Fox News Latest Headlines
Minnesota Democrats push bill to cut state aid to cities that fly the original state flag
The Minnesota House of Representatives introduced a bill that could penalize cities and counties for not flying the redesigned state flag.
Members of Minnesota's Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) party pushed legislation Monday to reduce state aid to a county or city that "flies or otherwise makes use of a state flag other than the design of the state flag as certified in the report of the State Emblems Redesign Commission."
If passed, the bill would go into effect in 2027.
Fox News Digital reached out to Minnesota state House members and the speaker of the House for comment.
The bill followed several cities and communities in recent years voting in favor of returning to the original state flag, which was adopted in 1893. On the same day the bill was introduced, the Inver Grove Heights City Council voted to join Elk River, Champlin, Zumbrota and Plainview in flying the original flag on city buildings.
The State Emblems Redesign Commission voted 11-1 to approve a new flag design in 2023 after critics argued the original flag image was considered racist to Native Americans.
"The seal depicts a Native American riding off into the sunset while a White settler plows his field with his rifle leaning on a nearby stump," The Associated Press wrote in 2023. "The imagery suggests to many that the Indigenous people were defeated and going away, while Whites won and were staying."
The new flag now features an eight-pointed star against a navy blue background shaped to resemble Minnesota, next to a solid light-blue field, which represents the state's waters, according to the commission. It was officially adopted in 2024.
The new design has been met with its own criticism from people who consider it to be a poor replacement and others who accused it of resembling the Somali national flag.
DAVID MARCUS: STOP GASLIGHTING US ABOUT MINNESOTA'S NEW SOMALI-THEMED STATE FLAG
In response to the new bill, Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth called it "dead on arrival," suggesting there was no path forward in the Senate.
"That bill is dead on arrival. There is no way this bill is moving through," Demuth told CBS News. "To know that Democrats are trying to take funding away from our police and fire, from our cities, it's ridiculous. We have real work that could help Minnesotans."
Fired Red Sox manager Alex Cora shows true colors in mass email to organization
Former Red Sox manager Alex Cora, who was fired last week along with five other coaches, was clearly ready to leave Boston.
He texted several prominent reporters, "I'm happy," hours after his firing. He posted pictures to his Instagram of him and his staff eating dinner and smiling. He turned down the Phillies job this week because he said he was looking forward to spending time with family.
It was an ugly end to a long relationship, and, clearly, it was time. But that doesn't mean Cora was always unhappy in Boston — a place he not only coached for nearly a decade, but also played.
ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
According to MassLive, Cora sent a mass email to the organization this week, thanking them for their help, praising them for their service, and, above all, reminding them not to take Fenway Park for granted.
"Being part of this organization has meant a great deal to me. As a player and as a manager. Like I always tell free agents, I’m glad my kids grew up here. It’s unique, special and magical," Cora wrote. "Thank you for treating me with respect and most importantly accept me as AC. I’m grateful for this experience, it made me better.
"We are happy to have the time to be full time parents, that’s the truth, but also we are disappointed that we didn’t finish the job. I respect the direction the organization is taking. A lot of talented people will help to accomplish the ultimate goal, having another duck boat parade. Thank you for the hard work, sleepless nights, professionalism and effort to help me lead this great organization.
"One last thing, keep showing up everyday and don’t take the Fenway experience for granted, your working place is the best in the world."
I've ripped the Red Sox pretty good for weeks now. I saw the writing on the wall with this roster about 10 days into the season. It stinks. Anyone who thinks Alex Cora was the problem is living in a fantasy world.
So, yes, I was sad to see Cora go, especially because it meant Craig Breslow (and John Henry) stayed. If you're making a list of all the Red Sox problems, Henry and Breslow would be so far ahead of Alex Cora, I'm not even sure they'd be on the same page.
The Sox made a surprise playoff run last year, and then completely folded over the offseason. Breslow, as he's done for years now, whiffed on everyone. Everyone. Alex Bregman. Pete Alonso. Kyle Schwarber. The Sox needed one bat. They instead lost one, and got none.
Breslow then decided to hang on to all five of his outfielders, instead of trading one or two to address another position of need. Now, the team is stuck with a predictable logjam in the outfield, and in the lineup.
He replaced Alex Bregman — the team's unquestioned leader last season — with Caleb Durbin at third base. That has been an unmitigated disaster.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE
He traded Kyle Harrison — the top player the team got back in the Rafael Devers trade — to Milwaukee. Harrison is currently 2-1 this season with a 2.28 ERA. That would be, by far, the lowest ERA of any starter in the Red Sox rotation right now.
The Cora firing was coming. You could feel it over these past few weeks. Frankly, I don't blame him for being happy. It's like being the last passenger off the Titanic. He made out like a bandit here.
But he also loved the team, and the city, and, most of all, the fans. He made that clear for the eight years he was here, and he made it clear again in that email.
"One last thing, keep showing up everyday and don’t take the Fenway experience for granted, your working place is the best in the world."
Nobody loved Fenway — and the atmosphere Fenway created — more than Alex Cora. He saw it as a player when they won a World Series in 2007. He saw it as a manager in 2018, and 2021, and, to an extent, briefly last season.
It's a shame the next time he'll see it will be as an opposing manager.
Hope Breslow enjoyed reading that email!
Former Cowboys QB Tony Romo falls short in US Open golf qualifying bid
Former NFL star Tony Romo’s amateur golf career has been well documented since his retirement. But the quarterback-turned-broadcaster will have to wait at least another year for a shot at competing in the U.S. Open.
Romo shot a 9-over 79 in local qualifying in Texas, leaving him 11 shots outside the qualifying cutoff.
The former Dallas Cowboys signal-caller is among eight athletes competing in the early stages of qualifying for this summer’s U.S. Open.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Romo has had success on the golf course, including a win at the American Century Championship. He last reached the final stage of U.S. Open qualifying in 2010.
While Romo’s run ended, several retired MLB players are still in the hunt to advance, including two-time All-Star Tyler Clippard, former New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Hicks and ex-Mariners relief pitcher Shigetoshi Hasegawa. Hicks is married to former LPGA Tour golfer Cheyenne Woods, niece of five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods.
Former NFL players Danny Woodhead and Drew Olson are also among the group, while New York Rangers captain J.T. Miller and retired tennis standout Mardy Fish continue to pursue qualifying.
Local qualifying rolls on this week, with five sites set to host action on Thursday. Seven days remain before the field is shrunk down for final qualifying.
ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
Another notable name on the list of U.S. Open hopefuls is NHL referee Garrett Rank. This year's tournament is scheduled to tee off at Shinnecock Hills in Southampton, New York, and run from June 15 through 18.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Nutrition experts rank the 5 healthiest nuts and the one that stands above the rest
Nuts are widely considered a healthy food, but not all varieties deliver the same nutritional benefits.
The snacks are best known for delivering healthy fats, fiber and protein in a compact, nutrient-rich package that's easy to eat on the go.
Though they pack plenty of nutrients, nuts are often recommended in small portions only due to their high calorie content.
COFFEE EXPERT WARNS ONE LAZY HABIT CAN TURN YOUR SINGLE-SERVE MACHINE INTO A GERM TRAP
Fox News Digital reached out to nutrition experts to learn the top five healthiest nuts — and what makes each one worth adding to your snack rotation.
See the list just below.
Walnuts "lead the pack for cardiovascular and brain health," said Whitney Stuart, a Texas-based dietitian and diabetes educator at Whitness Nutrition.
"They're the only nut with a significant source of ALA omega-3 fatty acids, which support inflammation reduction and cognitive function," she told Fox News Digital.
'EGG COFFEE' DRINK GOING VIRAL ON SOCIAL MEDIA AS DOCTOR WARNS OF HIDDEN HEALTH RISK
Mackenzie Burgess, a Los Angeles-based registered dietitian nutritionist and recipe developer at Cheerful Choices, also expanded on the benefits of walnuts, even citing a recent study that measured their positive effects on sleep quality.
"I love adding a handful to oatmeal or yogurt or even enjoying them as an after-dinner snack for that extra sleep benefit," she said.
Pistachios offer "one of the most balanced nutrition profiles of any nut," said Amy Goodson, a registered dietitian based in Dallas.
The small-but-mighty nuts, Goodson told Fox News Digital, are "rich in potassium and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health.
"Plus, because they're often eaten in the shell, they can naturally help with portion control," she added.
FORGET YOGURT AND SAUERKRAUT: 5 GUT-FRIENDLY FAVORITES MAY ALREADY BE ON YOUR SHELF
Stuart said pistachios are underrated.
"Research consistently shows they improve postprandial blood sugar response and offer one of the highest protein counts per serving of any nut," Stuart said.
Almonds are a go-to choice for blood sugar management, Stuart noted.
"Their combination of fiber, magnesium and healthy fat slows glucose absorption and supports insulin sensitivity," she said.
Goodson described almonds as "a fiber powerhouse."
CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES
These nuts are "particularly rich in soluble fiber, which supports heart health by helping lower LDL cholesterol," she said.
"They're also packed with vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports skin health and immune function. Their crunch and versatility make them an easy addition to snacks and meals."
Though they may be less popular than other varieties, Brazil nuts offer significant health benefits.
Their main appeal, said Goodson, comes down to one thing: selenium.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
"Just one [Brazil] nut per day can meet your daily selenium needs, which plays a critical role in thyroid function, immune health and antioxidant defense," she added.
"Because they're so concentrated, moderation is important."
The standout nutrients in cashews are magnesium and zinc, Burgess said.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
These two minerals "play a key role in immune function, bone health and energy metabolism."
"They also provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats similar to those found in olive oil," she said, suggesting eating them alone or turning them into cashew butter.
"Research suggests cashew consumption may support healthy blood pressure levels and cardiovascular health," Burgess added.
White House puts Whitmer on notice about who is 'actually delivering' on US manufacturing jobs
News that a local steel manufacturing company would soon pour $43.4 million into expanding its Michigan-based operations prompted praise from the White House — but not for the state’s Democratic governor.
"Democrats like Gretchen Whitmer spent decades talking about fixing broken trade deals and creating manufacturing jobs here in America for American workers," Kush Desai, a White House spokesperson, told Fox News Digital, referring to the Michigan governor who is often floated as a potential Democratic candidate for president in 2028.
"President Trump is actually delivering — and he’s delivering with the same agenda of tariffs, deregulation."
The investment underscores President Donald Trump’s recent restructuring on tariffs for steel, aluminum and copper — even as both parties claimed victory over Michigan’s expanding steel production.
TRUMP’S LATEST MOVE PROVES HIS MANUFACTURING GOLDEN AGE IS JUST FOOLS’ GOLD
"Michigan is on the move and open for business, competing for and winning big projects in industries like steel manufacturing," Whitmer said in a statement.
The investment, made by the Adrian Steel Company, would create at least 40 new jobs as the company expands its existing facilities in the southeast part of the state through a new 112,000-square-foot addition, according to the governor’s office.
The venture is Adrian Steel’s largest expansion since 1953, Whitmer’s office claimed..
"The expansion will enhance Adrian Steel’s manufacturing capabilities with additional space dedicated to raw material storage, cutting, forming, welding, painting, assembly, office functions and shipping operations," Whitmer’s office said in a press release.
Whitmer’s office said the state had attracted the expansion, in part, through state-level incentives and added that the state will bolster Adrian Steel’s venture through a State Essential Services Assessment (SESA), a kind of tax break for manufacturers that could be worth up to $228,750.
In the past, Whitmer has criticized Trump's tariffs, claiming that their overall effect has hindered industry development in Michigan.
"The pain of these increased costs from tariffs has not been offset by any of the promised economic gain," Whitmer said in a press release earlier this month. "Michigan’s industries have been hit hard, with a recent analysis finding that the tariffs cost U.S. automakers $35 billion last year. Tariffs are estimated to have cost working families $1,000 per year."
Under Trump’s re-worked tariff framework announced earlier this month, products made almost entirely of aluminum, steel or copper would pay a flat 50% tariff on their full value, while derivatives made only mostly of one of those elements would only pay 25%.
The new parameters also create lower rates for foreign products sourced from American materials and drop the tariffs entirely for products comprised of less than 15% steel, aluminum or copper.
TRUMP SAYS THOSE AGAINST TARIFFS 'SERVING HOSTILE FOREIGN INTERESTS,' 'FULL BENEFIT' YET TO BE SEEN
"This buildout — and the continued health of these vital American industries — is only possible through the continued implementation and strengthening of the President’s Section 232 tariff programs," the White House said.
Whitmer’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Cold case suspect nabbed overseas after DNA revived decades-old child abduction mystery
A man living overseas has been arrested in a nearly 40-year-old cold case after authorities say DNA evidence linked him to the 1989 kidnapping and sexual battery of a young Florida girl.
Young Tom Talmadge, 69, was taken into custody at his home in Cavite, Philippines, on April 23 after local authorities received information regarding the case from U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) of the Philippines said in a press release.
The development comes after Hillsborough County authorities issued a warrant for Talmadge’s arrest in March, according to officials.
DNA CRACKS 35-YEAR COLD CASE MYSTERY AS ACCUSED KILLER'S NEW NAME MELTS UNDER COPS' HEAT
Authorities allege Talmadge was at the bowling alley Tampa Lanes when he approached a 7-year-old girl and offered her coins to play arcade games in 1989, FOX 13 reported.
He then allegedly lured the young girl into his car and sexually battered her, authorities said, according to the outlet.
Immediately following the incident, Talmadge allegedly dropped the child off at a second bowling alley nearby and fled the scene.
The young girl’s disappearance sparked a frantic search by Tampa Lanes employees until a man at the second bowling alley recognized the child and facilitated her return, the outlet reported.
The case ultimately ran cold for nearly 40 years, until investigators with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement used genealogical research and preserved DNA evidence to identify Talmadge as a suspect, authorities said.
His arrest was a result of the BI’s #ShieldKids campaign, an initiative launched "to protect children from foreign sex offenders," the agency said.
"We will continue to work closely with international counterparts to protect Filipino children and uphold justice," Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said in a statement. "Foreign fugitives who commit crimes against children will find no refuge here."
Following his arrest, Talmadge was transported to the BI Warden Facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, where he awaits extradition to the United States.
He faces charges of sexual battery on a victim less than 12 years old by an adult, lewd and lascivious acts on a child, and kidnapping to commit a felony on a child, according to the BI.
The Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Kentucky Derby no longer guaranteed boom for Lexington as vacant hotel rooms replace sellouts
The Kentucky Derby may still draw big crowds from around the world, but hotels in nearby Lexington are struggling to fill vacant beds.
For years, Derby weekend meant sold-out rooms and sharply increased prices across the city.
Now, hotel leaders say that surge is spreading out, with more travelers opting to stay closer to Louisville or along surrounding corridors, according to FOX 56.
KENTUCKY DERBY MINT JULEP MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN MAKING POPULAR COCKTAIL
The change has left some Lexington hotels working to fill rooms just days before the race, in sharp contrast to previous years when bookings were locked in far in advance.
Industry observers say a number of factors may be contributing to the shift.
Alice Ford, a travel host of "Alice’s Adventures on Earth" and frequent Kentucky Derby attendee, told Fox News Digital that recent changes to the event may be contributing to more spread-out attendance.
"They’ve added several more race days in the beginning of the week, which is spreading out viewership over a longer period of time," Ford said.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
She also pointed to tighter security measures and broader economic pressures.
"Big events like the Derby are no longer high priorities for a lot of people when choosing between expensive sporting events," Ford noted.
She also said changing attitudes toward the ethics of horse racing may be influencing attendance.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES
Back in Lexington, hotel managers say the local impact is clear.
"Shelbyville has added a bunch of hotels — Simpsonville, even Frankfort. So now Derby is not considered a ‘special event’ here," Alison Chenet, general manager of a Hilton Garden Inn in Lexington, told FOX 56.
Instead of tripling rates and selling out, many hotels are raising prices more modestly and focusing on balancing occupancy.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
While Derby weekend remains busy, Chenet said Lexington hotels now see their highest demand during Keeneland’s spring and fall meets, as well as major events like the Railbird music festival.
She added that her property is already sold out for Railbird weekend, with room rates significantly higher than usual.
Chenet said she expects bookings to pick up as race day approaches — but estimates her hotel will reach about 85% to 90% capacity.
Trump critics blame president's rhetoric for WHCA dinner shooting
Critics of President Donald Trump have pointed blame at the president after the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) Dinner descended into chaos on Saturday as a shooter allegedly attempted to assassinate the president and members of his Cabinet.
"Chaos follows him. And you are less safe, right? If you decide to go into his orbit, you have become less safe. If you – he’s just – he does not care about your safety, he’s not going to protect you if you go into his orbit because he’s always going to protect himself first," ex-NBC host Chuck Todd said during a conversation with former CNN host Chris Cillizza.
The Justice Department is building the case against alleged assassin Cole Allen, 31, from Torrance, Calif., accused of opening fire at the Washington Hilton Hotel during the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner.
"So the guy doesn’t care when people commit violence in his name. He only cares when the violence is committed against him, and he does not see that he is a contributor to the atmospherics of the world we’re living in right now," Todd said.
CHARLIE KIRK PAINTED AS 'CONTROVERSIAL,' 'PROVOCATIVE' IN MEDIA’S ASSASSINATION COVERAGE
Todd declared that he wouldn't be going to any events where Trump is present and said he didn't feel safe.
The former NBC host was also a guest on CNN on Monday, during which he argued only the president can tone down the rhetoric, during a discussion with Kasie Hunt.
"Presidents set the thermostat for the country, for better or for worse," he said. "And only a president can dial down on the rhetoric, only a president can set the tone. It is on the president. This is why you can't expect a speaker of the House to do this, a chairman of a political party. Certainly everybody should watch their words and be careful in incendiary rhetoric, but ultimately, the political community and the community at large takes its cues from this president. And this is a president who, from the very beginning, has been very pugilistic."
DEMOCRATS SILENT ON PAST RHETORIC TOWARD TRUMP CABINET MEMBER AFTER FOILED ASSASSINATION PLOT
Radio host Charlemagne tha God also pointed a finger at the president following the shooting. The suspect, Allen, said he wanted to target the Trump administration, according to his manifesto.
"People always ask if we're going to tone down the violent rhetoric toward Trump. Stop it. I'm sick of that narrative. I need every media personality to direct that energy and that question to one person and one person only: Donald J. Trump," Charalmagne said. "At what point do people simply say, 'Hey Trump, you're the drama?'"
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., appeared to blame Trump for the shooting at the WHCA Dinner on Monday as well, suggesting that the shooting was the result of his unpopularity.
CNN COMMENTATOR SAID TRUMP ‘WANTS US DEAD’ MINUTES BEFORE WH DINNER SHOOTING SCARE
Krishnamoorthi spoke about the shooting during his appearance on CNN’s "The Situation Room," telling co-host Pamela Brown, "There’s tremendous, as you can understand, concern given the threat levels that are going up, in part because of the — the president and now three assassination attempts on him, his very low approval ratings, which unfortunately fuel a lot of disaffection."
Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel also urged Trump to look at his own rhetoric in his rebuttal to those outraged over a remark he made about first lady Melania Trump.
"And also, I agree that hateful and violent rhetoric is something we should reject. I do it, and I think a great place to start to dial that back would be to have a conversation with your husband about it," Kimmel later told the first lady. "Donald Trump is allowed to say whatever he wants to say, as are you, as am I, as are all of us. Because under the First Amendment, we have as Americans a right to free speech. But with that said, I am sorry that you and the president and everyone in that room on Saturday went through that. I really am. Just because no one got killed, that doesn't mean it wasn't traumatic and scary. We should come together and be the best."
CHUCK TODD ROASTED FOR 'STUPID' ANNOUNCEMENT HE'S AVOIDING TRUMP EVENTS FOR HIS OWN SAFETY
Steve Schmidt, who co-founded the anti-Trump Lincoln Project, said immediately after the shooting that Trump is a "vile and disgusting man," according to a video posted by The Daily Wire.
After calling Trump the "foremost domestic enemy to the Constitution in our lifetime," he said the president poisoned the rhetoric and atmosphere of the U.S.
"He has poisoned the rhetoric in this country. He has poisoned the atmosphere. He has divided the country. He has done everything that he can possibly do to try and destroy the norms and institutions of this country. And the fact is, that he has succeeded in many ways. This man is a clear and present danger to the United States of America," he continued.
The White House has blamed a "left-wing cult of hatred" for the third attempt on Trump's life.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE
"Those who constantly falsely label and slander the president as a fascist, as a threat to democracy, and compare him to Hitler to score political points, are fueling this kind of violence," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Monday at the White House.
"The left-wing cult of hatred against the president and all of those who support him and work for him has gotten multiple people hurt and killed, and it almost did so again this weekend."
Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., was asked Sunday about certain rhetoric used against Trump following the shooting.
When asked on CNN's "State of the Union" by Dana Bash whether he and other Democrats should reconsider heated, inflammatory language toward Trump, Raskin responded, "What rhetoric do you have in mind?" before adding that he criticizes administration policies rather than making personal attacks.
"I talk about the policies of this administration, the authoritarianism," Raskin said. "I don’t personalize it."
WNBA player Lexie Brown calls out Klay Thompson, Megan The Stallion for not shutting down affair rumors
EXCLUSIVE: Seattle Storm player Lexie Brown recently put out a statement denying rumors that she and NBA star Klay Thompson had an affair, amid his recent breakup with rapper Megan The Stallion. Now, after suffering alleged death threats over the rumors, Brown is calling out Thompson and the rapper for not disputing the rumors themselves.
"I wouldn't have minded if either one of them came out and said it because at the end of the day, they're the ones that are in the relationship, they're the ones that are dealing with this, and they're the ones who are communicating with each other. So one of them, if not both of them know that it was not me," Brown told Fox News Digital in a recent interview.
"The truth is over there somewhere, and I was expecting it to reveal itself from that side of it... for them to just allow me to get dragged, for a lot of people to allow me to get dragged through the mud... it was just really disappointing."
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
On her past interactions with Thompson and Megan The Stallion, Brown said, "Me and Klay, we know each other because we do play professional basketball. I wouldn't have considered him a friend. I do not know Meg The Stallion at all."
Brown, a 2021 WNBA champion with the Chicago Sky, said she initially thought that one of them would dispute the rumors shortly after they began, as she focused on a WNBA preseason game. But it never came.
"I had a game to focus on, and I quite literally did not have time to handle that and in the back of my mind knowing 100% what was being said was false that surely somebody would step in and say, no, this is a lie. Please point your fingers somewhere else or don't point them at all. But don't point them at Lexi, and by the time the game was over, it had not happened," she added.
"I'm still the only person that has denied this entire situation of my involvement and claimed that this is 100% false. And the fact that I'm still the only one that is defending my name, I just I have no idea how to process that, and that's the last thing that I'm like struggling to process is that there's this massive outcry for protecting black women and nobody has mentioned Lexie Brown's name in any of those conversations."
The situation escalated to a frightening degree for Brown, as she claims she was forced to take drastic measures to ensure her own safety.
"I was getting threats on my life. I was getting threats on my health," Brown said. "My family started getting comments and threats from people. I've had to hire security to travel with me places. So it got to a point where I just was scared for myself."
Brown's father, former NBA player Dee Brown, says the experience has been "debilitating" for him.
"As a father, watching the negative, hateful, and most importantly, false attacks lobbed at my daughter has been debilitating. Seeing her live in absolute fear and exhaustion over these false attacks, and then seeing these attacks repeated by so many media outlets without even a shred of proof is beyond horrifying," Dee Brown told Fox News Digital.
"I've never seen behavior like this. Being in the spotlight is not new for Lexie, but what is new is how social media and the media have changed society for the worse. Today I say, not as a former player who understands harsh opinions and critiques from fans, but as a dad who realizes that this could be anyone’s daughter, this is simply not acceptable."
Lexie has turned off her comments and ultimately deleted the social media apps from her phone altogether to focus on basketball and her mental well-being.
The stress of the situation carried a very real physical risk for Brown, who has been battling Crohn’s disease for the past three years. After a grueling journey to get back into playing shape, including severe weight loss, multiple surgeries, and a taxing stint with the Los Angeles Sparks, Brown noted that this level of anxiety could have triggered a severe flare-up of her condition.
"Thankfully right now, I'm on an excellent routine, an excellent medication. And I've got myself to a really, really good place, physically and mentally, to where this has not taken me out," Brown said. "It absolutely could have, and I think even my decision to just get off social media completely has helped me not go into a flare-up."
Brown’s battle with Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, began unexpectedly while she was playing for the Los Angeles Sparks in 2023. What she initially attributed to exhaustion and nerves quickly deteriorated into a severe medical emergency that required immediate intervention.
"I finally had to reach out and really ask for help... went to the hospital and was in a surgery 24 hours after that, and that was the first of many," Brown said.
The recovery process proved to be an incredibly isolating and grueling experience. Brown noted that she had minimal support during her time in Los Angeles, leaving her "ubering myself to and from doctor's appointments, ubering myself to and from surgeries."
The physical and emotional toll was devastating; she lost 30 pounds and plummeted into what she described as a "really dark place, physically and mentally," while trying to force her body through the demands of a professional basketball season.
Following a trade to the Seattle Storm, Brown finally found the structural support she desperately needed to manage her condition. She praised the Storm organization for providing a healthier, stress-free environment, pointing to their 24-hour facility access, top-tier recovery tools, and catered meals
But now, with rumors about her and Thompson, even the sanctuary of Seattle hasn't proven to be fully safe for Brown.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Maritime spies catch $800M oil scheme as Trump's naval blockade squeezes Tehran and more top headlines
1. Maritime spies catch $800M oil scheme as Trump's naval blockade squeezes Iran
2. US weighs deploying 'Dark Eagle' hypersonic missile for possible Iran strike
3. TPUSA reporter speaks out for first time after three indicted in viral assault case
CRUNCH TIME — House GOP greenlights budget blueprint to fund ICE without a single Democrat vote. Continue reading …
CROWN & COUNTRY — King Charles follows Queen Elizabeth's playbook with a twist during Trump state visit. Continue reading …
OFF THE RAILS — New mayor hauled off in cuffs after allegedly stumbling to train wreck site drunk. Continue reading …
BERLIN BLOWBACK — Trump weighs pulling US troops from Germany amid clash with chancellor over Iran war. Continue reading …
GUARD DOWN — Sheriff slapped with charges in breakout fiasco that freed dangerous inmates. Continue reading …
--
CAPITOL GRILLING — Hegseth testifies at Senate as Iran war's $25B price tag and 60-day War Powers deadline loom. Continue reading …
TABLES TURNED — Moms group labeled ‘extremist’ flips script on SPLC after federal indictment. Continue reading …
‘INSANE’ — Dem mayor calls anti-crime signs 'expressions of exclusion' as city removes final sign. Continue reading …
GLOVES OFF — EPA chief fires back at Sen Whitehouse with 'all-White' beach club jab after coal clash. Continue reading …
CLASSROOM CLASH — Educators face backlash, firings after posts lament Trump surviving WHCA Dinner shooting. Continue reading …
DEER IN HEADLIGHTS — Dem candidate freezes on live TV when asked who replaces ICE if it's abolished. Continue reading …
CLASS ACT CONTRAST — Resurfaced clip of Johnny Carson's grace after Reagan shooting contrasts with Kimmel. Continue reading …
ROAD RAGING — Liberal residents furious after California city calls street Charlie Kirk Way. Continue reading …
REP. GARAMENDI & SEN. KELLY — We must work together to make America a shipbuilding power. Continue reading …
SEN. JOHN KENNEDY — Democrats’ anti-ICE tantrum leaves Republicans with one option going forward. Continue reading …
--
NEW DETAILS — 'Melrose Place' actor's official cause of death at 57 revealed. Continue reading …
NO LOOPHOLES — Disneyland cracks down on guest behavior with sweeping new restrictions, sparking backlash. Continue reading …
AMERICAN CULTURE QUIZ — Test yourself on baseball bests and restaurant revamps. Take the quiz here …
CLASSIC SHAKEUP — Costco just quietly changed its famous $1.50 hot dog combo deal. Continue reading …
ROAD TRIP — Heartland state yields secrets in an anniversary year. See video ...
VICE PRESIDENT JD VANCE — Tim Walz is like an arsonist trying to take credit for the fire department. See video …
GREGG JARRETT — There could be something more nefarious behind Comey's ‘86 47’ stunt. See video …
Tune in as we break down the Supreme Court’s ruling on Louisiana’s congressional map and what it means for the future of redistricting nationwide. Check it out ...
What's it looking like in your neighborhood? Continue reading…
Fox News Entertainment (FOX411)
Thank you for making us your first choice in the morning! We'll see you in your inbox first thing Friday.