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Al Sharpton says America's 250th anniversary is not a 'celebration' for Black people, calls it 'crazy'
MS NOW host Reverend Al Sharpton said the United States' upcoming 250th anniversary is not a "celebration" for Black people and that it's "crazy" to expect them to celebrate it.
"They're going to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the country July 4th, but that's not our celebration," Sharpton said at the National Action Network’s 35th Anniversary National Convention on Wednesday.
He continued, "We were slaves then, and they celebrate signing the Declaration of Independence 1776. We were not even emancipated until 1863. So I don't know what everybody getting ready for a celebration [for]. You know that it seems crazy for me to have on the birthday hat at your birthday party. That ain't my party."
WASHINGTON POST COLUMNIST: IT WILL BE 'HARDER' TO CELEBRATE AMERICA'S 250TH BIRTHDAY
Sharpton suggested that he should hold a separate rally in Philadelphia and expressed concern that young citizens were not aware of Black people's "background" thanks to President Donald Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., attempting to remove woke aspects in education.
"When White kids hear us talking about reparations or affirmative action, they think it's an attack because they don't know what their granddaddy did to us," Sharpton said.
Sharpton has been a critic of removing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) from businesses and schools, threatening boycotts against businesses that pulled back DEI initiatives since Trump's second term began.
He also accused DeSantis of trying to "erase Black history" after his administration demanded revisions to an AP African American studies course in 2023.
Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, who spoke with Sharpton earlier in the convention, also emphasized the importance of remembering the nation's history with slavery, advocating for the formation of a "Department of Reconciliation" to address it.
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"We need a Secretary of Reconciliation just as we have a Secretary of Education, a Secretary of Labor. We need a Secretary of Reconciliation who would report directly to a president, not this president, directly to a president. And the job would be to reconcile our differences," Green said.
He added, "And that reconciliation, for me, I say this with no shame, no embarrassment. I am unapologetically Black, and I say this: that would include reparations. Reparations for the 240 years of free labor that people still benefit today from and that we were locked out of opportunities along the way while they were benefiting."
'To Catch a Predator' host Chris Hansen warns Roblox dangers far worse than past online chatrooms
Investigative journalist Chris Hansen warns parents about Roblox, comparing it to an amusement park where "kids are flying off" the rides.
The "To Catch a Predator" host sat down for the "Planet Tyrus" podcast to explain his findings and what he claims is a surge of grooming on the site. Hansen noted that the platform’s visual style, which features cartoon, customizable avatars, often masks the underlying dangers.
"It was shocking to me that you have this kids' game with characters that appear to be so innocent, like Lego characters, but I guess it just goes to show that predators will go wherever the children are," Hansen said.
Roblox is a gaming giant used by millions of children and teenagers. The company is facing a wave of legal challenges, including a lawsuit involving more than 140 people who argue the game’s design, such as open chat and private spaces, aided predators.
TIM TEBOW URGES SUPREME COURT TO MAKE BIG TECH 'PROTECT KIDS OVER PROFIT' IN CSAM CASE
Several state attorneys general have also launched lawsuits against the company, accusing it of prioritizing profits over user safety.
Hansen investigated the platform for his streaming network, digging into allegations of child exploitation. He said today’s digital landscape is far more dangerous for children than early internet chatrooms.
HOUSE MOVES TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM ONLINE PREDATORS AS AUSTRALIA CLAMPS DOWN ON SOCIAL MEDIA
"People ask, ‘Is the problem worse today than it was 22 years ago?’ The answer is yes, it's way worse because there are so many different platforms upon which adults can approach children," Hansen said.
A spokesperson for Roblox told Fox News Digital that "safety is at the core of everything we do," and noted they have a "multi-layered defense system" blending technology and strict policy enforcement to keep young people safe.
"We have always completely blocked the sharing of images or videos in chat and use rigorous filters designed to prevent the exchange of personal information," the company added.
BIG TECH'S TOBACCO MOMENT IS HERE — AND THE TRUTH ABOUT HARMING KIDS IS OUT
However, Hansen called for greater accountability from the game developers meant to protect "vulnerable children."
"If kids are flying off a ride at an amusement park left and right, they have a responsibility to make that ride safer so kids aren't flying off the ride. Roblox has a similar responsibility," he said.
Roblox has countered safety concerns, saying it has instituted safeguards such as content moderation, parental controls and age verification. It said that since January, it has required users to complete age checks to chat on the platform, limiting interaction to users of a similar age or people they already know.
"We take swift action against anyone found to violate our community standards and collaborate closely with law enforcement to hold bad actors accountable. While no system can be perfect, we will never stop innovating around safety and working with trusted partners to make Roblox better and safer."
Divorce boom may follow use of Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs, experts warn
The exploding popularity of GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy is often hailed as a public health triumph, but one potential side effect may be flying under the radar.
The risk of divorce increases as weight drops, according to historical data from bariatric surgery patients.
Some experts believe that the same pattern could occur as more people "take the jab" and decide to call it quits on their marriages.
STUDY REVEALS HOW RAPIDLY WEIGHT COMES BACK AFTER QUITTING OBESITY MEDICATIONS
Per-Arne Svensson, a professor at the Institute of Health and Care Sciences in Sweden, studies the link between weight loss and relationship status. While these drugs have many metabolic benefits, he warns that the social fallout is very real.
"The effect likely unfolds in several stages," Svensson told Fox News Digital. "First, a substantial amount of weight must be lost, which typically occurs within the first year. Subsequently, changes in relationship dynamics may begin to emerge, followed by the legal processes associated with divorce."
This observation aligns with previous studies that found patients who underwent bariatric surgery were twice as likely to get a divorce compared to the general population.
STOPPING GLP-1 DRUGS LIKE OZEMPIC ERODES HEART HEALTH BENEFITS QUICKLY, NEW STUDY FINDS
In addition to helping with diabetes control and weight management, GLP-1s have also been found to help break unhealthy, reward-seeking habits like drinking and smoking.
However, Svensson said the cause of these splits isn't necessarily a change in a patient’s temperament or brain chemistry. Instead, he points to the psychological and social shifts that accompany a new physique.
"Weight loss itself may increase a sense of autonomy or confidence, potentially empowering individuals to leave unhealthy relationships," he told Fox News Digital.
Many patients report that their lifestyles change substantially after weight loss, "often involving greater social engagement and increased attention from others," the doctor added.
GREATER WEIGHT LOSS PROMISED BY HIGHER-DOSE WEGOVY SHOT, NOW APPROVED BY FDA
If a partner is unable to adapt to this more outgoing version of their spouse, the friction can cause rifts.
A 2013 study supports this "relationship tension" theory, finding that when one partner loses significant weight while the other remains the same, it can lead to feelings of insecurity and criticism from the partner who didn't change.
"Currently, surgery leads to greater average weight loss, and its impact on relationships is therefore likely to be more pronounced," Svensson said.
"However, as newer, more effective medications are developed, we may soon see comparable levels of weight loss to those achieved with surgery."
Svensson noted that weight loss doesn't have to mean "date loss."
"Among individuals who are single, the likelihood of forming a new relationship also increases substantially after weight loss," he said.
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"While it may be somewhat discouraging to acknowledge the role of appearance in partner selection, finding a new romantic partner is nevertheless one of the most significant events in a person’s life."
To mitigate the risk of a split, Svensson suggests that couples take a collaborative approach to health.
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If one partner is pursuing wellness goals, involving the spouse in healthy lifestyle changes — such as diet and exercise — can create a shared journey rather than one that pulls the couple apart, according to the expert.
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"There may be clear advantages to partners undertaking weight-loss treatment together," provided that both have a clinical need, Svensson added.
Fox News Digital reached out to GLP-1 manufacturers requesting comment.
AMB GORDON SONDLAND: NATO blinked on Iran, and Trump has every right to be furious
Imagine, for a moment, the alternative. In the hours immediately following a successful decapitation strike, instead of criticism and handwringing, the European Union and NATO leadership step forward in lockstep with Washington and Jerusalem and say: We stand shoulder to shoulder with the United States and Israel; Iran will never possess a nuclear weapon; and the removal of this leadership has made the world safer.
Think about how Tehran would have processed that—not as a tactical setback, but as strategic isolation. Think about how Beijing and Moscow would have read it: a West that is unified, decisive, and willing to act in concert. That kind of clarity doesn’t just end a news cycle—it reshapes behavior.
Instead, what we saw was hesitation. Even NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte acknowledged, in effect, that some allies were slower to respond than the moment demanded. That matters. Because in moments like this, speed and unity are not cosmetic—they’re strategic.
NATO CHIEF SIGNALS ALLIES MAY ACT ON HORMUZ, WARNS OF ‘UNHEALTHY CODEPENDENCE’ ON US
I’ve spent enough time inside the system—both in business and as U.S. ambassador to the European Union—to recognize when frustration is tactical and when it’s structural. Donald Trump’s irritation with NATO falls squarely into the latter category. It’s not a passing complaint. It’s a fundamental disagreement about what the alliance is supposed to do—and whether it still has the will to do it.
NATO proudly defines itself as a defensive organization. Fine. But let’s be clear about what "defense" actually means in 2026. It does not mean waiting politely until the next missile hits or the next proxy attack kills Americans or Israelis. Defense, in the real world, includes deterrence, disruption and, when necessary, decisive action against actors who have spent decades making their intentions clear.
Iran has been running that playbook for 47 years: dead American soldiers, attacks on shipping, and a relentless campaign against Israel, one of the West’s most important allies. This isn’t theoretical. It’s not episodic. It’s sustained hostility.
So when the United States moves to degrade that threat, even in a limited and targeted way, the expectation from Washington—particularly from Trump—isn’t that NATO jumps into the fight. It’s far simpler than that. Let us use bases. Give us airspace. Provide political cover. Stand with us publicly.
MORNING GLORY: PRESIDENT TRUMP LEADS THE WEST TO A BIG WIN AGAINST IRAN
And yet, time and again, the response from parts of Europe is hesitation, legal hand-wringing and carefully calibrated distance.
That’s what’s driving Trump’s frustration.
Let’s address the issue of advance notice, because it’s become a talking point. Critics argue that not fully briefing allies ahead of sensitive operations is disrespectful or destabilizing. That’s a Washington talking point that doesn’t survive contact with reality.
In an alliance this large, with this many domestic constituencies and internal divisions, leaks are not hypothetical—they’re a certainty. Anti-war factions, staff-level dissent, political maneuvering—it all creates risk. And when you’re talking about high-value targets or leadership decapitation, surprise isn’t a luxury. It’s the mission.
TRUMP IS RIGHT ABOUT NATO’S WEAKNESS — THE REAL QUESTION IS HOW DOES AMERICA FIX IT
The psychological impact of those operations matters as much as the physical outcome. You want the adversary disoriented, off-balance and unsure of what comes next. That only works if you preserve operational integrity. So no—this isn’t about sidelining allies. It’s about making sure the mission succeeds.
And let’s not pretend NATO is operating in a vacuum. Allied governments know when tensions are escalating. They see force posture changes. They understand, at a strategic level, what’s coming. The idea that they’re blindsided is more political theater than operational truth.
What happens after is what really matters—and that’s where the alliance keeps falling short.
Instead of a unified response—something as simple and powerful as "when and where do you need us?"—we get fragmentation. Statements about escalation. Concerns about legality. Efforts to create daylight between Washington and European capitals.
From a geopolitical standpoint, that’s a mistake.
GEN KELLOGG SAYS NATO ALLIES ARE 'COWARDS,' CALLS FOR NEW DEFENSE ALLIANCE
Adversaries like Iran are not just watching what the United States does. They’re watching how aligned the West is when it does so. A united front—even if only the United States and Israel are conducting strikes—has enormous psychological impact. It signals that the alliance is cohesive, that political backing is firm and that there’s no easy way to divide and exploit.
When that unity cracks, even rhetorically, it invites testing. It tells Tehran there’s room to maneuver, to push incrementally, to escalate in ways that stay below the threshold of a unified response. Over time, that raises the cost of deterrence and increases the risk of a much larger conflict down the road.
Trump understands this instinctively. He’s not looking for consensus for its own sake. He’s looking for leverage.
NATO CHIEF SAYS WORLD IS ‘ABSOLUTELY’ SAFER UNDER TRUMP
And leverage, particularly with regimes like Iran, doesn’t come from endless negotiation. It comes from pressure—economic, military, psychological. Negotiations become productive when the other side believes the alternative is worse. Until then, they’re just buying time.
That’s not a theoretical critique. It’s an observed pattern.
European leaders often take a different view, rooted in decades of prioritizing diplomacy and avoiding escalation. I understand that instinct. But there’s a difference between diplomacy backed by strength and diplomacy that substitutes for it.
STEVE FORBES: IRAN’S NUCLEAR INSANITY LEAVES AMERICA AND ALLIES NO ROOM TO BLINK
If the latter becomes the default, you don’t get stability. You get erosion.
And eventually, you get adversaries who believe they can act with relative impunity—until the only options left are far more extreme.
This is where burden-sharing comes back into focus. The United States still carries a disproportionate share of NATO’s financial and military load. That’s not controversial—it’s arithmetic. Even NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has acknowledged that Europe has been slow to step up on defense spending and responsiveness.
TRUMP SAYS HE'S CONSIDERING PULLING US OUT OF NATO OVER IRAN WAR STANCE
So when Washington asks for access, cooperation or even just unambiguous political support, it’s not an unreasonable request. It’s the basic expectation of an alliance where one member is doing the heavy lifting.
What Trump is effectively saying is this: if we’re underwriting the system, the system needs to work when it matters.
Now, to be fair, European governments are not operating in a vacuum. Domestic politics matter. Public opinion matters. There is deep skepticism about military engagement, particularly in the Middle East. Leaders have to navigate that reality.
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But leadership is not about mirroring public hesitation. It’s about shaping public understanding—especially when the stakes are rising.
There are moments when you have to bring your population along, not hide behind it. Moments when the right answer is not to deflect, but to lead.
This is one of those moments.
TRUMP, RUBIO FACE NATO CHIEF AS US MOVES TO 'REEXAMINE' ALLIANCE AFTER IRAN CLASH
Because the alternative is a slow erosion of deterrence. A pattern where the United States acts, Europe distances itself and adversaries adapt. That’s not a stable equilibrium—it’s a glide path to a larger crisis.
And here’s the uncomfortable truth: if that crisis comes after years of incremental escalation, the options available at that point will be far worse than the ones being debated today.
That’s the strategic risk embedded in Europe’s current posture.
DAVID MARCUS: IN TRUMP'S DEPARTMENT OF WAR, IT'S SOLDIERS — NOT EXPERTS — CALLING THE SHOTS
Trump’s approach—pressure first, negotiation second—isn’t universally popular. But it’s grounded in a clear understanding of how regimes like Iran operate. They don’t respond to goodwill gestures. They respond to credible threats.
Or, to put it more bluntly: negotiations tend to work when the other side feels like it is on the ground, bleeding, with a gun to its national forehead.
That’s not elegant language. But it reflects a real-world dynamic.
ECONOMIST EDITOR SAYS EUROPEAN LEADERS NOW FEAR A TRUE NATO 'DIVORCE' AFTER TRUMP PULLOUT THREAT
So the question for NATO isn’t whether it agrees with every American decision or every presidential instinct. That’s not how alliances work. The question is whether it’s prepared to act like a strategic partner when it counts.
Because in the end, alliances are judged by behavior, not by communiqués.
Right now, there’s a gap between what NATO says it is and how parts of it are behaving under pressure. Trump is calling that out—forcefully, sometimes inelegantly, but not inaccurately.
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Closing that gap doesn’t require Europe to become something it’s not. It requires clarity, consistency and a willingness to stand shoulder to shoulder—even if the operational burden falls primarily on the United States.
Sometimes leadership means explaining to your public why action is necessary.
Sometimes it means acting first and bringing them along after.
And sometimes, it simply means answering the call with the words that, right now, we’re not hearing nearly enough:
"When and where do you need us?"
AI chatbots refilling psych meds sparks debate
If you have ever waited weeks just to renew a mental health prescription, you already know how frustrating the system can feel. Now imagine handling that refill through a chatbot instead of a doctor.
That kind of thing is already starting to happen. In Utah, a new pilot program is allowing an artificial intelligence system from Legion Health to renew certain psychiatric medications without direct approval from a physician each time. State officials say this could speed things up and reduce costs.
Many psychiatrists are not convinced. They are asking whether this actually solves the problem it claims to fix.
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AMAZON HEALTH AI BRINGS A DOCTOR TO YOUR POCKET
Before this starts sounding like a robot psychiatrist, the program stays tightly limited. The AI only renews a short list of lower-risk medications that a doctor has already prescribed. These include commonly used antidepressants like Prozac, Zoloft and Wellbutrin.
To qualify, patients must meet strict requirements. You need to be stable on your current medication. Recent dosage changes or a psychiatric hospitalization will disqualify you. You also need to check in with a healthcare provider after a set number of refills or within a certain time frame.
During the process, the chatbot asks about symptoms, side effects and warning signs such as suicidal thoughts. If anything raises concern, it sends the case to a real doctor before approving a refill. According to an agreement filed with Utah's Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy, the pilot includes strict safeguards, including human review thresholds and automatic escalation for higher-risk cases. The system cannot prescribe new medications or manage drugs that require close monitoring. As a result, it leaves out many complex conditions from the pilot.
Even with those guardrails, many psychiatrists are uneasy. Brent Kious, a psychiatrist and professor at the University of Utah School of Medicine, has questioned whether AI systems like this actually solve the access problem they are designed to address.
He has suggested that the benefits of an AI-based refill system may be overstated, especially since patients must already be stable and under care to qualify. Kious has also raised concerns about how much these systems rely on self-reported answers. Patients may not recognize side effects, may answer inaccurately, or may adjust their responses to get the outcome they want.
He has further questioned whether current AI tools can safely handle even routine parts of psychiatric care, noting that treatment decisions often depend on factors that go beyond simple screening questions. He has also pointed to a lack of transparency in how these systems operate, which can make it harder for doctors and patients to fully trust them.
HEALTHCARE DATA BREACH HITS SYSTEM STORING PATIENT RECORDS
Supporters of the program are focused on access. A lot of people in Utah still struggle to get mental health care. Wait times can stretch for weeks. In some areas, there simply are not enough providers available. The idea is that AI can take care of routine refill requests, so doctors have more time to focus on patients with more complex needs. That could help take some pressure off the system. Legion Health is also leaning into convenience. The service is expected to cost about $19 a month and is designed to make refills quicker and easier for patients who qualify. From a big-picture view, that could help. From a patient's point of view, the trade-off may feel a little more complicated. We reached out to Legion Health for comment but did not hear back before our deadline.
If you rely on mental health medication, this kind of system could change how you manage your care. You may be able to get refills more quickly if your condition is stable and your treatment plan is not changing. At the same time, this does not replace your doctor. It does not handle new diagnoses or complex decisions. It also adds another layer between you and your care. Instead of a conversation, you are interacting with a system that depends on how you answer a series of questions. Mental health treatment often depends on small details. Changes in mood, sleep or behavior can matter more than a simple yes or no response. That is where some experts believe human care still has a clear advantage.
This pilot is only one step in a much larger shift. Utah is already experimenting with AI in other areas of healthcare. Companies like Legion are signaling plans to expand beyond a single state. What starts with simple refills could eventually move into more complex decisions. That is where the conversation becomes more urgent. Is this a practical way to improve access to care, or does it risk reducing something deeply personal into a transaction driven by software?
HOW ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS TRANSFORMING HEALTHCARE
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There is no question that access to mental health care needs improvement. Long wait times and limited availability are real problems that affect millions of people. AI may help in specific situations, especially when the task is routine and the patient is stable. Still, convenience should not be confused with quality. For now, this system is narrow in scope and closely monitored. That makes it easier to test. It also highlights how early we are in this transition. The technology will continue to evolve. The real question is whether the safeguards, oversight and transparency will evolve at the same pace.
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Rep Randy Fine joins House Freedom Caucus: 'Strongest group of conservative patriots in Congress'
Republican Rep. Randy Fine of Florida has joined the ranks of the conservative House Freedom Caucus.
"HUGE NEWS: I’m proud to announce that I have officially joined the strongest group of conservative patriots in Congress," he declared in a Thursday post on X.
"The House @freedomcaucus exists to save our country and preserve freedom, not manage our decline. That’s what I love about this group. I look forward to continuing the fight alongside my HFC colleagues to advance the MAGA agenda and fight for conservative principles," he added.
Fine, who represents Florida's 6th Congressional District, took office last year after winning a special election to fill the seat previously held by Republican Mike Waltz.
President Donald Trump backed Fine shortly before he launched his congressional bid. In a November 2024 Truth Social post, the president declared, "Should he decide to enter this Race, Randy Fine has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, RANDY, RUN!"
Trump declared in a Truth Social post last year that the lawmaker "is doing a fantastic job representing Florida’s 6th Congressional District!" The president said the congressman "has my Complete and Total Endorsement."
"I found in my first year in Congress that there are two types of Republicans: those who want to save America and those who want to manage our decline politely," Fine noted, according to The Daily Signal. "They were unquestionably the group whose values were most in line with mine."
LAWMAKER SAYS IRAN TARGETED HIM IN PHISHING ATTACK DISGUISED AS TV INTERVIEW
"Trying to manage the budget, trying to get the government under control, trying to stand up to the Left — they seemed to be the group whose values were most in line with mine," he said, according to the outlet.
American couple's Bahamas dinghy was ill-equipped for conditions night of wife's disappearance: friend
HOPE TOWN, Bahamas — After Brian Hooker's arrest in the disappearance of his wife, Lynette, in the Bahamas, a man who was friends with the couple and knew them from the Caribbean paradise says that their small dinghy was "underpowered" and "undersized" for the conditions they faced.
Officials in the Bahamas said Lynette Hooker, 55, and Brian Hooker, 58, left Hope Town's Abaco Inn at around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and went on a smaller boat, referred to as a dinghy, to travel to their yacht. Brian Hooker reportedly told officials that Lynette fell into the water with the ignition key, which caused the engine to cut off. According to Brian, the current carried Lynette away, and he paddled the dinghy to a marina at Marsh Harbour.
Brian Hooker was arrested by Bahamian authorities on Wednesday night, but hasn't been charged with a crime.
A man who knew Brian and Lynette Hooker in the Bahamas told Fox News Digital that conditions on the night the American woman went missing were less than ideal, especially considering the fact they were on an 8-foot dinghy, as authorities have said. The man, who is also an American, asked to remain anonymous.
LYNETTE HOOKER MISSING IN BAHAMAS: TIMELINE OF MICHIGAN WOMAN’S DISAPPEARANCE, HUSBAND’S ARREST
"Their dinghy was really just too small to be out in those conditions. Their eight-foot hard bottom dinghy with that electric motor, you shouldn't be out in anything more than like 12, max 15 knots. It's really underpowered, undersized for the condition they were in," the man said.
Winds in the Hope Town area were gusting at around 26 knots on Saturday night, according to a review of data by Fox Weather. Improvesailing.com states that wind speeds above 25 knots are considered "rough for any small/mid-sized boat."
"If the wind [is] blowing 30 knots, you're moving at four feet in the opposite direction every one second, you're separating by seven and a half feet. Even an Olympic swimmer would have a hard time getting back on — it would be impossible for two people that are 55 and 58 to reunite," the man said. "I've done three dinghy rescues in three weeks, really. I mean, it's crazy."
The man, who is a sailor himself alongside his wife, said Brian and Lynette were a couple in what seemed to be a great marriage.
"They seemed very much like the happiest of people in an extremely happy relationship. People to aspire to in the sailing and cruising life," he said.
The friend of Brian and Lynette Hooker told Fox News Digital there are common misconceptions about the engine key, noting that in rough weather it's sometimes the lighter person who drives while the heavier one sits in the middle in order to provide stability.
"People are really confused about a dinghy key. It's common practice to wear the key — it goes on the outboard motor, and it's got a tether on it that you wear on your wrist as the driver. So if you fall overboard, it stops the motor from the dinghy motoring away from you. And that's what everybody does. And they're really saying, 'why did she have the key?' Well, she had the key because she was driving."
Lynette's daughter, Karli Aylesworth, painted a different picture of her stepfather, Brian Hooker, in an interview with Fox News' Griff Jenkins earlier this week. Her comments included allegations of alcohol-fueled domestic violence, which Brian has denied through his attorney. He has not been charged with any crime.
"I've seen him choke out one of his daughters before. And we had to go to court for that," Aylesworth said. "So he's just repeating patterns."
AMERICAN COUPLE CHASING RETIREMENT DREAM IN BAHAMAS BOATING MYSTERY WERE 'INEXPERIENCED': FRIEND
Aylesworth claimed that Brian Hooker had also become violent toward her mother.
"There's history of them choking her out and threatening to throw her overboard. So the fact that this is actually happening makes me believe there's more to the story," she said.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Brian Hooker's attorney, Terrel Butler, said he denies the allegations.
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"Mr. Hooker categorically and unequivocally denies any wrongdoing and in particular the allegations recently made by Karli Aylesworth. He has been cooperating with the relevant authorities as part of an ongoing investigation," Butler said.
Butler on Thursday night said that Hooker voluntarily gave a statement to police believing he was helping them find Lynette.
Hooker was initially interviewed and released, then brought back for more questioning as a witness. Police brought him back a third time and questioned him as a suspect.
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Lynette Hooker was previously arrested in a domestic violence case, according to a police report obtained by Fox News Digital, but wasn't charged.
Brian and Lynette Hooker both accused each other of assault during the February 2015 incident.
While Lynette Hooker was the one arrested, charges weren't filed due to "insufficient evidence as to who started the assault."
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In a Wednesday Facebook post, Brian Hooker wrote he is "heartbroken" over Lynette's disappearance.
"I am heartbroken over the recent boat accident in unpredictable seas and high winds that caused my beloved Lynette to fall from our small dinghy near Elbow Cay in the Bahamas. Despite desperate attempts to reach her, the winds and currents drove us further apart. We continue to search for her and that is my sole focus," Brian Hooker said.
Darlene Hamlett, Brian's mother, told The Associated Press that she hadn't heard from her son in several days.
"I’m going to be interested in what he says, because I haven’t heard from him in almost two days," Hamlett said.
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The U.S. State Department has issued a level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas. Americans are urged to "exercise increased caution" due to crime, beach safety, as well as jet ski and boating dangers.
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A spokesperson for the State Department previously told Fox News Digital the agency is aware of reports regarding the missing American and is working with Bahamian authorities.
The State Department declined to share any additional details.
Boating in the Bahamas isn't well regulated, and the State Department has said that "injuries and deaths have occurred."
Simple fruit combo could improve heart function in weeks, new study finds
A common fruit combination found in many kitchens may help improve heart health, according to new research.
Adults with prediabetes who ate one avocado and one cup of mango daily for eight weeks showed improved vascular function, a key marker of cardiovascular health, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association earlier this year.
Researchers at the Illinois Institute of Technology's Center for Nutrition Research in Chicago measured how well blood vessels expand as blood flows through them.
STUDY REVEALS ONE SIMPLE EATING HABIT THAT MAY HELP BOOST WEIGHT LOSS
They found that people who ate avocado and mango daily improved, while those in a control group did not.
Participants also had better diastolic blood pressure readings — the bottom number in a blood pressure measurement — particularly among men.
The study included 82 adults with prediabetes who followed partially structured meal plans, with one group incorporating the fruit pairing daily and the other consuming calorie-matched foods.
"Adding 1 avocado and 1 cup of mango per day reduces dietary risk factors and improves vascular health indices, serving as a practical strategy toward improving cardiovascular outcomes through a modifiable lifestyle intervention," the researchers wrote in their paper.
CANCER DOCTOR SAYS AMERICANS SHOULD EAT MORE OF 5 KEY PROTECTIVE FOODS
Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats, fiber and potassium, which support cholesterol levels and satiety — while mangos provide vitamin C, antioxidants and additional fiber, experts say. They can be blended into a smoothie, chopped into a salsa or layered on sweet and savory toast.
The pairing highlights the importance of incorporating a variety of whole fruits and vegetables into the diet, said Michelle Routhenstein, a New York-based preventive cardiology dietitian and certified diabetes educator who was not involved in the study.
"Eating more fruits and vegetables can offer polyphenols and more micronutrients that support heart health," Routhenstein told Fox News Digital. "Each fruit and vegetable may offer varying protective heart health benefits."
The study is particularly relevant for people with prediabetes, Routhenstein said, but she also pointed to several limitations.
EATING MORE OF CERTAIN TYPE OF FOOD COULD SHORTEN CANCER SURVIVORS' LIVES, STUDY FINDS
"The trial lasted only eight weeks, included a smaller sample of 82 participants and measured mainly surrogate markers like blood vessel function rather than long-term outcomes such as heart attacks or diabetes onset," she said.
For those with prediabetes, adding avocado and mango can be beneficial when done carefully, she said.
COMMON FRUIT FOUND IN AMERICAN KITCHENS MAY SLOW DEADLY FORM OF BREAST CANCER, STUDY SAYS
"If someone with prediabetes wants to add one avocado and one cup of mango daily, it can support their health goals, but it's best to have them replace other, less nutrient-dense foods and fit within their overall calorie and carbohydrate targets," she said.
People who need to limit potassium, such as those with kidney issues, should speak with a healthcare provider before making changes, she advised.
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Other experts say the takeaway goes beyond any single food pairing.
Dr. Philip Ovadia, a Florida-based cardiothoracic surgeon and founder and chief medical officer of Ovadia Heart Health, said the findings reinforce the importance of focusing on overall diet quality.
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"Avocado is a great whole food — healthy fats, fiber, minimal sugar. Mango is trickier for someone with prediabetes because it's high in natural sugar," said Ovadia, who was not involved in the study.
"The bigger lesson here isn't 'eat more avocado and mango.' It's 'eat real, whole foods and cut out the processed stuff.' That's where the real benefit comes from."
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He also urged caution in interpreting industry-funded research, as did Routhenstein, noting the study was funded by groups representing the avocado and mango industries.
Ovadia added that for people with prediabetes, addressing underlying metabolic health is key.
"If you have prediabetes, the best thing you can do for your heart isn't eating more avocado or mango — it's addressing the insulin resistance that's driving your condition," he told Fox News Digital.
"That means reducing sugar, cutting processed foods and focusing on whole, real foods, including quality animal proteins. Get your metabolic health in order, and your heart will follow."
Fox News Digital reached out to the study's authors for comment.
Fox News Digital's News Quiz: April 10, 2026
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Our fallen heroes' families deserve more than outdated survivor benefits
From the moment you get that knock on the door to the moment you’re handed a folded American flag, Gold Star families face a lifetime shaped by loss. Last week we observed Gold Star Spouses Day on April 5. April is also the Month of the Military Child. I invite you to reflect on the sacrifices of our military families, especially those whose loved one paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Losing a loved one in service to our country hits differently. These families are asked to carry on with strength and dignity, embodying the very ideals their loved ones fought to defend. It’s often called an honor no one wants.
I recently had the privilege of meeting with members of the Gold Star Wives of America in my Washington, D.C., office. Their resilience, grace and determination to advocate for military families left a lasting impression. Their stories are powerful reminders of the human cost of service.
WATCH: PRESIDENT TRUMP REVEALS FAMILIES OF SLAIN US SERVICE MEMBERS URGED HIM ‘FINISH THE JOB’
The sacrifice of our military families can’t be overstated. Every lost service member comes with ripple effects — lives disrupted, futures derailed and families left with only memories and a folded flag.
As the father of a beautiful little girl, I can’t imagine the pain of losing a child. One Gold Star mother recently told my office about losing her son in 2010 to an IED in Afghanistan. She said, "Increasing the death benefit will help new Gold Star Families in many ways." For her, this initial bridge payment helped cover travel expenses for family members who wanted to pay their respects; for others, it helped cover funeral costs or other bills left unpaid.
Grief doesn’t end after the funeral. Families have to come to grips with the fact that their loved one will never have another birthday or celebrate another Christmas. Spouses will mourn anniversaries and have to decide when or if to stop wearing a wedding ring.
Gold Star children will have to live with disappointment for the rest of their lives, facing the reality of walking down the aisle without a father or picking out a wedding dress without a mother. These are all the tragic possibilities that every service member knows they are risking when they sign up to serve and the realities far too many have to face.
Beyond emotional hardship, there are practical concerns too. Young spouses often put their own careers on hold to support their military husband or wife. When the worst happens, they now need to figure out how to financially support themselves and their children, and all while navigating extreme grief.
The reality these families face underscores a critical question: Why haven’t survivor benefits kept pace with modern needs? The initial payment families receive upon the death of their loved one has not been updated in over 20 years. Other benefits, including Social Security, military retirement and federal salaries, have been adjusted for inflation, but not "death gratuity" payments for our military families. It's time to correct this wrong.
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That’s why I introduced the bipartisan Honoring Our Nation’s Obligation to Remember (HONOR) Gold Star Families Act. This legislation would increase the military death gratuity — often called the bridge payment — from $100,000 to $200,000 for the families of fallen service members.
The bill also adds a cost-of-living adjustment so that future payments automatically rise with inflation, helping ensure continued support for Gold Star families over time. This legislation was co-led by Armed Services Committee members Jen Kiggans, R-Va., and Jill Tokuda, D-Hawaii. It was also endorsed by the American Gold Star Mothers, the Gold Star Wives of America, Military-Veterans Advocacy and the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS).
Recent losses remind us that this burden is ongoing. Take the recent conflict with Iran, where 13 service members have lost their lives. One of those soldiers was Capt. Cody Khork, a 35-year-old man who, according to his family, was deeply patriotic and was defined by "love of country."
Another service member who lost her life was Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor. She is survived by a son in his senior year of high school and a daughter in fourth grade. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan was also killed in the conflict.
His niece wrote on Facebook: "You’re our Hero with a servant’s heart, you lead with love and bravery, you gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country, an honorable soldier, and I believe God welcomed you Home with open arms saying, ‘Well done, my son, well done.’"
The loss and heartache these families are experiencing right now cannot be quantified, but we can keep them in our prayers as they grieve, and we can support them in a meaningful way.
That’s why I made the HONOR Gold Star Families Act retroactive. My bill will apply to all families who have lost a loved one in Operation Epic Fury, regardless of when my bill is signed into law.
Our Gold Star moms, dads, children, spouses and siblings have given so much for our nation. It's time we give back to them — and this bill is just one way to do that.