Air New Zealand launches Skynest economy sleep ‘pods’ for $495 per session

“I’m not sure it’s a terrible idea. Seventeen hours in an economy seat is brutal! An opportunity to spend 4 hours stretched out would be heaven for some travelers,” one commenter said.

But many thought the price was exorbitant.

“One hundred dollars per hour to sleep. This better be some good sleep,” another said, strongly disagreeing.

It would “take me at least an hour to fall asleep thinking about how much money it was costing me,” a Reddit user complained.

“Are people flying economy going to part with their money to lie down for four hours?” another person said.

At the same time, some travelers said the option could make sense financially compared to more expensive upgrades, noting it may offer a middle-ground alternative between economy and business class.

Passengers relaxing in Air New Zealand Economy Skynest pods, reading and resting in lie-flat sleeping spaces on long-haul flight.

The airline said each pod will feature a mattress, pillow, blanket, reading light, ventilation, a privacy curtain, and charging outlets for devices. (Air New Zealand)

The feature builds on the airline’s existing “Skycouch,” which allows passengers to convert a row of seats into a flat surface.

Other airlines are also exploring similar options.

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Fox Business previously reported that airlines are increasingly focusing on premium and comfort-based offerings as they look to boost revenue.

Carriers like United Airlines have expanded higher-end seating and upgraded cabin features, betting that travelers will continue to pay more for added comfort, particularly on long-haul flights.

Bradford Betz of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.

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

Neanderthals hunted turtles for their shells to use as tools, new study finds

SCIENTISTS SHATTER TIMELINE OF HUMAN FIRE-MAKING WITH 400,000-YEAR-OLD DISCOVERY IN ENGLAND

April 15, 2026

Neanderthals hunted turtles for their shells to use as tools, new study finds

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Cavemen hunted turtles — but not for food, new research suggests.

Scientists say that shells of reptiles caught by children may have been used as ladles or digging devices by early humans over 100,000 years ago.

Careful cleaning of fragments found at the Neumark-Nord archaeological site in Germany indicates that pond turtle shells were used as small containers or scoop-like implements, news agency SWNS reported.

An international research team examined pieces of turtle shell — dating back some 125,000 years — discovered at the dig in what is now the Saxony-Anhalt region of Germany.

Using methods including high-resolution 3D scanning, researchers found that many of the 92 fragments bear cut marks on their inner surfaces, indicating that the turtles were carefully butchered by Neanderthals — with limbs detached, internal organs removed and shells thoroughly cleaned.

Researchers believe the pond turtles were not used for food — as abundant high-yield prey meant there was likely a caloric surplus in the area. (iStock)

Study leader Professor Sabine Gaudzinski-Windheuser said, “Our data provide the first evidence that Neanderthals hunted and processed turtles north of the Alps, beyond the Mediterranean region.”

However, the team believe the turtles were not used as a food source.

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Prof Gaudzinski-Windheuser of the Institute for Ancient Studies at Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) in Mainz said, “We can virtually rule this out, given the abundance of remains [of] large, high-yield prey animals at this site. There was in all likelihood a complete caloric surplus.”

A total of more than 100,000 animal bones or bone fragments have already been recovered at Neumark-Nord, including numerous bones from deer, cattle and horses, as well as from the largest land mammals of the time — the European straight-tusked elephant, which could weigh more than 10 tons.

The research team reported last year that Neanderthals operated a kind of “factory” at the site, systematically extracting fat from the bones of large mammals.

“Pond turtles have a comparatively low nutritional value,” weighing roughly 2.2 pounds, said the study’s lead study. (iStock)

Gaudzinski-Windheuser said that “pond turtles have a comparatively low nutritional value,” weighing roughly 2.2 pounds.

“However, they are relatively easy to catch and may therefore have been hunted by children. Their shells may then have been processed into tools.”

She said it was also possible they were hunted for their taste or for an assumed medicinal value — a suggestion supported by findings from studies of later Indigenous peoples.

Scientist using microscope for analysis in lab

“Our data provide the first evidence that Neanderthals hunted and processed turtles north of the Alps, beyond the Mediterranean region,” said the study’s lead author (not pictured). (iStock)

Prof Gaudzinski-Windheuser added, “Our current results shed new light on the ecological flexibility and complex survival strategies of Neanderthals, which went far beyond simple caloric maximization.”

The new study was published in the journal Scientific Reports. It’s the latest in a series of ongoing scientific analyses of material from the former open-cast lignite mine at Neumark-Nord.

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

Well-preserved 2,000-year-old Roman shipwreck found at bottom of Swiss lake

WINTER STORMS REVEAL POSSIBLE 17TH-CENTURY SHIPWRECK TIED TO ARMED CARIBBEAN VOYAGES

April 15, 2026

Well-preserved 2,000-year-old Roman shipwreck found at bottom of Swiss lake

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Archaeologists recently found well-preserved ancient treasures at the bottom of a Swiss lake — and the treasures remain close to where the ship sank.

The shipwreck was found in Lake Neuchâtel in Switzerland, some 75 miles southwest of Zurich, by a team of Swiss archaeologists, according to news agency Jam Press.

A team of excavators from the Cantonal Archaeology Office of Neuchâtel (OARC), the Octopus Foundation and the Archaeological Service of the State of Fribourg conducted the search in March 2025, though officials didn’t announce the finds until last month.

The cargo, which dates to between 20 and 50 A.D., was once part of a Roman merchant vessel traveling on Lake Neuchâtel.

The treasure includes hundreds of finely crafted dishes, bowls, cups and plates that were produced across the Swiss Plateau, the central lowland region between the Jura Mountains and the Alps.

Archaeologists uncovered a remarkably well-preserved collection of Roman-era artifacts from a shipwreck dating back nearly 2,000 years. (Jam Press/Octopus Foundation)

In antiquity, the area was known as the Roman province of Helvetia.

Pictures from the dive show archaeologists surrounded by ceramic plates, dishes and other debris on the lakebed.

Archaeologists also uncovered amphorae once used to transport olive oil from Hispania, now modern-day Spain.

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The objects were grouped close together — indicating that they remained close to where the ship sank.

Archaeologists also found everyday items used by the crew, including tools, harnesses and parts of wagons.

Divers conferring near grouping of plates

Researchers say the condition of the artifacts suggests minimal disturbance since the vessel sank between 20 and 50 A.D. (Jam Press/Octopus Foundation)

The wheels, strikingly well-preserved after 2,000 years underwater, are believed to be the only Roman examples of their kind ever found in Switzerland.

The team also uncovered a sword at the underwater site, which suggests a military escort may have been aboard the ship.

Officials caution that the artifacts are fragile and vulnerable to damage.

Some of the most vulnerable artifacts have been removed for conservation as researchers continue studying the find. (Jam Press/Octopus Foundation)

In a statement, OARC said the precious artifacts are exposed to lake bed erosion, as well as “the anchoring of pleasure boats … and, above all, acts of vandalism and looting.”

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In the meantime, they’ve removed the most vulnerable items from the site as a precaution.

Officials said the discovery is unlike anything previously found in the region.

“The richness and diversity of this collection of goods, in an excellent state of preservation, make this discovery exceptional, unique in Switzerland and in the inland waters north of the Alps,” said officials. (Jam Press/Octopus Foundation)

Researchers are now conserving and studying the artifacts before going on display at the nearby Laténium Archaeology Park and Museum, Switzerland’s largest archaeological museum.

Swalwell and Gonzales resign from Congress amid looming expulsion threat

5TH ACCUSER COMES FORWARD AGAINST REP ERIC SWALWELL AHEAD OF EXPECTED RESIGNATION

April 15, 2026

Swalwell and Gonzales resign from Congress amid looming expulsion threat

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It may have been possible to bequeath this as “expulsion week.”

Instead, this might be “resignation week.”

The House has only expelled six Members in the history of the republic. But it was possible as recently as Monday that the House was primed to wrestle with a mind-boggling four expulsions.

It takes a two-thirds vote to expel a Member. The House last expelled one of its own in late 2023: former Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.). Before that, you have to go back to 2002 when the House kicked out late Rep. Jim Traficant (D-Ohio).

Here was the chopping block:

Calls to expel former Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) piled up after reports surfaced that he sexually assaulted a former aide and several other women. Swalwell initially said he would fight the allegations. Then he dropped his bid to become governor of California after a host of once close allies abandoned their support. Swalwell has now resigned, avoiding the ignominious scene of an expulsion.

Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., appeared on MS NOW 26 times and on CNN 24 times in 2026 alone, according to the Media Research Center. (Ronaldo Bolaños/Getty Images)

Then there was former Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas). At first, Gonzales denied an affair with an aide who committed suicide by setting herself on fire. Gonzales was locked in a tough primary runoff against Republican Congressional candidate Brandon Herrera. But after pressure, Gonzales finally dropped out of the runoff and isn’t standing for re-election. However, Gonzales intended to stay on until his term expired on January 3 next year. But now Gonzales is out the door, too.

TWO DEMOCRATIC REPS CALL FOR SWALWELL TO EXIT CONGRESS AS CONTROVERSY SWIRLS AROUND HIS BID FOR CA GOVERNOR

So two down, two to go.

This is where things grow complicated.

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) could face expulsion soon. In late March, the House Ethics Committee held a rare “trial,” declaring she improperly obtained an astonishing $5 million in COVID relief funds. The Ethics panel will likely recommend a punishment for Cherfilus-McCormick next week. The full House doesn’t have to consider or adhere to the prescribed discipline. The congresswoman proclaims her innocence. She faces a criminal trial in Florida in February 2027.

WHY ERIC SWALWELL WAS FORCED TO QUIT CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR’S RACE AFTER SEXUAL MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS

“The facts are indisputable at this point and so I believe it will be the consensus of this body that she should be expelled,” forecast House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).

Split of Mike Johnson and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said lawmakers should expel Rep. Sheila Cherfilius-McCormick, D-Fla., after a House ethics panel found her guilty of more than 25 ethics violations. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images; Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Rep. Greg Stuebe (R-Fla.) filed a resolution to bounce Cherfilus-McCormick from the body a few months ago.

And for the Republicans, there’s Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.). Mills is accused of “stolen valor” and exaggeration of his military record. But what triggered the current expulsion push is an allegation that the congressman struck his girlfriend in early 2025. A judge imposed a restraining order against Mills. However, police never charged the congressman. The Ethics Committee is also investigating whether he violated federal campaign rules. But the formal ethics probe of the Florida Republican isn’t as far along as the Cherfilus-McCormick inquiry.

SWALWELL RESIGNATION COLLIDES WITH CHINA-LINKED SCANDAL AS CRITICS DEMAND FILE RELEASE

Johnson is mindful of that fact.

“With regard to Mills, I’m not sure the status of the Ethics Committee investigation and that’s one of the things I’ll be looking into today,” said Johnson.

Four troubled Members. Two Democrats and two Republicans. It was that parity which may have primed the House to take the unprecedented step of expelling those four Members before Swalwell and Gonzales announced their resignations. But a push to expel Cherfiulus-McCormick and not Mills creates a host of problems in the House.

GONZALES HIT WITH EXPULSION VOTE THREAT AHEAD OF EXPECTED RESIGNATION

It’s about the math.

The House swore-in Rep. Clay Fuller (R-Ga.) on Monday night. Fuller won a special election last week to succeed former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) who resigned. That GOP gain is likely offset by an anticipated victory by Democratic Congressional candidate Analilia Mejia in a Thursday special election in New Jersey. This is a Democratic seat which has been vacant since New Jersey Gov. and former Congresswoman Mikie Sherill (D) resigned from the House last fall.

Republican congressional candidate Clay Fuller, left, speaks next to President Donald Trump, during a visit to the Coosa Steel Corporation in Rome, Georgia, Feb. 19, 2026. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

With Swalwell and Gonzales out and Fuller in, the current breakdown is 431 Members: 217 Republicans and 213 Democrats. Rep. Kevin Kiley (I-Calif.) dropped his affiliation with the GOP. The addition of Fuller and presumed win by Meija would make the breakdown 217 to 214 and one independent – with one vacancy, covering 432 Members. After the Swalwell and Gonzales resignations, the remaining open seat is a solidly Republican district in northern California, long held by late Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.). He died in January.

ERIC SWALWELL WAS CABLE NEWS STAR FOR YEARS BEFORE RAPID FALL FROM GRACE

But what happens if the House moves against Cherfilus-McCormick and not Mills? That creates an imbalance between the parties – something which was lost when the potential expulsion of four Members was on the table.

“What about this issue of parity,” yours truly asked House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.).

“The issue of parity hasn’t been something that we’ve had a conversation about. We’ve been working through what’s in front of us today and that’s what we’re going to continue to do,” replied Jeffries.

LAWMAKERS PUT EXPULSION THREATS ATOP HOUSE AGENDA AS RETURN SETS UP HIGH-STAKES WEEK

I followed up.

“But isn’t that a concern, though, if they take action against Cherfilus-McCormick? Her ethics process is further along than Mr. Mills,” I asked.

“The ethics process is still incomplete and we’ll see what the Ethics Committee has to recommend next week,” replied Jeffries.

‘SMART DECISION’: SWALWELL’S RESIGNATION SPURS PRAISE FROM BOTH PARTIES AFTER BOMBSHELL ALLEGATIONS EMERGE

That’s in reference to the upcoming ethics panel meeting, recommending punishment for the Florida Democrat.

It was one thing if the House may have bounced four Members, two Republicans and two Democrats, all at once. But it’s dicier now that Gonzales and Swalwell stepped aside. It’s further complicated considering the uneven status of the ethics inquiries regarding Cherfilus-McCormick and Mills.

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick pointing up

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Fla., speaks after being sworn in during a ceremony in the Broward County Commission chambers in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Jan. 27, 2025. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

It seems that Congress is now in a period of establishing new precedents on a regular basis. A record-breaking government shutdown – only superseded by another record-breaking government shutdown. In addition, the House is experiencing a dramatic increase in the raw number of “censures” which it doles out to Members. Censure is the second-highest mode of punishment in the House, just below expulsion.

JONATHAN TURLEY: ERIC SWALWELL’S ENABLERS KNEW THE TRUTH — AND PROTECTED HIM ANYWAY

The House censured late Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.) in late 2010. Prior to that, the House last reprimanded late Reps. Gerry Studds (D-Mass.) and Daniel Crane (R-Ill.) in 1983. But since 2021, the House has censured five Members: Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) – when he served in the House – Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), former Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Al Green (D-Texas).

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) recently characterized the censure explosion as the “political” weaponization of the ethics process.

It’s possible the House might not take any immediate action regarding Cherfilus-McCormick and Mills. Lawmakers from both sides may be more willing to expel one of their own – and maybe take one for the team on their side – if a similar outcome is guaranteed across the aisle.

SWALWELL’S FALL FROM GRACE SPARKS DEMOCRAT RUSH TO RETURN CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS AMID SCRUTINY

With such a tight majority, Republicans may not want to cede power to Democrats if the House expels a GOP Member as they try to cling to the majority. By the same token, it’s doubtful Democrats are willing to absorb a hit when they are within sneezing distance of the majority – if they don’t see a political equilibrium and document consequences for the Republican majority.

Moreover, tracking where the votes lie for disciplinary action is nearly impossible. What further complicates this is whether any expulsion motion actually comes to a true, up/down vote. There are often motions “to table” or kill any resolution to impose discipline against a Member. The same with motions “to refer” or dispatch allegations against a Member to the Ethics Committee for additional scrutiny. For instance, the Ethics panel is all but done probing Cherfilus-McCormick and is investigating Mills. So it’s unclear what would happen with any possible motion “to refer.”

And let’s be frank: some lawmakers either really want to be on the record voting to discipline one of their colleagues or want no part of it at all. Resolutions to sit in judgment of a colleague is one of the hardest votes lawmakers take. Right up with a vote to go to war. That’s why some prefer the political fig leaf of a “motion to refer” or “motion to table” to an actual up/down vote to punish one of their own.

So this could have been “expulsion week” on Capitol Hill. It’s certainly “resignation week.” And if there’s no other disciplinary action, some lawmakers will be resigned to that outcome.

Chad Pergram currently serves as Chief Congressional Correspondent for FOX News Channel (FNC). He joined the network in September 2007 and is based out of Washington, D.C.

Hawaii issues brown water advisories across islands after Kona Low storm

COAST GUARD RESCUES STRANDED FAMILY FOR DAYS IN PACIFIC AFTER BOAT FAILURE SETS THEM ADRIFT

April 14, 2026

Hawaii issues brown water advisories across islands after Kona Low storm

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Hawaii health officials have issued multiple brown water advisories across the islands as the state deals with the aftermath of a Kona Low storm.

The storm moved through the islands earlier last week, bringing heavy rainfall and runoff that has kept coastal waters contaminated in several areas, the Hawaii Department of Health Clean Water Branch said.

Officials say the advisories are layered on top of lingering impacts from an already wet March.

This was the third Kona Low storm in a month, Fox Weather reported.

Advisories remain in place across several islands, including an island-wide warning on Kaua‘i and multiple affected areas on O‘ahu, Maui and the Big Island, the department says.

The state of Hawaii issued brown water advisories after storm runoff contaminated coastal waters. (Eugene Tanner/AFP)

The warnings come as visitors continue to arrive in Hawaii during the spring travel season, when beaches are a major draw for tourists.

Health officials warn that brown water conditions can pose serious risks to swimmers and surfers.

FAMOUS VOLCANO BLASTS LAVA 1,000 FEET HIGH, TRIGGERING EMERGENCY CLOSURES AT NATIONAL PARK

“If the water is brown, turn around,” the department said.

Runoff from heavy rain can carry sewage, pesticides and animal waste into the ocean, increasing the risk of exposure to bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella.

“If the water is brown, turn around.”

Storm conditions can also wash debris into coastal waters, while murky conditions may attract marine life, including sharks.

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Officials recommend staying out of the ocean for at least 48 to 72 hours after rainfall ends, though that timeline may be extended due to continued unsettled weather and saturated ground conditions.

Aerial view of brown water at Laniakea beach in Haleiwa, Hawaii

Heavy rain runoff can wash sewage, chemicals and animal waste into the ocean — raising the risk of bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. (Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle)

With recent heavy rainfall, conditions may remain unsafe as runoff continues to affect coastal waters, according to Fox Weather.

Authorities advise avoiding the water if it appears brown or murky, even if advisories are lifted.

Officials say travelers should monitor local updates, as advisories are lifted on a beach-by-beach basis once water quality improves.

The advisories come as Hawaii recovers from severe flooding caused by back-to-back Kona Low storm systems that drenched the state in recent weeks. The storms triggered evacuations across parts of O‘ahu, where residents were forced from their homes amid rising floodwaters.

Some travelers expressed frustration on social media over the advisories, particularly those visiting affected areas during their trips.

Volunteers loading debris and damaged household items onto a truck in Waialua Hawaii

Volunteers load debris and damaged household items onto a truck during cleanup efforts following flooding on March 24, 2026, in Waialua, Hawaii. (Mengshin Lin/AP)

“We are staying in Kīhei, a little bummed,” one user wrote on Reddit. “I hope the storm passes quickly.”

Others turned to locals for guidance, asking whether it was safe to enter the water under current conditions.

Many residents strongly advised against it, warning the risks can be serious even if conditions appear calm.

“Local, and I am absolutely not going in the water,” one user wrote.

“Never swim in storm water,” another added.

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

Trump calls Giorgia Meloni ‘unacceptable’ after she rebukes his Pope Leo XIV remarks

MORE KEY US ALLIES BLOCK MILITARY FLIGHTS AS IRAN WAR RIFT WIDENS WITH TRUMP

April 14, 2026

Trump calls Giorgia Meloni ‘unacceptable’ after she rebukes his Pope Leo XIV remarks

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Tensions between Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni escalated Tuesday after the U.S. president publicly rebuked one of his closest European allies, accusing her of lacking “courage” and failing to support Washington’s efforts against Iran.

In a phone interview with Italian daily newspaper Corriere della Sera, Trump called Meloni “unacceptable” and said he was “shocked” by her stance, according to the outlet’s English-language version.

The dispute with Trump was further fueled by Meloni’s criticism of his recent remarks targeting Pope Leo XIV, which she called “unacceptable,” prompting Trump to respond that “she is the one who is unacceptable.”

In a scathing rebuke of the Vatican’s call for Middle Eastern de-escalation, President Trump took to Truth Social to blast Pope Leo XIV. Labeling the pontiff “WEAK on Crime” and “terrible for Foreign Policy,” Trump warned him to “focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician.” The post, which quickly went viral, accused the first American pope of “catering to the Radical Left” at the expense of global security.

In the interview to Corriere della Sera Trump also reiterated criticism of Pope Leo, saying the pontiff “has no idea what’s going on in Iran” and “doesn’t understand” what is at stake.

Tensions between President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni escalated Tuesday. (Suzanne Plunkett/Reuters)

She “isn’t giving us any help, I’m shocked by her,” Trump said about Meloni in the six-minute conversation.

He went further, accusing Meloni of relying on Washington while refusing to act.

“They depend on Donald Trump to keep it open,” he said, referring to global energy routes through the Strait of Hormuz.

The comments mark a sharp shift in tone toward Meloni, who attended Trump’s 2025 inauguration and was praised by him as “a great leader” just weeks ago.

The White House and Meloni’s office did not immediately respond.

The public rift comes as Meloni has begun distancing herself from both Washington and Jerusalem amid mounting domestic and political pressure over the widening Middle East conflict.

RUBIO SAYS US MAY NEED TO ‘REEXAMINE’ NATO MEMBERSHIP AFTER ALLIES BLOCKED BASING, AIRSPACE HELP

U.S. President Donald Trump delivering remarks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer applauding

President Donald Trump delivers remarks, as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer applaud, following the signing of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, in Egypt, Oct. 13, 2025. (Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)

On Tuesday, Meloni confirmed in a statement that Italy had suspended the automatic renewal of a long-standing defense cooperation agreement with Israel, signaling a significant recalibration in ties.

“In light of the current situation, the government has decided to suspend the automatic renewal of the defence agreement with Israel,” she said, according to Reuters.

The move follows recent tensions between Rome and Jerusalem, including Israeli warning shots fired near Italian troops serving in southern Lebanon under a U.N. mandate, as well as growing Italian criticism of Israeli military operations in the region.

Israel downplayed the impact of the decision, saying the agreement was largely symbolic and “has never contained any substantive content,” Reuters reported.

In Israel, opposition leader Yair Lapid sharply criticized the government following Italy’s move.

“Italy’s decision to suspend the defense cooperation agreement with Israel is another embarrassing failure of the prime minister and the non-existent foreign minister,” Lapid wrote on X.

TRUMP SAYS HE’S CONSIDERING PULLING US OUT OF NATO OVER IRAN WAR STANCE

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni greeted by US Chief of Protocol Monica Crowley at White House South Portico

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is greeted upon arrival at the White House South Portico in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 18, 2025. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

“Meloni is not a left-wing progressive European leader,” she added. “She belongs to the conservative right and understands the need to fight terrorism.”

Meloni’s shift reflects what analysts describe as a broader political repositioning, as the war’s economic fallout, particularly rising energy costs, weighs heavily on Italy’s import-dependent economy and public opinion.

Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani defended Meloni, reaffirming Italy’s alliance with the United States while emphasizing that cooperation must be grounded in “loyalty, respect and mutual frankness.”

The escalating tensions highlight growing fractures within Western alliances as the U.S.-led confrontation with Iran reverberates across Europe, forcing leaders like Meloni to balance strategic partnerships with domestic political realities.

Vessel passing through the Strait of Hormuz in Oman

A ship passes through the Strait of Hormuz during a two-week temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran on April 8, 2026. (Shady Alassar/Anadolu/Getty Images)

The Israel Defense Ministry declined to comment.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Efrat Lachter is a foreign correspondent for Fox News Digital covering international affairs and the United Nations. Follow her on X @efratlachter. Stories can be sent to efrat.lachter@fox.com.

Travelers angered by Volotea airline with surprise post-purchase surcharge fee

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

April 14, 2026

Travelers angered by Volotea airline with surprise post-purchase surcharge fee

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A Spanish budget airline named Volotea is sparking flight passengers’ anger after reportedly asking them to pay extra charges for fuel after their tickets have already been purchased.

At first glance, the added charge — which will be $8 to $11 per passenger, per the “Simple Flying” aviation blog — does not sound high. But travelers are concerned the fee could herald higher prices for additional airlines as fuel prices continue to skyrocket.

The airline has a clause similar to clauses on some cruise lines — which allows the company to tack on charges based on the cost of oil. Volotea refers to the rule as its “Fair Travel Promise.”

When a traveler purchases a ticket, there is a warning that an extra charge may be imposed around seven days before departure if the price of oil has increased, according to multiple reports.

“In the event of extraordinary variations in fuel prices affecting international energy markets, Volotea may apply a limited and temporary adjustment to the ticket price prior to the scheduled departure of the flight,” the company’s website says.

Volotea, based in Barcelona, is angering some travelers with an extra fee after tickets have already been purchased. (iStock)

“The exact amount of any such adjustment will be communicated to passengers prior to departure, once the applicable fuel cost variation has been determined,” the website also says.

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“Such adjustments will only apply to passengers who have been informed of this possibility during the booking process, allowing them to make an informed decision before completing their purchase,” the website adds.

Passengers standing in a queue at an airport boarding gate

“A loophole in the conditions of carriage allows them to do this? Who ever reads the conditions of carriage?” said one traveler (not pictured). (iStock)

Fox News Digital reached out to Volotea, which is headquartered in Barcelona, for comment.

Since news broke of the company’s extra charges, travelers have been reacting online.

“Pity to see a funky airline like Volotea resort to such a gritty survival instinct. I understand the ‘why’ behind the fuel costs, but charging for already booked seats is a bold move that risks a lot of goodwill,” one reader wrote on the blog “Simple Flying.”

“Charging for already-booked seats is a bold move that risks a lot of goodwill.”

“A loophole in the conditions of carriage allows them to do this? Who ever reads the conditions of carriage?” a second reader added.

A third commenter disagreed, saying, “Airlines could, of course, just cancel flights, as some apparently already have. Next thing, there’ll be a shortage of seats, and guess what — prices will really rise.”

Though Volotea is a Spanish airline, it established a primary operational base at Venice’s Marco Polo Airport to target mid-sized European cities. (iStock)

The same person also wrote, “$10 seems a small price to keep flights operating as normally as possible.”

The much bigger concern is that Volotea’s surcharge could be a sign of things to come.

Popular travel guide The Points Guy recommended that people not wait to book flights.

“If you’re planning to fly this summer, go ahead and lock in your airfare now,” The Points Guy wrote.

“As experts noted, prices could surge any day now. That’s especially true if you’re hoping to fly in June or July, which in recent years have been the busiest and most expensive months of the summer to travel.”

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

Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza want to cap visitor numbers as overtourism surges

ISLAND CRACKS DOWN AS TOURISTS ARE SLAPPED WITH NEW FEES, FED-UP LOCALS REVOLT

April 14, 2026

Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza want to cap visitor numbers as overtourism surges

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Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca — three of Spain’s most popular Mediterranean destinations — are among the top spots in Europe dealing with overtourism issues, as officials consider introducing hard limits on visitor numbers and putting other restrictions in place.

The Balearic Islands have seen a surge in tourism, with over 19 million visitors in 2025. That intensifies pressure on housing, infrastructure and the environment, Majorca Daily Bulletin reported.

In response, there have been calls by politicians for a formal cap on arrivals — potentially limiting annual visitor numbers to around 17.8 million, roughly in line with 2023 levels — to stop further growth and ease the strain on locals, according to the website YorkshireLive.

“Social media has made it way easier for people to discover places that used to fly under the radar,” Jordi Lippe-McGraw, a New York-based travel expert and influencer, told Fox News Digital.

“You used to have to read about places in a magazine or see them on a travel show. Now it’s all instant,” she added. “When something looks beautiful or unique, it spreads fast — especially on Instagram or TikTok.”

Hot vacation spots in Europe, including Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca, are among the locations dealing with serious issues caused by overtourism. (iStock)

“Places that might have been more hidden before can suddenly become must-visit spots,” she added.

WEALTHY SUMMER SANCTUARY LIMITS TOURISTS, HIRES PATROL ‘DOCENTS’ TO KEEP OUTSIDERS IN CHECK

The Balearic Islands welcomed millions of visitors in 2025, with Mallorca accounting for around 13.5 million.

Ibiza draws roughly more than 3 million annually, while Menorca visitors remain under one million, according to numerous sources.

Panoramic view of Porte de Soller in Spain

The Balearic Islands welcomed more than 19 million visitors in 2025, with Mallorca accounting for around 13.5 million. (iStock)

Cruise ships add pressure, according to reports. They bring more than a million additional visitors each year, often not included in headline figures — with thousands arriving at once in ports like Palma and Ibiza Town, TravelPulse reported.

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The clash with residents is especially noticeable in Mallorca, where thousands took to the streets in June 2025 to protest the growth of tourism on the island, as Fox News Digital reported at the time.

At the time, demonstrators marched with signs saying, “One more tourist, one less resident.”

People sitting at a table in a small cozy restaurant in Ibiza Town

“Ibiza has always been well-known for music, but I think social media has made Ibiza mainstream,” a travel expert said. (iStock)

Authorities are maintaining strict caps on tourist accommodations and cracking down on illegal rentals, according to Majorca Daily Bulletin.

Ibiza has faced significant congestion on roads and in natural spaces.

The island started limiting the number of vehicles during peak season, Time Out reported.

Mother holding hands with three children

Authorities are maintaining strict caps on tourist accommodations and cracking down on illegal rentals in some hot spots for vacationers. (iStock)

“Ibiza has always been well-known for music, but social media has made Ibiza mainstream. Fifteen years ago, you would rarely see Americans on the island,” J.Q. Louise, a Boston-based travel influencer and writer, told Fox News Digital.

The blogger, who has visited Ibiza several times, said tourists are drawn to the destination for many reasons.

“Once a place goes viral, it can get flooded with visitors really quickly.”

“Ibiza is a stunning island,” Louise said.

“There are gorgeous untouched beaches, breathtaking scenery and a rich local food and wine scene.”

Menorca marina at sunset with town hall and cathedral visible

Often marketed as the quieter alternative to its neighbors, Menorca has implemented limits on tourists. (iStock)

Menorca is trying to avoid the same breaking point.

Often marketed as a quieter alternative than its neighbors, the island has implemented limits on tourists, according to GOB Menorca, a nonprofit environmental organization.

“Once a place goes viral, it can get flooded with visitors really quickly. There’s kind of a fine line. It’s great that people want to explore new places, but those places aren’t always set up to handle that kind of attention,” Lippe-McGraw said.

“That’s when you start to see overcrowding, higher costs for locals and more pressure on the area overall.”

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

Titanic survivor’s life jacket could fetch as much as $475,000 at auction

FAMOUS TITANIC PASSENGER’S POCKET WATCH THAT STOPPED AT MOMENT DOOMED SHIP SANK SELLS FOR RECORD AT AUCTION

April 14, 2026

Titanic survivor's life jacket could fetch as much as $475,000 at auction

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A rare life jacket worn by a Titanic survivor is set to be auctioned more than a century after the disaster.

The flotation device, used by first-class passenger Laura Mabel Francatelli during the ship’s 1912 sinking, is expected to sell for roughly $339,000 to $475,000, news agency Cover Media reported.

Francatelli wore the life jacket as she boarded Lifeboat No. 1 after the Titanic struck an iceberg just before midnight on April 14, 1912. She later signed the item along with seven other survivors from the same lifeboat.

The life jacket remained in her family for decades before being acquired by a private collector about 20 years ago.

It is believed to be one of only a handful of Titanic life jackets still in existence — and the only one ever offered at auction, Cover Media noted.

A life jacket worn by Titanic survivor Laura Francatelli (not pictured) is headed to auction and could sell for up to about $475,000. (Zachary Culpin/BNPS)

Auctioneers at Henry Aldridge & Son said the item has generated global interest ahead of the sale, which is scheduled to take place April 18.

Francatelli, who was just 22 at the time, boarded the Titanic in France and was traveling as a secretary to fashion designer Lady Lucy Duff Gordon and her husband, Sir Cosmo Duff Gordon.

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She later recalled being told not to worry as she was helped into a life preserver before making her way to the ship’s deck, where lifeboats were being lowered.

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 group ultimately boarded Lifeboat No. 1 — which had a capacity of about 40 people but was launched with only 12 on board.

The lifeboat later became the subject of controversy after its occupants did not return to rescue others in the water. Reports at the time also raised questions about payments made by Sir Cosmo to crew members, though the circumstances were widely debated.

The survivors were eventually picked up by the RMS Carpathia, which arrived hours after the Titanic sank and rescued more than 700 passengers.

Francatelli later returned to Britain and married Swiss-born hotel manager Maximilian Haering in 1913.

The couple eventually moved to New York, where they worked in the hospitality industry and operated hotels together.

First class passenger Laura Mabel Francatelli wearing a lifejacket after being rescued

Francatelli, pictured in the circle, was among the survivors rescued by the RMS Carpathia hours after the sinking. (Henry Aldridge & Son/BNPS.co.uk)

After her husband’s death, she returned to the United Kingdom — where she spent the remainder of her life until her death in 1967.

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

“There are only a handful of life jackets worn by survivors which still exist today,” auctioneer Andrew Aldridge told Cover Media, adding that most are held in museums and are unlikely to be sold.

The upcoming sale is expected to draw collectors and history enthusiasts from all over the world.

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

Illegal Disney stroller hack sparks both praise and outrage as prices skyrocket

DISNEY FANS SAY THEY’RE OUTRAGED AFTER THEME PARK ELIMINATES THEIR BELOVED SNACKS

April 14, 2026

Illegal Disney stroller hack sparks both praise and outrage as prices skyrocket

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As Disney ticket prices skyrocket, families are apparently trying creative and — in some cases — highly questionable ways to try to save a buck.

Recently, a father was caught on video at Disneyland in California seemingly trying to smuggle an older child into the park in the back of a stroller.

In a viral video that circulated on TikTok last week, a child can be seen sitting squeezed in the back of a stroller, barely visibile, as the father waits in line to pay the entry fee.

“Disney [is] so expensive they[‘re] smuggling kids in,” the TikTok video is captioned.

The video was taken by a blogger who posted it on his account.

A little girl was seen sitting in front of the stroller, the blogger said — while the older child was pushed up against the stroller’s mesh in the back, munching on crackers, according to the post.

Recently, a dad was seen on video at Disneyland seemingly smuggling his child into the park in the back of a stroller. (AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

Fox News Digital reached out to Disneyland and Disney World for comment. Disney was unable to confirm the incident.

Commenters online quickly erupted — weighing in with a surprising amount of support for the illegal cost-cutting hack.

“Disney doesn’t realize how much money they could make by lowering prices,” one person wrote.

DISNEY SHUTS DOWN WIDELY USED FREE PARKING HACK AS SPRING CROWDS SURGE

“Sad. Disney [should] do better and lower the prices so kids can enjoy the park!” another said.

This is not the first time a Mickey enthusiast has tried to smuggle a child into the park with the stroller method.

There have been several viral incidents of families (not pictured) allegedly attempting to smuggle older children into Disney parks. (iStock)

Over the past few years, several viral incidents have circulated of families apparently trying to smuggle older children into Disney parks by hiding them in strollers, according to the “Inside the Magic” blog.

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One incident garnered a lot of attention in 2022 when a TikTok video showed a child being wheeled in a car seat. The child was lifted out once inside the park — and walked on her own once inside the park, numerous outlets reported.

“If you don’t have the money, don’t go.”

Some travelers believe these incidents may be attempts to bypass ticket costs.

Despite the attention, these incidents appear to be rare in practice, yet they continue to spark strong reactions online.

Disney fans on Reddit strongly disagreed with the praise as voiced on TikTok.

“I understand that prices for gas, parking, hotels are crazy, but if you don’t have the money, don’t go. The entitlement is astounding!” one Reddit user said after a different incident.

Statues of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse at Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida

In the fall of 2025, Disney raised its prices at both Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California. (Gary Hershorn/Getty Images)

“Agree. If you can’t afford it, then you don’t belong,” another said.

In October 2025, Disney raised the prices at both Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California. For the first time, single-day tickets crossed the $200 mark during peak times.

At the time, Disneyland topped out at $224 for a one-day, one-park ticket on its busiest days. At Walt Disney World, that same ticket now runs as high as $209 during peak demand in the 2026 season.

Not long ago, FastPass let park visitors skip the lines for free.

Today, that perk comes at a premium. Disney now offers three tiers of paid Lightning Lane passes, with the priciest option climbing to $449 per person, per day, according to the company’s website.