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Three ancient ‘fairy houses’ over 5,000 years old discovered in Sardinia

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Three ancient “fairy houses” have been uncovered on the Italian island of Sardinia, according to local officials.

The discovery was announced by the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for the Provinces of Sassari and Nuoro on July 29.

Sardinia, an Italian island in the Mediterranean just south of France’s Corsica, is famed for its beaches and ancient ruins.

LUXURIOUS 1,700-YEAR-OLD ROMAN BATHHOUSE UNEARTHED BY ARCHAEOLOGISTS AFTER SURPRISE DISCOVERY

The fairy houses – known as domus de janas in Sardinian – date back over 5,000 years to the late Neolithic and Copper Age. 

The name comes from local folklore, which imagined the chambers as dwellings for magical beings. Despite the fanciful name, though, the structures are actually tombs. 

Archaeologists in Sardinia uncovered three new “fairy houses,” or domus de janas. These ancient rock-cut tombs date back more than 5,000 years. (Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for the Provinces of Sassari and Nuoro)

Before the most recent excavation, archaeologists had found 17 of these tombs. 

Officials said that certain geographic features helped archaeologists identify the new structures, which brings the number of known domus de janas to 20.

MYSTERIOUS ‘DUMPED’ BODIES OF WOMAN AND CHILD FOUND BY ARCHAEOLOGISTS IN PICTURESQUE TOWN

“The characteristics of the ground between [two tombs] … suggested the presence of a new, as yet unexplored tomb,” the statement noted.

“The excavations indeed brought to light three new domus de janas … arranged like a fan starting from the Tomb of the Hearth.”

“This new discovery enriches knowledge of the domus de janas.”

Pictures show archaeologists crouched down in the rock-cut tombs, carefully unearthing features and artifacts.

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The Sassari and Nuoro Superintendency reported that “numerous and significant finds” were uncovered, including pickaxes, a spindle whorl and a small greenstone axe.

The archaeologists also came across obsidian fragments and pottery shards. The most complex house – dubbed Tomb of the Roman Vases – contained a painted wall band, officials said.

Split image of house from inside, archaeologist brushing dirt

Archaeologists noted the ground between earlier tombs showed features suggesting more chambers, leading to the latest Sardinian excavation. (Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for the Provinces of Sassari and Nuoro)

It also held over 30 Roman-era ceramic pieces, including plates, oil lamps and jugs. The statement described all the artifacts as being “in excellent condition.”

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“This new discovery enriches knowledge of the domus de janas – tombs carved into rock that often reproduce, in relief, details of the houses of the living and symbolic decorations linked to magical-religious rituals,” the officials’ statement added.

Together, the tombs form part of a wider area called the Sant’Andrea Priu archaeological complex, which was recently recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Split image of male archaeologist digging, inside of "fairy house"

The domus de janas are part of the Sant’Andrea Priu archaeological complex, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. (Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for the Provinces of Sassari and Nuoro)

In another recent Italian discovery, archaeologists found an Etruscan tomb around 30 miles north of Rome – an unusual find that hadn’t been looted.

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In Rome, excavators found an ancient apartment building built decades before the birth of Christ.

Federal court rules Illinois transit gun restrictions constitutional

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A federal appeals court approved Illinois’ ban on carrying firearms on public transit, reversing a lower court ruling that found the gun restrictions passed more than a decade ago violated the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

The Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals handed down its decision on Tuesday, with Judge Joshua Kolar writing for the majority that the ban “is comfortably situated in a centuries-old practice of limiting firearms in sensitive and crowded, confined places.”

“The Second Amendment protects an individual’s right to self-defense. It does not bar the people’s representatives from enacting laws—consistent with our nation’s historical tradition of regulation—that ensure public transportation systems remain free from accessible firearms,” Kolar wrote.

APPEALS COURT BLOCKS NEW MEXICO’S 7-DAY WAITING PERIOD FOR GUN PURCHASES, SAYING IT VIOLATES 2ND AMENDMENT

A federal appeals court approved Illinois’ ban on carrying firearms on public transit. (AP)

“We are asked whether the state may temporarily disarm its citizens as they travel in crowded and confined metal tubes unlike anything the Founders envisioned,” the judge continued. “We draw from the lessons of our nation’s historical regulatory traditions and find no Second Amendment violation in such a regulation.”

Last year, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois sided with four plaintiffs who claimed that restricting people from carrying guns on public buses and trains was unconstitutional.

The district court relied on a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen, in which a new standard to determine whether a gun restriction is unconstitutional was established. To meet that standard, the government must show there is a “historical tradition of firearm regulation” that supports the law. The court said there were no analogous conditions justifying the gun restrictions on public transit.

Chicago Transit Authority train on a track

Last year, a lower court sided with four plaintiffs who claimed that restricting people from carrying guns on public buses and trains was unconstitutional. (Photo by Gregory Potter/Interim Archives/Getty Images)

But the appeals court found the ban was constitutionally protected.

“Our concern is whether the law aligns with the nation’s tradition,” the majority opinion reads. “We hold that [the law] is constitutional because it comports with regulatory principles that originated in the Founding era and continue to the present.”

The case, started by several Illinois gun owners and backed by gun rights groups, is expected to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. 

While plaintiffs argued that the transit restrictions flouted the high court’s 2022 Bruen decision, the Seventh Circuit said the state had shown a sufficient historical basis for treating crowded public transport as a “sensitive place.”

The public transit firearm ban was implemented in 2013, when Illinois became the last state in the country to approve carrying concealed weapons in public.

FEDERAL APPEALS COURT RULES CALIFORNIA AMMUNITION BACKGROUND CHECKS UNCONSTITUTIONAL

Chicago Transit Authority bus

The public transit firearm ban was implemented in 2013. (Christopher Dilts/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

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On top of prohibiting guns on buses and trains, the measure restricted gun possession in hospitals and some other public spaces.

Kolar, who was appointed by former President Joe Biden, was joined in the majority opinion by Judge Kenneth Ripple, who was appointed by former President Ronald Reagan. Judge Amy St. Eve, who was selected by President Donald Trump during his first term, wrote a separate concurring opinion.

“I write separately to highlight a difficult jurisdictional question that today’s opinion prudently reserves for a future case: how to assess redressability where a plaintiff defines her injury as the inability to engage in protected activity—not the threat of prosecution for doing so—and an unchallenged law also prohibits that precise activity,” St. Eve wrote.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Putin, Xi caught on hot mic discussing organ transplants and immortality

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Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s Beijing hot mic remarks suggesting organ transplants could help people live to 150 have been dismissed as unfounded by a top U.S. transplant specialist.

After Reuters captured the two leaders’ bizarre exchange on Wednesday, transplant surgeon Dr. James Markmann told Fox News Digital Putin and Xi should be talking about ethics and organ access instead.

The chat in question unfolded as Putin and Xi walked alongside North Korea’s Kim Jong Un at a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in the Chinese capital.

As they moved toward a stage to watch the spectacle in Tiananmen Square, Putin’s interpreter could be heard saying in Chinese: “Biotechnology is continuously developing.”

TRUMP CLAIMS PUTIN, XI, KIM ARE CONSPIRING AGAINST THE US AFTER MILITARY PARADE IN CHINA

From left, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrive at a military parade in Beijing on Sept. 3, 2025. (Alexander Kazakov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Putin’s interpreter explained the Russian president’s view that “human organs can be continuously transplanted” and added, “the longer you live, the younger you become, and [you can] even achieve immortality.”

Xi, who was off camera at the time, can then be heard saying in Chinese: “Some predict that in this century humans may live to 150 years old.”

However, Dr. Markmann, President of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons Executive Council, claimed Xi’s conclusions lack evidence.

“Transplantation of vital organs is a lifesaving and life-prolonging procedure for patients with organ failure,” he said Wednesday.

“But there is no scientific evidence that it promotes immortality, nor that humans could realistically reach 150 years of age through transplants,” the expert added.

PUTIN AND XI DEEPEN TIES AS IRAN, NORTH KOREA LEADERS VISIT BEIJING

Putin later confirmed to reporters in China that the two men had in fact been discussing longevity science and future medical breakthroughs, according to Reuters. He has shown interest in anti-aging research in the past. 

In 2024, he ordered the creation of a state-backed research institute called New Health Preservation Technologies, focused on cellular rejuvenation, neurotechnology and organ regeneration. 

His daughter, endocrinologist Maria Vorontsova, has also received state grants for cell renewal and genetics research.

Xi has been less directly linked to longevity projects, but Beijing has positioned biotechnology as a central pillar of China’s economic and strategic growth.

Putin meets with Xi Jinping

Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing, China, Sept. 2, 2025.  (China Daily via REUTERS)

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“I won’t comment on the private musings of world leaders, but we must remember that more than 100,000 individuals in the United States are currently awaiting lifesaving organ transplants,” concluded Markmann.

“The ethical concern isn’t immortality but equity, access, and making sure organs save lives today.”

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

Florida surgeon general announces plans to end vaccine mandates in schools

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Florida’s Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo has announced the Sunshine State is working to end all vaccine mandates.

In a joint press conference on Wednesday with Gov. Ron DeSantis, Ladapo said the Florida Department of Health (FDH), in conjunction with the governor’s office, will end “every last one” of the vaccine mandates for schoolchildren under Florida law. 

“Every last one of them is wrong and drips with disdain and slavery,” said Ladapo. “Who am I, as a government or anyone else, to tell you what you should put in your body? I don’t have that right. Your body is a gift from God.”

FDA LIMITS NEW COVID VACCINE BOOSTERS TO HIGH-RISK AMERICANS ONLY

DeSantis stressed that informed consent is essential, stating that “information given to individuals, where they can then make an informed decision, should be the bedrock of how we function in health and in medicine.”

Eight vaccinations are currently required for children attending childcare, preschool and K–12 schools in Florida, according to FDH.

The Sunshine State is working to end all vaccine mandates, said Florida’s Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo on Wednesday.  (iStock)

For childcare facilities and preschools, diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP); IPV (polio); measles, mumps and rubella (MMR); varicella; Hib; pneumococcal conjugate; and hepatitis B shots are required.

DTaP (4-5 doses), IPV (4-5 doses), MMR (2 doses), hepatitis B (3 doses) and varicella (2 doses or prior infection) are required for K-12 students. In seventh grade, students must also get a dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis).

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Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel told Fox News Digital that mandates don’t work for some vaccines — specifically when a virus or other pathogens spread despite the immunization.

Dr. Joseph Ladapo at press release - vaccine announcement

Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo said the Florida Department of Health (FDH), in conjunction with the governor’s office, will end “every last one” of the vaccine mandates for schoolchildren under Florida law.  (AP News)

“For vaccines that prevent transmission, such as with measles, mumps, rubella, varicella or polio — and where the virus itself carries the possibilities of severe outcomes — then school mandates make sense, since these viruses spread among schoolchildren,” he said.

In the example of measles, Siegel said, “the only way to achieve herd immunity is through vaccination, where the spread is stopped.”

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He added, “Those who can’t get that vaccine because they are immunocompromised (if it is a live virus vaccine, they can’t have it) are protected by those around them.”

Creating a community of immunity around highly contagious viruses through the use of vaccines is “responsible public health,” Siegel added.

Girl blowing nose

CDC data shows that kindergarten vaccine exemptions increased to 3.6% nationwide during the 2024-2025 school year. (iStock)

While Florida would be the first to implement a state-wide vaccine ban, other states have proposed or passed similar legislation. 

During the 2024-2025 school season, vaccinations among kindergartners decreased for all reported vaccines from the year before, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Vaccine exemptions from one or more vaccines among kindergartners increased to 3.6% from 3.3%.

Dr. Susan Kressly, the president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, emphasized the importance of childhood vaccines in a statement. “We are concerned that today’s announcement by Gov. DeSantis will put children in Florida public schools at higher risk for getting sick, and have ripple effects across their community,” Kressly said.

All those with questions about vaccinations should consult with their doctor.

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

Confederate monument dismantled in Edenton, North Carolina, for relocation

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A Confederate monument that caused a stir in a North Carolina town has been dismantled and put in storage until it can be moved to a different location. 

The Town of Edenton had been planning to remove the monument from a popular spot in the business district for the past three years. It dismantled the monument on Saturday. 

It was only after the dismissal of a lawsuit challenging the move that the town decided to act.

FLORIDA CITY COUNCIL MEETING ERUPTS OVER PLAN TO REPLACE WWII VETERANS’ MEMORIAL WITH GOVERNMENT PROJECT

Mayor W. Hackney High Jr. told local news outlet WAVY the monument will be reinstated at the town’s Veterans Memorial Park. 

Edenton established a Human Relations Commission in 2020 to study the monument issue and propose recommendations. 

The town of Edenton, North Carolina, dismantled a Confederate monument from its business district and placed it in storage. The monument will be relocated to Veterans Memorial Park. (John Shannon v. Town of Edenton)

In a community letter posted on Facebook, the mayor said the debate over the monument “has been deeply emotional and challenging for the Town Council and many of our citizens.”

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The council eventually recommended relocating the 26-foot statue.  

High asked the community to find “common ground” and called out those who said officials were “erasing history.” 

north carolina confederate monument

The town council recommended the statue’s relocation after a commission reviewed the matter.  (John Shannon v. Town of Edenton)

“That is a misinformed view,” he wrote. “The monument is not being removed — it is being relocated. In doing so, we are not erasing history.”

The memorial, erected in 1909, originally stood in front of the Old Colonial Courthouse, according to several sources. It was built to honor the Confederate dead of Chowan County.

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In the early 1960s, it was relocated to the prominent downtown waterfront spot.

In related news, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced in August that the Reconciliation Monument, a Confederate memorial, will be returning to Arlington National Cemetery just outside Washington, D.C. 

Confederate flag

“The monument is not being removed — it is being relocated. In doing so, we are not erasing history,” the mayor of Edenton said. (iStock)

“I’m proud to announce that Moses Ezekiel’s beautiful and historic sculpture — often referred to as ‘The Reconciliation Monument’ — will be rightfully returned to Arlington National Cemetery near his burial site,” Hegseth wrote on X. 

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Installations honoring Confederate figures were moved into a Defense Department storage facility in Virginia in 2023 after a push by the Pentagon.

Fox News Digital reached out to the mayor and the town of Edenton for comment.

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

Erin Andrews says regular screenings saved her from a deadly cancer

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Sports broadcaster Erin Andrews, a cervical cancer survivor, is joining a national movement to promote early cancer screening, a cause that hits close to home.

Andrews, a member of the FOX NFL Sunday’s A-Team and host of FOX’s “99 To Beat,” has credited a routine check-up for saving her life.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Andrews shared how she attended an annual appointment with her gynecologist in 2017 and received a “shocking” cancer diagnosis.

TV HOST DISCOVERS HE HAS SKIN CANCER DURING LIVE ON-AIR BROADCAST

Andrews said she did not have any symptoms and always followed a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet and incorporating a regular fitness routine.

“I am not somebody that misses a doctor’s appointment,” she said. “I’m really good every single year at getting in when I need to get in. And I did that, and I was absolutely blown away and shocked.”

Andrews (not pictured) tested positive for cervical cancer in 2017 after a routine appointment with her OB-GYN. (iStock)

“But the good news was, because I had been so proactive with my health and I had been tested the year before, the cancer hadn’t progressed,” she added. “We were able to take care of it after two surgeries.” 

“Early detection can save your life or the life of someone you love.”

Now, in partnership with Aflac, a leading provider of cancer insurance, Andrews is launching “Check for Cancer,” a campaign encouraging Americans to prioritize routine cancer screenings. 

“Go to your doctor, go for your checkups, be proactive with your health,” she advised. “People don’t like going to the doctor. They don’t want to get bad news. Sometimes they even put it off so much they forget about it.”

SPORTSCASTER ERIN ANDREWS TALKS MOTHERHOOD, FERTILITY CHALLENGES AND HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS: SO ‘IMPORTANT’

Andrews hopes the Check for Cancer campaign will make it easier for people to access screenings and get reminders to schedule appointments.

“It’s just something you want to instill in people’s heads,” she said.

split image of Erin Andrews next to a brain scan

Erin Andrews has joined a national movement to promote early cancer screenings with Aflac. (FOX Sports/Joseph Viles; iStock)

Especially for younger Americans, as cancer rates rise across all age groups, Andrews stressed that early detection is “key.”

Check for Cancer aims to increase U.S. screenings by 10% over the next decade, using a checkered pattern as a visual reminder, according to a press release.

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One in three Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, per data from the American Cancer Society.

An Aflac Wellness Matters Survey revealed that 90% of U.S. adults admit to delaying a check-up or recommended screening.

doctor questions new patient

Ninety percent of adults in the U.S. admit to delaying a checkup or recommended screening, according to an Aflac Wellness Matters Survey. (iStock)

Beginning Sept. 3, 2025, Aflac will offer cancer screening and early detection resources on its website. The company will also donate $5 to childhood cancer research and care for each social media post using #CheckforCancer, up to $1 million.

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“Too many Americans delay screenings, often due to fear, uncertainty or simply not knowing where to start,” Aflac Incorporated President Virgil Miller commented in a statement.

“This leads to healthcare challenges that could have been mitigated or even avoided,” he said, adding that “early detection can save your life or the life of someone you love.” 

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“Getting screened shouldn’t feel overwhelming, it should be routine, and feel woven into the fabric of everyday life just like the checked patterns we see every day.”

Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.

How to protect personal data from scams when downsizing your home

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Downsizing should feel like a fresh start. A smaller home, less upkeep, maybe even a retirement community with new friends. In fact, more than 3 million elderly Americans move every year. Are you considering downsizing as well?

One woman told the internet about moving her mother into an assisted living home. Before the boxes were even packed, her mother fell for two back-to-back scams. It wasn’t bad luck; scammers had picked up on her address and pounced.

This isn’t rare. Researchers have found that over 70 percent cybercrimes trace back to exposed personal data. And moving creates one of the biggest exposures of all. Real estate listings, moving companies and address changes get scooped up by data brokers and published online, the perfect setup for criminals to strike.

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REMOVE YOUR DATA TO PROTECT YOUR RETIREMENT FROM SCAMMERS

A moving truck in front of a house

PODS moving truck and employee outside residential home, Queens, New York. (Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Image)

How moving puts your personal data at risk

When you buy, sell, or even just change your address, your information spreads across multiple systems:

  • Real estate records (public by default)
  • Utility company logs
  • Postal forwarding data
  • Transaction history and home value.

Data brokers scoop all this up. Then they bundle it, resell it and suddenly your new life stage is an open secret. That’s exactly what scammers look for.

10 SIGNS YOUR PERSONAL DATA IS BEING SOLD ONLINE

Front Door with Delivery Boxes

Cybercriminals look into multiple databases to gain information about a move. (iStock)

Common scams that target you when downsizing

Here’s why moving makes seniors a hot target:

  • Identity theft: Pair your new address with your date of birth (easy to find online), and thieves can open accounts in your name.
  • Cash-rich scams: Selling a house can make you look like you’re sitting on cash. Fraudsters know this.
  • Phishing tricks: Fake “utility setup” calls asking for your Social Security number.
  • Harassment: A new address published online can attract unwanted attention.

Think of it this way: while you’re busy unpacking boxes, criminals are unpacking your data.

HOW TO HAND OFF DATA PRIVACY RESPONSIBILITIES FOR OLDER ADULTS TO A TRUSTED LOVED ONE

How to avoid becoming a moving scam victim

Removing your data can protect you from cyber scams. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to protect your personal data when you move

While moving creates new opportunities, it also creates new risks. These simple steps will help you lock down your personal data before scammers can exploit it.

1) Remove your info from data broker sites

Data brokers automatically update your file when you move. That means your new address, phone number and even property transaction details can end up on people-search websites almost overnight. Once your profile is out there, scammers can buy or scrape it with ease.

The good news: you don’t have to chase down every broker yourself. A personal data removal service does the legwork for you, contacting data brokers, demanding removal and following up to make sure your new details don’t creep back in. Think of it as hiring a moving company for your personal data.

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.

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

2) Use the official USPS form only

When you change your address, always use the official USPS website or your local post office. Some third-party sites look like they’re offering a convenient service, but they often collect extra data about you and sometimes even resell it. Going straight to the source means your sensitive details don’t take unnecessary detours.

3) Watch real estate disclosures

When you sell your home, more than just the price gets published. Your name, past addresses and even photos of your home can become part of the public record. Ask your realtor what’s automatically disclosed and whether anything can be limited or redacted. It’s worth being picky here: the less of your personal footprint that’s tied to your property, the better.

4) Shred old paperwork

Moving is the perfect excuse to purge. But don’t just throw out old bills, medical statements, or financial records; shred them. Dumpster-diving for personal data may sound outdated, but it’s still a method scammers use. A good shredder ensures your sensitive history doesn’t end up in the wrong hands.

5) Share moving news privately

It’s tempting to post a “Goodbye, old house!” photo online, but resist the urge. Publicly announcing a move tells scammers exactly when your home is empty and what your new address might be. Instead, share the news directly with family and close friends. A little less buzz online means a lot more safety offline.

6) Freeze your credit before and after moving

One powerful way to stay ahead of scammers is to freeze your credit. A freeze blocks new credit accounts from being opened in your name, even if criminals have your address or other details. The good news is that you can do this for free with all three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

It only takes a few minutes online or by phone, and you can lift the freeze anytime if you need to apply for a loan or credit card. By freezing your credit before and after your move, you create a strong barrier that keeps thieves from turning stolen data into financial damage.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Moving should feel like a new beginning, not an invitation for scammers to strike. With a few smart steps, you can stay ahead of data brokers and fraudsters. From shredding documents to freezing your credit, every action adds a layer of protection. By protecting your information before and after your move, you gain peace of mind and start your next chapter on solid ground. The effort is small compared to the security it brings.

Should more be done to stop companies from exposing and selling our personal data? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.

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



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Cruise industry sues Hawaii over new its 11% ‘green fee’ tourist tax increase

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Hawaii’s “Green Fee” bill will raise tourist taxes to help fund “climate-change” mitigation — and now a lawsuit has been filed that challenges it. 

The Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) will raise the tax on tourists who stay at Hawaii hotels to 11% while imposing a new 11% tax on cruises, according to the text of the bill. 

The Cruise Lines International Association, along with a cruise ship supplier, filed a lawsuit against state tax and county finance officials in the Aloha State.

COASTAL CITY GREENLIGHTS NEW VISITOR TAX AMID WIDESPREAD OVERTOURISM TREND

“We believe the extension violates both the U.S. Constitution and federal law, while imposing an additional financial burden on passengers already subject to substantial fees and taxes,” CLIA said in a statement sent to Fox News Digital.

The association also pointed out the benefits that cruise tourism brings as a major economic driver for the state.

The Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) raises the tax on Hawaii hotel fees to 11% while imposing a new 11% tax on cruises. (iStock)

“Extending the TAT to cruise passengers threatens to deter visitors whose spending fuels this economic engine, risking job losses and eroding the financial stability of businesses dependent on tourism,” CLIA added.

The lawsuit points out that the state’s counties each add their own 3% surcharge on top of the state’s tax – bringing the tax to 14%.

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Portions of the newly raised revenue would go into the “Climate Mitigation and Resiliency Special Fund” and the “Economic Development and Revitalization Special Fund,” according to the bill. 

The bill addresses invasive species, wildlife conservation and beach management and restoration. 

Kauai, Hawaii

Portions of the revenue raised would go into the “Climate Mitigation and Resiliency Special Fund” and the “Economic Development and Revitalization Special Fund,” according to the text of the bill.  (iStock)

It will also help fund a “green jobs youth corps,” as well as areas of environmental concern.

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In 2023, 9.6 million visitors traveled to Hawaii, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

The “green fee” is projected to generate $100 million annually, according to the release. 

hawaii tax for climate change

In 2023 alone, 9.6 million visitors traveled to the state of Hawaii. (iStock)

In a statement to Fox News Digital, the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General said the department was recently served with the complaint.

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 “We will reserve comment until we have had a chance to fully review it,” it read.

The Associated Press contributed reporting. 

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

TikTok’s viral back-scratching service takes off in Miami area

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A new wellness fad is raking in business in the Miami area: paying someone to lightly scratch your back, scalp and arms for pure relaxation. 

“I think it’s a very weird thing,” Tomi Lahren said on “Outnumbered” on Aug. 29 in response to the trend.

“I guess good for them for making a business out of it, but why am I not surprised that something like this has gone viral on TikTok?”

ELITE AMERICANS SHELL OUT FOR ‘BOAT-TOX’ AND OTHER ON-DEMAND PERSONAL CARE SERVICES

The family-run Scratcher Girls brand bills itself as purveyors of “professional back scratching,” operating a studio in Miami Gardens and a weekend booth at Hollywood’s Yellow Green Farmers Market. 

Based in Miami, the service offers relaxation in the form of arm, back and scalp scratching. (iStock)

The company calls itself the first of its kind and says clients come for “mood-enhancing scratch therapy.”

Online booking shows pricing at $74.99 for 30 minutes and $129.99 for an hour; couples sessions run higher. Clients are asked to arrive clean, and staff can do a scalp check if “hair play” is requested. 

IS YOUR MANICURE SAFE? CHEMICAL BANNED FROM NAIL SALONS FOR HEALTH DANGERS

Scratcher Girls pricing chart

The Scratcher Girls, the company behind the viral wellness trend, charge $75 to $130 for professional scratch therapy sessions. (Fox News)

“I think the criminal attorney in me just sees this as like, DNA transfer, and a whole lot of opportunity for other stuff,” Emily Compagno joked as the hosts discussed their hesitation.

LOAD THE LAUNDRY, GRAB A BEER: INSIDE AMERICA’S LAUNDROMAT BARS

Part of the surge in popularity comes from social media. Scratcher Girls’ ASMR-style TikTok clips have pushed the niche service into the mainstream, sparking hundreds of thousands of followers and millions of likes, and turning the simple act of a soothing scratch into viral content.

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Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is a “previously unstudied sensory phenomenon,” according to the National Institute of Health, in which individuals experience a tingling, static-like sensation in response to specific audio and visual stimuli.

“I will say, my boys, they have my mom scratch their back… they love it… they melt, they fall asleep,” co-host Tiffany Smiley added as an example of the appeal.

Man receives scalp massage and back scratch

Part of the surge in popularity comes from social media, as Scratcher Girls’ ASMR-style TikTok clips have garnered millions of likes. (iStock)

“There is science that backs the dopamine release and what it does to, you know, your mental health and your relaxation,” she added. 

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Scratcher Girls, for its part, has leaned into demand with a summer tour schedule and regular market pop-ups, allowing people to “try before you buy.” 

The brand’s site touts “over 20 years of experience” and a mission built on gentle, calming touch.

MORE IN HEALTH NEWS

“I think the only people who should be scratching your back are your partner, your loved one, your parent — I don’t think that’s for anybody else to do,” Lahren said.

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

ShengShu’s Vidar makes humanoid robot training faster and cheaper

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One of the biggest hurdles in developing humanoid robots is the sheer amount of training data required. Teaching machines to act like humans demands massive video datasets. Collecting that data is expensive, time-consuming and difficult to scale. This challenge has slowed progress toward making robots useful in everyday environments such as homes, hospitals and offices.

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CHINA LAUNCHES CENTER TO TRAIN 100-PLUS HUMANOID ROBOTS SIMULTANEOUSLY

A slide with information on how Vidar works

Vidar says its training methods use video to program robots in 20 minutes. (Vidar)

Vidar by ShengShu transforms humanoid robot training

ShengShu Technology has introduced Vidar, short for Video Diffusion for Action Reasoning. Instead of relying solely on endless hours of physical-world data, Vidar generates synthetic training environments from just a small amount of real video. By blending real data with AI-generated video, Vidar makes training more efficient, scalable and affordable.

A slide with information about how Vidar works

Vidar uses video to train robots to perform real-world tasks. (Vidar)

How Vidar uses AI video to speed up robot training

Vidar works by decoupling perception from control. First, it uses ShengShu’s Vidu video model to learn from both real and synthetic videos. Then, a task-agnostic system called AnyPos translates that knowledge into motor commands for robots. This modular setup allows for faster training and easier deployment across different types of robots.

Unlike traditional methods that require robots to physically interact with the world to learn, Vidar can simulate complex, lifelike scenarios virtually. Remarkably, it only needs about 20 minutes of training data, between 1/80 and 1/1200 of what leading models require. That efficiency makes it possible to scale robot training to levels never seen before.

CHINESE TECH FIRM SHARES ROBOT TRAINING SECRETS WITH THE WORLD

A slide with information on how Vidar works in real world applications

Vidar’s real-world replay and deployment with video model (Vidar)

Real-world applications of Vidar in humanoid robots

Vidar is more than just a research tool. Its design means robots can adapt quickly to new tasks and environments. That could unlock real-world applications in eldercare, home assistance, healthcare, and smart manufacturing. By bridging the gap between simulation and reality, Vidar is positioning humanoid robots as practical helpers rather than futuristic concepts.

HUMANOID ROBOT PERFORMS MEDICAL PROCEDURES VIA REMOTE CONTROL

A slide showing Vidar tests

Results of AnyPos-ATARA with video replay to accomplish various manipulation tasks (Vidar)

What this means for you

For consumers, Vidar brings the idea of household or workplace robot helpers closer to reality. Instead of waiting decades for robots to mature, scalable training could speed up deployment in everyday settings. This could mean robots assisting you with chores, supporting eldercare, or even helping in medical environments sooner than expected.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Vidar is a milestone in the race toward practical humanoid robots. By blending limited real data with generative video, ShengShu has created a smarter and faster way to train physical AI. The approach tackles cost, efficiency, and scalability all at once, three factors that have long held robotics back.

Would you welcome a humanoid robot in your home if it could help with daily tasks, or does the idea still feel too futuristic? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.

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



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