Subscribe
Home Blog Page 121

Yale Acknowledges Factors Contributing to Its Public Criticism

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Yale Acknowledges Factors Contributing to Its Public Criticism

In a revealing self-assessment, Yale University has undertaken an examination of the diminishing trust in higher education and has candidly acknowledged its own role in this decline.

The university convened a special panel to explore the issue, and their findings indicate that elite academic institutions in the United States have indeed contributed to the erosion of public confidence.

Among the factors cited in the report are some widely recognized issues, such as exorbitant tuition fees, the lack of transparency in financial aid policies, and the often cryptic nature of admissions processes. These have certainly played a part in shaking faith in higher education.

However, the panel didn’t shy away from addressing what many consider the core issue: a pervasive uncertainty regarding the fundamental mission and purpose of higher education, exacerbated by an environment rife with political bias and self-censorship.

The report underscores Yale’s dedication to free speech while also confronting the institution’s historical tendency to overlook conservative intellectual perspectives.

The issue of “ideological conformity” on a campus where Democrats outnumber Republicans 36 to 1 among faculty, the committee admits, has made the university seem an “intellectual and ideological echo chamber, out of touch with the American nation.”

This is damning language coming from the heart of elite academia, and contrasts with the defensive, self-righteous posturing heard from schools like Harvard, which rejected federal demands for an assessment of “viewpoint diversity” on campus.

Yale’s report is also candid about the problem of “non-academic administrative” bloat, warning that institutional hiring practices are so murky that it’s impossible to tell “what share of its resources is dedicated to core academic functions, and what share is not.”

The Yale report isn’t perfect. It doesn’t directly address DEI, racial quotas in admissions, how critical race theory infests the curriculum or the documented surge in antisemitism at Yale since the Oct. 7 attack.

But it does encourage Yale to step back from its grandiose vision of “improving the world” and fostering a “diverse community” and refocus its mission on the “dissemination of knowledge.”

Getting back to academic basics would signal a return to sanity and at least a partial rejection of the left’s demand that campuses serve foremost as vehicles for political indoctrination.

Of course, setting Yale and the rest of the Ivies straight means beating back those who profit from the bloat or prosper thanks to the rigid conformity — but owning up to the decay is a promising start.

Actress E. Faye Butler Headlines ‘Windy City Weekend’ Parkinson’s Fundraising Concert in Rosemont This Friday

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Actress E. Faye Butler Headlines ‘Windy City Weekend’ Parkinson’s Fundraising Concert in Rosemont This Friday

CHICAGO (WLS) — After more than a two-month hiatus, Val Warner and Ryan Chiaverini have reunited on the set of “Windy City Weekend.”

Despite staying in touch during their break, the duo had plenty to catch up on.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Familiar memes like “what’s nine plus ten? Twenty-one” and “six, seven” were part of their lively conversation. They also explored emerging phrases that might soon catch on, such as “You the birthday.”

Joining the show was theater actress E. Faye Butler, who highlighted the upcoming National Record Store Day. She will be present at Beverly Records for the vinyl re-release of “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”

The festivities will commence with a ceremonial “needle drop” at 8 a.m. For further details, visit the Goodman Theatre’s website.

At 7:30 p.m. Friday, two iconic Chicagoland bands will be rockin’ out for a great cause. Head out to the “Rock Out to Knock Out Parkinson’s” fundraising concert to see performances from Hi Fidelity and 7th Heaven at Joe’s Live in Rosemont.

Michael Hill, president of American Parkinson Disease Association, and David Mukulskis, lead singer of Hi Fidelity, joined “Windy City” to talk about it.

The concerts’ net ticket proceeds will support the APDA Illinois chapter.

Alessi was back with another recipe. Stop by Strack and Van Til for Alessi products, with 22 locations.

Pan Seared Pork Medallions with Rosemary, Garlic and Alessi Black Garlic Balsamic Reduction, Served Over Mixed Spring Greens with a Black Garlic Balsamic Vinaigrette

4 Servings

Vinaigrette Ingredients:
1/2 C Alessi Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 T Alessi Black Garlic Balsamic Reduction
1 t Dijon Mustard
Alessi fresh ground black pepper and ground sea salt to taste
Big pinch of dried oregano
1-16oz container spring mix lettuce

Instructions:
Place all ingredients for vinaigrette in a small container with a lid. Shake until well blended.

Pan Seared Pork Medallions with Rosemary, Garlic and Alessi Black Garlic Balsamic Reduction Ingredients:
2 Whole Pork Tenderloin trimmed
2 T Alessi Black Garlic Balsamic Reduction, plus more for garnish
2 Sprigs of fresh rosemary, more for garnish
3 cloves of garlic with skin still on, crushed lightly
4 T Alessi Extra Virgin Olive Oil, separated
3 T butter cut into pieces
1 pint of cherry tomatoes preferably on the vine
1 Pkg Baby Bella Mushrooms trimmed and cut in half
Alessi fresh ground black pepper and ground sea salt to taste

Instructions:
Cut pork tenderloins into 8 2-inch pieces; pound lightly to about 1-inch thickness to make a round medallion. Season with Alessi fresh ground black pepper and ground sea salt. Heat sauté pan on medium high heat until hot then add 2 T Alessi Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Swirl to coat bottom of pan. Place pork medallions in hot pan. Do not crowd pan; do in 2 batches if necessary. Flip pork after brown on the bottom and add in 2 T of butter, the 2 cloves of crushed garlic with skin on and sprigs of fresh rosemary. Swirl pan to combine the butter and oil. Spoon the drippings several times over the pork medallions as they brown to infuse the pork with the garlic and rosemary essence. Add a splash more olive oil if needed. Cook until pork reaches an internal temp of 145 degrees and they are nicely browned. Remove pork to a plate and tent loosely with foil while you finish the dish. Discard the rosemary and garlic. Pour the drippings into a small bowl. (Keep pan used for the pork to finish the rest of the dish.) Add 2 T Alessi Black Garlic Reduction into the bowl with the drippings and whisk together, spoon over the resting pork. Return the pan to medium high heat; add in 2 T Alessi Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Add mushrooms to the pan. Sauté for a few minutes; then add the whole cherry tomatoes into the pan with the mushrooms. Season with Alessi fresh ground black pepper and ground sea salt to taste. Shake pan back and forth while cooking. Cook until mushrooms are lightly browned and tomatoes are slightly blistered and the skins start to burst.

Plating:
Add vinaigrette to taste to spring mix lettuce and toss lightly. Plate lettuce; serve pork medallions on the side with mushrooms and tomatoes. Garnish all with a generous drizzle of Alessi black Garlic Balsamic reduction and a sprig of fresh rosemary.

Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Tragic Park Incident: Man Fatally Shoots Ex-Girlfriend Multiple Times in Head

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Tragic Park Incident: Man Fatally Shoots Ex-Girlfriend Multiple Times in Head

A Tennessee man has been sentenced to 40 years behind bars following a harrowing incident in which he shot his former girlfriend multiple times in a public park. The tragic event unfolded at Shelby Farms Visitor Center in Memphis, amidst a bustling breast cancer fundraiser.

Jackson Hopper, the perpetrator, entered a guilty plea to second-degree murder. This plea was part of an agreement allowing him to avoid facing the more severe charge of first-degree murder. The decision was confirmed by a statement from Chief Prosecutor Monica Timmerman, shared with Oxygen.

The incident took place in October 2024, where Ellie Young, a 22-year-old woman, became the victim of this violent act. Details from the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office reveal that Young had recently ended her relationship with Hopper, reportedly due to physical abuse.

On that fateful day, surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts depicted a chilling scene. Young’s Jeep was parked in the lot when Hopper’s Honda pulled up, effectively blocking her exit. Hopper approached Young, and after a confrontation, he fired five shots at her before returning to his vehicle.

According to witnesses and surveillance footage, Young’s Jeep was parked when Hopper’s Honda blocked it, per the statement. Hopper confronted Young, according to the statement, then fired at her five times before walking back to his vehicle.  

Except, according to the statement, he then “turned around, went back, and shot her a sixth time.” The medical examiner confirmed she was shot six times in the head.

Hopper then fled, triggering a multi-county police chase. 

During the pursuit, Hopper called 911, acknowledged what he had done and asked for confirmation that Young was dead, per the statement. He then asked that police “back off” as he headed toward his father’s gravesite to surrender.  

Hopper was apprehended after crashing his car, according to an affidavit obtained by Oxygen. In his car, police found a gun, two boxes of ammunition, a ski mask, black gloves, sunglasses, his phone, and pillows and blankets, according to the statement. 

Hopper had initially rejected a plea deal, but one hour later, changed his mind, according to Action News 5. 

“I only accept it so that now, you can begin to heal,” Judge Carlyn L. Addison told Young’s family in a video published by Action 5 News. “So that you can leave this building, never to return, so that maybe you get some rest and maybe you can continue to honor your loved one.” 

Defense attorney Leslie Ballin did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Oxygen. 

“After 49 years of practicing law, it never gets easy,” Ballin said after court proceedings, according to Action News 5. “Cases like this, it’s tragic, tragic, and if we could turn back the hands of time, this would be a case that you would want to turn back the hands of time on.”  

Hopper is not eligible for parole, according to the statement, and still faces charges associated with the police chase.

 

 

Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird’s Surprising Breakup Stuns Fans: What Led to the Split?

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird’s Surprising Breakup Stuns Fans: What Led to the Split?

Renowned soccer icon Megan Rapinoe and ex-WNBA standout Sue Bird have revealed their separation after spending nine years together.

The dynamic duo of sports began their relationship nearly a decade ago following a backstage encounter during a photo shoot at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Both acclaimed for their gold medal achievements in their respective fields, the pair became engaged in October 2020, although they never walked down the aisle.

On Friday, they released a statement disclosing their decision to part ways, emphasizing that it was not an ‘easy decision.’

“There’s truly no straightforward or easy way to convey this news. After much contemplation, we’ve decided to part ways as a couple,” the statement conveyed.

‘This hasn’t been an easy decision, but it’s one we’ve made together, with so much love, respect, and care for each other. We’ve shared a whole life over the last decade, through big moments and in quiet ones, and that is something we’ll always carry with us.

USA soccer legend Megan Rapinoe and former WNBA star Sue Bird have split

USA soccer legend Megan Rapinoe and former WNBA star Sue Bird have split

‘We are so grateful to this incredible community that has held us up, welcomed us in, and supported us exactly as we are. So many of you have reminded us, again and again, why loving out loud matters.’

The former couple launched their podcast, ‘A Touch More,’ in summer 2024, covering sports and the culture around it. They confirmed that following their shock split, they will also no longer be recording the show together.  

‘Getting to create A Touch More: The Podcast and build a network around it has been a tremendous joy,’ their joint statement added. 

‘The conversations, the laughter, the connection – it means more than we can put into words. While this chapter of doing the podcast together is ending, what we’ve built with you isn’t.

‘Thank you for being with us through all of it… it means the world to us.’

Rapinoe, 40, first came out in 2012 ahead of representing the USWNT on the Olympic stage at the London Games. 

However, Bird was not publicly open about her sexuality until she and Rapinoe went public with their relationship. 

Bird previously explained to the Seattle Times: ‘I think a lot of people who were like me at the time felt: “Yes, I was living my life, but I don’t have to come out publicly.” You kinda say, ‘Well, straight people don’t have to come out.” I understand now that’s not necessarily the right way to look at it.’

The couple had been dating for almost a decade after meeting at the 2016 Olympics in Rio

The couple had been dating for almost a decade after meeting at the 2016 Olympics in Rio

She revealed to the newspaper: ‘Megan and I would have conversations about it, and she opened my eyes to another way of looking at it, which is that in today’s time, in today’s society, it’s still important to kind of say it to make it the norm.’

Following three years of dating, Rapinoe popped the question to the basketball legend in 2020, shortly after Bird won her fourth WNBA championship with the Seattle Storm.

Between the two of them, the duo have a total of six Olympic gold medals – five for Bird and one for Rapinoe. The soccer star also has a bronze from the 2020 Tokyo Games. 

Rapinoe previously got engaged to singer Sera Cahoone in 2015 but they ultimately broke up, and she has also dated her fellow soccer star Sarah Walsh. 

Rapinoe is widely considered one of the most famous names in women’s soccer, having won two World Cups with the USA in addition to her Olympic success. 

Meanwhile, Bird is a WNBA legend, cementing her status with four championships with the Storm, with whom she played her entire career. She also won two NCAA championships during her collegiate career with the UConn Huskies. 

More to follow. 

Revitalize Your Posture: 4 Morning Exercises for Seniors That Outperform Floor Stretches

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Revitalize Your Posture: 4 Morning Exercises for Seniors That Outperform Floor Stretches

Combat poor posture with these easy morning exercises.

Jumpstarting your day with a morning workout is not only a fantastic way to inch closer to your fitness goals, but it also guarantees you complete your exercise routine before other commitments take over. As we grow older, it becomes crucial to adapt our workout routines, particularly by paying attention to maintaining good posture.

After turning 60, posture tends to deteriorate due to changes in muscle and bone structure. This is compounded by the natural loss of muscle mass, known as sarcopenia, which affects critical postural muscles such as those in the upper back, glutes, and deep core. According to Justin Kraft, NASM-CPT, a Performance Enhancement Specialist and founder of Aspire2MoreFitness.com, this loss can be countered with intelligent and sustainable training focused on building strength, mobility, and muscle.

“Even active people aren’t exempt from declining posture, as many popular activities like walking, cycling, or certain gym routines emphasize forward motion,” Kraft explains. “This often leads to patterns like rounded shoulders and a forward head position, which disrupt the body’s natural alignment. However, by incorporating exercises that engage all three planes of motion, you can help prevent these imbalances.”

“Active individuals are not immune [to posture decline] because many common activities (walking, cycling, even some gym routines) are forward-dominant,” Kraft notes. “This reinforces patterns like rounded shoulders and forward head posture. These imbalances override the body’s ability to maintain upright alignment unless they’re specifically addressed. If you work out in all three planes of motion, you can mitigate some of this.”

To help combat posture decline, experts rounded up four morning exercises that can help restore posture faster than floor stretches after 60. While stretching offers great benefits like boosting flexibility and reducing stiffness, posture is not only about mobility, but also strength and control.

“Floor stretches are passive. They may temporarily lengthen tight muscles (like the chest or hip flexors), but they don’t teach the body how to hold proper alignment throughout the day,” Kraft tells us. “Without strengthening the opposing muscles like the upper back, glutes, and core, the body simply returns to its default posture.”

According to Dr. Dustin DebRoy, Manager, Chiropractic Education and Relations at The Joint Chiropractic, who works closely with patients of all ages and specializes in posture and spine alignment, posture is the position your body defaults to as it moves with gravity. If you only rely on floor workouts, you’re not engaging most of your stabilizing muscles.

“It is also difficult to effectively strengthen the muscles of the back through floor-based exercises alone, even though these muscles are crucial for maintaining good posture,” Dr. DebRoy adds.

Below, Kraft and Dr. DebRoy share four morning moves to prioritize.

Wall Posture Reset (Wall Angels)

“This exercise reinforces proper alignment of the spine, shoulders, and neck while activating upper-back muscles. It will also increase mobility in a big way if you are having issues and pain in your shoulder,” Kraft tells us.

  1. Begin standing with your back, head, and hips against a wall.
  2. Lift your arms up to form a goal post position.
  3. Slowly raise and lower them while keeping contact with the wall.
  4. Perform 2 to 3 sets of 8 to 12 reps.

Glute Bridges

“The glute bridge activates the glutes, which are critical for pelvic alignment and reducing lower back strain. There is a progression, so always start with the easiest form of an exercise,” Kraft says. “Avoid pushing through the lower back and focus on glute engagement. You can do this by really concentrating on pushing against the ground with your feet instead of swinging your back up.”

  1. Begin by lying flat on your back with bent knees and feet hip-width apart on the mattress, arms at your sides with palms pressing into the surface.
  2. Press through your heels to lift your hips until your body forms a straight line from head to heels.
  3. Squeeze your buttocks, holding at the top for 2 to 3 seconds.
  4. Lower your hips back to the start position.
  5. Perform 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps.

Standing Band Pull-Aparts

“This exercise strengthens the upper back and rear shoulders, directly counteracting rounded posture. Most folks have under-active rear delts. Not only does this affect posture, but mobility and movement in your shoulders,” Kraft says.

  1. Begin by standing tall.
  2. Hold the resistance band ahead of you with arms fully extended at shoulder height.
  3. Pull the band apart, stretching your arms laterally while keeping them fully straight.
  4. Use control to return to the start position.
  5. Perform 2 to 3 sets of 12 to 15 reps.

Farmer’s Carry

  1. Hold a dumbbell in each hand at your sides.
  2. Start walking forward, keeping your torso still and maintaining a tall posture.
  3. Perform 3 sets for time; 60 to 120 seconds.

Is ‘The Pitt’ Renewed for Season 3? Latest Updates & Release Date Predictions

NewsFinale Journal
-
0

HBO’s acclaimed medical drama, The Pitt, has wrapped up another suspenseful season, leaving its audience eagerly anticipating what’s next for the team of Pittsburgh doctors.

This latest installment chronicled the intense challenges faced by the beloved medical staff during a tumultuous Fourth of July shift in the emergency room. The narrative unfolded with gripping cases, including an abandoned infant and a suspected child abuse incident. Throughout the season, Noah Wyle’s character, Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch, has been secretly grappling with his own personal struggles. His battle with suicidal thoughts has cast a shadow over his interactions with colleagues, culminating in a strained atmosphere as he prepared to take a leave of absence.

**Warning: Major spoilers for the Season 2 finale of The Pitt ahead!**

The season finale packed a punch with a heated confrontation between Dr. Robby and Dr. Al-Hashimi. Dr. Robby’s threat to expose her medical condition to the hospital board posed a potential threat to her career. In a powerful moment, Dr. Al-Hashimi confronted Dr. Robby about his dwindling empathy and controlling behavior, highlighting the dramatic evolution from the compassionate, likable doctor fans were introduced to in the first season.

The ensemble cast of The Pitt features series lead and executive producer Noah Wyle, along with talented actors Patrick Ball, Katherine LaNasa, Supriya Ganesh, Fiona Dourif, Taylor Dearden, Isa Briones, Gerran Howell, Shabana Azeez, and Sepideh Moafi.

The series has become an awards magnet for HBO. Season 1 earned a whopping 13 Emmy Award nominations and five wins, which bodes well for Season 2. But, after that dramatic sendoff for Dr. Robby, will be there Season 3 of The Pitt?

Is there a Season 3 of The Pitt?

Dr. Al-Hashimi (Sepideh Moafi) in a tense conversation with Robby (Noah Wyle) in 'The Pitt' Season 2 finale
Photo: HBO Max

Yes! There will be a new season of The Pitt. The show was renewed for a third season before Season 2 premiered. However, the emergency room will look quite different in Season 3.

Ganesh, who plays Dr. Mohan on The Pitt, will be exiting the series after Season 2. Ayesha Harris, who plays night shift’s Dr. Parker Ellis, has been upped to a series regular ahead of Season 3. Variety reports “Ganesh’s exit is a story-driven decision,” according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Harris wrote on social media that Dr. Ellis will be “pulling a double shift next season.”

“So excited ya’ll!!” she wrote at the time. “Bittersweet I won’t be working with my girl @supriyaganesh_.”

Wyle teased The Pitt Season 3 will explore what Dr. Robby’s “rock bottom looks like,” adding that the doctor will likely “go away and do some serious evaluations,” per Deadline.

When does Season 3 of The Pitt start and when is The Pitt Season 3 coming out?

Executive producer and director John Wells confirmed The Pitt Season 3 will reportedly begin filming this June, which puts it on track to premiere next January around the same time as Season 2. The Pitt Season 1 and 2 followed a similar filming/release schedule.

Wells confirmed the new season will also have 15 episodes.

The Pitt is streaming now on HBO Max.

Alessi Bakery Unveils New Location: A Modern Take on Timeless Tradition

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Alessi Bakery Unveils New Location: A Modern Take on Timeless Tradition


TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A beloved Tampa bakery is turning the page to an exciting new chapter.

Alessi Bakery, a long-standing staple in the community, celebrated the grand opening of its new location on Cypress Street in Tampa on Friday morning. This marks only the second time the bakery has relocated in its remarkable 114-year history.

The newly unveiled space is a modern twist on the traditional bakery, offering much more than pastries and bread. Visitors can now enjoy a full-service deli, savor wood-fired pizzas, unwind at a liquor bar, sip on espresso drinks, and even watch the skilled bakers and decorators bring their creations to life.

Phil Alessi Jr., the fourth-generation owner, reflected on the significance of the moment, which has been years in the making.

“It’s a joy and somewhat surreal,” Alessi Jr. shared. “It’s been a long journey, but stepping back there to bake a few things this morning was truly refreshing. It’s an incredibly good feeling.”

Customers lined up early Friday, eager to experience the new space while reconnecting with a longtime Tampa favorite.

“Appreciate the community and the support they’ve given over the years. And this is this place here is for the for the next few generations to come,” said Alessi.

As for what customers should try, Alessi recommends the bakery’s signature scachatta, Tampa’s take on cold pizza, paired with the rich, chocolate-filled Princess Cake.

While the space may be bigger and more modern, the mission remains unchanged and rooted in tradition and serving up a taste of Tampa history for generations to come.

Visit Alessi Bakery for more information.

Megyn Kelly Criticizes Pete Hegseth’s Religious Rhetoric in Military Strategy: A Controversial Debate

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Megyn Kelly Criticizes Pete Hegseth’s Religious Rhetoric in Military Strategy: A Controversial Debate

Megyn Kelly has taken aim at Pete Hegseth, her former colleague from Fox News, for his frequent references to religion during speeches related to wartime issues.

Kelly, who identifies as a lifelong Roman Catholic, expressed her disapproval of Hegseth’s approach towards the end of Thursday’s episode of The Megyn Kelly Show.

While she acknowledged her general admiration for Hegseth, Kelly clarified that she did not appreciate his frequent mentions of God, Jesus, and the Bible when discussing military strategies from the Pentagon.

“It makes me very uneasy. Very,” she remarked to conservative podcaster Britt Mayer.

Kelly expressed a preference for a more straightforward approach, similar to that of U.S. General Dan “Raizin” Caine, who sticks to the facts. She added that while religion plays a significant role in Hegseth’s life, which she respects, she is not in favor of its prominence in military discussions.

Kelly quickly added that such language ‘doesn’t belong when you’re talking about our plans to wipe out people, including possible civilians.’ She pointed to past rhetoric from Donald Trump before playing a clip of Hegseth from earlier in the day.

‘These two things do not belong together, and I just – I’m really uncomfortable with it,’ she said again, before cuing the clip.

Kelly prefaced that ‘if Joe Biden did this through his Pentagon, I would have ripped him a new one’.

Megyn Kelly took aim at her former Fox News colleague and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth over his insistence on using religious language while discussing the war with Iran

Megyn Kelly took aim at her former Fox News colleague and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth over his insistence on using religious language while discussing the war with Iran 

She pointed to a clip from a Pentagon press briefing where Hegseth invoked scripture to take a stab at the media's coverage of the conflict in Iran

She pointed to a clip from a Pentagon press briefing where Hegseth invoked scripture to take a stab at the media’s coverage of the conflict in Iran

Hegseth was then heard recalling how ‘this past Sunday, I was sitting in church with my family, and our minister preached from the Book of Mark, the third chapter.

‘And in the passage, Jesus entered a synagogue and healed a man with a withered hand,’ Hegseth read.   

‘The Pharisees came to watch. And as the scripture reads, they came to see whether he, Jesus, would heal him – or he would heal him on the Sabbath so that they might accuse him,’ he continued.

The Pharisees – an ancient Jewish sect Hegseth described as the ‘self-appointed elites’ of the era – had hearts too ‘hardened’ to acknowledge Christ, Hegseth said.

‘They were only there to explain away the goodness in pursuit of their agenda.’

Hegseth – a Fox News star from 2014 to 2024 – quickly likened the Pharisees to ‘our press.’ 

‘Not all of you. Not all of you,’ he said. ‘But the legacy Trump-hating press.’

Hegseth – a practicing Christian – also drew criticism for a presentation the day before, during which he mistook a monologue from 1994 classic ‘Pulp Fiction’ for real biblical verse to be referenced. 

Since becoming defense chief, Hegseth has found no shortage of ways to bring his faith into the Pentagon. Pictured: L-R) Rep Jason Crow (D-CO), Sen.Joni Ernst (R-IA), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Hegseth and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) pray on June 26, 2025

Since becoming defense chief, Hegseth has found no shortage of ways to bring his faith into the Pentagon. Pictured: L-R) Rep Jason Crow (D-CO), Sen.Joni Ernst (R-IA), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Hegseth and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) pray on June 26, 2025

Kelly, a Fox star for 12 years until 2017, groaned after playing the Thursday clip. 

Mayer, the host of The Britt Mayer Show, agreed the speech made her ‘uncomfortable.’ 

The criticism comes as the administration faces pushback from Catholics over the White House’s increasingly fractured relationship with the pope. 

It also comes as Hegseth has repeatedly sought to bring his Christian faith into the Pentagon since becoming defense chief. Promotional videos from the department have displayed Bible verse alongside defense department military footage, for instance.

Hegseth also hosts monthly Christian worship services at the Defense Department, which now boasts the secondary title of Department of War.

Critics have pointed out how Hegseth’s Christian messaging seems at odds with his rhetoric on Iran.

During a March 13 briefing, Hegseth said he would give ‘no quarter’ to the enemy -a phrase widely understood to mean taking no prisoners and killing them instead.

Pope Leo XIV, meanwhile, has made several general appeals for peace since the conflict began on February 28 – earning ire from the administration.

Kelly's guest, conservative podcaster Britt Mayer (right), agreed with her sentiment and described Hegseth's religious language as 'uncomfortable' in the context of war

Kelly’s guest, conservative podcaster Britt Mayer (right), agreed with her sentiment and described Hegseth’s religious language as ‘uncomfortable’ in the context of war

Trump responded by calling the religious leader too ‘weak on crime’ and a ‘liberal.’ He has refused to apologize. 

Pope Leo, the first US-born pontiff, responded t during the first day of his trip to Africa on Monday, telling reporters he had ‘no fear of the Trump administration.’

Kelly, meanwhile, said she helped Hegseth ‘get’ his ‘job’ during her critique.

A longtime Trump supporter, she broke with the president in February over the conflict. The Mail has approached both her and Hegseth’s office for comment.

Daughter of Missing American in the Bahamas Accuses Brian Hooker of Exploiting Mother’s Illness to Exit Country

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Daughter of Missing American in the Bahamas Accuses Brian Hooker of Exploiting Mother’s Illness to Exit Country

The daughter of an American woman who recently disappeared in The Bahamas believes Brian Hooker is using his mother’s illness as a reason to exit the country after spending five days in a Freeport jail.

Karli Aylesworth shared with Fox News Digital on Friday that Hooker’s mother has been “terminally ill for a while.” Despite previously vowing to stay in The Bahamas to search for his missing wife, Lynette, who is Aylesworth’s mother, Hooker unexpectedly left the island nation on Wednesday.

Released from a Bahamian jail on Monday night, Hooker had assured the media on Tuesday morning that he would dedicate himself to finding his wife.

“His main focus is to continue the search for his wife,” said his attorney, Terrel Butler, to Fox News Digital on Tuesday. “As long as he can stay in The Bahamas, he intends to do so.”

Lynette Hooker's daughter, Karli Aylesworth arrives in The Bahamas

Karli Aylesworth and her partner, Steven, arrived in Marsh Harbour, The Bahamas, on Thursday, April 16, 2025. Karli is the daughter of the missing American woman, Lynette Hooker.

But about 24 hours later, Hooker changed his mind.

“Following his release from custody without charge, Mr. Hooker is now facing another emergency. In addition to the trauma of his wife of 25 years being missing, Mr. Hooker has received urgent word of his mother’s grave illness,” Butler told NBC News on Wednesday afternoon. “He has traveled to [the] United States of America to be at her bedside during this critical time.”

Brian and Lynette Hooker on dinghy

Brian and Lynette Hooker sit on a dinghy in the water in this undated image. (Brian Hooker/Facebook)

Butler did not say where in the U.S. Hooker was going, but a source familiar with the case told Fox News Digital he landed in Atlanta.

Aylesworth, who arrived in The Bahamas on Thursday, has been critical of her stepfather since her mother Lynette went missing.

“I think it shows his character. He somehow lost my mom at sea and cries on camera saying he’ll never stop searching, then leaves the next day,” Aylesworth told the New York Post upon her arrival to the town of Marsh Harbour, close to where her mother went missing.

Soulmate boat anchored in calm turquoise water near a shoreline.

General view of the boat “Soulmate,” owned by Brian and Lynette Hooker, in Marsh Harbour, The Bahamas, April 16, 2025. (Matthew Symons for NY Post)

Hooker abandoned the couple’s 40-foot sailboat, called “Soulmate,” anchored near a marina in Marsh Harbour.

The New York Post snapped close-up photos of the idle boat.

Immediately following Lynette’s disappearance, Aylesworth told Fox News Digital she was aware of “prior issues” with Brian’s behavior.

Miscellaneous items including dumbbells, a colorful bag, and a striped towel sitting inside the cabin of a boat.

General views of the inside of “Soulmate,” the boat owned by Brian and Lynette Hooker, in Marsh Harbour, Bahamas, April 16, 2025. Inside the boat are dumbbells and various miscellaneous items. (Matthew Symons for NY Post)

“There have been prior issues brought to my attention, which may be important for any thorough investigation. If this truly was an accident, I can understand and live with it,” Aylesworth said. “However, there needs to be an intensive review of the facts and circumstances of this tragic incident before that can be determined.”

She also told “Fox and Friends” that something “doesn’t add up” with her mother’s disappearance, and accused Brian of having a “history of domestic violence” and anger issues.

Brian Hooker and Terrel A. Butler standing inside the Central Police Station in Freeport, The Bahamas

Brian Hooker stops by the Central Police Station to pick up his wedding ring and watch with his lawyer, Terrel A. Butler in Freeport, The Bahamas, Tuesday, April 14, 2026. His ring, which he is wearing on his pinky, was not with him when he was released from jail last night after being questioned by police in the disappearance of his wife, Lynette Hooker.  (Matthew Symons for Fox News Digital)

Hooker says Lynette’s disappearance was an accident caused by high wind and rough seas. The pair left The Abaco Inn bar on Elbow Cay in their dinghy at dusk on April 4, headed to their anchored sailboat just off the cay’s western coast. The ride was a short one, but Brian said Lynette fell overboard in the choppy waters.

He has always maintained that he is innocent of wrongdoing, and has not been charged with a crime.

He spent five days in jail — the maximum allowable under Bahamian law — while police investigated. That investigation remains ongoing despite his release.

Peter D’Abrosca is a reporter at Fox News Digital covering crime and campus extremism in higher education. 

Follow Peter on X at @pmd_reports. Send story tips to peter.dabrosca@fox.com.

Judge’s Decision Ignites Third Trial in Decades-Old Etan Patz Disappearance Case

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Judge’s Decision Ignites Third Trial in Decades-Old Etan Patz Disappearance Case

NEW YORK (AP) — The long-running legal saga involving the 1979 vanishing of young Etan Patz is poised to continue with a potential third trial. This development comes after a judge refused to drop charges against Pedro Hernandez, a former shop clerk accused of kidnapping and murdering the child during his walk to school.

Pedro Hernandez, who is now 65, has remained incarcerated since his arrest in 2012. He is scheduled to appear in court again in June for an update on the case, though a trial date has yet to be determined.

Etan’s disappearance, which occurred as he embarked on a short walk to the bus stop alone for the first time, quickly became one of the most infamous child abduction cases in the United States. His face was one of the first to appear on milk cartons, and his case spurred the establishment of National Missing Children’s Day on May 25. The advocacy work of his parents played a crucial role in improving the way law enforcement handles missing child cases.

Despite Judge Michele Rodney’s recent decision, a trial date remains pending. Hernandez is expected back in court for a status review in June.

Back in 1979, Hernandez was a 19-year-old working at a local corner store in Etan’s neighborhood. Although he was among the individuals interviewed by police after Etan’s disappearance, he was not initially considered a suspect.

More than three decades of frustrating, inconclusive investigation followed. For years, authorities eyed another man who was never charged. Then, in 2012, investigators got a tip that Hernandez had told various people in his life years ago that he’d killed a child or young man in New York.

Hernandez then told police — after seven hours of questioning and before being told he had a right to remain silent — that he had strangled Etan in the shop basement after enticing him there with the offer of a soda. Hernandez later was read his rights and recapped his statement on video, telling authorities: “Something just took over me.”

Defense lawyers said all of Hernandez’ admissions amounted to the imaginings of a mentally ill and intellectually limited man, haunted and confused by a highly publicized tragedy that had happened near his workplace.

“The delusion, now squarely implanted with the image of Etan Patz, is, to him, an event as seemingly real as any of our most vivid memories,” defense lawyers Harvey Fishbein and Alice Fontier wrote in court papers recently.

His 2015 trial ended in a jury deadlock, a 2017 retrial yielded a conviction, and then a federal appeals court overturned the verdict. The court said the 2017 trial judge mishandled a jury question about determining the validity of Hernandez’ confessions.

The Manhattan district attorney’s office pledged to retry the case but also asked the U.S. Supreme Court to restore Hernandez’ conviction. The high court isn’t obliged to hear the case and hasn’t yet said whether it will.

Meanwhile, Hernandez’ lawyers asked Rodney to toss out the charges. The defense contended that prosecutors waited too long to charge Hernandez and that he can’t get a fair trial now that some witnesses have died, others’ memories have faded and prospective jurors have been steeped in decades of publicity about the case, plus coverage of the two prior trials.

Prosecutors called the arguments baseless. Once police got “a direct, reliable tip,” they arrested Hernandez two weeks later, and witnesses’ patchy memories are “simply the nature of a criminal trial,” Assistant District Attorney Sarah Marquez wrote in court papers.
1...120121122...2,802Page 121 of 2,802

Subscribe for exclusive content

We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.

Subscribe

Copyright Newsfinal Publications.