Buzzer malfunction sparks delay in Illinois-Iowa Elite Eight matchup

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March 28, 2026

7 COSTLY MISTAKES TO AVOID AT THE PUMP RIGHT NOW AS GAS PRICES SURGE NATIONWIDE

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Americans hoping to unwind on their next trip may want to think twice about where they’re headed.

A comparison of all 50 states across 40 indicators of stress — including work, money, family and health factors — found that densely populated states with major metro areas did not top the list, according to a new WalletHub study. Instead, states across the South and Southwest ranked among the most stressed overall.

Louisiana ranks as the most stressed state in the country for 2026, followed by Kentucky, New Mexico, West Virginia and Arkansas, WalletHub found. Rounding out the top 10 were Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Mississippi and Alabama.

The results may come as a surprise to travelers who might expect New York or Illinois to top the list. Instead, both states ranked lower, with New York at No. 18 and Illinois at No. 30.

Experts say stress levels are often tied to economic conditions, health care access and community factors. (iStock)

Experts say the findings indicate that stress isn’t just tied to fast-paced city life but is often linked to broader economic and health challenges.

“Where we live can shape how much stress we experience,” Cassandra D. Chaney, a professor at Louisiana State University who studies family stress, said in a WalletHub news release.

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“These realities remind us that stress is not simply an individual problem,” she added. “Broader social and economic environments play a powerful role in shaping daily stressors.”

Louisiana capitol building in Baton Rogue

Louisiana ranked as the most stressed state in the U.S., according to a new WalletHub study. (AP Photo/Stephen Smith)

In Louisiana, factors such as high poverty rates, limited access to health care and mental health services, and job insecurity contribute to elevated stress levels, Chaney noted.

About 16% of residents skipped medical care due to cost, and the state ranks among the worst for poor mental health and depression while also having relatively few psychologists per capita, according to the report. It also recorded the eighth-highest average unemployment rate last year and the lowest job security of any state.

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Kentucky, meanwhile, faces significant financial strain, with one of the highest bankruptcy rates and among the lowest median credit scores in the country.

Young patient man talking to psychotherapist during therapy session at clinic

States with stronger economies and better health care access tended to rank as less stressed. (iStock)

“New Mexico … faces high crime rates, financial hardship and significant family instability,” Chaney added. “Nevada experiences high unemployment and bankruptcy rates, contributing to financial stress among residents.”

For travelers to popular destinations such as Nevada (No. 6) and California (No. 12), the data suggests daily life may differ from the experience visitors see.

Meanwhile, some of the least stressed states may offer clues for those seeking a more relaxing getaway.

Couple walks alongside lake in South Dakota.

South Dakota was named the least stressed state in the country, followed by Utah and Minnesota. (iStock)

South Dakota ranked as the least stressed state, followed by Utah, Minnesota, New Hampshire and Vermont, according to the report. These states tend to perform better in areas such as economic stability, health care access and work-life balance.

They also report higher rates of adequate sleep, an often overlooked factor tied to lower stress levels, according to the report.

Rounding out the top 10 least stressed states were Hawaii, Virginia, Wisconsin, Kansas and North Carolina.

Experts note that stress is influenced by multiple factors and can vary by individual.

Busy crosswalk and road intersection in New York Manhattan

The study analyzed all 50 states using 40 metrics, including work, financial, family and health-related stress. (iStock)

“While we cannot eliminate stress completely, we can become more intentional about how we manage it,” Chaney said.

Chip Lupo, an analyst at WalletHub, added in a statement, “There are plenty of small ways to manage stress, from staying active and pursuing hobbies to taking time off work and seeking help from a mental health professional.”

The analysis compared all 50 states across four key categories — work, money, family and health and safety — using 40 weighted metrics and data from sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Deirdre Bardolf is a lifestyle writer with Fox News Digital.

6 expert tips to improve fuel efficiency as gas prices continue to rise

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March 28, 2026

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Gas prices are climbing again just as spring travel ramps up, putting added pressure on drivers from road trips to simply commuting to work.

The national average price for regular gas has jumped in recent weeks, climbing to about $3.98 per gallon — up roughly $1 in just the past month, according to AAA. With seasonal demand increasing and oil prices remaining elevated, experts say drivers should expect continued volatility at the pump.

Luckily, experts say small changes behind the wheel and simple maintenance habits can help stretch every tank further. Here are 7 of their best tips:

1. Drive smarter, not faster

Gas prices are rising again as spring travel season gets underway across the U.S.

Speeding, rapid acceleration and hard braking are some of the biggest fuel drains. Fuel efficiency drops quickly above about 50 mph, The Points Guy recently reported, and federal data shows aggressive driving can cut gas mileage by up to 40% in stop-and-go traffic.

Cruise control can also help keep your speed steady but experts warn not to use it in slick conditions.

2. Pick the right gas

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Using premium gas won’t improve fuel economy unless your vehicle specifically requires it.

A man in a bright shirt stands next to his brown car at a gas station, holding a fuel pump as he prepares to refuel his vehicle during daylight hours.

Using the recommended fuel grade can help drivers avoid unnecessary costs at the pump. (iStock)

Most cars are designed to run on regular 87-octane fuel, making it the most cost-effective option, according to AAA. Using a higher octane than recommended won’t improve mileage or efficiency and typically isn’t worth the added cost.

3. Keep your tires properly inflated

Underinflated tires increase resistance on the road, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel, experts say.

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Tires naturally lose about 1 to 3 psi per month, and a 10 psi drop can reduce fuel economy by up to 4%. Pressure can fall even further with colder temperatures or small leaks, making regular pressure checks especially important.

Close-up of man wearing plaid shirt checking tire pressure with guage.

Keeping tires properly inflated can improve gas mileage and reduce fuel consumption. (iStock)

4. Avoid idling

Many drivers believe it’s more fuel-efficient to let a car idle than to turn it off and restart it, but experts say that’s a myth.

A warm engine uses only about 10 seconds’ worth of fuel to restart, meaning idling longer than that wastes gas, and engines can burn up to a half-gallon per hour while idling, according to AAA and government agencies. Letting a car warm up for long periods is also unnecessary, as most vehicles need only about 30 seconds before driving.

5. Lighten your load

Extra weight — especially roof racks and cargo boxes — can significantly reduce fuel efficiency.

Man Packing Cargo Box Container on Roof Rack for Vacation

Extra weight from cargo and roof racks can lower a vehicle’s fuel efficiency. (iStock)

Drivers can lose about 1% of fuel economy for every 100 pounds added to a vehicle, and cargo mounted on the roof creates additional wind resistance that can cut mileage by up to 8% in the city and as much as 25% on the highway, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Clearing out your trunk or removing unused carriers can help your car go farther on each tank, while rear-mounted cargo options tend to have a smaller impact on fuel economy.

6. Plan ahead

Plan fuel-efficient routes using apps like Google Maps to avoid backtracking and unnecessary stops. Combining errands into one trip and opting for “one-stop” locations when possible can reduce driving time, especially if you avoid peak traffic and stop-and-go conditions.

Fewer trips also mean fewer cold starts, which use more fuel, helping drivers save gas over time, according to federal guidance.

Drivers refuel vehicles at a Costco gas station in Richmond, California, US, on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

Planning routes and combining errands can help drivers save gas over time. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

7. Use A/C and windows strategically

Air conditioning can increase fuel use — by up to 10% in some cases — while open windows also reduce efficiency by creating drag, so experts recommend adjusting based on speed.

At lower speeds, windows can be more efficient, but on highways it’s better to close them and use A/C, ideally after airing out a hot car to reduce the strain on the system.

Deirdre Bardolf is a lifestyle writer with Fox News Digital.

Egyptian archaeologists uncover 5th-century Coptic monastic site in Beheira area

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March 28, 2026

ARCHAEOLOGISTS UNCOVER GOLD-LADEN TOMB FILLED WITH ELITE BURIAL TREASURES FROM OVER 1,000 YEARS AGO

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Egyptian archaeologists recently unearthed the remnants of a Christian monastic site from the 5th century — some 400 years after the time of Jesus Christ.

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities wrote in a translated statement on March 23 that a building was recently found in the Qallaya area in Egypt’s Beheira Governorate.

The structure, likely a guesthouse used to host visitors, is a remnant of the “early beginnings of Coptic monasticism,” the release said.

Previous buildings have also been found at the site, and the newly discovered structure had 13 multipurpose rooms used for “hospitality and teaching … in addition to service facilities such as a kitchen and storage areas,” officials said.

The area is considered one of Egypt’s significant early monastic centers.

Egyptian archaeologists recently uncovered a 5th-century Christian monastic site in the Qallaya area of Beheira Governorate, officials said. (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)

Coptic monasticism was one of the oldest forms of organized Christian monasticism, laying the groundwork for traditions that endure to this day.

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Pictures from the site show ancient structures in remarkable condition, with walls and other architectural features still intact.

“Excavations also revealed several architectural elements added to the building during later historical phases.”

The tourism ministry also shared photographs of art recently found at the site, including paintings, as well as an inscription in early Greek.

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Officials believe the Greek inscription may read “Abba Kir, son of Shenouda” — suggesting it was a tombstone.

“Excavations also revealed several architectural elements added to the building during later historical phases, reflecting the evolution of its use over successive periods,” the statement said.

An inscription in early Greek discovered at the site may reference “Abba Kir, son of Shenouda” — possibly marking a tombstone. (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)

In addition to the paintings, officials also noted that a “complete marble column” was found, along with “a large number of pottery shards.”

“Some of these bear plant and geometric decorations, while others include Coptic letters. … Some are undecorated,” the statement said.

Hisham El-Leithy, Ph.D., secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the decorations and wall paintings are “among the most significant sources for studying early Coptic art in Egypt,” per the translated release.

Split image of braided painting, view of buildings

The discovery sheds light on the transition from individual monastic cells to more communal living arrangements, researchers said. (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)

The discovery also highlights “the development of ascetic, simple monastic architecture, showing a functional progression from individual cells to semi-communal housing,” the statement added.

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Archaeologists also found bird and animal bones, as well as “several oyster shells,” inside one of the rooms — all pointing to everyday dietary practices.

Excavations in Egypt continue to yield many fascinating remnants of ancient Christianity — and the Qallaya discovery is one of many recent finds.

“Some of these [artistic pieces] bear plant and geometric decorations,” an official said. (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)

In January, archaeologists unearthed another ancient Christian monastic complex in the village of Al-Duwair, located in the Sohag Governorate.

At Kharga Oasis, excavators found two 1,500-year-old churches and an ancient mural of Jesus.

Aviation attorney says rear exit-row seats are likely the safest in a plane crash

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March 28, 2026

AIRLINES TOLD TO REEVALUATE EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURES AFTER CARRY-ON CONCERNS

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In the wake of the recent deadly collision at LaGuardia Airport that killed both pilots and injured dozens of passengers, questions about airline safety are once again on people’s minds.

The aircraft, carrying 72 passengers and four crew members, struck a Port Authority vehicle while landing Sunday night.

As investigators continue to piece together what went wrong, many travelers are discussing whether seat location can influence passenger safety and survival.

Daniel Bubb, a former airline pilot and commercial aviation expert at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, told Fox News Digital there is no guarantee about the safest seat on an airplane.

He also said some seats could be better than others.

“While crashes are incredibly rare, in general, sitting toward the aisle at the back of the plane near an emergency exit is the safest choice,” said one expert. (iStock)

“Sitting toward the back of the plane gives passengers the best chance of survival,” said Bubb. “This is because the front and middle parts absorb most of the impact if it is a head-on collision, as was the case of the Jazz Air crash at LGA.”

He went on, “In this crash, we saw the front of the aircraft absorb most of the impact. Perhaps what was an anomaly — but thank goodness miraculous — was the flight attendant, who was seated in her jumpseat with her seat belt and harness on, surviving the crash when she was ejected 300 feet.”

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Motley Rice aviation attorney Jim Brauchle, based in South Carolina, told Fox News Digital the safest location in an emergency evacuation would first be the emergency exit row.

Then, he said, the closer passengers are seated toward an exit, the quicker they’ll be able to evacuate.

“In the event of an evacuation, it’s important not to retrieve your personal belongings,” said Rice. “In many of the recent evacuations, we continually see people evacuating with their carry-on bags.”

An analysis showed that seats in the rear third of the plane had a 32% fatality rate, compared with 39% in the middle section and 38% in the front. (iStock)

Travelers, he said, should carefully consider which shoes they are wearing.

“People should wear comfortable footwear when flying, preferably closed toe — and high heels are not conducive to an emergency evacuation.”

Though most airline passengers zone out “when the crew is going over their emergency instructions at the beginning of a flight, it is important to note the closest exit and also the next closest exit, should the primary exit be blocked,” said Brauchle.

A man and woman sitting in their seats on the airplane, looking at their electronic devices.

Aisle seats in the middle section of planes had the poorest outcomes, with a 44% fatality rate. (iStock)

In 2015, Time magazine reviewed aircraft accidents that involved fatalities and survivors over the previous 35 years.

The publication’s analysis showed that seats in the rear third of the plane had a 32% fatality rate, compared with 39% in the middle section and 38% in the front.

It also found that middle seats in the rear offered a 28% fatality rate, which was the highest survival rate.

Aisle seats in the middle section had the poorest outcomes — with a 44% fatality rate.

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

House passes DHS funding patch as shutdown set to become longest in history

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March 28, 2026

DEMOCRATS RIP TRUMP’S ICE AIRPORT MOVE AS SHUTDOWN NEARS 40 DAYS: ‘NO REASON’

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House Republicans passed a short-term funding patch for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) over the fierce objections of Democratic lawmakers late Friday evening.

But the 42-day shutdown that has snarled air travel and left tens of thousands of federal employees without pay is far from over.

House lawmakers voted 213-203 largely along party lines to approve a two-month funding extension for the beleaguered department, which has been operating without full-year appropriations since the funding lapse began on Feb. 14.

Reps. Don Davis, D-N.C., Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash., and Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, crossed party lines to support the measure. More than a dozen lawmakers did not vote.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., successfully passed a two-month funding extension for the Department of Homeland Security, but the measure faces long odds of passing the Senate. (Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The House-passed DHS measure faces an uphill battle in the Senate, where Democrats have filibustered GOP-authored legislation that includes immigration funding for the past six weeks.

Both chambers are scheduled to leave Washington for an Easter recess without ending the funding standoff, paving the way for the partial government shutdown to become the longest in history.

“In those eight weeks, we will figure this out with Democrats and figure out a couple of reforms or whatever they need to make sure that we do this right, but we are going to protect the homeland. We have to,” House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said on the Ingraham Angle on Friday evening. “It’s the most important and most basic function of Congress, and Democrats don’t want to do that.”

Democratic lawmakers, who have repeatedly voted against DHS spending bills funding President Donald Trump’s illegal immigration crackdown absent reforms, echoed the same position Friday.

“House Republicans have decided that they would rather inconvenience you, create chaos for you and for your families so that they can continue to jam their extreme right-wing ideology down the throats of the American people so they can continue to spend billions of dollars for ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] to brutalize and kill American citizens,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said during a news conference Friday.

The vote came after House GOP leadership and the conservative House Freedom Caucus unequivocally rejected a Senate-passed deal earlier on Friday. The agreement, which passed the Senate unanimously, would have funded the vast majority of DHS sub-agencies minus ICE and parts of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The National Border Patrol Council endorsed the House bill late Friday, arguing the Senate’s failure to fund all of DHS is “completely unacceptable and should not stand.”

The House Freedom Caucus sharply criticized the Senate-passed deal on Friday, arguing the upper chamber turned its back on federal immigration officers. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

JAYAPAL DOUBLES DOWN ON ANTI-ICE TERROR CLAIMS AS DHS SHUTDOWN TRIGGERS HISTORIC TRAVEL CHAOS

Senate Republicans have teased a second “big, beautiful” bill to give additional funding to ICE and the Border Patrol, though that could be a difficult feat in an election year with slim majorities in both chambers.

“It wasn’t good. It wasn’t appropriate,” Trump told Fox News in an interview Friday, referring to the Senate agreement. “You can’t have a bill that’s not going to fund ICE.”

House GOP leadership has also voiced concern about funding ICE and the Border Patrol through a second budget reconciliation package.

“That’s a very difficult task. It is a high-risk gamble for us to assume that we could do that,” Johnson told the Ingraham Angle. “And in the meantime, people are still going unpaid in this. We’ve got to make sure that we take care of those who take care of ourselves.”

President Donald Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., both criticized a Senate DHS spending bill on Friday for failing to include funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo; Win McNamee/Getty Images)

The most pressing pain point of the shutdown — a shortage of Transportation Security Administration employees at airports nationwide — is set to be alleviated. The staffing constraints had created hours-long wait times at TSA security checkpoints, leading to travel disruptions and missed flights.

Trump, through an executive order, directed DHS to pay the more than 50,000 TSA personnel who had been reporting to work without compensation since the start of the shutdown to cover their salaries. The agents are expected to receive their first full paychecks in more than six weeks on Monday.

Florida Keys captain lands 480-pound swordfish with Pennsylvania family

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March 28, 2026

OLDER TRAVELERS WHO SKIP KEY STEP BEFORE POPULAR VACATION ACTIVITY COULD BE RISKING THEIR HEALTH

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A Florida fisherman changed his luck recently in a big way.

Captain Jose Rodriguez Jr. of Cudjoe Key, Florida, takes clients out four to five times a week on a Florida Keys fishing charter to reel in trophy fish.

But he’d never come close to catching a monster 500-pound swordfish.

On Feb. 18, Rodriguez, along with a Pennsylvania family, landed a giant 480-pound swordfish, one of the largest of its kind caught in the Keys in recent years.

“It was definitely a fight and a struggle,” Rodriguez, who helps run the family business, Above & Below Fishing Adventures, told Fox News Digital in an interview.

“We fought the fish for five hours, and it took us at least another half hour to control the fish on the side of the boat before we could pull it over the side,” he said.

Captain Jose Rodriguez Jr., at left and wearing a cap, lucked out when he landed a giant 480-pound swordfish, one of the largest of its kind caught in the Keys in recent years. (@captjoserodriguez)

The Florida Keys are known for drawing large species like swordfish, but landing one of this size requires specialized deep-sea techniques and is considered rare.

“Everyone’s in search of a nickel, which is 500 pounds, but it rarely happens in the Keys,” said Rodriguez, 25.

When he started the fishing trip, it seemed like a “normal” day, he said. A Pennsylvania couple had chartered the boat to celebrate their son’s high school graduation.

As Rodriguez first spotted the swordfish, he knew it was large, but he wasn’t sure how massive it would be.

“Not everyone’s prepared to catch a 500-pound fish.”

“Then my mate and I got a really good eye on it, and we basically sealed the deal,” he said.

At first, the Pennsylvania family didn’t realize the importance of what was happening, he said. But the two children aboard were big supporters.

Once the swordfish was caught, there was plenty of work to be done. For starters, there was no simple way to store a fish that huge.

Captain in Florida Keys Catches Massive Swordfish

Once the swordfish was caught, the group had plenty of work to do. For starters, there was no simple way to store a fish this huge. (@captjoserodriguez)

“A fish that big actually lies on the back deck with ice bags on top of it with towels,” Rodriguez said. “There’s really no other spot” for it.

Then he and his mate sprayed it with saltwater to bring its core temperature down.

When they were ready to filet the fish, they completed the process on the boat.

They didn’t have a crane to lift the fish.

Captain catches nearly 500-pound swordfish

The swordfish caught in the Keys clocked in at 480 pounds and 86 inches. (@captjoserodriguez)

“Not everyone’s prepared to catch a 500-pound fish,” the captain said.

Only a few such accomplishments have been documented in the last decade, according to available material.

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In 2019, Captain Nick Stanczyk landed a legendary 757.8-pound broadbill off Islamorada, one of the largest recreational swordfish ever caught in the U.S., Pelagic Gear noted.

In 2018, Patrick Vincent, along with Captain Stanczyk, caught a massive 600-pound swordfish off Islamorada, Wild Open Spaces reported.

After Rodriguez’s catch, there were about 50-70 people in his community who turned out to admire the fish.

“We had well over 200 pounds of meat to use,” he said.

Pictured here with a different fish, Rodriguez takes clients out four to five times a week on a Florida Keys fishing charter to reel in trophy fish. (@captjoserodriguez)

The Pennsylvania family took 20-30 pounds of it.

The family decided to donate the rest to people in the town.

Nearly 500-pound swordfish caught in Keys, plus Captain Rodriguez

With the nearly 500-pound swordfish he caught, Rodriguez and the family on the boat were able to feed “the whole community,” he said. (@captjoserodriguez)

“The whole community was eating swordfish that day,” Rodriguez said, chuckling.

When asked if he felt like a local celebrity, he said, “Almost, yeah. Everybody knows about it. … It’s just about being in the right place at the right time, and it ended up happening to me.”

Jessica Mekles is an editor on the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital.

IDF strikes Arak heavy water plant as it seeks to end Iran nuclear threat

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March 27, 2026

NEXT MOVE ON IRAN: SEIZE KHARG ISLAND, SECURE URANIUM OR RISK GROUND WAR ESCALATION

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The Iranian regime’s retention of key nuclear weapons sites and material for building atomic bombs — highly enriched uranium — has led to new efforts by the U.S. and Israeli to take out the last vestiges of the regime’s program.

On Friday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that its “Air Force Struck the Arak Heavy Water Plant — A Key Plutonium Production Site for Nuclear Weapons.” The Arak plant is located in central Iran.

Prior to Friday’s attack, an IDF spokesperson, speaking in reference to Arak, told Fox News Digital there is a “high estimation” that attacks on “uranium enrichment sites are part of the plan.”:

The IDF declined to answer more specific questions about its target list and if any ground operations to retrieve the nuclear weapons-grade uranium were being considered.

An IDF infographic shows Iran’s Arak heavy water plant, described as a key infrastructure for plutonium production. (IDF)

Reuters, quoting regime media outlet Fars, reported that joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Friday hit the Khondab heavy water research reactor.

A statement released by the IDF said, “Heavy water is a unique material used to operate nuclear reactors, such as the inactive Arak reactor, which was originally designed to have weapons-grade plutonium production capabilities. These materials can also be used as a neutron source for nuclear weapons.

“The plant was a significant economic asset for the terror regime and served as a source of income for the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization, generating tens of millions of dollars for the regime each year.”

The regime’s foreign minister posted a condemnation of Israel and warned the Jewish state, “Iran will exact HEAVY price for Israeli crimes.”

According to an article published by the Washington, D.C.-based Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), “The IR-40 Arak, aka Khondab, Heavy Water Reactor and Heavy Water Production Plant date to the early 2000s. … The reactor core design was ideal for making substantial amounts of weapon-grade plutonium for nuclear weapons.”

STRIKES MAY SET IRAN BACK — BUT LIKELY WON’T END NUCLEAR PROGRAM, UN WATCHDOG CHIEF SAYS

Jason Brodsky, the policy director of United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), told Fox News Digital, “The one nuclear site which hasn’t been hit to date has been Pickaxe Mountain, so striking that site as part of Operation Epic Fury will be important to further degrade the Iranian nuclear program.”

A White House spokesperson referred Fox News Digital to President Trump’s Cabinet meeting comments about Iran’s nuclear weapons program.

“We’re free to roam over their cities and towns and destroy all of their crazy nuclear weapons and missiles and drones that they’re building,” Trump said Thursday.

A map shows damage to Iran's Fordow nuclear site after being struck by the United States in Operation Midnight Hammer.

A map shows damage to Iran’s Fordow nuclear site after being struck by the United States during Operation Midnight Hammer June 22, 2025. (Fox News)

David Albright, a physicist, founder and president of the Institute for Science and International Security, told Fox News Digital that with respect to key nuclear weapons facilities that remain, “The elephants in the tent are Natanz and Isfahan. There was an attack on Natanz that the Iranians revealed, but the Israelis said we are not aware of an attack. So, it must have been the U.S.”

TRUMP SAYS US, ISRAEL SHATTERED IRANIAN MILITARY CAPABILITIES, PRESSES LEADERS TO SURRENDER: ‘CRY UNCLE’

He said Natanz has enriched uranium.

“The Iranians were doing recovery operations in the underground fuel enrichment plant there and continuing to build this Pickaxe Mountain tunnel complex, which could hold enriched uranium. Right next to it is another tunnel complex that was built much earlier, around 2007. … And the Iranians sealed it up, fortified it. There is something obviously important there.”

Albright said U.S. and Israeli airstrikes “have not attacked the underground Isfahan site. We know, according to the IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency], highly enriched uranium is in that site. There may be an enrichment plant under construction in that underground complex. We would like that site to be attacked.”

Iranian worshipers hold up their hands as signs of unity with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during an anti-Israeli rally to condemn Israel’s attacks on Iran in downtown Tehran, Iran, June 20, 2025. (Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Albright warned that the war should not end like the previous U.S.-Israel war with Iran in 2025 with Tehran retaining the “crown jewels” of its atomic weapons program — highly enriched uranium and a number of centrifuges.

“You don’t want it to come out of this war with the same kind of nuclear weapons capabilities that it had at the end of June war with a higher incentive to build a bomb,” Albright said. That is why it’s so important “to finish the job” in Iran, he added.

Benjamin Weinthal reports on Israel, Iran, Syria, Turkey and Europe. You can follow Benjamin on Twitter @BenWeinthal, and email him at benjamin.weinthal@fox.com

Remains of ‘Three Musketeers’ inspiration may have been found in Netherlands

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March 27, 2026

ARCHAEOLOGISTS UNCOVER EERIE ANGLO-SAXON ‘SAND BODIES’ AT NUCLEAR POWER STATION SITE

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Archaeologists may have uncovered the remains of Charles de Batz de Castelmore d’Artagnan, the legendary French musketeer who inspired Alexandre Dumas’ “The Three Musketeers.”

The skeleton was found in front of an altar at St. Peter and Paul Church in Maastricht, the Netherlands, local officials said Wednesday.

Workers found the human remains in February after the floor caved in, Reuters reported.

Researchers are now testing DNA from the jawbone to see if it lines up with d’Artagnan’s descendants.

The church has long been considered a possible burial site for d’Artagnan, according to officials.

Archaeologists in the Netherlands are investigating whether newly discovered remains could belong to d’Artagnan, the famed musketeer linked to Alexandre Dumas’ novel. (John Thys/AFP via Getty Images; Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Speaking to Reuters, archaeologist Wim Dijkman said the excavation has become a “top-level investigation.”

He added, “We want to be absolutely certain — or as certain as possible — whether it is the famous musketeer, who was killed here near Maastricht.”

Fox News Digital reached out to Dijkman for further comment.

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Born in 1611, d’Artagnan served under King Louis XIV — known as the “Sun King” — and rose to captain of the Musketeers of the Guard, an elite military unit.

He was killed on June 25, 1673, near Maastricht, after being shot in the throat during a French siege.

Cartoon of musketeers, view of hole in church

The remains were discovered after the church floor collapsed, opening a hole that led archaeologists to a burial possibly tied to d’Artagnan. (De Agostini via Getty Images; REUTERS/Piroschka van de Wouw)

It’s believed that d’Artagnan was buried nearby, as it would have been impractical to transport his body back to France in the summer heat.

Jos Valke, a deacon of the church, told Reuters that additional clues also pointed to d’Artagnan.

These included a coin from 1660 and a fragment of a lead bullet near the burial.

Valke noted that d’Artagnan was supposedly buried in consecrated ground, according to a contemporary letter.

“When you add it all up … it seems plausible to us.”

“Well, ⁠under an altar — it couldn’t be much holier than that,” he said.

Valke added, “When you add it all up, then, it seems plausible to us. But of course, nothing is certain yet.”

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Dumas published “The Three Musketeers” in serial form beginning in May 1844, immortalizing d’Artagnan in fiction.

Published in book form later that year, it has since been widely read and adapted into films, plays and TV shows.

“We want to be absolutely certain — or as certain as possible — whether it is the famous musketeer, who was killed here near Maastricht,” said an archaeologist. (John Thys/AFP via Getty Images)

The discovery is one of many significant archaeological finds in the Netherlands in recent years.

Last summer, officials showcased a medieval sword with rare symbols that was found in a river by Dutch construction workers.

In 2024, archaeologists in North Holland found a creepy, centuries-old floor made of animal bones in a red-light district.

Reuters contributed reporting.

Brooklyn man goes viral for backing ICE agents deployed at Newark Airport

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March 27, 2026

TSA OFFICERS LOSE HOMES, CAN’T PAY MEDICAL BILLS, CAN’T AFFORD EASTER BASKETS FOR THEIR CHILDREN

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A Brooklyn man went viral for his take on the deployment of ICE agents to airports nationwide to assist TSA agents as the DHS shutdown consequences played out over the last several weeks.

Chris Scali briefly spoke with News 12 at Newark Liberty International Airport, saying ICE agents were “good” and not bothering anyone — comments that quickly gained widespread attention online.

Fox News Digital spoke with Scali on Thursday while he was vacationing in the Bahamas; he said he’d arrived with a friend at the airport four hours early.

“I walked into the airport, I saw a very small line and all I thought was, Now I gotta be here for three hours,” said Scali. “I started seeing the ICE agents walk, and I was like, They just look like they’re here to help.”

He added, “I mean, the last I knew, people were scared to go to airports years ago. The more safety [and] security, the better. That’s just the way I feel. I don’t really care who was there to help.”

Chris Scali of Brooklyn, New York, went viral after he expressed support for ICE agents who were helping out at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey amid the DHS shutdown. (Chris Scali)

“As long as everything goes smooth in the airport and everyone gets on their planes — God bless,” he said.

Scali said he felt their presence was just “common sense,” noting that every time he goes to an international airport, he sees customs agents and border patrol present.

AIR TRAVELERS ARE HACKING TSA LINES DURING HOURS-LONG MAJOR AIRPORT WAITS

“I wasn’t too sure what the fuss was [about]. Am I crazy? I don’t know,” he added.

The sports betting influencer of “Sports By Scal” on YouTube said a friend texted him the interview, telling him it was all over X, which Scali does not have. He said many people were sending him the clip.

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“I was so surprised because I didn’t really say much. I just said the obvious, like if they’re here to help, they’re here to help. I just wanted to get to the beach,” he added.

ice agents at baggage claim at newark airport in NJ

“I was so surprised because I didn’t really say much,” said a New York man about the presence of ICE agents at airports to help with crowd control and security line management. “I just said the obvious, that if they’re here to help, they’re here to help.” (Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Scali said it was the best flight he’s ever been on — and that the plane was half empty.

“The winter in New York was rough, so I needed to get away. I needed to sit on a beach. I haven’t got away in a long time,” he said.

“Me and my girl, we just wanted to sit down, relax on the beach, have a couple of drinks, enjoy ourselves — you know,” said Scali. “The last time I went on vacation was probably six months ago, so this was well deserved.”

“I’m glad it went smooth. That’s all I cared about,” he added.

“Because that’s the thing, right? It’s like, you know, all the anxiety leading up to going to the airport,” said Scali.

“I haven’t traveled in so long, but I don’t want to deal with a headache. It makes you not want to travel. Then you get there and everything’s smooth — easy peasy.”

ice agents on elevator at newark airport

“As long as everything goes smooth in the airport and everyone gets on their planes — God bless,” said one New York traveler about the extra help for airport security. (Matthew Hoen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

While Scali expressed a favorable view of ICE agents at airports, Democratic lawmakers criticized the decision by the Trump administration.

New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani posted to X on Tuesday, writing, “ICE doesn’t belong at our airports.”

U.S. House of Representatives Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries shared a similar sentiment earlier this week.

“The last thing that the American people need are for untrained ICE agents to be deployed at airports, all across the country, potentially to brutalize or in some instances kill them,” said Jeffries.

“I haven’t traveled in so long, but I don’t want to deal with a headache. It makes you not want to travel. Then you get there and everything’s smooth — easy peasy.”

President Donald Trump late Thursday said he would sign an executive order to “immediately pay our TSA Agents in order to address this Emergency Situation” and “quickly stop the Democrat Chaos at the Airports.”

In the wee hours of Friday morning, the Senate advanced a new, last-minute deal to reopen most of the DHS, 42 days into the shutdown that was spurred by the Trump administration’s immigration operations in Minnesota.

U.S. citizens and Green Card holders standing in a long line to clear immigration at an airport.

Arriving U.S. citizens and Green Card holders stand in line to clear immigration at Newark airport in New Jersey on Monday, March 9, 2026, amid the partial government shutdown. (Fox News Digital)

It was an agreement that largely gave Senate Democrats what they wanted — no funding for ICE and parts of Customs and Border Protection (CBP). But it lacked the stringent reforms they desired, such as requiring judicial warrants or requiring agents to unmask, as Fox News Digital has previously reported.

While the deal mirrors previous attempts by Democrats to pass similar legislation that carved out immigration funding, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., argued Democrats are still walking away empty-handed in the policy fight over immigration enforcement.