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Secretary of State Marco Rubio previewed a high-profile trip to Rome from the White House briefing room Tuesday, delivering sharp warnings to Iran and flashing easy command of the podium that drew praise from conservative allies online.

"The trip is really not tied to anything other than the fact that it would be normal for us to engage, and other secretaries of State have done that in the past," Rubio said at the White House press conference on Tuesday of his trip to Italy. 

The briefing came two days before Rubio is set to visit the Vatican and Italy for meetings amid heightened tensions between President Donald Trump, Pope Leo and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni over the U.S.-Iran conflict. Rubio used the briefing to defend the administration’s posture toward Tehran, downplay the timing of the Italy visit and signal that Washington is not backing off its pressure campaign.

RUBIO TO VISIT ITALY, VATICAN AMID TROOP DRAWDOWN CALL, TENSION WITH TRUMP, POPE LEO: REPORTS

"The message to Iran ... these guys are facing real catastrophic destruction to their economy, generational destruction to their economy, generational destruction to the wealth of their country imposed on themselves by the actions that they're taking," said Rubio of Iran on Tuesday. 

"They should check themselves before they wreck themselves in the direction that they're going," Rubio quipped, referencing Ice Cube's rap song, "Check Yo Self." 

Rubio, a Catholic, is expected to meet with Pope Leo on Thursday morning, at a time when the pontiff has criticized the Trump administration’s Middle East peacemaking efforts.

RUBIO OVERHAULING 'BLOATED' STATE DEPARTMENT IN SWEEPING REFORM

"There has also been this threat against the entire people of Iran, and this is truly unacceptable," the pope said in April. "There are certainly issues of international law here, but even more so a moral issue for the good of the whole entire population."

RUBIO’S TRUMP ADMIN JUGGLING ACT GROWS AS MEME-WORTHY ROLE LIST BECOMES REALITY

The comments were seemingly in reference to one of Trump's Truth Social posts, where he wrote, "A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will... God Bless the Great People of Iran!"

Trump told reporters on Wednesday in the Oval Office he only has one message for the Pope.

"I can tell you this, that as far as the Pope is concerned, and it's very simple. Whether I make him happy or I don't make him happy, Iran can not have a nuclear weapon. And he seemed to be saying that they can. And I say they cannot, because if that happened, the entire world would be hostage. And we're not going to let that happen," he said.

TRUMP MEETS WITH ITALIAN PM GIORGIA MELONI AT HIS MAR-A-LAGO RESORT

Rubio will also meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has been distancing herself from the U.S. amid mounting domestic and political pressure over the widening Middle East conflict.

The meeting comes as President Donald Trump intensifies pressure on NATO allies to align with the U.S. against Iran, including ordering the withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany — a drawdown expected to unfold over the next six to 12 months.

Meloni said Tuesday she would not support any effort to reduce the U.S. military presence in Italy, drawing a contrast with Trump’s broader push to reposition American forces in Europe.

Italy remains a key U.S. security hub in Europe, hosting nearly 13,000 active-duty American troops across six bases as of the end of 2025.

Rubio heads to his high-profile meetings fresh off of social media commenters and conservative leaders applauding how well he stepped in for Karoline Leavitt behind the podium after she took maternity leave late last month. The secretary joked with reporters, fielded questions in multiple languages and delivered pointed warnings to Iran, giving supporters a glimpse of the presence he will likely carry into the Rome trip.

"Marco Rubio is showing the nation & the world what we’ve known about him for decades," said Republican Florida Rep. Carlos Gimenez on X. "Rubio is one of the most eloquent, articulate, & incredibly capable statesmen of our times." 

"President Trump made an EXCELLENT choice in him. He proves it every single day," he added.

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The media are part of the problem.

What problem? Well, there’s a long list. Take your pick.

In the pre-digital era, I used to say that cable news encouraged inflammatory rhetoric by lawmakers because so many of them wanted to break through the static and get their sound bite on the air.

Things are a thousand times more complicated now with the rise of podcasts, group chats, Snapchat, TikTok, X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, YouTube and Substack. But the principle remains the same. How, amid this deafening noise, do you get heard?

TUNING OUT: WHY MANY AMERICANS ARE SICK OF THE NEWS – ESPECIALLY TRUMP NEWS

It’s a much angrier atmosphere now, and some attribute that to President Donald Trump. But he didn’t create this environment, he just exploited it, with constant attacks on journalists, political opponents and a retribution campaign against his enemies. He is also on the receiving end of a decade of denunciations depicting him as a Nazi, fascist, dictator, danger to democracy and not a very nice person.

Another major shift is that there are so many more journalistic stars now, from legacy media to online influencers, to the point that some lawmakers have quit (or been retired) to become network and cable contributors, even anchors.

That’s why this essay in the Atlantic, by Michael Scherer, is so revealing.

WHY META AND GOOGLE ARE LOSING COURT BATTLES FOR DAMAGING KIDS BY TRYING TO GET THEM ADDICTED

Scherer, who previously reported for Time and the Washington Post, says he feels "complicit" in the new world of endless attacks. He wrote this after attending the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner that erupted in gunfire in the third assassination attempt against President Trump – and unleashed a torrent of comments from idiots who claimed the assault was somehow "staged," though we watched it unfold on live television. 

He listed a spate of political murders, from Charlie Kirk to the CEO of United Healthcare, and sees the cycle of political violence getting worse.

Scherer once co-authored an article about Trump comparing himself to Napoleon, Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar, with no hint of political violence, that triggered a wave of obscenity-filled attacks against the president. 

Here’s the formula: "The more a story taps an emotional vein—usually outrage or grievance—the more traffic it will tend to attract from social media. I am in the business of writing long and complicated stories full of nuance. Yet I am at the mercy of platforms that want to turn my words into cortisol and endorphins, often for people who will never click the link to read what I wrote. Regardless of my intentions, my work can fuel the false division I despise."

And aren’t most journalists guilty of this to some degree, whether it’s squeezing a short line onto the platform previously known as Twitter, or slapping a tendentious headline on a podcast? That’s part of the escalation. 

Meanwhile, Kash Patel’s lawsuit may be taking a troubling turn.

MS NOW reported yesterday that there is concern among FBI agents that the bureau has "launched a criminal leak investigation" aimed at the Atlantic journalist who wrote the offending piece, Sarah Fitzpatrick. 

That would be strange, because the story contained no classified information. It was a negative portrayal of his conduct in office and alleged drinking habits. This would, if accurate, mean that Patel was in charge of the alleged probe while pursuing a $250-million suit against the magazine.

A bureau spokesman denied the story, saying: "This is completely false. No such investigation like this exists and the reporter you mention is not being investigated at all." 

SUBSCRIBE TO HOWIE'S MEDIA BUZZMETER PODCAST, A RIFF ON THE DAY'S HOTTEST STORIES

"If confirmed to be true," said Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg, "this would represent an outrageous attack on the free press and the First Amendment itself. We will defend the Atlantic and its staff vigorously; we will not be intimidated by illegitimate investigations or other acts of politically motivated retaliation."

Take the denial for what it’s worth. But keep in mind that in January, the FBI, armed with a search warrant, entered the home of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson, seized her iPhone and other devices, as part of a leak investigation and still hasn’t returned them – though they include such personal information as her wedding plans. Natanson just won a Pulitzer. 

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Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is out of the ICU but will continue to spend time in the hospital before being discharged, according to a spokesperson for the former politician.

"The mayor and his family appreciate the outpouring of love and prayers sent his way," Ted Goodman, a political strategist who launched a livestream program with Giuliani, said in an update posted to social media on Wednesday.

"Mayor Giuliani—the man who took down the Mafia, saved New York City, and ran toward the towers on September 11th—is the same fighter he's always been, and he's winning this fight," he continued.

Goodman added that the "power of prayer is working" and the former mayor "feels it," encouraging people to keep them coming.

RUDY GIULIANI'S PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER GIVES UPDATE ON HIS CONDITION

Giuliani, 81, was hospitalized in critical but stable condition on Sunday because of severe breathing issues.

On Monday, Giuliani's doctor, Maria Ryan, told Fox News correspondent Danamarie McNicholl that he began feeling ill after returning from a trip to Paris, with his breathing deteriorating to the point that he required hospitalization and was placed on a ventilator.

Ryan said his condition turned critical, prompting a priest to be called to his bedside to perform last rites.

But by Tuesday, his condition had improved enough for doctors to remove him from the ventilator. He is now breathing independently and able to speak.

RUDY GIULIANI HOSPITALIZED IN CRITICAL BUT STABLE CONDITION: 'HE’S FIGHTING'

Ryan said she expects Giuliani to make a full recovery.

"He’s a fighter — the way he was yesterday in such a critical condition, he did have a priest come anoint him," Ryan said. "And all the prayers from around — it’s like a miracle. This guy’s got 9 lives, today he’s doing much better."

Giuliani has faced a number of health challenges in recent years but has remained active in public life.

Earlier this week, Goodman noted Giuliani's health history following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, when he was exposed to debris while responding at Ground Zero, later leading to a diagnosis of restrictive airway disease.

He had also been seriously injured in a car crash in New Hampshire in August of last year, leaving him with a fractured thoracic vertebra, multiple lacerations and other injuries.

President Donald Trump said after learning of Giuliani's hospitalization on Sunday that he was the "Best Mayor" in New York City’s history.

"Our fabulous Rudy Giuliani, a True Warrior, and the Best Mayor in the History of New York City, BY FAR, has been hospitalized, and is in critical condition," Trump said, in part.

Fox News' Greg Wehner contributed to this report.

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A new medical drone program being tested in Missouri could help speed up how critical supplies like blood and lab samples are delivered, especially in rural areas where access to care can take longer.

At a test site in Missouri, a drone company working with Missouri University of Science and Technology is trialing flights designed to move medical materials between smaller communities and larger hospital hubs.

The goal is to speed up the distribution of care — including blood for testing, lab samples needed for diagnoses, and tissue used to help match organ donors with recipients.

"It’s very essential. For instance, if you miss sample pickup at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, if you miss that time, it’s another week you can get it delivered on time," said a drone operator involved in the project. 

HOSPITAL USING DRONES TO FLY BLOOD SAMPLES BETWEEN BUILDINGS

The effort comes as rural healthcare access remains a challenge nationwide. More than 130 rural hospitals closed between 2010 and 2021, according to the Senate Joint Economic Committee, leaving some patients traveling about 20 extra miles for care, including time-sensitive testing and procedures.

"When you’re looking at things like transplant speed, it’s an issue," said David Borrok, vice provost and dean of the College of Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology.

The company says its drones can fly about 100 miles per hour and are being tested along a proposed Missouri route connecting Springfield, Rolla and the St. Louis region.

DRONE DELIVERY EXPANDS AS RETAILERS LIKE STARBUCKS TEST FASTER SERVICE FOR CUSTOMERS

"We’re partnering with American Transplant, and we’re running our test corridor from all the way from Springfield, pit stop in Rolla, all the way up to St. Louis," the operator said.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Flights are monitored in real time using live maps, weather tools and air traffic data.

"So right now, this is the station. So this is what the pilot sees whenever the aircraft is actually in flight," the operator added.

Programs like this are beginning to emerge across the country, and researchers say the technology could expand how medical supplies are delivered in the future.

PATIENTS REMAIN CANCER-FREE NEARLY 3 YEARS AFTER RECEIVING EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOTHERAPY

"It’s really unique. And I think it could work in a lot of different ways for a lot of different people," Borrok said.

The team hopes to begin official flights this summer, with the initial focus on transporting medical samples. Future versions of the drones are being developed to eventually carry transplant-related materials.

A planned landing site in St. Albans would serve as the easternmost drop point along the current route.

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Two planes had a close call while approaching John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City on Monday, with flight-tracking data reportedly showing they came within roughly 500 feet vertically of each other.

The incident came one day after a separate plane struck a light pole and damaged a bakery truck while landing in New Jersey, marking the latest in a string of aviation close calls.

Air traffic control audio shows a controller at JFK alerted the pilot of a Delta flight, operated by its subsidiary Endeavor Air, to a smaller aircraft flying less than 500 feet above them, according to ABC7.

Data from Flightradar24 cited by ABC7 shows the planes were separated by about 475 feet vertically as their paths crossed. The Endeavor aircraft was at about 2,100 feet, while the Cirrus plane was at roughly 2,575 feet.

WATCH: HARROWING FOOTAGE CAPTURES MOMENT UNITED FLIGHT'S LANDING GEAR STRIKES TRACTOR-TRAILER

The Federal Aviation Administration said Endeavor Air Flight 5289 was on final approach to Runway 22L around 5:15 p.m. Monday when a Cirrus SR22 crossed overhead while preparing to land on Runway 22R.

"Air traffic control provided traffic advisories to both pilots, and each reported the other in sight," the FAA said. "The required separation was maintained." 

The Endeavor pilot told controllers the flight crew received a traffic advisory, followed by a resolution advisory from the aircraft’s collision avoidance system, ABC7 reported.

DC PLANE CRASH AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL AUDIO REVEALS MOMENT CONTROLLERS SAW DISASTER: 'TOWER DID YOU SEE THAT?'

Audio captured the exchange between controllers and the flight crew.

"Endeavor 5289 yeah I'm not talking to him. He's 500 feet above you now left to right half a mile in front of you," a controller said, according to the report.

"And tower Endeavor 5289 he just flew about 500 feet right over so looks like he's taking a left turn now," the pilot responded.

INQUIRY BEGUN AFTER AMERICAN AIRLINES FLIGHT REPORTS MYSTERIOUS BLUE LIGHT WHILE TRYING TO LAND

Monday’s incident is the latest in a series of close calls that have drawn increased scrutiny from federal regulators and lawmakers.

On Sunday, a United Airlines flight traveling from Venice, Italy, to Newark Liberty International Airport struck a light pole and damaged a bakery truck during its descent around 2 p.m. The 221 passengers and 10 crew members aboard were not injured, and the plane landed safely.

JFK also experienced a close call last month when two passenger jets came too close on approach, triggering onboard collision warnings and a federal investigation.

In that incident, the FAA said Republic Airways Flight 4464 performed a go-around after missing its approach path and flying too close to Air Canada Express Flight 8554, which had been cleared to land on a parallel runway.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the FAA, Delta and Cirrus for comment.

Fox News Digital's Greg Wehner and Julia Bonavita contributed to this report.

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A Kentucky man is set to go to trial next year after he allegedly abducted and killed a woman, wrapped her body, stored it under his trailer and dumped it on the side of a road seven years ago, according to authorities.

Ryan "Todd" Crawley had his trial date set for May 17–28 of next year in connection with the 2019 death of April Arnett, the Scott County Circuit Court said, according to WKYT.

He was indicted earlier this year on charges of murder, kidnapping and evidence tampering. Crawley pleaded not guilty to the murder and kidnapping charges after he previously pleaded guilty to evidence tampering and abuse of a corpse.

TEEN SUSPECT IN MURDER OF TWO BANK EMPLOYEES IN KENTUCKY LEADS POLICE ON WILD 130 MPH CHASE

Crawley has pleaded not guilty to the murder and kidnapping charges, and those charges remain pending. His attorneys have argued that the timing of the new charges — nearly seven years after Arnett’s death — raises questions about the case. Court documents allege Crawley was involved in Arnett’s kidnapping and killing.

His lawyers, who have sought to maintain their client’s innocence on the more serious charges, have highlighted that the murder and kidnapping charges were filed nearly seven years after the 2019 incident.

On Aug. 17, 2019, at about 9 p.m., Kentucky State Police were notified about a body later identified as Arnett that was found off KY Highway 2328, also known as Old Lexington Road, in Madison County.

Police say the discovery was made four days after Arnett’s alleged death in Scott County.

Crawley allegedly wrapped up Arnett’s body before storing it under his trailer, court documents say, according to WLEX.

Four other people, including the defendant's cousin Ronald Crawley, were charged with helping kidnap Arnett.

Authorities said the two Crawleys drove into Madison County over the Old Clays Ferry Bridge with Arnett's body wrapped in a tarp with cinder blocks attached. The pair attempted to toss her body into the water, but it became stuck on a guy wire, at which point the men put Arnett’s body back into the vehicle and dumped it off the side of the road, where she was ultimately found.

HOUSTON RESTAURATEUR SUSPECTED OF KILLING PREGNANT WIFE AND TWO CHILDREN BEFORE TAKING HIS OWN LIFE

Ronald Crawley was arrested in Oregon in 2019 after allegedly fleeing to the state.

Arnett was a mother of three, according to her obituary, which said she "will forever be known for her big heart and infectious smile."

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The U.S. operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is unfolding under fire, with American forces intercepting Iranian missiles and drones and destroying attack boats targeting commercial shipping as they begin moving vessels through one of the world’s most critical waterways.

U.S. Central Command said two U.S.-flagged merchant vessels have successfully transited the strait under the effort, dubbed "Project Freedom," even as Iranian officials rejected the claim as "baseless" and warned that any foreign military presence would be attacked.

President Donald Trump warned that any Iranian strike on U.S. vessels would be met with overwhelming force, saying Iran would be "blown off the face of the earth," while a senior Iranian commander said American forces would be targeted if they "approach and enter" the strait.

The operation quickly has turned into a direct test of control over the strait, with U.S. forces moving ships under fire while Iran threatens to strike any foreign presence — a clash that could pull the two sides deeper into open conflict.

TRUMP’S APOCALYPTIC IRAN WARNING RAISES STAKES FOR SWEEPING US STRIKE THREAT

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Iran had taken "shots at unrelated Nations" during the operation, including a South Korean cargo ship, and suggested allies could join the effort. 

"Perhaps it’s time for South Korea to come and join the mission!" he wrote.

U.S. Central Command commander Adm. Brad Cooper told reporters that Iranian forces launched cruise missiles, drones and small boats at vessels under U.S. protection as the operation began, targeting primarily commercial shipping as well as some U.S. Navy ships.

U.S. forces responded by intercepting the attacks and destroying six Iranian small boats, Cooper said, adding that American forces "defeated each and every one of those threats."

He said the two U.S.-flagged ships transited the strait "uneventfully" and that additional vessels are expected to begin moving to take advantage of the passage.

The operation involves a large U.S. military presence, including guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 aircraft, unmanned systems and roughly 15,000 service members.

Cooper said the U.S. is not escorting ships individually but instead providing a layered "defensive umbrella" across the strait, combining naval, air and electronic warfare capabilities.

U.S. forces also spent weeks using advanced technology to clear and validate a transit pathway, which was tested by sending U.S.-flagged ships through first, he said.

The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly a quarter of the world’s seaborne oil trade, making any disruption a major concern for global markets.

Iran has sharply rejected the U.S. operation, with Ali Abdollahi, head of the Iranian military’s unified command, warning that any foreign forces entering the strait "will be attacked."

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps also has denied that any commercial ships successfully transited the waterway, calling U.S. claims "baseless."

The developments leave the strait effectively contested, with the U.S. asserting it has opened a secure transit route while Iran denies that ships are moving and threatens further attacks.

Trump has framed "Project Freedom" as a humanitarian effort to help "neutral and innocent bystanders," saying many ships are running low on supplies and need assistance to resume normal operations.

But he has also warned that any interference would be met with overwhelming force.

The operation is unfolding as the fragile ceasefire shows signs of fraying, with the United Arab Emirates saying its air defenses engaged ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones launched from Iran.

While the U.S. has demonstrated it can move ships through the strait under heavy military protection, it remains unclear whether the effort can scale to normal commercial traffic levels or sustain safe passage if Iranian attacks intensify.

Retired Marine Corps Col. Ray Gerber said there is limited independent evidence so far that commercial shipping has resumed at scale, noting that maritime tracking data and industry signals have yet to clearly reflect increased traffic.

"We’re not really seeing a lot of evidence of it," Gerber said. "Most of the industry is saying they’re still waiting." 

He also questioned whether the U.S. has fully mitigated one of the most significant threats in the waterway: naval mines.

"If they’ve cleared a corridor, my first question is going to be, ‘So you’ve swept it for mines?’" he said.

Gerber added that even if initial transits succeed, sustaining the operation could become more dangerous over time as Iran responds to what it sees as a loss of leverage.

"The Strait of Hormuz is Iran’s primary leverage point. Any changes to that status quo raise the possibility of returning to more active conflict," he said.

The next phase of the operation — whether more ships follow and whether attacks escalate — will likely determine whether the strait can be fully reopened or remains effectively contested.

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An Arkansas school director  was sentenced to 30 days in jail, 120 days of house arrest with electronic monitoring and nine years of probation after prosecutors accused her of being the "ringleader" of a makeshift child fight club.

Mary Tracy Morrison, 51, the owner and director of The Delta Institute for the Developing Brain and the Engage program in Jonesboro, pleaded guilty Monday to one count of permitting child abuse and four counts of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile, according to KAIT.

The judge also prohibited her from working with children in any professional capacity and ruled she must surrender her occupational therapy license and any other related licenses, complete a mental health assessment and follow all recommended treatments.

OHIO DAYCARE WORKER CONVICTED OF HORRIFIC PHYSICAL ABUSE OF TODDLERS SENTENCED TO YEARS IN PRISON

Morrison was arrested in April 2025 after a mother told the Craighead County Sheriff’s Office that her teenage son reported being mentally and physically abused while he was at the school.

Video footage that deputies obtained through a search warrant revealed Morrison had "instructed the child to sit on the floor while being surrounded on the outside of a circle by 18 other juvenile students and Dr. Morrison," according to a probable cause affidavit, KAIT reported.

The affidavit said that Morrison told the other students to put their hands on the child in the center and hit the child with an "unknown object."

As Morrison verbally berated the child, another student was seen kicking and choking the child.

After the alleged incident, Morrison was observed "giving the juvenile a high five, displaying her pleasure with the student’s actions," according to the affidavit.

The incident lasted 30 minutes and featured a teacher directing a student to strike a classmate "in the private area," deputies said.

VETERAN NY DETECTIVE DAD STORMS IN TO CONFRONT ALABAMA FRAT BRO ACCUSED OF ASSAULTING HIS DAUGHTER: POLICE

Following the incident, Morrison "instructed the victim to apologize to all other students" and told the students to never discuss what had happened again, the document stated.

Three other school employees — Michael Bean, 38, Kristin Bell, 36, and Kathrine Lipscomb, 45, were also arrested in connection with the abuse.

Fox News Digital could not immediately reach The Delta Institute for the Developing Brain or the Engage program for comment because no public or operational email address was listed for either organization.

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An Iowa woman died after a routine hernia repair, as she suffered from an infection and deadly constipation symptoms that hospital staff brushed off as "normal," according to her family's lawsuit against a surgeon and two registered nurses.

Laura Belt, 46, died in May 2024 due to complications linked to a bowel perforation that resulted in sepsis — issues that were allegedly missed by staff at Decatur County Hospital, according to the Iowa Capital Dispatch.

Her family is suing Dr. Edwin Vincent Wehling and nurses Brandi Oesch and Tammy Roberts for medical malpractice at Decatur County Hospital, which is also named as a defendant in the lawsuit.

The Iowa Board of Medicine has also charged Wehling with "professional incompetency" and practicing in a manner that is "harmful and detrimental to the public," the outlet reported. A board hearing on the disciplinary charges is scheduled for September.

YOUNG LAWYER DIES AFTER ROUTINE MEDICAL SCAN TRIGGERS FATAL ALLERGIC REACTION

Wehling operated on Belt, while Oesch and Roberts handled her recovery, after she came in for a hernia repair surgery at Decatur County Hospital, according to the lawsuit, Iowa Capital Dispatch reported.

After the surgery, Belt allegedly told staff she felt "very uncomfortable" and "very anxious and tearful" as she suffered from "constant drainage" of "significant amounts of feculent, brown liquid" pouring out of her incision site. Belt also allegedly had not had a bowel movement since the surgery, according to the outlet.

Belt was discharged from the hospital a week after the hernia operation. The incision site was still leaking more than a week after she was discharged, according to the complaint.

The woman texted images of the brown liquid to Roberts.

The brown liquid was determined to be stool, and the nurses assured her that this was nothing abnormal, according to the complaint.

"Consulted with Brandi, she states all is normal … Brandi stated incision will drain like this for at least a month," Roberts texted Belt on May 9, 2024.

The day after the exchange with Roberts, Belt's family says she had a video call with Oesch and showed her the brown fluid still pouring from the wound, but she was allegedly not told to seek emergency medical care.

On May 11, 2024, Belt was taken by ambulance to the Wayne County Hospital’s Emergency Department, where she was told her incision site was showing signs of dead, necrotic tissue along with "constant drainage" of stool, and she was diagnosed as being in septic shock in connection with an infection stemming from hernia repair, according to the lawsuit.

Two days later, Oesch allegedly added a back-charted entry into Belt's electronic medical record at Decatur County Hospital, affirming she had the video call with Belt and indicated that the woman was crying and that fluid had poured out of her wound onto the bathroom floor during the call.

"This nurse advised I would call Dr. Wehling and advise. This nurse notified Dr. Wehling and he requested (the antibiotic) Bactrim to be started," Oesch wrote, according to the complaint.

The lawsuit claims no Bactrim prescription was ever ordered.

WOMAN ACCUSED OF TREATING THOUSANDS OF PATIENTS AS A FAKE NURSE

Belt died on May 15, 2024, and Wehling, Oesch and Roberts have all denied any wrongdoing.

Wehling has claimed that the cause of Belt's injuries and complications "may have been a pre-existing medical condition and/or a subsequently occurring medical condition for which (he) is not responsible," according to Iowa Capital Dispatch.

A trial has been scheduled for Aug. 23.

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At least 10 people were rushed to hospitals with gunshot wounds on Sunday after a shooting during a party at a lake near Oklahoma City, according to police.

Edmond police responded Sunday evening after receiving multiple reports of shots fired at around 9 p.m. at a gathering near Arcadia Lake, department spokeswoman Emily Ward said at a press briefing.

No arrests had been made in connection with the shooting as of late Sunday, but Ward said there was no known threat to the public.

TWO GUNMEN SUSPECTED AFTER INDIANA UNIVERSITY-AREA SHOOTING LEAVES 9 INJURED, POLICE SAY

"We’re kind of all over the metro speaking with victims and witnesses," Ward said.

In addition to the 10 people transported to hospitals by emergency responders, Ward said more drove themselves to hospitals for medical evaluations.

Victims were admitted to hospitals in "various conditions," she said.

Ward said the party where the shooting was reported featured a large group of people who are believed to be young adults.

SUSPECT ALLEGEDLY GUNS DOWN DEPUTY IN AMBUSH DURING ROUTINE CALL THAT ROCKED QUIET TOWN, POLICE SAY

Authorities from the Edmond Police Department, Oklahoma Highway Patrol and other agencies responded to the area east of East 15th Street and Air Depot.

"Edmond Police, along with Oklahoma City Police and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, responded to the scene and located numerous victims," the police department also said in a social media post.

"Emergency personnel transported 10 victims to various metro-area hospitals. The total number of victims is expected to change as additional individuals transported themselves to area hospitals. There is no update on victim conditions at this time. There are no suspects in custody," the post added.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting is urged to contact Edmond Police.

Arcadia Lake is located around 13 miles north of Oklahoma City in the suburb of Edmond. It is a manmade reservoir used for flood control that is also a popular recreational spot for fishing, boating, picnicking and camping.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Nearly 10 people were detained in New York over the weekend as anti-ICE demonstrators were protesting against the arrest of an illegal immigrant accused of assault and drug possession, according to officials.

The protests erupted in Brooklyn's Bushwick neighborhood after ICE arrested Chidozie Wilson Okeke, an illegal immigrant from Nigeria with previous arrests for assault and drug possession, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Okeke entered the U.S. on a tourist visa in 2023 and overstayed his visa that required him to leave the country by Feb. 26, 2024, DHS said.

During an immigration enforcement operation on Saturday, Okeke refused to comply with ICE agents' commands to exit his car and attempted to hit them with the vehicle, according to the agency. He is then accused of being "physically combative" and attempting to punch and elbow ICE agents.

DOMINICAN MIGRANT WITH DEPORTATION ORDER, WANTED FOR MURDER IN HOME COUNTRY FREED BY BIDEN-APPOINTED JUDGE

"Our officers followed their training and used the minimum amount of force necessary to make the arrest," DHS said in a statement.

After his arrest, Okeke was taken to Wyckoff Heights Medical Center for a medical evaluation. Okeke "remained non-compliant during the medical evaluation, throwing himself to the floor and screaming," DHS said, adding that he was eventually cleared by medical staff.

Video shows ICE agents dragging Okeke out of the hospital following his medical evaluation.

During the medical evaluation, a crowd of anti-ICE protesters gathered outside the hospital. DHS says the group damaged several ICE vehicles and assaulted agents, causing minor injuries.

HAITIAN MAN CHARGED IN NC TRIPLE MURDER FLEW INTO US UNDER BIDEN MIGRANT FLIGHTS PROGRAM: ICE

The NYPD said officers responded to reports of disorderly protesters outside the hospital between Stanhope and Stockholm streets on Saturday at around 10:25 p.m. Officers reported observing several people acting disorderly, obstructing vehicle traffic and blocking emergency entrances and exits to the hospital.

Officers issued repeated verbal warnings for the protesters to disperse and return to the sidewalks, according to the department.

Nine people were then taken into custody, including eight who were arrested and charged with resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief, the NYPD said. One person was issued a summons and released.

The NYPD said it does not participate in civil immigration enforcement and had no prior awareness of the ICE operation.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani told a Gothamist reporter after the incident on Saturday that ICE raids are "cruel and inhumane" and "they do nothing to serve in the interest of public safety, and I've said that even directly to the president." 

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The American Culture Quiz is a weekly test of our unique national traits, trends, history and people — including current events and the sights and sounds of the United States.

This week's quiz highlights remarkable road trips, cool coin collections — and a lot more.

Can you get all 8 questions right?

Give it a try and see how you do!

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To try your hand at more quizzes from Fox News Digital, click here. 

Also, to take our latest News Quiz — published every Friday — click here.

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Prince William and Kate Middleton shared a new portrait of Princess Charlotte on Saturday for her 11th birthday along with a video that showed her playing on a recent beach holiday.

The posts come as the royals remain in the political spotlight, just two days after King Charles concluded his successful four-day U.S. state visit with President Donald Trump.

The Prince and Princess of Wales second-born wears a casual black-and-red long-sleeved top and jeans with her hair down as she stands among daisies in a garden in Cornwall.

The snapshot was taken by Matt Porteous, a go-to photographer for the Wales family, who also shot the photo William and Kate shared for Prince Louis’ eighth birthday just a week ago.

KATE MIDDLETON SURPRISES WITH PIANO DUET ALONGSIDE DAUGHTER PRINCESS CHARLOTTE FOR CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE

"Wishing Charlotte a very happy 11th birthday!" the royal couple wrote on their social media page.

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A video montage in a separate post showed the princess playing with her dogs, Otto and Orla, throwing a ball on the beach and writing in seashells on the sand during a recent seaside family vacation in Cornwall."

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"Thank you for the lovely birthday messages for Princess Charlotte, 11 today!" the royals captioned the video.

Otto, Orla’s son, also got his own royal birthday wish on Friday, with a windswept photo and a caption to read: "Welcome to the family, Otto! 1 today."

PRINCE WILLIAM, KATE MIDDLETON ‘ARGUE' OVER PRINCE GEORGE’S FUTURE: EXPERTS

Charlotte’s older brother Prince George, who is second in line to the throne after his father, will turn 13 on July 22.

KING CHARLES, QUEEN CAMILLA BRING ROYAL FLAIR TO THREE US CITIES ON TRIP MARKING AMERICA'S 250TH: PHOTOS

Helena Chard, a British broadcaster and photographer, previously told Fox News Digital that Louis’ portrait being taken in Cornwall "says it all."

PRINCE WILLIAM, KATE MIDDLETON ‘ARGUE' OVER PRINCE GEORGE’S FUTURE: EXPERTS

"It’s William’s Duchy, yes. But more than that, they all love Cornwall, and it paints a picture of ‘We holiday where you holiday.' Everyone enjoys a joyful relatable image," she explained.

Charles left the U.S. for an official visit to Bermuda, which is part of the British Commonwealth, on Thursday, after a four-day visit in which he had a bilateral meeting with Trump and a state dinner at the White House, addressed Congress, attended a 9/11 wreath-laying ceremony in New York City, and went to Virginia for 250th anniversary celebrations.

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After a month on the sidelines, the 2026 primary season is back with a vengeance.

A dozen states from coast to coast hold primaries or runoffs in May, and the results of those nomination contests may ultimately determine the outcomes of November’s midterm elections, when Republicans will be defending their slim Senate and razor-thin House majorities.

Also on the line in some of the ballot box showdowns: President Donald Trump’s immense sway over the GOP, as his endorsements in key races will be tested.

ONLY ON FOX NEWS: TRUMP WILL 'DELIVER' - RNC CHAIR SIGNALS MIDTERM CONFIDENCE DESPITE 'DOOM AND GLOOM'

Indiana and Ohio kick off the action on May 5, with Nebraska and West Virginia holding primaries a week later, on May 12. Louisiana’s nominating contest follows on Saturday, May 16. Three days later marks the busiest day of the month, with Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Oregon and Pennsylvania holding primaries. Texas wraps up May with runoff showdowns on May 26.

Here’s a closer look at some of the top races.

The first major test of Trump’s grip on the GOP comes in Indiana.

Five months ago, Republicans in the GOP-dominated state Senate withstood immense pressure from Trump and his allies and voted down congressional redistricting, which would have given solidly red Indiana two more right-leaning U.S. House seats ahead of the midterms. Seeking retribution, the president endorsed challengers to eight GOP state senators who voted against the redistricting bill.

The president’s allies have spent millions of dollars to try to oust the state lawmakers who opposed Trump’s redistricting push. Among those in the political fight on behalf of the president are Turning Point USA’s political wing and the Club for Growth.

WHAT THE LATEST FOX NEWS NATIONAL POLL SAYS ABOUT DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS

The intra-party battle is seen not just as a test of fealty to Trump but rather a fight between MAGA forces and more traditional conservatives for the future of the GOP.

"We’ve got to change those old-style Republicans, put in people who will fight, fight against the Democrat gerrymandering," Club for Growth President David McIntosh told Fox News Digital.

McIntosh, a former congressman from Indiana, said "I want to see my state do the right thing."

In neighboring Ohio, there’s a lot less drama.

Vivek Ramaswamy, the multimillionaire biotech entrepreneur and business leader who grabbed national attention during his bid for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination before dropping out and becoming a top Trump surrogate, is all but certain to capture the Republican gubernatorial nomination in his home state. Ramaswamy, who is backed by Trump, will face off in November against Dr. Amy Acton, a doctor and researcher who served as director of the state Department of Health from 2019 to 2020. Acton is unopposed in the Democratic primary. The winner will succeed term-limited GOP Gov. Mike DeWine.

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It’s the same story in Ohio’s Senate primary, where appointed Republican Sen. Jon Husted, a former lieutenant governor, is unopposed in the GOP primary. Former longtime Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown is expected to cruise to his party’s nomination. The winner will serve the final two years of the term of Vice President JD Vance, who stepped down from the Senate after the Trump-Vance ticket won the 2024 presidential election.

Once a top general election battleground state, Ohio has shifted to the right over the past decade, with Trump carrying the state by 11 points in the 2024 election. But this year's races for the Senate and governor are expected to be very competitive. And the Senate race is one of a handful across the country that may determine if the GOP holds the majority or if the Democrats flip the chamber.

Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana is facing primary challenges from two Republicans: Rep. Julia Letlow and former Rep. John Fleming, who is currently the state treasurer. Trump earlier this year weighed into the race by endorsing Letlow.

Cassidy was one of only seven Senate Republicans who voted in early 2021 to convict Trump after he was impeached by the House for his role in the violent Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters who aimed to upend congressional certification of former President Joe Biden's 2020 election victory. Trump was acquitted by the Senate.

CRUZ WARNS ‘RADICAL DEMOCRATS’ WILL ‘BURN IT DOWN’ IF THEY WIN BACK CONGRESS

But since the start of Trump's second term 15 months ago, Cassidy has been supportive of the president's agenda and his nominees.

If no candidate cracks 50% of the primary vote, the top two finishers will face off for the nomination in a June 27 runoff election.

The third major test of Trump’s endorsement power this month is in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District, where Rep. Thomas Massie is facing a challenge from Trump-backed Ed Gallrein.

Massie has long been one of Trump's most vocal GOP critics in Congress, repeatedly taking aim at the president over the Epstein files and foreign policy.

Trump allies have spent big bucks to boost Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL, and to take aim at Massie.

The president’s endorsement is also being tested in Georgia’s GOP gubernatorial nomination, in the 2026 race to succeed popular conservative Gov. Brian Kemp, who is term limited.

Trump has endorsed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who is trading fire in a competitive and combustible battle with healthcare executive and mega GOP donor Rick Jackson, who has infused millions of his own money in his bid. Among the others battling for the nomination in a crowded Republican field are state Attorney General Chris Carr and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.

Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who later served in then-President Joe Biden’s administration, is the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination. Among the other contenders in the crowded field of candidates are Mike Thurmond, a former DeKalb County CEO and former state Labor Commissioner, and former Republican lieutenant governor turned Democrat Geoff Duncan.

Republicans are hoping to flip the U.S. Senate seat up for grabs this year in Georgia. The GOP views first-term Sen. Jon Ossoff as the most vulnerable Senate Democrat seeking re-election this year. But beating Ossoff, who has built a massive war chest, won’t be easy in the southeastern battleground state.

Making matters worse for the GOP: There’s a nasty primary between major contenders Reps. Mike Collins and Buddy Carter, and former college football coach Derek Dooley, who is backed by Kemp. Trump has remained neutral to date in the Senate primary in Georgia.

Longtime GOP Sen. John Cornyn is fighting for his political life as he faces off in a runoff election against state Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is a MAGA firebrand and major Trump supporter.

Trump has stayed neutral in the showdown between the two Republican titans in right-leaning Texas.

Cornyn narrowly edged Paxton in an early March GOP primary that also included Rep. Wesley Hunt, but with no candidate topping 50%, Cornyn and Paxton advanced to the runoff.

The winner of the runoff will face off in November with Democratic nominee James Talarico, a state representative and rising Democratic Party star who hauled in an eye-popping $27 million in fundraising the first three months of this year.

Democrats are confident, and Republicans are concerned, that if Paxton wins the GOP nomination, Republicans will have a harder time in the general election holding the seat. And similar to the Senate race in Ohio, the showdown in Texas is one of a handful across the country that may determine if the GOP holds the majority.

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When an armed gunman rushed past a security checkpoint at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner last weekend, questions immediately began to swirl throughout the country regarding how yet another alleged would-be-assailant was able to get within a stone’s throw of the president of the United States. 

Cole Allen, 31, is facing federal charges of attempting to assassinate the president of the United States, transporting a firearm across state lines and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence after he allegedly ran through a Secret Service checkpoint and opened fire just one floor from where President Donald Trump and several high-level Cabinet officials were attending the gala. 

Authorities have pointed to an alleged manifesto penned by Allen indicating that he intended to target Trump and members of his administration over political grievances. 

As news of the alleged attempted assassination broke, questions quickly began to swirl regarding the United States Secret Service’s security measures amid a time of heightened violence against political leaders.

WORLD LEADERS CONDEMN ‘UNACCEPTABLE’ VIOLENCE AFTER ARMED ATTACK DISRUPTS WH CORRESPONDENTS’ DINNER

"I think the Secret Service’s model worked," Bill Gage, a former Secret Service special agent and executive protection director for the SafeHaven Security Group, told Fox News Digital. 

"But there was definitely a lot of luck involved that Cole Allen wasn’t better trained, wasn’t better prepared," Gage added. 

Within minutes of Trump, Vice President JD Vance and First Lady Melania Trump taking their seats to enjoy the annual festivities, authorities say Allen charged the Washington Hilton hotel checkpoint and fired his weapon, striking a Secret Service agent in their ballistic vest.

CRITICAL SECURITY LAPSES BY SECRET SERVICE EXPOSED IN NEW REPORT ON TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT

He was subsequently tackled to the ground and taken into custody. 

Miraculously, no one was seriously injured in the chaos, and Trump was rushed off stage as thousands of attendees ducked for cover under their ballroom tables. 

While federal officials — including Trump himself — applauded the Secret Service for agents’ quick-thinking, questions mounted about how an armed individual was able to get so close to the room holding a high volume of Cabinet members and celebrities.

FBI INVESTIGATES HUNTING STAND WITH SIGHT LINE TO TRUMP'S AIR FORCE ONE EXIT AREA AT PALM BEACH AIRPORT

"Obviously, the first family was not harmed," Bill Stanton, a retired NYPD officer and security expert, told Fox News Digital. "No one was harmed, right? But that was not due to total professionalism. That was due to luck, the ineptness of the assailant and the redundancy – he should never have gotten that close." 

However, Gage suggests the agency’s protocol worked as intended.

"The [Secret Service’s] concept is like rings of security where you have an outer perimeter, an inner perimeter and a middle perimeter," Gage said. "Each one of those is sort of like a concentric circle that overlaps. So if one ring fails, the other one can sort of pick up the slack."

TRUMP SAYS HE'D BE WILLING TO RELEASE REPORTS ON ASSASSINATION ATTEMPTS AGAINST HIM: 'COULD BE SUSPICIOUS'

According to Gage, Saturday’s outer perimeter began with the agency’s magnetometers – where Allen rushed past authorities armed with a shotgun and other weapons. 

"So the attacker, just through sheer surprise and speed, races through the magnetometers," Gage told Fox News Digital. "He gets through that perimeter, he's still not sort of scot-free. He's going to interact with other agents as he's trying to make his way into the ballroom." 

"There would have been agents assigned to the entry door," Gage continued. "There would've been agents inside the event, just inside the door. So, I would say the Secret Service model was a success, because it proved that the sort of overlap worked."

AFTER THIRD ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT, DEBATE GROWS OVER WHETHER TRUMP ATTACK WARRANTS ANOTHER INVESTIGATION

As details surrounding the alleged assassination attempt began to trickle out, new questions were raised regarding how Allen was allegedly able to check into the hotel the night before and remain undetected, despite having multiple firearms. 

"The urban legend out there is that the Secret Service sort of swoops in days before an event, shuts the hotel down, kicks everybody out and name checks every single person there – and that's just not the reality," Gage said. 

According to Gage, agents must strike a balance between maintaining a strong security posture and allowing public venues – like the Washington Hilton – to continue operating a business.

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"There's deliveries, there's other workers that come and go – the kitchen staff, other employees, the maid staff," Gage said. "There's other people at the hotel that have nothing to do with the event. So the advance agent for the hotel or for the event is getting all these pressures." 

Additionally, the common misconception that the Secret Service is permitted to close off public areas is simply not true, Gage said.

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"Is it theoretically possible that the Secret Service comes in and shuts down a thousand-person hotel or a thousand-room hotel the day before? Yeah, theoretically it's possible," Gage told Fox News Digital. "But logistically, it's not possible. Financially, it's not possible." 

In light of a third assassination attempt against Trump, Gage emphasizes the duty of the president to be reachable by the people he represents, as some are calling for Trump to cease all public outings.

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"I think the office of the presidency, our elected leaders in our free democracy, have to get out there and meet with constituents," Gage told Fox News Digital. "They have to shake hands, pose for photographs and give speeches. They have to be seen all over the country."

Instead, Gage believes the Secret Service will simply increase their security posture.

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"You're going to see much more intrusive actions by the Secret Service on these public venues," Gage said. "I can see the Secret Service, after Saturday, really inconveniencing the hotel and really inconveniencing the guests, and being very intrusive into the day-to-day operations of the hotels to have a sort of bigger security footprint there." 

Allen remains in custody as he faces three federal charges stemming from the alleged assassination attempt, with authorities indicating he will likely be slapped with additional counts.

As the investigation into how an armed gunman was able to make it so close to Trump continues to unfold, Gage is applauding the Secret Service for ensuring there were no casualties Saturday night. 

"The Secret Service is made up of incredibly dedicated men and women who join the agency to protect the office of the presidency," he said. "The agency is made up of incredibly talented humans that are dedicated and spend long hours on their feet, away from their families – and it's even more incredibly stressful now."

Fox News Digital reached out to the Secret Service.

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Democratic lawmakers are defending redistricting efforts across the country, calling their efforts a necessary foil to similar Republican-led plans, while arguing vulnerable Republicans should have fought harder to prevent the "arms race" reshuffling district lines nationally.

"I feel like the system is fundamentally broken, but let's be clear, Republicans began the redistricting arms race. And so, Democrats are left with no choice but to level the playing field for the sake of democracy," Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., told Fox News Digital.

Lawmakers' comments come as the Supreme Court handed down a decision on Wednesday, reshaping the framework of the 1965 Voting Rights Act and opening the door to the possibility of fresh redistricting efforts ahead of the 2026 midterms.

In its 6-3 decision delivered along ideological lines on Wednesday, the court struck down Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District, which was redrawn in 2024 to have a predominantly Black electorate. The court also ruled that states may not use race to either draw districts that disenfranchise voters or help minority communities support their preferred candidates.

SUPREME COURT ORDERS NEW ARGUMENTS IN PIVOTAL ELECTIONS CASE

It’s unclear which states may re-evaluate their maps in light of the decision.

"This is a very nefarious thing that the Supreme Court has done, and it's a very desperate thing that Republicans are doing to cling to unearned power," Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., said.

Since President Donald Trump urged state lawmakers to expand the GOP’s 217-213 majority by eliminating five Democratic seats in Texas, states including California, Utah, Missouri, Louisiana, Ohio, Virginia and North Carolina have followed suit.

Most recently, the Florida legislature approved a plan to eliminate up to four Democratic districts.

DESANTIS LAUNCHES FLORIDA REDISTRICTING PUSH TO POTENTIALLY ADD MORE GOP HOUSE SEATS

While most Democrats have laid blame for the avalanche of redistricting efforts on Trump, others believe a desire to use redistricting to carve out partisan advantages goes back much farther.

"I put this all on Democrats," Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas, said.

"In 2003, when Tom DeLay was majority leader, and he said that he wanted to get rid of five Democrats in Texas, we didn't respond. We let him slap us around, we let him come around and slap us, and we didn't do anything about it," Veasey said, referring to another mid-decade Republican redistricting effort that went unchallenged by Democrats in other states.

Veasey believes this time around, vulnerable Republicans in Democratic-leaning states invited their own demise by not voicing opposition to the Republican efforts in Texas.

"They didn't say anything. The time to speak up, especially the Republican members from California, the time for them to speak was back then and they didn't," Veasey said.

BETO ENCOURAGES DEMOCRATS TO FIGHT 'FIRE WITH FIRE' IN TEXAS REDISTRICTING BATTLE

Rep. Christian Menefee, D-Texas, like many of his Democratic colleagues, lamented the redistricting struggle but argued that pretending that the situation didn’t exist was unrealistic.

"Look, in a perfect world, we would not have any political gerrymandering. We wouldn't have folks trying to draw black and brown people out of their districts and then putting the partisan cover over the top. But because we don't live in that world, we've got to fight fire with fire," Menefee said.

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A suspect was arrested after allegedly running a secret meth lab at Michigan State University’s Wells Hall, the institution's largest academic building.

Xin Tong, 31, is facing felony charges in connection with the alleged operation, as well as misdemeanor trespassing, according to police.

Officers responded earlier this week to Wells Hall over reports of a suspicious person, a strong odor and unknown substances on the floor, WILX reported. Officers found Tong and confirmed his identity by using his expired MSU student ID.

FIVE MEXICAN NATIONALS INDICTED AFTER MASSIVE METH LAB BUST UNCOVERS ENORMOUS QUANTITIES OF DRUGS

Tong was in possession of multiple bags, which officers later searched through after obtaining a search warrant, discovering several bottles containing substances commonly used in the manufacture of meth, according to the outlet.

"The chemicals include sodium hydroxide pellets, hydrochloric acid, methanol, isopropyl alcohol, acetone, and butane. Multiple tests performed by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) confirm the environment in Wells Hall does not pose a risk to our community," MSU police said.

Officials later clarified that a meth lab was never located inside Wells Hall.

"The suspect was found in possession of chemicals and/or equipment that could be used in the production of methamphetamine, which were contained within his personal property," police said.

Tong allegedly caused significant damage to the doors, flooring, and fixtures in Wells Hall between April 10 and April 26.

He has been charged with trespassing, malicious destruction of a building over $20,000 and felony controlled substance-operate/maintain lab involving methamphetamine.

HUNDREDS JOIN SEARCH FOR MISSING MICHIGAN COLLEGE STUDENT LAST SEEN 'DISORIENTED' ON VIDEO

Wells Hall was evacuated on Monday, and it remained closed through Friday "out of an abundance of caution," the university said in a press release, adding that there "continues to be no known threat to the campus community."

Tong is being held at the Ingham County Jail on a $500,000 bond. The Department of Homeland Security also reportedly placed a hold on his bond.

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Two bank employees were shot and killed during a robbery at a Kentucky bank on Thursday and police are still on the hunt for the suspect.

Trooper Scottie Pennington, a spokesperson for Kentucky State Police, said a man wearing a gray-and-white hoodie, gloves and a mask entered a U.S. Bank branch in Berea and opened fire, killing a male and female employee.

"They’re our people that work in our community, and they’re no longer with us," Pennington said. "At this time we do have some leads, and we’re trying our best to bring this evil person to justice."

State police released a photo of the suspect on social media. He is believed to be about 6-foot-3 and fled the scene toward East Chestnut Street.

MONTANA FUGITIVE'S BROTHER SERVING LIFE SENTENCE FOR SEPARATE MURDER CONVICTION IN SAME TOWN

Authorities said it remains unclear whether the suspect later escaped on foot, in a vehicle or with assistance.

Pennington declined to say whether anything was taken during the robbery.

Law enforcement agencies, including local police, state troopers and the FBI, are searching for the suspect, using helicopters, drones and K-9 units.

STUDENTS STABBED INSIDE WASHINGTON STATE HIGH SCHOOL AS POLICE RESPOND TO CHAOTIC SCENE

"If you see something strange and you don’t feel right about it — you know, your dogs are acting weird — call us," Pennington said.

Police said local schools were temporarily placed on lockdown, with students later released to their parents.

U.S. Bank said it is working closely with law enforcement and supporting those affected.

"We’re deeply saddened by the tragic event that took the lives of two of our employees at our Berea, Kentucky branch earlier today," the company said in a statement. "Our hearts go out to the families of the victims, our colleagues and the entire Berea community."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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The Artemis II crew, following their return to Earth after a historic 10-day lunar flyby, spoke with U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz, describing the mission as a "glorious" experience.

The crew — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen — returned to Earth on April 10, splashing down off the coast of San Diego after their journey around the Moon during which they set a new record for the farthest distance traveled by humans in space, surpassing the mark set by Apollo 13 in 1970.

Waltz gifted the crew "MUNGA," or "Make the U.N. Great Again," hats, inspired by President Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan.

The crew was asked by Waltz what they thought as they looked back at Earth from space.

ARTEMIS II PILOT VICTOR GLOVER PRAISES GOD AFTER RETURN, SAYS MISSION WAS 'TOO BIG TO BE IN ONE BODY'

"As a crew, we wanted to go for all and by all," Wiseman said at U.N. headquarters in New York. "And we wanted to set the stage for Artemis III. We wanted to get this space agency in this world ready for Artemis III and IV. But in the end, we really wanted to connect with humanity. We wanted humanity to just pause for a second and see that this world can still do something exceptionally well when they put their mind to it."

Artemis III is expected to launch next year, and Artemis IV is targeted for the following year.

"You asked how it felt, and it wasn't one feeling for the entire mission," Glover told Waltz. "What we saw out the window was changing, and that is one of the unique things … I always felt the urge to just be grateful for what we were seeing, and to be grateful for what we were eventually going back to. And the other thing was just how blessed we are to have this."

Koch said that when she looked back at Earth, the surrounding darkness made the planet feel "even more special than it's ever been."

"Instead of this absolute background that just exists everywhere for us, because that's all we've had, it makes the lines that we redraw on it seem big and important," she said. "You realize that actually, there's nothing absolute or guaranteed about this, and that actually, there is such thing as a global scale. And this is the first time I've said that at the U.N., but the truth is that the global scale is our world. And what we do with it is our choice."

Hansen described the experience of seeing the vastness of space and feeling both small as an individual and empowered by what humanity can accomplish together.

"It was like this weird thing where, like stars, some stars look closer in our galaxy than others. And it just kept catching my eye, and it just kept making me feel really tiny, really small as an individual. But then, at the same time, I was out there experiencing it, and it made me feel very powerful as a human race. What we can do together, the fact that we were out there and something that has been really heartwarming since we got back to Earth and started to see how many people stopped to watch the mission and resonate with it," he said.

Glover also recalled the many emotions tied to the mission, including the "glorious moment" of returning to Earth.

ARTEMIS II ASTRONAUTS FACE TOILET TROUBLE AS THEY HEAD TOWARD THE MOON

During the visit to the U.N., NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman wanted to take a moment to appreciate how far they had come, noting that it was not long ago that Trump established the Artemis program that led to the Artemis II mission.

"In fact, in just 2020, President Trump established the Artemis Accords. Now, the initial framework was an agreement of principles between the United States and seven other like-minded countries on the responsible exploration of space," he said.

The crew's visit to the U.N. comes after they met with Trump at the White House on Wednesday. Trump had also spoken to the crew as they were orbiting the moon in early April.

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As international competition for trade, commerce and military power in the Pacific grow, America’s maritime decline threatens our national security and our economy. The only way to fix it is to rebuild American shipbuilding with American workers and American crews.

In the 20th century, we were a dominant maritime power, with massive fleets and shipyards that helped secure victory in World War II and meant most goods traveled the world on U.S.-built ships. But that edge has disappeared over time. For much of the 21st century, shipbuilding remained on the back burner of national priorities, shipyards shrank and closed, taking good-paying jobs with them.

China now dominates the world’s sea lanes and is massively outbuilding the United States on merchant and naval fleets. China has the world’s largest commercial fleet and is building over 1,000 vessels every year. In 2024, the United States built only five merchant vessels, while China built 1,400. China also has three times as many naval warships as the United States.

This has dangerous implications for our economic and maritime security. In the event of a military or trade conflict, President Xi Jinping could prohibit Chinese ships from entering American ports, an action that could cause industry bottlenecks, cut off supply to needed goods and jack up prices — basically overnight.

SEN WICKER: ENDING CHINA’S DRONE DOMINANCE WITH A MADE-IN-AMERICA REVIVAL

This is not just hypothetical. On April 3, 2025, China leveraged its virtual industrial shipping monopoly and prevented rare earth exports to the U.S., thereby kneecapping U.S. production on everything from smartphones to fighter jets. Although China’s action was ultimately narrow in scope, it showed the world that China could flex its muscle on the world’s seas with devastating effects for the United States and the global economy.

To maintain our economic and military leadership, America must rebuild its maritime industry.

And today, we have a president who seems to recognize this urgent need. In February, President Donald Trump unveiled his Maritime Action Plan, a blueprint to make American ships again. It would provide long-term and stable funding for U.S.-built ships, shipyards and mariners and cut regulatory red tape to meet the maritime needs of our country today.

REP. BRIAN MAST: DEMOCRATS' 43-DAY SHUTDOWN WAS NOT A STRATEGY — IT WAS A DISASTER

We share the goal of revitalizing the U.S. maritime sector. That’s why we introduced the SHIPS for America Act with Indiana Republican Sen. Todd Young and Mississippi Republican Rep. Trent Kelly. It’s the most ambitious and comprehensive legislation in a generation to set America on the path to regain our position as the greatest maritime power in the world. 

The SHIPS for America Act sets a national goal of expanding the U.S.-flagged international fleet by 250 ships over 10 years, upgrading and expanding America’s private shipyards for repairing and building commercial ships, training and employing skilled workers and providing funding through the creation of the Strategic Commercial Fleet Program. 

Whether you’re talking about Mare Island in California or Gulf Port in Mississippi, this comprehensive bill would deliver much-needed investments to America’s rusted maritime sector. It would modernize shipyards, strengthen workforce development and stabilize supply chains so that we can have a modern, capable merchant and naval fleet while reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. All of that sends a signal to the industry: American shipbuilding is back, and it’s time to invest in it.

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That will create thousands of good-paying American jobs where workers can actually raise a family, save for the future and get ahead. Our SHIPS for America Act is about more than building ships in ports. It’s about building every part of a ship in America.

From the steel that makes up the ship’s hull to the electronics that are necessary to navigate across oceans, this will galvanize every industry that plays a part in building ships, benefiting not just coastal cities, but hardworking communities in every corner of the country.

Never before have we witnessed such comprehensive alignment among Republicans and Democrats, industry and organized labor for rebuilding our great nation’s maritime industry.

It’s clear to us that the opportunity is now. Let’s get to work.

Democrat Sen. Mark Kelly represents Arizona in the U.S. Senate. He serves on the Armed Services, Environment and Public Works, Energy and Natural Resources, Aging, and Joint Economic Committees. He is chair of the Airland Subcommittee of the Senate Armed Services Committee. 

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