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Four lives saved by cruise ship from distressed boat taking on water in Gulf of Mexico

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Passengers aboard a cruise ship sailing from Texas to Mexico erupted in cheers after the crew rescued four people from a distressed, makeshift boat in the Gulf — the second such rescue involving a Caribbean cruise ship in just days, according to reports.

The Regal Princess was en route from Galveston to Cozumel on Monday, Feb. 23, when crew members responded to the distress suffered by a small boat that had four people aboard.

“Regal Princess responded to a small vessel in distress and safely rescued four individuals at sea,” the cruise line said in a statement shared with multiple media outlets.

“All four individuals were brought onboard and were evaluated by the ship’s medical team,” it continued. 

“Their safety and well-being remain our immediate priority.”

The Regal Princess cruise ship sailing from Texas to Mexico (not pictured) rescued four people from a small boat in distress this week. (Robin Utrecht/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Photos shared on social media showed what appeared to be four men aboard a small rusted boat constructed of metal and wood, as People reported.

A white sheet or tarp could be seen blowing in the wind as passengers dumped water from the vessel into the surrounding sea, according to the posts shared online.

CRUISE SHIP TRAPPED IN HEAVY SEA ICE IS RESCUED BY US COAST GUARD VESSEL

Fox News Digital reached out to Princess Cruises for comment as well as to passengers. 

Some of the travelers onboard said they noticed something unusual when their ship began to change course.

Princess cruise ship seen anchored off the Bahia de la Paz.

Passengers said their ship changed course (not pictured) before rescuing four people from a makeshift boat that had been taking on water. (Alfredo Martinez/Getty Images)

“We knew something was going on because the ship started turning,” passenger Melody Almogabar Barr told the Houston Chronicle.

When the ship’s captain announced the rescue was successful, people inside the packed theater began to cheer, said Barr.

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“It is clear that this cruise ship has passengers that care about the well-being of others, and we are grateful to have been a part of that,” she told the outlet.

Princess Cruises said the rescued individuals would be transported to the ship’s next scheduled port, where they would be received by local authorities and support services.

Aerial shot of the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1969, which is located along the Gulf coast of southeast Texas near Galveston shot via helicopter from an altitude of about 1000 feet.

The ship had departed Galveston, Texas, on Feb. 22 — and was set to return on March 1. (iStock)

“Consistent with international maritime obligations, individuals rescued at sea are cared for onboard and transported to the ship’s next scheduled port stop,” the cruise line reportedly said in its statement.

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Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, ships are required to provide assistance to anyone found at sea in danger, provided doing so does not pose serious risk to the rescuing vessel. 

The rule applies regardless of nationality or circumstances.

Ships are required to provide assistance to anyone found at sea in danger, provided doing so does not pose serious risk to the rescuing vessel. 

“Princess Cruises extends its sincere appreciation to the captain and crew of Regal Princess for their swift response, professionalism and unwavering commitment to safety,” the statement said. 

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“Their actions reflect the longstanding maritime tradition and obligation to assist those in distress at sea.”

The ship departed Galveston Feb. 22 for a seven-day Western Caribbean sailing, according to CruiseMapper. 

The itinerary included a stop in Cozumel, Mexico, followed by Roatan Island in Honduras; the ship was set to return to Texas on March 1.

Passengers walk along a pier beside the Carnival Dream cruise ship docked at a tropical port.

The rescue was the second in less than a week involving a Mexico-bound Caribbean cruise ship aiding a small vessel in distress. (iStock)

The rescue comes amid other recent incidents in the region. 

On the night of Feb. 16, a Carnival Cruise Line ship — also on its way to Cozumel — rescued another “small vessel in distress,” according to reports.

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A Carnival Celebration ship brought five people safely onboard as their makeshift boat reportedly began taking on water, Carnival Cruise Line told multiple outlets. 

The U.S. Coast Guard was notified and provided guidance during the rescue — and the ship continued its seven-day itinerary without disruption.

Related Article

Mexico cruise stops are suddenly scrapped as safety concerns continue in region

Deirdre Bardolf is a lifestyle writer with Fox News Digital.

Iran terror proxies on alert after US, Israel launch strikes against regime

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The Islamic Republic of Iran has built a coalition of largely Shiite terrorist proxies — the axis of resistance — that is set to join Tehran in counterstrikes in response to the joint U.S.-Israel preventive attacks on Iran’s military installations and leadership.

The most dangerous of Iran’s allies is its main strategic partner, which is Lebanese terrorist organization Hezbollah. Israel’s army had been intensely targeting Hezbollah positions ahead of the U.S. campaign, Operation Epic Fury.

A flag bearing the picture of assassinated pro-Iranian Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah flutters in front of a picture of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during a ceremony marking the first anniversary of Nasrallah’s assassination in an Israeli airstrike at his grave in Beirut. Beirut, Lebanon, Sept. 27, 2025. (Marwan Naamani/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images)

Hezbollah

The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) is obligated to disarm Hezbollah, according to the Nov. 2024 ceasefire with Israel. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson, Effie Defrin, said on Friday that “In Lebanon, we continue to act daily against attempts by the Hezbollah terrorist organization to rebuild and rearm.”

He said, “An example of this is the strike we carried out yesterday in the Baalbek area, during which we targeted ammunition depots and eliminated terrorists from the Radwan Force. We will not allow Hezbollah to rebuild its capabilities and pose a threat to Israeli civilians.”

IF KHAMENEI FALLS, WHO TAKES IRAN? STRIKES WILL EXPOSE POWER VACUUM — AND THE IRGC’S GRIP

Thick smoke billows over buildings in Tehran following Israeli airstrikes.

Smoke rises over the city after the Israeli army launched a second wave of airstrikes on Iran in Tehran on Feb. 28, 2026. (Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu via Getty Images)

An official from Hezbollah said on Wednesday that the jihadi terrorist organization will not intervene militarily if the U.S. delivers “limited” strikes Iran. Yet the Hezbollah official said they regard any attack against Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is a “red line.”

According to the Israel-based Alma Research and Education Center (Alma),”Hezbollah fields a substantial combat force, estimated at around 40,000–50,000 active combatants and an additional 30,000–50,000 reservists. Central to its offensive structure is the Radwan Unit, which Hezbollah is making major efforts to rebuild and restore.”

Hezbollah

Iran rebuilds Hezbollah ties as Trump gives 10-15 day deadline. (Fadel Itani/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

IDF Lt. Col. (Res.) Sarit Zehavi, president and founder of Alma in northern Israel, told Fox News Digital, that the “Lebanese army is not putting much effort into disarming Hezbollah. The outcome of that is good intentions are just words. As a resident of the north, I have not seen any systematic disarmament.”

Edy Cohen, a Lebanese-born Israeli scholar of Hezbollah, told Fox News Digital the “Lebanese population does not see Hezbollah as resistance” because Hezbollah lost its recent war against Israel. He said Hezbollah failed in its efforts to aid Hamas in Gaza to defeat Israel after its Oct. 7, 2023, invasion of the Jewish state.

Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces:

The second Iranian-backed proxy is the Shiite militia movement in Iraq. Entifadh Qanbar, a former spokesman for the deputy Prime Minister of Iraq, told Fox News Digital he believes the Shiite militia will join Iran in the war: “Many second-tier Shia leaders, militia lords, as I like to call them, harbor ambitions to rise and challenge the aging top-tier top leadership. They have accumulated enormous wealth, and the only way they can compete with the old guard is by proving to Iran that they are bold, reckless and ready to fight in defense of Tehran.”

Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces

A general view taken on April 5, 2015 shows members of the Popular Mobilisation units – paramilitary forces that are dominated by Iran-backed Shiite militias – holding an Islamist flag in Tikrit after Iraqi forces retook the nothern city from Islamic State (IS) group jihadists earlier in the month.  (Mohammed Sawaf/AFP via Getty Images)

He added, “Their ambitions have blinded their rational thinking. These are militia terrorists with little understanding of the outside world, yet they are dangerously overconfident. They are loose cannons, completely out of control and Iran is prepared to throw them into the fire because they are expendable. That is why you see Kataeb Hezbollah in Iraq issuing threats, while older, more established militias like Hezbollah Lebanon have made it clear they will not participate.”

The pro-Iran Iraqi militia accuses the U.S. of bombing it and pledged a retaliatory response on Saturday. Kataeb Hezbollah said the U.S. is responsible for a strike that targeted an Iraqi military base that houses the Iranian proxy militia. The Iraqi terrorist group says it will “soon start assaulting American bases in response to their attacks.”

Houthi fighters trample U.S.,UK flags

Houthi terrorists walk over British and U.S. flags at a rally in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, and the recent Houthi strikes on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden on Feb. 4, 2024, on the outskirts of Sana’a, Yemen.  (Mohammed Hamoud/Getty Images)

Houthis:

The third part of the axis of resistance is the Houthi movement in Yemen.

The Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen have decided to resume missile and drone attacks on shipping routes and on Israel in support of Iran, according to two senior Houthi officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because there is no official announcement from the Houthi leadership, according to the Associated Press.

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One of the officials said the rebels’ first attack could come as soon as “tonight.” Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) in the Gaza Strip is also part of the axis of resistance and Hamas and Iran are also partners in their campaigns to destroy the Jewish state.

THE Associated Press contributed to this report.

Related Article

World leaders split over military action as US-Israel strike Iran in coordinated operation

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

What is Amazon Vendor Central?

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RPR Comando is back with “What is Amazon Vendor Central?” Navigating the Amazon ecosystem can feel like a maze, especially when you are deciding how to position your brand for maximum growth. Many brands find themselves asking what is Amazon Vendor Central and whether it’s the right path forward. This article first appeared on https://rprcomando.com/what-is-amazon-vendor-central/   #BookMarketing #PRDistribution #PressReleaseMarketing

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LifeX Research Comments on AI Public Health Planning Advancements in 2026

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LifeX Research Comments on AI Public Health Planning Advancements in 2026 33

LifeX Research, a leading voice in longevity and health-tech trends, recently released a comprehensive analysis of these advancements. Their verdict? We are currently witnessing “The Great Calibration” – a fundamental shift where data is finally catching up to human biology.

Atlanta, GA, February 27, 2026, LifeX Research As the threshold of 2026 is crossed, the intersection of artificial intelligence and public health has moved past the era of speculative “moonshots” and into a phase of rigorous, systemic integration. This AI Public Health Revolution is transforming the way we address longstanding challenges in healthcare.

In 2026, public health planning is no longer a reactive discipline focused on managing outbreaks or chronic disease after the fact. Instead, it has become a proactive, predictive science. Here is an in-depth look at the core advancements LifeX Research highlights as the pillars of this new era.

From “Sick Care” to “Signal Care”

For decades, the primary hurdle in public health was the “data lag.” By the time health departments identified a trend, the damage was often done. LifeX Research points out that 2026 marks the first year where Real-Time Signal Processing has become the standard for municipal health planning. 

Through the integration of anonymized wearable data, environmental sensors, and even wastewater monitoring, AI models can now detect physiological “noise” across entire zip codes. LifeX notes that this allows planners to identify rising cortisol levels or sleep disturbances in a specific region weeks before those residents might seek clinical help for burnout or cardiovascular issues. This transition from “sick care” to “signal care” allows for hyper-local interventions, such as targeted mental health resources or environmental adjustments before a crisis manifests.

The Rise of Hyper-Localized Health Equity in the AI Public Health Revolution

One of the most profound comments from LifeX Research involves the “Invisible Gaps” in healthcare. Historically, minority and underserved populations have been underrepresented in medical data, leading to biased AI models. In 2026, the advancement of Synthetic Data Generation and Federated Learning has begun to solve this.

LifeX highlights how AI is now used to “fill in the blanks” by simulating health outcomes in data-poor environments without compromising individual privacy. Public health planners are using these insights to deploy mobile clinics and nutritional programs with surgical precision.

Rather than a blanket city-wide initiative, AI allows for “micro-planning,” ensuring that a neighborhood with a high prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension receives specific diagnostic tools tailored to its unique socio-economic profile.

Longevity as a Public Infrastructure

LifeX Research has long championed the concept of “Longevity as a Service,” and in 2026, this concept has officially entered public policy. AI-driven planning now treats aging not as an inevitability, but as a manageable biological process that affects public infrastructure. Planners are utilizing AI to model the long-range economic impact of biological aging. 

By analyzing the “biological age” of a population versus its “chronological age,” cities are redesigning everything from public transport to park lighting to encourage “Low-Impact Longevity” – small, AI-suggested lifestyle nudges integrated into the city’s physical layout. LifeX notes that this systemic approach to longevity is expected to reduce the burden on public healthcare systems by up to 15% by the end of the decade.

The AI Public Health Revolution in Behavioral Health

Perhaps the most controversial, yet effective, advancement noted by LifeX is the use of Behavioral Metadata. In 2026, AI can analyze the “digital exhaust” of a population—app usage patterns, gait analysis from smartphones, and linguistic changes in social media—to predict mental health trends. 

LifeX Research comments that this has revolutionized suicide prevention and depression screening. Public health departments now use these aggregate signals to trigger “Community Wellness Responses.” For example, if AI identifies a significant shift in the linguistic markers of a specific demographic, health planners can deploy non-intrusive, supportive digital content or bolster community center staffing.

LifeX emphasizes that the key to this advancement is transparency and trust, ensuring that the data is used for collective benefit rather than individual surveillance.

The Integration of Value-Based Employer Planning

A significant portion of LifeX’s 2026 report focuses on the blurred lines between public health and employer responsibility. With AI, corporations are now functioning as “micro-public health zones.” LifeX observes that the most successful companies in 2026 are those using AI to create Adaptive Benefit Ecosystems. 

Instead of a standard annual health plan, AI allows employers to adjust benefits in real-time based on the workforce’s current health needs. If the AI detects a spike in respiratory strain during a high-pollen season or a localized smog event, the “benefit plan” might automatically pivot to offer subsidized air purifiers or telehealth respiratory consults.

LifeX argues that this “Value-Based” integration is the future of corporate sustainability, linking employee biological health directly to organizational productivity.

Navigating the Ethics of the “Digital Twin”

Finally, LifeX Research addresses the elephant in the room: the Population Digital Twin. By 2026, many major metropolitan areas have developed a digital replica of their population’s health dynamics. These models allow planners to “run a simulation” of a new policy – such as a tax on sugar or the addition of a new bike lane – to see the projected health outcomes over 20 years.

While LifeX praises the efficiency of these models, they also issue a cautionary note. The “Great Calibration” requires a new social contract. To prevent AI from becoming a tool of exclusion, LifeX advocates for Algorithmic Accountability.

They suggest that every public health AI model must be audited by independent “Bio-Ethical Boards” to ensure that the pursuit of efficiency doesn’t come at the cost of individual liberty or privacy.

Looking Ahead: The Human Element as Part of the AI Public Health Revolution

LifeX Research concludes that while the advancements of 2026 are driven by silicon and code, their success depends entirely on human empathy. AI can tell us where the help is needed and what that help should be, but the actual delivery of care remains a deeply human endeavor. 

As we move toward 2027, the goal is no longer just to live longer, but to live better through a seamless partnership between human intuition and machine intelligence. The public health planning of 2026 is not just about data points; it’s about creating a world where the environment is designed to help us thrive by default.

For those looking to enhance their practice’s effectiveness, exploring LifeX Research’s offerings is a vital step forward. The future of healthcare lies in intelligent data-driven decision-making – make sure you’re part of that evolution by visiting https://lifexresearch.com/ today.

Explore how you can transform your approach to population health analytics and ultimately elevate the standard of care for your patients.

For more information, visit: https://lifexresearch.com/

Media Contact:

LifeX Research Corp.
Attn: Media Relations
Atlanta, GA
support@lifexresearch.com

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LifeX Research Comments on AI Public Health Planning Advancements in 2026 34

Bill Clinton says he had ‘no idea’ of Epstein’s crimes in closed-door testimony

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Former President Bill Clinton is telling the House Oversight Committee that he had “no idea” of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes as his deposition kicks off in Chappaqua, New York.

Clinton is in the hot seat for the committee’s bipartisan investigation into the late financier and sex trafficker for what is expected to be an all-day session of questions into his relationship with Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell.

“Now, let me say what you’re going to hear from me. First, I had no idea of the crimes Epstein was committing. No matter how many photos you show me, I have two things that, at the end of the day, matter more than your interpretation of those 20-year-old photos,” Clinton said, according to his prepared opening remarks.

“I know what I saw and more importantly, what I didn’t see. I know what I did and more importantly, what I didn’t do. I saw nothing and I did nothing wrong.”

Former President Bill Clinton speaks onstage in New York City on Sept. 18, 2023. (Noam Galai/Getty Images for Clinton Global Initiative)

Clinton also warned lawmakers, “You’ll often hear me say that I don’t recall” but said he would not speculate when asked questions.

“That might be unsatisfying, but I’m not going to say something I’m not sure of. This was all a long time ago, and I’m bound by my oath not to speculate or to guess. This is not merely for my benefit, but because it doesn’t help you for me to play detective 24 years later,” Clinton said.

Meanwhile House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., suggested he had an abundance of questions for the former president ahead of the deposition.

“I think everyone’s seen that there are a lot of photos that have been released by the Department of Justice (DOJ) as well as the Epstein estate. There are a lot of email correspondence that included President Clinton,” Comer said when asked what he needed to hear.

“Secretary Clinton confirmed this yesterday: Jeffrey Epstein was in the White House 17 times while Bill Clinton was president. We know that Bill Clinton flew on Jeffrey Epstein’s plane at least 27 times. So those are questions that we’re going to ask.”

He said questions would pertain to Epstein and to Clinton’s relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell, the late financier’s accomplice who is serving out a prison term in Texas after being convicted on federal sex trafficking charges.

Comer told reporters that his list of questions for Clinton had “increased” in the wake of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s own deposition before the committee on Thursday.

“Mrs. Clinton deferred a lot of questions to her husband today. There were at least a dozen times when she said, ‘You’ll have to ask my husband that. I can’t answer that,'” the chairman said.

House Republicans at podium

Rep. James Comer, a Republican from Kentucky and chairman of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, center, joined by Republican members of the House Oversight Committee, speaks to members of the media while arriving for a closed-door deposition with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center in Chappaqua, N.Y., on Feb. 26, 2026. (Adam Gray/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

He said that many of those deferrals had to do with the Clintons’ nonprofit work.

BILL CLINTON FACES HIGH-STAKES HOUSE GRILLING IN EPSTEIN PROBE AFTER HILLARY BLASTS ‘FISHING EXPEDITION’

“There are so many examples in the evidence the Department of Justice released, in correspondence where Epstein bragged about how involved he was initially in setting up the Clinton Global Initiative and the Clinton Foundation,” he said.

“We asked those questions to Secretary Clinton yesterday, and she kept saying she was in the Senate at that time. She wasn’t focused on it. ‘You’ll have to ask my husband.’ So a lot of the Clinton Global Initiative questions yesterday went unanswered because Mrs. Clinton deferred to her husband.”

Bill Clinton’s deposition began a few minutes after 11 a.m. on Friday, a person familiar with planning told Fox News Digital.

Comer told reporters on Thursday after Hillary Clinton’s sitdown that he expected the ordeal to be “even longer” on Friday. 

Her deposition lasted roughly six hours from start to finish, with a brief lunch break in between.

Hillary Clinton at podium

Hillary Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State, speaks to members of the media outside the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center in Chappaqua, N.Y., Feb. 26, 2026.  (Adam Gray/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

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Neither of the Clintons has been accused of anything related to Epstein’s crimes. But the former president’s name appears multiple times in documents released by the DOJ and the House Oversight Committee pertaining to the investigation into Epstein.

Like his wife’s testimony, Clinton will speak to the committee behind closed doors and under oath. 

The interview will be transcribed, with a video likely to be released within a week of its conclusion.

Related Article

Clintons cave: Comer says Bill and Hillary to testify in Epstein probe

Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital leading coverage of the House of Representatives. Previous digital bylines seen at Daily Mail and CBS News.

Follow on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com

About-to-be married couple cancel Mexico wedding amid cartel violence, scramble for fix

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Kaitlin Bucaro and Robbie Morris couldn’t wait to get married in Guadalajara, Mexico, on Friday. 

But their vision took a shocking turn this week as Mexico was ravaged by violence after the killing of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho.”

The Chicago couple abruptly canceled their long-planned destination wedding amid safety concerns and government warnings, as Fox32 Chicago reported. 

Even so, the couple — who met in college and dated for four years — was determined to get married Friday. With less than a week to find a venue and vendors, the bride and groom scrambled to see if a reception hall or restaurant was available at very short notice.

Enter a local restaurant. 

“I said, you know, I’m going to see what I can do to help,” Nicholas Cuda, managing partner of The Alston restaurant in Chicago, told Fox32 in an interview.

A couple had to alert 150 guests that their long-planned wedding in Mexico (not pictured) had to be canceled — but the story doesn’t end there.  (iStock)

“Marriage is [a] unique thing, and for her and her fiancé to be going through this at this point in time, not being able to continue to the destination wedding [that] they’d planned — for me, it was heartbreaking.”

Before finding a local venue, Bucaro and Morris had to alert 150 guests that their wedding in Mexico had been canceled. 

It felt like grieving, the couple said.

AMERICAN TRAPPED AT LUXURY RESORT IN MEXICO TOLD ‘NO ONE’S LEAVING’ BY HOTEL STAFF

“[We were] dealing with the shock and sadness, and kind of like grieving that our dream kind of died,” Marcus told Fox32.

“We then very quickly realized we want to get married on Friday — and whether it’s Guadalajara or not, it’s still, I think, something we were determined to pull off.”

Guadalajara, Mexico is a dream wedding destination

Guadalajara, Mexico, was the Chicago couple’s choice of dream wedding destination. Shown above, the Guadalajara Cathedral (Catedral de Guadalajara) in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. (iStock)

Earlier this week, the couple still did not have a venue, photographer, DJ or florist lined up. 

Bucaro started to see the government warnings online as of last Sunday.

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“We had to make so many quick decisions,” Bucaro said. 

“But also grieving the fact that the wedding we’d been trying to put on for a year and the vision we have in this beautiful location [is] no longer available to us,” she told NBC Chicago. 

Chicago couple scrambles to find wedding venue

As of Monday, the couple didn’t have a venue or vendors. But they were determined to get married Friday no matter what. (iStock)

Morris said they took turns crying. 

“We decided that we were going to press on, and we’re going to find a way,” he recalled.

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Bucaro agreed. 

“We’re going to be surrounded by people who love us so much, and that’s what really matters.”

Chicago couple looks for last-minute wedding venue

“I’m going to see what I can do to help,” said Nicholas Cuda, managing partner of The Alston restaurant in Chicago — which has stepped up to the challenge for the couple.  (iStock)

Ultimately, the couple found The Alston restaurant in Chicago — which embraced the wild challenge the couple was facing. 

Savannah Jimenez of The Alston in Chicago spoke about how her venue took on the happy occasion within mere days. “Pulling off a seamless event on such short notice is exactly what we want to do best,” she said. “We’re just happy to be part of this.”

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Bucaro and Morris’ wedding is far from the only event in Mexico that was canceled this week.

Four professional soccer matches in Mexico were postponed Sunday after violence flared near Guadalajara — one of the country’s host cities for the 2026 World Cup — in the wake of a military operation that left the cartel leader dead.

Concerts and music events in several parts of Mexico were also scrapped or rescheduled. 

Mexico cartel violence

Smoke rises after violence recently hit Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. (Photo courtesy of Scott Posilkin)

Colombian artist Kali Uchis was slated to perform in the Mexican state of Jalisco on Sunday, but her show was reportedly canceled. 

A Feb. 24 security alert indicated that shelter-in-place orders have now been lifted in cities including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Tulum, Tijuana and Puerto Vallarta, as Fox News Digital previously reported. 

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As of Thursday afternoon, Mexico was still at a level 2 travel advisory, according to the State Department — whose guidance is that Americans use increased caution.

Fox News Digital’s Landon Mion contributed reporting.

Related Article

Mexico cruise stops are suddenly scrapped as safety concerns continue in region

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

Man arrested in connection with graffiti defacing Winston Churchill statue in UK

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A man was arrested after a statue of late United Kingdom Prime Minister Winston Churchill was defaced with red graffiti in London, the Metropolitan Police noted in a post on X.

Photos show the statue and its base defaced with messages such as “NEVER AGAIN IS NOW,” “ZIONIST WAR CRIMINAL” AND “GLOBALISE THE INTIFADA!”

“Overnight, the Winston Churchill statue in Parliament Square was graffitied with red paint,” the police noted in the post on Friday.

A woman takes photos of the statue of Sir Winston Churchill in Parliament Square, which was defaced overnight with red paint and the words “Free Palestine,” in London, England, Feb. 27, 2026.  (REUTERS/Carlos Jasso)

“Officers were on scene within two minutes of being alerted shortly after 4am. A 38-yr-old man is in custody having been arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage,” the police added.

A Dutch activist group claimed credit for the graffiti. 

HUNDREDS OF RUSSIAN SHADOW TANKERS TRIGGER MILITARY ALARM TRANSITING NATO WATERS: REPORT

A statue of Winston Churchill covered in graffiti

The statue of Sir Winston Churchill, which was defaced overnight with red paint and the words “Never again is now,” in Parliament Square, London, England, Feb. 27, 2026.  (Reuters/Carlos Jasso)

“On the morning of 27th February, the statue of Winston Churchill at Parliament Square was defaced with red paint. This protest was organised and executed by @freethefilton24nl,” a post on Instagram claims.

The post features a pre-recorded statement in which a man says, “My name is Olax Outis. I am a citizen of the Netherlands.” 

THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF WINSTON CHURCHILL

Defaced Churchill statue in England

The Churchill statue in Parliament Square is vandalized in the early hours of the morning with red paint and anti-Israel slogans including “Zionist war criminal”, “Stop the Genocide”, “Never again is Now,” “Globalise the Intifada,” and what appears to be “Greetings from the Hague” in Dutch on Feb. 27, 2026, in London. (Guy Smallman/Getty Images)

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He identifies himself as “part of a Dutch action group called Free the Filton 24 NL,” explaining, “I’ve come to the United Kingdom to deface statue of one of history’s most well-known war criminals, Winston Churchill.”

Related Article

Former UK ambassador to US released on bail after arrest in Epstein misconduct investigation

Alex Nitzberg is a writer for Fox News Digital.

How to Optimize Your Amazon Storefront

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RPR Comando is back with “How to Optimize Your Amazon Storefront” Optimizing your Amazon Storefront is no longer just about listing products; it is about creating a high-converting, branded destination that captures attention both on and off the platform. With millions of shoppers browsing daily, a generic storefront is a missed opportunity for brand storytelling and long-term loyalty. This article first appeared on https://rprcomando.com/how-to-optimize-your-amazon-storefront/  #BookMarketing #PRDistribution #PressReleaseMarketing

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American tourists reconsider Mexico spring break trips amid cartel violence

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As the cartel conflict in Mexico continues, and American tourists remain stranded in Mexico, spring breakers have been reconsidering their vacation destinations for the weeks ahead.

In the “r/AllInclusiveResorts” forum on Reddit, one traveler asked, “Are lots of people canceling their Mexico trip [for] spring break?” — sparking debates about travel safety. 

“If violence continues next week and extends to other states and cities/towns, then we will likely cancel,” one person wrote. “I don’t want to expose my kids to that nonsense.”

Another user shared, “I’ve spent considerable time in the conflict region and have local loved ones. Seriously, cancel your Jalisco trip right now. This is not the spring break for Puerto Vallarta.”

Another person shared a different view. “The cartels do not target tourists, even American tourists, because they know it further escalates the situation for them and risks their businesses if the U.S. is more involved,” the person wrote. 

With spring break season beginning, many travelers are reconsidering their vacation destination amid the violence and conflict in parts of Mexico.  (Reportajes El Molinon for FoxNews.com)

March and April are the most popular months for spring break vacations — with 173 million passengers expected to fly between March 1 and April 30 this year, according to Airlines for America.

Travelmation travel advisor Mallory Dumond, based in North Carolina, told Fox News Digital that many clients are looking to pivot their trips. She said those reconsidering their travel plans to Mexico might consider exploring all-inclusive resort options in the Caribbean.

RESCUE TEAM HEADING TO MEXICO TO FREE AMERICAN TOURISTS TRAPPED AMID CARTEL VIOLENCE

“The Dominican Republic, in particular, offers numerous beachfront all-inclusive resorts, with robust safety protocols and flexible experiences,” she said. 

“[It’s] an excellent alternative for vacationers looking to swap destinations without sacrificing value or quality.”

Tourists walk past a burned storefront in Puerto Vallarta after cartel violence in Jalisco, Mexico.

Amid Puerto Vallarta security concerns, travel advisors are recommending Caribbean alternatives for this spring break and vacation season.  (Alfredo Estrella/AFP via Getty Images)

Many travelers are still waiting to get out of Mexico, as U.S. officials have issued a fourth travel alert due to “ongoing security operations.” Previously, Americans were asked to shelter in place until all blockades were cleared.

Wendee Puccetti of Wisconsin recently told Fox News Digital that she and her husband were supposed to leave Punta Mita, Mexico, on Sunday after a week-long vacation.

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Puccetti said she’d booked her trip with a vacation package agency, and had received only an email notice from the organization.

She said the group sent a link to a portal with flight options.

wisconsin tourists

Wendee Puccetti of Wisconsin, pictured, said she and her husband were supposed to leave Punta Mita, Mexico, on Sunday after a week-long vacation. (Wendee Puccetti)

Puccetti was able to extend her stay at her current hotel, and said she was standing by until the next flight out became available. 

Dumond of Travelmation said travelers attempting to obtain refunds for resorts in Mexico should review booking terms to see the policies for cancellations.

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“Contact your airline as soon as possible to see if the security issues merit flight changes or refunds, and work with a travel advisor or tour operator for rebooking, partial or full refunds, or resort credits,” she said.

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“Situations like this are always why I always recommend travel insurance,” Drumond added. “If you have insurance, check your policy to see if these issues are covered for your trip.”

Mexico cartel violence

In Puerto Vallarta, flights were disrupted while other airports in Mexico remained open, according to the alert. (Photo courtesy of Scott Posilkin)

She also said kindness and patience can go a long way in these situations, and that travelers should be proactive, but also polite.

Clearly stating the impact that safety concerns have on the ability to travel can improve a traveler’s chances of a favorable outcome, she noted. 

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“One of the most important things I try to help travelers understand is that they should keep in mind the country’s geography,” said Dumond. 

“Mexico is a very large country, and situations that may be happening in one region can be hundreds of miles away from other major resort areas.”

Related Article

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

Tampa International Airport sparks firestorm with hilarious pajama ban post

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Tampa International Airport set off a social media firestorm Thursday when the organization’s X account posted an alert telling travelers to stop wearing pajamas at the airport.

“It’s time to ban pajamas at Tampa International Airport,” the X post began. 

“We’ve seen enough. We’ve had enough. It’s time to ban pajamas at Tampa International Airport. 

“After successfully banning Crocs and giving everyone the amazing opportunity to experience the world’s first Crocs-free airport, it’s time to take on an even larger crisis.

“Pajamas. At. The. Airport. In the middle of the day,” the post added. 

Travelers immediately descended on X to complain or applaud. But it turns out the highly controversial post was a bit of a joke.

“Tampa International Airport regularly shares lighthearted, satirical social media content as part of our ongoing effort to engage with our followers,” Tampa International Airport told Fox News Digital in response to outreach for comment. 

“Today’s post about ‘banning’ pajamas was another playful nod to day-of-travel fashion debates.

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“We encourage our passengers to travel comfortably and appreciate our loyal followers who enjoy the online humor.”

Even so, travelers descended on X to share their outrage.

The Tampa Airport ignited a social media firestorm after posting on X that the airport wants to ban pajamas. (Robert Sabo/NY Daily News Archive)

“What kind of authoritarian bulls— is this?” one follower wrote.

“How are you even classifying clothing as pajamas to begin with? Are sweatpants, yoga pants, children wearing soft clothes pajamas?” the traveler continued.

Another traveler disagreed with all of that. 

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“I love this! Let’s go back to the way it was in the ‘50s, ’60s and ’70s!” the woman said.

A third commenter chimed in, “If they don’t smell bad and aren’t bothering anyone, why do y’all care so much? Can y’all focus on actually cleaning your bathrooms for once and speeding up TSA lines instead?”

Travelers debate whether people should be able to wear pajamas to the airport

In recent years, the dress code at airports has become increasingly casual. (Elijah Nouvelage/Bloomberg)

The Tampa Airport concluded its post by saying, “We know this decision could be disruptive to someone in your life. It’s time to have a difficult conversation with them. You can do this. We (and Phoebe) believe in you.

“The madness stops today. The movement starts now.

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“Help Tampa International Airport become the world’s first Crocs-free AND pajama-free airport. DO YOUR PART. SAY NO TO PAJAMAS AT TPA.”

This isn’t the first time in recent months that a dress code crackdown stirred the pot.

Last week, Norwegian Cruise Line passengers were angered when the company banned shorts and flip-flops at its premiere restaurants.

Norwegian Cruise Line slammed for "idiotic" dining dress code

Norwegian Cruise Line passengers also complained about a stricter dress code. (Jeff Greenberg/ Universal Images Group)

“Do not like the new rules for some of the restaurant venues. I am on VACATION, in a warm-weather climate, wearing a [collared] shirt and nice shorts,” one traveler wrote in response to one of the company’s Facebook posts, Fox News Digital previously reported.

“Been on 15 cruises with Norwegian, loved the relaxed style. …Tell the fuddy daddies where to go,” the person added about the new policy, calling it “idiotic.”

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Others disagreed. One said, “Bring back class to sailing. For the nicer restaurants, not too much to ask to require slacks and a nice shirt.”

Another added, “Bravo on the new dress codes for restaurants!”

Norwegian Cruise Line wants passengers to dress up for dinner

“Do not like the new rules for some of the restaurant venues,” one traveler complained about the new Norwegian Cruise Line dress code. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group)

In November, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said he had noticed “a degradation in civility” among air travelers and launched what he called a “civility campaign” to encourage courtesy and patience during the crush of holiday travel. 

Duffy encouraged travelers to “say please and thank you to our pilots and to our flight attendants” and to dress “with some respect.”

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“You know, whether it’s a pair of jeans and a decent shirt, I would encourage people to maybe dress a little bit better, which encourages us to maybe behave a little better,” he said. 

“Let’s try not to wear slippers and pajamas as we come to the airport. I think that’s positive.” 

Duffy also encouraged passengers to help other passengers who are struggling to put their bags in the overhead bins “as a common courtesy and civility.”

Fox News Digital’s Peter Burke and Greg Wehner contributed reporting.

Related Article

Viral video divides passengers about handling TSA security bins or not after screening

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

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