A former camp counselor was arrested last weekend after allegedly threatening to "create the next Columbine shooting" if children at the Texas summer camp were to "piss him off."Authorities arrested 23-year-old Mario Bernal, of Vernal, Utah, on Sunday over "terroristic threats" made to Christian Camp Cho-Yeh in Livingston, the Polk County Sheriffs Office said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.Bernal, who was reportedly facing termination over cruel behavior and mistreatment of children, allegedly repeated his threat to recreate the 1999 Columbine High School incident which left 12 students and one teacher dead if the camp fired him, according to Fox 26 Houston, citing an arrest warrant affidavit.FBI THWARTS TEEN'S ALLEGED 'SERIOUS' MALL ATTACK PLOT INVOLVING EXPLOSIVES, GUNFIREThe former camp counselor reportedly said he would "clock himself out" if terminated, and "not go down by himself" if the camp "came at him legally," the outlet added.The camp fired Bernal after at least one camp worker said they saw him locking up a group of children in a hot room and refusing to let them leave as a form of "discipline," the local TV station reported.WANTED WASHINGTON DAD'S YOUNG DAUGHTERS WERE FOUND DEAD WITH BAGS ON HEADS, WRISTS BOUND: DOCSPolice received reports of the threats and nabbed Bernal near the camp entrance after spotting him in a vehicle, the Livingston Police Department said on Sunday."Threats to this community, especially involving our children, will always be taken seriously," Livingston police Chief Matt Parrish said in a statement. "I commend the quick and thorough investigation by the Sheriffs Office, as well as the response by our officers."CALIFORNIA YOUTH SOCCER COACH CHARGED WITH MURDERING MISSING 13-YEAR-OLD BOYPolk County Jail online records show Bernal remains in custody and is being held on a $250,000 surety bond.

Amid declining TV ratings, the NBA welcomed its newest young superstar to the league on Wednesday night when Cooper Flagg was drafted with the No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks out of Duke.As one of the most hyped prospects in recent NBA history, many experts are anointing the 6-foot-9 Maine native as potentially the next face of the league.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMHere's everything to know about Flagg, who has already made some noteworthy history before even stepping onto an NBA court:The last time a White American-born player like Flagg was the first pick in the NBA Draft was Kent Benson in 1977. Since then, every first overall pick has been either a minority, foreign-born, or both.ESPN star Stephen A. Smith made a comment about Flagg's skin color during a televised discussion on the network with co-host Jay Williams in March while discussing the phenom's marketability in the NBA."Think about all the conversations that we have, regardless of whether players like it or not, I hate it, but its a real thing about, who is gonna be the face of the league?" Williams asked."Cooper Flagg now. There are pictures of him in college basketball with his face and the American flag behind it. Think about everything happening in our country right now. About what it means to be America. America first. Okay? Hes from Maine. Hes not like from one of these cities, hes from Maine, representing the bigger grand stage of the country."Smith interjected, saying, "I love what you brought up. Cooper Flagg, the American flag, and let's call it what it is, white. We see some of these European brothers, but again, European is not American. When you look at it from that standpoint, the marketability."Smith followed up on the subject with similar comments in May during an episode of ESPN's "First Take.""When youve got somebody with that kind of potential, and theyre White and you are in America, you keep that dude. Im telling you right now," Smith said. "The first order of business is he can ball. Its because he can play, but the fact that hes White, marketable even his name makes him more marketable. Im not passing that up at all."Meanwhile, the British news outlet "The Guardian" published a feature in December titled "Cooper Flagg: the 17-year-old cold-a-- white boy breaking the basketball discourse." The article referred to Flagg as "the next great White hope, Caitlin Clark 2.0."The article was heavily criticized for putting such a focus on Flagg's race.The Mavericks ended up with the first selection in this year's despite having just a 1.8% chance the 11th-best odds in the league to land the pick in the draft lottery after finishing the season with a 39-43 record.The Mavericks' miraculous lottery result came months after the organization made a questionable trade to send superstar Luka Doncic to LeBron James' Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick, which many experts considered well-below value for Doncic.This sequence of events prompted many fans and pundits to speculate about potential conspiracy theories about how and why Dallas got the pick despite having such low odds for it.MICHAEL JORDAN TO JOIN NBC AS 'SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR' FOR NBA COVERAGEDuring Wednesday's draft at the Barclay Center in New York City, one fan in attendance jeered "Dallas was rigged," which was captured on the ESPN broadcast.Flagg himself was asked about these theories during a press conference on Wednesday night after being drafted."I don't know what to say about that. I have no insider information, if that's what you're looking for. But I just feel blessed for the way it all worked out."Flagg was born in Newport, Maine a state that doesn't have the glitziest history of producing basketball talent.The most prominent player to come out of Maine was former Olympic gold medalist Jeff Turner, who played for Vanderbilt in the early 1980s and played in the NBA from 1984-96. But he was out of the NBA from 1986-89 while playing in Italy.Miami Heat player Duncan Robinson was born in Maine, but he grew up in New Hampshire and went undrafted in the 2018 draft.Flagg said told The Associated Press in May that he was told his background as a Mainer prompted many to tell him he'd "never" play Division I basketball."Growing up in Maine, theres people that told me I would never be able to make it to the next level or play Division I basketball because Im from Maine and nobody plays up there," Flagg said. "I think just that message of it doesnt matter where youre from, as long as you work hard and trust yourself and trust your ability, then you can really accomplish anything."Flagg didn't let the skepticism impact his ambitions."It doesnt matter where youre from," Flagg said at the draft combine. "If you have a goal, if you have a dream and you put your mind to it ... I mean, honestly, for me, it wasnt real until I was in high school, but I always loved the game of basketball. I always put the work in. I always wanted to be the best that I could be."Now, instead of a hindrance, Flagg's home state has given him a unique nickname: "The Maine Event." While most NBA stars have apparel deals with Nike or Under Armour, Flagg has taken up a different flag in the retail wars.Flagg is signed with New Balance, which is based in his home state's neighbor of Massachusetts. Other NBA stars signed with that brand include Kawhi Leonard, Jamal Murray, Tyrese Maxey, Dejounte Murray, Zach LaVine, Darius Garland and Aaron Nesmit.But now Flagg may prove to be the brand's biggest ambassador yet, as the company looks to take on the market leaders Nike and Under Armour."I am so proud to call Maine my home state and I am grateful for all of the support I have received," Flagg said in a press release sent to Fox News Digital."Thank you to Governor Mills and New Balance for helping to reinforce my belief in the value of teamwork and that if you stick to something and keep working, you can make anything happen."Nike has been heavily criticized over the last year by women's sports rights activists for its official company stance in supporting trans athletes in women's and girls' sports.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X, and subscribe tothe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Seattle mayoral candidate Katie Wilson outlined her plan on Tuesday to "Trump-proof" the city ahead of the upcoming primary.Local news affiliate King 5 News spoke with the Democratic candidate, who has used the term "Trump-proof" as a political slogan and asked what that would entail."There are a number of aspects to this, and part of it is trying to protect our immigrant communities and making sure that we are protecting the right to due process and also the right to protest," Wilson said.GOP FIGHTS BACK AGAINST TRUMP-PROOF SANCTUARY JURISDICTIONSShe added that her primary focus would be on the impact of President Donald Trump's potential federal spending cuts, which she claims could "leave people hungry, without housing, without medical care" in Seattle."As mayor, I will raise new progressive revenue to make sure that we can continue to deliver the services that Seattle residents depend on," Wilson said. "In addition to making sure that we are using the revenue we have as effectively and as efficiently as possible, and we're going to need to make some really hard choices and make sure that we are using our budget to the fullest in the years ahead, because it's going to be hard."Wilson has used the term "Trump-proof" before in a 2017 campaign to advocate for a city income tax on households earning more than $250,000 a year. At the time, she worked as Transit Riders Union general secretary.She referenced this early campaign on her current campaign website.CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE"Here we are eight years later, again having to think about how to protect ourselves and our neighbors from the actions of an even more virulent federal administration," the site read.Wilson is running in the Democratic primary against current Mayor Bruce Harrell, whos held the position since 2022. If elected, Harrell would be the first Seattle mayor to win a second term in 20 years. There are five other candidates in the primary.The Democratic primary for Seattle mayor will be held Aug. 5 with the general election taking place on Nov. 4.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The Harvard Kennedy School of Government will lay off staff after federal funding cuts and endowment tax threats on Wednesday, according to an email from the dean of the school that was obtained by Fox News Digital.Without mentioning the Trump administration directly, Harvard Kennedy School Dean Jeremy M. Weinstein announced in an email to faculty and staff that the cuts were in response to "unprecedented new headwinds" creating "significant financial challenges." These included a "substantial proposed increase in the endowment tax" and "massive cuts to federal funding of research."He also cited the impact on international student enrollment after the administration eliminated the student visa program due to "pro-terrorist conduct" at Harvard's campus protests. According to the Kennedy School, international students made up 59 percent of the schools student body last year, and 52 percent on average in the past five years.HARVARD UPDATES LAWSUIT AFTER TRUMP CANCELS ADDITIONAL $450M IN FUNDINGThe Kennedy School has been planning for budget cuts since February, but the White Houses recent actions appear to have exacerbated the circumstances.The Trump administration froze $2.2 billion in funding to the university and threatened to revoke itstax-exempt status due to its handling of antisemitism on campus in the wake of the October 7 terror attacks on Israel by Hamas.The Department of Educations Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitismreleased a statement on May 13, citingrecent reporting that "has exposed the Harvard Law Reviews (HLR) pattern of endemic race discrimination when evaluating articles for inclusion in its journal."The findings resulted in the Trump administrationcutting an additional $450 million in grants from the university.In addition to layoffs, Harvard has implemented "important steps" to reduce costs across the Kennedy School, Weinstein said, such as pauses in hiring and merit-based pay, ending a lease on the first floor of an office building, halting "non-urgent" construction and renovation projects, and "reducing spending" across each core department."Unfortunately, those efforts alone will not be enough to address our current financial challenges," the dean wrote. "As a result, we need to lay off some members of our team and restructure other positions to ensure the long-term financial future of the Kennedy School."TRUMP FROZE FUNDING FOR HARVARD. MONEY TO THESE UNIVERSITIES MAY ALSO BE ON THE CHOPPING BLOCKWeinstein stated that managers would inform staff affected by the layoffs on Wednesday afternoon."This is an extremely difficult moment, and one that we did everything possible to avoid," Weinstein added."I am truly sorry that we need to take this step as we navigate unprecedented challenges as a School and University," Weinstein wrote, while also noting that the administration's actions caused "even greater financial uncertainty."The Harvard Kennedy School declined to disclose to Fox News Digital how many staff members were laid off.The Harvard School of Public Health implemented layoffs in April and other schools are considering cutting staff as well, the Harvard Crimson reported Thursday.The Trump administration did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

The person who waved a Palestinian flag during Kendrick Lamar's halftime show performance at the Super Bowl has been identified as the man Antonio Brown allegedly shot last month.Brown reportedly has a warrant out for his arrest for attempted murder, and Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu told investigators a bullet grazed his neck, according to The Associated Press.The AP mentioned that Nantambu was the person selected to be a backup dancer for Lamar during the rapper's performance but instead took the opportunity to show his support for Sudan and Palestine.Nantambu was arrested Thursday on charges of resisting an officer and disturbing the peace by interruption of a lawful assembly, revealing a link between the incidents.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM"In coordination with the National Football League, troopers learned that Nantambu had permission to be on the field during the performance but did not have permission to demonstrate as he did," Louisiana State Police said.The alleged incident between Brown and Nantambu happened outside a boxing event in Miami's Little Haiti neighborhood. The warrant reportedly listed the incident as occurring May 16.Fox News Digital previously reported that Brown appeared to be involved in several videos on social media in an incident at a Miami boxing event that night.One video showed Brown appearing to fight in a parking lot as a crowd moved toward an alley. Then, a gunshot appeared to ring out, sending spectators running in the opposite direction.Brown was spotted in handcuffs being led to the back of a police cruiser.When Nantambu's link to the incidents surfaced online, Brown responded."That guy is a fraud, liar, stalker & criminal. He was arrested in 2022 for stealing 6 figures of jewelry from me. He then showed up at my show at rolling loud in 2023 trying to assault me," Brown wrote on X."Then in May he snuck into a gate at the event and came right up to me trying to steal from me and threaten my life, Media hasnt told this story yet instead painting a false picture of me. That night I was fighting for my life with his intentions."FROM PROTECTING QUARTERBACKS TO MILITARY VETERANS, BRONCOS LINEMAN GARETT BOLLES TACKLES WILDFIRE PREVENTIONBrown's warrant in Miami-Dade County lists a charge of attempted murder with a gun and calls for Brown to post a $10,000 bond and remain under house arrest pending trial, The Washington Post reported earlier this month.A Miami Police Department spokesman previously told Fox News Digital the department received an alert of shots fired at around 3 a.m. May 17. Police initiated an investigation, no arrests were made and no one was injured, the spokesman said at the time.The protest took place with President Donald Trump in attendance at the game, marking the first time a sitting president has attended a Super Bowl. Trump previously floated the idea of the U.S. "taking over" the Gaza Strip."I do see a long-term ownership position, and I see it bringing great stability to that part of the Middle East and maybe theentire Middle East," Trump said, adding its a decision he didnt make lightly.During Lamar's performance of his new hit "tv off," Nantambu held the flag on top of a prop car and then ran onto the field with the flag.Nantambu wandered back and forth on the field before security guards arrived and dragged him off of the field.Fox News' Digital's Jackson Thompson, Ryan Gaydos and The Associated Press contributed to this report.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X,and subscribe tothe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

The trial of Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of killing four University of Idaho students in a brutal stabbing attack, has been pushed back by one week, according to an amended scheduling order filed in Idahos Fourth Judicial District Court.The new order Thursday says that public jury selection will begin on August 4, but opening statements are now expected on August 18, one week later than the previously anticipated start date on August 11.It replaces the previously anticipated August 4 date for the start of jury selection, instead setting aside July 28 through August 1 for sealed proceedings involving the court and attorneys."An amended scheduling order filed today in State v. Kohberger sets new expected dates for public jury selection and for the start of the trial," the order states.IDAHO MURDER SUSPECT'S LAWYERS DEMAND TRIAL POSTPONEMENT OVER 'PREJUDICIAL' TV SPECIALNate Poppino, a spokesperson for the Idaho court, confirmed to Fox News Digital that the updated timeline was not the result of any attempt by the defense to delay the proceedings, but rather an internal scheduling adjustment by the court.Poppino said the court determined that more time was needed for jury selection, which will start as planned on August 4.READ THE ORDER APP USERS, CLICK HEREIDAHO JUDGE DENIES BRYAN KOHBERGER DEFENSE MOTION TO SUPPRESS KEY EVIDENCEOn Thursday, the judge also denied Kohberger's attempt to introduce evidence suggesting that four others may have been responsible for the student's homicides.The judge found that the evidenced failed to meet the Idaho Rules of Evidence standard, noting that it did not link any of the individuals to the crime scene, demonstrate motive, or provide DNA evidence placing them at the scene.The judge ruled that Kohbergers legal team is permitted to cross-examine law enforcement about the scope and thoroughness of their investigation. They are not allowed to question officers about specific alternative suspects in front of the jury without first obtaining the courts approval.SIGN UP TO GET THE TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTERThe highlight anticipated murder trial has faced delays since Kohberger was arrested in Dec. 2022.He initially waived his right to a speedy preliminary hearing, pushing that process to June 2023. The prosecutions decision to pursue the death penalty also added further complexity to the case.Since then, the defense has filed multiple pretrial motions, including their request to move the trial due to publicity.Kohberger faces four counts of first-degree murder in connection with the November 2022 slayings of University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin in an off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho.He has pleaded not guilty. Kohberger could face the death penalty if convicted.The court did not offer an estimated duration for the trial, only that proceedings would continue "until completed."Fox News Digital's Michael Ruiz contributed to this report.

President Donald Trump was joined by relatives of those killed at the hands of illegal immigrants during an event at the White House urging Congress to pass the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The president said the legislation will ensure "no more families are victimized" by illegal immigrants and open border policies.During the event Thursday in the East Room, Trump described what families have had to go through as a result of the previous administration's open border policies as "sick," adding just thinking about it makes people want to cry.He pointed out that the GOP spending package, which still must be approved by Republicans in the Senate, would include provisions Trump described as "the single most important piece of border legislation ever to cross the floor of Congress."At one point, Trump turned to Joe Abraham, an angel dad who lost his daughter Katie after an illegal immigrant rear-ended her stopped car at a traffic light while traveling 60 to 70 mph.SEN. CHUCK GRASSLEY: HOW SENATE REPUBLICANS ARE RESTORING RULE OF LAW AND SECURING BORDER FOR YEARS TO COME"We will end this invasion once and for all. And we're always going to remember the memory of Katie, that beautiful, beautiful 20-year-old daughter of yours," Trump said, before her father walked over to the president, shook his hand and provided Trump a picture of his daughter that the president held up for the audience.Trump then highlighted a mother from Texas, Sarah Stuart, who the president said lost her brother to the ongoing fentanyl epidemic created by the United States' porous border policies."Our bill provides billions and billions of dollars to stop fentanyl and other illicit narcotics," Trump said. "We're also charging other countries like Mexico, Canada and China billions of dollars in taxes that we put on because they've allowed people that are selling fentanyl to go through their countries. Or, in the case of China, they send it here."On Thursday, shortly before Trump's "big, beautiful event" at the White House, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced new visa restrictions for the families of fentanyl traffickers.SEN. ROGER MARSHALL: TRUMPS ONE BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL WILL KEEP OUR BORDER THE MOST SECURE IT'S BEEN IN HISTORY"I get irritated. I get pissed off because I'm sick of meeting angel moms and dads," Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, said at the event. "You want to talk about family separation? They bury their children."Last month, a letter from more than 60 angel moms, dads and relatives was sent to members of Congress, urging them to pass Trump's "big, beautiful bill."In addition to hiring more border patrol agents and providing more funding for the border wall, the legislation would allow the addition of extra detention centers for detained migrants, increased scrutiny of unaccompanied minors' potential gang ties and speed up deportations to at least 1 million per year.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP "Every single one of us is living with a permanent hole in our lives because an illegal immigrant, who never should have been in this country, was allowed to stay and take an innocent life," the letter states. "These were preventable tragedies. And yet, year after year, Washington offers excuses instead of solutions. That must end now."

President Donald Trump recognized a third-generation autoworker from Michigan Thursday while speaking at the "big, beautiful event," noting he was a lifelong Democrat who now supports the president because of vehicle loan interest tax benefits.The president spoke about the "big, beautiful bill" from the East Room of the White House with a group of people standing behind him who represented various trades, including food delivery, farmers and automotive workers.One of the workers standing behind Trump was James Benson, a third-generation autoworker from Belleville, Michigan, who has been with Ford Motor Company for 26 years.Trump introduced Benson, noting that Ford has "a lot of plants" in the U.S.TRUMP SUPPORTERS DEFEND 'BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL' AGAINST MUSK'S CRITICISM, SHRUG OFF DEBT CONCERNS"If you have plants in this country, youre going to make a lot of money," the president said, adding that he loves autoworkers.Trump also said Benson was a lifelong Democrat until 2017, when he saw the benefits of the tax laws.Trump then spoke about his latest plan to benefit car owners by making interest on car payments fully tax-deductible.THE ONE BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL URGENTLY NEEDS A MAKEOVER TO USHER IN TRUMPS GOLDEN AGEBut the deduction would only be for cars made in the U.S., Trump said, adding if it was made someplace else, "we dont care."Trumps "big, beautiful bill" would create a new deduction of up to $10,000 for qualified passenger vehicle loan interest in a given taxable year. The deduction would phase out when a taxpayers modified adjusted gross income exceeds $100,000.Applicable passenger vehicles include cars, trucks, vans, SUVs and motorcycles that have been manufactured for use on public streets, roads and freeways and for which the final assembly occurs in the U.S.TRUMP'S 'BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL' FACES RESISTANCE FROM REPUBLICAN SENATORS OVER DEBT FEARSThe bill defines the final assembly as the process by which the manufacturer produces a vehicle and delivers it to a dealer with all the parts necessary for operation.As is the case with the overtime and tips deductions, the auto loan provision would be in effect for tax years 2025 through 2028.Trump reiterated to those in attendance that the tax benefit is only for vehicles made in the U.S.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP"Remember that, James. Were going to keep those Michigan auto factories roaring," the president said.FOX Business' Eric Revell contributed to this report.

The Phoenix Suns' roster will look vastly different this fall.Just a few days before the 2025 NBA Draft, reports of a trade involving Kevin Durant surfaced. The deal is expected to send the two-time NBA champion to the Houston Rockets, ESPN reported Sunday.The Rockets held the tenth overall pick in the draft and selected 7-foot-2 Khaman Maluach Wednesday. The former Duke standout was subsequently sent to Phoenix as part of the package of players and picks included in the Durant deal, according to ESPN.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMMaluach was visibly emotional moments after NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced his name from the draft stage.Maluach was raised in Uganda after his family fled Sudan when the nation was ravaged by conflict.SIXERS DRAFTEE VJ EDGECOMBE SHARES STORY OF MOTHER'S SACRIFICE TO HELP HIM REACH NBAHe didn't start playing basketball until he was 14 years old, when a cab driver stopped and acknowledged his stature.Maluach was a member of the South Sudan national basketball team that pushed Team USA to the brink at the Paris Olympics. Before landing in Durham, North Carolina, Maluach competed at NBA Academy Africa. He is now the highest-drafted player from the academy."Im here representing the whole continent," Maluach told ESPN moments after he walked across the draft stage and shook Silver's hand at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York."Living in Africa, I had the whole continent on my back, giving hope to young kids, inspiring young kids and the next generation of African basketball."Maluach averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game during his lone season at Duke. He started 39 games for the Blue Devils, who advanced to the Final Four in April.Maluach wore a Rockets hat on the draft stage because the reported transaction he was included in has yet to become official. Maluach wore a Suns hat during a press conference after he was drafted. He expressed excitement about heading to Arizona."I'm excited to put on the Phoenix jersey that has my name, that has 'Maluach' on the back," he told reporters. "I'm excited to play for the Suns and step on the floor."Follow Fox News Digitals sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

NASAs Curiosity rover is getting a firsthand look at a region on Mars previously only seen from orbit that features a "boxwork" pattern, along with evidence of ancient waterways, including rivers, lakes and maybe an ocean.New images and data from the Mars rover have already raised questions about how the red planets surface was changing billions of years ago. Scientists are still unable, though, to answer why the planets water eventually dried up and converted the surface into a chilly desert.Curiosity rover is in an area called Gale Crater, and evidence has shown that when it was formed, water was percolating under the surface.NASA said the rover had found evidence of groundwater in the crater when it encountered crisscrossing low ridges, some of which were only a few inches tall and were described by geologists as being arranged in a boxwork pattern.ARCHAEOLOGISTS EXCAVATE ANCIENT WORKSHOP WITH UNFINISHED SCULPTURES ON GREEK ISLANDBeneath the ridges is bedrock scientists believe formed when groundwater trickled through the rock and left behind minerals that accumulated in the cracks and fissures. The minerals then hardened and became cement-like.The formations were worn away after what NASA called "eons of sandblasting" from Martian wind, though the minerals remained and revealed a network of resistant ridges within.Rover has already analyzed ridges that scientists say look more like a crumbling curb.HISTORY BUFF UNCOVERS LOST MEDIEVAL MONASTERY THANKS TO STRANGE MAP SYMBOLBut the patterns created over time stretch across miles of a layer on the 3-mile-tall Mount Sharp. The rover has been climbing the foothills of Mount Sharp since 2014, NASA said.What scientists also find interesting about the boxwork patterns is they have not been found anywhere else on the mountain by orbiters overhead or Curiosity."A big mystery is why the ridges were hardened into these big patterns and why only here," said Curiosity project scientist Ashwin Vasavada of NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. "As we drive on, well be studying the ridges and mineral cements to make sure our idea of how they formed is on target."NASA said the patterns are found in a part of Mount Sharp formed during various eras of the ancient Martian climate. So, as the rover ascends from the oldest layers to the youngest, it is essentially time traveling and searching for signs that water existed on Mars and which environments would have supported microbial life in the planets ancient times.ANCIENT BEDROCK KITCHENS REVEAL EVIDENCE OF HISTORICAL FOOD PRACTICES, EXPERTS SAY"The rover is currently exploring a layer with an abundance of salty minerals called magnesium sulfates, which form as water dries up," NASA said. "Their presence here suggests this layer emerged as the climate became drier. "Remarkably, the boxwork patterns show that even in the midst of this drying, water was still present underground, creating changes seen today."Recent clues exposed on Mars may provide additional insight for scientists into why the boxwork patterns formed where they did.The bedrock between the ridges has a lot of tiny fractures filled with white veins of calcium sulfate, which is a salty mineral left behind when groundwater trickles through cracks in rocks, NASA said. In the lower layers of the mountain, similar veins were plentiful, and one was even enriched with clays. But, until now, none of the veins had been spotted in the sulfate."Thats really surprising," said Curiosity Deputy Project Scientist Abigail Fraeman of JPL. "These calcium sulfate veins used to be everywhere, but they more or less disappeared as we climbed higher up Mount Sharp. The team is excited to figure out why theyve returned now."The Curiosity rover was launched Nov. 26, 2011, and landed on Mars Aug. 5, 2012. Its mission was to find out whether Mars ever had the right environmental conditions to support life, and, early on, the rover discovered chemical and mineral evidence of habitable environments from the past.