NCAA woman of the year, family among those killed in New York plane crash

Authorities released the identities of the six people tragically killed in a New York plane crash on Saturday, including a highly-acclaimed former student athlete.

The six victims, most of whom were related, died at around 12:15 p.m. local time on Saturday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The aircraft, a Mitsubishi MU-2B, was en route to Columbia County Airport in Hudson, New York, when it crashed into an open, muddy field in Copake, around ten miles south.

Karenna Groff, a former Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) soccer player who was named the NCAA Woman of the Year in 2022, was one of the decedents, as well as both of her parents, Dr. Michael Groff and Dr. Joy Saini. Groff had been studying medicine at New York University at the time.

Her brother, Jared Groff, and his partner, Alexia Couyutas Duarte, were also killed on the flight. Karenna Groff’s boyfriend, James Santoro, was aboard the flight and died as well.

6 DEAD, INCLUDING 3 CHILDREN, AFTER HELICOPTER PLUMMETS IN HUDSON RIVER

The six had boarded the plane at Westchester County Airport in White Plains earlier that morning. Shortly before the crash, the pilot had radioed air traffic control at Columbia County Airport to say that he had missed the initial approach and requested a new approach plan. 

Air traffic controllers prepared new coordinates and attempted to send a low altitude alert three times to the pilot, who did not respond.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash, which may take as many as 24 months to complete.

‘EVERYTHING IS ON THE TABLE’ AS NTSB INVESTIGATES DEADLY HUDSON RIVER TOUR HELICOPTER CRASH

The aircraft, which was a private plane owned by Michael Groff, was discovered “compressed, buckled and embedded in the terrain” of the muddy field, NTSB official Todd Inman said in a briefing on Sunday.

Inman also said that authorities obtained video of the flight, which appeared to show that the aircraft was intact “and crashed at a high rate of descent into the ground.”

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The NTSB also said that the plane had a recently-upgraded cockpit with newer FAA-certified technology, and that the pilot was flying under instrument flight rules instead of visual flight rules.

James’ father, John Santoro, expressed sorrow over the tragedy and described the Groffs as a “wonderful family” to The Associated Press.

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“The world lost a lot of very good people who were going to do a lot of good for the world if they had the opportunity,” the grieving father said. “We’re all personally devastated.”

Sparks fly on set as Maher gets in heated clash with columnist over Trump dinner

Washington Post columnist Josh Rogin accused “Real Time” host Bill Maher in a testy exchange on Friday of having “fallen into the trap” by meeting with President Donald Trump the previous week. 

Maher, a longtime Trump critic who’s nonetheless stood out on the late-night circuit with his criticism of leftist excess, said Trump was “gracious and measured” during his visit to the White House, acknowledging his warm words might not be well-received by progressives.

Rogin, however, pushed back on Maher’s decision to visit the White House and suggested that he had been used as part of a “PR stunt.” 

“I think you’ve fallen into the trap, and I think I represent 99% of the internet when I say this: you’ve played the game of proximity is principle,” Rogin said. “I’m not questioning your motivation, I’m questioning Trump’s, OK?”

BILL MAHER CALLS TRUMP ONE OF THE ‘MOST EFFECTIVE POLITICIANS’ BECAUSE OF HIS AUTHENTICITY

Rogin emphasized that both he and the audience trusted that Maher met with Trump in good faith, but questioned Trump’s motives for the dinner.

The praise seemed to have struck a nerve with Maher, who told Rogin, “You don’t have to patronize me, dude. I don’t know you. I’ve never met you.”

“Not everybody has to like it. That’s what we said. There are people who didn’t want it to happen at all. You sound like one of them, it’s OK.”

Rogin attempted to talk over the late-night host but was abruptly cut off by Maher asking, “Did you hear what I said? What is the alternative to not talking? Just sit at your lunch table and don’t talk to anybody?”

In his response to Maher, Rogin claimed that Trump saw this meeting as a “PR stunt,” and used Maher as a “prop in that PR stunt.”

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Piers Morgan, a guest on the panel, also pushed back on Rogin’s interpretation of the meeting, pointing out that most Americans aren’t as tribal as social media might lead some to believe.

“If you go on social media for five minutes now, you just have this tribal fury raging all day long. Everyone’s got to be implacably there, implacably there, and actually, most Americans and most Brits; they’re not like that,” Piers explained, adding, “And then, the idea that Bill Maher is now going to stop criticizing Donald Trump… is preposterous!”

Maher then affirmed Piers’ idea, noting that he didn’t hold back on Trump during his opening monologue or during his interview with former Trump advisor Steve Bannon earlier in the show.

Not giving Rogin a chance to respond, Maher jumped right back into challenging his interpretation of the Trump meeting.

“The fact that you began your little rant with ‘the internet,’ that tells me everything. You take your cues from the internet. Good luck,” he told Rogin.

BILL MAHER EXPLAINS WHY HE’S REJECTING CALLS TO JOIN THE POLITICAL RIGHT

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Rogin attempted to push back on Maher, questioning whether the late-night host believed that Trump would be “changed” after the meeting. Maher quickly shut him down.

“I said in the piece I did not think that was going to happen!” he sternly told Rogin, to which the columnist replied, “In that case then, go with God and enjoy.”

Trump commends Rory McIlroy’s ‘tremendous courage’ fighting for Masters win

President Donald Trump was among those who thought Rory McIlroy’s Masters win on Sunday showed exactly what the legendary golfer was made of as he battled through highs and lows throughout the round. 

Speaking with reporters on Air Force One, Trump gave his congratulations to McIlroy, who became the sixth golfer ever to capture the coveted Grand Slam, winning every single professional golf major. 

“I have to congratulate Rory,” Trump said when a reporter asked if he watched The Masters. “That took tremendous courage. He was having a hard time, but it showed great guts and stamina and courage.

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“People have no idea how tough that is. He came back. It’s better for him that it happened that way because that showed real courage to have come back from what could’ve been a tragedy – it was amazing.”

Trump called The Masters “maybe my favorite sporting show,” and that he loves watching it every year when possible. 

He also gave a shout-out to Justin Rose, the Englishman who McIlroy had to face in a sudden-death playoff after he missed his par putt on his 72nd hole of the tournament to collect the win. 

TIGER WOODS CONGRATULATES RORY MCILROY FOR MAKING RARE GOLF HISTORY WITH MASTERS WIN: ‘WELCOME TO THE CLUB’

Rose buried a deep birdie putt on Hole 18 to move to 11-under and put pressure on McIlroy, who bogeyed that same hole in regulation. 

“Justin Rose was great,” Trump, an avid golfer himself, added. “Look, they’re great athletes under tremendous pressure. But unless you’re a golfer, you don’t understand that hundredth of an inch makes a difference between a great shot and a horrible shot.”

McIlroy and Rose went back to the 18th tee box for the sudden-death playoff, which would’ve had a second hole on No. 10 if needed. 

But McIlroy’s approach shot, which trickled down a slope to two feet, put pressure on Rose to bury his birdie opportunity. After a long read around the green, Rose put his best stroke on it, but it went too far left. He finished with a par and hoped that Hole 10 was where he would head next. 

McIlroy didn’t let it get to that, as he sunk the putt on 18 this time and dropped to his knees. 

At that point, the weight of 11 years without a major win and finally collecting the career Grand Slam left him as he welled up in tears. 

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Patrons around the green roared as McIlroy let out several bursts of celebration before joining his family and team for heartwarming moments. 

Speaker Johnson makes position clear on possible tax hike on some Americans

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is no “big fan” of hiking the tax rate for America’s wealthiest to 40%, an idea reportedly being mulled by Republicans to offset some costs of their in-progress tax package.

“We’re the Republican Party, and we’re for tax reduction for everyone, and that’s a general principle that we always try to abide by,” Johnson told Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo on Sunday. 

Though there are many discussions, thoughts and theories on how to get all the GOP’s goals accomplished, Johnson said he wouldn’t “put any money on any of [those] yet.”

EXCLUSIVE: TRUMP TAX CUTS ‘TOP PRIORITY’ FOR CONGRESS, SAYS TOP HOUSE GOP LEADER

“I would say just stay tuned. The next five to six weeks are going to be critical as all these negotiations happen in the committees of jurisdiction,” he continued.

“You’ll hear lots of rumors and lots of talk, but we’ll see where it all lands.”

TRUMP’S ‘BIG, BEAUTIFUL’ TAX AGENDA SCORES MAJOR VICTORY IN HOUSE DESPITE GOP REBELLION THREATS

Johnson voiced the need for consensus on the package, eyeing the 218 votes needed in the House and the 51 votes needed in the Senate for successful passage, assuring viewers that the bill will have reached an adequate “comfort level” before heading to the floor.

According to Bloomberg, the floated 39%-to-40% tax rate would affect those earning $1 million or more annually, a two-to-three percentage increase from the current 37% rate.

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College football star’s death sends shock waves through sports world

The death of former LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy sent shock waves across the football world on Sunday with several NFL players and other athletes expressing their condolences.

Lacy was found dead in Houston, an LSU official confirmed to Fox News Digital. The cause of death was not announced. Lacy was 24.

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“We’re saddened to learn of the tragic passing of former LSU Football student-athlete Kyren Lacy,” LSU said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones, as well as his former teammates and coaches impacted by his passing.”

Several athletes reacted to Lacy’s death on X.

The wide receiver, who graduated in December and may have been a selection at the upcoming NFL Draft, was under investigation in Louisiana in connection with a crash in December that left a 78-year-old man dead, officials said in January. 

He was accused of driving recklessly – speeding and passing in a no-passing zone – when the motorist swerved to avoid Lacy and crashed into another vehicle.

He fled the scene of the crash without calling for aid, Louisiana State Police said. An arrest warrant was obtained for Lacy for negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run and reckless operation of a vehicle.

A grand jury was reportedly set to hear evidence in the case on Monday.

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Lacy transferred to LSU in 2022. He had his best season in 2024 when he had 58 catches for 866 yards and nine touchdowns.

Actress Sofia Vergara begs for summer with cheeky, poolside bikini snap

Sofía Vergara is ready for summer, and she’s not afraid to show it.

Vergara, 52, showed off her golden tan in a sexy snap shared with her millions of social media followers.

The “Modern Family” star relaxed poolside wearing nothing but a pair of cheeky black bikini bottoms as she soaked up the sun.

The “Griselda” actress captioned the selfie in Spanish “Ya casi llega el verano! protégete con @toty,” which translates to, “Summertime is almost here! protect yourself with @toty.”

SOFIA VERGARA TELLS ED O’NEILL ‘DON’T DIE’ SO THEY CAN MAKE ‘MODERN FAMILY’ REBOOT

On her Stories, Vergara paid dues to the sun and her skincare line with a snap captioned, “Protección todo el verano,” or “protection all summer.”

SOFIA VERGARA WANTS ‘EVERY PLASTIC SURGERY THAT I CAN DO’

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Vergara launched Toty, her skincare brand, in 2023 and told People magazine that she named the brand after her own childhood moniker.

“I want to create a brand that has it all,” she said. “Lips, body makeup that has sun protection, that doesn’t get on your clothes, and that you can put on your chest every day to even out. The dream is big, but we have to start little by little.”

Beauty has always been “very important” in Vergara’s life. 

“I think because I’m Latin, we always grow up thinking about looking good, doing your hair, your makeup. It’s something that makes you feel good,” she said. 

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“I love beauty products. I love makeup. I love clothes. And I think now that I’m older, it’s great because you know exactly what you like, what looks good on you, what doesn’t look good on you. I don’t do what is in fashion. I just do what feels good, makes me feel confident and beautiful.”

Vergara previously admitted that while she hasn’t pursued plastic surgery, she’s willing to go under the knife when the time is right.

“I feel like I’m going to do every plastic surgery that I can do when I’m ready,” she told Allure. “I wish I had more downtime; I would’ve done stuff already. [But] because I’m in front of the camera, it’s not like I can do something and then sit in my house recuperating for weeks.”

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She’s not afraid of needles, though, and has been using Botox for her neck and around her eyes “for a long time.” The Colombian star has yet to wade into “filler” waters.

“I feel filler does good when you’re really young and you want a little bit more cheeks or to plump your lips a little bit,” she said. 

“At my age, I feel it’s not going to make you look younger. It is going to make you look more done. And I feel like it actually doesn’t pull you up, it kind of weighs [you down]. So I am against that, once you hit a certain age.”

She is a fan of sunscreen and has been “religious” about its application after reading an article about the dangers of sun damage.

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“If you’re tanning your face, there’s nothing in the world that you put on at night that is going to give you good skin,” Vergara said. “I feel like you have to take advantage of everything that is out there. I mean, if you care about aging; nothing wrong if you don’t care about it. It’s not the end of the world. But if you do, now there’s so much stuff out there.”

Hundreds of passengers spend the night on grounded planes sitting on the tarmac

Nearly 300 Delta Air Lines passengers experienced a night of chaos and delays last week after poor weather forced two international flights to divert to a regional airport without customs – forcing the passengers to spend the night in their planes on the tarmac.

The two Delta flights, which departed from Mexico for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport last Thursday, did not reach their destination until the following day, according to the airline.

Instead, Flight 1828 from Cabo San Lucas and Flight 599 from Mexico City landed at Montgomery Regional Airport in Alabama as a diversion point around 9:30 p.m., a Delta spokesperson said in a statement to FOX Business.

“Flight crews, always looking to ensure the safety of all Delta customers and people, selected Montgomery, Ala. (MGM) for a diversion point and planned to continue to Atlanta once inclement weather cleared,” the statement said. 

SMALL AIRPLANE SKIDS OFF RUNWAY INTO BAY DURING BOTCHED LANDING AT OREGON AIRPORT

Because the regional airport lacks U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facilities, the travelers were unable to disembark the aircraft and were left stranded on the planes overnight. 

“Flights from international points of origin must arrive at an airport Customs and Border Protection staffing and facilities for processing, this was not possible until early Friday morning when a special accommodation was reached with Montgomery airport officials and CBP,” the spokesperson said.

FLIGHT PASSENGER SAYS MAN DELIBERATELY SQUATTED IN WINDOW SEAT, IGNITES SOCIAL MEDIA DEBATE

While other airports with CBP facilities were nearby, they were also not within reach due to the weather.

“Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, also experiencing severe thunderstorms, was not suitable as a diversion airport due to conditions and reports of windshear,” the spokesperson continued.

Passengers sat in their planes until the morning around 5:30 a.m. when special CBP arrangements arrived. The travelers were allowed to enter the airport before finally departing for Atlanta around noon.

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The airline said they plan to refund each customer’s ticket as a result of the inconvenience.

“We sincerely apologize to our customers for this experience. We fell short of how we aspire to serve and care for our customers amid thunderstorms in the Southeast U.S. Thursday evening. We are reaching out to each customer with a full refund of their booking,” the spokesperson said.

The airline also said they will work to sort out these kinds of weather-impacted delays in the future.

“Delta is conducting a thorough review of these events with an eye for making improvements and preventing an outcome like this again,” the spokesperson said.

Trump issues stern warning to Houthi terrorists as ‘dangerous red tape’ from Biden removed

President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to the Houthis by saying it was time for them to hide now that he has removed “dangerous red tape” from the Biden administration, allowing U.S. troops to protect Somalia against terrorists.

“Time for the terrorists to hide, but it won’t do them any good. Our Warfighters, the Greatest the World has ever seen, will find them, and bring them to a swift Justice,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. “I just got rid of Joe Biden’s dangerous red tape, and empowered our Warfighters, once again, just like I did against our fight with ISIS, who were completely obliterated in three weeks under General Daniel Caine, our new Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. 

“We will support the Somali People, who should not allow the Houthis to embed (which they are trying to do!), to end terrorism, and bring prosperity to their Country,” the president added.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the State Department on the matter and is waiting to hear back.

TRUMP TOUTS AIRSTRIKE ON HOUTHIS, SHOWING VIDEO: WILL ‘NEVER SINK OUR SHIPS AGAIN’

For years, the U.S. has helped Somali forces with airstrikes and other support against the al-Shabab extremist group and an affiliate of the Islamic State, or ISIS.

Last month, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud drafted a letter to Trump offering the U.S. exclusive access to air bases and seaports, which reignited tensions between the government of Somalia and the breakaway region of Somaliland, the Associated Press reported.

In the letter, Somalia offered “exclusive operational control” over the Berbera and Baledogle air bases and the ports of Berbera and Bosaso to “bolster American engagement in the region.”

LEADER OF SOMALIA’S BREAKAWAY SOMALILAND SAYS DEAL WITH ETHIOPIA WILL ALLOW IT TO BUILD A NAVAL BASE

The letter was dated March 16 and leaked on social media during the last week of March. In it, the Somali leader spoke of “ensuring uninterrupted military and logistical access while preventing external competitors from establishing a presence in this critical corridor.”

The letter was confirmed as “an authentic draft” by a senior official in Somalia’s foreign ministry, who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to give press interviews.

US FORCES CARRY OUT AIRSTRIKE IN SOUTHERN SOMALIA, KILLING 3 AL-SHABAAB TERRORISTS

The official was not sure if the final letter, which made the same offer, was sent.

One of the ports, Berbera, is in a key city located in Somaliland, whose long assertion as an independent state has not received international recognition.

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Somaliland, a former British protectorate, declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after the collapse of the central government. It maintains its own government, security forces and currency and has held elections.