Experts disagree on whether Alex Murdaugh will get a murder trial do-over after former Colleton County, South Carolina, court clerk Becky Hill was charged with several felonies on Wednesday in two counties."The [suggestion] that Becky Hill is now in legal trouble helps Alex Murdaugh I strongly disagree with that," former South Carolina Attorney General Charlie Condon told Fox News Digital. "I think the exact opposite is really true."The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) on Wednesday afternoon announced that Hill, 57, has been charged with obstructing justice and misconduct in Colleton County and perjury in Richland County. The perjury charge stems from a lie she allegedly told South Carolina Supreme Court Justice Toal in January 2024, when the justice ruled that a new trial was not necessary for Murdaugh upon his appeal.Charging documents state that when Toal asked Hill, "Did you allow anyone from the press to view sealed exhibits?" Hill responded, "No, ma'am," which is apparently inconsistent with evidence obtained by authorities. They also accuse her of showing sealed photos to a reporter and using her official position as Colleton County clerk for financial gain, specifically by promoting her book about the Murdaugh case on social media.MURDAUGH COURT CLERK BECKY HILL RELEASED ON BOND AFTER ARREST ON PERJURY, MISCONDUCT CHARGESA Colleton County jury in 2023 convicted Murduagh in the June 2021 murders of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, on his family hunting estate. The disgraced personal injury lawyer, whose family had a stronghold on the justice system in neighboring Hampton County for about a century, had requested the new hearing based on allegations of jury tampering surrounding Hill, which Murdaugh's defense team had argued warranted a new trial.SLED's charging documents filed Wednesday, however, do not accuse Hill of jury tampering. Fox News Digital has reached out to Hill's attorney, Will Lewis, for comment.FORMER SOUTH CAROLINA CLERK IN MURDAUGH MURDER TRIAL ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE FELONIES IN 2 COUNTIESCondon said he was "surprised by the charges" against Hill "and that they did not include jury tampering.""That had been the focus at the hearing for the retrial. Nothing in [Hill's charges] about jury tampering," he said. "To my mind, it's a really big win for the state and a big loss for the defense because a main ground of their appeal would be this jury tampering, and the fact that there are no charges against former clerk Hill for jury tampering tells me that the authorities looked at that and did not believe there was sufficient evidence to show that she tampered with the jury."SOUTH CAROLINA JUDGE DENIES ALEX MURDAUGH'S REQUEST FOR A NEW MURDER TRIALMeanwhile, attorney Eric Bland of Bland Richter LLP, who represented multiple jurors in Murdaugh's murder trial and several victims of his financial crimes, told Fox News Digital that "the optics" of Hill's charges "bode well for Alex Murdaugh.""Three of those charges that are pending in Colleton County really have nothing to do with the trial. [Those are] actions that she took outside of that trial in the course and scope of her duties, taking advantage of her office obstruction activity. That has nothing to do with it," Bland explained. "One charge in Richland County is a perjury charge. And it's perjury that does stem from the [January 2024] hearing where Justice Toal rendered a decision not giving a new trial to Alex Murdaugh."Bland noted that Toal said during the 2024 hearing that she did not find Hill's testimony entirely credible and did not take it into consideration when ruling against a retrial."At the end of the day, this is going to be a legal decision on appeal," Bland said. "Was Justice Toal correct in applying the South Carolina standard on juror interference by an official? And that, as the South Carolina standard says, you not only have to show the juror interference, but you have to show the effect that it had on the jurors and their verdict. I represented six of those jurors. Eleven of those jurors said anything that Becky Hill said didn't have any effect on our verdict."Of 12 total jurors who found Murdaugh guilty in 2023, 11 said Hill did not influence their decisions. One said he heard the clerk make comments about watching Murdaugh's body language but said her words did not influence his verdict.Even if Murdaugh were to get his sentenced reversed and a retrial, he would still be serving the rest of his life in prison for his financial crimes, defrauding his law clients out of millions of dollars, Bland noted.WATCH: REBECCA HILL ON THE MURDAUGH VERDICT:Both Condon and Bland said Hill presented herself in a professional manner over the course of Murdaugh's murder trial, including one of the first days when a bomb threat shut down the entire courthouse and everyone inside had to evacuate."She was very warm and engaging, and don't forget she touches every aspect of the trial," Bland said. "She is in charge of the court personnel, the bailiffs. She's in charge of the clerk of court's office, where all the filings for the case go, and marshaling all the evidence. She's in charge of the jurors and making sure that they get there on time and they're comfortable and they have something to eat. She participates in all the meetings with the judge and the defense attorneys. So, she's privy to everything. And I think it just got to her head."WATCH: Becky Hill is asked whether she tampered with the juryALEX MURDAUGH COURT CLERK BECKY HILL MISUSED THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON PAINT SUPPLIES, DOG BED, GIFTS: COMPLAINTCondon similarly said the Colleton County courthouse is located in the small town of Walterboro, which does not often see high-profile criminal trials like the Murdaugh case."She probably was trying to be accommodating," Condon said of the charges accusing her of sharing sealed photos with a reporter. "She's a really nice lady, probably trying to help somebody with their story. And again, I don't think there was a malicious intent with that whatsoever. Having said that... one would expect a clerk of court under these heightened circumstances to follow each and every rule, and the allegations show that she did not. But I don't think it was done with any evil intention."Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin, Murdaugh's defense attorneys, told Fox News Digital in a Wednesday statement that while the charges against Hill "are serious, they are not surprising."WATCH: ALEX MURDAUGH ATTORNEY DICK HARPOOTLIAN REACTS TO HILL'S ARREST"We have long raised our concerns about her conduct during and after the trial and this arrest further underscores the need to protect the integrity of the judicial process. Every defendant is entitled to a fair and impartial trial and we look forward to Alex Murdaugh finally getting that fair treatment," the attorneys said.Harpootlian told Fox News on Wednesday that he believes the charges against Hill will result in a new trial for Murdaugh.Hill was also previously accused of sending herself nearly $10,000 in federal bonuses in the form of child support payments, according to a notice of hearing. She used federal funds to give food and gifts to court employees, including "Easter Goodies," Mother's and Father's Day gifts, and Valentine's Day gifts; paint supplies; flowers and decor; various meals for herself; office furniture; and dog food, dog bones and a dog bed, among other items.SLED charging documents make note of the bonus payments.SIGN UP TO GET THE TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTERThe former court clerk, who held her position for about four years, resigned in March following allegations of jury tampering in the Murdaugh trial but maintained that her decision to leave office was not the result of her conduct during the double murder trial."Another significant impact in our clerk's office was in 2023, when we had to manage one of the biggest trials in South Carolina history. Our small town came together and made everyone proud," Hill said during a news conference at the time to announce her resignation. "Managing a trial with such importance to the people of South Carolina, as well as to the national and international media interest and public scrutiny, has caused me to reflect upon decisions involving my stay in the office of the clerk of court."CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPShe added that her decision not to seek re-election in 2024 would allow her to "focus on being a wife, a mother and a grandmother," and that she wanted to provide "ample time to other Republican candidates" interested in the position of Colleton County court clerk.GET REAL-TIME UPDATES DIRECTLY ON THE TRUE CRIME HUBHer former attorney, Justin Bamberg, who has represented victims of Murdaugh's financial crimes, said at a March news conference that Hill's decision had nothing to do with any pending investigations involving the clerk.

Bryan Kohberger's defense team on Thursday suggested there are "alternate perpetrators" and wants to include the theory during the trial.During Thursday's pre-trial hearing, Judge Steven Hippler revealed that Kohberger's defense team made a filing which suggested an alternate suspect. Kohberger is charged with first-degree murder in the Nov. 13, 2022 deaths of University of Idaho students Xana Kernodle, 20, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, and Ethan Chapin, 20.Hippler did not rule on whether he is going to allow Kohberger's defense team to present the "alternate perpetrators" theory during trial, but he asked for more evidence supporting their claim.BRYAN KOHBERGER DEFENSE RAMPS UP LEGAL MANEUVERS IN BID TO KEEP IDAHO MURDERS SUSPECT OFF DEATH ROW"Provide me with whatever actual evidence you have that supports those allegations, rather than just allegations. And two, provide for me, how it is you believe that what you were offering is admissible?" Hippler said. "It seemed to me much of what you had put in there was fairlypotentially fairly objectionable in terms ofadmissibility. So, I would like to see that."SIGN UP TO GET THE TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTERA hearing on the matter is scheduled for June 18. Hippler set a May 23 deadline for Kohberger's defense team to submit evidence supporting their theory of alternate suspects.Former homicide detective and Fox News contributor Ted Williams told Fox News Digital that the legal maneuver by Kohberger's defense team is a "Hail Mary."CAR SIMILAR TO BRYAN KOHBERGER'S SEEN NEAR VICTIMS' HOME MULTIPLE TIMES JUST BEFORE ALLEGED KILLINGS: REPORT"This is a last-minute Hail Mary on the part of the defense to point the fingers at another suspect or suspects. They haven't in open court named that suspect," Williams said.GET REAL-TIME UPDATES DIRECTLY ON THE TRUE CRIME HUBFOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON XThe former homicide detective said he thinks Kohberger's defense team is presenting the possibility of another suspect in order to instill reasonable doubt in the eyes of jury members."When it gets before the jury, even if they can just get one juror and create reasonable doubt, that one juror could hang this trial and they're doing all that they could to not have a guilty verdict against Bryan Kohberger," he said.Fox News Digital reached out to Kohberger's attorney for comment.

Swedish archaeologists recently found an "unusual" Viking-era coffin dating back over 1,100 years.The discovery was announced by Arkeologerna, an archaeological organization affiliated with the Swedish government, in April. The grave was found on the outskirts of Linkping, a city in southern Sweden, in fall 2022, though the find was unknown until last month.In a Facebook post, Arkeologerna said its archaeologists were investigating a stone quarry in the area when they came across the "unusual coffin grave."ARCHAEOLOGISTS DIG UP 1,600-POUND COFFIN IN ROMAN GRAVE FILLED WITH CURIOUS MATERIAL: 'A RARE FIND'"The stone arrangement stood alone in majesty on the crest of a hill," the organization said in a statement translated from Swedish to English. "The view from there was expansive over the flat plains surrounding Linkping."Arkeologerna added that the stone arrangement "had a very strong edge chain, mostly consisting of edge-set blocks.""In the middle was a coffin grave from the 10th century," the translated statement added. "The coffin had been placed in a grave shaft with stone-lined sides."LATE BRONZE AGE SETTLEMENT DATING BACK 3,000 YEARS UNCOVERED AMID ROAD WORK: 'IMPORTANT DISCOVERY'Archaeologists soon found that the person in the grave had been buried with an axe and a dagger, and that there were "remnants of textile, likely from a garment."For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestylePictures show archaeologists working at the site of the carefully arranged stone circle, along with a preserved nail and a wooden sheath that held a knife.The buried person, most likely a man, came from the "upper echelons of society," according to the archaeological organization.The grave also dates back to a pivotal point in Swedish history when inhabitants gradually transitioned from pagan customs to Christian ones. The burial was "done with Christian overtones, but the stone setting was erected on a burial site from the older Iron Age."CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTERArkeologerna project manager Alf Eriksson said that he "really did not expect a coffin grave from the Viking era.""Previously, we have investigated stone settings in the area, and they have been from the older Iron Age, so we thought this one would be, too," the expert said."The strong edge chain of raised/edge-set stone blocks is very unusual."The discovery is one of many fascinating Viking-related finds in recent months.In January, a University Museum of Bergen archaeologist spoke to Fox News Digital about recently discovered Viking graves that were filled with coins, jewelry and other treasure.Last year, metal detectorists on the Isle of Man stumbled across a 1,000-year-old Viking "wallet," filled with 36 silver coins that were minted between 1000 and 1065.

Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe's niece told jurors that his relationship with his suspected killer began to deteriorate in the weeks before his death.O'Keefe, 46, was found dead on Jan. 29, 2022. His then-girlfriend, 45-year-old Karen Read, is currently on trial in connection with his murder.The niece, whose name is not being disclosed because she is a juvenile, testified Wednesday morning after the prior day's testimony was canceled abruptly minutes before it had been scheduled to start.MEDICAL EXAMINER DETAILS SKULL FRACTURES IN KAREN READ MURDER TRIAL TESTIMONYWATCH KAREN READ TRIAL LIVE ON FOX NATION, HOSTED BY PAUL MAUROTo protect the juvenile's privacy, the judge also ordered news cameras not to record her testimony, but the court reserved space for 10 reporters inside the courtroom."This was someone who, to me, could not hide her animosity toward Karen," said John DePetro, a New England radio host who was in court for the proceedings. "The things she said were significant there was a lot of fighting in December and January, and the fighting seemed to increase."KAREN READ TRIAL: CRIME LAB EXPERT TESTIFIES BLOOD EVIDENCE WAS NEVER TESTEDThat aligns with the timing of an argument Read allegedly picked with O'Keefe after a New Year's trip to Aruba, where she accused him of cheating on her with a friend's sister something that O'Keefe denied, according to his niece."On more than one occasion after they had fought, the niece said John had said to [Read], Why dont you just go home?'" he told Fox News Digital. "And she wouldn't leave the house."KAREN READ'S DEFENSE OPENS DOOR FOR SPECIAL PROSECUTOR TO BRING IN NEW EVIDENCE: COURT DOCSAnother key part of the niece's testimony is from the morning Read and two other women found O'Keefe dead outside 34 Fairview Road in Canton, a suburb about 20 miles south of Boston.She testified that a "frantic" Read woke her up between 4:30 and 5 a.m. on Jan. 29, 2022, according to Ted Daniel of WFXT-TV, who was also in the courtroom. Read wanted phone numbers for O'Keefe's friends, Kerry Roberts and Jennifer McCabe, who were with Read at roughly 6 a.m. when they discovered O'Keefe unresponsive under a dusting of snow.GET REAL-TIME UPDATES DIRECTLY ON THE TRUE CRIME HUBThe niece allegedly overheard her asking whether she could have "done something" or if O'Keefe may have been "hit by a plow."FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X"I dont think it damaged the defense case, and I think some people were expecting she would be very harsh about Karen Read," said Grace Edwards, a Massachusetts defense attorney who has been following the case."But it appears she told it like it was and was not biased against her. She testified to things already in the record with respect to their relationship we already saw the text messages between them and there was no evidence of any physical violence."SIGN UP TO GET TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTERRead could face up to life in prison if convicted of the top charge, second-degree murder.She has pleaded not guilty, and her defense denies her vehicle collided with O'Keefe at all.Fox News' Julia Bonavita contributed to this report.

Cassie Ventura testified for four days against her ex-boyfriend, Sean "Diddy" Combs, in his federal trial for sex crimes.Cassie, 38, was emotional at times as she sat on the witness stand detailing alleged abuse at the hands of the Bad Boy Records founder.Her husband, Alex Fine, was in court throughout his pregnant wife's testimony.Her testimony as "Victim 1" was crucial to the government's case, and the U.S. Attorney's Office is relying on Cassie as its "star witness," according to criminal defense attorney Phil Harvey.DIDDY TRIAL: CASSIE VENTURA'S 5 MOST EXPLOSIVE CLAIMS AGAINST RAPPER"After a full week of trial, we dont know who victims 2 and 3 are yet, but we do know one thing: Cassie Ventura is the star witness so far," Harvey told Fox News Digital."It's clear that the government wants to paint Sean Combs as a depraved character. Regardless of their personal morality, the jurors are going to have a negative view of Mr. Combs, no question. And the government is going to want that to hold for the rest of trial."INSIDE THE DIDDY JURY ROOM: A LOOK AT WHO'S DECIDING THE RAPPER'S FATEDiddy's lawyer, Anna Estevao, "did a good job staying on track," Harvey said."She got Ms. Ventura to admit that she willingly participated in some of the so-called freak offs, and she got Ms. Ventura to read some of her own text messages with Mr. Combs, highlighting the consensual nature of a lot of their relationship," Harvey noted."Thats good lawyering, especially when you have a sympathetic witness like Ms. Ventura, who is visibly pregnant and clearly victimized."The former girlfriend of Diddy testified May 13-14 about the alleged abuse she experienced at the hands of the rapper. Cassie claimed she was physically abused and forced into participating in "freak offs," where Diddy would coerce her into having sex with a male escort while he watched.She claimed to have entered rehab and pursued trauma therapy at the beginning of 2023 after having "horrible flashbacks" on set of a music video.In one emotional text exchange, she allegedly told Diddy, "As much as you think you're Bruce Willis, you aren't. He's married and before he was married, the family as a whole went on trips together, or just with him and his woman. Eddie Murphy and Paige took his kids away on their own."WATCH ON FOX NATION: WHAT DIDDY DO?"He didn't go with his ex because that's not who he's in love with. I've been at the edge of tears this whole week. I don't think that you sympathize with my feelings."During cross-examination, Diddys defense lawyer introduced messages showing the rapper checking in on Cassie in 2019. A few months later, Combs congratulated Cassie, saying she was going to be a great mother. Cassie confirmed she was pregnant at the time.On March 7, 2020, Combs texted, "miss my best friendFrankie is so beautiful"Frankie is Cassie's first daughter.Cassie responded, "miss you too"He replied, "thank you so much for respondingIm always here if you need me"Cassie sent her love to Combs family as well. The rapper responded, saying, "S--- has definitely been rough without your friendship"Former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard testified to allegedly witnessing Diddy assaulting Cassie in 2009. Richard told the court Friday that one day after an alleged altercation in which she "observedCassie being attacked," the "Last Night" rapper told her it was par for the course in a normal relationship.WATCH: Cassie Ventura's lawyer reads statements from her and her husband outside New York City courthouseDiddy and Richard were in the recording studio when he allegedly said that what was witnessed the day before was "passion" and what people in relationships do. He claimed that Cassie was OK, and it was best if they didn't say anything.The Bad Boy Records founder allegedly said that, where he's from, people go missing. She interprested his words to mean people end up dead.Cassie revealed Friday she's expecting to receive a $10 million settlement from the InterContinental Hotel, the location of the 2016 assault where Diddy attacked her in the hallway.Diddy and Cassie allegedly had a "freak off" at the hotel March 5, 2016, that turned violent. Cassie previously testified that she was attempting to leave the "freak off" after Diddy gave her a black eye.WATCH: SEAN DIDDY COMBS SEEMINGLY ASSAULTS CASSIE VENTURA IN 2016 LOS ANGELES HOTEL INCIDENTLIKE WHAT YOURE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSAfter making it to the elevator lobby, the singer-songwriter testified, Diddy assaulted her. The rapper could be seen dragging Cassie down the hotel hallway in surveillance footage that was shown to the jury and previously released to the public in 2024.Former hotel security guard Israel Florez, who responded after the violent attack, testified Monday that he tried to call police, but Cassie told him not to.Cassie testified to using drugs, including ketamine and cocaine, as a way to disassociate during the "freak offs," which would sometimes last for days."For me, it was dissociative. I couldnt imagine doing that without some sort of buffer," she told Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson. "I needed to remain high to stay present with the experience."The prosecution finished direct examination of Cassie Wednesday. That same day, Cassie told the jury she chose to testify against Diddy because she could no longer carry the guilt."I cant carry this anymore," she told the court. "I cant carry the shame, the guilt. Whats right is right. Whats wrong is wrong."Harvey noted that the case isn't as clear-cut as it would appear."Theres no question Ms. Ventura was victimized by Mr. Combs. Weve all seen the assault video," he said. "And she got a $20 million rape settlement in civil court.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER"The question we are left with from Week 1 is: Was Cassie Ventura victimized in such a way to amount to the specific federal charges in his indictment?"He said the government was taking a risk by emphasizing Diddy's character."Those jurors are going to eventually get a set of legal instructions from the judge," Harvey said. "Those jury instructions are going to make it clear: This is not an assault trial. It's not a rape trial. And it's not a morality play. Instead, the jurors will be asked if the government manages to prove three types of federal crimes: racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.WATCH: DIDDY'S FAMILY SUPPORTS HIM IN COURT"If the jurors get to deliberation, and all they have is a lot of evidence that Mr. Combs is a depraved soul who may have committed assault, battery and even rape, those jurors can still acquit him."The trial, which began Monday with opening statements, is expected to last eight weeks. Combs has been in jail since his arrest in September 2024, after his Los Angeles and Miami homes were raided by law enforcement.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the country's air force drills and emphasized the need to intensify war preparation, according to state media.Kim inspected anti-aircraft combat and air strike drills conducted by North Korea's 1st Air Division on Thursday, the Korean Central News Agency reported.The North Korean leader called for all military units to achieve "a breakthrough in war preparation," according to the outlet.NORTH KOREA LAUNCHES SHORT-RANGE BALLISTIC MISSILES INTO SEA, SOUTH KOREA SAYSFootage of the drills aired on state TV showed a MiG-29 jet launching a missile that appeared to be a North Korean version of a Russian-developed mid- to long-range air-to-air missile, according to Hong Min, North Korea analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification.Earlier this month, the North Korean leader supervised a missile test, inspected tank and munitions plants, and made a rare stop at the Russian embassy in Pyongyang to reaffirm the nation's alliance with Moscow. He also oversaw tank firing drills and special operations training.600 NORTH KOREAN TROOPS KILLED WHILE FIGHTING UKRAINE, SOUTH KOREA SAYSNorth Korea also condemned the U.S. State Department for including it on a list of countries that do not fully cooperate with U.S. counterterrorism efforts-- a designation it has received annually since 1997, according to South Korea's Yonhap News Agency."The more the U.S. provokes the [Democratic People's Republic of Korea] with unnecessary and inefficient malicious acts, the further it will escalate the irreconcilable hostility between the DPRK and the U.S.," a North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP"The DPRK will ... take effective and proper measures to cope with the U.S. hostile provocations in all spheres," the spokesperson continued.Reuters contributed to this report.

GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), medications that help control type 2 diabetes and obesity, can have a profound impact on physical wellness but what about mental health?Some examples of these medications include semaglutides, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, and liraglutide, like Victoza and Saxenda.Various studies have pointed toward GLP-1 RAs causing mental health complications, such as anxiety and depression.WEIGHT-LOSS DRUGS' IMPACT ON CANCER RISK REVEALED IN NEW STUDYThe National Institutes of Health (NIH) published research in June 2024 that considered the correlation between semaglutide therapy and "exacerbating mood disturbances."The study highlighted the association of negative mood changes in patients with type 2 diabetes with a history of depression, warning healthcare providers to be aware of this "potential risk."But a more recent study, published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, suggested that these mood changes were linked to genetic variations across diverse populations and ancestries within the U.K. Biobank.While GLP-1 RA variants had "consistent cardiometabolic effects" across all groups, the researchers said the negative impacts on mental health were "more varied," concluding that any behavioral changes are "likely not acting directly through [the medications]."SEMAGLUTIDE FOUND TO HAVE SHOCKING BENEFIT FOR LIVER DISEASE PATIENTS IN NEW STUDYDr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurosurgeon who often prescribes GLP-1 RAs to his patients, believes that there is "no consistent causal relationship" between these medications and mental illness."Researchers assayed genetic markers across almost half a million people from different backgrounds in search of a link between the gene behind GLP-1 receptors and mental health problems like depression, anxiety or suicidal ideation and they didnt find it," he summarized.People who are obese or battling type 2 diabetes are "often already depressed" without the medication, the doctor pointed out."These conditions take a toll physically, emotionally and socially," he said. "So, yes, a large portion of patients starting GLP-1 drugs are already dealing with mental health struggles. But thats not because of the drug thats because of the disease."HERE'S WHY BELLY FAT IS MORE COMMON AS WE AGE, AND 3 WAYS TO PREVENT ITOnce these individuals begin dropping weight, blood sugar stabilizes and energy improves, which usually lifts their mood as well."GLP-1 drugs help people reclaim their health," Osborn noted. "They reduce inflammation. They lower blood sugar. They shrink waistlines.""And when people look and feel better, when their bodies finally start working for them instead of against them, they often smile more, not less."Dr. Muhammad Ghanem, a bariatric surgeon at Orlando Health Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery Institute, shared in a separate interview with Fox News Digital that while some of his patients have reported mood changes, others "dont have that at all."FIRST GLP-1 PILL FOR WEIGHT LOSS, DIABETES SHOWS SUCCESS IN LATE-PHASE TRIAL"Depression or mood changes are very common regardless, especially nowadays, and so it's hard to [determine] whether this is related to the GLP-1 agonist medications, or whether it just happens to be that they started suffering from these after they started that medication," he said."Its really hard to tell whether it's a personality change that can happen because of weight loss or if it's a side effect because of mood changes," he added. "I don't think we have enough data to reach that conclusion yet."Patients who lose weight with GLP-1 RAs can experience a "big boost" in confidence, as well as a change in personality and even relationships, according to Ghanem."It really depends on the person and the support system they have," he said. "You need proper, randomized controlled trials to reach a conclusion, and better studies to determine whether this is related to the medication itself or just weight loss."For those who are interested in these medications or are experiencing mood changes while taking them, the surgeon stressed the importance of keeping in close contact with medical providers."Just like any other medication, they can have potential side effects," he said.Ghanem recommended seeking out professionals and practices who take a "holistic approach" to weight loss, offering mental health support in addition to medication.Dr. Brunilda Nazario, MD, chief physician editor of medical affairs atWebMD, told Fox News Digital that "obesity is complicated.""Obesity specialists are cautiously excited about how well these drugs work," she said.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER"With current studies showing conflicting results on mood disorders and the use of GLP-1 drugs, its important for all doctors who prescribe these drugs to be aware and check the patients history before prescribing [them]."Nazario stressed that it's "vital" for GLP-1 RA users to listen to their bodies, urging them to pay attention to their feelings and know the symptoms of mood disorders."Dont be afraid to ask for help if you feel something is not right your health depends on it," he added.For more Health articles, visitwww.foxnews.com/healthNazario noted that GLP-1 RAs can affect mood in many different ways."They are not all negative they have the potential to improve mood as well," she said. "Just seeing great results can boost self-esteem, confidence and body image."

FIRST ON FOX: When Marlon Wayans announced that a new "Scary Movie" was being made, fans were thrilled yet nervous that the franchise would lose the edginess it had in the early 2000s. Wayans quickly put those fears to rest in a new interview.The "Scary Movie" films are politically incorrect parodies of some of the most iconic horror movies in recent years. The likes of "Scream," "I Know What You Did Last Summer" and "The Ring" were a few brutally skewered by the "Scary Movie" cast. The films featured disability humor, jokes about race, body image and much more.Wayans, who played Shorty Meeks in the first "Scary Movie" and its 2001 sequel, was pumped about the series returning."After nearly 20 years, the Wayans brothers are finally going to give the fans what theyve been asking for a return to the SCARY MOVIE franchise!" he wrote on X in the announcement last October. "Were looking forward to having fun on the big screen again."COMEDIAN MARLON WAYANS REJECTS CANCEL CULTURE, SAYS IT ONLY EXISTS IN SOCIETYS MIND'"Please dont go woke," was the common refrain from fans cautiously excited about the franchise returning.No need to fret, according to Wayans."Well the Wayans, we were always woke-ish," Wayans told Fox News Digital. "You have to pull from woke because that means you're aware, right? And you have, but you have to be an equal-opportunity offender and you gotta be, you know, you gotta explore both sides. So for us, I'm not taking a side or taking a side of comedy. So I don't even know what woke means."He analyzed the rest of his comedic work in the context of wokeness."You know, if you call 'In Living Color' a woke show, but it was absolutely hilarious," he continued. "'White Chicks' was kind of a woke movie, but it was absolutely hilarious. We take these things and we go 'Don't Be A Menace' was a very woke movie. But when it comes to humor, it's not about woke. It's about you explore the woke to find the humor, just as the way you explore the blind to find the humor. You know, there's humor everywhere. And I think they're saying, don't be PG or PC. You know, there's no holds barred. Take your gloves off and F us up. That's what we're gonna do. Everybody gets it."WHITE CHICKS STAR MARLON WAYANS PUSHES BACK ON CANCEL CULTURE, VOWS TO NEVER SELF-CENSORAs for what recent horror movies he's hoping to poke fun at in the next "Scary Movie," Wayans said, "Everything's on the table."And he said there's plenty of solid material to pick from."Especially when it comes to horror, there's been a that genre has been flourishing," he said. "I think you know I feel like the synapse that we're having, we're about to enter a whole new era, you know, the platinum era of filmmaking. I think when things die down, is because you know you need to find that new well of creativity and that new up-and-coming talent and the old talent that has new ideas that knows how to execute. And they just bring it to a whole 'nother level and that's what I'm looking forward to, man."The actor said he's hoping to have some good news for fans wanting to see the original cast back in action."You know, we're trying to bring the band back together," he responded. "We'll see. I can't make no promises. But, you know, if we've talked to everybody we're looking to have a nice, fun, 'Scary' reunion."AIRPLANE! AND SCARY MOVIE' DIRECTOR RIPS CANCEL CULTURE IN COMEDY: WE DONT WANT TO TRY TO EDUCATE'The Wayans' family's "no holds barred" humor was evident in another early 2000s classic, "White Chicks." While Marlon noted that people have tried to "cancel" him and his brother Shawn for years for starring in the film, he challenged those critics by pointing out which demographic most enjoyed the movie."Every time we bring a Wayans project, we're always gonna have that flavor," he told Fox News Digital. "That's just who we are. We're equal opportunity offenders, no holds barred. And we have fun and we go dark, but with kids' gloves. And the whole purpose is not to hurt feelings, it's to actually make people laugh. And even the people that, and our thing is, we try to make the people that we make fun of laugh the loudest. 'Cause flattery is the greatest form of mockery. I mean mockery is the greatest form of flattery.""And so, they've been trying to the internet or whatever and trying to cancel us for 'White Chicks' forever, but you can't," he added. "You know why? You know who loves 'White Chicks' the most? White chicks. So we told the joke the right way. And that's just how we do our family humor."Wayans is currently on his Wild Child tour, stopping in major cities across the country. Fans can get tickets at www.marlonwayans.com. He also has a comedy special, "Good Grief," currently streaming on Amazon Prime.

Behind Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompsons pageant dresses and charismatic personality was a little girl navigating a storm of chaos, emotional neglect and her moms drug addiction.In her new Lifetime biopic, "I was Honey Boo Boo," Thompson pulls back the curtain on the trauma she endured while growing up in the spotlight, beginning at the young age of 6."For me, its not about fame, and its not about the money," she said. "Honestly, my story is simple. Its about a mom and a daughter and breaking the cycle of emotional abuse."ALANA 'HONEY BOO BOO' THOMPSON CLAIMS SHE'S NEVER SEEN A DIME OF MONEY MADE FROM TLC REALITY SHOWThompson was the star of multiple reality television shows, including "Toddlers and Tiaras," "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo" and "Mama June: Family Crisis."Now 19 years old, Thompson revealed how her on-screen confidence concealed the harsh reality of constant criticism and family struggles, particularly with her mother, June "Mama June" Shannon."My mama put men, money and eventually even drugs ahead of me," Thompson began her biopic, narrating the movie.Thompson rose to fame during her breakout on "Toddlers & Tiaras," which would eventually lead to her spinoff, "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo."She recalled the moment she stopped being a daughter and became a dollar sign to Mama June.A scene in her biopic showed Thompson being scouted for the TLC series."The cycle of pain started even before I could recognize it. It started when my mom looked at me, and, for the first time, she just didnt see me. She saw her own potential," Thompson remarked.As the former child star continued to vie for her mothers attention, her reality show, "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo," became an "overnight hit.""Everything was going well for us. Young and nave me loved every minute of it. Mama told me over and over again how important I was to her, and I loved being her little moneymaker. It made me feel special. This was our thing, and I finally gave her something no one else could."However, Thompson confessed that feeling quickly took a turn."But with all the money coming in, things were changing. And the truth of who Mama really was, wasnt far behind."Behind closed doors were forced smiles and silent tears, and the biopic highlighted how fame nearly ruined the familys foundation.The biopic continued to highlight bitter fights, cheating allegations and the life-changing moment when Thompsons family, including her father, "Sugar Bear" Thompson, was involved in a car crash in 2014.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTERAfter the familys car collided with a truck, Mama June decided she was going to leave Thompsons father.In "I Was Honey Boo Boo," a scene shows the family moving to Georgia, and the actress who portrayed Mama June announces she had bought a home for "a quarter of a million dollars" all because of her "little moneymaker."Thompson went on to share her roller coaster of a life and recalled the moment Mama June was absent from her life.Once their reality show was canceled, Thompson admitted, she "felt lost" without it."But now that I wasnt mamas little moneymaker, she didnt need me anymore," she remarked."It was hard, it was definitely a big change for me, going from my mom being there 24/7 to not being there at all. At the time, I didnt understand that her love was only transactional."However, in the "I Was Honey Boo Boo" biopic, there is a moment where things started to take a positive turn for Mama June.The movie briefly highlights her 300-pound weight-loss journey, going under the knife before her new reality show, "Mama June: From Not to Hot."As the dramatic transformation may have been seen as positive by fans, it made Thompson feel worse about herself.As pounds were shed, a darker side of her mother emerged, one Thompson had trouble understanding as a young girl.Thompson started to ask herself if she needed to lose weight too.MAMA JUNE REVEALS SHE SPENT ALMOST $1M IN FINAL YEAR OF ADDICTIONThe pressure to match her moms "glow up" left Thompson questioning her own self-worth."The glow up that Mama had, as a young girl, it made me think you needed to have surgery to look good," she reflected.As a child who admittedly struggled with weight, she couldnt help but wonder, "Do I look OK? My mama looks good now."While "Honey Boo Boo" dealt with another dramatic life change, she later revealed that she discovered just how deep her mothers drug addiction ran.Mama June wasnt just battling weight; she was battling drugs."I didnt get why mom chose drugs over me," Thompson recalled, recalling a time she was explicitly warned not to tell anyone about Mama Junes drug habit."If someone finds out, youll be taken away from me and sent to foster care," the actress who portrayed Mama June says in the biopic.Thompson described the deep, quiet fear instilled in her by her mother.Things quickly spiraled out of control. With Mama June slipping deeper into addiction, Thompson was forced to live with her sister."I was scared to find out that my mom might die," she admitted. "I was scared for her but worried that shed die."MAMA JUNE ADMITS TO A $2,500 PER DAY DRUG HABIT IN EMOTIONAL PLEA TO REUNITE WITH HER KIDSIn 2019, Shannon and her boyfriend, Geno Doak, were arrested on suspicion of drug possession after a dispute at an Alabama gas station. Details about what drew police to the gas station were not released at the time. Doak had a lengthy criminal history that included arrests for theft, burglary and criminal damage to property. The couple had been dating for three years.Around this time, Shannon began selling her belongings and eventually her home. This was also when she lost custody of Thompson.In 2020, on the family's latest reality show, "Mama June: Family Crisis," they began to discuss a path for her to return to Thompsons life. Thats when she dropped the big confession about her past drug habits."The only reason I sold the house we was dead f---ing broke," she explained. "Because, you know, at that point, we was doing quite a bit. I mean, it was a couple ounces a day. Our habit was $2,500 a day, if not more."Mama Junes drug abuse had not only threatened their lives but also their financial security.Despite earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from the show, Mama June allegedly blew through it all.Thompson claimed in a recent interview with People that despite starring in the popular show, she's never seen any of the money from it.She also alleged that her mother took $35,000 from her earnings during her appearance on "Dancing with the Stars" in 2019, only returning the money recently but without any apology.LIKE WHAT YOURE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSAs Thompson endured a tumultuous past, she eventually found the strength to stand up and move forward."Thats it. Im done with Mama June," Thompsons character says in the biopic, acknowledging she was no longer the little girl trying to prove her worth.Thompson says she was under immense pressure from an early age to generate income, forced into a role she never asked for.The former child star is now a rising junior in college, studying nursing and living in Colorado with her boyfriend, Dralin Carswell, 24.While her mother is five years sober, Thompson previously opened up about how difficult it was to forgive her."[Forgiveness] was hard, but, at the end of the day, shes my mom. When she was bad in her addiction, I just kept thinking about the day shed recover. Were going pretty good. Hopefully it lasts. I just no longer have any expectations for her."Mama June did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment."I Was Honey Boo Boo" premieres on Lifetime May 17 at 8 ET.

GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), medications that help control type 2 diabetes and obesity, can have a profound impact on physical wellness but what about mental health?Some examples of these medications include semaglutides, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, and liraglutide, like Victoza and Saxenda.Various studies have pointed toward GLP-1 RAs causing mental health complications, such as anxiety and depression.WEIGHT-LOSS DRUGS' IMPACT ON CANCER RISK REVEALED IN NEW STUDYThe National Institutes of Health (NIH) published research in June 2024 that considered the correlation between semaglutide therapy and "exacerbating mood disturbances."The study highlighted the association of negative mood changes in patients with type 2 diabetes with a history of depression, warning healthcare providers to be aware of this "potential risk."But a more recent study, published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, suggested that these mood changes were linked to genetic variations across diverse populations and ancestries within the U.K. Biobank.While GLP-1 RA variants had "consistent cardiometabolic effects" across all groups, the researchers said the negative impacts on mental health were "more varied," concluding that any behavioral changes are "likely not acting directly through [the medications]."SEMAGLUTIDE FOUND TO HAVE SHOCKING BENEFIT FOR LIVER DISEASE PATIENTS IN NEW STUDYDr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurosurgeon who often prescribes GLP-1 RAs to his patients, believes that there is "no consistent causal relationship" between these medications and mental illness."Researchers assayed genetic markers across almost half a million people from different backgrounds in search of a link between the gene behind GLP-1 receptors and mental health problems like depression, anxiety or suicidal ideation and they didnt find it," he summarized.People who are obese or battling type 2 diabetes are "often already depressed" without the medication, the doctor pointed out."These conditions take a toll physically, emotionally and socially," he said. "So, yes, a large portion of patients starting GLP-1 drugs are already dealing with mental health struggles. But thats not because of the drug thats because of the disease."HERE'S WHY BELLY FAT IS MORE COMMON AS WE AGE, AND 3 WAYS TO PREVENT ITOnce these individuals begin dropping weight, blood sugar stabilizes and energy improves, which usually lifts their mood as well."GLP-1 drugs help people reclaim their health," Osborn noted. "They reduce inflammation. They lower blood sugar. They shrink waistlines.""And when people look and feel better, when their bodies finally start working for them instead of against them, they often smile more, not less."Dr. Muhammad Ghanem, a bariatric surgeon at Orlando Health Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery Institute, shared in a separate interview with Fox News Digital that while some of his patients have reported mood changes, others "dont have that at all."FIRST GLP-1 PILL FOR WEIGHT LOSS, DIABETES SHOWS SUCCESS IN LATE-PHASE TRIAL"Depression or mood changes are very common regardless, especially nowadays, and so it's hard to [determine] whether this is related to the GLP-1 agonist medications, or whether it just happens to be that they started suffering from these after they started that medication," he said."Its really hard to tell whether it's a personality change that can happen because of weight loss or if it's a side effect because of mood changes," he added. "I don't think we have enough data to reach that conclusion yet."Patients who lose weight with GLP-1 RAs can experience a "big boost" in confidence, as well as a change in personality and even relationships, according to Ghanem."It really depends on the person and the support system they have," he said. "You need proper, randomized controlled trials to reach a conclusion, and better studies to determine whether this is related to the medication itself or just weight loss."For those who are interested in these medications or are experiencing mood changes while taking them, the surgeon stressed the importance of keeping in close contact with medical providers."Just like any other medication, they can have potential side effects," he said.Ghanem recommended seeking out professionals and practices who take a "holistic approach" to weight loss, offering mental health support in addition to medication.Dr. Brunilda Nazario, MD, chief physician editor of medical affairs atWebMD, told Fox News Digital that "obesity is complicated.""Obesity specialists are cautiously excited about how well these drugs work," she said.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER"With current studies showing conflicting results on mood disorders and the use of GLP-1 drugs, its important for all doctors who prescribe these drugs to be aware and check the patients history before prescribing [them]."Nazario stressed that it's "vital" for GLP-1 RA users to listen to their bodies, urging them to pay attention to their feelings and know the symptoms of mood disorders."Dont be afraid to ask for help if you feel something is not right your health depends on it," he added.For more Health articles, visitwww.foxnews.com/healthNazario noted that GLP-1 RAs can affect mood in many different ways."They are not all negative they have the potential to improve mood as well," she said. "Just seeing great results can boost self-esteem, confidence and body image."