South
Metal detectorist stumbles upon rare medieval pilgrim badge
A metal detectorist in southeastern Poland recently unearthed a Christian pilgrim badge from the Middle Ages, state officials say.
The badge was found in the village of Wólka Nieliska, less than 50 miles southeast of Lublin, according to the Lublin Provincial Conservator of Monuments (WKZ).
The pendant, made from lead and alloy, has a diameter of around 2.8 centimeters and is 1 millimeter thick.
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In a Facebook post that was translated to English, the WKZ said that the badge “features a dragon enclosed in a circle.”
A medieval pilgrim’s badge was found in the village of Wólka Nieliska, less than 50 miles southeast of Lublin, Poland. (Lublin Provincial Conservator of Monuments via Facebook)
Archaeologist Thomsz Murzyński told Fox News Digital that the artifact was given to him by an anonymous metal detectorist. Murzyński then handed the badge over to the government.
Medieval pilgrims wore badges for a variety of reasons: not only did they believe it could protect them from disease and danger, but it also marked them as Christian travelers as they journeyed through unfamiliar territories.
“Such badges served as a kind of talisman, intended to provide the person wearing it with success in the journey and to protect such a person from all kinds of ‘evil,’ i.e. assault, theft, diseases and other random accidents,” the WKZ described.
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The badge is made from lead and alloy and has a diameter of around 2.8 centimeters. (Lublin Provincial Conservator of Monuments via Facebook)
“They were also a way to distinguish yourself and manifest your destination.”
Travelers could also purchase the badges as souvenirs at pilgrimage sites, which many did as a commemoration of their trips. According to the WKZ, not many medieval badges have been found in Poland.
The badges date back to the early Middle Ages and gained popularity in the 12th century after Thomas Becket’s death inspired mass pilgrimages to Canterbury Cathedral. Pilgrim badges fell out of favor by the 16th century.
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A 13th century Spanish miniature of a poor man and a pilgrim receiving hospitality at a monastery. (Photo12/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
According to the WKZ, the badges could depict anything from exotic animals to Christian symbols.
“They had various forms and shapes – spiral, square, in the form of cross, shells, rings, shield,” the Facebook post read. “They featured figures of saints, knights, human heads and chests, as well as zoomorphic figures (birds, animals, dragons).”
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Archaeologists say that similar medieval pilgrim’s badges are hard to find in Poland. (Lublin Provincial Conservator of Monuments via Facebook)
Fox News Digital reached out to the WKZ for comment.
For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle.
Dallas, TX
Dallas firefighter injured while battling house fire near Fair Park, officials say
A Dallas firefighter was taken to the hospital after being injured in a house fire near Fair Park early Friday, officials confirmed.
Dallas Fire-Rescue told CBS News Texas that at about 1:50 a.m., crews were called to the blaze at a home in the 2600 block of Birmingham Avenue. When they arrived, fire was seen at the back of the residence.
DFR said one man was inside when the fire started, but he was able to make it out safely.
Firefighters reportedly deployed hand lines and began an offensive attack, working for almost an hour before extinguishing the fire. During the operation, one firefighter suffered a minor injury and was transported to the hospital for evaluation.
DFR said the cause of the fire is being investigated, and the American Red Cross was notified and will help the man who lived inside the home.
Miami, FL
Exclusive | Inside Alix Earle and ex Braxton Berrios’ reunion at star-studded Miami Grand Prix party
Exes Alix Earle and Braxton Berrios attended the same star-studded party ahead of the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix.
The TikTok star and NFL wide receiver were spotted interacting at the posh Sports Illustrated x Authentic Brands Group fête at The Surf Club Restaurant on Thursday night.
“The vibes were super friendly,” a spy told Page Six, adding, “They spoke briefly, but both of them were just doing their own thing.”
We’re told Earle, sporting a red minidress, was seen snapping photos with friends before settling into a corner booth with pals, including Authentic Brands Group CEO Jamie Salter.
Berrios, for his part, stayed low-key in an all-black ensemble and was overheard telling a friend that he was down to “do a lap.”
At the end of the evening, Earle was seen chatting with fellow influencer Xandra Pohl. The two social media stars were long-rumored to have had a falling out, though our source tells us they were getting along great and even walked out of the party together.
Elsewhere at the soirée, Kevin Hart was spotted pouring himself a glass of his own tequila brand, Gran Coramino, while vibing at his VIP table. Behind the velvet ropes and a group of several burly bodyguards, Hart was joined by singer Mario and Draymond Green.
“He was taking photos with fans and being so sweet with everyone,” the source said of the comedian.
Bethenny Frankel was also in tow with her new boyfriend, Shane L. Campbell.
The “Real Housewives of New York City” alum and the investment banker were seen being affectionate and staying close as they weaved through the bustling private affair.
Shaun White arrived at the event later in the evening and posted up by the bar, schmoozing with influencer Hannah Bronfman.
Serena Williams enjoyed the restaurant’s outdoor patio area as she gabbed with her entourage under a festive balloon display.
Earle, 25, and Berrios, 30, who started dating in early 2023, confirmed their breakup in December 2025.
In February, she opened up about how it was difficult running into her ex at the Palm Tree Music Festival, sharing in a TikTok, “I was really emotional the first night.”
“We were, like, in the same place, but we didn’t say ‘hi’ to each other, just ’cause I didn’t want to, like, go up and annoy him, I don’t know.”
Judging from their most recent interaction, it’s clear they are now in a place where they can be cordial with one another.
Following their split, Earle has since sparked dating rumors with Tom Brady, who was notably not at the party.
However, a source tells Page Six that she and the retired quarterback, 48, are just having “fun.”
Berrios, for his part, was spotted with model Hollie Ford at the Bird Streets Club in Los Angeles last month.
Atlanta, GA
Christian Dior’s first exhibition in the Southeast lands in Atlanta
Photograph courtesy of SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film
A historic showcase of Christian Dior’s fashion, including pieces never before seen in a public exhibition, is now on view at SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film. Dior: Crafting Fashion showcases carefully preserved toiles, Lady Dior handbags, and exquisite gowns worn by celebrities such as Lady Gaga and Demi Moore. “This exhibition is a master class in the magic of a legendary maison,” says SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace.
Photograph courtesy of SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film
Photograph courtesy of SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film
Photograph courtesy of SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film
The exhibit tells the story of the French Couture House’s designers, from Christian Dior to Jonathan Anderson. It shares who they were before they became household names and how they put their own stamp on their collections. It also presents their early design sketches, gardens that inspired them, and some of their most iconic looks.
Photograph courtesy of SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film
Photograph courtesy of SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film
Not only does Christian Dior rarely partner with universities; this exhibit marks its first presentation in the Southeast. The design house was likely inspired to come to SCAD’s Atlanta campus by the blockbuster success of 2025’s Christian Dior: Jardines Rêvés at SCAD FASH’s Lacoste location in Provence, France. That exhibit enjoyed record-breaking attendance and rave reviews.
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