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NHL Star Pays Emotional Tribute to Late Agent Claude Lemieux, Leaving Fans Moved

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Frederik Andersen found himself overwhelmed with emotion after playing a pivotal role in propelling the Carolina Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup final. This achievement came just two days following the tragic passing of his agent, NHL icon Claude Lemieux.

Lemieux, remembered as a four-time Stanley Cup victor and a polarizing figure in the hockey world, tragically took his own life in the early hours of Thursday morning at the age of 60. His untimely death has cast a shadow over the hockey community, with many, including former President Trump, expressing their condolences and acknowledging Lemieux as a ‘true legend’ of the sport.

The Hurricanes paid a heartfelt tribute to Lemieux on Friday night before Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Montreal Canadiens. Just days earlier, Lemieux had participated as the ceremonial ‘torch bearer’ for the Canadiens at the Bell Centre prior to Game 3. As a player agent, he had represented Andersen among his first clients, with the goaltender regarding him as ‘like family.’

On Friday night, Lemieux was honored by the Hurricanes ahead of Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Montreal Canadiens.

Only four days earlier, Lemieux had served as the ceremonial ‘torch bearer’ for the Canadiens at the Bell Centre before Game 3. The 60-year-old had worked as a player agent, with Andersen among his first clients. The Hurricanes goaltender had described him as ‘like family.’

And on Friday night, following his team’s 6-1 win over the Canadiens at the Lenovo Center, Andersen was mobbed by his teammates before opening up on the heartache of recent days.

Frederik Andersen fought tears in an emotional tribute to Claude Lemieux late Friday night

Frederik Andersen fought tears in an emotional tribute to Claude Lemieux late Friday night

NHL great Lemieux, pictured with his son and grandson, died on Thursday by suicide

NHL great Lemieux, pictured with his son and grandson, died on Thursday by suicide

Lemieux was Andersen's agent and he is now targeting Stanley Cup glory as a tribute

Lemieux was Andersen’s agent and he is now targeting Stanley Cup glory as a tribute 

After reaching the first Stanley Cup final of his career, the goalkeeper was asked what Lemieux’s message would be.

‘Just go get it,’ he said. ‘He’s the ultimate competitor but he has the biggest heart. He wants it so much for me and for this team.’

Andersen continued: ‘It’s been a difficult couple of days but the way we showed up – today and the last couple of days – for the team and each other has been incredible. I can’t [say] enough good things about this team and the way they supported me.

Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal said on Friday morning that they wanted to win for Andersen. 

‘We’re a family – you can’t really say much more,’ the goalkeeper said. ‘It’s so special to be able to show up for him and make him proud. 

‘To go out and battle and the whole team supported me as well… it’s been so special to be part of.’

Before the game, the Lenovo Center paid tribute to Lemieux with a moment of remembrance.

‘The hockey world lost a great champion yesterday, with the passing of Claude Lemieux,’ the arena announcer said. 

‘[He was] known across the league as a fierce competitor, the winner of four Stanley Cups and known to our organization as a father and advisor.’ 

The Carolina Hurricanes held a touching tribute to hockey 'great' Lemieux on Friday

The Carolina Hurricanes held a touching tribute to hockey ‘great’ Lemieux on Friday

He won the 1986 Stanley Cup with the Canadiens as a rookie - his first of four titles

He won the 1986 Stanley Cup with the Canadiens as a rookie – his first of four titles

Lemieux was drafted by the Canadiens in 1983 and later won a Stanley Cup with the franchise, while his son, Brendan, played for the Hurricanes a few years ago. 

The announcer continued: ‘Claude left a lasting legacy on our great game. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and every player his life impacted.’

A picture of Lemieux appeared on the jumbotron, prompting cheers and applause from the crowd in North Carolina.

According to the authorities, deputies responded just after 3am Thursday to the scene of an apparent suicide at the family’s furniture store in Lake Park, Florida. Reports on Friday claimed Lemieux was found in a warehouse by one of his sons having hanged himself. 

The former winger is survived by his wife Deborah and his four children – Claudia, 29, and sons Christopher, 37, Michael, 34, and Brendan, 30. It is unclear which of his sons found him on Thursday morning.

 

UFC 250 at the White House: Everything You Need to Know About This Historic Event


The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to electrify Washington, D.C. next month, with a thrilling prime-time event scheduled at the White House. This unique occasion is part of the national “America 250” celebrations, also marking President Trump’s milestone 80th birthday.

Weeks of meticulous planning have gone into this highly anticipated sports event, which promises to blend the worlds of politics and combat sports in an unprecedented way. The South Lawn will transform into a massive stage for this spectacle, with the president himself expected to be in attendance.

Here’s what you need to know about “UFC 250,” taking place on June 14:

Trump’s ties to UFC run deep

President Trump has been a long-time enthusiast of combat sports, having hosted numerous high-profile boxing matches and prize fights at his casinos and resorts prior to his presidency.

Throughout his time in office, Trump has been a familiar face at major UFC events, fostering a strong camaraderie with UFC President Dana White along the way.

Steven Cheung, one of the president’s closest communications advisers, has worked for UFC and the president’s daughter Ivanka was instrumental in securing the “UFC 250” event.

The June 14 fight was initially Trump’s idea, White has said in a number of interviews. The administration is hoping the spectacle will inspire patriotism among Americans at a time many are feeling uncertain about the economy, foreign conflicts overseas and other issues.

Yet White, who stumped for Trump at the 2024 Republican National Convention, insists “UFC 250” will not be an inherently political event.

“You can make anything political if you want to,” he said as part of a wide-ranging interview with Time published this week. “I love this country like anybody on the left loves this country. I love this country like anybody on the right loves this country.”

White says he is confident the fight night will “positively deliver” for both the president and his organization.   

Trump, who has experience promoting large-scale events, oftentimes choreographed specifically for television, has also worked overtime to hype the event.

“I’ve been involved in a lot of big events; I have never had an event that has had more interest than the UFC fight we have right at the front door,” he told reporters earlier this year.  

Top UFC fighters set to participate

UFC in March unveiled its full fight card for matches set to play out in the octagon erected on the South Lawn.  

The fights themselves, which begin in late afternoon and are expected to run deep into the evening, will feature top names from across the sport and feature six prime-time bouts.

The main event will pit lightweight Georgian fighter Ilia Topuria against American Justin Gaethje, while undercard clashes between Brazilian Alex Pereira and France’s Ciryl Gane are also scheduled.

American Sean O’Malley will take on Canada’s Aiemann Zahabi, while American Michael Chandler is slated to take on Brazilian fighter Mauricio Ruffy.

UFC will host two fight nights leading into the June 14 event, on Saturday in Macau and June 6 in Las Vegas, and the league has been promoting the White House showdowns aggressively since plans were announced.  

There are also expected to be a number of celebrities in attendance, with a guest list that reportedly includes Hollywood icons like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Adam Sandler and Mario Lopez.

“We’ve got to get it all dialed in, and then we have to execute that night,” White told Time. “We’re putting on the most historic sporting event in history, and now we have to deliver.”

White House grounds transformed into outdoor arena

Hype for the first-of-its-kind event was kicked into overdrive over the weekend when photos emerged of construction crews beginning work on the South Lawn.

The photos showed workers building pieces of the red and blue UFC fighting ring with the “UFC Freedom 250” signage and massive cranes constructing risers and other large buildouts to accommodate guests.

The setup will include a regulation UFC Octagon, which spans 750 square feet and will serve as a canvas for tilts between fighters who will reportedly walk out of the Oval Office before doing battle.

The president has said the goal is for the space to hold 4,500 fans, and he anticipates another 50,000 to 100,000 people will be able to watch the bouts on “massive screens” staged at the Ellipse, a public park located directly south of the White House.

Some on social media have mocked the construction and pointed it out as an eyesore, which comes as the administration continues work on the East Wing, where the president is planning a controversial ballroom.

Some UFC figures aren’t impressed

Some in the Mixed Martial Arts and professional fighting world are less than enthused about the prospect of the event.

“I don’t like the idea of fighting outside at all. There are too many problems with it,” said Joe Rogan, a popular podcaster on the right and onetime ally of the president who also serves as a UFC announcer. “In June, in DC, we looked it up last year — the same day was 100 degrees.”

The White House did not respond to a request for comment seeking information on a weather contingency plan.

Rogan called it a mistake, from UFC’s perspective, to host a championship fight in a “non-controlled environment.”

“It should be inside an air-conditioned arena,” said Rogan, who has also called the spectacle a “gimmick” and a “security nightmare.”

The president has brushed aside such a suggestion.

“At first, I thought, ‘That’s not nice,’” the president told Time. “And then I realized, it is a gimmick. Life is a gimmick, if you think about it, right? But it’s a good gimmick. It’s something that will never happen again.”

Both Trump and UFC stand to gain a great deal with their core base of supporters with “UFC 250.”

White suggested during a recent interview with NPR the average UFC fan and a supporter of the president have much in common and the June fight will be major moment for a key demographic he is targeting with his business.

“During the COVID craziness and a lot of the stuff that went on, a lot of young men felt displaced and a lot of negative things were being said about young men,” White said. “This sport speaks to young men … and you know, we supported Trump.”

Rebecca Haro Admits Guilt in Tragic Case of Baby Emmanuel’s Death

Rebecca Haro has been sentenced to prison following the tragic death of her seven-month-old son, Emmanuel.

The 42-year-old mother admitted her guilt to charges including child endangerment, involuntary manslaughter, and acting as an accessory after the fact to murder during a court session on May 29, as reported by CBS News.

According to KESQ, she received a prison sentence of 12 years and eight months.

Rebecca and her husband, Jake Haro, hailing from Cabazon, California, faced charges regarding the death of their infant son Emmanuel after they reported him missing in August 2025. Initially, both parents pleaded not guilty. However, Jake later changed his plea to guilty and was subsequently sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.

Here’s what is known about the Haro family and the heartbreaking case of Baby Emmanuel.

The Disappearance of Baby Emmanuel

The Haro family was thrust into the spotlight on Aug. 14 when Rebecca reported Emmanuel missing. 

According to Rebecca, she was changing Emmanuel’s diaper in the car while parked outside a Yucaipa, Calif., sporting goods store when she was knocked unconscious by an unknown male. When she woke up on the ground with a black eye, Emmanuel was nowhere to be found.

While authorities deployed K9 scent-tracking dogs to locate the missing infant and released his description to the public, Rebecca and Jake made tearful pleas. 

“Whoever took my son, please return him,” Jake told reporters. “We just want him back. We won’t do anything to you. Just give us our son. Keep him safe. Don’t hurt him. Make sure you feed him, change him.” 

Rebecca added, “If you know anything, please come forward.” 

But investigators began to doubt Rebecca’s story. 

Rebecca Haro, Jake Haro Charged with Murder as Dad’s Abusive Past Emerges 

Police initially said the couple provided “some level of cooperation” in the case. However, they noted inconsistencies with Rebecca’s account and she stopped talking to investigators, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. 

Days later, the case took a dramatic turn.  

On Aug. 22, Rebecca and Jake were arrested and charged with murder and filing a false police report. They were each held on $1 million bail. 

Two days later, Rebecca proclaimed her innocence in a jailhouse interview. 

“I will not give up. I will not give up on my baby,” Rebecca told the Southern California News Group. “I want to be out looking for my baby.” 

Rebecca also praised Jake as a father to their 2-year-old child and her teen daughter from another relationship. 

“He’s a good dad,” she told the outlet. “He would never hurt a baby.”

As authorities searched for Emmanuel’s remains, Riverside County District Attorney Michael Hestrin outlined what prosecutors believed led to the infant’s death.  

“The filing in this case reflects our belief that Baby Emmanuel was…a victim of child abuse over time,” Hestrin said in an Aug. 27 press conference, “and that eventually because of that abuse, he succumbed to those injuries.” 

San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus called Jake “an experienced child abuser” in the press conference, citing his past criminal record. 

In 2023, Jake was convicted of willful child cruelty against his infant daughter Carolina from a previous marriage, according to the district attorney’s office. The 2018 incident, Hestrin said in the press conference, left her “permanently bedridden” and with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy.

Jake pleaded guilty in that case and was sentenced to a work-release program and probation—a sentence Hestrin called “outrageous.”

“If that judge had done his job, as he should have done,” Hestrin noted in the press conference, “Emmanuel would be alive today, and that’s a shame and it’s an outrage.”  

Jake Haro, Rebecca Haro Plead Not Guilty to Murdering Baby Emmanuel

The couple appeared in court on Sept. 4 and both pleaded not guilty. Outside the courthouse, supporters of Emmanuel gathered in his honor. 

As local resident Carla Jaramillo said, per ABC 7, “I wish he could see what he has now … so much love from different moms,” 

Meanwhile, Rebecca hired high-profile defense attorney Jeff Moore, notable for defending Louise Turpin. In 2019, Louise and her husband David were sentenced to 25 years to life in a California prison for abusing their children in a so-called “house of horrors.”

Jake Haro Pleads Guilty to Murder

On Oct. 16, Jake changed his plea from not guilty to guilty. On Nov. 3, he was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. He was also ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution and was credited with 551 days for time served. 

Jake received an additional six years and eight months for illegally possessing a firearm, a charge related to the prior child abuse case, according to a press release from the Riverside County District Attorney. 

Emmanuel’s maternal grandmother, Mary Beushausen, reportedly urged the court to consider a long sentence for Jake. 

“Everybody in my family, all my children are destroyed by this,”  Beushausen said, according to ABC 7. “He changed my daughter. We don’t know who she is. He kept my daughter away. I don’t know what he did or how he changed my daughter’s life, but she was never that same person after she went to live with him.”

Prosecutors noted in the press release that Emmanuel’s remains were still not recovered and they would pursue justice against Rebecca. 

Rebecca Haro Pleads Guilty in the Death of Baby Emmanuel

Ahead of Rebecca’s May 29 hearing, court documents obtained by the Orange County Register outlined Emmanuel’s “alarming” symptoms. 

Emmanuel had suffered from shaking of the extremities, breathing problems and possible seizures, according to a forensic pediatric specialist cited in a May 27 document, per the outlet.

“The evidence is expected to show that these symptoms did not appear suddenly on the day of Emmanuel’s death,” Assistant District Attorney Brandon Smith wrote in the filing, per the OC Register. “Instead, the symptoms developed over time and were observable to anyone regularly caring for the child.” 

Smith also said evidence presented at Rebecca’s May 29 hearing will show that she “knew or suspected” that Jake was abusing Emmanuel. 

Rather than act on her concerns, wrote Smith per the outlet, “Rebecca participated in the fabrication of a false kidnapping story designed to conceal the homicide.”

Rebecca’s attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Oxygen Network.

Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson Celebrate Exciting New Addition to Their Family

Suki Waterhouse and her fiancé, Robert Pattinson, have embraced parenthood with the arrival of their first child.

The 32-year-old model and the 37-year-old Twilight star confirmed their new status as parents during a recent family outing in Los Angeles, where they were seen enjoying a stroll with their newborn.

Robert appeared every bit the devoted father, attentively pushing a beige stroller holding their newborn, while Suki walked beside him, radiating health and happiness.

The last public sighting of Suki was on February 24, during a relaxed walk with Robert, where she was visibly pregnant. The couple has yet to reveal the baby’s gender, and Suki has been absent from Instagram for the past three weeks.

In her latest appearance, Suki exuded casual elegance, wearing a long black coat, a white cap, and sunglasses while she accompanied her new arrival.

Suki Waterhouse and her fiancé Robert Pattinson have welcomed their first child together

Suki Waterhouse and her fiancé Robert Pattinson have welcomed their first child together

The model, 32, and the Twilight actor, 37, confirmed they had become a family of three as they stepped out on a family stroll in LA this week

The model, 32, and the Twilight actor, 37, confirmed they had become a family of three as they stepped out on a family stroll in LA this week

The couple were joined by Suki’s mother Elizabeth on the walk who wore a bright pink jumper. 

Suki and Robert were first linked in 2018, and have kept their relationship mostly out of the spotlight.

Suki announced her pregnancy at the Corona Capital Festival in Mexico City in November, where she showed off her burgeoning baby bump on stage.

‘I thought I’d wear something sparkly today to distract you from something else I’ve got going on,’ the singer said while pushing back her outer layer to motion towards her stomach.

After loud cheering from the crowd began to die down, she teased: ‘I’m not sure if it’s working.’

Suki displayed her growing bump while wearing a fitted, light purple mini dress that featured a shimmering, gold hem.

She paired the ensemble with glittering, knee-high gold boots to complete her look.

The actress seemingly confirmed her engagement to Robert as she debuted a Toi et Moi ring during a stroll in London in December.

A source recently confirmed the news to People.

Robert looked every inch the doting dad as he pushed the pram with their newborn in while Suki looked happy and healthy strolling beside him

Robert looked every inch the doting dad as he pushed the pram with their newborn in while Suki looked happy and healthy strolling beside him

As she stepped out this week with her new arrival Suki looked casually chic in a long black coat, white cap and shades

As she stepped out this week with her new arrival Suki looked casually chic in a long black coat, white cap and shades

The couple were joined by Suki's mother Elizabeth on the walk who wore a bright pink jumper and jeans

The couple were joined by Suki’s mother Elizabeth on the walk who wore a bright pink jumper and jeans

Suki was last seen out on February 24 on a low-key walk with Robert where she looked heavily pregnant with her baby bump and hasn't posted on Instagram in three weeks

Suki was last seen out on February 24 on a low-key walk with Robert where she looked heavily pregnant with her baby bump and hasn’t posted on Instagram in three weeks

Robert cut a casual figure on the outing in a pair of black shorts, a khaki padded jacket and white hoodie

Robert cut a casual figure on the outing in a pair of black shorts, a khaki padded jacket and white hoodie

He kept a low profile with his hood up and donned dark shades as he stepped out with his partner and their newborn

He kept a low profile with his hood up and donned dark shades as he stepped out with his partner and their newborn

Suki completed her outfit with grey tracksuit bottoms and black trainers

Suki completed her outfit with grey tracksuit bottoms and black trainers 

She wore her honey tresses in loose waves over her shoulders and went makeup free

She wore her honey tresses in loose waves over her shoulders and went makeup free

They looked as loved-up as ever as they held hands while out and about in LA

They looked as loved-up as ever as they held hands while out and about in LA 

‘They both want to be married. It’s important for them,’ the source told the outlet, adding that Robert ‘can’t wait to be a dad’ and ‘feels very lucky’.

‘He’s so ready,’ the source added. ‘His relationship with Suki is incredible.’

A diamond expert has predicted that the ring would have set Robert — who has a reported net worth of $100 million — back round back around $330,000.

Neil Dutta, Managing Director of wedding and engagement ring specialists, Angelic Diamonds said: ‘Congratulations to Robert Pattison and Suki Waterhouse on their engagement.

‘Suki debuted a bespoke Toi et Moi engagement ring, worth $330,000. The ring features a 2.5ct princess-cut diamond alongside a 2.5ct pear-shaped diamond set on a diamond pavé platinum band. 

Despite being together for the past five years, Suki revealed in October 2023 that she and Robert had only recently moved in together that year.

During an appearance on the Driven Minds: A Type 7 podcast, she discussed the April move and how she feels ‘very lucky’ to have a partner like Robert.

‘[The move] doesn’t feel like that much of a crazy thing,’ she said. ‘And I’m very lucky because he is so accepting of the mess and the chaos.

‘He never says anything about it. He kind of thinks it’s like, charming. So I’m very lucky for that.’

Earlier this year, Suki told The Times that she is ‘shocked that I’m so happy with someone for nearly five years’ and that he still gives her butterflies. 

‘I’m always incredibly excited when I see his name pop up [on my phone] or even a text, and I think he feels the same about me.

‘We’ve always got so much to say, and I find him hilarious.’

Suki revealed what she’s been craving while pregnant as she shared a rare insight into how she’s feeling as an expectant mother back in November.

The couple looked in good spirits as they stepped out after adjusting to becoming parents

The couple looked in good spirits as they stepped out after adjusting to becoming parents 

Suki announced her pregnancy at the Corona Capital Festival in Mexico City in November, where she showed off her burgeoning baby bump on stage

Suki announced her pregnancy at the Corona Capital Festival in Mexico City in November, where she showed off her burgeoning baby bump on stage

'I thought I'd wear something sparkly today to distract you from something else I've got going on,' the singer said while pushing back her outer layer to motion towards her stomach

‘I thought I’d wear something sparkly today to distract you from something else I’ve got going on,’ the singer said while pushing back her outer layer to motion towards her stomach

Suki and Robert were first linked in 2018, and have kept their relationship mostly out of the spotlight (seen in 2023)

Suki and Robert were first linked in 2018, and have kept their relationship mostly out of the spotlight (seen in 2023)

Giving commentary over a video of herself ordering dumplings in her hotel room ahead of the British Fashion Awards 2023, she said she was ’embarrassed’ to discover she had ‘eaten all the classic prawn’ dumplings at the hotel as one of her team tried to order more.

She said: ‘I’m going into like 48 dumplings now for the whole trip. What is she saying now have they run out of dumplings?’

One of her team replied: ‘I think you’ve eaten all the classic prawns so they’ve run out but they just have the prawn and saffron, if that’s alright.’

‘Yeah that’s fine, did she actually say they’ve run out. OMG that is so embarrassing but it is, it is properly 50 dumplings,’ Suki admitted.

Despite being together for the past five years, Suki revealed in October 2023 that she and Robert had only recently moved in together that year (seen in 2022)

Despite being together for the past five years, Suki revealed in October 2023 that she and Robert had only recently moved in together that year (seen in 2022)

Suki shared plenty of snaps of her bump to her Instagram during her pregnancy (seen during a holiday in January)

Suki shared plenty of snaps of her bump to her Instagram during her pregnancy (seen during a holiday in January)

She put her blossoming bump on full display in an eye-catching Valentino backless red gown at the Emmy Awards in January 2024

She put her blossoming bump on full display in an eye-catching Valentino backless red gown at the Emmy Awards in January 2024

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This is a matchup between two of the best clubs in Europe over the past three seasons, and feels like the culmination of an era for both teams.

While Arsenal finally got over the line by winning their first Premier League title in 22 years, PSG rolled the momentum from last year’s triumph in the Champions League into another Ligue 1 title and a trip to the final in Europe’s most important competition.


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Why Trust New York Post Betting

Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.

Investigators to Examine Brian and Lynette Hooker’s Sailboat and Initiate New Search Area in Bahamas Disappearance

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A sailboat currently stationed in Florida and a newly identified area in the Sea of Abaco, The Bahamas, are set to be explored for potential leads in the baffling case of Lynette Hooker’s disappearance.

The American tourist vanished from The Bahamas last month during a trip with her husband, Brian Hooker, which has since raised many unanswered questions.

Living aboard their now-docked vessel, “Soulmate,” the Hookers were known for their frequent sailing adventures. However, their journey in April took a tragic turn when Lynette went missing.

(C and L) Brian Hooker and Lynette Hooker (R)

According to family members, Brian and Lynette Hooker have shared approximately 25 years of marriage, nurturing a life filled with travels and exploration. (The Sailing Hookers via YouTube and Instagram)

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Lynette was last seen as the couple reportedly made their way back to their sailboat on a dinghy in the Sea of Abaco after an evening outing.

PHONE GPS DATA PROMPTS US INVESTIGATORS TO SEARCH 25-FOOT-DEEP BAHAMIAN WATERS FOR LYNETTE HOOKER: SOURCES

Once authorities seized the boat as it left The Bahamas, the U.S. Coast Guard docked “Soulmate” in Fort Pierce, Florida. Eventually, officials relocated the boat to a port in Fort Lauderdale.

Crime scene tape across the boat Soulmate belonging to Brian Hooker and his missing wife Lynette Hooker.

The boat Soulmate is docked at the U.S. Coast Guard station in Fort Pierce, Fla., on May 13, 2026. The vessel, owned by Brian Hooker and his missing wife Lynette Hooker, was reportedly brought back to the U.S. from The Bahamas by the Coast Guard. (Obtained by Fox News Digital)

GOT A TIP?

A U.S. official familiar with the investigation confirmed to Fox News Digital that, once pulled from the water, “Soulmate” will be taken to a warehouse to be combed for clues.

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“Any sort of digital devices that you can take, any computer systems that you can extract, anything of that sort,” will be taken in,” said Nicole Parker, former FBI special agent and Fox News contributor.

U.S. Coast Guard investigators search Brian Hooker's and his missing wife Lynette Hooker's the boat Soulmate.

U.S. Coast Guard investigators search the boat Soulmate docked at their station in Fort Pierce, Fla., on May 13, 2026. The vessel belongs to Brian Hooker and his missing wife Lynette Hooker and was brought back to the U.S. from the Bahamas by the Coast Guard. (Obtained by Fox News Digital)

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On Thursday, Fox News Digital confirmed the Bahamian government approved the U.S. to send a dive team to search a new area in the Sea of Abaco.

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The dive team will be tasked with finding Lynette’s body or any new evidence.

The boat Soulmate owned by Brian and Lynette Hooker docked in Marsh Harbour Bahamas

The boat Soulmate, owned by Brian and Lynette Hooker, is docked in Marsh Harbour, Bahamas, on April 16, 2025. (Matthew Symons/NY Post)

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“Although it occurred in The Bahamas, you have to get permission from them. But, it doesn’t mean that he [suspect] can’t be charged,” Parker told Fox News Digital.

AMERICAN WOMAN MISSING AFTER HUSBAND SAYS SHE FELL OVERBOARD, SWEPT TO SEA DURING BAHAMAS BOAT TRIP: POLICE

Brian Hooker was initially detained, then released from Bahamian custody when Lynette was reported missing.

Brian Hooker leaving Central Police Station in Freeport accompanied by lawyer Terrel A. Butler

Brian Hooker leaves Central Police Station in Freeport, The Bahamas, after being released from custody on April 13, 2026. He was questioned about the disappearance of his wife, Lynette Hooker, who he says fell overboard from their dinghy earlier that month. (Matthew Symons for Fox News Digital)

“The reason why we have the vested interest is because the suspect is Brian, and he’s a U.S. citizen. The victim is Lynette. She’s a U.S. citizen. The vessel in which they were on, when the incident occurred, is a U.S. vessel, and it’s flagged in the United States. That gives the United States jurisdiction,” Parker said.

Missing Lynette Hooker on left and a sailboat on right in split image

The U.S. Coast Guard asked the public on May 5, 2026, to help identify a sailboat in connection with the disappearance of Lynette Hooker. (Brian Hooker/Facebook; U.S. Coast Guard)

In her experience, she has seen many cases where suspects commit crimes in international waters and try to get away with them — thinking they won’t get caught.

“The important point is that many federal agencies are likely involved on this and that’s what law enforcement is all about, holding people accountable. It’s a team effort and many times people go on these trips and they think, ‘Oh nothing’s going to happen, I’m in a foreign country,’ and they are wrong,” Parker said.

Brian Hooker (L) and his sailboat (R)

Brian Hooker leaves Central Police Station after being released from custody, Freeport, The Bahamas, Monday, April 13, 2026 (L) and (R) his sailboat “Soulmate” in Florida. (Matthew Symons for Fox News Digital and provided to Fox News Digital)

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? FIND MORE ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB

Brian Hooker has not been charged with any crime or accused of wrongdoing. His attorney could not be reached for comment after numerous attempts from Fox News Digital.

Discover the Complete Episode Guide to ‘Half Man’: How Many Are There?


This week has been monumental for HBO. Not only did the sharp-witted comedy Hacks, created by Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky, wrap up its remarkable five-season journey, but we are also gearing up for the farewell of Euphoria this coming Sunday.

On a brighter note, June is poised to be another standout month for the network. The third season of House Of The Dragon is set to debut on June 21, and fans can look forward to the return of Larry David in the brand-new series Life, Larry And The Pursuit Of Unhappiness premiering on June 26.

Anticipation is high for the Larry David series, which promises to be, in his own words, pretttty, prettty, pretttty, pretty good.

However, Hacks and Euphoria aren’t the only shows bidding farewell. Richard Gadd’s gripping drama Half Man recently delivered a powerful and intense final episode. While we’ll steer clear of spoilers, fans eager to learn about the show’s fate have come to the right place. Is there a possibility for Half Man to return for a second season?

Here’s the essential information you need to know.

How Many Episodes of Half Man Are There?

Half Man consists of six episodes.

Will There Be a Half Man Episode 7? Or Half Man Season 2?

Nope. Gadd has stated that there won’t be a second season of Half Man.

“I like that the ending is a little ambiguous,” Gadd told Variety. “But I sometimes think, it’s almost my duty as an artist sometimes — or a writer, or whatever — to not over-explain intention. Because I think whatever people take out of the scene is more important to me.”

Added Gadd, “It just felt like the right way to end a show like this.”

Where To Watch Half Man:

You can watch all six episodes of Half Man on HBO Max.

If you’re new to HBO Max, you can sign up for as low as $10.99/month with ads, but an ad-free subscription will cost $18.49/month.

If you want to stream even more and save a few bucks a month while you’re at it, we recommend subscribing to one of the discounted Disney+ Bundles with Hulu and HBO Max. With ads, the bundle costs $19.99/month and without ads, $32.99/month.

You can also add HBO Max to your Prime Video or Hulu accounts for an additional $10.99 or $18.49/month.

Unmissable List: The 10 Most Disappointing TV Shows of 2026 That Shocked Audiences




Television, often hailed as a daring medium where creators explore the vast spectrum of human experiences, sometimes delivers less-than-stellar results. While the quest for perfection is ongoing, not every show hits the mark, leading to a few notable failures. In today’s climate, where review bombing and passionate fan critiques thrive, determining the absolute worst can be challenging. However, some series unmistakably stand out due to their poor reception, leaving audiences bewildered by their shortcomings.

These series might have been short-lived, lasting only a season, or they could have been lengthy endeavors that ultimately imploded by 2026. Whether they began with promise and deteriorated over time or were doomed from the start, they have earned their spot on this list. Relying on a mix of Rotten Tomatoes ratings and personal insights, here are the most disappointing shows of 2026, presented without ranking.

Kaley Cuoco, seeking the right project post-“The Big Bang Theory,” has faced challenges in replicating that success. Despite the critical praise for “The Flight Attendant,” that series was limited, and her subsequent projects have stumbled. “Vanished” is the latest addition to her string of poorly received efforts, garnering a mere 41% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics being even harsher, awarding it just 39%.

“Vanished” follows Alice (played by Cuoco) and her boyfriend Tom (portrayed by Sam Claflin) as they embark on a European getaway. When Tom mysteriously disappears on a train bound for Arles, France, Alice is thrust into a frantic search, delving into Tom’s past to uncover the truth before time runs out.

Vanished

  • Creator: David Hilton, Preston Thompson
  • Showrunner: Preston Thompson
  • Cast: Kaley Cuoco, Sam Claflin
  • Genre: Thriller
  • Number of episodes: 4
  • Where to watch: MGM+

The show’s negative reception can be attributed to several factors. Critics often point to its melodramatic storyline and its uncanny resemblance to “The Flight Attendant” but with less charm. Dustin Rowles of Pajiba summarized the general sentiment by noting, “Kaley Cuoco seems to have misplaced the comic instincts that make her so likable,” capturing the overall disappointment.

In “Vanished,” Alice (Cuoco) and her boyfriend Tom (Sam Claflin) head off on a European vacation. While on a train to Arles, France, Tom disappears. A distraught Alice must dig into his past and find out what happened to him before it’s too late.

There are plenty of reasons for the show’s critical disapproval; the miniseries’ soapy plot was often blamed for its crummy standing, as was its low-grade resemblance to “The Flight Attendant.” “Kaley Cuoco seems to have misplaced the comic instincts that make her so likable,” remarked Dustin Rowles of Pajiba, summing up the general mood.

Euphoria Season 3

  • Creator: Sam Levinson
  • Showrunner: Sam Levinson
  • Cast: Zendaya, Hunter Schafer, Sydney Sweeney
  • Genre: Drama
  • Number of episodes: 24
  • Where to watch: HBO Max

Rue Bennett’s (Zendaya) misadventures were bound to catch up with her, and in Season 3 of “Euphoria” they bring untold levels of pain. But there’s definitely something missing in the recipe for the latest season of the program. Perhaps shoving its characters into adult roles after only two years of following them through high school life was too abrupt. Or maybe the show’s repugnant Season 3 storyline for Cassie (Sydney Sweeney), who becomes the most stereotypically racy online influencer in the show’s history, is a turn-off. Whatever it is, critics seem to hate it; it’s the only season on Rotten Tomatoes that doesn’t boast a fresh rating, holding a 40% critical score. It’s also the only season fans outright hate, and they’ve given it a 39%.

Season 3 of “Euphoria” brings about a five year time jump. East Highland High’s best have scattered to the four winds, and Rue has become a drug mule for Laurie (Martha Kelly) to pay off her debt. Rue continues to look for God while catching up with her classmates. All of these lives will collide once again thanks to Rue’s increasingly dire situation.

Critics haven’t held back regarding Season 3. Some called it out for its nihilism; some felt that the show didn’t try as hard to understand the adult versions of its characters the same way it did the teenage ones. To wit, Rachel Ho of Exclaim! said, “the problem with the series’ return four years after its sophomore season is how drastically the world and the show’s original fans have changed, and how little Euphoria has grown in response.”

The Beauty

  • Creator: Matthew Hodgson, Ryan Murphy
  • Showrunner: Matthew Hodgson
  • Cast: Evan Peters, Rebecca Hall, Ashton Kutcher
  • Genre: Horror
  • Number of episodes: 11
  • Where to watch: Hulu

Sometimes a show is born with good intentions and the hope of making some solid social commentary. “The Beauty” was Ryan Murphy’s follow-up to themes he established decades ago on “Nip/Tuck.” But “The Beauty” is a ham-fisted nightmare that can’t decide if it wants to be campy, gory or overly serious. In spite of the fact that it got decent ratings and has a solid 71% on Rotten Tomatoes with critics, there was enough of a negative reaction to the product to cause a pronounced stir.

The show revolves around Cooper Madsen (Evan Peters) and his partner on and off the force, Jordan Bennett (Jess Alexander) as they try to figure out the source of the rapid spread of an STD called “The Beauty.” While coming down with the virus makes you an idealized version of yourself, it also causes feral behavior and, eventually, total decomposition. But that won’t stop corporate bigwigs from trying to cash in on the fol de rol.

Several critics noted that “The Beauty” was trying to speak out about the body-shifting powers of Ozempic and the insecurities that drive people to consume it — but that other properties, such as “The Substance,” have already said the same thing in a much more pointed manner. They noted that it strains to be profound, but the usual limitations that beset shows like Murphy’s “American Horror Story” soon set in, resulting in a phalanx of underdeveloped and underbaked storylines. “Murphy’s latest is one of 2026’s most gorgeous — and empty — pieces of television,” remarked Bloody Disgusting’s Daniel Kurland, summarizing Murphy’s latest attempt at navel gazing with a single blow.

Finding Her Edge

  • Creator: Jeff Norton, Shelley Scarrow
  • Showrunner: Jeff Norton
  • Cast: Madelyn Keys, Harmon Walsh, Alexandra Beaton
  • Genre: Sports Romance
  • Number of episodes: 8
  • Where to watch: Netflix

Figure skating has long been a fertile field for romantic tension; “The Cutting Edge” knew this back in the 1990s. Unfortunately, Netflix’s “Finding Her Edge” — which seeks to cash in on the love-laden winter sports-based furor caused by shows like “Heated Rivalry” — seems to have drawn mixed results with its audiences. Though it was renewed for a second season, its viewer score is a paltry 50% on Rotten Tomatoes. The news isn’t much better on IMDb, where it has a 5.9 out of 10.

The Russo family have a long and storied history in the figure skating world. Their latest Olympic hopeful is pairs skater Adriana (Madelyn Keys), who longs for her ex-partner and ex-boyfriend, Freddie (Olly Atkins). Freddie has moved on personally and professionally, and so Adriana has paired up with Brayden Elliott (Cale Ambrozic). History threatens to repeat herself as she catches feelings for him. Her sisters Elise (Alexandra Beaton) and Maria (Alice Malakhov) are experiencing their own career travails. Dad Will (Harmon Walsh) is just trying to keep the family’s struggling rink afloat while throwing all he has into Adriana’s career.

Most of the complaining viewers were dismayed by the quality of the production. They frequently and disparagingly compare it to a Hallmark Channel television series, remarking upon its shallow stereotypes, terrible acting, and dull plot twists. It drew frequent comparisons to other teen soaps which have been touted by other streamers. In sum: “This is budget ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ on ice and everyone is even worse,” remarked Kathleen D. on Rotten Tomatoes. Harsh.

The Audacity

  • Creator: Jonathan Glatzer
  • Showrunner: Jonathan Glatzer
  • Cast: Sarah Goldberg, Billy Magnussen, Lucy Punch
  • Genre: Black Comedy
  • Number of episodes: 8
  • Where to watch: AMC, AMC+, The Roku Channel

This might be a controversial pick, but it’s hard to ignore the fact that this critical darling hasn’t done well with its target audience. “The Audacity” hews a little too close to other dark comedies about Silicon Valley like, well, “Silicon Valley,” and fans have noticed. At a middling 52% on the Popcornmeter and a 5.9 on IMDb, viewers may be tuning in, but what they’re seeing isn’t thrilling them.

Silicon Valley is a jungle unto itself, and Duncan Park (Billy Magnussen) is the king of that wilderness. The CEO of Hypergnosis, he turns to his “performance psychologist,” JoAnne Felder (Sarah Goldberg) to help make sense of the world. But when Duncan needs help committing a crime, he asks JoAnne to bail him out — then blackmails her into participating.

The comments section at Rotten Tomatoes is laden with people who can’t quite grasp what’s wrong with the show but definitely feel like something’s off. “It’s like the show “Silicon Valley” but without any of the humor,” remarked Young S. “It’s like if a person who hated drugs created a movie about how drugs are bad, while on drugs, but simultaneously whilst never in their life had been taken drugs, but this time without awesome music which could save it,” remarked Ernest W in a delirious yet accurate summary.

Marshals

  • Creator: Spencer Hudnut
  • Showrunner: Spencer Hudnut
  • Cast: Luke Grimes, Logan Marshall-Green, Arielle Kebbel
  • Genre: Procedural, Modern Western
  • Number of episodes: 13
  • Where to watch: CBS, Paramount+

It’s definitely taken audiences by storm, but both critics and disgruntled viewers alike have a bone to pick with “Marshals.” How did it become one of the biggest offenders of 2026? Its plainness is a key. The show is, after all, a spin-off of “Yellowstone” — and most critics and fans complain that the show falls short of hitting that drama’s high-water mark of blood, guts, and family politics. On Rotten Tomatoes the series only has a 42% approval score with critics and a 27% on the Popcornmeter.

Both fans and critics think that “Marshals” feels like any other CBS procedural, which makes it deadly dull on top of dishonoring its “Yellowstone” legacy. “Kayce’s life is now a kind of TV show that you’ve seen countless times before. It doesn’t have the same artfulness behind it, and the pacing barely leaves time for sweeping shots of the Montana valley or reflection of any kind,” remarked Josh Rosenberg of Esquire. “Plays less like the next chapter in the Dutton saga than a side expedition, adjacent to the family legacy but not meaningfully advancing it,” declared Zaki Hasan of TheWrap.

Taking place a year and change after the end of “Yellowstone,” Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes) is struggling with life after the death of his wife, Monica. He’s given a new direction by his SEAL buddy Pete Calvin (Logan Marshall-Green), who encourages him to join the U.S. Marshals. Kayce passes the test, but will his less-than-spotless Dutton past ever let him be free? And do we care?

Scarpetta

  • Creator: Elizabeth Sarnoff
  • Showrunner: Elizabeth Sarnoff
  • Cast: Nicole Kidman, Jamie Lee Curtis
  • Genre: Procedural
  • Number of episodes: 8
  • Where to watch: Prime Video

“Scarpetta” has a lot of ingredients that ought to make it successful; a cast packed with award-winning actors and a pedigree stemming from the long-lived and highly successful Kay Scarpetta mystery series by Patricia Cornwell. But while the show pulled decent, if not spectacular, numbers, critics gave it quite a drubbing. On the Tomatometer, it only has a 56% approval score, with 43% of fans on the Popcornmeter registering their enjoyment.

The series follows the titular ex-pathologist (Nicole Kidman) as she works for the Commonwealth of Virginia as chief medical examiner. Kay often finds herself at the center of some pretty ugly cases, but employs her good friends and even her children’s book author sister, Dorothy (Jamie Lee Curtis) to solve them.

Critics claimed the show and its scattershot mysteries are an insult to the much-loved character, who would never put up with such sloppy casework. Looper’s own review of “Scarpetta” noted that the mysteries don’t trust the audience to do any of their own heavy lifting, feeding them too much information and resulting in a poor storyline. “Kay Scarpetta herself would be outraged at how thoroughly this job has been botched,” agreed Kristian M. Lin of Fort Worth Weekly.

The Faithful: Women of the Bible

  • Creator: René Echevarria
  • Showrunner: René Echevarria
  • Cast: Jeffrey Donovan, Minnie Driver
  • Genre: Historical Drama
  • Number of episodes: 6
  • Where to watch: Hulu

“The Faithful: Women of the Bible” is loaded with talented actors who try their best to breathe life into its chronicle of some of the best-known women in the Bible. But the small budget, the staid dialogue, and the overall cheap look of the final product stymie the show’s potential impact, making it a bad pick for even the most ardently devoted among television viewers. And viewers responded to that deficit in quality; on IMDb, the show only has a 5.7 out of 10.

Each chapter of the miniseries (three two-part chapters for a total of six episodes) focuses on the heroines of the Bible. There’s Sarah (Minnie Driver), wife of Abraham (Jeffrey Donovan), who longs for a child; Rebekah (Alexa Davalos), mother of Jacob (Tom Payne) and Leah (Millie Brady) and Rachel (Blu Hunt), Jacob’s wives. None of it catches on.

Most viewers complain that the series fails to correctly interpret the Bible. “As for this miniseries — The Faithful — it’s a Mesopotamian Mess with British Accents!” remarked TruthisTheAnswer. Even worse, several members of the show’s target audience pointed out that the series fails to correctly replicate Biblical texts. “I watched the first episode with a friend and commented throughout the episode, “that’s not what happened.” After each commercial, I read her the biblical text to show her what actually happened,” said susannav7. 

Imperfect Women

  • Creator: Annie Weisman
  • Showrunner: Annie Weisman
  • Cast: Elisabeth Moss, Kerry Washington, Kate Mara
  • Genre: Drama
  • Number of episodes: 8
  • Where to watch: Apple TV

Another example of a star-packed cast in an ensemble drama that ought to be way better than it is, “Imperfect Women” managed to become one of the worst shows of the year because it failed to utilize all of the central women who make it such an interesting ride. Fans and professional critics are united in mutual disappointment; on Rotten Tomatoes, fans give it a 44% and critics 45%.

The show revolves around three college friends — Mary (Elisabeth Moss), Eleanor (Kerry Washington) and Nancy (Kate Mara) — who have always been there for one another. But when a crime impacts their perfect world, can they keep it together?

It’s that central three-way friendship that had many of those who tried the show so very heated; mainly, the fact that the show undermines that connection frequently. “The bigger reason I’m irked is that this series keeps insisting on the power of female friendship, while undermining it at every turn,” said Johanna Schneller of Globe and Mail. “it’s unfortunately one of the worst things that the three leads have been a part of, and one of the worst shows that Apple TV has released,” remarked  Christian Gallichio of The Playlist.

Going Dutch

  • Creator: Joel Church-Cooper
  • Showrunner: Joel Church-Cooper
  • Cast: Denis Leary, Danny Pudi
  • Genre: Comedy
  • Number of episodes: 22
  • Where to watch: Hulu

Fox tried to keep it alive for two seasons, but even the effortlessly caustic Denis Leary wasn’t enough to help the cast of “Going Dutch” escape from its dull premise or its low ratings. The show won’t have a third season, and a lot of that stems from how bad Season 2 is. 

Audiences on Rotten Tomatoes were definitely done with the show by the time it hit Season 2; it stood at 54% on the Popcornmeter for Season 1. “Generic and bland would [sic] high praise,” remarked Christian C. “There are around two and half episodes of actual jokes and ideas in this series and almost none are linked to the setting,” said Andrei D.

The series focuses on the adventures of Colonel Patrick Quinn (Denis Leary), who is punished for a frank rant by being reassigned to an isolated base in Garrison Stroopsdorf in the Netherlands. Starved of action and attention, Quinn also must put up with the presence of his daughter, Maggie (Taylor Misiak), who had been in charge of Stroopsdorf when Quinn arrives. Daughter and father must learn to get along while marshaling their small reserve of soldiers through life. Our reserves of patience for this show? Depleted.



Six Flags Great America in Gurnee Commemorates 50th Anniversary with Exclusive Rides, Including the American Eagle Racing Experience

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GURNEE, Ill. (WLS) — Celebrating a milestone, Six Flags Great America in Gurnee is commemorating half a century of excitement, cherished moments, and timeless traditions.

The festivities kicked off on Friday with a nostalgic performance by the park’s original Barbershop Quartet, “Four of a Kind.”

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Providing the soundtrack to Great America’s early days, the quartet performed during the park’s first two years, leaving a lasting legacy despite their brief tenure.

The anniversary celebration promises a day and night filled with excitement, culminating in a spectacular fireworks show.

Visitors are encouraged to take a nostalgic journey through time and witness the park’s transformation over the decades.

And for the first time in nearly 10 years, the iconic American Eagle wooden coaster is back with side-by-side racing.

“American Eagle has been a classic of Six Flags Great America for more than four decades,” said John Krajnak, park president of Six Flags Great America. “Bringing back racing is a meaningful way to celebrate the nostalgia guests remember while delivering the kind of thrilling, shared experience that defines our park today.”

It was known as Marriott’s Great America in 1976 on opening day 50 years ago.

“Looking back and seeing the reaction from everyone in the park today, we get it. It’s kind of emotional,” said Tom Allen, with the quartet.

SEE ALSO: Amusement park visitors stuck midair on 200-foot ride at Six Flags in San Antonio

Six Flags took over Great America in 1984, but they are still celebrating Friday with free cupcakes.

Some fans are dressing the part, or at least how they believe their parents dressed in the 70s.

“We love Six Flags, and we missed it the first time. So we thought we’d dress the part,” Stephen Kristof said. “Based on Google, I think we got it pretty OK.”

Albert Mikesell is celebrating 50 years and his record for the most rides on the Rakshasa rollercoaster, which opened last year: 325 rides.

“Someone made me a bet I couldn’t ride 100 times. It did that by June 25,” Mikesell said.

For ABC7 photographer Mike Locashio, it’s a trip down memory lane.

He was there with his mother for opening day 50 years ago, even meeting Daffy then, and again Friday.

“Some of my best memories as a kid are right here at Great America. And my mom gave me that gift,” Locashio said.

And now hundreds of thousands of other parents are sharing that gift with their children.

Hardeep Lall has worked at the park since he was in high school 37 years ago. Now he’s the general manager, reflecting on the park’s anniversary.

“Looking back at the memories, the connections we have made with the guests and our staff,” Lall said.

There are dozens and dozens of rides at Great America, including some 17 roller coasters.

The iconic Columbia Carousel is one of the original rides from the opening in 1976.

Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Spanberger Dismisses Virginia Tech Rector, Sparks Controversy


RICHMOND, Va. — A wave of controversy has erupted following Governor Abigail Spanberger’s decision to remove John Rocovich from his role as rector on the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors. This decision, announced on Thursday, has sparked debate due to the lack of detailed reasoning shared by the governor.

The dismissal stems from Spanberger’s concerns regarding Rocovich’s behavior, although specific details have not been disclosed. Rocovich, in response, is challenging the decision, seeking clarity on the accusations against him.

In her official communication to Rocovich, Spanberger asserted that his actions breached several codes, including the Code of Conduct for Commonwealth Appointees to Boards, Authorities & Commissions, alongside the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors’ Code of Ethics. She further cited statutes mandating board members to prioritize Virginia Tech’s best interests.

The governor argued that these breaches provide “sufficient cause” for Rocovich’s removal under a Virginia law. This law empowers the governor to dismiss board members from public colleges and universities for reasons such as “malfeasance, misfeasance, incompetence, or gross neglect of duty.”

Despite requests for more information on the specific nature of Rocovich’s alleged misconduct, Spanberger’s office has declined to offer further details at this time, leaving the situation shrouded in some uncertainty.

Meanwhile, in a letter of his own to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, Candi Mundon King — which Spanberger was CC’d on — Rocovich said he recently received a call from King’s office, “purportedly on behalf of Governor Abigail Spanberger, requesting that I resign my position as Rector and member of the Board of Visitors.”

Rocovich then acknowledged he received Spanberger’s letter, saying: “I found that call and the subsequent letter deeply offensive, legally unsupported and wholly inconsistent with the Governor’s own publicly-stated principles regarding the proper relationship between the executive branch and the governance of Virginia’s public universities.”

Rocovich went on to say he wouldn’t resign and that there were no grounds for his removal under the code section cited by Spanberger. 

“I have committed no malfeasance,” Rocovich said. “I have not been derelict in my duties. I have attended meetings, fulfilled my obligations, and acted at all times in the best interests of Virginia Tech.”

It’s important to note that the code section Spanberger used to remove Rocovich says, “The Governor shall set forth in a written public statement [their] reasons for removing any member,” and “the Governor is the sole judge of the sufficiency of the cause for removal.” 

This controversy is taking place as Virginia Tech searches for its next president.