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Kate Middleton’s Friday video announcement of her cancer diagnosis may have shed some light on why she’s been out of the public eye lately — and there’s been an outpouring of support for her and the royal family ever since she spoke to the world via video.
In her video message on Friday, Middleton revealed that after her recent abdominal surgery, doctors initially believed her “condition was non-cancerous” — but further testing proved otherwise.
“My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment,” she shared.
Said Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, “The good news is that the word ‘preventative’ was used.”
Experts agree that Middleton is under no obligation to reveal the details of her condition.
Kate Middleton is shown during a visit to a U.K. school in 2021. (AP )
“[Medical] records should be sacrosanct,” he also said.
Amid these discussions, he and other doctors are also sharing insights about the importance of cancer screenings.
Middleton announced in a video message on Friday that she’s undergoing “preventative chemotherapy.”(Ian Vogler/Getty Images)
“When should women be screen[ed] for cancers — and what sort of tests should they be asking for?” Fox News’ Carley Shimkus asked on Monday during a “Fox & Friends” medical segment with Dr. Siegel.
The doctor noted, to start, the importance of public service awareness of cancer screenings.
It’s a “very big public service” on Middleton’s part that she came forward to share her story, he said.
“Women should start with cervical cancer screening at the age of 30 or earlier,” he also said.
That means “Pap tests every two or three years.” (During Pap tests, gynecologists swab cells near the patient’s cervix and send the sample to the lab to test for any abnormal or precancerous changes to the cells.)
“Patients need to be their own advocates.”
Siegel said women should also make sure they don’t have HPV, or human papillomavirus.
“You want to get vaccinated against that when you’re in your teens,” he said. “That’s hugely important.”
He added, “But the no. 1 cancer for women is breast cancer.”
And “while people might say, well, Kate Middleton is 42 years old — well, we’re starting to see cancers in younger and younger women,” he said.
Since Kate Middleton’s cancer announcement — which she made by video on Friday — she’s received an outpouring of public sympathy and concern. (The Prince and Princess of Wales Twitter)
He noted, “Our own Dr. Nicole Saphier, one of the top breast radiologists in the country, insists on screening women for breast cancer at [age] 40 and above. I completely agree with that. You use mammograms, ultrasounds,” he added.
And while doctors know about all the important screenings for women as well as men, he said that “patients need to be their own advocates,” too.
There may be other important factors to consider as well when it comes to testing and screening, he said, including patients’ genetic history and personal background. (SEE the video at the top of this article for more details.)
For example, said Siegel, “Did your mother or father have something very young?”
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Kate Middleton’s Friday video announcement of her cancer diagnosis may have shed some light on why she’s been out of the public eye lately — and there has been an outpouring of support for her and the royal family ever since — but it left another looming question in its wake.
While experts agree that Middleton is entitled to medical privacy and is under no obligation to reveal the details of her condition — and that few people know her specific medical details — some doctors have shared ideas and theories about the potential origins of the disease based on their own expertise.
Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, said he’s spoken with multiple cancer doctors about the possible originsof the princess’ cancer diagnosis based on earlier available information.
“One of the heads of medical oncology at NYU Langone Cancer Institute believes it may be colon cancer, and that the major abdominal surgery she had may have been a bowel resection for Crohn’s disease,” Siegel told Fox News Digital. (Neither Siegel nor the doctors he spoke with have personally evaluated Middleton.)
Kate Middleton is shown during a visit to a U.K. school in 2021. (AP )
It has been reported in previous years that Middleton has Crohn’s disease, which is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting the lining of the digestive tract.
“Inflammatory bowel disease greatly increases the risk for colon or bowel cancer,” Siegel added.
It’s been widely reported that Middleton had major abdominal surgery in January.
A large share of Crohn’s patients — up to half — will need surgery at some point to alleviate symptoms, according to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.
“She could have been having bowel surgery for the Crohn’s and they later found it on pathology,” Siegel hypothesized, once again stressing a professional guess based on years of experience.
It’s been widely reported that Middleton had major abdominal surgery in January of this year. Now, she’s announced that she’s battling cancer. (Ian Vogler/Getty Images)
That kind of surgery would also explain the more extensive recovery time, he added.
Chemotherapy for colon or bowel cancer would include Oxiplatin (intravenous) and Xeloda (oral) for several weeks, according to Siegel.
It is also possible that gynecological cancer could have been detected, experts say.
“[The surgery] could have been a hysterectomy, and she may have been found to have ovarian, uterine or cancer of the cervix, which was local and removed,” Siegel surmised.
“But going against this [idea] is that there is no sign of hair loss, which is caused by Taxol, the predominant intravenous treatment for these gynecological cancers.”
Ovarian cysts may be seen on routine imaging and can be removed laparoscopically — and the diagnosis of cancer is often found later, the doctor said.
The chemo that is administered for early-stage colon cancer doesn’t routinely cause hair loss, Siegel noted.
“I have now spoken to several experts — both top oncologists and colorectal surgeons — and they all say the same thing,” he added.
“She likely has either early colon or bowel cancer that was removed and cured surgically, or ovarian or uterine cancer.”
In her video message, Middleton said she has begun a treatment regimen of “preventative chemotheraphy.”
Whatever type of cancer the princess has or had — Siegel said he has hope that her prognosis could be good.
“I have diagnosed a lot of cancer [cases], unfortunately, but more and more, it’s early enough to be cured,” he said.
A close friend of Kate Middleton’s told The Sunday Times that the princess “wrote every word” of her cancer announcement — which she made by video on Friday. Since then, she’s received an outpouring of public sympathy and concern. (The Prince and Princess of Wales Twitter)
“Whatever type of cancer it is, they appear to have gotten it out.”
In her video message, Middleton said she has begun a treatment regimen of “preventative chemotherapy.”
“We need to respect her privacy and show compassion and empathy.”
“The good news is that the word ‘preventative’ was used, which would mean that the cancer was removed in its entirety, presumably by bowel resection, and that the chemo is being given to increase the chances of no recurrence,” Siegel said.
The chances of a recurrence are much lower with chemotherapy, the doctor added.
On Friday in her video message, Middleton revealed that after her abdominal surgery, doctors initially believed her “condition was non-cancerous,” but further testing proved otherwise.
“My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment,” she shared.
Angelica Stabile and Caroline Thayer, both of Fox News Digital, contributed reporting.
Although, alarmingly, a new trend has surfaced, preying on the most vulnerable and unlikely targets: children.
It may seem unlikely that identity thieves would focus on young kids, many of whom don’t even have an allowance.
However, the truth is very alarming. Crooks are making considerable sums of money by exploiting children’s identities, potentially derailing their financial future before it even begins.
A mother shows a daughter something on her laptop(Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
The tactics scammers use to exploit children’s information
Scammers deploy a variety of tactics to acquire sensitive information about minors. They may comb through social media, sift through data leaks, peruse public databases, directly interact with minors on digital forums or purchase data from the dark web.
How children’s identities become criminals’ blank checks
Children’s identities are particularly appealing to criminals due to their clean financial slate. Armed with just a handful of personal details, these fraudsters can take over a child’s social media presence, divert mail, secure retail credit cards or gain access to financial resources by altering passwords — all under the radar of unsuspecting parents.
This form of identity theft can go undetected for years, only coming to light when young adults face rejected loan applications or denied benefits, a rude awakening to a problem they never knew existed.
A mother is on her laptop while her daughter plays nearby (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
The tip of the Iceberg when it comes to child identity theft
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported over 22,000 cases of identity theft involving individuals 19 and under in the last year alone. Yet, according to the FTC, this figure barely scratches the surface. The clandestine nature of these crimes, compounded by the reluctance or inability of victims to report them, suggests a much larger issue at play.
How to secure your child’s financial future by acting now
1. Freezing your child’s credit is a critical first step, effectively locking out potential fraudsters. This can be done as soon as a child receives a Social Security number, with no downside to preemptively safeguarding their financial identity.
2. Ask questions before sharing personal information. Be cautious about sharing your child’s Social Security number. Always ask why it’s needed, how it will be protected and if there’s an alternative identifier that can be used.
3. Secure personal documents. Keep documents with your child’s personal information, such as medical records or Social Security cards, in a locked file cabinet. Shred these documents before disposal.
4. Use an identity theft protection service. Identity Theft companies can monitor personal information like your child’s Social Security number, phone number and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your child’s bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.
5. Install antivirus software. Ensure all devices used by your child have reputable antivirus software installed. This software can help protect your children from clicking malicious links that install malware that may get access to your private information. This can also alert you of any phishing emails or ransomware scams. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.
Kurt’s key takeaways
It’s clear that the innocence of childhood is under threat in a way that was unimaginable just a generation ago. The digital age has brought with it a new breed of predators who, hidden behind screens, seek to exploit the most vulnerable among us — our children.
Their tactics are sophisticated, their reach is global and their impact can be devastating. But there is hope. By taking proactive steps, we can shield our children from these financial predators and secure their future.
How prepared are you to protect your child’s financial future from identity theft? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/Contact
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter
Steps to select a specific conversation to change the alert (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
With these simple steps, you’ll know who’s trying to reach you just by the sound of the alert. It’s that easy and incredibly convenient. Give it a try, and never miss an important message again.
Imagine knowing it’s your best friend texting you about weekend plans or your colleague dropping in an urgent work message, all without taking your eyes off what you’re doing. It’s not just a trick; it’s a game-changer for managing your digital life with a bit more ease and personal flair.
Looking ahead, what future features would you like to see for notification customization on your Android? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.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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This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
We’ve all experienced the irritability that comes with a lack of shuteye — but an extended period of poor sleep health could lead to far more serious effects than that.
Some experts warn that people who have chronic sleep struggles are more likely to experience suicidal ideations.
Fox News Digital spoke with Taft Parsons III, M.D., vice president and chief psychiatric officer at CVS Health in Birmingham, Michigan, about this concerning link.
‘No single cause’
Research shows that 42% of Americans have shared concerns about their mental health, and 18% say they were plagued with suicidal thoughts at some point during this past year, according to Parsons.
Suicide is very complex with several intersecting risk factors, he noted.
Some experts warn that people who have chronic sleep struggles are more likely to experience suicidal ideations.(iStock)
“There is no single cause of suicide — it is a convergence of health factors, along with other psychosocial and environmental variables that can increase the chances someone may take their own life,” he told Fox News Digital.
These can include social and environmental factors, such as prolonged stress and legal and financial issues, he noted.
Past trauma and psychological health issues — like depression, substance use disorder and sleep — can also be factors.
“Some of these factors can be more challenging than others to address, but seeking help for sleep issues or disorders can be a step toward addressing one potential risk factor,” said Parsons.
Why do sleep issues increase the risk?
Inadequate sleep can negatively impact critical functions like decision-making, impulse control, problem-solving abilities, emotion regulation and resilience, Parsons noted.
“When a person is struggling with sleep deprivation, it can increase various adverse health outcomes, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes,” he said.
Inadequate sleep can negatively impact critical functions like decision-making, impulse control, problem-solving abilities, emotion regulation and resilience, an expert said. (iStock)
“It can also lead to increased depression and anxiety, both of which can play a significant role in suicide.”
Well-rested people are better equipped to face life’s challenges, effectively manage stress and maintain a positive mindset, according to the expert.
“Improved sleep can also reduce impulsivity and emotional dysregulation, both of which can be associated with suicidality,” he said.
Signs of sleep-induced suicidal tendencies
People who have suicidal ideations will often exhibit sudden changes in behavior, said Parsons.
Those can include new sleep issues such as insomnia or sleeping too much.
“Similarly, we view withdrawal from friends and family, reckless actions or increased use of substances as warning signs,” he told Fox News Digital.
“So, focusing on the sudden or uncharacteristic change in sleep is the critical factor, not necessarily the number of nights.”
People who have suicidal ideations will often exhibit sudden changes in behavior, said one expert. Those can include new sleep issues such as insomnia or sleeping too much. (iStock)
Recognizing common signs of sleep deficiency is crucial to stopping it from interfering with a person’s mental health, according to Parsons.
When people are sleep-deprived, they will often experience problems with concentration, memory, decision-making, problem-solving, and regulation of emotions and behavior, he pointed out.
“Focusing on the sudden or uncharacteristic change in sleep is the critical factor.”
“Individuals who are not well-rested, and may also have difficulty regulating their emotions, are at increased risk of poor decision-making and have a negative ability to cope effectively when faced with overwhelming stresses,” Parsons warned.
“If these problems come on suddenly, escalate or become recurring, they may indicate more serious or underlying issues and indicate a mental health issue.”
Experts recommend that adults get between seven and nine hours of sleep per night.
“Individuals who are not well-rested, and may also have difficulty regulating their emotions, are at increased risk of poor decision-making and have a negative ability to cope effectively when faced with overwhelming stresses.”(iStock)
Children and teens generally need more sleep than adults.
When to seek support
For those struggling with sleep challenges, experts recommend seeking treatment when they’re not able to manage the issue themselves.
“Many people unwittingly have habits that are detrimental to a good night’s sleep, and thus should start with a sleep hygiene program for several weeks,” Parsons suggested.
“If you notice someone is displaying warning signs of suicide, including sudden sleep issues, or other signs including mood changes or verbal cues, it is important to reach out, have an honest conversation, express concern, and help connect them to support,” he said.
“There are resources available to help prioritize well-being, no matter where on the spectrum of mental health someone may fall.”
Even if suicide turns out to not be a concern, the person may still feel comforted, supported and relieved by someone taking the time to connect and listen, Parsons noted.
“The earlier someone connects to support and resources, the sooner they can feel better and increase their overall resilience.”
If someone is exhibiting signs of suicide ideation, it is crucial the person gets help immediately by calling or texting 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
A Florida woman is accused of kidnapping her neighbor’s child and locking herself and the child inside her apartment, according to officials.
Kim Keeling, 52, is charged with kidnapping and interference with custody of a child, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office said.
The incident began on Friday at about 11:20 a.m. when Keeling grabbed her neighbor’s two-year-old child, locked herself and the child inside her apartment and refused to return the child, the neighbor told deputies.
The deputy, concerned for the child’s safety, climbed through the broken window and located the woman in her living room, holding the child and a rolling pin.
Cryptocurrencies have today become an established investment tool among major financial institutions. But crypto is much more than Bitcoin. Investors get bigger gains plus cross-border liquidity when they hold crypto directly instead of just having exposure through an ETF.
Sheridan, Wyoming, March 24, 2024, Solo Investing in cryptocurrencies is not suitable for beginners. The world of cryptocurrencies has undergone significant changes since the emergence of Bitcoin more than ten years ago. It is a rapidly evolving investment platform. While it is true that some individuals have achieved great wealth through cryptocurrency investments, it is also true that many people have suffered substantial financial losses, either due to falling victim to scams or a lack of understanding about cryptocurrencies.
Working with a company like Coinvance just makes a lot of sense. They have a unique approach where their success is tied to their clients’ success. Their team of experienced crypto investment professionals can save both new and seasoned investors from the hassle of going through the learning curve on their own. Trust me, it can be expensive to do it the hard way without any guidance.
If investors are looking to invest directly in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, Coinvance is the expert they need. They provide secure storage, professional management, and asset protection for crypto investments. It’s the smart and convenient way to dive into the world of cryptocurrencies.
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At a recent press event, a Coinvance Spokesperson made these comments, “Coinvance is your Digital Investment Expert that offers insured crypto storage and Asset Protection through cryptocurrencies with full privacy. We store all crypto assets offline in fully insured cold storage. Your keys will only come out short periods of time during transfers and transactions.”
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“We understand that investors seek value, which is why we say: Crypto, not EFT. Cryptocurrencies offer so much more than just Bitcoin, with greater potential for gains beyond BTC. Plus, holding crypto directly provides greater liquidity and asset protection. You can transfer it anywhere in the world within seconds.”
They understand the significance of privacy in safeguarding assets. That’s why, as a private cryptocurrency investment firm and custodian, they offer comprehensive crypto management and secure cold storage that prioritizes privacy. By entrusting them with one’s assets, you can rest assured that they will grow discreetly, while their expert management team ensures their complete protection.
Coinvance accomplishes this through the utilization of a Wyoming LLC, which boasts the strongest privacy safeguards in the United States. Even with the implementation of the new Corporate Transparency Act, upholding privacy would require a court order.
For a limited time, Coinvance is inviting crypto enthusiasts to register for a no-cost consultation.
Japan is quickly becoming the “Go-To” destination for top-notch affordable aesthetic services. People from near and far have been discovering Kitaya Rumi and her celebrated LuNa Salon in Japan.
Osaka, Japan, March 24, 2024, Japan has emerged as the go-to destination for those seeking affordable aesthetic and cosmetic procedures. With its advanced technology and renowned expertise in the field, Japan offers a wide range of procedures at competitive prices. One of the key contributors to Japan’s popularity is Kitaya Rumi, the talented beauty entrepreneur behind the celebrated LuNa Salon. Her commitment to providing high-quality services at affordable rates has attracted people from all over the world to experience Japan’s exceptional cosmetic industry. From skincare treatments to non-invasive surgeries, Japan has positioned itself as a global leader in the realm of affordable aesthetic enhancements.
Whether seeking facial rejuvenation, body contouring, or skin treatments, Kitaya Rumi and her team at LuNa Salon are dedicated to providing top-notch services with a personalized touch. Experience the magic of Kitaya Rumi’s expertise and discover the beauty secrets that have made Japan a global hub for affordable aesthetic solutions. With the current depreciation of the yen against the USD/JPY, American travelers can enjoy the finest esthetic treatments with the finest Japanese techniques and refinement.
With its reputation for quality and affordability, Japan has become a major player in the industry. One shining example is Kitaya Rumi and her renowned LuNa Salon, which has gained worldwide recognition. People from all over the globe flock to Japan to take advantage of the competitive prices offered by these skilled professionals. When comparing the cost of procedures between Japan and the USA, the difference is staggering. Japan provides a more budget-friendly option for those seeking aesthetic enhancements without compromising on quality.
With Japan’s reputation for excellence in beauty and skincare, it comes as no surprise that the country has become a major hub for those looking to enhance their appearance. LuNa Salon proudly stands out by providing top-notch services at prices that are accessible to everyone. Whether it’s skincare treatments, hair styling, or rejuvenating spa experiences, LuNa Salon has established itself as the gateway to affordable aesthetic services in Japan.
Americans can go to Japan for sightseeing and experience Japan’s excellent beauty techniques at one-tenth the price.
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House Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced the establishment of a bipartisan Artificial Intelligence Task Force in February.
The task force’s members, including Florida Republican Kat Cammack, have already had a few organizational meetings and met with AI leaders to discuss, among other topics, November’s election.
“This is a critical issue that is going to really have an impact in every aspect of our lives, from here moving forward into the future,” Cammack told Fox News Digital.
“I think [members are] pretty much on the same page as far as we recognize both the challenges but also the opportunities that come with AI. … Folks on the task force have a very pragmatic, forward-thinking, optimistic view of AI. But we are not blind to the fact that there are challenges”
Former President Trump and President Biden(Elijah Nouvelage/AFP via Getty Images | Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)
Cammack says one of the immediate concerns of the task force is the impact AI will have in the 2024 election.
AI image tools generate election disinformation 41% of the time, and AI tools generate images promoting voting disinformation 59% of the time, according to a recent report published by the Center for Countering Digital Hate.
Cammack says the task force is “looking [to identify] some of the challenges that people are opening with AI-generated content, disclaimers [about] what that will mean in terms of deepfakes, how do we authenticate and watermark AI-generated content, images, videos, etc.”
The challenges of AI and the 2024 elections are ethical.(Getty Images)
The Center for Countering Digital Hate report found examples of image disinformation, such as a photo of President Biden sick in a hospital bed and a photo of former President Trump sitting in a jail cell.
Tech giant Meta requires paid users to disclose when potentially misleading AI-generated or altered content is featured in political, electoral or social issue ads.
“You’ll have all these discussions about [how content] should be watermarked. … We’ve already seen where AI can take off a watermark on an AI-generated product. That’s just a Band-Aid,” Cammack said. “We need to get to the root solution and establish a protocol in place that will prevent mass confusion.”
Cammack says she and her team are working on a framework that would allow for a blockchain authentication model to exist.
Facebook’s Meta logo on a smartpone(Reuters/Dado Ruvic/Illustration)
“I see blockchain as a future mechanism to help authenticate material, and that will be really important for candidates and for legislators in such a rapid environment. Having your photos, your videos, all of your content authenticated with a very secure technology like blockchain, that will be very, very important,” she said.
The Florida Republican said the task force should be wary of the overregulation of artificial intelligence, saying her focus will be to protect access in the marketplace for some of the smaller players and ensure there is no bias.
“The worst thing government can do is stamp out innovation through overregulation. My hope is to really address some of the language model challenges on the front end to make sure that we’re weeding out bias. We’re not inherently pushing answers to fit a political agenda,” she said.
Italy’s one-euro-home sales have been attracting a lot of interest over the past few years, with dozens opting to snap up abandoned properties in some of the country’s depopulated towns.
But while towns like Mussomeli in Sicily and Zungoli in Campania have managed to offload various abandoned dwellings to foreigners longing to live the Italian dream, some have struggled to sell their empty homes.
Among them is Patrica, a remote medieval village of barely 3,000 residents located south of Rome, where more than 40 properties deserted in the early 1900s have been left to rot.
Perched on a rocky plateau overlooking the Sacco valley in central Italy, Patrica is an idyllic spot, but life here wasn’t easy for locals in the past.
Abandoned homes
Italian village Patrica, located south of Rome, is struggling to offload its abandoned homes. – Comune di Patrica
Many left in search of a brighter future elsewhere, leaving their homes empty for decades.
In an attempt to breathe new life into the dying village, the town’s mayor Lucio Fiordaliso has been trying to emulate the success of other Italian villages who’ve put their empty homes up for sale for one euro, or just over a dollar. He’s so far had little success.
“We first mapped all abandoned houses and made an official call out to the original owners to invite them to hand over their dilapidated family properties, but we managed to sell just two homes for one euro,” Fiordaliso tells CNN.
While local authorities in towns left underpopulated due to earthquakes and other natural calamities have the jurisdiction to put abandoned homes up for sale without permission from the owners, this isn’t the case for Patrica and other towns like it.
“We first need the availability of owners, or their heirs, in disposing of their old houses,” says Fiordaliso.
“Only then can we place these properties up for sale with their consent, which makes the process very complicated. Almost impossible.”
Fiordaliso explains that the town received a “positive response” from 10 owners after sending out a “public call to involve them in our one-euro-homes project,” but they withdrew at the last minute. The rest never replied.
Public call
Many of the town’s local families left in search of a brighter future elsewhere, leaving their homes empty for decades. – Comune di Patrica
Fiordaliso feels that those who changed their minds may have done so because of issues with other relatives who owned shares of the same property.
Abandoned buildings in old Italian towns are sometimes split between multiple heirs who own just a section – like a bathroom, balcony, kitchen – and nothing can be sold without written consent from all heirs, as per Italian law.
In the past, it was customary for children to inherit parts of their family home, including patches of land, wells and orchards.
But it’s not always a guarantee that relatives will still be on good terms and/or in contact years down the line.
“The disposal of potential one euro homes faced a deadlock as most relatives sharing the same property were at odds with one another for personal reasons or couldn’t agree on the sale, some hardly spoke or knew each other, others lived in distant cities and even abroad,” says the mayor.
In some instances, homes were never officially split between heirs in the past, so the ownership line had broken along the way without a clear indication as to who should be the current owner.
According to Fiordaliso, tracking down the descendants of owners who’d long migrated overseas, mainly to the US, Canada and Argentina and perhaps had different last names, or may have passed on their Italian property to foreigners without notifying Patrica’s town hall, has been a very hard task.
“It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack,” he adds.
The only two abandoned homes that Patrica managed to sell as part of its one-euro scheme were fully owned by two locals, so no liaising with fourth-degree cousins or great-great-grandsons was required, and they could sell the properties without any complications.
Family ties
The remote medieval village has a population of around 3,000. – Comune di Patrica
In situations where family feuds are at play, relatives could choose not to sell their share due to legal issues tied to inheritance disputes, or even as a form of revenge.
And original owners who’ve been living elsewhere for many years may be wary of making themselves known to local authorities and potentially being hit with back taxes for their property and waste disposal charges of up to 2,500 euros (around $2,730 per year, plus unpaid utility bills
Another reason that the one euro scheme never really kicked off in Patrica could be due to the condition of its forsaken homes.
Some of the houses are simply too neglected to sell, even if the owners were willing to agree to it.
Patrica local Gianni Valleco and his two brothers decided to place their parents’ abandoned home on the market to see what would happen, but soon found that the house was far from desirable.
“We thought, ‘Why not give it a go’? Even if it’s just for one euro, we’d be rid of a heap of useless stones. We were curious to see if someone might be interested anyway in buying it,” says Valleco.
“We were aware that after half a century our parents’ home had turned into rubble, it was totally destroyed, like razed to the ground.
“The roof and most walls had collapsed, leaving an open-air room covered in grass and bushes. All there remained was a patch of land, an ugly garden right in the heart of the historical center.”
According to Valleco, a neighbor had been using what remained of the home to dump their old stuff.
“We then realized nobody would ever buy it,” he says. “It’s a bad investment requiring lots of money to rebuild the house. It’s more worth buying a tiny rural cottage in the surroundings.”
Thankfully, not all of the deserted homes in Patrica that could be potentially sold for one euro are in quite such a terrible state, and some have garnered interest from potential buyers.
“A few foreigners came to see the abandoned one-euro dwellings. There was lots of interest but unfortunately we had nothing to offer them,” says the mayor, adding that those interested were from the US and Europe.
In the meantime, Fiordaliso has been coming up with new ways to boost the town’s appeal in the hope of luring newcomers.
New scheme
The town hall recently funded the makeover of the external façades of some ancient palazzos, prompting several locals to entirely restyle their old family homes and put them to use after decades of neglect.
Local resident Alessandra Pagliarosi took things a step further by turning the 1950s mansion inherited by her husband into an elegant B&B called Patricia.
“We redid the roof, which was practically no longer there, and the interior. The mayor’s move finally gave us a good excuse to fully renovate the property which had been sitting there uselessly,” says Pagliarosi, who benefited from the new tax breaks introduced by the town hall to revive the local economy.
Those who decide to kickstart a commercial activity like an B&B or artisan boutique in the ancient district are exempt from paying taxes on waste disposal, advertisement and public space use for 10 years and granted tax credits for restructuring costs.
“For a small B&B, that would amount to a total of roughly 1,200 euros (around $1,310) per year in tax savings, which is a significant amount of money,” says Pagliarosi.
Foreigners planning to relocate to Patrica and launch a small business are also entitled to the tax benefits.
So far, two new B&Bs and one restaurant have opened up as a result.
Local realtor Ilario Grossi, who runs Immobil Lepini estate agency, located in the nearby town of Ceccano, says several American descendants of emigrant families recently visited Patrica to look at properties.
But the town’s ready-to-occupy homes, with two-bedroom properties starting at 20,000 euros ($21,832,) proved to be more appealing.
“There is interest, but then when many (foreigners) actually see the bad shape of the old homes they’d prefer to opt for turn-key apartments that are already restyled or in need of just minor fixes,” says Grossi.
“So it’s much more convenient to buy one of these newer ones than grab an old building in need of a major renovation, where the final cost would end up being much higher.”
Despite these challenges, Fiordaliso hasn’t given up on selling some of the town’s long neglected homes, even if it means having to negotiate between warring relatives.
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