Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales faces ethics probe over sexual harassment allegations

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March 4, 2026

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This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 800-273-TALK (8255).

The House of Representatives is launching an internal investigation into a GOP lawmaker accused of having an affair with and sexually harassing an aide who committed suicide last year.

The House Ethics Committee revealed on Wednesday that it is launching an investigative subcommittee on Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, in response to allegations he “engaged in sexual misconduct towards an individual employed in his congressional office” and “discriminated unfairly by dispensing special favors or privileges.”

Gonzales narrowly avoided defeat in his GOP primary race on Tuesday night but failed to clinch an outright majority of the vote. He’ll be facing conservative social media personality Brandon Herrera in a runoff election in May.

The Texas Republican has denied the affair with his Uvalde-based late aide, Regina Santos-Aviles, and accused her husband of extortion.

Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, arrives for a press conference in the U.S. Capitol on March 25, 2025. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call, Inc. via Getty Images)

“During my six years in Congress, not a single formal complaint has been levied against my office. Now days away from an election, coordinated political attacks reign in. IT WON’T WORK. Halfway through early voting and the intensity resides w/ TG voters. I’d rather be us than them,” he posted on X in late February.

He told Fox News Digital in response to the probe on Wednesday, “I welcome the opportunity to present all the facts to the committee.”

It’s not immediately clear what impact the allegations had on his performance or how they will play out between now and his next election. Gonzales defeated Herrera by less than 2% in his 2024 Republican primary.

But the growing scandal has spurred calls for his resignation, notably by some of his fellow House Republicans.

Texas Republican House candidate Brandon Herrera speaking into a microphone

Republican congressional candidate Brandon Herrera speaks during a campaign rally in Somerset, Texas, on Feb. 26, 2026. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

“I would encourage him to consider resigning,” Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., told reporters last week.

DHS SHUTDOWN TRIGGERS TSA ‘EMERGENCY MEASURES’ AS LAWMAKER WARNS AIRPORTS COULD FEEL ECONOMIC PAIN

His fellow Texas lawmaker, Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, urged Gonzales not to run for re-election. “America deserves better. Tony should drop out of the race,” he posted on X.

Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., who has also called for his resignation, announced just this week that she is forcing a vote on a measure requiring the House Ethics Committee to disclose information on lawmakers accused of sexually harassing their staff.

Regina Santos-Aviles, a staffer for Gonzales, died Sept. 13, 2025. (Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post via Getty Images; Regina Santos-Aviles Facebook)

She told Fox News Digital that Gonzales’ situation was the impetus for her effort, “I mean, literally, this girl killed herself in the most heinous way. She literally lit herself on fire and died, and we’re just going to sit here and say, let the process play out? No.”

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Gonzales, for his part, previously told reporters that he had no intention of resigning.

The traditionally secretive House Ethics Committee does not give a set timeline for its probes, nor does it typically forecast regular updates on them.

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

Cruise passengers have been stranded in the Middle East amid Iran war escalation

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March 4, 2026

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As the Middle East conflict escalates, many cruise passengers in the region have been left stranded, searching for ways to get home.

Celestyal Journey, Celestyal Discovery and MSC Euribia were all grounded in the last few days.

Thousands of passengers were on ships in the affected areas during the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. Many of the vessels have been ordered to halt all activity, Fox News Digital has learned.

“MSC Cruises is working continuously with airline partners in the region, particularly Emirates and Etihad Airways, to identify and secure return flights for our guests,” MSC Cruises, headquartered in Geneva, told Fox News Digital in a statement.

The highly limited number of flights is creating another layer of chaos.

Celestyal Journey, shown here at the Doha port, will stay in Doha until March 7, Fox News Digital has learned. (Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto )

“We are requesting priority for our guests from our partners. At present, airlines [that are] operating flights have indicated that they will follow an order of priority based on the original flight date,” MSC Cruises continued.

“In order to speed up the repatriation, we are working on other options such as chartering flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Muscat,” the cruise company added.

“Each evacuation presents a different problem set.”

Across seven major Middle East airports, the total cancellations exceeded 12,000 flights on Tuesday, according to TravelPirates.

“Right now, the biggest danger is direct fire or debris from Iranian missiles and drones. Iran has targeted the airports and prominent hotels,” Dale Buckner, a retired U.S. Army colonel and CEO of security firm Global Guardian, based in Virginia, told Fox News Digital.

MEXICO CRUISE STOPS ARE SUDDENLY SCRAPPED AS SAFETY CONCERNS CONTINUE IN REGION

“Each evacuation presents a different problem set,” Buckner continued. “One of the biggest challenges has been the chaos at the different UAE-Oman land crossings, where officials are overwhelmed by the influx.”

At least six ships from four different companies were affected by the conflict in the region, according to Cruise Hive.

Celestyal Discovery passengers can't disembark

Celestyal Discovery passengers are not able to disembark in Dubai right now. (David Davies/PA Images)

“The situation on board remains calm. We are providing guests with regular updates on the situation,” MSC Cruises said.

“We are in constant contact with local authorities, embassies and foreign offices,” the group added.

CRUISE SHIP ABRUPTLY CHANGES COURSE TO RESCUE PEOPLE IN DISTRESSED BOAT: ‘KNEW SOMETHING’ WAS UP

Celestyal Cruises, based in Athens, Greece, had two voyages scheduled to depart March 2.

“We regret to inform our guests and travel partners that, in view of the current circumstances in the Middle East, the Celestyal Journey cruise scheduled to depart from Dubai on March 2, and the Celestyal Discovery cruise scheduled to depart from Abu Dhabi on March 2, have been [canceled],” Celestyal said in a statement shared with Cruise Critic.

At least six ships have been affected so far by the conflict in the region. (Giuseppe CACACE/AFP)

Celestyal Journey will stay in Doha until March 7, according to a statement made by the company on social media. Passengers have been told they can remain on board or disembark.

Celestyal Discovery passengers are not permitted to disembark in Dubai as of now.

EMERGENCY SCARE ROCKS MAJOR CRUISE SHIP COMPANY AS ANOTHER VOYAGE IS CANCELED

“Once disembarkation is approved, we will provide support to assist guests with transfers from the ship to Abu Dhabi Airport,” the cruise line said.

Cruise passengers who were booked on the canceled voyages will receive a full refund or future credit.

Airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha have been plagued by numerous sudden changes. (Sawayasu Tsuji)

Norwegian Cruise Line has vessels that travel to the Middle East, but there are no current sailings.

“We are closely monitoring the evolving conflict in Iran and the broader region,” a spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line told Fox News Digital.

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“We recognize that broader regional disruptions, including airline cancellations and airspace restrictions, may impact some guests’ ability to travel,” the spokesperson continued.

“Guests who are unable to reach their embarkation port due to airline-canceled flights related to these events will be eligible for a future cruise credit,” the company added.

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Dubai, which at one time was considered a safe haven in the region, has become a pressure point during a deepening conflict.

“To date, the UAE has been targeted by around 1,000 Iranian munitions, including drones and ballistic missiles,” Buckner said.

Kristy Ellmer of New Hampshire was stranded in Dubai with her husband for a period of time. She had flights canceled on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. (Kristy Ellmer)

Kristy Ellmer, a consultant from New Hampshire, had been traveling in Dubai with her husband, Matt Carwell.

She was promoting her upcoming book and taking time to relax with her husband. Everything changed Saturday.

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“We were just sitting on the beach,” Ellmer told Fox News Digital in an interview. “All of a sudden, we felt explosions.”

Ellmer was originally scheduled to leave Dubai on Sunday night. She had flights canceled for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

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She finally got onto a flight headed for Munich on Wednesday as part of her journey home.

“It was very calm” at Dubai International Airport, she said. “It was clear where you needed to go.”

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

Archaeologist says he’s discovered potential Viking ruler gravesite in England

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March 4, 2026

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An independent researcher believes he’s discovered a legendary ruler’s burial site — a find that could be the first monumental Viking ship burial identified in England.

Steve Dickinson, a British archaeologist, has identified a mound in Cumbria in northwest England that he believes may have been a Viking ship burial, in which elite individuals were laid to rest in a boat or ship.

The mound, he believes, may hold the lost grave of Ivar the Boneless, the Viking leader who died around 873 A.D.

Dickinson calls the structure the King’s Mound — a translation of its Latin name Cuningishou — and its exact location has been kept confidential as his studies continue.

Speaking to Fox News Digital, Dickinson said the Viking Icelandic saga literature indicates that Ivar was buried “in England, in a mound on a boundary.”

An independent researcher believes a mound in Cumbria may mark the burial site of Viking leader Ivar the Boneless, depicted on the right, who died around 873 A.D. (Steve Dickinson; British Library)

He and his team pinpointed the mound’s location from medieval documents and identified 39 smaller mounds around it.

Excavators have found “significant” artifacts, Dickinson said, including ship rivets and roves — evidence of a ship — as well as lead weights used in trade.

All appear to be consistent with a Viking ship burial.

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While such ship burials have been found in Scandinavia, none in Britain have been definitively linked to a named Viking ruler, Dickinson said.

Sutton Hoo, the most famous monumental ship burial in England, dates to the pre-Viking Anglo-Saxon period, he noted.

The site in northwest England may represent the first Viking ship burial in Britain linked to a named ruler, according to experts. (Steve Dickinson)

“This is rare, and, should my theory prove to be correct, it is the first such Viking ship burial to be found in Britain,” the researcher observed.

Dickinson has also found fleet bases and post-holes from the Viking Age, remains he believes were part of a 210-foot-by-43-foot royal palace.

“It is thought, from later historical records, that the epithet ‘boneless’ refers to some kind of genetic disorder.”

All pieces of evidence “give the strongest connections with him and his grave,” he said.

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Historians are still divided over how Ivar earned the nickname “the Boneless,” Dickinson said.

“It is thought, from later historical records, that the epithet ‘boneless’ refers to some kind of genetic disorder,” he noted.

Shown above, a depiction of Viking raiders invading England during the 10th century. The period was marked by Norse expansion, coastal attacks and the rise of powerful warrior leaders. (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

“Ivar also has some other nicknames, though: ‘The Legless’ and ‘The Dragon.’”

Known for establishing a major settlement in modern-day Dublin, Ivar was part of the kingdom of Laithlind, a realm whose true location has long been contested.

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“Though some scholars have suggested the kingdom of Laithlind lies in northern and western Scotland or southwest Norway, its name means ‘marsh/lake-land,’” Dickinson continued.

“This description fits the part of Cumbria where I located the King’s Mound.”

“This is rare, and, should my theory prove to be correct, it is the first such Viking ship burial to be found in Britain,” said a British archaeologist. (Steve Dickinson)

Future fieldwork is planned for this summer, with opportunities for volunteers to take part.

“We aim to conduct scans of the King’s Mound using ground-penetrating radar and geophysics later this year to let us ‘see’ inside it,” he said.

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“We do not, at present, plan to excavate it. The sheer logistics and financing of this, and reasons of conservation and privacy, all lead to this.”

Viral trend known as ‘airport theory’ has travelers arriving just 15 minutes before flights

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March 3, 2026

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More travelers are deliberately cutting it close at the airport in a viral gamble known as the “airport theory.”

The social media trend encourages passengers to arrive just minutes before clearing security — often just 15 minutes ahead of boarding, in an attempt to avoid long waits and extra time spent inside the airport terminal.

Despite the obvious possibility of missing a flight, interest in the trend has surged.

Searches for “airport theory” have jumped more than 11,000% over the past year, according to international travel eSIM provider Holafly.

To determine where the risky strategy might be most feasible, Holafly analyzed 25 of the busiest airports in the United States.

An increasing number of travelers are intentionally arriving at the airport at the last minute, taking part in a viral trend known as “airport theory.” (iStock)

The company looked at factors such as average TSA wait times, on-time departure rates, passenger volume and airport size.

Salt Lake City International Airport topped the list of most feasible, with an on-time rate of 82.75% and an average security wait time of 15 minutes.

The airport serves more than 13 million passengers annually and has two concourses — making it relatively easy to navigate.

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San Diego International Airport ranked second in the study, followed by Boston Logan International Airport in third place. Both airports reported average TSA wait times of around 10 minutes.

Washington Dulles International Airport ranked fourth, with an on-time rate of 75.90% and an average TSA wait time of 15 minutes.

Woman walking on an airport moving walkway while checking her smartphone and pulling a rolling suitcase.

Salt Lake City International Airport ranked first on the new list, with an on-time departure rate of 82.75% and an average security wait time of 15 minutes. (iStock)

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport placed fifth, reporting an on-time rate of 76.25% and an average security wait of 15 minutes.

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Fox News Digital previously reported on the trend when it initially went viral, roughly a year ago — and interest has surged again as vacation travel increases.

Gary Leff, a Texas-based travel industry expert and author of the blog “View From the Wing,” told Fox News Digital that cutting down the time of arrival to 15 minutes before boarding a flight is risky indeed.

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“The advice [from airlines] for when [travelers] need to arrive is too conservative,” Leff said. “But ‘airport theory’ suggesting showing up 15 minutes in advance of departure is cutting it way too close.”

He noted that arrival recommendations from airlines and airports are often conservative for a reason.

Passengers place carry-on luggage and personal items in bins at an airport security checkpoint with X-ray screening machines and conveyor belts.

Fox News Digital previously reported on the “airport theory” trend when it initially went viral, roughly a year ago — and interest has surged again as vacation travel increases. But experts say it’s very risky. (iStock)

“Airlines and airports give very conservative guidance because they [first] don’t want to be blamed [for] outlier cases, where someone shows up closer to departure and misses their flight,” Leff added.

He added that airlines and airports also benefit when passengers arrive early and spend time shopping or dining before departure.

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Fox News Digital reached out to the study authors for further comment.

Fox News Digital’s Ashley DiMella contributed reporting.

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

Elementary school reverses discipline over same-sex marriage book

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March 3, 2026

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A Nashville elementary school has cleared the record of a first-grade teacher who was disciplined for refusing to read a book about same-sex marriage to his young students, according to a report.

KIPP Antioch College Prep Elementary issued a “final warning letter” to teacher Eric Rivera in January after he declined to read an LGBTQ book to his class that was included in the language arts curriculum.

Due to his Christian beliefs, Rivera said he could not in good conscience read the book to his class, according to legal group First Liberty Institute, and he asked a colleague to read the book instead.

The next day, Rivera was summoned to the principal’s office and threatened with termination. He was told he must maintain “fidelity” to the curriculum, and a discipline letter was placed in his personnel file.

An elementary school cleared a teacher’s record who had been disciplined for refusing to read an LGBTQ book to his first-grade class. (iStock)

First Liberty said Rivera had received no prior warnings and had no discipline history. Afterward, he asked for a religious accommodation but was instead reassigned to a lab and technology position and then to a kindergarten position, according to the legal group.

After facing a warning letter from First Liberty in February, KIPP Antioch agreed to clear the incident from Rivera’s record, according to a press release Monday from the legal group.

The school will now also allow “all teachers to ask another employee to read materials objectionable to their faith.”

“We are pleased that the school has made the right decision by accommodating Mr. Rivera for his deeply held religious views,” said Cliff Martin, senior counsel at First Liberty Institute in a press release.

Nashville teacher Eric Rivera and LGBT pride flag

A person waves an LGBTQ flag during the 2025 New York City Pride March on June 29, 2025, in New York City. (First Liberty/Noam Galai/Getty Images)

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“Our client is deeply devoted to teaching and is grateful that his record has been cleared and reasonable accommodations will be provided going forward,” he added.

KIPP Antioch Elementary did not immediately return Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

KIPP Antioch College Prep Elementary is a public charter school authorized by the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission.

The commission told local outlet Fox 17 Nashville last month, “All public charter schools must follow the same Tennessee academic standards as traditional public schools, and while they do have flexibility selecting curriculum and materials, they must still be aligned with those same state standards. All schools are required to comply with the prohibited concepts law and must provide a form on their website for reporting violations.

SUPREME COURT BLOCKS CALIFORNIA BAN ON NOTIFYING STUDENTS’ PARENTS ABOUT GENDER TRANSITIONS

A shot of downtown Nashville, Tennessee. (Metro Nashville Police Department )

“The Commission provides a form for submitting complaints related to the prohibited concepts law as well as any other violations of charter school law on our website. Teachers and staff at charter schools are employees of the school or charter operator and as such all personnel matters are handled by the school.”

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Kristine Parks is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Read more.

Israel says video shows destruction of Iran’s missile launchers, defense systems

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March 3, 2026

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The Israel Defense Forces released a video Tuesday showing the Israeli Air Force destroying the “Iranian regime’s missile launchers, defense systems, and live-fire arrays.”

The IDF said more than 60 strikes recently were carried out in waves across western Iran, hitting targets including vehicles carrying ballistic missiles, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and loaded missile launchers.

The development comes as Iran “once again” fired missiles containing cluster sub-munitions toward Israeli civilians on Tuesday in central Israel, according to IDF international spokesperson Lt. Nadav Shoshani.

“The Iranian regime’s war crimes continue,” he wrote on X.

The IAF carried out further strike waves in western Iran, hitting the Iranian regime’s missile launchers, defense systems and live-fire arrays. (@IDF/X)

Shoshani also said in a video that, “Our forces, along with the U.S. armed forces, continue degrading the Iranian regime’s military capabilities.”

“Yesterday, Iran’s main terrorist proxy, Hezbollah, launched dozens of rockets and UAVs from southern Lebanon at Israeli civilians in northern Israel,” he continued. “Our forces have been prepared to strengthen and protect all borders as part of this operation and are more than ready.”

ISRAELI MINISTER OUTLINES IRAN MISSION GOALS, SAYS IRANIAN PEOPLE NOW HAVE CHANCE TO ‘REGAIN THEIR FREEDOM’

Smoke and flames are seen rising from a vehicle in Iran following a purported Israeli airstrike. (IDF)

“We are preparing for the possibility of Hezbollah expanding their attacks against Israeli civilians,” Shoshani warned. “This includes reinforcing aerial defense systems and troops presence.”

“Overnight, IDF troops were positioned in southern Lebanon at several points near the border area as part of an enhanced forward defense posture. Let me be clear: this is not a ground maneuver into Lebanon. It is a tactical step to create an additional level of security for the residents of northern Israel,” Shoshani added.

People inspect damage from Israeli airstrike in Beirut, Lebanon

First responders work at the site of an Israeli strike on the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (AFP via Getty Images)

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“Let me remind you, on Oct. 8th, the day after the Oct. 7 massacre, Hezbollah took control of vantage points near the northern border and fired RPGs and missiles indiscriminately towards Israeli civilians in the northern border. As a result, Israel had to evacuate around 60,000 civilians from their homes for many months. We will not let that happen again,” he said. “Overnight, we carried out a series of preventative strikes on Hezbollah military infrastructure across Lebanon in order to neutralize the continuous fire towards our civilians.”

Greg Norman is a reporter at Fox News Digital.

Trapped in Dubai on a business trip, American recounts hotel fright and ‘shock waves’

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March 3, 2026

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American tourists trapped in Dubai are still scrambling to get home this week amid Iran’s retaliatory airstrikes after a joint U.S. and Israeli attack on Iran over the weekend.

On Saturday, Iranian airstrikes hit Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest airport, as well as Burj Al Arab Hotel and Palm Jumeirah, a popular tourist destination.

Kristy Ellmer, a consultant from New Hampshire, had been taking a business trip in Dubai along with some vacation time with her husband. She described “shock waves” and “red bursts in the air” to Fox News Digital in an interview.

“You hear the explosion, you feel it,” said Ellmer, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. “You just see a bunch of white clouds.”

“It feels like a shock wave. You feel a vibration through your body.”

“On the first day, we had a lot of anxiety about things,” Kristy Ellmer, shown with her husband, Matt Carwell, told Fox News Digital. “I’ve never been in a place that had bombs floating above.” (Kristy Ellmer)

Ellmer works at Boston Consulting Group. She had been in Dubai to promote her forthcoming book, “How Change Really Works,” and she and her husband, Matt Carwell, were also planning on relaxing and sightseeing.

The couple first heard explosions on Saturday when they were at the beach.

“All of a sudden, we felt explosions.”

“We were just sitting on the beach. We hadn’t been watching the news or anything, just enjoying the morning,” Ellmer said. “All of a sudden, we felt explosions.”

SKIER’S PRANK BACKFIRES, LEAVING HER DANGLING 65 FEET IN THE AIR AS TWIN DESPERATELY HOLDS ON

Ellmer was originally scheduled to leave Dubai on Sunday night. She had flights canceled for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

She’s now booked multiple flights for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday — hoping she will be able to depart soon.

American couple stranded in Dubai after Iran airstrikes

A consultant from New Hampshire, currently in Dubai on a business trip with her husband, described “shock waves” and “bursts in the air.” (David Davies/PA Images )

Dubai’s airspace partially reopened on Monday, March 2, after a total shutdown lasting more than 48 hours, according to many reports.

A different hotel, Burj Al-Arab, was set ablaze over the weekend after it was hit by an Iranian suicide drone during attacks by Tehran, Reuters reported.

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On Saturday night and Sunday morning, the explosions became progressively worse, Ellmer said.

“We were getting multiple text message alerts from the local government, as well as the U.S. government, warning us to shelter and stay in place.”

Ellmer was originally scheduled to leave Dubai on Sunday night. She’s now had flights canceled for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, but is still hoping to fly home this week. (Kristy Ellmer)

“On the first day, we had a lot of anxiety about things,” she told Fox News Digital. “I’ve never been in a place that had bombs floating above.”

Ellmer said they felt much calmer after 24 hours. Perhaps surprisingly, she said they feel very safe in Dubai.

“I’ve been really impressed with how the UAE has handled it,” she said.

Airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha were plunged into chaos. (Sawayasu Tsuji)

Her hotel, which is on a marina, does not have a basement, she said.

But the hotel does have interior rooms that occupants can move mattresses into, if necessary, she said.

“I’m used to uncertainty, but this is completely new,” she said.

Four people were injured when an Iranian missile hit a hotel in Palm Jumeirah area of Dubai, the Dubai Media Office, a government entity, confirmed on Saturday. (Credit: via Storyful)

Iran has hit the UAE and several of its neighbors as it strikes back from the major attack by U.S. and Israeli forces, causing fear and chaos in a place that until Saturday was predictably calm, as The Associated Press and other outlets have reported.

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Airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha were all plagued by chaos, according to reports.

This map shows the targets of Iran’s retaliatory strikes. (Fox News)

Iranian weaponry rained down on Dubai, setting fire to a five-star resort, threatening the world’s tallest building and killing one person and injuring seven others at the airport in the capital city of Abu Dhabi.

Four people were injured in a hotel fire in the Palm Jumeirah area of Dubai after a loud explosion was reportedly heard.

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The Dubai Media Office, a government entity, said in a statement Saturday that the fire was contained.

“The safety and well-being of residents and visitors remain the highest priority. Authorities continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard the public. The public is urged to remain calm, rely solely on verified information from official sources, and refrain from circulating videos or images on social media,” the media office wrote on X.

The couple decided to pack a go-bag with water and snacks.

Still, “people [in Dubai] have been going on about their day normally,” Ellmer told Fox News Digital.

She even saw children on a trampoline in an indoor play space. “There hasn’t been a sense of panic.”

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When they were hearing sirens, the couple decided to pack a go-bag with water and snacks in case they had to move quickly.

Ellmer also said it’s been a relief to have her husband with her as they try to make decisions about their next steps — and as they try to get home as soon as they can.

Fox News Digital’s Stephen Sorace and Rachel Wolf, as well as The Associated Press, contributed reporting.

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

Skier in California dangles 65 feet after chairlift prank goes wrong at Big Bear

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March 3, 2026

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A skier was left dangling 65 feet in the air after a prank on a chairlift went terribly wrong.

The incident happened Feb. 24 at Big Bear Lake in California, where Roula De Miranda-Arce, 21, was riding the lift with her twin sister and a friend, news agency SWNS reported.

Big Bear Mountain Resort confirmed the incident in a statement shared with Fox News Digital.

“At approximately 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 24, a 21-year-old female skier safely loaded onto Chair 9 at Bear Mountain. At some point during her ride to the top, she failed to maintain proper safety protocols and became suspended from the carrier,” the resort said in its statement.

The organization added, “The guest and her sister, who was riding the carrier with her, admitted to horseplay as the reason for her becoming suspended. As soon as staff became aware of the situation, they took quick action to stop the carrier and unload everyone as soon as it reached the upper terminal.”

A 21-year-old skier was left suspended 65 feet in the air after a chairlift prank went wrong at Big Bear Lake, California, last week. (SWNS)

Officials said the skier was evaluated by ski patrol as a precaution and did not sustain significant injuries.

TOP AFFORDABLE SKI RESORTS IN US FOR HITTING THE SLOPES THIS YEAR

In an attempt to jokingly scare her sister, De Miranda-Arce slid down from the moving chair, planning to hang briefly before pulling herself back up, SWNS reported.

The weight of her skis, however, made it impossible for her to lift herself back onto the seat — leaving her suspended as the chair continued uphill.

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Video shows the young woman hanging in midair while her sister and friend cling tightly to her arms, preventing her from falling.

“I thought I was going to die or become a paraplegic,” she said.

Footage captures the prank gone terribly wrong in the air. (SWNS)

The young woman said she began screaming as the strain on her arms intensified.

“I was screaming at one point, ‘Just let me go,’ because it felt like my arms were going to break,” she said.

“And thank God my sister and my friend did not listen to me.”

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The pair managed to hold her for roughly two minutes until the chairlift reached the top of the slope — where ski patrol members were waiting for her.

“It’s crazy what your body does in fight or flight,” she said.

Skier dangles from chairlift in California above snowy mountain landscape and lake.

De Miranda-Arce’s sister and friend managed to hold onto her for nearly two minutes until the chairlift reached the top of the slope — where members of the ski patrol were waiting to assist. (SWNS)

The resort said the incident serves as a reminder for guests to lower the safety bar and avoid potentially dangerous behavior while riding lifts.

Fox News Digital previously reported on another alarming chairlift incident in California earlier this year.

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A 12-year-old girl was left dangling from a ski lift at Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort before falling to the ground in a frightening moment captured on video.

Footage showed ski resort staff rushing to position padding and a safety net beneath her as she struggled to hold on, though she ultimately missed most of the net during the fall.

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Her mother later said the girl “miraculously walked away with no broken bones or major injuries” — calling it a traumatic but accidental event.

Bonny Chu of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.

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

US airlines expect 171 million spring travelers in record season this year

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March 2, 2026

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U.S. airlines are gearing up for one of the busiest spring travel seasons on record — with millions of passengers expected to fly over the next two months.

Airlines for America (A4A), an industry trade group based in Washington, D.C., projects that 171 million travelers will take to the skies between March 1 and April 30, marking a 4% increase over last year.

On average, airlines expect to carry about 2.8 million passengers per day during this period.

In response to growing demand, airlines are adding more routes and boosting capacity, with about 26,000 flights taking off each day and close to 3.5 million seats available, A4A noted.

“U.S. airlines are ready for the travel rush this spring,” said Chris Sununu, A4A’s president and CEO, in a news release.

Airlines in the U.S. are expecting a record-breaking spring travel season, with 171 million passengers projected to fly between March 1 and April 30. (iStock)

Last year, approximately 18 million travelers used Global Entry, saving an estimated 300,000 officer hours due to faster processing times, A4A noted.

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“Record-breaking spring break travel tells us one thing: Americans prioritize experiences over almost everything else right now,” Florida-based travel expert Amy West told Fox News Digital.

West said travelers are planning earlier this year and choosing destinations that offer warm weather and memorable experiences.

Crowded Miami Beach shoreline with sunbathers and swimmers in front of high-rise hotels and condos.

Travel experts noted that Americans are prioritizing experiences and booking earlier this year to warm-weather destinations. (iStock)

Even with higher airfare and packed airports, she noted that many Americans are still moving forward with trips they’ve been looking forward to and planning.

Social media and improved travel-planning tools are also playing a role in the surge, West added, making it easier for travelers to research destinations and book flights quickly.

Some travelers are reconsidering where they plan to spend spring break.

Even as airlines prepare for record passenger volumes, some travelers are reconsidering where they plan to spend spring break.

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Security concerns tied to cartel-related violence in parts of Mexico have prompted some American tourists to rethink trips to popular resort destinations, as Fox News Digital previously reported.

Travel advisor Mallory Dumond of Travelmation told Fox News Digital some clients have explored alternative locations in the Caribbean as a result.

Passengers standing in a crowded airplane aisle while loading carry-on luggage into overhead bins.

Despite higher prices and crowded airports, Americans are still taking long-awaited trips, helped by social media and easier online booking tools. (iStock)

Destinations such as the Dominican Republic offer all-inclusive resort options for travelers looking to adjust plans, she said.

“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,” Dumond said.

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Search trends point to continued demand for U.S. spring break destinations.

Fox News Digital previously reported that an analysis by travel site Upgraded Points found Key West, Florida, to be the most-searched domestic spring break destination nationwide — with Destin and other Florida beach cities also generating significant interest across multiple states.

The partial government shutdown currently in place has Department of Homeland Security employees missing paychecks even as the U.S. has engaged Iran with airstrikes that have brought the nation to the brink of war, as Fox News Digital has reported.

Plane taking off from LAX airport in Los Angeles, California

Search trends point to continued demand for U.S. spring break destinations this year as Americans “prioritize experiences,” according to a travel expert. (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)

Sununu’s group shared its concern that, amid the partial shutdown, “the Department of Homeland Security has not fully reopened the Global Entry program after suspending it” on Feb. 22.

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Ahead of the spring break travel surge, he said that “DHS should act with urgency to reverse course and reopen the Global Entry program. … It is common sense to have these programs fully functioning.”

However, DHS, in a statement Feb. 22, said it needed to “take emergency measures to preserve limited funds and personnel to mitigate the national security and public safety damage at the hands of congressional Democrats.”

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Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, said in the same statement, in part, “TSA and CBP are prioritizing the general traveling population at our airports and ports of entry, and suspending courtesy and special privilege escorts.”

Fox News Digital’s Charles Creitz and Ashley DiMella contributed reporting.

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

Trump says US mission in Iran is ‘ahead of schedule,’ vows to ‘easily prevail’ over regime

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Reporters News Wire

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March 2, 2026

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President Donald Trump on Monday declared that the joint U.S.-Israeli operation to “crush the threat” in Iran is “ahead of schedule.”

Trump provided an update on “Operation Epic Fury” during a Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House, vowing that the U.S. will “easily prevail” over the “terrorist regime.”

“We have the strongest and most powerful, by far, military in the world, and we will easily prevail. We’re already substantially ahead of our time projections, but whatever the time is, it’s okay. Whatever it takes.”

President Donald Trump speaks about Iran before a Medal of Honor ceremony in the East Room of the White House, Monday, March 2, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

This is a developing news story; check back for updates.

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