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Rick Harrison of 'Pawn Stars' says gambling isn't dying even as Las Vegas poker rooms close one by one

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 08:00:38 -0400

The drop in Las Vegas tourism has been well-documented, with total visitor numbers down 7.5%. At the same time, poker rooms along the Vegas Strip are closing — raising questions about the appeal of in-person gambling.

Rick Harrison of "Pawn Stars" fame — as well as owner of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas — told Fox News Digital in an interview that gambling in person is not dying.

"We know what the oldest profession is — gambling was probably the second," Harrison said, laughing. "People always gambled — and plus, you know, in Vegas, it's just not [about] the gambling."

LAS VEGAS POKER ROOMS FOLD AS CASINO TOURISM PLUMMETS TO RECORD LOWS

Harrison said Las Vegas hosts certain conventions unlike anywhere else in the world, and people are coming to Sin City for more than just gambling.

"Keep changing it around, see what sticks to the wall, give your customers what they want — and they will keep on coming back," he said.

The latest poker room to close was Resorts World on March 30, a casino representative confirmed to Fox News Digital.

The closure will leave just eight poker rooms open on the Las Vegas Strip, according to the blog "Vital Vegas."

"However, we will be introducing new gaming opportunities to replace the poker room," the representative said.

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The representative did not elaborate on what new gaming offerings would take the room’s place. It currently features No Limit Texas Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha and mixed games.

"You don't have just the whole old style [where you] have blackjack tables, [it’s] dark and everything else like that," said Harrison.

He credited Circa Resort & Casino for changing it up. "You go down to Circa [and] there's go-go dancers dancing behind the blackjack tables. It makes it more fun," he said.

Las Vegas Strip gaming revenue fell 11% year over year, from $840,093,428 in January 2025 to $747,655,527 in January 2026, according to the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB).

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Nevada’s nonrestricted gaming licensees reported a total gaming win of roughly $1.35 billion in January of this year, dropping 6.55% compared to the same month last year, according to the NGCB.

The online gambling market is expected to reach a projected revenue of $22.2 million by 2030, according to Grand View Research.

Harrison said there's been a shift in Vegas since back in the day.

"The rooms weren't expensive. You had great entertainment. [It] wasn't crazy money. The food wasn't expensive; they made most of their money off the gambling," he said. "Nowadays, younger people don't gamble as much, so you have to change your business model, how you're going to make money," said Harrison.

"In the end, you have to think about the customer experience."

In 2025, there were about 38.5 million visitors, a 7.5% drop from 2024 according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCA).

Robby Starbuck, a conservative activist and the host of "The Robby Starbuck Show," previously told Fox News Digital that in-person gambling is becoming less popular.

"Now nearly everyone under 40 who bets seems to do it online," Starbuck said.

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"I don’t know one person under age 40 who goes to Vegas regularly to bet or play slots," he added.

"This trend will continue with younger people because, honestly, our minds are wired differently."

Seven-foot statue unveiled honoring Magawa, award-winning rat who found more than 100 landmines in Cambodia

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 21:28:09 -0400

A landmine-sniffing rat who won a gold medal for "life-saving devotion to duty" in Cambodia has been honored with a massive stone statue.

Magawa, a rat who gained fame in the country for sniffing out more than 100 mines (more than 1.5 million square feet) in his five-year career — more than any other rat in the country — retired in 2021 and died at age 8 in 2022.

The African giant pouched rat was trained by the Belgian charity APOPO to use his keen sense of smell to sniff out landmines and other explosives.

In Cambodia, more than 1 million people live and work in areas dotted with landmines, according to BBC News.

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In 2020, Magawa received the PDSA Dickin medal for gallantry, which recognizes heroism in animals.

He was the first rat in the organization’s history going back to 1943 to win the award.

Magawa was able to walk over areas with land mines safely because of his light weight and would alert his handlers to a mine by scratching the surface, according to Smithsonian magazine. He would then receive a treat.

"During his career, Magawa found over 100 landmines and other explosives, making him APOPO’s most successful HeroRAT to date," the organization said in 2022, while announcing his death. "His contribution allows communities in Cambodia to live, work and play without fear of losing life or limb."

Cambodia has the highest rate of landmine amputees per capita of any country.

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APOPO added, "Every discovery he made reduced the risk of injury or death for the people of Cambodia."

The statue was unveiled in Siem Reap, Cambodia, April 3, just in time for International Day for Mine Awareness April 4.

Cruise passengers debate BBQ versus chicken and waffles as new free lunch menu debuts

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 16:30:11 -0400

Dining on one popular cruise ship is getting a comfort food shakeup, and passengers are divided over the change.

Carnival Cruise Line is testing a new free lunch menu, Chicken, Waffles & Waves, on select ships, offering a mix of fried chicken, waffles and classic barbecue in one location, according to Cruise Hive and other reports.

The new venue has been spotted on several Conquest-class ships, including Carnival Freedom, Liberty, Glory and Valor.

It replaces a previous barbecue-focused station, expanding the menu to include a broader range of comfort food options, though some BBQ will still be available.

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"We are testing some new food options," Carnival brand ambassador John Heald said in a Facebook post this week. "Some very, very exciting new food options."

He also noted the testing extends beyond lunch to new dinner menus, pointing to Carnival Liberty as one ship featuring the lunch offerings on Deck 10.

As the name suggests, the lunch menu centers on chicken and waffles, though the items are served separately, allowing guests to mix and match. Options include classic fried chicken, spicy varieties and hot honey-glazed versions, along with chicken tenders in flavors like buffalo and Korean-style sauce.

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On the barbecue side, guests can choose from slow-cooked pork butt or beef brisket paired with sides such as mac and cheese, coleslaw and potato salad.

The concept blends elements of Carnival’s existing food partnerships, including Guy Fieri’s Pig & Anchor BBQ and Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken, though it is not officially tied to either brand.

The new venue is free to guests, as are many of Carnival’s other casual dining options, which is a key selling point for budget-conscious travelers.

But early reactions suggest the concept is a work in progress.

In Reddit threads, some passengers praised the variety and convenience, noting short lines and easy access compared to busier buffet areas. Others, however, say the menu focuses too much on fried food with calls for healthier alternatives.

"I can get deep fat fried food on land," one woman commented on Heald's post. "Can’t they try something that isn’t cooked in a vat of oil? Something Mediterranean would be lovely," she added.

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Others who had tried the new options since the rollout were less positive.

"I did not like the chicken," one person wrote on Reddi. "Over cooked and dry." Someone else said the waffles could be crispier.

But longtime Carnival cruisers were already split on the old BBQ, with some calling it tasty and others saying it was "hit or miss" or even "terrible."

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Some Reddit users suggested the new chicken-and-waffles option could be an upgrade from the old BBQ setup, especially if it delivers a Shaq’s Big Chicken-style experience.

Others are looking forward to trying it.

"That sounds like a glorious brunch spot," one Redditor said.

The cruise line has taken a similar approach with other quick concepts, including its Bagels at Sea breakfast option, which began as a trial and has since expanded to more ships. Industry insiders say the move reflects a growing emphasis on fast, casual dining that better fits modern travel habits.

A recent Cruise Critic report noted, "The days of buffet- and main-dining-room-only dining are long gone."

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Fox News Digital has reached out to Carnival for comment.

Ancient 'seated' skeletons unearthed beneath modern school site, puzzling archaeologists

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 07:55:14 -0400

Archaeologists have uncovered ancient skeletons beneath a school site in France — all buried in an unusual seated position.

The discovery was announced by Inrap, France's national institution for preventive archaeology, in a press release in March.

The skeletons were found on the grounds of the Josephine Baker school complex in Dijon, roughly 195 miles southeast of Paris. The campus serves students from preschool through elementary school.

CONSTRUCTION CREW UNEARTHS SURPRISING 300-YEAR-OLD CANNON WHILE DIGGING IN HISTORIC CITY

The graves date to the Gallic period in France, a time when Celtic tribes known as the Gauls lived in the region.

The Gallic period lasted from the fifth century B.C. to 50 B.C., when Julius Caesar conquered the area.

Inrap first found similar Gallic burials at the site in 2024.

While excavators found 13 graves two years ago, they discovered "five to six" new ones during the most recent excavation — three of which formed a second, parallel line.

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Pictures of the site show archaeologists working as sections of ground are carefully excavated into circular pits, with skeletons positioned inside.

Inrap said the new graves were "seated at the bottom of the pit, [their] backs against the eastern wall, facing west," according to a translated release.

"Their arms rest along the torso, with hands near the pelvis or femurs," the release described.

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"Their legs are tightly flexed, often asymmetrically."

Adding to the mystery, archaeologists found no personal items or grave offerings, other than a black stone armband dated to the third century B.C.

Archaeologists have released few details about the site, but noted that the graves found in 2024 showed "signs of unhealed violence."

The injuries "likely indicate intentional killing," Inrap said — and included cuts on an upper arm bone.

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"One individual suffered two blows from a sharp object (possibly a sword) to the skull," the release said.

Officials also said the discovery is significant for the number of burials and "the good state of skeletal preservation."

"Examples of individuals buried in a seated position are known from as early as the Mesolithic and, although rare, throughout prehistory," the statement said.

"Only about a dozen archaeological sites have yielded around 50 ‘seated’ burials, typically located near elite residences, sanctuaries or places of worship, and set apart from standard cemeteries."

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Archaeologists are still investigating whether the individuals were warriors, members of elite families or figures tied to religious practices.

Fox News Digital reached out to Inrap for comment, but did not immediately hear back.

The latest find is one of many recent notable archaeological discoveries in France.

Last year, Inrap archaeologists uncovered a 16th-century gallows, in which condemned prisoners were put on display during the Protestant Reformation.

Last summer, officials announced the discovery of a rare 16th-century shipwreck in French waters, found at record depth.

Outraged passengers say parents ditched rowdy kids in coach while they upgraded to first class

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 19:53:46 -0400

Outraged flight passengers are complaining this week that three rambunctious children were left unsupervised in coach while the parents sat comfortably in first class, according to a viral Reddit post.

"United is now offering free babysitting," a passenger joked in the social media post, describing an apparently chaotic United Airlines flight from Houston to Fort Lauderdale.

The children — whose estimated ages were 7, 9 and 10 — sat in row 8, according to the post. The observer speculated that the parents were "upgraded to first class," leaving the little ones behind as the adults relaxed on their own up front.

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"Thirty minutes before landing — the boys start pounding on each other — punches, choking each other, super-loud talking to the point of almost screaming. The little girl ends up with as much slack in her seat belt as possible," the poster on Reddit wrote.

"Parents are upgraded, so [they] had a nice, relaxing flight while a select few of us kept an eye on the misbehaved children," the United passenger suggested to others on Reddit.

"At what point should the flight attendant have stepped in and requested the parents realign to supervise their children?" the user added.

Fox News Digital reached out to United Airlines for comment.

FAMILY OUTRAGED AFTER MAJOR AIRLINE SEATS TODDLER APART FROM PARENTS, SPARKING VIRAL DEBATE

Several commenters on Reddit weighed in on the flight drama.

"There are two types of parents: Those who actually parent, and then those who are nothing more than bad camp counselors who want to clock out when their shift is done," one person said.

Another said, "If that happened, one parent has to stay with the children, and one child gets upgraded or nobody is upgraded. Some people can be so selfish."

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"I would have gone up to first and — loudly — fetched the dad," yet another person wrote.

Others felt the angry passengers should have spoken up about the issue to flight attendants.

"Why didn’t someone just push the call button?" one Reddit user wrote.

"Just ring your call bell, and when the flight attendant arrives, point over to them and put your headphones back on," another quipped.

Etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore of Florida told Fox News Digital that children under age 12 should generally not be left unsupervised on a flight.

"I think a parent should have stayed back with them because of their age," she said.

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Whitmore said, in these cases, a flight attendant should ask the children where the parents are, and a parent should be notified.

"That's what flight attendants are there for — safety and to keep peace in the cabin," she said.

She also noted that many children struggle to stay in their seats on long flights.

"Some children listen, some don't," she said. "Most children in a confined area are very uncomfortable. They want to run up and down the aisles. That's just what children do."

The U.S. Department of Transportation encourages airlines to seat young children next to a parent or accompanying adult at no additional charge, according to the agency’s website.

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Federal regulations, however, do not currently require airlines to guarantee adjacent seating.

The department maintains an online dashboard that outlines which carriers commit to seating children age 13 and under next to an accompanying adult without an added fee.

Some major carriers do not commit to providing fee-free guaranteed adjacent seating, including Delta, Spirit, Allegiant and United, according to the DOT dashboard.

Several airlines, however, state that they will seat children ages 13 and under next to an accompanying adult at no additional cost under certain conditions.

Those carriers include Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Frontier, Hawaiian Airlines and JetBlue.

Kelly McGreal of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.

Cold War bunker 'waiting for Armageddon' found beneath medieval castle in 'perfect location'

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:00:31 -0400

Experts recently uncovered a nuclear bunker from the Cold War — located, strangely, on the grounds of a medieval castle in England.

The bunker was decommissioned and sealed in 1968, British news agency Jam Press reported.

The hideout was presumed lost until archaeologists from English Heritage recently pinpointed its location at Scarborough Castle in North Yorkshire.

CONSTRUCTION CREW UNEARTHS SURPRISING 300-YEAR-OLD CANNON WHILE DIGGING IN HISTORIC CITY

The tiny space measures roughly 15 feet, 6 inches long and 7 feet, 6 inches wide.

The bunker was intended for volunteers of the Royal Observer Corps (ROC), who would monitor and report on nuclear blasts in the event of war.

The lookout post has remained a mystery since its closure, with online sleuths suggesting it was buried somewhere between the castle and the North Sea.

Britain was once dotted with around 1,500 ROC posts, a little-known Cold War network, said Kevin Booth, senior curator at English Heritage.

"Wherever you lived in Britain, you were probably no more than a few miles from an ROC post," he told Jam Press.

Booth added, "It seems strange to have a Cold War bunker built inside Scarborough Castle, but in many ways, it is a perfect location."

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The expert cited the bunker's strategic position on a headland used since the Bronze Age, including during the Roman period and the Middle Ages.

He described it as a "1960s concrete bunker watching for Armageddon."

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Booth added that researchers were keen to locate it and "reopen it [to] see what was inside."

"Old mapping gives a sense of where it might be, but it really comes down to survey — looking under the ground with radar to find the big black blob that is a concrete structure," he said.

The bunker remains sealed for now, and researchers found that it had around six feet of water in it.

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They hope to open it in the future once it is safe to access.

The find adds to a growing list of recent archaeological discoveries across England.

Excavators recently found four-wheeled wagons from the Iron Age near the village of Melsonby in Yorkshire — the first such discovery in Britain.

Officials also recently announced they had identified a 2,000-year-old coin unknowingly used as bus fare in Leeds.

Plane door opens in midair moments after takeoff, leaving flight passengers stunned and social media buzzing

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:23:04 -0400

A Cape Air flight was forced to return to Nantucket, Massachusetts, on Monday shortly after takeoff when part of its cabin door opened in midair.

The small plane had just departed from Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK) and was on its way to Boston when the issue occurred, according to news outlet Nantucket Current.

An Instagram video recorded by a passenger on board shows the upper section of the main cabin door partially opening mid-flight — with plenty of commenters immediately weighing in on the incident.

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Despite what happened, the aircraft remained stable and continued to operate normally.

Fox News Digital reached out to Cape Air for comment about the incident.

The pilot turned the plane around and landed back in Nantucket, without any reported injuries, the outlet noted.

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Passengers were later transferred to another aircraft to complete their trip to Boston, with several praising the pilot for remaining calm under pressure.

"The pilot was amazing," a passenger told the Current. "The pilot did not panic but safely brought us back around the island to land. Probably flew for about 6 to 8 minutes with the door open."

The airline confirmed the incident to the local outlet.

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"The aircraft was at a stable altitude and operated normally. The flight crew returned to ACK, and the aircraft landed safely without further incident," the airline's statement said.

That particular aircraft has since been taken out of service as the company investigates what caused the issue.

"We are following all established safety procedures and will take any necessary actions based on our findings," the company said — adding that passenger safety remains its top priority.

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Users commented on the video the passenger posted — with many striking a lighter note about the situation.

"Isn't it a little cold for the window to be open at this time of the year?" one user wrote.

Another user commented, "A little fresh air can't hurt."

Fox News Digital previously reported on another airline situation that caused disruptions.

A Delta flight at Pittsburgh International was left waiting on the tarmac after a flight attendant accidentally deployed the aircraft's emergency slide — delaying passengers onboard.

The mistake required maintenance crews to remove the slide before passengers could safely exit. Such incidents can cause airlines tens of thousands of dollars.

Khloe Quill of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.

Tourist chaos erupts as cherry blossom festival is shut down, officials triple tax to curb crowds

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:10:05 -0400

Visitors from far and wide have been traveling to Japan — and now government officials will be raising their tourist tax in an effort to curb overtourism.

Japan will be tripling its international tourist tax of 1,000 yen, or about $6, per person — to 3,000 yen, or about $18, per person — starting July 1.

Hokuto Asano at the Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C., told Fox News Digital the change is part of the government’s efforts to carefully calibrate its tourism goals.

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"[Japan] is targeting 60 million inbound visitors and 15 trillion yen in inbound tourism spending by 2030 — while balancing the expansion of tourism with the quality of life for residents and promoting regional destinations," Asano said.

He said the flow of American tourists who are visiting Japan is "performing very strongly" — noting that there were 220,000 visitors in February of this year, for a 15% increase from 2025.

"While the number of visitors from China to Japan has declined, the increase in tourists from a wide range of other countries has more than offset this trend," said Asano.

As a result, overall inbound travel to Japan continues to exceed last year’s levels, he noted.

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Asano said the country is continuing to closely monitor the impact of the situation in the Middle East on tourism issues for Japan.

Cherry blossom season is a major attraction in Japan, drawing tourists from around the world.

But this year, officials have canceled a popular festival that was meant to attract visitors due to overtourism.

Fujiyoshida canceled its cherry blossom festival, with multiple reports saying the call was made due to tourist pollution, such as traffic jams and littering.

Asano noted these problems are not unique to Japan and are seen in many other countries.

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"The Japan Tourism Agency will continue to enhance its tourism policies by balancing the acceptance of tourists with maintaining the quality of life for local residents, while also promoting travel to regional destinations," he added.

Japan recently launched a new procedure for all incoming visitors in an effort to streamline the travel process — plus to beef up security.

Travelers to Japan could be required to sign up for the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA) and pay a fee of about $19 (3,000 yen), as Fox News Digital reported earlier.

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Visitors must apply for the "single-entry short-term stay visa for the purpose of tourism for a period of up to 90 days" online prior to their trip, according to a government website.

Asano said the relevant legislation is currently under examination, "and the establishment of the system has not yet been finalized. Details such as fees and collection methods have not yet been determined."

Valuable discovery in Egypt reveals 3,000-year-old scrolls with secret messages still unread

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 08:00:52 -0400

Archaeologists in Egypt have uncovered rare papyrus scrolls — and the "valuable" items are yielding remarkable insights.

The eight rare papyri, found along with a "cache of colorful coffins of Amun chanters," date back to the Third Intermediate Period, which lasted from 1070 B.C. to 664 B.C. The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the discovery just last month.

The scrolls were uncovered during an excavation in the Qurna area on Luxor's West Bank, near the tomb of Seneb.

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Excavators found the ancient scrolls in a large pottery vessel, with some even bearing their original, 3,000-year-old clay seals.

"They vary in size and are considered a valuable source of information, with the world awaiting the results following their restoration and translation," the translated release said.

The coffins of Amun chanters — temple singers dedicated to the god Amun — were found stacked in a rock-carved rectangular funerary chamber.

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Officials said that ancient Egyptians "maximized space by arranging the coffins in 10 horizontal rows and separating the lids from the boxes to increase the chamber’s capacity."

The wood was in "poor condition," the statement noted — prompting urgent work to preserve them.

"The mission's restoration team carried out urgent conservation work, including treatment of deteriorating wood fibers and weakened painted plaster layer, [as well as] careful mechanical cleaning to remove deposits without affecting the vibrant colors," the release added.

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Archaeologists are currently trying to identify the occupants — a significant challenge, as the coffins display the decedents' titles rather than their names.

"The most common title is 'Chanter(s) of Amun,' opening new avenues for studying the class of chanters and singers during that period," officials said.

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy said the discovery "represents a significant addition to Egypt’s record of distinguished archaeological finds."

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"It reflects the full and ongoing support provided by the Egyptian state for archaeological research, as part of a comprehensive strategy to preserve cultural heritage and highlight its civilizational and human value," he noted.

The discovery is the latest in a string of recent notable archaeological finds in Egypt.

In December, officials said they found a "pleasure boat" near Cleopatra VII's palace in the royal harbor of Alexandria.

In October, archaeologists found a fortress that was built along the ancient military road mentioned in the Book of Exodus.

Child born during international flight to US sparks heated debate about citizenship, legal identity

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:36:06 -0400

A woman gave birth midair Friday on a flight from Kingston, Jamaica, to New York, turning a routine plane trip into a high-altitude drama.

The mother aboard a Caribbean Airlines flight had a successful delivery, as Fox News Digital previously reported — but shortly after the unexpected arrival, a hot debate about the baby's citizenship commenced.

"Sometimes, when a child is not born in a hospital and there's no birth record, that can create problems," Cyrus D. Mehta, a New York-based immigration attorney told Fox News Digital. (He is not connected to the Caribbean Airlines case.)

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Even so, he added, "it's very clear. If you're born in the territory of the United States, even if it's on an airplane, you are a citizen," he continued.

"The question is: What constitutes U.S. airspace?" he also said.

Commenters online debated the issue.

"Is this baby an American?" wrote one person. "Was it born in American airspace? Does that qualify? Seems every other situation possible qualifies under the ‘birthright’ citizenship. What a joke!"

Said another person about the Caribbean Airlines birth, "If the parents are American citizens, then the baby is."

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Wrote another commenter, "Good example of why the [Supreme Court] needs to rule Trump's [executive order] as valid. These are not isolated cases — they happen every day of the week. Non-citizens know they'll win the lottery if they can give birth while in the U.S."

Caribbean Airlines notes on its website that expectant mothers can travel on their planes without a doctor’s approval until the end of their 32nd week of pregnancy — but travel is not permitted beyond the 35th week.

Even so, incidents in which women give birth on flights are very uncommon.

A March 2020 study published by the Journal of Travel Medicine found that between 1929 and 2018, there were 74 in-flight births across 73 commercial flights — with 71 of those newborn infants surviving.

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The primary reason most airlines do not want pregnant women to fly very late in their pregnancies is medical.

Other procedural issues can occur as well, Mehta said.

Proof of the precise location of the plane during childbirth midair and the moment the baby is born can be challenging.

The government requires a log from an airline or ship "reflecting the latitude and longitude when the birth occurred," Mehta said.

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"The parent is responsible for reporting the birth to authorities" — and the parents will need a birth certificate if they want to obtain a passport for the child, he added.

Caribbean Airlines said that, while the birth aboard its flight was unexpected, the crew never declared an emergency during the trip.

Instead, the airline praised its crew, who "managed the situation in accordance with established procedures, ensuring the safety and comfort of all onboard."

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The airline said the woman and newborn received the care they needed from medical personnel.

The unusual childbirth comes at a time of heated discussion about citizenship laws in the United States.

The Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments on a challenge to President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14160, which limits birthright citizenship in the U.S.

Section one of the 14th Amendment automatically grants citizenship to all persons born in the United States.

The courts have routinely upheld birthright citizenship for over a century.

Ashley J. DiMella and Lorraine Taylor, both of Fox News Digital, contributed reporting.

Coast Guard rescues family stranded for days in Pacific after boat failure sets them adrift

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 17:15:01 -0400

A family of three was found after spending nearly a week stranded at sea.

The group was located Monday by the U.S. Coast Guard in the Pacific Ocean after their trip was reported as overdue, the Coast Guard said in a news release.

The family members, two men and one woman, departed from Fananu Island — in the state of Chuuk and part of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) in the western Pacific Ocean — on March 30 for nearby Murillo Island. They never arrived after their single outboard engine stopped working, according to officials.

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Authorities in the FSM as well as the U.S. Embassy reported the vessel missing April 5, prompting a search effort.

Later that night, the crew of the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Midgett spotted the family’s 23-foot skiff in waters off Chuuk State.

Rescue crews faced difficult conditions during the operation.

Waves reached up to 10 feet and the search area spanned more than 14,000 square nautical miles, the Coast Guard noted.

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Ultimately, all three individuals were rescued and uninjured. The family was then transported to Chuuk State.

Officials praised the crew’s response, noting that search and rescue missions of this scale are not routine.

"Our bridge watch standers spotted the small skiff in rough seas just after midnight, and that kind of situational awareness does not happen by accident," said Capt. Brian Whisler, commanding officer of Midgett, according to the release.

"It is what this crew trains for, and I could not be prouder of how they performed."

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Jennifer L. Johnson, U.S. ambassador to the FSM, also commended the operation, calling it a reflection of strong cooperation between the two nations.

"Our U.S. Coast Guard colleagues’ swift and courageous actions in this successful search and rescue mission not only reflect the highest standards of professionalism and humanity, but also reinforce the deep and enduring partnership between the United States and the Federated States of Micronesia," Johnson said.

The search involved coordination between multiple Coast Guard units, including teams in Guam and Hawaii, as well as support from regional partners, the department said.

Fox News Digital previously reported on another recent incident involving a U.S. traveler in the Bahamas.

An American woman was reported missing after she fell overboard during a boat trip near Hope Town and was swept away by strong currents, according to local police. Authorities said the woman disappeared during an evening outing with her husband, who later paddled to shore and alerted officials.

Search efforts involving multiple agencies were launched as officials warned that boating conditions in the Bahamas can be dangerous, with the U.S. State Department urging travelers to exercise increased caution.

Adam Sabes of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.

Some Marriott guests tout Coke's new move as 'best ever' while Pepsi loyalists push back

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:22:39 -0400

After nearly 35 years, Marriott International is ending a longstanding exclusive relationship with Pepsi — opting instead to use Coca-Cola products in its 9,800 properties worldwide.

Marriott first inked its iconic deal with Pepsi in 1992, creating what guests viewed as both fierce loyalty and bad decision-making.

Now that Coca-Cola is gaining access to a whopping 1.78 million hotel rooms in 145 countries and territories, travelers are reviving the age-old debate: Coke or Pepsi?

AMERICA'S CULT-FAVORITE MINERAL WATER VANISHES FROM SHELVES AS DEMAND EXPLODES

The hotel and resort chain confirmed to Fox News Digital that it's reached an agreement with Coca-Cola to supply beverages across its properties.

Marriott told hotels, according to the blog "View from the Wing," "The Coca-Cola portfolio is favored by more than 70% of Marriott’s guests."

Travelers are weighing in on the soda swap, with their opinions split over the impact on thousands of hotels.

PepsiCo acknowledged the shift in a statement shared with Fox News Digital.

"We're incredibly proud of the 35-year partnership we've had with Marriott and look forward to the opportunity to continue working together in the future," PepsiCo said.

Travelers quickly descended on Reddit to applaud or blast the change.

COCA-COLA HINTS AT REINVENTING SODA, STARTING WITH YOUR FAVORITE DRINKS

"About time," one user wrote about the Pepsi pivot.

"I chose to stay in a different chain many times just because of the no-Coke thing," another user added.

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"This is the best news ever," a third user said, reacting to the shakeup.

Others were concerned the news was an April Fools' Joke.

"Please don’t be a joke. That’s just cruel."

Fox News Digital reached out to Coca-Cola for comment.

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Other Marriott guests expressed disappointment about the soda switch.

"Wow, so sad — Pepsi has a deeper portfolio of drinks, and I prefer Pepsi any day," one user wrote.

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"I book 100+ nights a year with Marriott just because they have Pepsi products. Otherwise, I’d go with another brand," another user noted.

In 1991, Marriott switched from Coca-Cola to Pepsi after Coca-Cola declined to provide a loan of $50 to $100 million that Marriott had requested, according to reports at the time.

Pepsi ultimately secured the deal to supply drinks across Marriott’s hotels and food-service operations.

Fox News Digital previously reported that Coca-Cola has been exploring changes to its beverage lineup as consumer preferences evolve.

The company’s CEO has suggested future drinks could include added ingredients like protein or fiber, as part of a broader strategy to expand beyond traditional soda offerings.

The shift reflects growing demand for functional beverages, though some health experts have warned that such products may still fall short of being truly healthy alternatives.

Andrea Margolis of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.

Americans headed to popular mountain region face travel advisory for natural disasters and unrest

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:40:14 -0400

The U.S. State Department has updated its travel advisory for Americans who may be headed out on trips to Nepal.

The advisory decreased to a "Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution," following the end of nationwide protests that began in September.

"The situation is stable," the advisory noted.

"However, demonstrations and local unrest can still happen, particularly in cities."

AMERICAN TOURISTS WARNED OF ARREST, JAIL TIME FOR TAKING PHOTOS, POCKETING SOUVENIRS IN LOCALE

Officials note that demonstrations may still occur with little warning and can "quickly turn violent."

"Stay away from large crowds and follow the instructions of local authorities," officials advise.

The advisory noted there are risks of natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods and landslides — warning the Kathmandu Valley is prone to harsh weather.

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"During the monsoon season from June to September, heavy rain can cause flash floods and landslides," says the advisory.

"These can block roads, damage buildings and make it hard to get help in an emergency."

The Kathmandu Valley is located at the foothills of the Himalayas and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

There are seven groups of notable monuments and buildings.

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These are the Durbar Squares of Hanuman Dhoka (Kathmandu), Patan and Bhaktapur; the Buddhist stupas of Swayambhu and Bauddhanath; and the Hindu temples of Pashupati and Changu Narayan, according to UNESCO.

Nepal attracts many adventurers wanting to climb Mount Everest.

About 700 to 1,000 climbers attempt the summit each year, with success rates ranging between 60% and 70%, according to Climbing Kilimanjaro.

An area above 26,247 ft. on the mountain is referred to as the "death zone."

That's where the air is too thin to support human life without supplemental oxygen.

Over 330 climbers have died while hiking Mount Everest since modern recordkeeping began in 1921 — while 200 bodies remain frozen on the slopes, according to travel company Mount Everest Official.

Ancient monastery from earliest centuries of Christianity unearthed at desert site

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 06:50:36 -0400

An ancient monastery dating to the dawn of Christianity was recently uncovered in an Egyptian desert, according to local officials.

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced in late March the monastery had been found in Wadi El-Natrun in Beheira Governorate.

Wadi El-Natrun is considered "one of the most important centers for the emergence of monasticism in Egypt and the world," according to officials — and the monastery dates from the fourth to sixth centuries A.D.

ARCHAEOLOGISTS UNCOVER MYSTERIOUS CHRISTIAN ARTIFACT NEAR WATERS TIED TO JESUS' MINISTRY: ‘NO KNOWN PARALLEL’

The mudbrick building measures around 21,528 square feet, with walls more than three feet thick and rooms reaching about seven feet in height.

The site features an open courtyard surrounded by buildings. The buildings housed monks' cells, ovens, kitchens and storage areas.

Archaeologists also found human skeletal remains — believed to belong to monks — along with wall paintings and architectural features.

"Architectural studies show the use of various roofing systems, including vaults and domes constructed from mudbrick," the officials noted.

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"The walls were coated with a layer of white plaster and decorated with wall paintings featuring crosses, palm trees and various plant and geometric motifs."

Excavators also unearthed several inscriptions bearing the names of monks who lived there, along with "religious texts invoking mercy and forgiveness."

"These contribute to dating the building and documenting the daily lives of its inhabitants," the release said.

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Sherif Fathy, minister of tourism and antiquities, said the find "represents a significant addition to our understanding of the origins of monasticism in Egypt, which began on Egyptian soil before spreading worldwide."

Fathy also emphasized the "ministry’s commitment to integrating Coptic heritage sites into comprehensive tourism offerings … to enrich the tourist experience and highlight Egypt’s rich heritage."

Mohamed Taman, head of the central administration for Lower Egypt and Sinai Antiquities, said the discovery "adds a new dimension to understanding the layout of early monasteries, particularly with the presence of internal burial spaces reflecting monastic life."

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The discovery comes soon after archaeologists uncovered a similar monastic complex in the Beheira Governorate.

The Christian monastic site, which officials announced on March 23, featured a guesthouse with 13 rooms, as well as wall paintings.

Earlier in January, Egyptian officials announced that another monastery had been found in the village of Al-Duwair in the Sohag Governorate.

At the site, archaeologists found the remains of "a fully integrated residential complex for monks dating back to the Byzantine period," the statement said.

Hundreds stranded for days on remote island in freezing weather after emergency flight diversion

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 19:16:10 -0400

Flight passengers are blasting British Airways after they said they were left stranded for days amid arctic-like temperatures in St. John's, a city in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Their plane, which departed from London, England, and was headed to Houston, Texas, had an unplanned landing in Newfoundland on Tuesday, March 31, due to a health emergency.

The plane was then further delayed due to a technical issue, British Airways said of the incident.

"We’re very sorry to our customers for their experience, and we’ve been in touch to offer a gesture to make things right," British Airways told Fox News Digital in a statement.

NEW STUDY REVEALS IN-FLIGHT RISKS AND DANGERS FOR MILLIONS OF OLDER TRAVELERS ON PLANES

Nevertheless, passengers are still speaking out on social media and in interviews, with many criticizing the airline for what they felt was a chaotic experience.

"Furious is an understatement. We are being told we are now heading to Houston. I won't believe it 'til we take off," Jon Shipman of Liverpool, England, told the BBC before his departure.

Temperatures in St. John's on March 31 were freezing, passengers claimed.

The high that day was 23 degrees Fahrenheit, while the low was 14 degrees, per WeatherUnderground.

FLIGHT PASSENGERS SLAM AIRLINES FOR PUSHING EARLY BAG CHECKS EVEN WITH EMPTY BINS ON BOARD

Shipman was traveling with his family to Texas to see friends who moved to the United States a few years ago.

He said passengers were notified three hours after takeoff that there was a "grave medical emergency" on board, according to BBC Radio Merseyside. He said the passengers "sat on the plane for three hours."

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"They then told us the plane had developed a technical issue; then they told us the plane could not be fixed, and we had to be taken off and put up in local hotels."

He said passengers couldn't access their luggage. He also claimed he did not receive much assistance from the airline.

"We just sat around waiting for news, and had to speak to local airport staff for help," Shipman said.

The travelers were extremely frustrated, he added.

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He described a scene in which some travelers were sleeping on the floor.

"Most of the frustration was due to a lack of information. Just be open and explain what's happening, you know?" Shipman said.

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"We're not soft. We understand there was a medical emergency. We understand there's a technical issue."

Heather McKinnon, general manager at the Delta Hotel in St. John's, said it was a very tough delay for the 255 passengers.

But she disputed the claim about "freezing" temperatures at St. John's that day.

"It's hardly frozen," McKinnon told The Canadian Press.

"While it was cold that day, and it was wintry the next day, we're offering warm hospitality. And that's the main thing, right?"

St. John’s, the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, is one of North America’s oldest cities, located on Canada’s eastern Atlantic coast.

Known for its colorful row houses and historic harbor, it blends maritime heritage with a lively arts and cultural scene, set against rugged coastal landscapes.

Popular cruise line selling tree house suite for jaw-dropping price: 'Rather buy a house'

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 17:58:46 -0400

Vacationers can soon merge land and sea with a startling new tree house suite on the Royal Caribbean — as long as they cough up six figures. Online debate is already robust about the offering.

The Hero of the Seas vessel is rolling out the "Ultimate Family Treehouse" suite, which has a private whirlpool, game room and rooftop terrace.

The triple-deck suite can sleep up to 12 guests with four full bathrooms, according to the Royal Caribbean website.

CRUISE LINE JACKS UP MANDATORY GRATUITIES FOR TRAVELERS AS 9 IN 10 AMERICANS BLAST TIPPING

The tree house can cost families over $200,000 for a week’s stay, according to the Royal Caribbean blog.

In the "r/royalcaribbean" forum on Reddit, one user shared a post about "tree house suite pricing" — sparking lots of discussion.

"Shocking to me," said one user in response. "I feel like people with this kind of money would charter a yacht instead of doing this."

Another person wrote, "Clearly, this isn’t meant for 99.99% of cruisers."

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Another user said, "I’m wondering how often it will sit empty [and] what their break-even is for providing the elevated services/cleaning time, etc., vs. just letting it sit empty for a sailing."

A different Redditor added, "I am sure it will still be booked. Absolutely bananas, though. There's more and more of the travel industry taking aim at fat wallets. Everything is pay to play now."

Said another person, "Good on you if you can afford this. But I’d like to travel the world [for] that price."

One person chimed in with this comment: "I would rather buy an actual house."

"That pricing feels correct, and honestly, if I could afford it, I would potentially book this over a yacht, especially with family of all ages," said another person. "I could also potentially see it as worthwhile for a bucket list trip. … Doesn't matter because I can't, but someone out there can, and good for them."

This year, 21.7 million Americans are expected to go on an ocean cruise, according to AAA.

Stewart Chiron, a Miami-based cruise industry expert known as "The Cruise Guy," told Fox News Digital that cruising continues to gain in popularity.

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"Cruise lines are constantly desiring to push the limits of ship designs to increase interest in cruising and wanting to come up with new features," he said. "Constant tweaking of cabin and suite designs is always being considered."

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He added, "Royal Caribbean's upcoming three-story tree house will be talked about for years to come. What will they think of next?"

World Cup travelers to New Jersey for finals could pay more under Democrat-backed tax hike

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:40:05 -0400

World Cup fans traveling to New Jersey for the big games may have to pay more if certain state lawmakers have their way.

Soccer followers are getting ready to pack 11 stadiums across the U.S. this summer for FIFA World Cup matches while local communities weigh how to handle any added costs associated with hosting the games, as Fox News Digital has reported. MetLife Stadium in the New York and New Jersey area is set to host eight games — including the World Cup final.

Now, New Jersey lawmakers have proposed a bill that would impose "surcharges on certain transactions to support preparations for [the] hosting of special events," according to the N.J. Legislature. The bill's primary sponsor is state Sen. Paul Sarlo, a Democrat.

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If passed, a 3% sales tax would be added to retail goods, food and drinks, and event tickets in the Meadowlands District during the dates of the World Cup, according to the bill’s text.

A hotel surcharge will also be imposed — tacking 2.5% onto bills at hotels booked during the period June 12 through July 21.

"Prearranged rides" such as Uber and Lyft rides will face a $0.50 charge for trips to and from the Meadowlands District.

Assemblymen Christopher DePhillips and Al Barlas, both Republicans, are slamming the tax hike, calling it a "cash grab."

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In a joint press release, the members said, "Both large and small businesses [are] already trying to survive under bad policy."

"New Jersey taxpayers have already spent more than $300 million to host these games," they said in the release. "The way to make that money back is by encouraging people to come here, spend here and come back again — not by taxing them the moment they arrive."

"If we truly want to make New Jersey a destination, we should be lowering taxes, not raising them during one of the biggest international events we’ve ever hosted," the statement added.

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Fox News Digital reached out to the bill’s co-sponsor for comment.

In California, six games will be played at Levi's Stadium in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The Santa Clara City Council and Santa Clara Stadium Authority approved a financial agreement for the World Cup relying on federal funding and local partners at no burden to the taxpayer.

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Zaileen Janmohamed, president and CEO of the Bay Area Host Committee, said in a press release that citizens should "fully reap" all the economic benefits.

"This agreement reaffirms what we have said from the start — this is a no-risk, all-reward opportunity for the City of Santa Clara," said Janmohamed.

Vacation hot spot cracks down on vaping with jail threats and hefty fines

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:10:27 -0400

Travelers to Thailand are being reminded that electronic cigarettes are strictly banned in the country — with violators facing steep fines or even prison time.

The warning comes as some tourists say they've been caught off guard by the country’s strict anti-vaping laws while on vacation.

Recently, a TikTok user, Sara Green, was with her partner visiting Thailand and was approached by authorities while vaping on a beach. She was told the habit was not only frowned upon but illegal, she related in a social media post.

TOURISTS MAY FACE STEEP FINES AND JAIL TIME FOR VAPES AT POPULAR VACATION HOT SPOT

Green said in her post the two were taken to a police station and questioned.

The pair were later released after paying a fine of 40,000 Thai baht, or roughly $1,200. Officials warned they could face up to five years in prison if caught again.

Thailand has enforced strict vaping rules since 2014, the Thai Embassy indicates.

"While electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes are used around the world as a way of helping people quit smoking, travelers coming to Thailand should be aware that these devices are in fact illegal in the kingdom," the embassy says.

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It also notes that "anyone found breaking this law by using an electronic cigarette — or vaping — in Thailand could be arrested and face jail time, or a fine several times the value of the illegal item[s]."

This applies to both tourists and residents.

"The ban was introduced for health reasons, and it was originally suggested because electronic cigarettes were luring young people into smoking," the embassy noted.

Thailand is among a growing number of countries that have implemented strict vaping restrictions.

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Fox News Digital previously reported that Mexico has also taken a hard stance on vaping, with strict enforcement that can impact tourists.

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Earlier this year, officials began enforcing a nationwide ban on electronic cigarettes, with penalties that can include confiscation, fines and even detention.

Travelers entering the country with vaping devices may face scrutiny at customs, and items brought ashore from cruise ships can be treated as imports under Mexican law.

Reports have warned that violations could result in fines of up to $12,500 — or, in more serious cases, potential prison time.

The crackdown is part of a broader effort by Mexican authorities to tighten restrictions on smoking and vaping in public spaces.

'Unsupervised' child at Hersheypark zoo injured by wolf after crawling under safety barrier

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 08:33:21 -0400

A toddler described as "unsupervised" was injured by a wolf over the weekend in Hersheypark's ZooAmerica after managing to crawl into a restricted area.

The parents, from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, were charged Sunday by police with one count each of misdemeanor child endangerment, according to multiple reports.

Police say the parents moved about 25 to 30 feet away from the toddler toward a seating area and were looking at their cellphones at the time of the incident, reports say. Fox News Digital reached out to the Derry Township Police Department for more details.

NATIONAL PARK DEATH EXPOSES REPEATED RULE VIOLATIONS AS TOURISTS TAKE DANGEROUS RISKS

"Based on our review, an unsupervised 18-month old child was able to crawl under an exterior perimeter fence, travel to the primary metal enclosure surrounding the wolf habitat, and put his hand through that fence," ZooAmerica said in a statement shared with Fox News Digital, in response to a query about the incident.

"A wolf approached and made contact with the child’s hand. This type of response is consistent with natural animal behavior, and was not a sign of aggression," the zoo's statement continued.

"The child was never inside the wolf’s enclosure, and we are relieved the injuries were minor," the zoo said.

The zoo’s wolf pack consists of three animals: a male named Twister and two female sisters, Hazel and Freya.

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Officials have not identified which wolf was involved in the incident.

Injuries to visitors — especially children — from animals in accredited U.S. zoos are considered rare, and strict safety standards, including secure enclosures and multiple barriers, are designed to prevent direct contact with animals, according to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), based in Maryland.

When incidents do occur, they typically involve unusual situations, such as visitors bypassing barriers or participating in close-contact experiences, rather than normal zoo visits.

"Most zoos do their utmost to keep the public safe," Jami LoVullo, founder and president of the Animal Protection Agency and based in California, told Fox News Digital.

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Zoos typically require young children to be closely supervised at all times — and many make this an explicit rule.

Institutions such as the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and Louisville Zoo state that children must remain under adult supervision during visits.

"There are generally all kinds of signs warning of any danger and asking for the public not to enter these areas. It would be up to the parents to follow them," LoVullo added.

Zoos strictly prohibit crossing barriers or reaching into enclosures, emphasizing that these safeguards are in place to protect both visitors and animals.

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Organizations such as the AZA stress that while facilities are designed with safety in mind, parents and guardians remain the first line of supervision.

"The safety of our guests and the wellbeing of our animals at ZooAmerica are always our highest priorities," said ZooAmerica.

"Our habitats are designed with multiple layers of protection, and clear signage and barriers are in place to help ensure safe viewing."

The institution added, "Guests are expected to remain within designated areas and closely supervise children at all times."

Cruise ship strikes reef near Tom Hanks' iconic 'Cast Away' island, sparking rescue at sea

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:33:16 -0400

A small cruise ship struck a reef near the island where the Tom Hanks' movie "Cast Away" was filmed — and the operator has now shed light on what led to the incident.

The April 4 collision occurred when one of its vessels hit a finger reef near Monuriki Island in Fiji during worsening weather conditions, according to Blue Lagoon Cruises.

"While the investigation is in its early stages, conditions upon the ship anchoring in the area were calm, and it appears a severe squall caused the ship’s anchor to drag toward a nearby reef whereby the ship became grounded," Blue Lagoon Cruises said in a statement shared with Fox News Digital.

LUXURY HOTELS LAUNCH SUPERYACHTS FOR WEALTHY TRAVELERS WHO HAVE LONG AVOIDED CRUISES

"The response time available for crew was limited," the operator added.

Blue Lagoon Cruises said roughly 30 passengers were on board at the time. Citing Fiji navy sources, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported the vessel was also carrying about 30 crew members.

Around dawn, a large high-speed ferry arrived alongside the vessel to assist with the evacuation.

All guests and non-essential crew disembarked with their luggage and personal belongings, according to Blue Lagoon Cruises.

Passengers were transported back to Port Denarau, where Blue Lagoon Cruises arranged hotel accommodations, along with alternative activities and experiences, the company said.

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No injuries were reported among guests or crew.

In recent years, several reef groundings have led to emergency rescues.

In 2025, the expedition ship Coral Adventurer struck a reef off Papua New Guinea, leaving about 80 passengers stranded for days, according to reporting by Cruise Passenger and an Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigation.

In 2024, a New Zealand naval vessel grounded on a reef near Samoa caught fire and sank, requiring evacuation of all crew, according to a New Zealand Defense Force inquiry.

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Monuriki Island is a small, uninhabited island in Fiji’s Mamanuca archipelago.

It is known for its white sandy beaches, rocky cliffs and dense tropical vegetation, surrounded by water and coral reefs.

Its remote, untouched landscape made it a perfect filming location for the 2000 movie "Cast Away," starring Tom Hanks.

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Since the film’s release, Monuriki has become a popular day-trip destination, often informally called "Castaway Island" (not to be confused with a nearby resort island with that name).

Despite its fame, it remains undeveloped with no permanent residents.

Visitors come to hike, snorkel and explore filming spots like the famous "Wilson" beach.

Student 'accidentally' finds 'extremely rare' Crusader-era sword after chasing off suspected thieves

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 06:00:36 -0400

A student in Israel recently made a chance discovery tied to one of history's most violent eras: the Crusades.

The University of Haifa recently said in a release that one of its students "accidentally" discovered a Crusader-era sword off the coast of Dor, an ancient port in northern Israel.

The sword, which dates to the 12th century, measures over three feet long.

LOOTERS' ARREST UNCOVERS 2,000-YEAR-OLD WORKSHOP NEAR JERUSALEM BIBLICAL PILGRIMAGE PATH

University of Haifa student Shlomi Katzin was swimming near Dor when he "noticed a group of divers with metal detectors," per the translated release.

Katzin, who studies maritime civilizations, suspected the group were antiquities thieves.

"Shlomi managed to drive them away from the area, and later during his swim, he spotted the sword protruding from the seabed and acted quickly," the release said.

TOURISTS WALK PILGRIMAGE ROAD FROM JESUS' ERA FOR FIRST TIME IN 2,000 YEARS: 'DEEPLY SIGNIFICANT'

"He informed Prof. Debbie Cvikel from the Department of Maritime Civilizations at the University of Haifa, who contacted the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA)."

Once the IAA approved the sword's removal, it was sent to Elisha Medical Center for a CT scan.

Pictures of the artifact show it was heavily encrusted with shells over the centuries, though it still retains the unmistakable shape of a sword.

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Debbie Cvikel, a professor at the University of Haifa, called the artifact an "extremely rare find that sheds light on the Crusader presence along the country’s coastline."

She added, "Only a handful of similar swords from the Crusader period are known in the Land of Israel, and this discovery greatly contributes to our understanding of the use of maritime anchorages and the lives of warriors during this time," according to the release.

Eyal Berkowitz, imaging sciences expert at the University of Haifa, noted that his team's imaging techniques were non-invasive and kept the artifact intact.

"Using CT, we were able to see what the human eye cannot — the internal structure of the sword and its precise physical condition — all through a non-invasive examination that preserved the integrity of this rare artifact for future generations," he said.

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Researchers said the sword also carried symbolic significance.

In the release, Sarah Lantus from the Department of Maritime Civilizations at the University of Haifa noted that swords were symbols of "knights and chivalry, as well as of the Christian faith."

"It was also one of the most common weapons used by Crusader knights, and their lives depended on them," said Lantus.

"Swords were valuable objects — and therefore were carefully maintained and preserved."

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The Crusades were a series of wars between Christian and Muslim forces between the 11th and 13th centuries.

They began when Pope Urban II called to reclaim the Holy Land in 1095, with the First Crusade resulting in the siege of Jerusalem in 1099.

The discovery is the latest in a string of notable archaeological finds in the region.

In March, archaeologists announced that they had found a 2,100-year-old sling bullet with a sarcastic message aimed at enemy forces.

Also, last month, officials announced the discovery of a mysterious Christian artifact near the Sea of Galilee, not far from Jesus' ministry.

Bikini skiing takes off on slopes as record warmth forces resorts into survival mode

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 20:41:51 -0400

Bikinis are replacing ski jackets as unusually warm temperatures hit western ski resorts.

Skiers have been spotted hitting the slopes in swimsuits and shirtless outfits as record heat melts snow across the region.

The unseasonably warm weather, combined with a lack of snowfall, has forced many resorts to close early, delay openings or shut down altogether.

SNOW DROUGHT GRIPS SKI INDUSTRY AS RESORTS TURN TO GEN Z SKIERS, NEW ACTIVITIES TO FILL LIFTS

At Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico, crews have been forced to move snow from remote parts of the mountain onto ski runs in an effort to keep trails open, according to Reuters.

In Colorado, conditions have deteriorated to the point where fewer than 20% of trails remain open at some resorts, with brown patches of dirt replacing snow-covered slopes, the agency reported.

Despite the poor conditions, some skiers are still making the most of what remains of the season.

Posts circulating on social media show people swapping traditional winter gear for swimwear while navigating slushy terrain.

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"Highly recommend skiing with your besties in bikini tops," one user wrote.

"Annual bikini ski came early this year," another user commented.

One Reddit user who said he previously worked at a ski lift recalled that warmer days often brought skiers dressed in tank tops or sports bras.

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He said that by the end of the day, many returned with arms and torsos covered in scratches — warning that snow can cause serious skin injuries.

Fox News Digital previously reported that the lack of snowfall is already reshaping the ski industry.

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After a winter marked by record-low snow totals, some resorts have begun shifting their strategy to attract younger visitors and keep business steady.

Vail Resorts, for example, recently cut prices on its Epic Pass by 20% for skiers and snowboarders ages 13 to 30 in an effort to draw in Gen Z travelers.

Industry leaders say younger visitors are increasingly viewing skiing as a social experience, prompting resorts to add events, concerts and other activities beyond traditional skiing.

The shift comes as the average age of U.S. skiers continues to rise and warmer winters create ongoing challenges for resorts that rely on consistent snowfall.

Jessica Mekles of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.

Flight passengers slam airlines for pushing early bag checks even with empty bins on board

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 16:50:52 -0400

Many airline passengers insist they're being forced to check their carry-on bags — even as empty overhead bins on planes remain onboard.

Across social media, travelers are sharing stories of being told space has run out, only to board and find empty compartments still available.

The complaints are fueling questions about airline boarding practices, and whether speed is being prioritized over passenger convenience.

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"This is becoming increasingly common," New York-based travel expert Lee Abbamonte told Fox News Digital.

He said the issue is often tied to airlines' efforts to streamline boarding — and to keep flights on schedule.

"Gate agents are trying to not delay flights by preemptively checking bags so all the passengers don’t board with carry-on bags, and then there’s no more overhead space," Abbamonte noted.

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A spokesperson for Delta Air Lines told Fox News Digital the airline’s boarding and baggage procedures are designed to support on-time departures.

Across the industry, boarding is a consistent barrier to an on-time departure, the spokesperson said — and boarding can be delayed by passengers needing extra time to store bags because of a lack of overhead storage.

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The airline said it uses tools to predict when overhead bins will fill up — and that gate-checking is a last resort.

Delta said it is working to reduce gate-checking by offering earlier options for passengers to check bags at no cost.

A spokesperson for Southwest Airlines, meanwhile, told Fox News Digital, "We have a target number of gate-checked bags we aim for based on [the] number of customers on board and number of lobby-checked bags."

The spokesperson added, "We solicit those from customers in later boarding groups. So customers boarding earlier may very likely see open space."

An array of passengers online, meanwhile, say their experience with a variety of airlines has become frustrating to them. In a Reddit post that gained traction, a traveler said he or she was forced to check a carry-on while early boarding groups were still being called — only to find "half" of the overhead bins empty after boarding.

Others said the situation is becoming increasingly common, with some pointing to how airlines are prioritizing on-time departures.

"I’ve seen this before … way too concerned with being ‘on time,’" one user wrote.

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Many travelers also raised concerns about being separated from important or fragile items packed in their carry-ons.

"I had diapers, medication and essentials in there. … They still insisted," another commenter said.

Still, not everyone is opposed to gate-checking bags.

On TikTok, some users said they're willing to hand over their luggage, especially when the service is free.

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"I will personally volunteer my bag when I’m alone," one user wrote.

"I would check my bag 100% of the time if it were free," another person said.

Others, however, said experiences in the past have made them hesitant to do so going forward.

"I was like this until they ended up putting the luggage on a different plane," one user said.

Many travelers said their biggest concern is the risk of lost luggage, which makes them reluctant to give up their carry-on unless absolutely necessary.

Fox News Digital reached out to additional airlines for comment.

White House Egg Roll for Easter features Trump family members amid festive celebration

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:24:11 -0400

The White House's annual Easter Egg Roll event was held Monday — with a special "patriotic spirit" theme as President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump welcomed scores of Americans to the People’s House.

Held on the South Lawn, this year’s event included such activities as the beloved egg roll, a Be Best Military Card Writing Station, the Lunar Exploration Experience, egg coloring fun for kids and mini golf.

The occasion brought families together "to celebrate both the joy of Easter and the enduring blessings of liberty that define the American story," according to a release from the Office of the First Lady.

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There were also an array of activities, such as an AI-Creation Station, flower bouquet building, a flight lab, a sensory-friendly egg hunt — and live chickens.

America250 hosted an immersive experience celebrating America’s historic monuments through a "George the Star’s Journey" activity.

Spotted at the Egg Roll were some of the president’s children, including son Eric Trump and his wife Laura Trump, as well as daughter Tiffany and her husband Michael Boulos.

President Trump and first lady Melania Trump opened the occasion by speaking from the South Portico, with an Easter bunny beside them.

In his speech, the president shared that this Easter is for America's egg farmers — noting that he was asked about egg prices last year and was asked to use plastic eggs for the roll.

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"It’s hard to believe they didn't want me to order eggs for the Easter egg roll, the Easter egg hunt that we have here every year. They wanted me to use plastic. I said, 'I'm not using plastic. We'll get it solved,'" said the president.

"Within a short period of time, eggs came down. … We had so many eggs, we didn't know what to do with them," Trump added. "Today we have more than 40,000 eggs supplied by all of the great egg farmers that are with us.'

He said the White House Egg Roll was anticipating between 30,000 and 50,000 Americans today to take part in all of the festivities.

"I want to thank all of the associations and the egg farmers, and all of the people that are here," said Trump.

The first lady spoke as well, wishing all Americans a happy Easter.

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"I hope you enjoy this beautiful day," Melania Trump said.

"We are celebrating a very special Easter egg roll this year because it's the 250th birthday of this beautiful nation. Enjoy it, and I hope you have a wonderful day."

Music was played at the festive event by The United States Marine Band, the Army Band, the Army Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps, the Navy Band and the Air Force Band.

Further down on the South Lawn, a stage featured popular child performer Go with YoYo.

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The tradition of the Reading Nook continued, with the first lady reading a book to children.

Guest readers this year included second lady Usha Vance, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, Education Secretary Linda McMahon, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt and Michael Kratsios, Office of Science and Technology policy director.

There were 500 Americans who volunteered for this year’s Egg Roll event at the White House.

American tourists warned of arrest, jail time for taking photos, pocketing souvenirs in locale

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:03:01 -0400

The U.S. State Department has updated its travel advisory for Americans who may be headed on trips to Ethiopia.

The advisory remained a "Level 3: Reconsider Travel" — warning of unrest, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, landmines and exit bans.

Officials warned of restrictions for travelers when they enter and leave the country.

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A 1,000 Ethiopian birr, or about $7 for an entry fee, is required, with officials noting that "excess currency may be confiscated."

A $3,000 fee is required to exit the country for those who have overstayed.

"When departing Ethiopia, nonresidents carrying more than the equivalent of $3,000 USD in foreign currency and residents carrying any amount of foreign currency must produce a valid bank document or foreign currency customs declaration that is less than 30 days old," the advisory indicates.

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The U.S. Embassy is located in Addis Ababa.

Tourists are also warned about certain items they may attempt to bring back to the U.S.

"Travelers transporting ivory may be detained, imprisoned or fined and the ivory may be confiscated," the advisory says.

It also notes that "souvenirs that are copies of antiques or religious artifacts require a proper receipt and may still be confiscated.

"Export permits processed by the Export Section of the airport customs office are required for antiques, including religious artifacts, Ethiopian crosses, and animal skins and other wildlife parts," it adds.

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Ethiopia has strict laws pertaining to photography.

"It is illegal to take pictures of government buildings, military installations, police/military personnel, and key infrastructure such as roads, bridges, dams and airfields," the advisory points out.

Officials say that if tourists are caught taking pictures of prohibited sites, they may be subject to fines, have photographic equipment confiscated and even face possible arrest.

"As a general practice, you should avoid taking pictures of individuals without their clear consent," it also advises.

Ethiopia is home to 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites — including churches, parks and ancient ruins.

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Popular sites include Rock-Hewn Churches in Lalibela, which feature 11 monolithic churches carved into rock, known as a "New Jerusalem," and ruins of the ancient Aksumite Empire.

The Simien National Park is full of mountain peaks, valleys and rare wildlife.