4.6 C
New York
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
type here...
Home Blog Page 14

AAA urges early travel planning as it highlights America’s 250th anniversary events for 2026

By
Reporters News Wire
-
0

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Families are already planning 2026 vacations this year as America turns 250, with plenty of historic destinations in the spotlight.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is spotlighting a number of celebratory trips across the country, beginning with an event in Philadelphia.

“We recommend travelers identify which events they want to attend or site they want to visit and book early,” an AAA spokesperson told Fox News Digital this week.

STATE LAUNCHES ‘AMERICA FIRST’ LICENSE PLATE AS OTHERS UNVEIL PATRIOTIC AMERICA 250 DESIGNS 

“Don’t wait until the last minute to buy flights or reserve hotels,” the spokesperson added. “Especially over Independence Day weekend — when we historically see record travel numbers.”

The Wawa Welcome America Festival, for example, is a 16-day celebration beginning June 19 and lasting through July 4.

Various cities and locations nationwide are holding special events this year to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.  (iStock)

“This once-in-a-generation experience will feature events that Philadelphians have come to know and love, just bigger and better, including concerts on Independence Mall, firework displays, block parties, Wawa Hoagie Day, a parade representing all states and territories,” the website notes. 

Also noted for Philadelphia is The Museum of the American Revolution (MAR). An exhibition traces how the Declaration of Independence inspired similar movements around the world.

TRUMP LAUNCHES MASSIVE ‘FREEDOM 250’ PUSH TO IGNITE AMERICA’S 250TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Just outside Augusta, Georgia, is Meadow Garden, home to George Walton. It’s been open to the public since 1901, making the property one of the oldest house museums in the U.S. It’s also featured on the America 250 list by AAA. 

WANT TO EAT LIKE THE FOUNDING FATHERS THIS JULY 4TH? HOW TO INCORPORATE THEIR FAVORITE FOODS INTO YOUR HOLIDAY

Walton was a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

There are “ongoing activities, like the ‘Write Like a Signer’ experience, where young visitors can try their hand at quill writing,” said AAA.

Washington Monement

“We recommend travelers identify which events they want to attend or site they want to visit and book early,” said an AAA spokesperson. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Emerson Colonial Theatre in Boston will showcase a historic opera from April 24 to May 3.

“The Daughter of the Regiment” tells the story of Deborah Sampson of Massachusetts, who disguised herself as a man to join the fight for independence.

Three events are spotlighted by AAA in the nation’s capital, starting with an AI display titled “The American Story” at the National Archives Museum, which will offer a journey through 250 years of history.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES

While the National Mall has already kicked off the year with illuminations on the Washington Monument, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival will take place June 18 to July 12.

Near the mall, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History will feature various Declaration of Independence exhibits.

Outside Washington, D.C., Gadsby’s Tavern Museum in Alexandria, Virginia, will share the story of previous manager Hannah Griffith.

United States National Archives

“Don’t wait until the last minute to buy flights or reserve hotels. Especially over Independence Day weekend, when we historically see record travel numbers,” said an AAA spokesperson.  (iStock)

Griffith ran the coffeehouse from 1785 to the early 1800s, offering just one example of the roles women played during the Revolutionary War.

Also in Virginia is the First Baptist Church of Williamsburg, which was founded for enslaved and free African Americans.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

“Organized in 1776 — at a time when Black people faced severe restrictions on their right to gather — the congregation has been a cornerstone of resilience and faith,” AAA notes.

American flags being waved in New York City

“It’s important for people to see themselves in this commemoration and important for them to feel inspired for our country’s future,” said the chair of the America250 commission.  (iStock)

One of the largest celebrations to take place on the East and Gulf Coasts is Sail250.

International fleets of tall ships and navy vessels will dock in New Orleans, Norfolk, Virginia, Baltimore, New York, and Boston bringing parades, tours, fireworks and more.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

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.”

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 is a lifestyle reporter with Fox News Digital. 

GREGG JARRETT: Chaos in Minnesota puts Trump’s Insurrection Act authority in play

By
Reporters News Wire
-
0

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

If President Donald Trump decides to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy the military into Minneapolis to halt anti-ICE violence, the state’s elected leaders have only themselves to blame.   

Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey purposely lit a fuse on the powder keg of unrest immediately after last week’s tragic shooting of a motorist in a confrontation with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).  

Without waiting for the facts to emerge, Frey called the claim of self-defense “bullshit” and shouted for ICE to get the f**k out of Minneapolis.” As demonstrations devolved into bedlam and violence, Frey blamed federal agents. That’s like blaming a bank for enticing the robber.  

PROTESTERS CLASH WITH FEDERAL OFFICERS AFTER ANOTHER ICE SHOOTING IN MINNEAPOLIS

Not to be outdone, Walz tossed high-octane gasoline on the blaze.  

Having previously denounced ICE as a “modern-day Gestapo,” the governor praised protesters while accusing ICE of imagined “atrocities” and “organized brutality.” It was music to the ears of activists who screamed, “Nazis!” and “fascists!” in the agents’ faces. 

Fiery remarks tend to ignite fires.  

So, inevitably, more ugly clashes erupted on the streets as crowds raged. An American flag was burned. Rioters and organized groups alike harassed and obstructed ICE. Some used their SUVs to block agents. Others conspired to “de-arrest” suspects. Never mind that interfering with federal law enforcement constitutes crimes.  

It escalated after a second shooting when a federal officer was ambushed and beaten as he tried to effectuate a legitimate arrest. Agitators hurled rocks, bottles and fireworks at ICE agents. Federal vehicles were vandalized and looted.  

One demolished car was defaced with graffiti that read, “Hang Kristi Noem,” the Homeland Security Secretary. The angry mob also spray-painted the words, “The only good agent is a dead one.”     

As bedlam reigned, local police did little or nothing to stem the chaos. That should come as no surprise in this notorious sanctuary city where the fanciful rights and privileges of illegal migrants supersede the rights of law-abiding citizens.      

Deputy U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche warned, “The Minnesota insurrection is a direct result of a failed governor and a terrible mayor encouraging violence against law enforcement. It’s disgusting.” Blanche’s use of the word “insurrection” was both correct and deliberate. 

It is broadly defined as a violent uprising or revolt against government authority. 

As the violence swelled, President Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act if Minnesota’s leaders refused to protect federal officers and ensure public safety. He has the legal right and power to do so.  

This would mean flooding the city with military forces instead of federalizing the National Guard, as he has done elsewhere to suppress civil disorder arising from the enforcement of immigration laws. 

As I explained in two earlier columns, the Insurrection Act has been utilized numerous times in American history by previous presidents. In 1957, President Dwight Eisenhower sent U.S. troops to Little Rock, Arkansas to enforce federal civil rights laws in the face of a hostile governor and mob violence.  

President John F. Kennedy did the same thing in both Mississippi and Alabama. President George H. W. Bush dispatched troops to Los Angeles in 1992 to bring rioting under control where local authorities failed or refused. In all, fifteen Presidents have employed the Insurrection Act dating all the way back to Thomas Jefferson.

Uninformed critics erroneously assert that Trump is barred from acting by the Posse Comitatus Act that prohibits the use of federal troops for policing on domestic soil. This is a frivolous argument since the Insurrection Act is a well-established exception to Posse Comitatus. 

In the recent legal kerfuffle over National Guard troops, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh emphasized “the president’s long-asserted Article II authority to use the U.S. military (as distinct from the National Guard) to protect federal personnel and property and thereby ensure the execution of federal law.”  

CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION

That is precisely what Trump would do in Minneapolis — protect ICE agents and their federal property from the ongoing violence while enforcing immigration and deportation laws. But, he also has the authority to quell the general rioting, as Bush did.  

When and whether to invoke the Act is an exclusive power of the president. However, it does not mean that exerting it is the most prudent or wise decision. In its Friday editorial, The Wall Street Journal counseled against it.  

The Journal argues that “events in Minnesota are so far nowhere near the standard for riots and destruction that would justify such a move.” Moreover, calling in federal troops “could incite more protests.” Finally, it is an election year, which presents its own calculus.   

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP 

These are fair points and are surely part of President Trump’s deliberations.  

Having the power to act can be tempting. But wisdom is also found in restraint.  

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM GREGG JARRETT 

Gregg Jarrett is a Fox News legal analyst and commentator, and formerly worked as a defense attorney and adjunct law professor. His recent book, “The Trial of the Century,” about the famous “Scopes Monkey Trial” is available in bookstores nationwide or can be ordered online at the Simon & Schuster website.  Jarrett’s latest book, “The Constitution of the United States and Other Patriotic Documents,” was published by Broadside Books, a division of HarperCollins on November 14, 2023.  Gregg is the author of the No. 1 New York Times best-selling book “The Russia Hoax: The Illicit Scheme to Clear Hillary Clinton and Frame Donald Trump.” His follow-up book was also a New York Times bestseller, “Witch Hunt: The Story of the Greatest Mass Delusion in American Political History.” 

Chile establishes Cape Froward park at southern tip of Americas mainland

By
Reporters News Wire
-
0

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Chile is preparing to create a new national park to protect its endangered wildlife and unique ecosystems.

The park, named Cape (Cabo) Froward National Park, would stretch some 370,000 acres. 

It would be located on the Brunswick Peninsula, according to Reuters.

NATIONAL PARK WARNS AGAINST DANGEROUS CROWDING AND TRAFFIC AMID NEW VOLCANO ERUPTION

Forests, peatlands, glaciers and coastline can be found across the land.

Cape Froward sits at the southern tip of the Americas. 

Cape Froward National Park would stretch about 370,000 acres. It would be located on the Brunswick Peninsula.  (Reuters/Pablo Sanhueza)

It’s been dubbed a park “on the edge of the world” — a place where the Americas meet Antarctica.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES

The Brunswick Peninsula is located in Patagonia, bordering the Strait of Magellan and Otway Sound.

Cape Froward National Park aerial shot

Forests, peatlands, glaciers and coastline can be found across the land. (Reuters/Pablo Sanhueza)

Wildlife coordinator Benjamín Caceres of Rewilding Chile, a nonprofit conservation foundation involved with the project, told Reuters the peninsula is a “mosaic of marine, coastal and land ecosystems.”

whale jumping Cape Froward National Park

“These are resilient places that maintain balance and create a refuge for species that are in danger of extinction,” said a wildlife expert.  (Reuters/Pablo Sanhueza)

“These are resilient places that maintain balance and create a refuge for species that are in danger of extinction,” Caceres said.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The land — considered a site of cultural and historical heritage — is in ancestral Kawésqar territory.

Cape Froward National Park aerial shot

Chile recorded foreign tourist arrivals in 2024.  (Reuters/Pablo Sanhueza)

It’s an area tied to early “end-of-the-world” exploration history, according to Rewilding Chile.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

The park is home to the largest deer native to Chile, the endangered huemul deer. The stocky mammal has short legs, thick fur and large ears, according to Discover Wildlife.

dolphin swimming in water Cape Froward National Park

Cape Froward National Park is expected to be completed in two years. (Reuters/Pablo Sanhueza)

Chile recorded 5,239,233 foreign tourist arrivals in 2024, according to government data.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

The park is expected to be completed in two years.

Reuters contributed reporting. 

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

Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano erupts again this week with lava fountains as officials share warnings

By
Reporters News Wire
-
0

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano erupted again this week — drawing renewed attention to HawaiÊ»i Volcanoes National Park and fresh safety warnings. 

The Jan. 12th event marks the volcano’s 40th eruptive episode since 2024, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

In a Facebook post announcing the eruption, park officials cautioned that increased interest in the activity could lead to heavy traffic and busy conditions near the park.

RESEARCHERS FIND ‘COMPELLING EVIDENCE’ OF POSSIBLE NOAH’S ARK REMAINS IN ONE COUNTRY

Officials urged visitors to plan ahead, slow down, follow posted signs — and park only in designated areas.

The current eruption inside the Halemaʻumaʻu crater can be viewed from several overlooks along Crater Rim Drive, though visibility can change quickly and weather such as fog or rain may obscure the lava, the park’s website noted.

Park officials warned that heightened interest in the eruption may result in traffic congestion and crowded conditions around the park. (William Campbell/Getty Images)

“Consider factors such as viewing experience, long waits and crowds, hiking ability and available time when selecting where to view the eruption,” the park said.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Park officials also warned that changing weather conditions, including rain, fog and reduced visibility, can affect both viewing conditions and travel within the park.

People watching Kilauea volcano erupt at night.

The ongoing eruption in the Halemaʻumaʻu crater is visible from multiple overlooks along Crater Rim Drive. (Gary Miller/Getty Images)

Beyond traffic and viewing conditions, officials are also monitoring environmental impacts from the eruption.

The eruption is producing significant volcanic gas emissions, Fox Weather reported.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES

“Volcanic gas, which is made up of water vapor, carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide, can be released during eruptions and can be hazardous to areas immediately downwind of the eruption,” Fox Weather said.

Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii erupts for 25th time since December

Officials are monitoring environmental impacts, as the eruption is releasing hazardous volcanic gases. (USGS -M. Zoeller/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Officials advised visitors to monitor air quality conditions, as volcanic gases can be especially hazardous for children and people with respiratory conditions.

KÄ«lauea has been erupting episodically since late December, the USGS said.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

The most eruptive episodes have lasted less than 12 hours — and they’re separated by pauses that can last days or weeks.

The USGS also reported a small swarm of low-magnitude earthquakes beneath the Halemaʻumaʻu crater on Wednesday, noting that activity remains confined within the Kīlauea caldera.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Fox News Digital reached out to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park for further comment.

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

Riptide the leatherback turtle swims impressive 7,000 miles in 7 months

By
Reporters News Wire
-
0

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

A mama turtle has impressed researchers after making a rare 7,000-mile journey in seven months, swimming from the warm waters of Panama to the North Atlantic before returning to Florida.

Riptide, a female leatherback turtle from the Caribbean, was tagged and released off the coast of Panama on May 22. 

Since then, Sea Turtle Conservancy, an organization based in Gainesville, Florida, has been tracking the turtle’s long and impressive journey. 

ARCHAEOLOGISTS UNEARTH CHILLING 16TH-CENTURY GALLOWS WHERE REBELS WERE HANGED AND DISPLAYED

Riptide reached Turks and Caicos on July 11, and nearly saw the coast of Nova Scotia on Sept. 14.

She then moved south and was spotted near Fire Island, New York, on Nov. 23 before making her way south, hitting 7,000 miles by Jan. 11.

A female leatherback turtle named Riptide has made an impressive 7,000-mile migration tracked by researchers over seven months. (Sea Turtle Conservancy)

David Godfrey, the executive director of the Sea Turtle Conservancy, told Fox News Digital that Riptide is one of the first turtles his organization has seen take such a trip.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES

“Riptide is one of the first turtles we have tracked from Panama that went all the way to the North Atlantic and then back down to the coast of Florida in a bit over seven months,” said Godfrey.

“Her 7,000-mile migration is not the longest we have seen, but it is definitely up there for less than a year.”

“Turtles do their own thing, and it will be fun to watch and see if she surprises us back in Panama this summer.”

Riptide is currently swimming in the waters outside of Jacksonville, and Godfrey predicts that she’ll move down to Panama, where she hatched and nested 93 fertile eggs last year. 

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

“It would be unusual for her to nest two years in a row,” Godfrey observed. “More likely, she will continue to migrate around looking for food until she returns to the Caribbean in 2027.”

He added, “Turtles do their own thing, and it will be fun to watch and see if she surprises us back in Panama this summer.”

GIF of Riptide swimming

Researchers say leatherback turtle Riptide traveled from Panama to the North Atlantic before returning to Florida waters. (Sea Turtle Conservancy)

Officials aren’t sure how old the long-distance swimmer is, but Godfrey said she’s at least 15 years old — and “could be quite a bit older than that.”

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC), the oldest sea turtle research and conservation group in the world, carries out efforts across Central America, the Caribbean and the Sunshine State.

Godfrey added that leatherbacks have almost no predators once they’re fully grown, except for large sharks — but their greatest threat is human activity. 

Riptide laying on ocean floor

Scientists tracked Riptide’s migration as part of ongoing sea turtle research efforts. (Sea Turtle Conservancy)

“Unfortunately, we humans are their greatest threat, usually from inadvertently impacting them through commercial fishing activities, boat strikes and disturbance of their habitat,” he said.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“There is also a significant amount of poaching of eggs and even some adult turtles when they come back to the nesting beach, which are the kinds of things STC works very hard to curtail.”

Broncos’ Bo Nix heaps praise on Bills MVP Josh Allen before playoff showdown

By
Reporters News Wire
-
0

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

The Broncos’ AFC-best regular season record earned Denver a wild-card bye. Josh Allen and the Bills advanced past Jacksonville to set up a divisional round matchup with Bo Nix and Denver.

In his first playoff appearance, Nix passed for 144 yards as Denver was routed by Buffalo. That setback hasn’t dulled the second-year quarterback’s respect for Allen. During his media availability this week, Nix told reporters that he’s seen the Bills star do “superhero stuff” on NFL game days.

“He’s incredible. He’s the MVP of the league for a reason,” Nix said. “He continues to make play after play when sort of the game’s not necessarily looking like he can make the play. He just goes out there and does superhero stuff.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Bo Nix (10) of the Denver Broncos meets with Josh Allen (17) of the Buffalo Bills prior to the start of the game at Highmark Stadium on Jan. 12, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)

Nix also pointed to Allen’s toughness as a key trait that sets the four-time Pro Bowler apart from many of his peers.

“I think one of the things that separates him is just his toughness, his ability to go play after play at his maximum velocities, his peak performance. It’s been fun to watch him play over the course of his career.”

BRONCOS’ BO NIX REVEALS STRATEGY FOR CONTENDING WITH CRITICISM: ‘I DELETE MY SOCIAL MEDIA’

“It feels like he got in the league, but he’s been in there for a while at this point, making play after play. He’s just a kind of a generational talent. You don’t see that all the time, guys as big as the defensive linemen just being able to be as athletic as skill players. It’s not normal. He has great arm strength, too. It’s one of those things where you can do it all at a high level, and it’s always been fun to watch.”

Josh Allen runs

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) runs against the Detroit Lions during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Detroit, Michigan.  (AP Photo/Rey Del Rio)

Nix finished the regular season with a league-high 612 passing attempts, racking up 3,931 yards through the air. The former Oregon standout was also credited with 25 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in the 2025 season.

Josh Allen warms up

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) warms up before the first quarter in an NFL football AFC Wild Card playoff matchup, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Florida. (Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union)

The New England Patriots claimed the top spot in the AFC East, while the Bills clinched a playoff spot via the wild card.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The Broncos are still searching for the franchise’s first playoff win since Peyton Manning guided the team to the Super Bowl 50 title a decade ago. The winners of Saturday’s Bills-Broncos divisional round postseason game will clinch a spot in the AFC Championship Game.

The Houston Texans will meet the Patriots in the other AFC divisional round game to determine the other half of the conference championship.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

Australia social media ban removes 4.7 million teen accounts under new law

By
Reporters News Wire
-
0

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Social media companies have removed access to millions of accounts belonging to children in Australia in the first month since the country’s historic ban took effect, requiring platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok to identify and deactivate users under the age 16.

Access was revoked for roughly 4.7 million users, according to Australian officials, who on Friday touted the early success of the law, which was enacted in mid-December amid fears surrounding the impact of online environments on young people.

“Today, we can announce that this is working,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said during a news conference. “This is a source of Australian pride. This was world-leading legislation, but it is now being followed up around the world.”

Under the law, 10 social media giants — Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, Snapchat, Kick, Reddit, Threads, Twitch and YouTube — must locate and deactivate accounts of Australian users under the age of 16. The companies face fines of up to $33 million if they don’t take “reasonable steps” to remove underage users.

AUSTRALIAN MOTHER CALLS FOR SOCIAL MEDIA AGE RESTRICTIONS AFTER DAUGHTER’S SUICIDE

Australia’s prime minister celebrated the success of a new law, which requires social media platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok to identify and deactivate users under the age of 16. (Tracey Nearmy/Getty Images; Anna Barclay/Getty Images)

“We stared down everybody who said it couldn’t be done, some of the most powerful and rich companies in the world and their supporters,” said Australian communications minister Anika Wells. “Now Australian parents can be confident that their kids can have their childhoods back.”

According to Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, there are roughly 2.5 million Australians between the ages of 8 and 15, with about 84% of 8 to 12-year-olds having at least one social media account. While the total number of accounts across platforms is unknown, Inman Grant said the number of deactivated or restricted accounts was encouraging.

“We’re preventing predatory social media companies from accessing our children,” she said at a news conference.

NEARLY TWO-THIRDS OF AMERICAN VOTERS BACK SOCIAL MEDIA BAN FOR KIDS UNDER 16, FOX NEWS POLL SHOWS

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese meets police officers during a visit to the NSW Police headquarters, following a deadly shooting incident during a Jewish holiday celebration at Bondi Beach, in Sydney, Australia, Dec. 16, 2025.  (Hollie Adams/Reuters)

Critics of the new ban have argued that it will be difficult to enforce, and Inman Grant acknowledged that there are still some active underage accounts.

“We don’t expect safety laws to eliminate every single breach. If we did, speed limits would have failed because people speed, drinking limits would have failed because, believe it or not, some kids do get access to alcohol,” she said.

She added that based on data reviewed by her office, there was an increase in downloads of alternative apps after the ban began, but not a spike in usage.

Social media platforms can verify age by either requesting copies of identification documents, using a third party to apply age estimation technology to an account holder’s face, or making inferences from data already available, such as how long an account has been active.

Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and Threads, said earlier this week that it had removed nearly 550,000 accounts belonging to users it believed were under the age of 16 just one day after the ban began.

While the law was popular among parents and child safety campaigners, online privacy advocates and groups representing teenagers largely came out against it.

FRANCE REPORTEDLY PLANNING TO BAN CHILDREN UNDER 15 FROM SOCIAL MEDIA STARTING 2026

A teen checks a smartphone showing an age-verification lockout message.

A teenager in Sydney holds a phone displaying an Instagram age-verification message after the account was locked on Dec. 9, 2025. (AFP via Getty Images)

Other countries have weighed similar measures in step with Australia, and some American lawmakers have also signaled their interest in pursuing social media restrictions in the U.S.

“I think we ought to look at what Australia’s doing, for example, requiring access to these social media platforms to not be available to anybody under the age of 16,” Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said last month.

Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., previously said that “protecting children is an avenue that should be pursued.”

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

“I won’t rule out some sort of limitation in sales or distribution or use of those devices… Parents and grandparents need a helping hand; this is getting out of hand,” he said.

Fox News Digital’s Nora Moriarty, The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.

Hollywood Walk of Fame ranked ‘worst’ tourist destination in travel company study

By
Reporters News Wire
-
0

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

A recent report is shining a light on popular destinations that are considered the “worst” for tourists to visit because they fall short of the hype they’ve received over the years.  

Analysts looked at more than 100 tourist attractions around the world — and came up with a list of the “worst” destinations that “underwhelm visitors despite their global fame,” according to the report.

Stasher, a travel company specializing in luggage storage, released the findings based on Google Reviews ratings, TikTok engagement, airport accessibility, country safety and local accommodation quality.

US ALERTS TOURISTS OF ‘UNPREDICTABLE SECURITY SITUATION’ IN POPULAR HOLIDAY DESTINATION

Grabbing the “worst” label of all was the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, California.

“Located [23 miles] from the LAX airport, this sidewalk of celebrity stars had the lowest Google rating and safety score,” analysts noted.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame was ranked the “worst” attraction for visitors in a new analysis.  (iStock)

There are over 2,800 stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, honoring achievements in film, TV, music, radio and live performance, according to its website.

The stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame are located on the sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Trip Advisor ranks the site 3.4 out of 5 stars on its website, and also puts it at no. 64 on a “to-do list” for those visiting Los Angeles.

“The area is run down, dirty and full of shady figures,” wrote one person on Trip Advisor. “Prices in restaurants and shops are completely different. Celebrities are hardly met here, but [there are] plenty of homeless people. We walked down the street once and then moved on quickly.”

crowds on Hollywood Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles California

There are over 2,800 stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (iStock)

Another visitor said, “[The] Hollywood Walk of Fame was definitely not what I expected based on TV and movies. The whole area felt unsafe during our visit, and I wouldn’t recommend taking young children.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES

Another person had a different take. “OK, it’s a bit shabby, tacky and touristy, but if you’re a tourist, then why not! We loved looking at all the stars’ names etc. and going in and out of the tourist shops … Done, ticked [it] off the list.”

“It’s an iconic piece of Hollywood.”

One tourist wrote, “If you’ve never been to Hollywood before, then the Walk of Fame is definitely worth seeing. Famous throughout the years, it’s an iconic piece of Hollywood.”

Hollywood sign

“The image you have of the Hollywood Walk of Fame is one of stardom and glitz, but the reality is your average city center with expensive gift shops.” (Kirby Lee/Getty Images)

Another visitor said, “The Hollywood Walk of Fame is simply part of a visit to Los Angeles. The many stars of famous artists are exciting to [see], and it is fun to discover familiar names.”

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

A person wrote, “Don’t expect to see the glamour of Hollywood, as it’s disappointing. The image you have of the Hollywood Walk of Fame is one of stardom and glitz, but the reality is your average city center with expensive gift shops.”

“The reality is your average city center with expensive gift shops.”

Other notable destinations making the report’s “top 10 tourist traps that just aren’t worth it” are the Dead Sea, between Israel and Jordan, and the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey.

The Great Wall of China was also among that group. 

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Fox News Digital reached out to the Hollywood Walk of Fame for comment.  

On its website, the location shares its full history. It notes that “today, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce continues to add stars to the Walk of Fame as the representative of the City of Los Angeles. An average of two stars are added to the Walk on a monthly basis. The Walk is a tribute to all of those who worked so hard to develop the concept and to maintain this world-class tourist attraction.”

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

Fire reveals 1960s time capsule for community of St Mungo’s Church Scotland

By
Reporters News Wire
-
0

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

After a devastating fire reduced a Scottish church to rubble, an unexpected discovery was made beneath the ruins — uniting a grieving congregation.

St Mungo’s Church, a Church of Scotland congregation in Cumbernauld, suffered an arson attack on Aug. 2. Officials are still investigating the crime and described it as a “deliberate act of fire-raising.”

Pictures from the site show the burned-out remains of the church, with its pyramid-shaped roof structure still visible.

LONG-LOST ANCIENT VILLAGE WITH MYSTERIOUS PAST UNEARTHED AMID WIND FARM DIG: ‘EXCITING DISCOVERY’

But as the community mourned the church, it became apparent the fire revealed a glimpse of the past. It shared a time capsule, which they later went on to open.

Built in the 1960s, St Mungo’s Church is part of Trinity Parish Church, a congregation formed in 2024 through the union of other churches in Cumbernauld.

Items inside the capsule included old newspapers, church notices, letters, coins and a congregation roll. (Church of Scotland)

Morag Rusk, the session clerk of Cumbernauld Trinity Church (formerly St Mungo’s), told Fox News Digital the capsule was recently opened this winter, three months after the fire.

When church officials opened up the capsule, they found newspaper clips, church notices, a congregation roll, coins and letters.

The congregation roll, Rusk said, was of particular interest to parishioners.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

“[Church members] were interested [in looking] for their friends and relatives, and for anyone who was still in the life of the church today,” she said.

“A few members of the congregation were aware there had been a time capsule… [though] it was not in the forefront of [their] minds after the fire.”

Split image of newspaper, ruined church

A fire that destroyed St Mungo’s Church in Cumbernauld later revealed a time capsule hidden beneath the building. (Church of Scotland)

The newspapers included editions from the Cumbernauld News detailing information about the church when it was first built, including the minister’s death.

 “The Nov. 6th newspaper gave details of the Foundation Stone being laid for the new St Mungo’s church that weekend,” said Rusk. “It was also interesting to see the church notices in the local newspapers, detailing the Sunday Services at that time in 1964.”

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

She described it as “interesting to read” about the church building’s early beginnings, as the community now turns toward rebuilding.

The church hopes to eventually display the contents of the capsule, Rusk added. 

Close-up of 1964 newspaper

Newspapers found in the capsule documented early milestones in the church’s history during the 1960s. (Church of Scotland)

The time capsule’s discovery, she said, “has generated a huge interest across the U.K. and internationally now, more than we could ever imagine. It generated a lot of interest for the congregation to come and see it.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES

She added, “We also did a livestream on the church’s Facebook page due to the interest shown.”

Unfortunately, the church official said there have been no updates shared about who committed the crime.

Church of Scotland church, time capsule

The time capsule offered a connection to the church’s past as the congregation now looks ahead. (Church of Scotland)

Rusk described the church’s “large and iconic” design as a lasting part of the town’s landscape — something that leaves big shoes to fill.

“The congregation and many people in the town and beyond have been part of the church for many years and have had baptisms, weddings and funerals there,” she said.  

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“The church design enabled it to be a social space for both church and community activities, and this is greatly missed… The loss of St Mungo’s has a huge impact, not just for the congregation, but also for the wider community across the town.”

Instagram password reset email surge hits users

By
Reporters News Wire
-
0

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

If your inbox suddenly shows an Instagram “Reset your password” email you never requested, you are not alone. A wave of unexpected reset messages is hitting people right now, and attackers are betting you will panic, click fast and make a mistake.

Here is the tricky part. Many of these emails are real. They can come directly from Instagram because someone triggered the legitimate password reset flow. That makes the alert feel extra convincing, even when you did nothing wrong.

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report 
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.

FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM ARE USING YOUR DATA TO TRAIN AI: LEARN HOW TO PROTECT IT

Unexpected Instagram password reset emails can look completely legitimate, which is why so many users are caught off guard during this surge. (Cyverguy.com)

Why Instagram password reset emails are surging

This surge is happening because the reset emails themselves can be real, even when the intent behind them is not. Instead of building fake phishing pages or using malware, attackers take advantage of Instagram’s normal account recovery system.

The process is simple. An attacker enters your username or email into Instagram’s real password reset form. Instagram automatically sends a legitimate reset email to you. The attacker then waits to see how you react.

At this point, your account has not been hacked. The risk comes from what happens next. Attackers are counting on common mistakes, such as clicking the reset button and rushing through the process, reusing a weak password, getting redirected to a fake follow-up page or falling for a second scam email that arrives soon after.

That is why this tactic works as a stress test. It creates urgency and pressure, even though nothing has been compromised yet.

Why attackers love this tactic

This is classic social engineering. The attacker does not need to outsmart Instagram. They need to outsmart you in a stressed moment. A reset email creates urgency. It also feels official. That combination leads people to click first and think second, which is exactly the outcome attackers want. You can treat these surprise reset emails as an early warning system. If you get one:

  • Someone may know your username or email
  • Your account could be on a target list from a leak or scrape
  • Your current security setup will decide whether this stays annoying or turns into a takeover

If an email pressures you to act immediately, threatens account deletion or asks for extra information, treat it as suspicious.

The BreachForums leak connection

The timing of this surge has raised fresh concerns. Reports point to data tied to roughly 17.5 million Instagram accounts being shared on BreachForums, an underground forum where cybercriminals trade and discuss stolen data. The alleged post appeared in early January 2026, which lines up with when many users began reporting a sudden wave of password reset emails, sometimes receiving several in a short period of time.

This timing alone does not prove a direct connection. However, leaked usernames or email addresses can make it much easier for attackers to target large numbers of accounts at once, which is exactly what this kind of reset spam depends on. We reached out to Meta for comment, but did not receive a response before our deadline. 

We reached out to Meta for comment, and a spokesperson for the company told CyberGuy, 

“We fixed an issue that allowed an external party to request password reset emails for some Instagram users. We want to reassure everyone there was no breach of our systems and people’s Instagram accounts remain secure. People can disregard these emails and we apologize for any confusion this may have caused.” 

How to tell if the reset email is legitimate

A legitimate Instagram reset email can still be part of an attack attempt. So your goal is not “confirm it is real,” it is “avoid reacting in a risky way.” Instagram’s own guidance boils down to this:

  • A reset email alone does not mean your account is compromised
  • If you did not request it, do not use the link
  • Use Instagram’s official paths in the app to review security and report suspicious messages

Also, if you get emails about changing your account email address, Instagram says those messages can include a way to reverse the change, which can help you recover if someone broke in.

Instagram icon on an iPhone sitting on table.

These real-looking messages are designed to create urgency and push people to click before slowing down and checking their account security. (Cyverguy.com)

What a real Instagram password reset email looks like

A legitimate reset email usually has these elements:

  • Sender: Comes from an official Instagram domain, such as security@mail.instagram.com
  • Subject line: Often says “Reset your Instagram password” or “Password reset request”
  • Instagram branding: Logo at the top with clean formatting
  • Call to action button: A button like “Reset Password”
  • Reassurance text: A line explaining that if you did not request this, you can ignore the email and nothing will change
  • Safety option: Language telling you how to report the email if you did not initiate it

This is why the current surge is so effective. The emails look normal and arrive from real Instagram systems. 

META ENDS FACT-CHECKING PROGRAM AS ZUCKERBERG VOWS TO RESTORE FREE EXPRESSION ON FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM

What Instagram reset alerts can look like inside the app

You may also see security messages directly in Instagram, such as:

  • Login attempt alerts
  • Notifications about a password reset request
  • Prompts asking you to confirm a login from a new device

These in-app alerts are generally safer to interact with than email links, especially during a surge.

What scammers rely on

Attackers are counting on one thing: panic. When users see a reset email they did not request, many rush to click before reading the fine print. That fast reaction is what turns a harmless reset request into a real account takeover.

What to do right now if you get a reset email you did not request

So, what should you do if one of these password reset emails lands in your inbox? Take a breath first. Then do this.

1) Do not click the button in the email and use strong antivirus software 

Even if the message looks real, treat it like a hot surface. If you want to change your password, do it from the Instagram app or by typing Instagram’s address into your browser yourself. Strong antivirus software adds another layer of protection here. It can help block malicious links, fake login pages and follow-up scams that often appear during a reset email surge.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

2) Check your Instagram security activity in the app

Open Instagram and look for signs someone tried to log in:

  • Unknown devices
  • Login alerts you do not recognize
  • Changes to email, phone number or linked accounts

If anything looks off, remove the device and update your credentials.

3) Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) and keep it on

Two-factor authentication (2FA)  is the biggest roadblock for account takeover. Even if someone knows your password, they still need your code to get in from an unfamiliar device. Instagram has pushed 2FA heavily for higher-risk accounts and urges users to enable it. Use an authenticator app if you can. It is often safer than SMS.

4) Change your password if you feel unsure

If you suspect someone guessed your password, or you reused it elsewhere, change it. Make it long and unique. A password manager can help you generate and store strong passwords without reusing them. Then update the password on your email account too. Your email inbox controls most password resets, so make sure it also uses a strong, unique password.

Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our #1 password manager (see Cyberguy.com/Passwords) pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials.

Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com.

5) Use a data removal service to reduce targeting

Password reset surges often follow data leaks. When your email address and personal details appear on data broker sites, attackers can target you more easily. A data removal service helps limit where your information shows up online. By shrinking your digital footprint, you reduce the chances of being singled out during large-scale reset email attacks.

While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.

Someone with a hoodie types suspiciously on a laptop that displays a dark screen.

The safest response is to avoid email links, open the Instagram app directly and review login activity and security settings instead. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

6) Watch for follow-up scams

After a reset surge, criminals often switch tactics. Next, you may see:

  • Fake “Instagram Support” emails
  • DMs claiming your account will be deleted
  • Login approval prompts you did not trigger

Slow down and verify everything inside the app.

Kurt’s key takeaways

A spike in Instagram password reset emails feels scary because it looks like someone is already inside your account. Often, they are not. Still, the surge is a reminder to tighten your basics. Use the app to check security. Turn on two-factor authentication. Change the passwords you reused. Most importantly, do not let an unexpected email rush you into the one click that hands over access.

Have you received an unexpected Instagram password reset email recently, and how did you handle it? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report 
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter. 

Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. 

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

1...131415...1,123Page 14 of 1,123

Editor Picks

Must read

Popular categories