flip just three GOP-held seats in 2026 to win back control of the chamber for the first time in four years.

“We’re going to hold Republicans accountable for their policies that are hurting American families,” Rep. Suzan DelBene of Washington State, who for a second straight election cycle is chairing the DCCC, said in an exclusive national news network interview with Fox News Digital.

High prices and out-of-control cost of living were key issues that boosted President Donald Trump and Republicans in the 2024 elections, as they won back the White House and Senate majority and kept control of the House.

HOUSE GOP CAMPAIGN CHAIR WANTS TRUMP ‘OUT THERE ON THE TRAIL’ IN MIDTERM BATTLE FOR MAJORITY

 President Donald Trump holds a chart as he discusses the economy in the Oval Office of the White House, Aug. 7, 2025, in Washington. (Mark Schiefelbein/AP Photo)

But what a difference a year makes.

Democrats, with an across-the-board focus on affordability, overperformed at the polls as they enjoyed sweeping ballot box success in the 2025 elections earlier this month. Democrats scored double-digit gubernatorial wins in blue-leaning but competitive New Jersey and Virginia, as convincing victories in high-profile showdowns in battlegrounds Georgia and Pennsylvania and left-tilting New York City and California.

SETTING THE STAGE: WHAT THE 2025 ELECTIONS SIGNAL FOR NEXT YEAR’S MIDTERM SHOWDOWNS

“It was clear that when folks are talking about the biggest issues affecting their communities, and right now, affordability, with the rising costs people have seen as a result of the policies put in place by this administration and Republicans in Congress, they rejected that,” DelBene said as she pointed to the 2025 election results.

“Absolutely, we saw that in governor’s races like Virginia and New Jersey, but [also] in races across the country,” she added.

Fox News national poll released this week was another warning sign for Trump and the GOP.

Three-quarters of voters questioned in the survey viewed the economy negatively, and large numbers of respondents, including Republicans, said their costs for groceries, utilities, healthcare and housing have gone up this year.

The poll indicated that voters blame the president, with nearly twice as many pointing fingers at Trump than former President Joe Biden, when asked who is responsible for the current economy.

Only 38% of those questioned gave the president a thumbs-up to how he’s handling the economy. And Trump’s overall approval rating, at 41%, was the lowest of his second term in office in Fox News polling.

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“Affordability is still the number one issue for families. Housing, food, health care, child care, energy costs all going up directly as a result of policies put in place by Republicans in Congress and Donald Trump. And they promised to lower costs on day one,” DelBene said.

Pointing to last year’s elections, she said, “That was their big message. They were going to lower costs. It has been a big broken promise, and people are feeling that and and that’s had a big impact and will continue. People want folks who are going to stand up to them for them, not just be blindly loyal to the President.”

GOP Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina, chair of the rival National Republican Congressional Committee, took aim at the former president, telling Fox News Digital, “There are challenges out there with the economy, because Biden broke it, and House Republicans, working with President Trump, are going to fix it, and we’re working very hard to do that. “

“Certainly, we could always improve the way we communicate with our voters about it,” he added. “But we are laser focused on the issues that matter to them. You know, it’s the cost of things, it’s the security in their neighborhood, it’s a secure border. We are very focused on that, and we’ve delivered a lot of things that are going to make their lives better.”

And looking ahead to next year, he added, “come tax season, a lot of families are going to be really happy to see they’ve got a lot more take-home pay, and that’s because of Donald Trump and House Republicans.”

The DCCC, in its messaging, has tied vulnerable House Republicans to Trump.

DelBene argued that it’s “Republican policies that are hurting American families, the tariffs that Donald Trump has put in place that have raised costs for families across the country, their ongoing work to gut health care across this country.”

And she charged the “policies that they have prioritized have been favoring the wealthy and the well-connected, tax breaks for the wealthy and the well-connected, but hurting working families across the country. People are feeling that, and we’re going to continue to call that out.”

The NRCC, in its messaging, has aimed to link Democrats facing challenging House re-elections to social New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, as it aims to paint all Democrats as far-left radicals.

Mamdani addresses his watch party

Zohran Mamdani speaks during a victory speech at a mayoral election night watch party, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, in New York.  (Yuki Iwamura/AP Photo)

“The entire Democrat Party has shifted to the left. This is Mamdani’s party now,” Hudson charged. “And every single House Democrat needs to answer for his policies, and they need to let their constituents know, do they stand with Mamdani or not?”

But DelBene, firing back, charged that “Republicans have no message, so they’re trying to come up with something.”

And discounting the GOP’s messaging, she said: “the folks in Iowa and Arizona aren’t focused on who the mayor of New York is. They’re focused on who’s running for office, who’s going to stand up for them.”

DelBene was interviewed as a trio of new national polls indicated Democrats with the upper hand in the 2026 battle for the House majority.

“We take nothing for granted,” DelBene cautioned.

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But she was confident that Democrats will “take back the house in 2026.”

“Our number one goal is making sure that we take back those gavels. Have Speaker Hakeem Jeffries, actually have a congress, a House of Representatives, that’s going to work for the American people and do their job as a check on this administration,” DelBene emphasized.

New Zealand relaxes its ‘golden’ visa rules, sees 72% surge in US applications

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With more countries wooing Americans today with “golden” visa offerings, those that have seen success are presenting even more opportunities.

New Zealand recently eased its rules to attract more high-net-worth individuals to its “golden” visa programs. Changes include removing an English language requirement and relaxing the amount of time required for people to spend there.

The country is now launching a Business Investor Work Visa program, which offers individuals the opportunity to live and work in New Zealand by investing in and running a business there, with the potential for permanent residency.

POPULAR DESTINATION MAY EXPAND ‘GOLDEN’ VISA PERKS, OPENING MORE DOORS FOR WEALTHY

U.S. citizen applications for the country’s Active Investor Plus Visa increased by 72% since July, according to New Zealand’s immigration data.

Client experience director Mischa Mannix-Opie at Greener Pastures New Zealand, an integrated residency-by-investment and lifestyle advisory firm, told Fox News Digital it’s seen significant “golden” visa demand from Americans.

New Zealand will introduce a Business Investor Work visa program, offering people the opportunity to live and work in the country.  (iStock)

“The Business Investor Work Visa has been announced, which we expect will receive interest also, as it represents another opportunity for people wanting to secure residency in New Zealand,” said Mannix-Opie.

“The shifting political environment in the U.S. has many high-net-worth individuals reassessing their long-term plans,” she added. 

“New Zealand offers a safe, stable alternative with an exceptional quality of life, stunning natural landscapes and a culture that makes it an ideal place to begin a new chapter and to give them and their families options for the future,” Mannix-Opie also said. 

“New Zealand offers a safe, stable alternative with an exceptional quality of life.”

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

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

trump administration to charge visa entry fee to visitors

U.S. citizen applications for NZ’s Active Investor Plus Visa increased by 72% since July, according to reports.  (iStock)

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

“You don’t have to renounce your U.S. citizenship at all,” he also said. “You can get permanent residency for life, and you can live the New Zealand dream.”

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Nash pointed to New Zealand’s “stable banking system” and lack of capital gains, wealth and death taxes.

“In this time of global uncertainty, geography is just as important as anything else. You jump on a plane, and you’re 1,200 miles away from trouble spots,” said Nash.

new zealand sunny beach

“You can get permanent residency for life, and you can live the New Zealand dream,” said a former minister for economic development. (iStock)

He added, “In the past, people were looking for tax havens. Now they’re looking for safe havens for them[selves] and their family.”

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Nash said the country’s low population is a unique perk.

“We have wonderful scenery, sailing, golf — and we have some pretty cool people,” Nash said.

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He added, “You don’t have to renounce your U.S. citizenship at all. You can get permanent residency for life, and you can live the New Zealand dream.”

Archer Aviation buys Hawthorne Airport for $126 million air taxi hub

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Archer Aviation, a leading developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, just made one of its boldest moves yet. The company agreed to acquire Hawthorne Airport for $126 million in cash. 

According to Archer’s latest shareholder letter, the deal includes the remaining 30 years on the airport’s master lease and an exclusive option to take a controlling stake in the on-site fixed-base operator, subject to city approval. 

This historic 80-acre site includes about 190,000 square feet of terminals, office space and hangars. Its location near LAX and major Los Angeles destinations makes it a prime spot for an air taxi network that aims to change how people move in crowded cities.

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PENNSYLVANIA BILL SEEKS TO LEGALIZE FLYING CARS

A rendering of Archer Aviation's plans for potential developments to Hawthorne Airport.

A rendering of Archer’s development plans for Hawthorne Airport in Los Angeles. (Archer Aviation)

Why Hawthorne Airport matters for the new air taxi network

Archer Aviation plans to use the airport as the main operational hub for its LA air taxi network. The company also plans to prepare the site to support transportation during the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This includes managing everything from takeoff scheduling to ground operations. In its shareholder letter, Archer frames Hawthorne as a “plug-and-play” anchor hub for its LA28 Olympic plans, saying it expects to ramp up aircraft testing, storage, maintenance and charging on-site as it prepares for commercial service.

The airport will also become a test bed for next-generation AI-powered aviation systems. These tools will help Archer develop smarter air traffic management, faster turnaround times and safer operations in crowded airspace.

Archer outlines a two-phase plan in the letter. Phase 1 focuses on redeveloping up to 200,000 square feet of hangars and locking in control of the FBO, while Phase 2 layers in AI air traffic and ground management, smart sensor-embedded runways and a more digital, streamlined passenger experience.

United Airlines CFO Michael Leskinen praised the move and said, “Archer’s trajectory validates our conviction that eVTOLs are part of the next generation of air traffic technology that will fundamentally reshape aviation. Their vision for an AI-enabled operations platform isn’t just about eVTOLs, it’s also about leveraging cutting-edge technology to better enable moving people safely and efficiently in our most congested airspaces. Through United’s investment arm, United Airlines Ventures, we’re investing in companies like Archer that pioneer technologies that will define and support aviation infrastructure for decades to come.”

Meanwhile, Hawthorne Mayor Alex Vargas celebrated the deal on social media, writing “WELCOME ARCHER TO THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE!”

AI air taxi

Archer plans to turn Hawthorne Airport into the main hub for its LA air taxi network. (Archer Aviation)

Neighbors outraged over ‘AI air taxi’ takeover

Not everyone is cheering Archer’s plan to turn Hawthorne into a flagship hub for AI-guided flying taxis. A local group called Hawthorne Quiet Skies, made up of residents living around the airport, says it was blindsided by the $126 million takeover and that no one from the company or city bothered to engage it before announcing a “test bed for AI-powered aviation technologies” over homes.

Neighbors who live just across the street and within a couple of blocks of the runway describe Hawthorne as one of the most tightly packed airports in the country, with homes on three sides and years of complaints about deafening jet and helicopter noise. The city’s own 2021 noise study identified more than 160 homes and roughly 480 people already exposed to unhealthy noise levels, yet residents say there has been “zero progress” on mitigation even as the airport shifted from small private planes to commercial traffic and now an around-the-clock eVTOL hub.

The group is also raising alarms about Archer’s AI ambitions, pointing to academic research that current machine-learning systems in aviation still struggle to handle unusual conditions and lack formal safety guarantees. 

They argue that whatever the promises of cleaner, futuristic air taxis, Hawthorne is being used as a live test site without clear safeguards, updated federal noise rules or any serious plan to compensate families if nonstop eVTOL traffic makes their homes too loud to live in.

CHINA’S FIRST MASS-PRODUCED FLYING CAR DEBUTS

How Archer Aviation is funding growth and expanding its air taxi program

Alongside the airport news, Archer reported major financial momentum. The company raised an additional $650 million in equity, which boosted its total liquidity to more than $2 billion. The company’s Midnight aircraft also hit new flight milestones, including a 55-mile flight at over 126 mph and a climb to 10,000 feet.

Archer also expanded its global technology footprint. It completed the acquisition of Lilium’s patent portfolio, which pushes Archer’s total intellectual property to more than 1,000 global assets. Those patents cover ducted fans, high voltage systems, flight controls and other key technologies.

International expansion is underway, too. Archer began test and demo flights in the UAE and secured new partnerships with Korean Air and with Japan Airlines and Sumitomo’s JV in Osaka and Tokyo.

A crowd watches a flying vehicle.

The airport will serve as a test bed for next-generation AI aviation systems designed to manage busy airspace more safely. (Archer Aviation)

What this means for you

Archer’s airport deal suggests that air taxis are moving closer to everyday use. This shift could mean shorter trips across major cities at a fraction of today’s travel time. It could also bring quieter aircraft over neighborhoods compared to helicopters.

For Los Angeles residents, Hawthorne Airport may become a central point for fast point-to-point travel once certification moves forward. Visitors flying in for major events like the LA28 Olympics could see air taxis as a smooth alternative to gridlocked freeways.

Businesses may gain new options for rapid transport across the region. The move also signals more investment and jobs in advanced aviation, automation and clean electric travel.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Archer’s acquisition of Hawthorne Airport marks a major milestone in the race to build a real air taxi network, giving the company the aircraft, funding and prime location it needs to push the industry forward. Its focus on AI-driven operations shows how automated aviation may soon play a much bigger role in daily life, even as regulators are still working out how to safely integrate these aircraft into crowded cities. At the same time, the move is already sparking backlash from neighbors who worry about more noise and safety risks and being turned into a test site for AI-guided aircraft without a real say. If Archer can win over regulators, investors and the communities living just beyond the fence line, this step could make the future of urban flight feel much closer, for better or worse.

If air taxis become a real option in Los Angeles by 2028, would you try one for your daily commute or stick to the ground? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Artificial intelligence newsletter: Bubble fears ease

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

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

– Nvidia CEO predicts ‘crazy good’ fourth quarter after strong earnings calm AI bubble fears

– Musk predicts ‘money will stop being relevant in the future’ as AI, robotics progress

– Larry Summers steps down from OpenAI board amid Epstein fallout

MARKET MOVER: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said Wednesday the chipmaker is heading into a “crazy good” fourth quarter, underscoring its dominance at the heart of the global artificial intelligence boom.

CURRENCY OBSOLETE: Billionaire Elon Musk on Wednesday speculated money may become irrelevant in the future if current artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics innovations continue.

SCANDAL SPIRAL: Former Treasury Secretary and Harvard President Larry Summers resigned from the board of OpenAI amid the fallout over his correspondence with disgraced late financier Jeffery Epstein.

Larry Summers and Epstein

Former Harvard University president Larry Summers announces he will step back from public commitments following release of correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein. (Stefan Wermuth/Bloomberg via Getty Images/ Rick Friedman Photography/Corbis via Getty Images)

HIGH-TECH: The General Services Administration struck a deal with Perplexity AI to offer the company’s artificial intelligence services to every government agency for 25 cents each, making it the 21st contract under the OneGov initiative.

PRIME USERS: The artificial intelligence-related layoffs sweeping corporate America could impact prime loan borrowers, Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski said. 

ROBOT NATION: Amazon is doubling down on artificial intelligence and robotics to remake work inside its warehouses and fulfillment centers, even as it cuts thousands of corporate roles and faces growing fears about machines replacing human workers.

UNITED WE STAND: The artificial intelligence boom promises to be more eventful than the dawn of the internet. It will lead to a higher quality of life for everyone in the first country to achieve AI dominance. AI is already being harnessed for cancer detection and for developing self-driving vehicles that will lower traffic fatalities. 

U.S. President Donald Trump gives a thumbs up gesture to reporters on the White House lawn

President Donald Trump walks on the South Lawn of the White House after arriving on Marine One in Washington, D.C., on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. (Shawn Thew/EPA/Bloomberg/Getty Images)

ROBOT TAKEOVER: As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into daily life, voters hold mixed views about how (and when) it will shape their lives — and whether that impact will be positive.

MAJOR MOVE: The Trump administration is preparing a sweeping executive order that would direct the Justice Department to sue states that enact their own laws regulating artificial intelligence, according to a draft reviewed by Fox News Digital.

OPINION: HUGH HEWITT: The fact of an “AI bubble” is real. Nobody knows when it will pop. Nobody knows the consequences. But, it is impossible to miss its giant presence in the world of investing and the downstream political consequences when it pops.

‘ART OF WAR’: In her first joint visit with second lady Usha Vance, first lady Melania Trump met with troops and military families, praising the Marine Corps’ 250 years of service while warning that artificial intelligence (AI) will redefine modern warfare and America’s defense.

GONE ROGUE: Texas mom Mandi Furniss sounded the alarm over AI chatbots after she alleged one from Character.AI — one of the leading platforms for AI technology — drove her autistic son toward self-harm and violence.

MILITARY SUPERIORITY: The War Department is narrowing its research and development strategy to six “Critical Technology Areas” officials say will speed up innovation and strengthen America’s military edge.

MISSING THE BOAT: Democrats in Washington are losing the AI conversation. Not because they are wrong about AI’s risks, but because they have failed to offer Americans a vision for the economic transformation ahead. While they focus on managing problems, others are defining what comes next. One side is talking about building the future, the other about constraining it. 

The image shows the US capitol and a tech image together

DC Democrats need to reclaim the issue of AI from Republicans. (iStock)

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