The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced a new rule that will help protect travelers from all those unwanted add-on fees.The rule tackles "Unfair or Deceptive Fees."These are sometimes applied to short-term lodging as "resort" or "destination" fees when customers use hotel amenities such as pools or gyms.TOURIST WHO TRAVELED TO FLORIDA WINS $1M LOTTERY PRIZE WITH TICKET BOUGHT AT WALMARTShort-term lodging includes hotels, motels, vacation rentals and businesses like Airbnb.About 6% of hotels charge resort fees, according to the American Hotel and Lodging Association."The rule prohibits bait-and-switch pricing and other tactics used to hide total prices and mislead people about fees in the live-event ticketing and short-term lodging industries," according to the FTCs press release.Taxes or other government fees are excluded from the rule.For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyleShort-term lodging and live-event businesses must include the pricing information in their ads and give the total price "upfront.""The total price includes all charges or fees the business knows about and can calculate upfront, including charges or fees for mandatory goods or services people have to buy as part of the same transaction," says the FTCs site.A Marriott spokesperson told Fox News Digital the company began "providing customers with clear and transparent pricing in May 2023.""We were the first hospitality company to ensure non-government fees charged by hotels are upfront and included in the total price displayed to customers," the spokesperson said.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER"This enhanced display has been in place for two years, so guests are unlikely to notice a difference from what they see today," Marriott also said.Fox News Digital also reached out to the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), based in Washington, D.C., for comment.Earlier this year, the group's president and CEO, Rosanna Maietta, said in a statement that it had "led the charge in establishing a federal standard to provide travelers with consistent, upfront pricing that will bring much-needed clarity to the marketplace."She added, "We strongly believe that all consumers deserve transparency in the booking process, no matter where they choose to book their stays."There are a few ways travelers can avoid paying resort fees, according to Nerdwallet."When you book rooms on points, some resorts still tack on resort fees, which you must pay in cash on top of the points rate," reads the website.Travelers who have hotel elite status are sometimes exempt.Nerdwallet suggests using hotel points to avoid the fee.

The Trump administration sanctioned nearly two dozen firms operating in Irans illicit international oil trade, as President Donald Trump delivered remarks in the Middle East tempting the Islamic Republic with a "much brighter future" should it come to a nuclear agreement with the United States.The sanctions, announced by the Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control Tuesday, target firms that operate in Irans oil trade.TRUMP TARGETS IRANIAN OIL WITH SANCTIONS, INCREASING PRESSURE ON ISLAMIC REPUBLIC TO MAKE DEAL ON NUKESOfficials said the Iranian government allocates billions of dollars worth of oil annually to its armed forces to supplement budget allocations, underwriting the development of ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, and financing regional terrorist groups.Treasury Department officials said Irans Armed Forces general staff and its main commercial affiliate, Sepehr Energy Jahan Nama Pars Company, continue to establish front companies and rely on buyers and facilitators to enable their sanctioned oil trade.Sepehr Energy often carries out its oil shipments through a series of "deals" between multiple front companies that it owns or controls, according to the Treasury Department, creating the "illusion of non-sanctionable trade between separate entities.""Many of the entities involved in Sepehr Energys oil shipments are part of an elaborate system of oil smuggling and money laundering, directly controlled by or acting on behalf of Sepehr Energy," the Treasury Department said, adding that it also controls Hong Kong-based front companies and uses them to "broker and receive shipments of Iranian oil delivered to independent so-called teapot refineries in China." 4TH ROUND OF US-IRAN TALKS ENDS AS TRUMP SET TO EMBARK ON HISTORIC MIDDLE EAST TOURThe sanctions came shortly after Trump delivered a speech in Riyadh, Saudia Arabia, urging Iran to take a "new and a better path." The Trump administration is in talks with Iran for a new nuclear deal.The president, during his speech, though, warned of "massive maximum pressure" if Iran does not come to an agreement."As I have shown repeatedly, I am willing to end past conflicts and forge new partnerships for a better and more stable world, even if our differences may be profound," Trump said. "If Irans leadership rejects this olive branch... we will have no choice but to inflict massive maximum pressure, drive Iranian oil exports to zero."VANCE PREVIEWS US-IRAN NUCLEAR TALKS, SAYS TRUMP 'OPEN' TO SITTING DOWN WITH RUSSIANS, CHINESE IN FUTURE"Iran can have a much brighter future, but we will never allow them to threaten America and our allies with terrorism or a nuclear attack," Trump said.Trump had announced a 60-day time frame to reach an agreement with Iran over its illegal atomic weapons program. The first U.S. negotiating session with Iran commenced April 12.Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Iranian officials for a fourth round of nuclear talks over the weekend.The nuclear talks were "difficult but useful," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaeisaid. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the closed-door negotiations, offered more, describing the talks as being both indirect and direct, The Associated Press reported.An "agreement was reached to move forward with the talks to continue working through technical elements," the U.S. official said. "We are encouraged by todays outcome and look forward to our next meeting, which will happen in the near future."CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPThe Trump administration has said the flawed 2015 Obama-era Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, did not prevent Iran from building an atomic bomb.Before leaving for his trip to the Middle East, Trump reiterated his stance on Iran's nuclear goals."You can't have a nuclear weapon, but I think that they are talking intelligently," Trump said. "We're in the midst of talking to them, and they're right now acting very intelligent. We want Iran to be wealthy and wonderful and happy and great, but they can't have nuclear weapons. Very simple. So I think they understand that."A day before the start of talks, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei welcomed chants of "Death to America" in Iran's capital, Tehran."Your judgment is right," Khamenei told a crowd of supporters who called for the destruction of the U.S.The Associated Press contributed to this report.

New York Attorney General Letitia James filed two lawsuits against President Donald Trump's administration Tuesday.James, a longtime legal opponent of Trump, joined 19 other attorneys general in filing the lawsuits, the first of which claims DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has threatened to cut off "emergency preparedness" funding if states do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. The second lawsuit targets the Department of Transportation on similar grounds, arguing it is unconstitutional to withhold funds to coerce immigration compliance."DHS is holding states hostage by forcing them to choose between disaster preparedness and enabling the administrations illegal and chaotic immigration agenda,"James said in a statement. "This funding is vital to keeping New Yorkers safe during hurricanes, floods, and other catastrophes."The federal government cannot weaponize disaster relief to coerce states into abandoning public safety and community trust. My office will fight to ensure all New Yorkers are protected both from tragic disasters and from cruel and unnecessary immigration policies."TOM HOMAN: MIGRANTS DEPORTED TO EL SALVADOR WERE 'SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC SAFETY THREATS'The lawsuit claims the Trump administration has presented states "with an impossible choice.""Either they forego millions of dollars in federal funds that Congress has appropriated and which their emergency preparedness and response efforts rely on or they undermine their law enforcement efforts by diverting their resources to enforce federal immigration law," James' office wrote.READ THE LAWSUIT AGAINST FEMA APP USERS, CLICK HERE:CLICK HERE FOR MORE IMMIGRATION COVERAGEThe DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.In the DOT lawsuit, the attorneys general argue the department's conditions for receiving funding "put billions in federal funding necessary for vital public safety and reliable transportation projects at risk, including those that prevent injuries and deaths from traffic accidents, protect riders from train collisions, and help improve airport safety measures."The DOT also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.The lawsuits come during a massive immigration crackdown by the Trump administration, which has deported over 130,000 illegal immigrants since Trump's inauguration.Apprehensions at the U.S.-Mexico border have plummeted 93% under the new administration, according to data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection released Monday.The CBP says it averaged 279 apprehensions per day at the southern border in April, compared to 4,297 apprehensions in April 2024. The total apprehensions for April this year landed at 8,383, compared to last year's 129,000.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPCBP officials also noted that just five illegal aliens were temporarily released into the U.S. during April, compared to 68,000 during the same month last year.READ THE LAWSUIT AGAINST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION APP USERS, CLICK HERE:"For the first time in years, more agents are back in the field patrolling territories that CBP didnt have the bandwidth or manpower to oversee just six months ago," said Pete Flores, acting commissioner of CBP. "But thanks to this administrations dramatic shift in security posture at our border, we are now seeing operational control becoming a reality, and its only just beginning."

As Democrats attack President Donald Trump for accepting the Qatari royal family's gift of a $400 million jet to be refurbished to serve as Air Force One, photos have resurfaced of some Democratic lawmakers three years earlier enjoying an expenses-paid trip to the Gulf emirate.The trip, paid for by the U.S.-Qatar Business Council, involved four House Democrats and one Republican who went to Qatar in 2021. During the trip, at least two of the Democrats participated in a sightseeing excursion via camelback for them and their family members.While the trade group that footed the bill for the Democrat excursion is not directly tied to the Qatari royal family, it describes its work as "dedicated exclusively to enhancing the bilateral business relationship between the U.S. and Qatar."HOUSE DEMOCRAT CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ETHICS PROBE OF QATARI PLANE GIFT TO TRUMP"This you frolicking in the sand on a camel as part of your $84,621.59 trip paid for by the US-Qatar Business Council to theFour Seasons in Doha in 2021?" Republican strategist Steve Guest asked in response to criticism about Trump's jet from now-Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz. The senator accused Trump of engaging in a "pay-to-play" scheme and "selling out U.S. policy." Gallego, at the time of the trip, was a congressman representing Arizona's 7th District."This is pay-to-play, plain and simple," Gallego said in a post on X. "Trump isnt making decisions based on whats best for you hes selling out U.S. policy to whoever gives him the biggest jet.""Gallegos feaux [sic] outrage would hit hard, except, here he is, shirtless and riding camels in Qatar all paid for by a special interest group," conservative writer John Hasson said in response to Gallego's post.Both Hasson and Guest's posts included a now-infamous image of Gallego, alongside Democratic California Rep. Eric Swalwell, sitting on camels shirtless and smiling as they participated in an excursion through the desert with their wives during their 2021 trip to Qatar funded by the U.S.-Qatar Business Council.At the time, Swalwell was a prominent member of the House Intelligence Committee, which he was later removed from after it was discovered he allegedly had a romantic tryst with a Chinese Communist Party spy, among other concerns related to his judgment on national security.TRUMP DUBS DEMS 'OUT OF CONTROL,' SUGGESTS GOP CONSIDER KICKING THEM OUT OF CONGRESS FOR 'REAL CRIMES'Following backlash over their trip to Qatar in 2021, the U.S.-Qatar Business Council told the New York Post that it did not pay for the camel excursion, only "costs directly associated with travel and the working agenda of the trip."The trip cost roughly $85,000, according to congressional database Legistorm, which noted that the total cost amounted to more than half of the entire congressional travel expenses accounted for in 2021.In addition to Swalwell and Gallego, Reps. Lou Correa, D-Calif., Sara Jacobs, D-Calif., and Lisa McClain, R-Mich., were part of the American delegation on the trip.In response to the criticism from Republicans over his alleged hypocrisy, a spokesperson for Gallego shot back at the notion that the 2021 trip was anywhere near the same as Trump's acceptance of the roughly $400 million plane from the Qatari royal family."If you think traveling on a bipartisan congressional delegation and visiting U.S. troops is the same as corruptly accepting a $400 million plane, then I have beachfront property in Arizona to sell you," Gallego communications director Jacques Petit told Fox News Digital.Fox News Digital reached out to Swalwell's office for comment as well, but did not hear back.BYRON DONALDS LEADS BIPARTISAN EFFORT TO PUNISH FEDERAL WORKERS FOR FAILURE TO REPORT FOREIGN GIFTSTrump shot back at criticisms over his planned acceptance of the Qatari gift, which the administration was given to use in place of Air Force One. Trump has been pushing to upgrade Air Force One, but the process that was initiated in 2018 has repeatedly been delayed."The fact that the Defense Department is getting a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE, of a 747 aircraft to replace the 40 year old Air Force One, temporarily, in a very public and transparent transaction, so bothers the Crooked Democrats that they insist we pay, TOP DOLLAR, for the plane," Trump said in a Truth Social post published Sunday. "Anybody can do that! The Dems are World Class Losers!!! MAGA"

North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick made clear on Tuesday that Jordon Hudson "doesnt have anything to do" with the football program.It was Belichicks first remarks since the CBS interview debacle, which featured Hudson interrupting a question about their relationship and dueling statements about how the interview went down.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMHe appeared on ESPNs "SportsCenter" as the ACCs Spring Meetings got underway and was asked by Christine Williamson how the off-field drama has impacted his ability to coach the team."Thats really off to the side. Thats a personal relationship and she doesnt have anything to do with UNC football," Belichick said."Im excited to be back in the coaches meetings and getting ready for June and August when we get to training camp. June will be a big recruiting month for us and then August we start getting ready for the season."Hudson may not have an official role within the program, but email correspondence within the athletics department appeared to show she was a part of his media team in some capacity.Hudson emailed school officials showing concern about "salacious" commentary on social media, The Athletic reported last month."Is there anyone monitoring the UNC Football page for slanderous commentary and subsequently deleting it / blocking users that are harassing BB in the comments?" Hudson reportedly asked on Feb. 13.PRESSURE RAMPS UP ON KEY BILL BELICHICK DATE AMID SCRUTINY ON RELATIONSHIPBelichick reportedly followed up the next day, "I cannot believe that UNC would support my being called a predator."Robbi Pickeral Evans, UNC senior associate athletic director for external affairs and strategic communications, replied that the social media team hides or erases comments about personal life."UNC would NEVER support," Evans reportedly said in her reply.Hudson also reportedly expressed concerns about fans calling out "nepotism," given that Belichick's son, Steve, is the team's defensive coordinator.Belichick reportedly asked UNC staff to include Hudson on emails moving forward.North Carolina was forced to refute a report last week after journalist Pablo Torre said Hudson had been barred from the facility and the field at the school."While Jordon Hudson is not an employee at the University or Carolina Athletics, she is welcome to the Carolina Football facilities. Jordon will continue to manage all activities related to Coach Belichicks personal brand outside of his responsibilities for Carolina Football and the University," the universitys athletic program said in a statement.Fox News Ryan Morik contributed to this report.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Tuesday it is taking a step toward "ending outdated practices" related to children's health and will begin removing ingestible fluoride prescription drug products for kids from the market.Health and Human Services and the FDA are "taking bold action to protect Americas children by initiating the removal of unapproved, ingestible fluoride prescription drug products from the market," Department of Health and Human Services spokesman Andrew Nixon told Fox News Digital Tuesday. "These fluoride prescription drug products, given to infants and toddlers, have never been approved by the FDA and pose real risks to developing children including harm to the gut microbiome, potential thyroid dysfunction, weight gain, and even reduced IQ. This is not just a public health issue its a moral issue.""This marks another step toward delivering on our Make America Healthy Again promise by ending outdated practices and putting Gold Standard Science at the center of childrens health," he added.The FDA announced earlier Tuesday it had begun the initial steps of removing "concentrated ingestible fluoride prescription drug products for children from the market."Fluoride is frequently used to protect teeth from decay and cavities.DESANTIS SIGNS BILL BANNING FLUORIDE ADDITIVES IN FLORIDA PUBLIC WATER: 'HYDRATE, NOT MEDICATE'Ingestible fluoride, such as tablets prescribed to kids at high-risk for cavities, was never approved by the FDA, according to its chief, Marty Makary, and have been "shown to alter the gut microbiome," as well as possible association "between fluoride and thyroid disorders, weight gain and possibly decreased IQ."Ingestible fluoride is swallowed, and differs from other fluoride products, such as toothpaste bolstered with fluoride.UTAH BANS FLUORIDE FROM PUBLIC DRINKING WATER, ALIGNING WITH MAHA MOVEMENTMakary said in a Tuesday press release that children can avoid heavy sugar intake to dodge cavities instead of "altering a childs microbiome." The gut microbiome is the ecosystem of microorganisms that live in a person's intestines."The best way to prevent cavities in children is by avoiding excessive sugar intake and good dental hygiene, not by altering a childs microbiome," Makary said in the press release. "For the same reason that fluoride may kill bacteria on teeth, it may also kill intestinal bacteria important for a childs health.""I am instructing our Center for Drug Evaluation and Research to evaluate the evidence regarding the risks of systemic fluoride exposure from FDA-regulated pediatric ingestible fluoride prescription drug products to better inform parents and the medical community on this emerging area. When it comes to children, we should err on the side of safety."FLUORIDE EXPOSURE LINKED TO DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS ON HEALTH OF PREGNANT WOMEN, INFANTSNixon told Fox News Digital that HHS and the FDA will launch a full safety review, including with public input, as health leaders work to finalize details of the plan by Oct. 31."The American people deserve transparency and accountability," Nixon said. "The Department will issue new guidelines promoting safe, effective dental hygiene without compromising gut health." HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. added in the press release that "ending the use of ingestible fluoride is long overdue."RFK JR. CALLS FOR REMOVAL OF FLUORIDE FROM DRINKING WATER, SPARKING DEBATE"Im grateful to Commissioner Makary for his leadership on this vital issue one that directly safeguards the health and development of our children," Kennedy said. "This decision brings us one step closer to delivering on President Trumps promise to Make America Healthy Again." Kennedy posted to X following President Donald Trump's election win in November 2024 that the Trump administration "will advise all U.S. water systems to remove fluoride from public water" upon Inauguration Day.CHILDREN EXPOSED TO HIGHER FLUORIDE LEVELS FOUND TO HAVE LOWER IQS, STUDY REVEALS"Fluoride is an industrial waste associated with arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders, and thyroid disease. President @realDonaldTrump and First Lady @MELANIATRUMP want to Make America Healthy Again," he continued.Trump told the media shortly after Kennedy's X post that such a plan to remove fluoride from water systems "sounds OK to me."FIRST STATE TO BAN FLUORIDE IN DRINKING WATER WILL HEED MAHA MOVEMENT'S CALL TO ACTIONUtah became the first state in the nation to ban fluoride from public water systems in May, while Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill May 6 banning fluoride additives to the states public water supply. That law will take effect July 1.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP"Jamming fluoride in the water supply is essentially a forced medication," DeSantis said during a news conference May 6 in Tallahassee, Florida. "At the end of the day, we should all agree that people deserve informed consent."Amid states moving to ban fluoride from water systems specifically, local dentists and critics of the move claim it will hurt residents who rely on the fluoride to bolster dental health.

A newly-minted law allowing Arizona law enforcement officers to shoot down drug-carrying drones along the U.S.-Mexico border has taken effect after sailing through the states legislature with bipartisan support.HB 2733 was signed into law on April 18 and grants officers the ability to target drones suspected of carrying out illegal activity within 15 miles of the states international border."Cartels are increasingly using drones to survey the border to locate [U.S. Customs and Border Protection] officers' locations and to transport illegal drugs from Mexico into our state," state Rep. David Marshall, the bills sponsor, said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "Law enforcement tools at [our] disposal will be electronic jamming devices, as well as using shotguns with bird shotto bring down these drones."FLORIDA PROPERTY OWNERS PESTERED BY SPYING DRONES COULD SOON BE ALLOWED TO FIGHT BACK WITH 'FORCE'Between October 2024 and April 2025, approximately 113,000 pounds of illegal drugs have been seized along the U.S.-Mexico border, with methamphetamine accounting for the majority of findings,according to data from CBP.Prior to the bill being passed, officers were unable to intercept drones suspected of participating in illegal activities, including transporting drugs such as fentanyl, across the southern border.The law also protects officers from being held civilly liable for any damage caused by intercepting the drone.MEXICAN CARTELS TARGETING BORDER PATROL AGENTS WITH KAMIKAZE DRONES, EXPLOSIVES AMID TRUMP CRACKDOWN: REPORT"A public entity or public employee is not liable to an unmanned aircraft operator for any injury to personal property caused by a peace officer intercepting, capturing, disabling, shooting, destroying or otherwise rendering inoperative an unmanned aircraft within 15 miles of the states international border if the peace officer had a reasonable suspicion that the unmanned aircraft was being used to commit a violation of Title 13, Chapter 23, 34 or 34.1," the bill states."Giving law enforcement the tools that they need to protect Arizonans is and should be a bipartisan effort," Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said at a news conference. "It is a necessary step in the fight against international drug trafficking and critical to our effort to protect all Arizonians."Mayes' office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.BORDER STATE OFFICIALS PUT CARTELS ON NOTICE AS THEY AWAIT GREEN LIGHT TO TAKE MAJOR ACTIONHowever, the law is in direct conflict with the Federal Aviation Administration's regulations surrounding drones. Federal law prohibits interfering with a drone while it is in the air, with violators risking criminal and civil penalties."Federal law generally prohibits the damage, destruction or disabling of an aircraft,"the FAA said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "In addition, anyone shooting at any aircraft including unmanned aircraft creates a significant safety hazard. Discharging a weapon at an unmanned aircraft could cause damage to persons or property on the ground or could cause the aircraft to collide with other objects in the air."CBP did not immediately respond to Fox News Digitals request for comment."It goes without saying that these cartel actions directly threaten the livelihood of Arizonans," Marshall said. "In 2024 alone, Arizona saw1,479 opioid-related overdose deaths. That is 1,479 lives taken too soon and countless families changed forever because of these deadly drugs. But when we give law enforcement the tools they need, like House Bill 2733, they are able to capture these drugs before they cause irreparable harm to our communities."

Journalist Mark Halperin said Monday that questions about Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman's mental fitness are warranted following bombshell reports this month about his alleged alarming behavior behind the scenes."I will say on Fetterman, I really don't understand why Republicans are being so outspoken," Halperin said on Monday's "The Morning Meeting" on his 2WAY platform. Some Republicans have contended Fetterman is being smeared because he's moderated his politics."Is it genuine? Because they think he's a great guy getting a bad shake? Are they trying to recruit him to switch parties or are they just trying to make mischief with the Democrats?" Halperin asked."But I can tell you, behind the scenes, Fetterman's behavior warrants the commentary its gotten plus more. I can tell you that."KNIVES OUT FOR FETTERMAN: MAVERICK SENATOR JOINS LONG LINE OF DEMS PUNISHED FOR BREAKING FROM LEFTFetterman, who suffered a massive stroke in 2022 and has been open about his struggles with depression, was the target of a brutal New York Magazine report out this month, in which current and former staffers alleged the senator had engaged in erratic behavior and become "almost impossible to work for."Once a progressive darling, Fetterman has since found himself at odds with the far-left wing of the Democratic Party because of his outspoken support for Israel, border security and occasional willingness to work with the Trump White House.Speculation that Fetterman's mental health was in decline continued after an Associated Press (AP) report alleged he had an outburst during a meeting on May 1 with teachers' union representatives from his state, where he repeated himself and shouted, "Everybody is mad at me" and "Why does everyone hate me, what did I ever do?"The Philadelphia Inquirer also published a report this month that painted a picture of Fetterman as disengaged and troubled.NEW MEDIA SEAT AT WHITE HOUSE BRIEFINGS SHAKES UP ESTABLISHMENT WITH ALTERNATIVE TO ARCHAIC PRESSFetterman has repeatedly shut down questions about his fitness for office and dismissed the New York Magazine report as a "hit piece."In response to the AP report, Fettermans office previously sent Fox News Digital several comments from the senator in which he neither confirmed nor denied the outburst but said: "Heres what is true: We had a spirited conversation about our collective frustration with the Trump administrations cuts to our education system."Amid the scathing reports, several of Fetterman's colleagues on Capitol Hill have defended the senator and argued that there is a coordinated smear campaign against him.Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., conceded that he wasn't a medical expert, but it seemed to him that Democrats were turning on Fetterman because he had bucked his party on several key issues."A few short years ago, Fetterman was like this godsend in Pennsylvania. And he came here, and they realized that Fetterman's his own man. He's gonna speak his mind, and he's gonna say it the way that it is or the way he feels like it is anyways, and they can't control him," Mullin said."And the Democrats are all about controlling the party. And so, if you're speaking away from them, it's doomsday for you," he added.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPFetterman and Halperin did not respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment on Tuesday.

NBC announced that Michael Jordan will be a special contributor to their NBA coverage when it begins in the 2025-2026 season on Monday.Longtime sports broadcaster Kevin Harlan talked about what the public should expect from Jordan behind the desk."I think when you talk about perhaps the greatest player who has ever played our game, its always the inside stuff, which I think is most captivating," Harlan said during a recent appearance on OutKicks "Dont @ Me with Dan Dakich."CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM"You dont have to rattle off stats, you can talk about your personal experience, and if you talk about his battles with Reggie Miller and talk about how he prepared for a Game 7 or how he prepared for a new series or how he prepared for sections of the regular season. I think thats what people they want to see whats behind the curtain.""We all have access to the numbers, we read the stories, but I want Jordan to tell me stuff that I dont know."Harlan cited an interview he did with the late Kobe Bryant, and how insightful he was, and Harlan would want Jordan to provide similar insight."To hear Kobe talk in detail about footwork, positioning, reads, schemes, all of it, preparation, day of preparation, after-game routine, like thats the kind of stuff I want to hear Jordan talk about," Harlan said.MICHAEL JORDAN TO JOIN NBC AS 'SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR' FOR NBA COVERAGEHarlan said wants Jordan to take fans "behind the scenes.""We have a barrage of stories from hosts and their analysts, those are great, there is only one Michael Jordan, there is only one Kobe Bryant, and to hear them talk about various facets of the game," Harlan said."You dont have to be there dishing off 18 different things, pick one thing, pick two things, take people behind the scenes and back of the curtain and unveil what its like to be in that position for that coach for that team. Some personal experience, not Well in my day not that kind of stuff, but one way to prepare against a great defender is dot dot dot."NBC carried the rights to the NBA from 1990-2002, Jordans peak years. After 23 years without it, the NBA will return to the network when their 11-year contract begins in October."I am so excited to see the NBA back on NBC," Jordan said during a video message. "The NBA on NBC was a meaningful part of my career, and Im excited about being a special contributor to the project. Im looking forward to seeing you all when the NBA on NBC launches this October."Jordan had not been a part of any network since his retirement, but did have a documentary about his career, "The Last Dance," air on ESPN in 2020.The Associated Press contributed to this report.Follow Fox News Digitals sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Addressing hearing loss in the elderly could help alleviate the growing loneliness epidemic among senior citizens, according to a report from SWNS.A new study led by researchers at NYU Langone Health found that providing hearing aids and guidance on their use may help preserve vital social connections that often diminish with age, which could reduce feelings of isolation.MUSIC CONDUCTOR WITH PARKINSONS SEES SYMPTOMS IMPROVE WITH DEEP BRAIN STIMULATIONThe study, one of the largest of its kind, gathered data on older adults with untreated hearing loss from four states: Maryland, North Carolina, Minnesota and Mississippi.The researchers tracked two groups: one received hearing aids, counseling and personalized audiology support, while the other was provided with education on healthy aging, SWNS reported.To measure social isolation, the researchers evaluated the frequency of social interactions, the size and diversity of participants' networks, and the depth of their relationships.ALZHEIMER'S RATES HAVE REACHED STAGGERING NUMBER AS EXPERTS CALL FOR CHANGEBefore the intervention, both groups reported similar levels of loneliness. Three years later, participants who received hearing care saw their loneliness scores improve slightly, while those who did not receive treatment reported worsening feelings of isolation, per SWNS.Those treated for hearing loss retained one additional social connection on average over a three-year period compared with those who received no hearing therapies and were instead educated about healthy aging.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTERParticipants given hearing aids were also found to have more diverse relationships with many different types of connections, such as family members, friends and acquaintances, as SWNS reported.They also maintained deeper, higher-quality bonds than those who were not treated for hearing loss."Our findings add to evidence that helping aging patients hear better can also enrich their social lives and boost their mental and physical well-being," said Professor Nicholas Reed, the study's lead author from the NYU Grossman School of Medicines Optimal Aging Institute, as reported by SWNS.Loneliness and hearing loss have both been linked to serious health concerns, including depression, heart disease and premature death, the expert noted.A previous 2023 report showed that hearing interventions may also slow cognitive decline among those at highest risk for dementia.Co-principal investigator Professor Josef Coresh added, "Making sure people can continue engaging with their family and friends as they age is a critical part of maintaining their quality of life."For more Health articles, visitwww.foxnews.com/healthThe researchers plan to continue following the study participants for another three years, and will also aim to diversify the study group, they noted."These results support efforts to incorporate hearing aid coverage into Medicare as a means of addressing the nations social isolation epidemic, which is especially dangerous for the elderly," said Coresh, according to the report.