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American Airlines launches retro-inspired trading cards for its centennial

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American Airlines is leaning into nostalgia as it marks its upcoming centennial, unveiling a new set of retro-inspired trading cards for passengers.

Starting in early May, travelers will be able to collect the cards directly from pilots on select flights, with wider availability expected ahead of the summer travel season, the airline said in a press release.

The cards feature a mix of modern aircraft and historic planes that helped shape the airline’s legacy.

POPULAR AIRLINE’S RETRO FOOD MENU SPARKS ‘GOLDEN AGE’ FLYING COMPARISONS AS PASSENGERS REACT

Alongside current fleet types such as the Airbus A321neo and Boeing 787, the airline is releasing special edition cards highlighting vintage aircraft including the DC-3, 707-123 and MD-80.

“These trading cards are a culmination of 100 years of special moments shared between pilots, planes and passengers,” said Captain Alan Johnson, American’s vice president of flight operations.

American Airlines is celebrating its upcoming 100th anniversary by introducing retro-style trading cards (pictured). (American Airlines)

Each card includes an image of the aircraft, technical details and historical facts, giving aviation enthusiasts a collectible piece of airline history.

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Passengers are encouraged to ask pilots for the cards, which will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, the airline noted.

American plans to print millions of cards in time for summer, increasing the chances for travelers to get one.

Fox News Digital reached out to American Airlines for further comment.

American Airlines Boeing 737-800 airplane flying in partly cloudy blue sky

Passengers may request the cards from pilots, with distribution occurring on a first-come, first-served basis. (iStock)

On social media, aviation fans have already embraced similar offerings, with passengers frequently sharing videos of themselves asking pilots for trading cards on flights.

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Delta Air Lines has offered pilot trading cards for years and expanded the idea with a centennial-themed collection in 2025, distributing millions of cards to passengers.

Posts across platforms like TikTok show passengers requesting trading cards from pilots before and after their flights.

Woman talking on mobile phone at airport with American Airlines plane in background

Beginning in early May, travelers may collect the cards directly from pilots on select flights. (iStock)

Fox News Digital previously reported that American Airlines began tapping into nostalgia earlier this year as part of efforts to enhance the passenger experience.

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The carrier introduced a retro-inspired in-flight menu tied to its centennial celebration, with dishes debuting in February and expanding in the months that followed.

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The offerings include items modeled after meals from the early days of commercial aviation, such as beef Wellington, prawn cocktail and Waldorf salad.

Kelly McGreal is a production assistant with the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. 

Some 450 medieval cannonballs were unearthed at a construction site in Belgium

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Some 450 medieval cannonballs were unearthed at a construction site in Belgium

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Archaeologists recently uncovered a cache of hundreds of medieval cannonballs at a construction site in Belgium.

The discovery was made ahead of construction of an administrative center in Nieuwpoort, the city said in a recent press release.

In a translated statement, the city said the research “has already yielded highly valuable finds that may shed more light on an important chapter of Nieuwpoort’s history.”

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Images from the excavation show dozens of stone cannonballs piled together, as well as exposed brickwork and soil layers that shed light on the city’s medieval past.

Nieuwpoort is a coastal city in western Belgium near the French border. It was founded in the 12th century and has nearly 1,000 years of history beneath its surface.

Archaeologists in Belgium uncovered hundreds of medieval cannonballs during excavation work ahead of a planned administrative building project in Nieuwpoort. (Stad Nieuwpoort)

Around 450 cannonballs were found in total. 

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They date between 1350 and 1600 A.D. — and were likely fired from trebuchets or catapults.

“To our knowledge, this is the first [such discovery] in Flanders and maybe the whole world.”

“Their high degree of standardization and quality finishing suggests they were more likely intended for firearms,” the city noted.

“Notably, the variation in sizes points to a highly diverse arsenal.”

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Archaeologists also found an intact shell from World War I, along with subsurface traces of medieval activity, as well as walls and floor levels.

“The proximity of the site to the City Hall and its belfry, which has stood there since the 13th century, makes these findings particularly significant,” officials said.

Split image of hundreds of cannonballs at the site

A large cache of stone cannonballs dating between 1350 and 1600 A.D. was discovered beneath the surface of the historic Belgian city. (Stad Nieuwpoort)

“It is still too early to draw definitive conclusions about the precise function and dating of these structures. Further analysis of the finds and additional dating efforts are expected to provide more.”

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Alexander Doucet, a fieldwork coordinator at the archaeological firm Group Van Vooren, told Fox News Digital that archaeologists have wrapped up excavation as of early April.

Archaeologists plan to spend up to two years analyzing the data and samples before compiling their findings into a final report.

“For now, the archaeologists have taken the cannonballs with them for further examination.”

Doucet called the discovery “highly unusual” — especially because the large cache was found in one location.

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“To our knowledge, this is the first time in Flanders and maybe the whole world,” the archaeologist said.

While the reason they were placed there is still a mystery, Doucet said the cannonballs may have been discarded into a cellar that needed to be filled.

Medieval soil layers at excavation site

Archaeologists also uncovered remnants of walls and floor levels, pointing to significant medieval activity at the site. (Stad Nieuwpoort)

“For now, the archaeologists have taken the cannonballs with them for further examination,” he said.

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“After this is completed, the owner of the cannonballs, the city of Nieuwpoort, can decide what to do with them. The archaeologists are going to make recommendations that the balls be displayed as a whole.”

Titanic survivor’s life jacket sells for over $900,000 at auction

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Titanic survivor's life jacket sells for over $900,000 at auction

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A life jacket worn by a Titanic survivor sold for more than $900,000 at auction Saturday, far exceeding expectations and highlighting the enduring fascination with the doomed ship.

The flotation device — believed to be one of only a handful of Titanic life jackets still in existence — was used by first-class passenger Laura Mabel Francatelli during the ship’s 1912 sinking and was the only one of its kind ever offered at auction.

It sold for 670,000 pounds, or roughly $906,000, including fees, at Henry Aldridge & Son auctioneers in Devizes, England, to an unidentified telephone bidder.

The final price far surpassed its estimated range of about $339,000 to $475,000.

DEEP-SEA TREASURE HUNTER FREED AFTER DECADE BEHIND BARS FOR REFUSING TO REVEAL GOLD LOCATION

A Titanic life-preserver, belonging to a survivor is shown in London, Wednesday, May 16, 2007. (AP Photo/Sang Tan)

Other items sold at the auction included a seat cushion from a Titanic lifeboat, which fetched about $527,000 and was purchased by the owners of Titanic museums in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and Branson, Missouri.

“These record-breaking prices illustrate the continuing interest in the Titanic story, and the respect for the passengers and crew whose stories are immortalized by these items of memorabilia,” auctioneer Andrew Aldridge said.

Francatelli wore the life jacket as she boarded Lifeboat No. 1 with 11 others after the Titanic — described at the time as “practically unsinkable” — struck an iceberg just before midnight on April 14, 1912, off Newfoundland during its maiden voyage from England to New York.

NONPROFIT USES UNDERWATER TECHNOLOGY TO SEARCH FOR MISSING SERVICE MEMBERS

Woman in blue sweatshirt holding a life jacket from the Titanic.

A rare Titanic artifact, a survivor’s life jacket, sold for more than $900,000 to a private bidder, auctioneers said. (BNPS)

She and seven other survivors from the same lifeboat later signed the item.

Francatelli, then 22, had boarded the Titanic in France while working as a secretary to fashion designer Lady Lucy Duff Gordon and her husband, Sir Cosmo Duff Gordon.

She later recalled being helped into a life preserver and directed to the deck as lifeboats were lowered. Lifeboat No. 1, which had a capacity of 40, became controversial for failing to return to pick up additional survivors from the freezing Atlantic waters.

WORLD’S LARGEST MEDIEVAL CARGO SHIP EMERGES FROM ITS UNDERWATER GRAVE OFF ONE COUNTRY’S COAST

Titanic lifejacket worn by survivor Laura Mabel Francatelli displayed on a flat surface

Francatelli wore the life jacket while boarding Lifeboat No. 1 after the Titanic hit an iceberg shortly before midnight on April 14, 1912. (BNPS)

The cream-colored life jacket, made of canvas with cork-filled sections, has been displayed at museums in the United States and Europe.

While the item fetched a high price, it fell short of the record for Titanic memorabilia. In 2024, a gold pocket watch given to the captain of the RMS Carpathia — the ship that rescued more than 700 survivors — sold for 1.56 million pounds, or nearly $2 million at the time.

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Titanic passenger Isidor Straus holding a gold pocket watch.

Titanic passenger Isidor Straus and his gold pocket watch that is up for auction (Bettmann/Getty Images)

Saturday’s auction took place 114 years after the Carpathia arrived in New York with Titanic survivors on April 18, 1912.

Fox News Digital’s Kelly McGreal and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

WrestleMania 42: Bron Breakker costs Seth Rollins match against Gunther

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WrestleMania 42: Bron Breakker costs Seth Rollins match against Gunther

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LAS VEGAS – Seth Rollins was supposed to be going up against Gunther at WrestleMania 42 on Saturday night but he wasn’t expecting a freight train to run through him.

Rollins appeared to be in the driver’s seat toward the end of the match. He hit Gunther with a pedigree on the announce table and followed up with a storm. All he had to do was get Gunther back in the ring and finish the job. As the referee tended to Gunther, a wild Bron Breakker appeared.

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Bron Breakker performs during WrestleMania 42 Night 1 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 18, 2026. (WWE)

Breakker ran down the side of the entrance ramp at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas at full speed and tore through Rollins with a gnarly spear. He rolled Rollins back in the ring, spat on him and waited for Gunther to finish the job.

Gunther put Rollins in a sleeper hold, forcing “The Revolutionary” to tap out.

WWE STARS REVEAL WHAT MAKES WRESTLEMANIA SO SPECIAL: ‘IT’S THE SUPER BOWL OF PRO WRESTLING’

Wrestler Gunther with arm raised by referee at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas

Gunther has his arm raised by the referee after defeating Seth Rollins during their match on night one of WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 18, 2026. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Gunther walked to the back as the winner. Breakker was hung around to pick apart the scraps.

Breakker sprinted back down the ramp and hit Rollins with another crushing spear, stunning the crowd.

Breakker has been out of action for a few weeks with an injury, likely costing him a match of some kind at WrestleMania 42. Nevertheless, he still had bad blood with Rollins as their rivalry turned up a notch.

Seth Rollins entering arena at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas

Seth Rollins enters the arena before his match against Gunther on night one of WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 18, 2026. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

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This will not be the last of Breakker and Rollins. On the flip side, Paul Heyman will now owe Gunther a favor. It’ll will be interesting to see how the favor gets cashed in.

Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

Russian gunman kills 6 at Kyiv supermarket, shot dead by special forces

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Russian gunman kills 6 at Kyiv supermarket, shot dead by special forces

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A Russian gunman was killed by special forces Saturday in Ukraine after opening fire at a supermarket in Kyiv, killing six people and wounding 14 others — including a 12‑year‑old boy.

The 58-year-old shooter long resided in the Donetsk region and was born in Moscow, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko.

He took at least four hostages, killed one of them, and fatally shot four others on the street, Zelenskyy said. Another woman died at a hospital from her injuries.

Graphic video captured by witnesses showed the gunman shooting at a victim within close range on the street. Other bodies were seen lying on the pavement and in courtyards.

The gunman was seen walking with a weapon on the street. (East2West.)

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Ukranian special forces stormed the convenience store after 40 minutes of failed negotiations, according to Klymenko.

At least fourteen people were wounded in the attack, though officials cautioned the number may rise as people continue to seek medical assistance.

Among the injured is a 12‑year‑old boy and a supermarket security guard, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.

The gunman was pictured dead in the convenience store.

The gunman was pictured dead in the convenience store. (East2West.)

NINE DEAD, 13 WOUNDED IN SECOND TURKISH MASS SHOOTING IN TWO DAYS

Zelenskyy said the shooter also set fire to an apartment prior to the attack, though it is unclear if any injuries resulted from the arson.

“My condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims,” Zelenskyy wrote in an X post. “…We wish all the wounded a swift recovery.”

The gunman had previously been prosecuted for criminal offenses, but held a valid weapons permit, according to authorities. Investigators from the National Police and the Security Service of Ukraine are investigating.

The gunman was seen holding and shooting a weapon in the street.

The gunman was seen holding and shooting a weapon in the street. (East2West.)

GUNMAN OPENS FIRE AT HIGH SCHOOL IN TURKEY, WOUNDING AT LEAST 16

Ukraine’s security service labeled the attack an act of terrorism.

“All available information about him and the motives behind his actions is being thoroughly investigated,” Zelenskyy said. “Every detail must be verified.”

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One of the shooter’s neighbors, Hanna Kulyk, 75, described him as an “educated, refined man,” who lived alone and did not socialize often.

“You’d never guess he was some kind of criminal,” Kulyk told The Associated Press.

Alexandra Koch is a Fox News Digital journalist who covers breaking news, with a focus on high-impact events that shape national conversation.

She has covered major national crises, including the L.A. wildfires, Potomac and Hudson River aviation disasters, Boulder terror attack, and Texas Hill Country floods.

5 iconic US destinations you can only reach by boat or seaplane in America

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5 iconic US destinations you can only reach by boat or seaplane in America

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For some of America’s most memorable travel experiences, getting there is part of the adventure.

From remote national parks to historic Civil War-era forts, some of America’s most iconic destinations can only be reached by boat — no crowded parking lots or missed highway exits required.

With America’s 250th anniversary approaching, here are five iconic U.S. destinations you can only reach by boat — or, in some cases, seaplane — and why they’re worth the journey.

AMERICA’S 250TH BIRTHDAY EVENTS TAKING PLACE THIS SUMMER CALLED ‘ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME’ TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES

1. Fort Jefferson — Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

Seaplane photography in the Dry Tortugas (iStock)

Fort Jefferson rises from the warm, turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico about 70 miles west of Key West and can only be reached by ferry, private boat or seaplane. Built with more than 16 million bricks in the 19th century, it remains the largest masonry structure in the United States.

Visitors can stroll its massive ramparts, explore the moat walls and snorkel in surrounding reefs, often with fewer crowds thanks to its remote location, according to Travel + Leisure.

2. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore — Wisconsin

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The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a 21-island archipelago located in Wisconsin’s Lake Superior known for its stunning sandstone sea caves, historic lighthouses and over 50 miles of hiking trails. The destination boasts one of the largest collections of historic lighthouses in North America, according to Boatmart.

Man kayaking through Bayfield Peninsula Sea Caves in the Apostle Islands Maritime Cliffs State Natural Area in Wisconsin.

The Apostle Islands in Lake Superior are known for sea caves, historic lighthouses and rugged shorelines best explored by boat or kayak. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service)

Primarily accessible by water — via kayak, tour boat or ferry — the park offers camping, fishing and sailing, with peak season running from May to October.

3. Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse — Maryland

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This cottage-like lighthouse located in the Chesapeake Bay near Annapolis dates to 1875 and once guided ships through the bay’s shallow waters. Built on iron pilings drilled into the seabed to anchor it in soft sediment, it is the last screw-pile lighthouse in the area still in its original location, according to the National Park Service (NPS).

Visitors aboard small boat get ready to photograph Thomas point shoal lighthouse.

Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse, a historic screw-pile structure in the Chesapeake Bay, can only be viewed up close by boat. (Pouya Dianat/The The Washington Post)

Visitors can get a close-up view by boat but docking is restricted to help preserve the structure.

4. Fort Massachusetts, Ship Island — Mississippi

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About 12 miles off the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Fort Massachusetts offers a glimpse into Civil War history. The D-shaped brick fort, where construction began in 1859, features cannons, arched corridors and grass-covered walls for visitors to explore, according to the National Park Service.

The lone surviving 100 ponder canon facing the shore at Fort Massachusetts on West Ship Island

Fort Massachusetts sits about 12 miles off the Mississippi Gulf Coast and offers a glimpse into Civil War-era history. (iStock)

The unfinished fort was seized by Mississippi militia forces in early 1861, marking one of the earliest actions leading into the Civil War.

Ferries run regularly, but private boaters can discover a more secluded experience that feels far removed from mainland crowds.

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5. Isle Royale National Park — Michigan

A man sitting on a large rock overlooking Lake Superior at Isle Royale National Park in Michigan

Isle Royale National Park offers remote wilderness, hiking trails and wildlife in Lake Superior. (iStock)

Isle Royale is ideal for travelers seeking true isolation. Located in Lake Superior near the Canadian border, the park is only accessible by boat or seaplane and has no roads. Instead, visitors find miles of hiking trails, ancient mining pits, remote campsites, the seasonal Rock Harbor Lodge and wildlife including moose and wolves.

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The extra effort required to get there limits visitor numbers, offering a rare sense of solitude in the national park system, according to Travel + Leisure.

Deirdre Bardolf is a lifestyle writer with Fox News Digital.

Residential cruise startup Fabled Voyages now accepts dogs and cats on its ships

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Residential cruise startup Fabled Voyages now accepts dogs and cats on its ships

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A long-standing debate about traveling with pets has been reignited as a Denver, Colorado-based cruise operator starts accepting dogs and cats onboard its ships.

Fabled Voyages, a residential cruise startup, began accepting deposits on March 30, 2026, positioning its pet-friendly policy as a primary selling point for 15-year residencies.

“With a desire to travel the world and include our dachshunds with us, the safest and easiest method was through a yacht [or] ship,” the company told Fox News Digital.

CRUISE SHIP STRIKES REEF NEAR TOM HANKS’ ICONIC ‘CAST AWAY’ ISLAND, SPARKING RESCUE AT SEA

The founders noted that while private yachts offer freedom, they lack the scale and amenities of a large-scale residential ship.

Most major cruise lines prohibit non-service animals due to practical challenges such as sanitation, limited space, allergies and strict port regulations, according to Travel Noire.

Most major cruise lines prohibit non-service animals due to practical challenges like sanitation, limited space, allergies and strict port regulations. But a few companies are looking to make a change. (iStock)

Last year, however, Margaritaville at Sea offered a much-hyped dog-friendly cruise in November 2025. 

The 6-night Caribbean trip on the Islander ship was designed for 250 dogs and their owners, CruiseHive said.

CRUISE LINES CANCEL SAILINGS, REROUTE SHIPS AS MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT DISRUPTS VOYAGES

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 offers a limited kennel program, according to CruiseCritic — while niche operators like Cruise Tails run occasional dog-focused sailings.

“Our Residential Cruise ship is not solely about the cruise experience, but more importantly, [it] minimizes the barriers to living a fulfilling life [and] traveling the world with those that matter,” Fabled Voyages said.

Dog on a cruise ship

To keep both pet parents and non-pet passengers happy, the Fabled Voyages ship is featuring designated residential areas and pet-specific zones. (iStock)

To keep both pet parents and non-pet passengers happy, the ship will feature designated residential areas and pet-specific zones. The company will even have grooming and veterinary services onboard, it said. 

The cruise line will offer global itineraries that include South America, Southeast Asia, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

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Under its 2026 program, dogs up to 40 pounds and cats up to 20 pounds will be allowed in cabins, provided the animals pass veterinary clearance and meet international travel requirements.

Cat in Greece

Fabled Voyages will even have grooming and veterinary services onboard. (iStock)

International regulations remain a major hurdle. Countries such as China, Jamaica and Iceland enforce strict entry requirements, the USDA Animal and Plant Inspection Service stipulates.

Animals, of course, are nothing new to ocean travel. The Titanic famously carried at least a dozen dogs, complete with kennels and daily exercise routines, according to Smithsonian magazine.

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Now, the tide may be turning again. Residential cruises are one of the fastest-growing corners of the cruise market. Yet travelers are strongly divided about having pets onboard.

In a Reddit discussion about cruises with pets — not specifically about Fabled Voyages — passengers were split.

Dogs on cruises

In a Reddit discussion about cruises that allow pets, passengers were strongly divided. (iStock)

Companies “should have specific dog cruises. My dogs would love that,” one traveler said.

“We have dogs onboard, pet state rooms … and no one cares. It is just normal,” another person agreed.

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But the concept was a hard “no” for many cruise lovers.

“Absolutely not! Not on planes, buses, trains and not on ships. Not everybody is comfortable surrounded by animals,” a Reddit user said, referring to pets on cruises in general, not Fabled Voyages.

A woman walking a dog near a cruise ship

The Titanic famously carried at least a dozen dogs, complete with kennels and daily exercise routines. (iStock)

“I don’t want to have to avoid dog poop on my vacation … or hear your dog bark in your stateroom,” said another person. “True service animals are fine … your labradoodle isn’t fine.”

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Another complained, “If people on ships are similar to those on land, there will be dog poop on the decks, and people will let their dogs bark in their staterooms while they go to the casino or something.”

Yet another said, “Yeah, so you can bring it to the … buffet, and [we’ll] have dog hair in our food? … Can I bring my cat, horse, cow, sheep, goat, turtle, goldfish, parrot and iguana, too?”

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

Air Force Academy culminating training puts cadets through war scenario

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Air Force Academy culminating training puts cadets through war scenario

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado – The U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) held its large-scale annual “CULEX,” or culminating training exercise, on Thursday, giving cadets a realistic look at a combat scenario.

The 24-hour-a-day exercise places nearly 4,000 cadets in a mock war setting, where upperclassmen lead complex missions and younger students follow orders. This year, it runs April 15–16. 

The Air Force Academy is 18,500 acres, nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, but on Thursday, the culminating exercise scenario transformed USAFA into Hokkaido, a Japanese island under attack by enemy forces.

“We’ve pretty much taken over the entirety of USAFA, to allow all 4,000 of our cadets to have space to operate throughout the exercise,” said CULEX director Col. Jennifer Hall.

‘FLY’ YOUR OWN AIRCRAFT IN US AIR FORCE ACADEMY HOTEL’S FIRST-EVER FLIGHT SIMULATORS

U.S. Air Force Academy cadets hike through the woods during field exercise. (Amy Galo)

In the war scenario, Japan has asked the U.S. to come in as a defensive force. 

“In this scenario, we have four established airfields,” Hall said. “And so that’s what’s established, the four joint operating areas that we have them in.”

Each joint operation area, or JOA, has around 800 cadets, defending an airfield, two high-value assets and a downed airman. Cadets also face real-world issues such as injured officers and invasions by enemy targets deemed the “Red Force.”

Map of CULEX

Map displaying the four joint operating areas during the CULEX. (Amy Galo)

“We pulled out one squadron to play Red Force,” said Hall. “So our cadets are actually playing Red Force, and they’re out there in the field right now harassing our cadets. They’re doing an amazing job. They’re super excited.”

Hall explained, “What we’re trying to do is have the cadets prioritize through decision-making. And you’ll see all across that Red Force is trying to complicate that to the best of their ability.”

While the situation may not be real, it definitely looks and feels like it.

AI TEST FLIGHT MOVES AIR FORCE ONE STEP CLOSER TO UNMANNED ‘WINGMAN’ AIRCRAFT

“You’ll see about 15 tents laid down as an austere, expeditionary environment, two of which are tactical operations centers and a medical tent and warming tent,” Hall explained. “And then we have sleeping tents for the cadets, because we will be remaining overnight for the first time.”

Cadets hold air soft guns on the lookout

U.S. Air Force cadets on the lookout for enemy targets during the culminating exercise. (Amy Galo)

Some cadets fly airplanes while others deploy parachutes in the sky. On the ground, hundreds of cadets equipped with air soft guns defend their camps, taking radio traffic from troops under attack. Meanwhile, students in mission control use drones and mapping technology to solve real-world problems.

AIR FORCE TURNS TO VIDEO GAMES TO HELP PREPARE MEMBERS FOR REAL-LIFE COMBAT

Cadets at CULEX mission control

Air Force cadets participate in CULEX training. (Amy Galo)

“The only way to prepare for the fight that we’re in, or the future fight, is to develop the training necessary where they can experience it real time, in the woods, in the field,” said Hall.

Now in its second year, the CULEX focuses on building confidence, teamwork and leadership skills rather than testing cadets with a pass-or-fail system. It’s a multi-domain tactical exercise designed to replicate the environments future Space Force and Air Force officers may encounter.

Cadets study map

USAFA students study a map during their culminating exercise. (Amy Galo)

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“For our seniors, in 44 days, they’re going to graduate, and they’re going to go off, and they’re going to be officers in our Space Force and Air Force— how much more equipped they’re going to be to lead, to face complicated problems, to know that they can do what’s difficult,” said Hall. 

Amy Galo joined FOX News in 2026 as a Multimedia Reporter based in Orlando, Florida.

Carnival Legend cruise ship rescues stranded sailor and his cat adrift near Cozumel

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Carnival Legend cruise ship rescues stranded sailor and his cat adrift near Cozumel

Cruise ship rescues stranded sailor and his cat in Gulf drama

A Carnival cruise ship crew spotted distress flares while sailing to Cozumel, Mexico, and rescued a stranded sailor and his cat at sea. Both were brought safely aboard and received care. FOX 26 spoke with two passengers who were on board the ship.

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A Carnival Cruise Line ship came to the rescue of a stranded sailor and his cat on Tuesday, April 14, after crew members spotted distress signals coming from a disabled sailboat in open waters on the ship’s path from Galveston, Texas, to Cozumel, Mexico.

The Carnival Legend was sailing a Caribbean itinerary when crew members noticed emergency flares. 

They acted swiftly — deploying a small boat to bring the man and his cat, Dahlia, safely onboard, as video captured at the scene shows.

TITANIC SURVIVOR LIFE JACKET SET TO FETCH STAGGERING PRICE AS ANNIVERSARY NEARS 

“The sailor and his cat are safe and doing well,” Carnival Cruise Line told Fox News Digital in a statement. 

The sailor had been drifting for several days after having engine issues. 

The Carnival Legend was sailing a Caribbean itinerary and headed to Mexico from Texas when crew members noticed emergency flares Tuesday night. They quickly moved to assist — launching a rescue boat to reach a vessel in distress (not pictured).  (Carnival Cruise Line)

He lit the flares desperately hoping to be rescued, the company said.

“The sailor is currently being cared for by Legend’s medical team,” Carnival also said in its statement. 

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It did not release the man’s name. 

Passengers aboard the ship witnessed the dramatic rescue as it unfolded, with many describing it as a memorable and emotional moment during their trip.

Seascape and islands panoramic view from cruising ship deck. Instagram retro effect added.

Passengers aboard the cruise ship on Tuesday, April 14, witnessed the dramatic rescue as it unfolded, with many describing it as a memorable and emotional moment. (iStock)

“We’ve been on probably 30 cruises before and never experienced anything like this,” a cruise passenger and his wife told Fox 26 in an interview.

“To be out in the middle of the ocean, and then you look out, and you see a spotlight shining on a sailboat that was just kind of going up and down in the waves … You could tell [the sailboat] was distressed.” 

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Dahlia the cat quickly became an unexpected guest aboard the ship, drawing attention from travelers and crew alike.

The Carnival Legend is a Spirit-class cruise ship that launched in 2002 after being built in Finland, according to the company.

Cat rescued by cruise ship

A cat named Dahlia, pictured above, became an unexpected guest on Carnival Cruise Line this week.  (Carnival Cruise Line)

The ship is about 963 feet long and can accommodate roughly 2,100 passengers, along with a crew of around 900.

Over the years, the Legend has sailed a range of itineraries, including the Caribbean and Alaska, while undergoing updates to add modern amenities.

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It remains an active part of Carnival’s fleet, offering a mix of dining, entertainment and family-friendly features.

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Khloe Quill of Fox News Digital contributed reporting. 

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

Major America 250 events include tall ships parade, huge state fair and IndyCar race

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Major America 250 events include tall ships parade, huge state fair and IndyCar race

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As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Americans all over the country are preparing for the major kickoff this summer of a nationwide celebration that’s been years in the making.

One of the largest celebrations to take place on the East and Gulf Coasts will be Sail250, running May 28 through July 16. International fleets of tall ships and Navy vessels will dock in New Orleans; Norfolk, Virginia; Baltimore, Maryland; New York City and New Jersey; and Boston — bringing parades, tours, fireworks and much more.

“A fleet of majestic tall ships from more than 20 nations, each a symbol of tradition, adventure and international goodwill, will fill the harbor in maritime celebration,” notes one of the Sail250 websites. “The Port of New York and New Jersey will once again welcome the world.”

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In Washington, D.C., the National Mall will transform into the biggest “state fair,” featuring vendors from all 50 states across 16 days.

The Great American State Fair will take place from June 25 to July 10.

As the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary, Americans all over the country are preparing this summer for a nationwide celebration years in the making. (iStock; AP)

“From Maine lobster rolls to Hawaii’s shimmering hula stage, Texas-sized steaks to Alaska’s towering ice carvings, all 50 states, territories, and federal agencies showcase their food, culture and pride to one unforgettable, coast-to-coast celebration,” the Freedom250 website says.

“As our nation prepares to celebrate 250 years of freedom and opportunity, the National Mall will once again serve as the stage for telling our nation’s story,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum in a release. “Thanks to President Donald J. Trump’s leadership, the Great American State Fair will bring all 50 states and six territories together in one place, showcasing the people, landscapes and traditions that define this country.”

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On the eve of July 4th, Mount Rushmore will host a “spectacular Independence Day celebration in partnership with the State of South Dakota,” according to the National Parks Service (NPS) website.

The evening will feature educational programs, patriotic tributes and musical entertainment to mark the occasion.

Washington Monument illuminated with Freedom 250 projection lights at night

Tests of The Freedom 250 projections are shown lighting up the Washington Monument in Washington Dec. 30, 2025. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc/Getty Images)

An Interior Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital, “Under President Donald J. Trump, America’s 250th birthday will be marked by a once-in-a-lifetime celebration that encapsulates the American spirit — including a spectacular fireworks display at Mount Rushmore that honors our history at the monument that symbolizes those who built it.”

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“Unlike the prior administration,” the spokesperson added, “the Department of the Interior is excited to be part of such an incredible event that, through careful planning and coordination, celebrates and honors the founding of the United States.”

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and officials unveiling Freedom 250 Grand Prix race course outside U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C.

Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Mayor Muriel Bowser of D.C. and Bud Denker, chair of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C., unveil the Freedom 250 Grand Prix racecourse outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on March 9, 2026. (Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)

One of the major sporting events that will take place in D.C. this summer is the Freedom 250 Grand Prix.

IndyCar drivers will go around the National Mall with the U.S. Capitol as the backdrop for the event. The races will go down 3rd Street and turn down Pennsylvania Avenue to start.

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The drivers will zoom past the National Archives, the National Gallery of Art, the Hirshhorn Museum and the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum before going back onto 3rd Street.

“It’s important for people to see themselves in this commemoration.”

The event is set to take place from August 21 to August 23.

Rosie Rios, chair of the America250 commission, previously told Fox News Digital, “It’s important for people to see themselves in this commemoration and important for them to feel inspired for our country’s future.”

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Congress created The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission in 2016 to plan and orchestrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Rios is a former treasurer of the U.S.

Ashley J. DiMella reports on politics for Fox News Digital.

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