3.4 C
New York
Sunday, March 29, 2026
type here...
Home Blog Page 19

Kevin James finds roach in motel blanket during comedy gig performance

By
Reporters News Wire
-
0

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Actor and comedian Kevin James recently opened up about the harsh realities of life on the road.

During an appearance on Theo Von’s podcast, “This Past Weekend,” James recalled an early-career comedy trip that took an unexpected turn.

He said he’d driven eight hours for a one-night stand-up gig that paid very little — especially after factoring in travel costs.

GOLDEN GLOBE WINNER RECOUNTS HEATED EXCHANGE WITH FIRST-CLASS AIRLINE PASSENGER: ‘MY BOSTON CAME OUT’

Exhausted from the trip, James checked into what he described as a “crappy motel-type thing.” 

His plan was to take a quick nap before the show.

Kevin James recently shared a candid anecdote about the tough realities of touring, recalling on a podcast how he once drove eight hours for a low-paying one-night show as a stand-up comedian. (Roy Rochlin/FilmMagic)

“I pull the bed back because I’m tired. Just drove eight hours,” he said. 

And, he went on — “there’s a roach in the blanket.”

James said he didn’t ask for a new room.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

“I literally just put the blanket back,” he said. “I went to the show. I just sat in my car in the parking lot ’til the thing was ready.”

After finishing the set, he made another decision.

“Did the show. Drove home eight hours,” he said. “Man, I’m not staying with a roach. Couldn’t do it.”

Kevin James and Adam Sandler at "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry" premiere

James, shown with Adam Sandler, recently shared a surprising anecdote about a motel room experience during an early-career comedy trip. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

“There’re some miserable places,” James said.

While he decided to leave the room immediately in the circumstances he described, pest experts say travelers who encounter a roach should take specific precautions.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES

First, “to help reduce pest risks when checking in, keep your belongings elevated and away from soft surfaces — the bathroom is a smart place to store luggage, especially in the bathtub — while you inspect the room for signs of pest activity,” Shannon Sked, national technical director at Orkin, told Fox News Digital.

The pest control company is headquartered in Atlanta. 

“Hotels can’t address what they don’t know about.”

Sked added that common hotel pests such as roaches and bedbugs are “excellent hitchhikers” — and inspecting a room before settling in can help prevent them from spreading through luggage.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Next, “if you see a roach or a bedbug, notify the front desk right away,” she said. 

“Hotels can’t address what they don’t know about.”

Pest control technician in protective suit spraying cockroaches on a hardwood floor inside a residential living room.

Pest experts say travelers should inspect their hotel room before settling in — and should keep luggage off soft surfaces to avoid bringing any pests home. (iStock)

Fox News Digital reached out to James’ team for comment.

James is best known for his starring role on the long-running sitcom “The King of Queens” — and for appearing alongside Adam Sandler in films such as “Grown Ups.”

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

He currently stars in the new film “Solo Mio,” which also features Jonathan Roumie. 

The movie is now in theaters.

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

Amazon SEO: Framework for Top Rankings

By
Reporters News Wire
-
0

RPR Comando is back with “Amazon SEO: Framework for Top Rankings” Amazon has evolved from a retail platform into the world’s largest product search engine. Millions of shoppers now begin their buying journey directly on Amazon rather than Google, making Amazon SEO a critical discipline for authors, publishers, and brands. Understanding Amazon SEO Top Rankings can make a significant impact on your visibility and sales. This article first appeared on https://rprcomando.com/amazon-seo-framework-for-top-rankings/  
#BookMarketing #PRDistribution #PressReleaseMarketing

amazon
Amazon SEO: Framework for Top Rankings 8
RPR Tweet2
Amazon SEO: Framework for Top Rankings 9
RPR Logo
Amazon SEO: Framework for Top Rankings 10

Americans are choosing rural states over cities in 2026 relocation trend

By
Reporters News Wire
-
0

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

More Americans are choosing rural states over big cities as they relocate in 2026.

Analyzing U.S. Census migration data alongside housing market figures, self-storage software provider and data company Stora found that less populated states are attracting the highest share of new residents.

Nearly 15 million Americans moved across the country in 2025, with many opting for quieter and more affordable places to live, the company said.

BEST AND WORST STATES TO RETIRE IN 2026 BASED ON AFFORDABILITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE

Cost is a major driver behind the shift. 

About 88% of movers say they’re relocating to save money, while 76% are seeking better access to outdoor lifestyles often found in rural areas.

In 2025, nearly 15 million people in the U.S. moved to new locations nationwide, new research has found.  (iStock)

“Particularly among young people, there has been an upward trend in movers to rural areas driven by people seeking a better quality of life and a chance to save money,” Gavin Shields, CEO of Stora, told Fox News Digital.

South Dakota ranked as the most popular state for movers this year, according to the analysis.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

The state recorded the largest net migration increase, with nearly 11,000 more people moving in than leaving. 

Home prices in the state average around $310,000, below the national average.

Middle-aged couple standing in a bright living room surrounded by moving boxes while unpacking items in their new home.

Americans are increasingly moving to rural areas to save more money and improve their quality of life, with South Dakota ranking as the top destination, a new analysis found. (iStock)

Residents also do not pay income tax, the South Dakota Department of Revenue said — further boosting the state’s affordability appeal.

“It’s no longer just about the house, but about having financial freedom, the ability to buy your own property that comes at a more affordable price, and lower cost of living,” Shields said.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES

Other largely rural states also ranked highly, including Vermont, Nebraska, Mississippi and Alaska.

However, not every rural state is gaining residents. 

North Dakota recorded the biggest net loss, with more than 13,000 people leaving the state.

Couple carrying moving boxes into a new home with a sold real estate sign visible in the yard.

Other rural states that placed near the top of the rankings included Vermont, Nebraska, Mississippi and Alaska. (iStock)

Higher-cost states continue to see residents move out.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Colorado, for example, posted one of the largest net losses in the analysis, alongside states such as Massachusetts and Illinois — where average home prices sit well above the national average.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

“The rise of flexible working [arrangements] has been another catalyst, allowing thousands to leave their expensive city lifestyle, while still maintaining their career and salary,” Shields said.

Founded in 2020, Stora is headquartered in Northern Ireland. 

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

Ancient burial site, Iron Age roundhouses found in Scottish Highlands

By
Reporters News Wire
-
0

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Workers installing a new sewer line in Scotland unexpectedly uncovered ancient human remains, as well as evidence of a much older settlement.

The burial site dates back to the 6th century A.D., according to a Jan. 28 press release from Scottish Water. It was found at Windhill in the Scottish Highlands.

Remarkably, archaeologists also found two roundhouses from the Iron Age — which may date back as far as 3,000 years.

‘HUGELY EXCITING’ PREHISTORIC ARTIFACTS UNCOVERED DURING HUNT FOR LONG-LOST IRISH CASTLE

Excavators also found stone tools and two smelting furnaces, which “would have been housed in structures outside the roundhouses,” Scottish Water said.

“The furnaces would likely have produced significant heat and fumes, precluding them from being set within an enclosed space,” the release added.

The discovery at Windhill revealed two well-preserved Iron Age roundhouses — one is pictured above. This has added to the growing evidence of prehistoric settlement in the region. (Scottish Water, Steven Birch and Andy Hickie)

“This is evidenced by the arcs of post holes that were much shallower than the settings for the roundhouses and likely formed ancillary, temporary structures.”

Artifacts and environmental materials from the site can reveal “much about daily life,” both during the Iron Age and the 6th century A.D., said Steven Birch, an archaeologist at West Coast Archaeological Services.

ARCHAEOLOGISTS UNCOVER EERIE ANGLO-SAXON ‘SAND BODIES’ AT NUCLEAR POWER STATION SITE

“The two smelting furnaces and a smaller [blacksmith’s] hearth were relatively well-preserved and during the excavations I was able to reveal much detail about their construction and use,” he said.

One of the 6th-century burials had been placed in a log coffin, Birch said — and although most of the remains did not survive, a soil stain marked where it had been laid, along with a few cranial fragments.

Remains of furnace next to clay daub

Archaeologists uncovered well-preserved smelting furnaces, pictured at left, and rare decorated clay daub, seen at right, at the Windhill site, offering new insight into Iron Age industrial activity and settlement life in the Scottish Highlands. (Scottish Water, Steven Birch and Andy Hickie)

“There were no grave goods, which is typical of graves from this period in Scotland — unlike the well-furnished Anglo-Saxon burials of this period in England.”

Experts were aware that the site held some archaeological potential, as “a large number of prehistoric features” were found a few years ago, Birch said.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Birch also described the condition of the two prehistoric roundhouses as “excellent,” contributing to new evidence of a settlement at the site.

“Within a wider context, these types of discoveries add to a growing corpus of sites around the Moray Firth Basin, suggesting the area was a well-populated one during prehistory, and with widespread evidence for industrial activities including metalworking,” he said.

Body stain in ancient grave

“There were no grave goods, which is typical of graves from this period in Scotland,” said an archaeologist at West Coast Archaeological Services. (Scottish Water, Steven Birch and Andy Hickie)

He added, “These sites produced no pottery, but [rather] a range of stone tools for grinding grain, some small fragments of copper-alloy, and iron objects, which require further analysis.”

He also said, “Environmental materials recovered from bulk samples include charcoal, burnt hazelnut shell and some burnt grain… likely six-rowed barley.”

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Because the soil is highly acidic, few bones survived from the burial site, though several fragments were recovered.

The most surprising discovery was clay daub in the roundhouse — or mud plaster that was used to cover woven wooden walls.

“We know that during the early medieval period, although Christianity was coming to the fore, people still had respect for [their pagan] ancestors.”

What made the daub so unusual was its decoration — particularly its chevron, or V-shaped, patterns.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES

“I can confirm that such decoration is incredibly rare and this is the first instance found within Scotland, if not the U.K., although additional research is required here,” he said.

He also said that, by the time that 6th-century people lived there, some evidence of the earlier Iron Age roundhouses was still visible.

Depiction of Iron Age Britain

A depiction of Iron Age Britain is pictured here. The period dates back thousands of years, when roundhouses and metalworking sites formed part of active, well-populated communities. (Museum of London/Heritage Images/Getty Images)

“We know that, during the early medieval period, although Christianity was coming to the fore, people still had respect for [their pagan] ancestors, and that prehistoric standing stones and earlier burial monuments were linked to the deep past and ancestors,” he said.

“These later barrows are often focused on these earlier monuments.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

He added that remains from the site — including burnt plant remains, animal bones and human teeth — can “provide some insights into diet and subsistence.”

Researchers are now conducting radiocarbon dating and isotope analysis on the remains in hopes of building a clearer timeline of the site.

Single bullet found in bin on United Airlines flight causes scare at Newark airport

By
Reporters News Wire
-
0

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

A single bullet discovered in an overhead bin on a United Airlines Boeing 737 at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) caused a significant security delay.

The incident occurred Feb. 17 on a flight bound for Miami. The plane was declared a crime scene, and was searched and cleared by authorities before departing after a nearly three-hour delay.

“On Tuesday, United Flight 1511 underwent a security sweep after a bullet was discovered in an overhead bin prior to the flight’s departure,” United Airlines told Fox News Digital in a statement.

SHOCKING AIRPORT SECURITY BUSTS REVEAL BIZARRE AND HIDDEN ITEMS TUCKED AWAY IN LUGGAGE

“Security personnel cleared the aircraft, which later departed for Miami,” the company’s statement concluded.

United Flight 1511 had been due to depart from Newark at 2:07 p.m. local time, according to data shared on FlightAware.

A single bullet was discovered in an overhead bin at Newark Liberty International Airport recently. That led to a delay in departure.  (Eduardo Munoz)

After almost three hours, the plane took off at 4:49 p.m. 

It landed in Miami at 7:33 p.m. 

‘SECURITY-RELATED SITUATION’ GROUNDS FIGHT TO VACATION HOT SPOT, PASSENGERS CONFINED FOR HOURS

It is still unknown how the bullet entered the aircraft cabin after multiple screening procedures at Newark. 

“Security personnel cleared the aircraft, which later departed for Miami.” 

TSA rules strictly prohibit firearms in carry-on baggage. 

Ammunition must be unloaded, locked in a hard-sided container and declared to the airline at the check-in counter as checked baggage, according to the agency. 

United Airlines security scare

TSA rules strictly prohibit firearms in carry-on baggage. (iStock)

Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, loaded or empty, need to be securely boxed or included within a hard-sided case containing an unloaded firearm.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

“TSA does not confiscate detected firearms in carry-on bags. Screening officers notify law enforcement, who may take possession of the firearm and determine further action,” according to the government website.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

This is not the first time a passenger has apparently tried to conceal ammunition at Newark airport.

Bullet found in overhead cabin at Newark Airport

Passengers such as those shown above endured a nearly three-hour delay. (Mike Segar)

A Mississippi man was arrested in Oct. 2024 after TSA officers intercepted disassembled gun parts concealed in a boot and a Lego box. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES

An “officer detected the fully disassembled 9mm firearm in a carry-on bag at a checkpoint in Terminal A as the man’s duffle bag entered the checkpoint X-ray machine,” according to a TSA statement at the time.

United Airlines in Newark underwent a 'security sweep'

“Security personnel cleared the aircraft, which later departed for Miami,” United Airlines said in a statement. (iStock)

“The gun frame was jammed in the bottom of a boot below a sock … The gun’s slide, spring and gun magazine loaded with 12 bullets were detected mixed among the plastic pieces of a Black Panther Lego set.”

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Port Authority Police confiscated the items and arrested the passenger, who was ticketed to fly to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. 

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

City of Split, Croatia, proposes sweeping alcohol ban for tourists in town center

By
Reporters News Wire
-
0

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

The nightlife in Croatia’s second-largest city could soon look quite a bit different for visitors on vacation getaways.

The city of Split is proposing a ban on the sale of alcohol between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. 

Licensed venues such as bars, restaurants and nightclubs would remain exempt.

POPULAR EUROPEAN CITY BANS LATE-NIGHT BAR CRAWLS IN ATTEMPT TO CURB DRUNK TOURISTS

Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar announced the plan Wednesday, which would amend the country’s Trade Act.

“This is primarily for the health of our citizens, especially children and young people, to preserve public order and protect the environment and cultural heritage,” said Šušnjar.

An aerial view of old-town Split and the Saint Domnius Cathedral in Croatia. The city may ban the sale of alcohol between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.  (iStock)

The minister also said he believes this solution provides a “better way” to manage tourist destinations, according to local outlet HRT.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

The new measures could take effect this summer.

Croatia is a premier European destination for yacht party tourism, with hubs in Split, Dubrovnik and Makarska.

Licensed venues such as bars, restaurants and nightclubs will remain exempt from the new ban, officials said. 

Licensed venues such as bars, restaurants and nightclubs will remain exempt from the new ban, officials said.  (iStock)

Split is also known for its Ultra Music Festival and many beach bars.

In 2024, 21.3 million people visited Croatia, according to government data. 

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Last year, another European city implemented a ban in an attempt to curb tipsy tourists.

Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, has enforced a ban on organized nighttime pub crawls, Fox News Digital previously reported.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

In 2024, some 21.3 million people visited Croatia in southeastern Europe. (iStock)

The popular activity of tour groups hopping from bar to bar has caused a stir among the city’s council board, with complaints of noise and safety concerns coming in.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

“We don’t want to support [the] cheap alco-tourism that’s unfortunately still quite common in Prague,” Adam Zabranský, a member of the city’s council who drafted the proposal, told The Associated Press.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES

The ban applies to the hours between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., with fines of up to 100,000 koruna (roughly $4,300) handed out to organizers of the crawls.

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

Las Vegas tourism plummets 7.5% even as Harry Reid airport sees record passenger levels

By
Reporters News Wire
-
0

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

While the Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is reporting a new record, tourism numbers in Las Vegas remain on the decline.

Nearly 55 million passengers traveled through LAS in 2025, giving the airport its third-highest annual total.

While passenger numbers still declined from the prior year, the airport attributed its 2025 success to various changes, such as TSA wait times on flight information display screens, a new airport website and two new lounges.

POPULAR LAS VEGAS ATTRACTION SEATING THOUSANDS WILL EXPAND TO NEW VACATION DESTINATION

James Chrisley, director of the Clark County Aviation Department, told Reuters, “Our peaks are still peaks, and our valleys are softer.”

Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LCVA) released its year-end summary for 2025 as well — and those numbers are worrisome to many. 

Nearly 55 million passengers traveled through Las Vegas, setting a record for the airport’s third-highest annual total. (Ashley J. DiMella/Fox News Digital)

There were 38,545,700 people who visited Sin City — down 7.5% from 2024, the report said. 

The highest visitation year ever recorded in Las Vegas was in 2019, with 42,523,700 people coming by. 

That was before a dip during the COVID pandemic, according to LCVA data posted on its website. 

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

The noted visitor volume in 2025 closely mirrors the levels seen in 2000, 2002 and 2003.

Total occupancy in 2025 was 80.3%, with average room rates at $196.54 and a convention attendance of 5,988,200.

In comparison to 2024, convention attendance, visitors, occupancy and the daily roommate were all down.

las vegas casino empty

There were 38,545,700 people who visited Sin City last year — down 7.5% from 2024. (Ashley J. DiMella/Fox News Digital)

Steve Hill, LVCVA president, reportedly spoke about the effect that tariffs have had on both returning and potential new visitors.

“Some of the decisions our administration has made around international relations [have] caused a drop in tourism,” said Hill, according to local outlet KTNV Las Vegas.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Many officials, hotel owners and travel experts are citing a drop in Canadian tourism as a major reason that tourism numbers have been down.

Now, Circa Resort & Casino has launched an “at par” promotion — making the exchange rate for Canadians equal at its properties.

harry reid airport las vegas travelers pass casino

Total occupancy in 2025 was 80.3%, with average room rates at $196.54 and a convention attendance of 5,988,200. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

“Canadian [visitors] are down anywhere from 20% to 50%, depending on what month you look at over the course of the last year,” Casino owner Derreck Stevens previously told Fox News Digital.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Reuters called Las Vegas “a city powered by leisure spending that just posted its sharpest annual visitor decline outside the pandemic.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES

Meanwhile, a tour guide told the outlet that travelers are bristling at how pricey Las Vegas has become. 

“Ten bucks for a bottle of water,” said the guide. “People don’t see a deal anymore.”

Reuters contributed reporting.

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

Swalwell campaign takes cash from Hunter Biden’s former ‘sugar brother’ lawyer

By
Reporters News Wire
-
0

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

FIRST ON FOX: Wealthy Hollywood lawyer Kevin Morris bankrolled Hunter Biden’s legal defense and other bills when he was facing charges for federal firearms and tax crimes, and now he is helping finance the gubernatorial campaign of one of the most vocal defenders of Hunter, a new campaign finance filing reveals.

A campaign filing that was released on Tuesday revealed that Morris, who was dubbed Hunter’s “sugar brother,” for bankrolling his legal bills and lavish lifestyle, donated $29,900 to Rep. Eric Swalwell’s, D-Calif., gubernatorial campaign on Feb. 2.

Swalwell, who reportedly helped orchestrate Hunter’s surprise press conference outside the Capitol in Dec. 2023 while he defied the House Oversight Committee’s subpoenas to testify behind closed doors, was one of the loudest critics of the GOP investigations into Hunter during the Biden administration.

“There is absolutely zero evidence Hunter or his father acted corruptly,” Swalwell said at the time. “So I’m not going to sit quietly and let MAGA Republicans do Trump’s bidding in Congress.”

ICE DIRECTOR FLIPS SCRIPT ON SWALWELL AFTER DEM LAWMAKER DEMANDED HIS RESIGNATION

WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 10:Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, flanked by Kevin Morris, left, and Abbe Lowell, right, attend a House Oversight Committee meeting on January 10, 2024 in Washington, DC. The committee is meeting today as it considers citing him for Contempt of Congress. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)  (Kent Nishimura)

Morris and the younger Biden first met in 2019 at a campaign event for Biden’s then-Vice President father, and the pair eventually developed a burgeoning relationship at what Morris called one of “the lowest point[s]” in Hunter Biden’s life. Morris ended up forking over so much cash, more than $6.5 million, that Politico reported about concerns he could not keep footing Hunter Biden’s legal bill if the case went to trial, which it ultimately did not. 

Morris also reportedly helped pay for luxury housing for Hunter Biden, bought more than a dozen of the former president’s son’s amateur paintings and helped the young Biden pay his overdue tax bill.

During his time helping Hunter Biden, Morris faced multiple bar complaints, including from the Trump-aligned America First Legal, which accused Morris of violating California’s Rules of Professional Conduct after he was publicly photographed smoking marijuana while Hunter Biden, a recovering addict, was around visiting. 

Morris was also accused of trying to sneak onto the set of a movie about Hunter Biden’s misdealing, but was eventually cleared by the state bar association in California.  

SWALWELL VOWS TO MAKE ICE AGENTS ‘UN-HIRABLE’ IN CALIFORNIA STATE GOVERNMENT POSITIONS

A person close to the Hollywood attorney told Politico that the reason Morris decided to help Hunter Biden is that he saw that no one else was going to step up and support him.

Swalwell’s support at the 2023 press conference by reserving the “Senate Swamp,” a popular area near the Capitol that is often used for press conferences, raised questions at the time about whether the California congressman played a role in the then-first son’s decision to deny a congressional subpoena from Republicans seeking to question him about his alleged crimes and other financial dealings. 

Morris, who previously maxed out donations totaling over $6,000 to Swalwell’s House campaign in early 2023, and Swalwell stood beside each other during the viral press conference later that year.

“Degenerates of a feather flock together,” a longtime GOP strategist told Fox News Digital. “Eric Swalwell is literally Hunter Biden’s biggest cheerleader – from reserving the Senate Swamp to defending the Biden Crime Family’s litany of illicit activities.”

Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, accompanied by his attorney Abbe Lowell

Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, accompanied by his attorney Abbe Lowell leaves after speaking to reporters about the Republican investigation on his business dealings at the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., and Kevin Morris are seen chatting in the background. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Morris and Swalwell also have ties to China that have raised questions among critics. In 2024, Morris confirmed to lawmakers that he still held a stake in a Chinese private equity firm that he took over from the president’s son. Morris initially acquired the shares after purchasing Skaneateles LLC, a company that Hunter had previously owned, in the fall of 2021 as pressure mounted for Hunter to divest amid concerns about his stake in the China-based company. 

Swalwell, meanwhile, has long-faced criticism over his ties to China after it was uncovered that he was allegedly the target of a Chinese spy influence operation during his early days as an elected official. The incident led to Swalwell getting booted off the powerful House intelligence committee several years later when the allegations became public.

Fox News Digital reported last month that despite Swalwell’s heavily criticized relationship with the Chinese, his gubernatorial campaign accepted multiple donations from a Chinese-based law firm and its sole U.S.-based attorney Keliang “Clay” Zhu.    

Representatives for Swalwell did not respond to Fox News Digital’s requests for comment in time for publication.

Russia calls for Iran, ‘all parties’ to show restraint amid US military buildup

By
Reporters News Wire
-
0

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Russia warned Iran and “all parties in the region to exercise restraint and caution” Thursday amid a U.S. military buildup in the Middle East. 

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made the remark as the world’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, and its strike group are moving from the Caribbean toward the Middle East. 

“Russia continues to develop relations with Iran, and in doing so, we call on our Iranian friends and all parties in the region to exercise restraint and caution, and we urge them to prioritize political and diplomatic means in resolving any problems,” Peskov said Thursday, according to Reuters. 

“Right now, we are indeed seeing an unprecedented escalation of tensions in the region. But we still expect that political and diplomatic means and negotiations will continue to prevail in the search for a settlement,” he added.

WORLD’S LARGEST AIRCRAFT CARRIER HEADS TO MIDDLE EAST AS IRAN NUCLEAR TENSIONS SPIKE DRAMATICALLY

A F-18E fighter jet takes off from aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford as it sails during NATO Neptune Strike 2025 exercise on Sept. 24, 2025, in the North Sea. (Jonathan Klein/AFP via Getty Images)

The move of the USS Gerald R. Ford would place two aircraft carriers and their accompanying warships in the region. The USS Abraham Lincoln and three guided-missile destroyers arrived in the Middle East more than two weeks ago. 

Negotiations between the United States and Iran over the latter’s nuclear program advanced Tuesday toward what Tehran described as the beginning of a potential framework, but sharp public divisions between the two sides underscored how far apart they remain. 

IRAN FIRES LIVE MISSILES INTO STRAIT OF HORMUZ AS TRUMP ENVOYS ARRIVE FOR NUCLEAR TALKS

the USS Gerald Ford

The USS Gerald R. Ford is heading toward the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate and President Donald Trump demands full nuclear dismantlement.  (Jonathan Klein/AFP via Getty Images)

Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said the two sides reached a “general agreement on a number of guiding principles” and agreed to begin drafting text for a possible agreement, with plans to exchange drafts and schedule a third round of talks.  

Yet, Washington has publicly insisted that any agreement must result in the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program — including its enrichment capacity — along with limits on Tehran’s ballistic missile program and an end to its support for allied militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.

USS Gerald R. Ford travels in North Sea

The world’s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, is seen in the North Sea during NATO Neptune Strike 2025 exercise in September 2025. (Jonathan Klein/AFP via Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Those demands go well beyond temporary enrichment pauses or technical adjustments. 

Fox News Digital’s Greg Wehner and Morgan Phillips contributed to this report. 

Greg Norman is a reporter at Fox News Digital.

Celebrity Infinity cruise ship loses control in Greece, with scary malfunction

By
Reporters News Wire
-
0

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

A cruise ship experienced an emergency scare off the coast of Greece this past weekend — requiring help from Greek authorities, according to the local coast guard.

One passenger took to Reddit to describe a chaotic scene aboard the Celebrity Infinity cruise ship on Sunday, Feb. 15. “Lost power off the coast of Piraeus (Athens) at 3 a.m.,” the Reddit user wrote.

“Saw multiple tugboats coming over. No air con (rooms are super stuffy), no lights, no running water, no flushing toilets, no hot water/coffee, no elevators,” the person continued on social media.

POPULAR CRUISE COMPANY ABRUPTLY SHUTS DOWN, DISRUPTING UPCOMING VACATIONS

“No ETA on fix. Heard ‘bravo, bravo, bravo’ over the announcements.”

“Bravo, Bravo, Bravo” (or “Code Bravo”) is a common emergency code used on cruise ships to signal a fire or another serious emergency.

A Celebrity Infinity cruise ship lost control in Greece recently, triggering an emergency rescue. (iStock)

The Hellenic Coast Guard’s Joint Search and Rescue Coordination Center told Port Authorities of Piraeus and Keratsini about “the loss of control of a cruise ship… due to a malfunction in the electrical distribution panels, in the sea area outside the port of Piraeus,” according to a translated press release.

Four tugboats helped the Infinity arrive safely at the port. 

HAWAII CRUISE THROWN INTO CHAOS AFTER EMERGENCY AT SEA FORCES PORT CHANGE

The vessel’s next slated voyage, an 11-night trip from Piraeus (Athens), Greece, was canceled. 

Fox News Digital reached out to Celebrity Cruises for comment.

The cruise was scheduled to go to the Greek Isles and Turkey, according to Cruise Fever.

Four tugboats helped rescue the Celebrity Infinity

Four tugboats helped the Celebrity Infinity cruise ship, such as the one shown above, arrive safely at the port. (iStock)

The Celebrity Infinity is a mid-size cruise ship operated by Celebrity Cruises.  

The ship can accommodate up to 2,170 passengers. It went through a major renovation in 2015.

The ship with the malfunction was slated for a port call in Piraeus — the main port in Athens — on Feb. 15.

CDC REPORTS FIRST CRUISE NOROVIRUS OUTBREAK THIS YEAR, AS NEARLY 90 PEOPLE ARE INFECTED

Passengers were on a 13-day voyage that departed Barcelona on Feb. 3; it was due to end in Piraeus-Athens on Feb. 16. 

“The 1st Port Department of the Central Port Authority of Piraeus prohibited its departure until a certificate of damage repair was presented by the classification society monitoring it,” the press release from the local coast guard said.

Celebrity cruise emergency in Athens due to malfunction

The Celebrity Cruises emergency in Athens was due to a malfunction, according to a statement from authorities. (iStock)

The alert originally said the incident occurred on Feb. 14, but the coast guard later amended the statement, saying the emergency occurred on Feb. 15.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES

“It’s been an interesting 24 hours. About 2:40 a.m. [the] night before last, I woke to a sound that sounded like an electrical transformer blowing. Sure enough, the ship lost power,” a passenger wrote on an Instagram account known as ttalkscruising. 

“By noon they were telling everybody they must exit the ship and find a hotel room.”

“We were very close to porting in Athens, Greece, so the tugs just pushed/pulled us in,” the passenger continued. 

“At first, they made leaving the ship optional, but by noon they were telling everybody they must exit the ship and find a hotel room.”

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Celebrity Cruises sent out a letter to booked passengers for the upcoming voyage to the Greek Isles and Turkey.

“We want to share an important update regarding our upcoming sailing on Celebrity Infinity,” the letter read, as Cruise Fever reported. 

scenic view of Greece

“While experts have been working diligently, we need additional assessments and repairs,” the company said in a letter to passengers. (iStock)

“During the previous voyage, the ship experienced a technical issue and while experts have been working diligently, we need additional assessments and repairs,” the company said.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

“After carefully considering all options, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel the Feb. 16, 2026, sailing… We sincerely apologize for this unexpected change and [the] disruption this causes to your travel plans,” the letter continued.

“We forget how paralyzed a lack of technology makes us.”

“While we can’t give you back the time you invested in your vacation, we are committed to ensuring you feel fully supported as you adjust your plans,” it concluded.

The letter also detailed credits and refunds passengers would receive. 

Celebrity Cruises will issue refunds and credits

Celebrity Cruises told passengers it would be issuing refunds and credits. (iStock)

“Kudos to all the crew of the Celebrity Infinity! They handled this whole mess with grace. They were having to write down, by hand, every person as they exited the ship,” ttalkscruising added on Instagram.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

“This was a massive undertaking, and we forget how paralyzed a lack of technology makes us,” the passenger said.

“They strived to make everything as easy as it could be.”

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

1...181920...1,145Page 19 of 1,145

Editor Picks

Must read

Popular categories