In a surprising turn of events, Miss North Carolina USA has been stripped of her crown just weeks before she was set to participate in the Miss USA pageant. The organizers cited her ongoing behavior as inconsistent with the organization’s standards.

Thom Brodeur, Chairman of Miss USA, refrained from giving detailed specifics but mentioned that Brittany Boltinhouse’s conduct led to this decision. In a formal statement, he emphasized that the organization “does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia, nor any language that undermines an individual’s dignity,” marking that this behavior had been noted “over an extended period of time.”

This decision abruptly ends Boltinhouse’s brief reign, which began when she clinched the state title. Now, with less than three weeks to go before the 75th annual Miss USA pageant on August 27, she finds herself removed from representing North Carolina.

Myla Hadley, who was the first runner-up in the state competition, will now step up to represent North Carolina. Brodeur expressed that she does so “with our full confidence and our support,” signaling a new chapter on the national stage.

Brodeur said the decision was made in consultation with Boltinhouse, her state directors and the Miss USA organization. He added that while the organization has a “zero tolerance” standard for conduct, accountability “is not permission to strip someone of their humanity.”

“There is a young woman at the center of this,” Brodeur said. “She has been named, examined, and judged in public in a way that most of us would not survive, and she is still a human being with a family, a future, and a life ahead of her that is longer than this part of her journey.”

“I have never believed that accountability requires cruelty, or that holding a line means enjoying the fall of the person who crossed it,” he continued.

Brodeur said Boltinhouse plans to issue her own statement to speak to the matter “in her own voice.” The chairman said he has reviewed her statement and described it as showing “ownership, accountability and apology.”

“I believe people can change,” Brodeur said. “Change is not a statement. It is a record. It is built over time, in the open, through conduct rather than apology alone.”

News Media has reached out to Boltinhouse for comment.

State pageant organizer A Blaize Productions similarly announced the decision after what they described as a “thorough review of recently surfaced information” but did not elaborate on the nature of the allegations.

“We ask our pageant family, supporters, and the public to extend kindness and respect to both Brittany and Myla during this transition,” the organization said in a statement. “Moments like these are never easy for anyone involved, and we remain committed to treating everyone with dignity while continuing our mission of empowering the next generation of women leaders.”

Hadley acknowledged the abrupt transition in a social media post, saying she understands “the seriousness and level of prestige that this title carries.”

“While this may seem like a two-week turnaround given the circumstances, I’ve been preparing to represent at Miss USA since I first competed with this organization,” Hadley wrote. “I am ready to represent North Carolina.”

Beans and legumes, often overlooked in daily meals, pack a powerful punch of protein and nutrients while being easy on the wallet. Health specialists suggest making them a dietary staple for their numerous health benefits.

“Only around 14% of American adults consume beans daily, which is concerning given their nutritional powerhouse status,” remarked Samantha Cassetty, a nutrition and wellness authority from New York City. As the founder of Sam’s Plate and co-author of “Sugar Shock,” she explained to Fox News Digital, “These foods are rich in protein, fiber, and sustained energy-providing carbs. They also offer essential nutrients such as folate, magnesium, and iron.”

Additionally, beans are naturally free from cholesterol and saturated fats, according to registered dietitian nutritionist Deborah Murphy, who shared this insight with Food & Wine.

Research indicates that eating beans regularly can reduce the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity, potentially enhancing longevity.

“At a time when protein is in high demand and grocery prices are rising, canned beans emerge as one of the most economical protein options,” Cassetty pointed out. “The beauty is you can simply open a can, rinse, and drain it, making dinner prep incredibly straightforward.”

Some beans and legumes stand out for their health benefits. 

No. 1: Black beans

Black beans are prized for their protein, fiber and antioxidants, Cassetty told Fox News Digital. They contain about 8 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber per 1/2-cup serving.

One of Cassetty’s go-to salads incorporates black beans, corn (frozen and canned work as well as fresh, she said), diced bell pepper, avocado, cherry tomatoes and a spoonful of salsa. She said it can be enjoyed as “a light meal, hearty side or wrap filling.”

No. 2: Chickpeas

Technically a legume – the broader plant family beans belong to – chickpeas are versatile because they work in sweet and savory dishes alike, Cassetty said.

“Air-fry them for a crunchy snack or salad topper,” she advised. 

“They’re also great scattered over roasted veggies and grain bowls. Research shows people who eat chickpeas and hummus regularly have higher intakes of fiber, folate, potassium and iron than people who don’t, and better overall diet quality scores.

No. 3: Lentils

Lentils are also legumes and offer a “ground-meat texture and a solid dose of plant-based iron,” Cassetty said.

She recommended mixing them with chopped walnuts (Cassetty is a partner with the California Walnut Board) for extra fiber, protein and plant-based omega-3s.

“That combo of beans and walnuts is powerful, supporting heart, brain and gut health in each bite. Use the crumble in spaghetti sauce, tacos or wraps.”

No. 4: Edamame

Edamame are immature soybeans that people typically boil or steam and eat as a snack or appetizer with coarse salt. They’re also used in many dishes.

“Frozen edamame is a freezer staple in my house,” Cassetty said. “A 1/2 cup delivers about 9 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber. Toss it with cucumber, brown rice, rice vinegar, tamari and sesame oil for a five-minute meal.”

No. 5: White beans

White beans also pack a powerful protein punch, with about 9 grams of the essential nutrient per 1/2 cup.

“I stir them into tuna and egg salad, but my favorite trick is blending leftovers into a smoothie,” Cassetty said. “You won’t notice next to the sweetness of the fruit, but they add the creamiest texture, plus protein and fiber.”

No. 6: Pinto beans

Pinto beans may have “a special edge on cholesterol,” Cassetty said.

While the soluble fiber in all beans helps clear cholesterol from the bloodstream, animal research suggests they may lower cholesterol synthesis in the liver and cholesterol absorption in the small intestine, Cassetty said.

“In one trial, a half cup of pinto beans a day dropped total and LDL cholesterol by more than 8%, outperforming oatmeal,” she said.

No. 7: Kidney beans

If you’re planning to eat a high-fat meal – think a bacon cheeseburger with onion rings – you may want to find a way to incorporate kidney beans in the mix.

No. 8: Black-eyed peas

The protein, fiber and iron in black-eyed peas mean they deserve “a permanent spot in your bean rotation,” Cassetty said.

They’re also “the unsung hero of cowboy caviar,” a cold bean salad that also uses fresh vegetables, herbs and vinaigrette dressing and is typically served with tortilla chips, she said.

Although Taylor Swift is keeping a low profile, there’s no denying the frantic efforts by her team to manage the disruption with Blake Lively.

Now, in the aftermath of Taylor’s recent nuptials with Travis Kelce—a major event akin to a corporate merger held at Madison Square Garden—such strategic maneuvers are seen as necessary.

The latest word from Swift’s inner circle indicates Taylor was compelled—absolutely required—to cut ties with her three young godchildren, aged between six and eleven, due to their connection with ex-best friend Blake.

It’s a move some could label as heartless or even a scorched-earth tactic, yet this has been quintessentially Taylor all along.

Challenge her, displease her, or end a brief romance, and retaliation is imminent. The only mystery remains: In what form will it come?

Will her revenge take the form of one song or an entire album?

If you’re a rival female artist, will Taylor release yet another iteration of an existing record to block you from hitting No 1 – as music critics and fans allege she has done to Billie Eilish and Charlie xcx.

If you outlive your usefulness to her, or if your scandals threaten her squeaky-clean image, how will she ghost you? Quietly, as she did in the past with her newly-rekindled BFF Karlie Kloss?

Or loudly, as she’s doing here to her three former godchildren and their mother Blake?

According to an exclusive Daily Mail report, the 36-year-old Swift felt that she had ‘no choice’ other than to ‘remove herself’ from the children’s lives.

Note the language. It’s passive. It reeks of martyrdom. Taylor – not any of her godchildren – is the true victim here.

Yes, a woman who has been famous since her teenage years, who has become a self-made billionaire, is just a fawn in the woods.

How was she to know that her one-time best friend Blake was a snake in the grass?

This is some needle Taylor’s attempting to thread. No matter the circumstances of this falling-out – and we’ll get to what Taylor’s camp is using as both offense and defense – most people take the request to become a godparent solemnly.

To agree to that role, whether in a religious or secular sense, is to vow that you will be a guiding light for that child forever.

For Taylor? Not so much, it seems.

Forgive me if I find this explanation, from a source close to Taylor, difficult to believe: ‘It was one of the toughest decisions she’s ever had to make.’

If so, why are sources announcing it to the media? Is Taylor trying to get ahead of Blake? Has Blake threatened to spill about Taylor’s abandonment of her daughters?

My educated guess is yes. The paramount concern here seems not to be the children but retaining mega-fame, the public’s affection and attendant wealth.

‘It was very emotional,’ this source close to Swift continued, ‘because she loves the girls. It hurt her heart, but she had no choice given the circumstances.’

Really? These people have agents, lawyers, managers, publicists and representatives. Taylor couldn’t even communicate through an app, as the most bitterly divorced parents do, to arrange a continued presence in these girls’ lives?

Wait! I spoke too soon. It seems Taylor may have thought of that.

‘There was never an agreement in writing about her being the girls’ godmother,’ this source said. ‘It was a verbal one.’

How out of touch are these people? Most godparents are never asked to ‘put it in writing.’

Just goes to show you how calloused one becomes at this level of fame. How tone-deaf.

Sure, of course Taylor, America understands: You agreed to be godmother to not one, not two, but all three of Blake’s daughters with Ryan Reynolds – also revealed, through discovery in their lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, to be a terrible person (just my opinion).

There’s no way Taylor can be as smart and savvy as she is and not know who these people were. It’s all too convenient to play, yet again, the victim.

It’s a role that’s wearing thin. It’s not a good look on a middle-aged global superstar.

Why not just embrace being a bitch? Madonna’s done it forever and people love her for it – because it feels authentic.

But no: Days after that first report, insiders doubled down. A source told the Daily Mail exclusively that the final straw for Swift was Lively allegedly threatening to release ten years’ worth of ‘intimate’ text messages unless Swift posted her sorrow that Lively couldn’t join her at this year’s Super Bowl.

‘It was the ultimate blow to their friendship,’ the source told the Daily Mail. ‘There was no going back from that.’

A source close to Lively told the Daily Mail that ‘Blake has never threatened to leak Taylor’s personal or private text messages.’

Oh – and if the stench of a famous fairy godmother publicly disavowing her three young goddaughters still lingers, Swift’s camp issued an update a mere two days after that report!

Taylor, a close source told the Daily Mail exclusively, has a newfound ‘bliss’ as Mrs Travis Kelce.

Meet Taylor the Trad Wife!

Yes, the woman who circled the globe twice on her Eras tour, whose decades-long ambition has been nothing less than vaulting, is now happily domesticated.

‘She has been spending her days lazing about as she cooks dinner and bakes bread for her new husband,’ says the source.

She’s positively Markle-a-vellian!

‘She has become quite the chef and is trying a lot of Italian dishes and learning Italian at the same time, little bits, and drinking white wine.’

How wholesome.

‘She has also been with her cats and Travis’ dog’, the source said. ‘They love their fur children and are nesting with them. She said they all get along because they got the dog as a tiny puppy and the cats took to the dog, so no fights’.

Hey – at least the animals get along!

A mother is grieving the loss of her son, a Citadel cadet, who was tragically killed along with his closest friend. She fondly remembers her son as “such a light” in their lives. Meanwhile, a former detective suggests that the key to understanding the motive behind their deaths might be hidden within their cellphones.

On the night of July 29, at about 10:40 p.m., officers from the DeLand Police Department in Florida made a grim discovery. They found the bodies of 19-year-old Dustin Rose and 18-year-old Samson Campbell.

In a recent development, authorities have announced that an arrest warrant has been issued for a 17-year-old suspect. This teenager was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service on Wednesday.

During a Wednesday news briefing, officials revealed that all three individuals involved were familiar with each other to some extent. They also noted that the arrested teenager has a “pretty good criminal history,” which might offer clues to the crime.

Rose attended The Citadel Military College of South Carolina and was home on break at the time. In a message to the campus community shared with News Media, The Citadel President Gen. Frank McKenzie described Rose as a “team leader and was a valued friend and classmate.”

In addition, Rose was also a member of the South Carolina National Guard, a spokeswoman confirmed with News Media.

Rachel Rose, Dustin’s mother, said he was “such a light in our family.”

“When they took him they took the very best part of me. We are devastated,” she told News Media.

Patrick McGeehan, a criminal defense attorney and former homicide detective, told News Media that since their phones weren’t stolen, investigators could use them as they try to piece together a potential motive.

“And they still have the phone, the one kid still had the phone, which leads me to believe that’s not a robbery. It may be something else, because who’s going to leave a thousand dollar smart phone if they’re doing robbery? That’s something else that jumped out at me,” McGeehan said. “They will go through their phones. They will do a forensic audit of their phones, that is something that agencies in the area are capable of doing.”

“The information they can gather from the phone is fairly extensive,” he added.

Police released a screenshot of surveillance video showing the two walking together on Tuesday evening. It’s not yet known if the two were targeted.

One of the victims’ mothers may have been among the family members who found the two dead after they went unreachable by phone, police previously said.

Campbell, a DeLand native, had been staying with his aunt, Karen Chobin, in the Chicago area. Chobin said he was in town to grieve the recent death of the family’s 8-year-old dog and was staying with Rose’s grandparents.

Rose was in DeLand to help Campbell spread his dog’s ashes, Chobin said.

“It was a traumatic loss. It wasn’t a passing of old age. It was awful. And then for this to be what he’s welcomed with when he goes down there to mourn his loss is devastating,” Chobin said.

Rose’s aunt, Jaimie Scarola, told FOX 35 his life was taken too soon.

“He was willing to go to the front line and fight for our freedom, including the freedom of the one who took him from us,” Scarola said. “You took him away from not only his family, but you robbed an entire country of a future soldier who didn’t get to answer that call.”

Once driven out of town, NBA star Ben Simmons has resurfaced on social media, sharing a surprising image of himself wearing LeBron James’ signature sneakers, a nod to “The King” himself.

The 2016 NBA Draft’s top pick endured a tumultuous tenure in Philadelphia that reached a crescendo of tension, ultimately leading to his departure via trade. Simmons, who even faced ejection from team practice at one point, is now stirring conversation by showcasing sneakers belonging to LeBron James, who has recently inked a deal with Simmons’ former team.

In a candid moment last June, Simmons hinted at a possible return to Philadelphia, expressing interest in reviving his basketball journey after it seemed to take a backseat to his burgeoning passion for professional fishing.

At the time of his comments, the notion of James joining the 76ers seemed like mere speculation.

Now, with LeBron James officially part of the squad, the Philadelphia 76ers are poised for a championship run. The addition of Jaylen Brown further enhances their roster, making the team a formidable contender for the NBA Finals this season.

Simmons had a phenomenal start to his career in Philadelphia, averaging at least 15.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game in each of his first three seasons while also being named first-team All-Defense twice in that span.

However, in year four, he had a nightmare playoff series against the Heat that apparently caused serious harm to his career.

Simmons, 30, forced a trade out of Philadelphia and had a bizarre mental block that ended with him often passing on open layups when he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets for James Harden.

Another potential destination if he did return to the NBA would be the same team that seemingly broke him: the Miami Heat.

“Miami would be nice. And not because it’s Miami,” Simmons said. “I like Erik Spoelstra, I like the Heat, I like their organization, I like the culture.”

Following the tragic incident where a two-year-old girl lost her life in a vicious dog attack, her family now faces legal repercussions for reportedly neglecting her for a significant duration. Authorities have arrested family members amid allegations that the toddler was left alone for 40 minutes before the rogue animal dragged her off.

On Tuesday, police took 54-year-old Earnest Jackson, 41-year-old Christina Hart, and 21-year-old Ma’Kayla Jackson into custody. Each stands accused of endangering the welfare of a minor, following an in-depth investigation into the shocking death of Celeste Jackson on March 28.

A confidential witness recounted to investigators that the young Celeste had been playing in the yard of her family’s dilapidated home in North Little Rock, Arkansas. It was here she was seized by the unrestrained canine.

The dog, described as an infamous stray known for roaming the neighborhood, had neither been secured by a chain nor contained by a fence. It reportedly grabbed the girl and carried her into a nearby wooded area, triggering the dreadful chain of events.

Responding officers discovered Celeste near the backseat of a van, naked and covered in blood. She bore numerous lacerations and bite marks, painting a horrifying picture of the brutal attack.

An officer said they could not find a pulse and felt Celeste’s arm was cold, and she was tragically pronounced dead at the scene soon after. 

Ma’Kayla Jackson told officers that she had left the child with someone, whose name was redacted from her arrest affidavit. At the time, Celeste’s mother Angel Jackson was at work. 

However, a review of surveillance footage allegedly found that Celeste had been walking outside alone at 5:03pm, and no adult came to check on her until she was attacked by the dog at 5:41pm, police said. 

Detectives added in the affidavit that when they went over camera footage from a week earlier, they also alleged that Celeste had been wandering outside the home for over 20 minutes on March 21 without any supervision. 

Following the family member’s arrests, all three pleaded not guilty to charges of child endangerment in Pulaski County District Court, and were held in the county jail. 

Bond was set for $10,000 for Earnest Jackson, $8,500 for Ma’Kayla Jackson and $3,000 for Hart, reports the Arkansas Democrat Gazette. 

Ma’Kayla allegedly told police that she had fallen asleep while her daughter was playing outside, and she had left her in the care of a person – whose name was redacted from the filing.

A witness said they heard children playing outside, and they ran out when they heard screaming. 

Police said that in their review of surveillance footage, Celeste was left alone from 5:03pm, and a woman was seen leaving their home at 5:31pm but did not appear to be looking for her. 

That woman, whose name was redacted, walked to a car parked outside and retrieved a bag, before walking back inside after only three minutes and leaving Celeste by herself, police said, 

Ten minutes later, several people left the home and began searching for Celeste, police said. 

‘So, for approximately 40 minutes’ Celeste ‘was outside, unattended, with no other adults or kids around, wandering by herself up and down the street,’ officers wrote in the affidavit. 

Officers noted that Celeste’s family home had seven-bedrooms and was shared by 11 relatives. 

Photos show a household marred by squalor and chaos. Celeste’s family members posted photos of her online that appear to have been enhanced using artificial intelligence, with one showing her posing with a coffee at an office desk and another of her drinking a hot drink in a pristine home.  

They described the dog that attacked her as ‘tan, dingy, dirty-looking’. The animal is currently in the custody of the Pulaski County Animal Control Division.

Celeste’s grandmother Shawnda Jackson said she was left heartbroken and confused over how the tragedy unfolded. 

‘There were six adults… how did this happen?’ she told the Arkansas Democrat Gazette. 

‘She was my whole world,’ she added. ‘I don’t know what I’m going to do without her.’ 

She said that she and Celeste’s mother Angel left the toddler in the care of her family members when they both went to work.  

The toddler’s grieving family alleged the dog was a neighbor’s pet that was not fenced in or kept on a chain, allowing it to drag her into the heavily wooded area. 

This account was disputed by neighbors, however, who denied that their dog was involved and said the mutt described had been seen roaming the area for at least four years and was nearly impossible to catch, often darting away at the first sign of people.

The area is no stranger to stray animals, neighbors said, which are often seen wandering the streets lined with single-story homes and trailers, many appearing abandoned or in disrepair.

‘Who expects to have to bury a two-year-old? I certainly did not expect to. I expected to have her for the rest of my life and I don’t,’ Shawnda told KATV News.

‘My daughter is completely devastated,’ she added. ‘That’s her only child, and for her to be taken this soon and in this manner, I mean, I know she suffered, and that’s what hurts the most.’

‘I should have called into work that day,’ Shawnda told the outlet, explaining that she had considered taking Celeste to leave flowers at her late mother’s grave for her birthday – a plan that never came to fruition.

‘This never would have happened,’ she added.