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Ever feel like the media spotlight shines in all the wrong places? While everyone obsesses over Sydney Sweeney's blue jeans, we're diving into stories that actually deserve our attention but aren't making headlines.

First, a practical guide to dining out wisely as we explore eight expert-identified red flags that signal it's time to leave a restaurant. From the obvious signs like dirty conditions and argumentative staff to the more peculiar warnings about establishments "overloaded with influencers," these indicators offer valuable guidance for your next meal out. Though some seem tailored more to LA than Alabama's Gibson's Barbecue, they provide food for thought on what we should expect from our dining experiences.

The conversation then travels beneath Rome's ancient streets, where an extraordinary discovery awaits. Hidden for over a century, a vast 42,000 square-foot network of tunnels and caves known as the Capitoline Grotto once thrived during Julius Caesar's time. This underground marvel served as everything from quarries and taverns to bomb shelters and bustling 19th-century marketplaces before being sealed by Mussolini in the 1920s. After a $2.8 million restoration, these historical passages will finally welcome visitors again in 2026 – a true hidden treasure of the Eternal City.

We wrap up with a crucial warning about a new scam targeting social media users. Fraudsters are approaching people with requests to use their photos for supposed art projects, complete with promises of commissions and finished copies. The scam reveals itself when they ask for personal information for "e-check" payments – a reminder to stay vigilant online even when interactions seem innocent or flattering.

What national holiday do you think August should have? Share your thoughts and let us know which stories you think deserve more attention than they're getting!

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Liberty Line each week on Sunday, look for topics on my X file @americanistblog and submit your 1-3 audio opinions to [email protected] and you'll be featured on the podcast. 

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