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Unraveling Mysteries: Bartender Reveals Timeline Inconsistencies in Missing American’s Case in the Bahamas

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Unraveling Mysteries: Bartender Reveals Timeline Inconsistencies in Missing American’s Case in the Bahamas

An intriguing detail emerged from a bartender who interacted with an American woman in the Bahamas shortly before her mysterious disappearance. The encounter shed light on the couple’s activities leading up to the incident.

Identified as Ken, a 38-year-old bartender at the Abaco Inn, recounted to the New York Post that Brian and Lynette Hooker were enjoying rum and Cokes by the pool on the evening of April 3. The following day, the couple reportedly set out in a small dinghy from Hope Town, heading towards their boat moored at another spot on Elbow Cay, according to local police reports.

Brian Hooker informed Bahamian authorities that his wife accidentally fell from the dinghy around 7:30 p.m. on April 4, taking the ignition key with her. Officials noted that Brian reached a marina in Marsh Harbour at approximately 4 a.m. on April 5, after paddling for about eight hours following Lynette’s fall overboard.

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

A photograph taken in 2023 captures Lynette and Brian Hooker aboard a small boat. The image, provided by John Waters, adds a personal touch to their story.

Ken recalled Brian expressing gratitude for the speedy service of their drinks, a seemingly minor detail that adds to the timeline of their last known activities.

“He was like, ‘Oh man, thank you for getting me served kinda quick’ … because we were crowded,” Ken said.

Brian Hooker leaves police station in The Bahamas, with lawyer

Brian Hooker leaves Central Police Station after being released from custody, Freeport, The Bahamas, Monday, April 13, 2026. Hooker, who is accompanied by his lawyer, Terrel A. Butler, was being questioned over the disappearance of his wife, Lynette Hooker, who he says fell overboard from their dinghy earlier this month. (Matthew Symons for Fox News Digital)

Ken noted that he didn’t see anything unusual with the couple, though he never actually saw Lynette Hooker while they were at the pool for around two and a half hours.

“When I heard about it the next day, I was shocked, definitely. But then again, I didn’t see the lady, I didn’t get to talk to her or anything like that,” he said.

A map shows Brian Hooker's movements in Bahamas

A map of key locations as Bahamian police investigate Brian Hooker and his wife Lynette’s disappearance. Created on April 12, 2026.  (Fox News)

Ken, who’s from the Bahamas and knows the area well, said, however, one detail doesn’t add up.

“It’s weird … for him to be going from here to there, then ending up in Marsh Harbour and nobody sees the lady, it’s weird,” Ken said. “What catches my eye is they left here at 7, 7:30 and [her going missing] supposedly happened right after they left here, and he didn’t make it over there until 4 a.m. or something like that, in 25-mph winds.”

Soulmate boat anchored in calm turquoise water near a shoreline with lush green trees.

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)

“It’s only four miles that way. It shouldn’t have taken eight to 10 hours to get there. Even if he was only floating, it should have been a much quicker time,” he said.

While Brian Hooker himself flew out of the Bahamas on Wednesday to be with his mother, who’s reportedly very ill, according to his attorney, Lynette Hooker’s daughter, Karli Aylesworth, flew to the island on Thursday to help with the search.

Brian Hooker leaves police station in The Bahamas, with lawyer

Brian Hooker leaves the Central Police Station in Freeport a free man after the police let him go in the disappearance of his wife on April 13, 2026. (Matthew Symons for Fox News Digital)

Aylesworth told NBC News she questions Brian Hooker’s version of how her mother went missing, adding that she spent three hours talking with police.

“I feel like this was probably preplanned, if anything, like, it doesn’t seem like just some accident,” Aylesworth said.

Brian Hooker hasn’t been charged with a crime and was released from jail by Bahamian officials, who declined to charge him at the time, but left the investigation into Lynette open.

“When I first got here, I sat up there and looked at the boat and started talking to her like she was here. I was like, ‘Hey Mom, I’m here. Wherever you are. I just want to talk to you and see you again,’” Aylesworth said. “It’s making it a little bit more real.”

Adam Sabes is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to Adam.Sabes@fox.com and on Twitter @asabes10.

Shocking Confession: Man Caught Concealing 22-Year-Old Woman’s Body Sparks Investigation

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Shocking Confession: Man Caught Concealing 22-Year-Old Woman’s Body Sparks Investigation

Photos of victim Abbi Schaeffer (Kansas City Police Department).

A Missouri man has confessed to attempting to conceal the body of a woman who vanished following a suspected overdose incident.

Jacob Block, 28, has admitted to charges of abandoning a corpse and tampering with evidence in relation to the disappearance of 22-year-old Abbi Schaeffer, who was reported missing in May 2022. According to documents reviewed by Law&Crime, Schaeffer’s skeletal remains were discovered nearly a year later inside a broken box discarded in a roadside ditch. Although the extent of decomposition prevented a definitive cause of death, investigators did reveal that fentanyl was present in her system at the time.

The Kansas City Police Department has reported that Schaeffer was last seen entering a residence with Block on the day she disappeared—and she was never seen leaving that location.

Details from the probable cause affidavit indicate that Schaeffer’s family observed her departing their home via their Ring camera on May 23, 2022. She left in a gray BMW, accompanied by her cat. The family tracked her movements using the Life360 app until May 24, 2022, when the signal was traced to another house in Jackson County, Missouri.

Police visited the mentioned residence on June 1, 2022, but found it vacant. A neighbor informed authorities that a white male resided there, often seen driving a “dark-colored” BMW. Over the weekend, a U-Haul truck had been noticed in the driveway. The neighbor also recalled seeing a cat that matched the description of Schaeffer’s pet.

While Kansas City police investigated the BMW and connected it with Block, it was also discovered that federal agents were monitoring the same car and the same suspect for an unrelated case. Block was convicted in February 2024 of participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and distributing fentanyl in connection with an unnamed person’s fatal overdose in 2020.

According to probable cause affidavits, police caught up with Block and Eunice Carlo-Martinez on June 2, 2022. Block denied knowing Schaeffer and denied that she ever got into his car. But when detectives got a hold of surveillance videos taken at the home where Schaeffer’s Life360 app last pinged, they found both Block and Schaeffer walking inside together on the night of May 23, 2022.

Police said Block and Carlo-Martinez were seen going in and out of the house the following day “several times.” Two days after Schaeffer was last seen entering the house, Carlo-Martinez was allegedly seen “moving mops and buckets away from the sliding glass door” at the back of the house. She also allegedly pulled a power cord to deactivate one of the cameras, which came back on about 45 minutes later.

On the morning of May 26, 2022, Block and Carlo-Martinez were allegedly seen loading a “large black box-like object” into a U-Haul truck parked by the home.

Cameras never captured Schaeffer leaving the residence.

Detectives wrote that a search of Facebook accounts associated with Block and Carlo-Martinez indicated that the two allegedly gave Schaeffer fentanyl and she “suffered an overdose” the night she went missing.

A box that resembled the same one Block and Carlo-Martinez were allegedly seen moving out of their home was found in a ditch on the side of a road on April 1, 2023. Inside were skeletal remains that were positively identified as Schaeffer on April 4, 2023. Brain matter recovered from the remains tested positive for fentanyl, THC, and benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, but due to the state of Schaeffer’s remains, “other manners of death could not be excluded, and normal toxicology could not be ascertained.”

Block and Carlo-Martinez were both charged with accessory to abandonment of a corpse and accessory to tampering with physical evidence.

Block pleaded guilty to both charges against him and was sentenced on Friday to six years in prison. In January 2025, he was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and distributing fentanyl.

Carlo-Martinez’s case is still open. Her next court date was not available.

Artemis Astronaut Captures Breathtaking iPhone Video of Earth and Moon, Wowing Space Enthusiasts Worldwide

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Artemis Astronaut Captures Breathtaking iPhone Video of Earth and Moon, Wowing Space Enthusiasts Worldwide

Audiences were captivated by a mesmerizing video that made waves online. The stunning footage, captured by Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman using nothing more than his iPhone, left viewers in awe.

The video, which has garnered over 12 million views on X, presents a breathtaking scene: Earth gracefully setting behind the rugged silhouette of its lunar companion. This extraordinary perspective underscores the rare and privileged position of the Artemis II mission.

In the video, Wiseman can be heard marveling at the sight, exclaiming, “Would you look at that, man?” His words capture the sense of wonder shared by many who have viewed the clip.

Accompanying the video, Wiseman’s caption poignantly notes the singular opportunity to capture such a moment, emphasizing the rarity of experiencing such a view in one’s lifetime.

In the caption, the spaceman wrote that he had “only one chance in this lifetime” to get a shot like that.

“I couldn’t resist a cell phone video of Earthset,” said Wiseman, who compared the moment to “watching sunset at the beach from the most foreign seat in the cosmos.”

Why shoot one of the most incredible spectacles on the humble iPhone?

“I could barely see the moon through the docking hatch window,” Wiseman explained, “but the iPhone was the perfect size to catch the view.”

In addition, the clip is “uncropped, uncut with 8x zoom,” making it on par with the “view of the human eye.”

X viewers were impressed with the shot, with retired astronaut Chris Hadfield dubbing it the “coolest video ever taken with an iPhone.”

“Seeing an iPhone recording of the moon really humanizes the whole experience,” said another fan, with one observer noting that it was the “farthest a consumer smartphone has ever been from Earth.”

“Roughly 250,000 miles away, handheld through a docking hatch window, at 8x zoom with no modifications,” they wrote.

The mission, which ended with splashdown on April 10, marked the first time humans had seen the moon up close since Apollo 17 left it in 1972.

During the historic jaunt, the spacecraft ferried Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch ⁠and Jeremy Hansen 252,756 miles from Earth on Monday, shattering the 248,655-mile record set by Apollo 13 nearly 56 years ago to the date in 1970.

NASA will now focus on reviewing data from the Artemis II mission before creating plans for Artemis III, which, much like the recent endeavor, will comprise a pass of the moon without a landing.

A potential lunar touchdown will occur in 2028 with Artemis IV, during which astronauts are projected to lay the foundation for a permanent moon base.

NASA predicts it will act as a launchpad for future space missions, including one to Mars.

Matheus Cunha Proves Man United’s Decision to Sell Alejandro Garnacho Was Spot On: Michael Carrick’s Leadership Shines Through

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Matheus Cunha Proves Man United’s Decision to Sell Alejandro Garnacho Was Spot On: Michael Carrick’s Leadership Shines Through

Last summer marked a significant transition for Manchester United as Alejandro Garnacho departed Old Trafford under contentious circumstances. In his place, the club had already secured a new talent for the left wing, Matheus Cunha.

United invested £62.5 million in Cunha, a sum that slightly exceeded the £40 million they received from Chelsea for Garnacho. However, the decision seemed wise given Cunha’s established Premier League credentials and his readiness to enter the prime years of his career. In contrast, Garnacho still had much to prove despite his self-regard.

During a recent match at Stamford Bridge, the disparity between the two players’ fortunes was starkly apparent.

Cunha’s evening began with a misstep in the 24th minute when a heavy touch from a Bryan Mbeumo pass led to a squandered opportunity and a subsequent collision with Jorrel Hato, earning him a yellow card.

Yet, redemption came swiftly. Just before halftime, Bruno Fernandes broke free down the same side, delivering a precise pass to Cunha. This time, the Brazilian seized the opportunity, skillfully slotting the ball past Robert Sanchez with a first-time finish.

Matheus Cunha scored the winner for Man United on a night Alejandro Garnacho struggled

Matheus Cunha scored the winner for Man United on a night Alejandro Garnacho struggled

It is easy to see why there have already been doubts over Garnacho's future at Stamford Bridge

It is easy to see why there have already been doubts over Garnacho’s future at Stamford Bridge

‘It’s the position we want him to be in,’ said United head coach Michael Carrick. ‘I think he gives us width at times on one side, but he needs to be in the middle of goal and scoring goals.

‘He’s had some really big moments for us, Matheus. It’s just finding those spaces and that composure as well. As you say, the one earlier where he’s probably a little bit frustrated with himself.

‘It was a good opportunity and a similar one. So to be there again and put it away shows what he’s all about.’

Fernandes got away from Garnacho before passing, and United fans would have been familiar with the winger’s inability to track back effectively.

It was one of his more infuriating traits, as well as a tendency to shoot when passing was the better option. It cost him his place at United under Ruben Amorim, and by the time he was benched for the Europa League final against Tottenham last May – with Garnacho’s brother publicly accusing Amorim of ‘throwing him under the bus’ – there was only going to be one outcome.

After less than a season in west London, there are already doubts over Garnacho’s future at Chelsea, and it is clear to see why.

By the end of a thoroughly miserable evening for the Argentine, the abuse was still raining down from the away end at Stamford Bridge and even the Chelsea supporters couldn’t hide their frustration.

‘Who’s that t*** from Argentina,’ is the first line of the song United fans use to taunt Garnacho, and you imagine the rest of it isn’t very complimentary either. They abused him from the moment he climbed off the bench to warm up before replacing Estevao Willian in the 16th minute, and at every opportunity after that. They delighted in every mistake, every misstep – and there were quite a few.

Having struggled against his old teammate Diogo Dalot, Garnacho became increasingly desperate as he chased an equaliser for Chelsea, but that only seemed to make it worse.

When he broke from inside his own half in the 68th minute, he stumbled over his own feet and ran straight into Casemiro. When he took on Noussair Mazraoui, the stand-in United centre-back not only tackled him but won a goal-kick as well. When he tried a backheel to Cole Palmer in the United penalty box late on and it didn’t come off, the Chelsea fans groaned – just as they did on the very next attack when Garnacho passed straight to Fernandes. It was like he was still playing for United.

Coming 24 hours after United’s Under-18s reached the FA Youth Cup final, stirring memories of the Garnacho-inspired team that won the trophy in 2022, it was actually sad to see. Jim Thwaites was on the bench for United here having played two hours of the semi-final against Crystal Palace the previous night, with Carrick revealing that the youngster was only told that he would be in the first-team squad for the first time at Chelsea after the game.

Garnacho had the world at his feet four years ago. He hasn’t done too badly since, but there is more to come from him if he can apply himself the right way.

In the meantime, United have every reason to be satisfied with the trade they made.

Kobbie comes of age 

As Garnacho was going through the mill on Saturday night, it was notable to see the other United academy star who could easily have ended up moving to Stamford Bridge shining in a red shirt.

It’s 15 months since Daily Mail Sport revealed that Kobbie Mainoo and Garnacho could be sold to meet financial fair rules, and Chelsea were at the front of the queue for Mainoo. More recently, Napoli emerged as a serious option after the England international, like Garnacho, fell out of favour with Amorim.

Kobbie Mainoo could have been a Chelsea player but has excelled since Michael Carrick's arrival

Kobbie Mainoo could have been a Chelsea player but has excelled since Michael Carrick’s arrival

But Mainoo – who turned 21 on Sunday – has been excellent since he came in from the cold under Michael Carrick, and this was arguably his best game yet despite having hardly trained since missing the defeat to Leeds on Monday. That game in itself showed just how much United miss him.

‘That was the best Kobbie has played since I’ve been back here,’ said Carrick. ‘To step up and show those sides to his game, he looked so composed and so calm. It was a good battle between him and Cole Palmer, and he showed good composure.’

Carrick clears Chelsea challenge 

Keep calm and carry on has been Michael Carrick’s mantra during a flying start as United’s head coach, and it’s fair to say he wasn’t getting carried away by Monday’s first home defeat to Leeds either.

But there was no mistaking the change in mood outside the club around United and Carrick in the days since their old rivals won at Old Trafford in the league for the first time in more than 45 years.

Questions were being asked of the 44-year-old’s credentials for the job compared to many of his rivals, some of whom hadn’t been mentioned for a while.

Michael Carrick answered questions over his credentials for the permanent Man United job

Michael Carrick answered questions over his credentials for the permanent Man United job

It was even said that the trip to Chelsea was Carrick’s biggest challenge, which is some statement given that his first two games were against Manchester City and Arsenal.

But in terms of bouncing back from the Leeds defeat, and coping with a defensive crisis, it was certainly a challenge – and one that Carrick overcame.

Centre-backs relish battle 

The build-up to this game was overshadowed by the suspensions that ruled out Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez, and the late injury to Leny Yoro as he joined Matthijs De Ligt on the sidelines.

It meant United went into a difficult match with an unfamiliar centre-back partnership of Noussair Mazraoui and Ayden Heaven. With Joao Pedro ruled out for Chelsea due to a thigh injury, Liam Rosenior gave Liam Delap only his second start in 11 games, no doubt hoping his physicality would unsettle the pair.

In fact, it played right into their hands with Mazraoui and Heaven relishing the battle. Both produced some hefty challenges on the Chelsea striker, and weren’t averse to wrestling Delap to the ground either.

Yes, United rode their luck at times as Chelsea hit the woodwork on several occasions, but the performance of Heaven and Mazraoui in the heart of defence typified their team’s spirit on a night when the result was what mattered most.

$5,000 Reward Announced: Authorities Seek Leads in Disturbing Discovery of Six Deceased Dogs in Crete Township

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$5,000 Reward Announced: Authorities Seek Leads in Disturbing Discovery of Six Deceased Dogs in Crete Township

In a distressing incident last month, six dogs were found discarded in a ditch in Crete Township, Illinois. The Will County Sheriff’s Office is now offering a reward for information leading to an arrest in this case.

The dogs were discovered inside trash bags, abandoned in a wooded area of a residential neighborhood. Upon examination, officials noted the animals bore bite marks, fueling suspicions that they were victims of dog fighting.

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It was on March 3 that highway maintenance workers made the grim discovery. Initially unaware of the contents, they transported the bags to their headquarters, only to find the remains of six dogs inside.

All the dogs appeared to be pit bulls or pit bull mixes, raising further concerns about their possible use in illegal fighting rings. The authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as they seek justice for these animals.

But it wasn’t until they returned to their headquarters that the bags were opened and they realized what was inside them: six dogs in all, all of them apparently pit bulls or pit bull mixes.

There are several homes in the vicinity, but investigators believe the dogs were just ditched there and that the residents are not involved.

“They were younger dogs, should have been healthy and in the prime of life,” Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow said. “They showed signs of what could be dog fighting and apparently, they had outlived their usefulness.”

The state’s attorney would not say how the dogs were killed.

Officials are asking for the public’s help to identify the guilty parties. A $5,000 reward is being offered to anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest.

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Disney Magic Comes at a Price: One-Day Park Tickets Now a Record $219!

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Disney Magic Comes at a Price: One-Day Park Tickets Now a Record $219!

Disney enthusiasts are preparing for an anticipated surge in ticket prices.

Walt Disney World in Orlando has discreetly unveiled its ticket pricing up to October 2027, with the cost of a single-day admission now reaching up to $219 per person.

This new maximum price will apply to the Magic Kingdom during the President’s Day weekend next year, marking an increase from the previous peak price of $209 for the same period this year, thus setting a new record for Disney World ticket costs.

And the prices might not stop there. Disney has yet to announce the ticket prices for November and December 2027, which are typically the priciest months due to the influx of visitors during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

For those visiting during less busy times, the most affordable tickets remain unchanged, starting at $119.

Ticket costs vary depending on the date and park, with Animal Kingdom the most budget-friendly option followed by Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Magic Kingdom, home to the iconic Cinderella Castle, typically has the most expensive admission fees. 

Prices do not include discounts from multi‑day tickets, which are generally offered at a cheaper rate per day. 

Disneyland has not yet released its ticket prices for 2027, although the California theme park already has prices reaching $224 for a single day. 

Magic Kingdom, home of Cinderella's Castle, has the most expensive park tickets at Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom, home of Cinderella’s Castle, has the most expensive park tickets at Walt Disney World

Thomas Mazloum succeeded Josh D’Amaro as Chairman of Disney Experiences

Thomas Mazloum succeeded Josh D’Amaro as Chairman of Disney Experiences

Disney has been slowly but surely trying to get budget-conscious fans back to the parks.

This summer, Disney is offering 30 percent off its hotel rooms, a free dining plan for kids and steeply discounted 4-day park tickets in a last-ditch effort to get fans into the parks during its hottest months.

‘Cool Kids Summer’ returns for a second year, with added attractions available for a limited time – like character interactions at resort hotels. 

For some, though, 2026 feels like a placeholder year at Walt Disney World, with construction walls littering most of its iconic theme parks. 

It’s not until 2027 that Disney World will open Tropical Americas in Animal Kingdom, featuring an Encanto ride and new Indiana Jones attraction.

The Muppets Courtyard area remains under construction as Hollywood Studios prepares to open Monstropolis, inspired by Monsters Inc. However, it’s unclear if the themed land will debut in 2027 or later. 

At the same time, free perks for Disney-loyal hotel guests have been slowly stripped away. While a ‘Fastpass’ used to be included for hotel guests, the theme park ditched their old ‘skip the line’ system in favor of the add-on Lightning Lanes. 

The most flexible option of the skip-the-line options, the ‘Premier Pass,’ will set you back close to $500 per person just for the convenience of hopping on rides at will. 

Disney offers 'Lightning Lanes' for an additional cost, which allows guests to 'skip the line' of top attractions

Disney offers ‘Lightning Lanes’ for an additional cost, which allows guests to ‘skip the line’ of top attractions

For Disney fans looking to stay on property, some are turning to David’s Vacation Club Rentals for deeply discounted hotel rooms. 

‘David’s is a real option to save money if you are willing to be patient and jump through some extra hoops to save money,’ Gavin Doyle, founder of Mickey Visit, told the Daily Mail.

The company acts as a middle man between vacationers and Disney Vacation Club owners who have unused points, listing rooms up to 60 percent off regular Disney pricing. 

Without a discount, Disney ‘villas’ can reach well over $1,000 per night at coveted destinations like the Grand Floridian and the Polynesian Resort.

‘It’s true that a Disney World vacation can feel more expensive than ever, but it doesn’t have to be,’ CEO Melissa Mullett previously told the Daily Mail. 

Industry Insiders Reveal Top Celebrity Freeloaders in the Spotlight

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Industry Insiders Reveal Top Celebrity Freeloaders in the Spotlight

If the saying holds true that the best things in life are free, then these celebrities have definitely found the sweet spot.

While it’s easy to assume that the wealthy and famous can afford to indulge in extravagant vacations and purchase any product they desire, some prefer to seek out freebies rather than part with their money.

Fans, however, appear to be growing increasingly frustrated with affluent influencers who expect complimentary vacations, beauty products, and meals.

These stars often face online backlash for flaunting their presence at gifting suites, pursuing costly giveaways, or lamenting financial hardships.

The Daily Mail has recently pulled back the curtain on some of the most notorious freeloaders in the entertainment world, from audacious celebrities promoting sponsored content to high-earning influencers asking for free Coachella tickets.

Teresa Giudice

Giudice, pictured at the gifting lounge at iHeartRadio's Z100 Jingle Ball 2019, is said to be 'thirsty for whatever money she can get,' according to our industry snitch

Giudice, pictured at the gifting lounge at iHeartRadio’s Z100 Jingle Ball 2019, is said to be ‘thirsty for whatever money she can get,’ according to our industry snitch

Real Housewives of New Jersey star Teresa Giudice will seemingly do almost anything for fame – and that includes flipping a table on national television.

In fact, an insider told the Daily Mail that the 53-year-old is ‘thirsty for whatever money she can get.’ 

She has worked with numerous brands, including the popular Bloom Nutrition as well as beauty subscription service Ipsy in recent months because she is ‘all about good skin and great glam,’ according to the sponsored post. 

‘She’s doing appearances and events because it has been reported that she and her husband have financial problems,’ the insider claimed. The reality star and her husband were reportedly hit with millions in tax liens in March 2025. According to documents, they had more than $3 million in New Jersey state tax liens placed on them. 

A separate source agreed, adding: ‘She’s desperate for money for sure… desperate because she wants the attention to stay relevant.’

‘Whatever money opportunity she’s going to get, she’s going to take it,’ the source continued. ‘Even when an offer is made, she always wants more.’

Vanessa Hudgens

Vanessa Hudgens famously loves a sponsored post, promoting everything from a curler to Alltroo

Vanessa Hudgens famously loves a sponsored post, promoting everything from a curler to Alltroo

Vanessa Hudgens, 37, is all about the sponsored content, promoting everything online from a curler to Alltroo, a celebrity-backed digital fundraising platform. (She also founded Caliwater, so of course, countless posts showcase her sipping the stuff.)

In the past, Hudgens has worked with Fabletics, American Express and BetMGM Casino – to her fans’ dismay. They were not happy about her advertising gambling, with one person writing on Reddit: ‘There’s something so sinister about rich people selling pipe dreams of wealth to normal people, most of whom are really struggling these days.’

Brandon Edelman

Influencer Bran Flakezz caused quite a stir when he implied he could not attend Coachella without help from a brand despite making a six-figure salary

Influencer Bran Flakezz caused quite a stir when he implied he could not attend Coachella without help from a brand despite making a six-figure salary

Despite claiming to have earned well over $700,000, popular influencer Brandon Edelman – better known online as Bran Flakezz – was seen on TikTok lamenting his lack of free Coachella tickets.

In a video shared with his 1.4 million TikTok followers, the 29-year-old said he ‘did not know’ if he would make it to Indio, California, this month because he ‘had heard nothing from brands.’ He faced swift backlash for his comments, with one person writing: ‘You. Can. Afford. Coachella.’

Thankfully for Edelman, he nabbed a last-minute invite from Starbucks – though fans were quick to also criticize him for working with the brand despite their calls to boycott it.

In his TikTok response, he said that ‘this brand has never been boycotted by me.’ 

The Philadelphia-based influencer did, however, apologize for his comments about needing a ticket and said he was ‘tone deaf as s***’ and that there is ‘no defense for that.’

Priyanka Chopra

The stunning former Miss World can't turn down a sponsorship opportunity. Above she attends attends a Bvlgari event

The stunning former Miss World can’t turn down a sponsorship opportunity. Above she attends attends a Bvlgari event

The Bollywood star, 43, is famous for her three-day extravaganza wedding to Nick Jonas in December 2018, where she embraced her celebrity status by having partnerships with Ralph Lauren and Tiffany & Co. 

Now, Chopra is all about #sponcon, sharing posts sponsored by Bentley Motors, Max Factor and Bvlgari with her 94.5 million followers. 

But the list does not end there. She has previously partnered with Bumble and Victoria’s Secret. 

It is unlikely that Chopra needs the free Bentleys and baubles, as she has a reported net worth of $80 million. 

Tana Mongeau

Tana Mongeau shared her love of freebies when she charged her fans to watch her wedding, which was not legally binding

Tana Mongeau shared her love of freebies when she charged her fans to watch her wedding, which was not legally binding 

Tana Mongeau, 27, been a controversial YouTube star ever since she went viral for her elaborate story time videos. 

But it was her quest for her fans hard-earned dollars that truly drew attention. 

In June 2018, she hosted TanaCon, which was later compared to Fyre Fest due to poor logistical planning. While she eventually dished out refunds, attendees had to submit claims within a specific timeframe and they were not able to get compensated for their travel. 

Like many influencers in search of a check, Mongeau has partnered with Bloom Nutrition as well as Tarte Cosmetics, Fashion Nova and DraftKings.

Mongeau went as far as to get engaged to fellow YouTube star Jake Paul in 2019 and livestreamed their wedding in Las Vegas. While they swore it was not a publicity stunt, the ceremony (which was not legally binding) was available on pay-per-view for $50.

Eva Longoria

The Desperate Housewives alum promotes everything from vacuums to makeup on Instagram

The Desperate Housewives alum promotes everything from vacuums to makeup on Instagram

Between snaps of her personal life behind the scenes or her red carpet photo ops, the Desperate Housewives star’s posts feature company tags or some sort of partnership.

While some are not exactly glam, like working with Bissell Clean or Lenovo, others are far more highbrow, including acting as a global brand ambassador for L’Oréal, a role she has held since 2005. 

The 51-year-old even appeared on Celebrity IOU in January, renovating her best friend’s house with the help of HGTV. Though, with a rumored net worth of $80 million, she almost certainly could have taken care of those renovations on her own. 

Her husband José Bastón is a Mexican businessman who is said to be worth around $25 million thanks to his career as the president of Televisa, the largest Spanish-speaking media company in the world, only adding to her enviable wealth. 

Despite her love of #ads, her life is full of luxury. She hosts her star-studded Global Gift Gala at the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris, which she frequently tags in Instagram posts, where rooms start at $2,000 a night. 

Kim Zolciak

RHOA alum Kim Zolciak was slammed for doing casino promotion after gambling away her $1.5 million fortune

RHOA alum Kim Zolciak was slammed for doing casino promotion after gambling away her $1.5 million fortune 

Real Housewives of Atlanta alum Kim Zolciak has been accused of being equally cavalier in her apparent quest for cash.

‘Her divorce proceedings screamed “thirsty,”‘ one insider told us. 

Zolciak, 47, has 3.2 million Instagram followers, but her page is littered with sponsored posts. The reality star has partnered with everyone from FabFitFun to 310 Nutrition weight loss shakes. One of her more controversial sponsored posts was Sparkling Protein seltzer, which is said to curb cravings by naturally boosting GLP-1. 

She was, however, slammed for doing casino promotion after reportedly gambling away her $1.5 million fortune. Her former NFL linebacker husband Kroy Biermann told police in 2023 that Kim was a ‘compulsive behavior addict’ who had blown a staggering $1.5 million on gambling.

Mikayla Nogueira

Beauty guru Mikayla Nogueira shot to fame and gained 17.4 million TikTok followers when she was an Ulta employee and has been raking in free beauty products ever since

Beauty guru Mikayla Nogueira shot to fame and gained 17.4 million TikTok followers when she was an Ulta employee and has been raking in free beauty products ever since 

The 27-year-old beauty guru shot to fame when she was an Ulta employee in Massachusetts and has since become known in the beauty world for her get ready with me videos. 

But in January 2023, she was at the center of internet drama known as Mascara-gate after she was said to have worn false lashes while promoting L’Oréal Telescopic Lift Mascara in a video. She quickly denied the allegations in her comments section, writing, ‘Nooo omg L’Oreal would never allow that in a partnered post!!!’ 

Nogueira, who boasts 17.4 million TikTok followers, has since been labeled the ‘most dishonest beauty influencer.’ 

Her followers were especially displeased after Elf sponsored her wedding as they asked why she would not just pay for the star-studded bash. She has since divorced her ex.

The Boston-based creator has been given so many free beauty products she has a ‘dream beauty room’ stocked with goodies from the brands she has collaborated with, like Rare Beauty, Benefit Cosmetics and Kosas. 

Dixie D’Amelio 

Dixie D'Amelio has endorsed Puma, APM Monaco jewelry, CeraVe and Hollister on Instagram, where she boasts 19.2 million followers

Dixie D’Amelio has endorsed Puma, APM Monaco jewelry, CeraVe and Hollister on Instagram, where she boasts 19.2 million followers 

The Connecticut native, 24, rose to fame on TikTok for being influencer Charli D’Amelio’s sister, but never quite developed a niche of her own. 

While she tried her hand at singing with the single Be Happy, nothing really stuck, and these days, she shares a nearly constant stream of sponsored posts. 

Most recently, she hit Coachella by partnering with Crocs (and yes, that did mean she had to wear a bedazzled pair). Almost every single post is tagged ‘#ad,’ as she promotes everything from Revolve to Coffeemate. 

Kim and Kourtney Kardashian 

Kim Kardashian is famous for her love of swag, going so far as to declare at the 2018 Create & Cultivate conference that the best thing about being Kim Kardashian is 'the free s***'

Kim Kardashian is famous for her love of swag, going so far as to declare at the 2018 Create & Cultivate conference that the best thing about being Kim Kardashian is ‘the free s***’

Even the biggest A-listers can be guilty of overdoing it.

Kim, 45, is famous for her love of swag, going so far as to declare at the 2018 Create & Cultivate conference that the best thing about being Kim Kardashian is ‘the free s***.’ The Skims founder – who once promoted Sugarbear hair gummies and Sketchers – said it was specifically the ‘free trips, free planes, free everything.’ 

The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star clarified: ‘I do love to share, when I get free stuff, I literally give it to all my friends and family.’ 

With Kim and her sisters have been spotted in gifting suites and hawking products over the years, Kourtney, 47, faced particularly brutal backlash when her wedding to Travis Barker was sponsored by the controversial fashion brand Dolce & Gabbana.

Louisiana Shooting Tragedy: Family Reveals Suspect’s Struggle Before Killing Eight Children

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Louisiana Shooting Tragedy: Family Reveals Suspect’s Struggle Before Killing Eight Children

In a tragic incident that has left a community in shock, a Louisiana man allegedly killed seven of his children and their cousin, while grappling with “dark thoughts,” according to family members.

The Shreveport Police Department confirmed in a statement released on April 19 via Facebook that the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Shamar Elkins, carried out a “violent domestic incident” that resulted in the shooting of two adult women and the death of eight children, aged between one and 14 years. The horrific act unfolded across three different locations on the morning in question.

Following the shootings, police reported that Elkins carjacked a man at gunpoint and fled in the stolen vehicle, leading to a high-speed chase with law enforcement.

“The chase extended into Bossier Parish, where officers were compelled to engage the suspect,” police detailed. “In the ensuing confrontation, officers discharged their weapons, resulting in the suspect’s death at the scene.”

During a press conference, Corporal Chris Bordelon explained that the tragic series of events began around 5 a.m. on April 19. Elkins allegedly first shot one woman, who is currently hospitalized, before moving to another location where the children were killed. According to Bordelon, seven of the children were found inside the home, while one was discovered deceased on the roof, seemingly in a desperate attempt to escape, as reported by The Associated Press.

Another child jumped off the roof and is expected to survive, while a second adult female was also shot and being treated for what police described as “serious injuries.”

“I just don’t know what to say, my heart is just taken aback,” Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said at the press conference. “I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur.”

Family Says Shamar Elkins Had Been Going Through a Separation Before the Violence

Following the tragedy, family members began speaking out about Shamar and his relationship to the victims,

Crystal Brown identified one of the injured females, according to the AP, as Shamar’s wife and said the pair had been in the midst of a separation at the time of the violence.

“He murdered his children,” Crystal, who is the woman’s cousin, told the outlet. “He shot his wife.”

She described his children as “happy kids” who had been “very friendly” and “very sweet.” 

Shamar’s mother Mahelia Elkins and stepfather Marcus Jackson also told The New York Times that their son had been going through a difficult time and sounded despondent when they talked to him on Easter Sunday.

During the conversation, Shamar told Marcus that his wife wanted a divorce and he was struggling with “dark thoughts.” 

“I told him, ‘You can beat stuff, man. I don’t care what you’re going through, you can beat it,’” Marcus recalled to the news outlet. “Then I remember him telling me: ‘Some people don’t come back from their demons.’”

Mahelia did not know what problems the couple had, admitting that she was not very close with her son. She told The New York Times that she had him as a teenager and, in the midst of a crack, cocaine addiction, gave him to family friend Betty Walker to raise. 

Betty told the news outlet she’d just seen the family last weekend when they came over for dinner and saw no sign of the violence to come. 

“I was getting up this morning to make myself some coffee, and I got the call,” she said of learning of the deaths. “My babies — my babies are gone.”

According to Mahelia, Shamar worked at UPS and had also served in the Army before his death. The Army confirmed to The New York Times that he served in the Louisiana Army National guard as a signal support system specialist and fire support specialist from August 2013 to August 2020.

Investigation into Shamar Elkins’ Mass Shooting Remains Ongoing

In the aftermath of the shootings, officials said they were still struggling to make sense of the multiple crime scenes.

“This is a tragic situation — maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had in Shreveport—and so right now we’re going to process the information,” Shreveport City Mayor Tom Arceneaux said at the press conference. “It is in very good hands, but it’s a terrible morning.”

As the Shreveport Police continue to investigate the killings, the Louisiana State Police will conduct an investigation into the officer-involved shooting that killed Shamar. Shreveport police said although “no wrongdoing is suspected” in that shooting the evaluation is a standard part of department policy. 

Shamar is believed to be the only suspect involved in the shootings that claimed the lives of his family members.

“This is an unimaginable tragedy that has deeply impacted our entire community,” police said. “The loss of these young lives is devastating, and our hearts are with the families affected.”

Revitalize Arm Strength After 55: 5 Standing Exercises That Outperform Gym Machines

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Revitalize Arm Strength After 55: 5 Standing Exercises That Outperform Gym Machines

A noticeable drop in arm strength might just be the catalyst you need to shake up your fitness routine.

Consider activities like pickleball, tennis, vacuuming, rock climbing, and even getting dressed—what ties them together? They all demand robust arm strength. While it’s easy to overlook the role of arm strength in daily life, it becomes increasingly critical as we grow older. Once you hit your 30s, a combination of hormonal shifts and a tendency towards a more inactive lifestyle can lead to a gradual loss of lean muscle mass. To combat this, it’s vital to incorporate regular movement into your daily schedule, which can help slow this decline.

For expert guidance, we consulted Terry Tateossian, Founder and Certified Lifestyle Medicine Coach at THOR – The House of Rose. With her extensive background in women’s health and weight loss for those over 40, she shared five effective standing exercises to boost arm strength more efficiently than traditional gym machines for those over 55.

To help you out, we spoke with Terry Tateossian, Founder, Certified Lifestyle Medicine Coach, Trainer, and Nutritionist for Women 40+ at THOR – The House of Rose, who has completed a variety of advanced training to support her work in women’s health and middle-aged weight loss. We’re here with five standing exercises you can add to your routine to restore arm strength faster than gym machines after 55.

“If independence is a priority, like carrying groceries, luggage, lifting, reaching, opening jars or supporting your own body weight, then loss of arm strength can give you the confidence to be active, strong and vibrant for many decades ahead,” Tateossian says. “The key with any strength training is progressive overload and mechanical tension. To build muscle and strength, we need to challenge the muscles over time by increasing reps or sets, or the amount of weight or time under tension and complexity of the exercises. You can MOST definitely achieve this with standing exercise done at home.”

Below, Tateossian breaks down five standing moves that can help restore arm strength quicker than gym machines after 55. This simple upper-body routine only requires dumbbells and resistance bands.

Standing Band Lat Pulldown

  1. Anchor a resistance band to a high point.
  2. Stand facing the anchor point with your feet hip-width apart.
  3. Grab the band with straight arms, hands shoulder-width apart.
  4. Activate your core and slightly bend your knees.
  5. Use control to pull the band down until it reaches your thighs.
  6. Gradually return the band to the start position.
  7. Perform 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps with 60 seconds of rest between sets.

Standing Band Row

  1. Start by anchoring a resistance band to a sturdy pole at chest level.
  2. Stand tall, facing the anchor point.
  3. Hold the handles with both hands.
  4. Bend your elbows and pull the band toward your chest.
  5. Squeeze your shoulder blades and the backs of your arms.
  6. Extend your arms back to the start position.
  7. Perform 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps with 60 seconds of rest between sets.

​​

Standing Dumbbell Shoulder Press

  1. Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart.
  2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder level, palms facing forward.
  3. Press the weights overhead, extending your arms.
  4. Use control as you lower the weights back to shoulder height.
  5. Perform 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps with 60 seconds of rest between sets.

​​

Standing Isometric Bicep Hammer Curls

  1. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with a neutral grip.
  2. Keep your arms completely extended at your sides and relax your shoulders.
  3. With your palms facing inward, curl the weights up toward your shoulders.
  4. Use control to lower.
  5. Perform 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps with 60 seconds of rest between sets.

Standing Overhead Dumbbell Tricep Extension

  1. Stand tall, feet hip-width apart, holding a dumbbell with both hands.
  2. Lift the weight overhead.
  3. Keep your elbows close to your ears as you slowly lower the dumbbell toward the back of your head, feeling the stretch in your triceps.
  4. Use control to press the weight back overhead.
  5. Perform 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps with 60 seconds of rest between sets.

Quinton Aaron Breaks Silence: The Blind Side Star’s Journey to Recovery Three Months Post-Spinal Stroke

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Quinton Aaron Breaks Silence: The Blind Side Star’s Journey to Recovery Three Months Post-Spinal Stroke

In 2019, acclaimed actress Emilia Clarke took fans and readers behind the scenes of her life with a gripping personal essay in The New Yorker titled “A Battle for My Life.” Known for her role in the epic series Game of Thrones, Clarke detailed a real-life battle she faced, one that occurred not on set, but within her own body.

The ordeal began with what seemed to be a routine workout session at the gym. As Clarke recounted, a severe headache struck her suddenly. “I reached the toilet, sank to my knees, and proceeded to be violently, voluminously ill,” she wrote, describing the harrowing event. “Meanwhile, the pain—shooting, stabbing, constricting pain—was getting worse. At some level, I knew what was happening: my brain was damaged.”

Urgently rushed to the hospital, Clarke underwent a brain scan that confirmed her fears. The diagnosis was swift and grave: a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), a critical and potentially fatal type of stroke caused by bleeding in the space surrounding the brain. “I’d had an aneurysm, an arterial rupture,” the Emmy-nominated actress revealed, sharing the chilling reality of her medical emergency.

She was taken to the hospital for a brain scan.

“The diagnosis was quick and ominous: a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), a life-threatening type of stroke, caused by bleeding into the space surrounding the brain,” the Emmy nominee added. “I’d had an aneurysm, an arterial rupture.”

Emilia had immediate surgery to seal the aneurysm, calling the pain “unbearable.” While she was recovering, she continued, she experienced aphasia and was “muttering nonsense.”

A week later, “the aphasia passed,” Emilia added, and she left the hospital a month after being admitted.

At a 2013 brain scan, she learned a growth “doubled in size” and that she needed surgery again.

“When they woke me, I was screaming in pain,” she wrote. “The procedure had failed. I had a massive bleed and the doctors made it plain that my chances of surviving were precarious if they didn’t operate again. This time they needed to access my brain in the old-fashioned way—through my skull.”

Thankfully, Emilia shared, she’s now “at a hundred per cent.”
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