Spring breakers are facing travel carnage as airports across the country descended into chaos Thursday amid security delays due to the ongoing shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security. At major hubs in Pennsylvania and Texas, travelers encountered overwhelming queues at TSA checkpoints early in the day. Online videos captured packed stairways and escalators at Philadelphia International Airport, where only limited screening lanes were operating. In Houston, lines had already extended beyond the terminal before sunrise. By midmorning, flight disruptions mounted, with more than 1,200 delays reported nationwide. Officials attribute the turmoil to a partial funding lapse at DHS, leaving approximately 50,000 screening staff unpaid. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy cautioned that conditions may worsen significantly if the impasse continues. “As we get into next week and they are about to miss another payment, this is going to look like child’s play what’s happening right now,” he said. The funding standoff stems from Democrats seeking to introduce immigration enforcement reforms and Republicans refusing to agree.

This Is My Jeffrey Epstein Story: Michael Wolff

The fog of war was once meant to describe battlefield conditions in which limited, contradictory, and inaccurate information compromised a commander’s decision-making. But then the fog was extended; reality itself was in a constant state of confusion and uncertainty, clouded by competing political agendas, a flattening and conflating of sources, the miasma of social media... Hence, now, the fog of Epstein—a story that has been shaped to fit almost everybody’s view, right-wing or left, and to confirm the depravity of virtually anybody you don’t like. An anomaly of this story is that anyone who had an up-close view of Epstein’s life has every reason not to want to share it. To relate their experience of it, other than as a forced confession, would implicate them. Everyone, therefore, becomes part of the cover-up, part of the conspiracy. It is a story, therefore, left largely to be told by accusers and by people who don’t know it. Until now. What I am going to try to do is tell the story that I have been privy to. All battles for truth seem to end up creating even greater fog. My intention is not to engage with the battle, but to offer a personal version of the story—I will tell it only according to what I have seen.

Click through and subscribe to Michael Wolff’s HOWL, where this story begins with a first meeting with Epstein—a ride on what was not yet known as the Lolita Express.

Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission.

Spring marathon season puts your shoes through their paces. Simplifying your gear rotation (without sacrificing performance) is vital. For those seeking a streamlined setup, Skechers has two complementary options that cover everything from race day to recovery runs. The Aero performance line was designed for both lighter, speed-focused sprints and cushioned comfort for long-distance runs.

Free Returns | Free Shipping

The Skechers Aero Razor weighs just 6.9 ounces, making it great for speed-focused training and uptempo runs. Its breathable mesh upper and sawtooth laces provide a secure fit, while the Arch Fit insole system and Goodyear Performance Outsole deliver support, grip, and durability on the road.

Free Returns | Free Shipping

The Skechers Aero Burst is a highly cushioned daily trainer built for marathon prep and high-mileage weeks. It features dual-density Hyper Burst Ice cushioning for a soft, yet stable ride, and Hyper Arc technology for smoother transitions.

If you’re ready to hit a PR this year, give this Skechers Aero combo a try.

The U.S. failed to break the top 20 in the latest edition of the World Happiness Report. The top spots went mostly to Nordic and Northern European countries, though Costa Rica and Israel came in at No. 4 and No. 8, respectively. The U.S. was ranked a distant No. 23, after most of Western Europe, Mexico, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. To determine the ranking, the Gallup World Poll asks respondents in 147 countries to evaluate their lives using the image of a ladder, with the best possible life as a 10 and the worst possible as a 0. The top-ranked Finns reported an average life satisfaction score of 7.76, while the U.S. reported 6.82, down 0.27 from the year before. Researchers also look at six factors including GDP per capita, life expectancy, generosity, and perceptions of freedom and corruption to try to account for variations among countries. Life satisfaction among Americans under 25 in particular has dropped by almost a full point over the last decade.

Kevin Spacey has reached an out-of-court settlement with three men who had accused him of sexual assault, halting civil trials that were set to begin later this year at the High Court. The allegations date from 2000 to 2013, including claims by two men who had previously accused Spacey during a 2023 criminal trial in which he was cleared of nine sexual offence charges. One man, identified only as LNP, alleged multiple assaults between 2000 and 2005. Another, GHI, claimed an assault in 2008 after meeting Spacey through a workshop at London’s Old Vic, where Spacey served as artistic director from 2004 to 2013. The third accuser, Ruari Cannon, publicly waived his anonymity and said Spacey groped him after a 2013 press night party. Spacey denies all allegations, calling them “ridiculous.” Terms of the settlements were not disclosed. The actor was cleared of nine separate sexual offence charges at a criminal trial in 2023.

Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission.

Summer is a little over three months away, which means our beauty routines are bound to shift to lighter moisturizers, darker foundation shades, and less eye makeup (after all, mascara isn’t known for playing nice with sweat and ocean water). If you’re looking to try out the no-mascara trend this spring and summer, now’s a great time to invest in a quality lash serum for a fluttery set sans the smears, clumps, and flakes. Achieving fuller, more voluminous lashes can take around 90 days, so now is the ideal time to start a new formula to get them prepped and ready.

Flash Cosmetics’ eyelash serum mascara set to give your lashes the boost they need, and it’s only $58. Flash’s Ultimate Duo 2.0 is formulated with peptides, botanicals, and prostaglandin to give you visibly longer, fuller lashes in just three months or less. The duo includes a physician-formulated, ophthalmologist-tested Flash Eyelash Serum and Flash Happy High-Definition Mascara. It’s great for growing your lashes while still not abandoning your mascara just yet. Plus, if you do decide to use its mascara on a pool or beach day, the waterproof formula will stay put. Most single lash serums cost $50+ for a 30-day supply, so this serum and mascara duo is a serious steal.

Joseph Duggar, a former cast member of the TLC series 19 Kids and Counting, has been arrested over allegations he molested a 9-year-old girl in Florida in 2020, authorities said. The Bay County Sheriff’s Office said the 31-year-old was arrested on Wednesday accused of repeated unlawful sexual activity in Panama City Beach. The victim, now 14, reported the alleged abuse this week to police in Arkansas, prompting an investigation that led to an arrest warrant. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the girl told investigators that Duggar later apologized, and she said the alleged abuse ended after that. Duggar faces charges including lewd and lascivious molestation and is awaiting extradition to Florida. The case adds to past controversies surrounding the Duggar family. The long-running TLC show was canceled in 2015 following abuse allegations involving Josh Duggar, the older brother of Joseph, who was accused of molesting five girls, four of whom were his sisters. No criminal charges resulted from the case, but he was later convicted in a separate child exploitation case and sentenced to more than 12 years in prison.

Alvin Greene, an unemployed military veteran who ran for Senate in 2010, has passed away. Greene died on March 3 in Manning, South Carolina. His family said he died after suffering from pneumonia, according to Manning Live . Greene made it through the primaries in 2010, despite not having a formal campaign, a website, a computer or any staff. Greene also did not make a speech and did not own a cellphone. He used $10,440 of his own savings to pay the candidate filing fee and defeated former state lawmaker Vic Rawl, an established politician, in the Democratic primary. His success saw Greene become the subject of national media attention. He told The Manning Times in 2010 that he was inspired to run for office while stationed in Korea. “I was watching the country decline,” Greene said at the time. “I wanted to make it better.” He campaigned on jobs, education and justice. He became South Carolina’s first Black major-party nominee for Senate. Greene ultimately lost the Senate race to U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint, a Republican. Despite his loss, his campaign inspired the documentary Who is Alvin Greene? He is survived by his brother, James along with extended family members and friends.

The Federal Aviation Administration has revealed two recent close calls between helicopters and planes after last year’s deadly midair collision near Washington. The FAA announced on Wednesday that they were suspending the practice in which pilots relied on their own sight to determine a safe distance between planes and helicopters in areas where they are likely to cross paths. Air traffic controllers will now use radar to keep aircraft separated, following a year-long review by the FAA’s safety team. In making the announcement, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford shared two recent near misses involving aircraft. One was American Airlines Flight 1657, which was cleared to land at San Antonio International Airport on Feb. 27 when a police helicopter was flying through the airport’s final approach path. Both aircraft were on converging courses until the helicopter turned left to avoid the plane. And a Beechcraft 99 was cleared to land at Hollywood Burbank Airport on March 2 at the same time a helicopter was on the final approach path, requiring it to turn right to avoid the plane. The midair collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet on Jan. 29, 2025, killed 67 people, making it the deadliest commercial aviation accident in the U.S. in over 20 years. Bedford said their investigations had “identified an over-reliance on pilot ‘see and avoid’ operations.” Duffy said the Washington collision had revealed “a startling truth: years of warning signs were missed, and the FAA needed dire reform. Since then, we’ve implemented numerous changes to protect the skies over our capital and keep the traveling public safe.”

"HOUSTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 18: A patient is shown sitting in a hallway at the Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital on August 18, 2021 in Houston, Texas. Across Houston, hospitals have been forced to treat hundreds of patients in hallways and corridors as their emergency rooms are being overwhelmed due to the sharp increase in Delta variant cases. Hospitals are straining to keep up with the surge of new coronavirus patients as schools and businesses continue to reopen. Houston has seen an upward increase in Delta infections, and research is showing the Delta variant to be 60% more contagious than its predecessor the Alpha variant, also known as COVID-19. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)"

A patient at a Florida hospital has far overstayed their welcome, and the hospital wants her out ASAP. Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare claimed in a lawsuit filed earlier this month that the patient, identified only by her room number, 373, has refused to leave her hospital accommodations since her discharge on Oct. 6, 2025. The hospital said that medical professionals in charge of her care determined she “no longer needed acute care services.” The lawsuit details the hospital’s plight since the patient hijacked its facilities. “Defendant’s continued occupancy prevents use of the bed for patients needing acute care,” the hospital’s lawyers wrote in the suit. The hospital has attempted to coordinate pickup by relatives and even gone so far as to assist in obtaining the patient’s necessary identification. The hospital requested that the judge issue an injunction that requires the patient to move out of room 373. When reached for comment, spokeswoman Macy Layton said, “TMH is not able to discuss active legal matters, including background details.” The patient plans to defend themselves. The case is on the docket for later this month.

Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission.

Getting a good night’s sleep beside your partner is an unappreciated luxury, because waking up rested together is the best way to start the day. CPAP is helping couples on that journey by offering a discount on the At Home Sleep Test for Sleep Awareness Month. The goal is to help couples discover how to make bedtime more enjoyable for each other.

CPAP machines primarily help with sleep apnea (a common sleep disorder that causes breathing problems during sleep and snoring). It is the second most common sleep disorder in the world, yet it is severely underdiagnosed. Sleep apnea may also increase the risk of developing other health conditions (including cancer, according to CPAP), making detection key.

Free Returns | Free Shipping

The at-home test kit includes the Wesper device, a clinical-grade sleep apnea test that uses two medical sensors to measure your breathing, oxygen levels, snoring, and overall sleep quality throughout the night. The kit also includes a physician evaluation and, if you qualify, a prescription for treatment. Getting started is simple—just download the Wesper app, set up the device, wear it for two nights in a row, and wait for your results to be reviewed by a medical professional. The comprehensive test delivers lab-quality insights from the comfort of your own bed, making it a convenient alternative to traditional sleep studies.

A CPAP may not be the first product to come to mind when you think of romance, but knowing how to bring more peace and quiet to the bedroom is a great way to enhance intimacy—and your wellbeing overall. After all, sleep is sexy. So, if you or your parent thinks they might suffer from sleep apnea, take advantage of this discount on the CPAP At Home Sleep Test.

Generations of intrigue, unbelievable family feuds, jaw-dropping scandals, crazy traditions—and, of course, corgis. The British royals have it all, and now you can too with The Royalist podcast.

The Beast’s royal correspondent Tom Sykes draws on decades of fearless reporting to crack open the closed world of the House of Windsor, exposing the rivalries, paranoia, power-plays and media manipulations that define the modern royals. With unparalleled insider sourcing and sharp analysis, Sykes examines how personality, privilege, and fear drive the monarchy’s decisions—and what it all means for the future.

If it’s happening behind palace gates, he’s going to be talking about it. Join Tom in the throne room to find out how the secret world of the royals really operates. Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday on YouTube and next day on all podcast platforms.

Want more royal gossip, scoops and scandal? Click through to follow all Tom Sykes’ reporting at The Royalist on Substack.

Session guitarist Wayne Perkins died on Monday at the age of 74. The iconic ‘70s rock guitarist, who’s best known for almost joining the Rolling Stones, initially suffered the fatal stroke on March 1. “For those who haven’t heard, Wayne passed away yesterday peacefully. Our sisters and family members were there with him. We appreciate all the kind thoughts and memories,” Perkins’ brother Dale confirmed via Facebook on Tuesday. The Alabama-born musician was among a few guitarists the legendary rock band the Rolling Stones considered as possible replacements for Mick Taylor after he left the band in 1974. The session guitarist nearly joined after playing on a number of songs on their 1976 album Black and Blue, including “Hand of Fate,” “Memory Motel,” and “Fool to Cry.” However, the band decided to go with Ron Wood instead. “We liked Perkins a lot. He was a lovely player ... It came down to the fact that [Ron Wood] was English,” the Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards wrote in his 2010 memoir. While Perkins didn’t make it onto the Rolling Stones’ roster, he would leave his mark on numerous iconic ‘70s tunes. He played on Joni Mitchell’s 1974 album Court and Spark, and Bob Marley and the Wailers’ 1973 album Catch a Fire. He was also the featured guitarist on the rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd’s demos, after which he refused an offer from the band to be its permanent guitarist.

© The Daily Beast