Rodney Atkins warns younger generation against 'chasing' trends and losing sight of what matters

Country artist Rodney Atkins grew up with a valuable lesson he wishes the younger generation would return to.

During an interview with Fox News Digital, Atkins — who just released his new album "True South" — advised young people to stay true to themselves and tap back into the values he often sings about.

"I'm singing about friends, family and the good Lord, keeping those things in check," he began. "And not chase something that just because you see somebody else doing it, you know, falling prey to all the filters and the AI and the not real things."

ELLA LANGLEY DELIVERS POWERFUL FAITH MESSAGE TO CROWD DURING MORGAN WALLEN CONCERT IN CHICAGO

Atkins emphasized that kids should find things that really matter to them and "keep that in check."

Speaking of his newly released album, the singer explained that the inspiration for it was the same advice he would give the next generation.

WATCH: RODNEY ATKINS WARNS YOUNGER GENERATION AGAINST 'CHASING' TRENDS AND LOSING SIGHT OF WHAT MATTERS

"'True South' is friends, family and the good Lord," he began. "That's what I'm singing about. It's not tricky. It's not following trends. It's just trying to sing about the things that matter the most to me and, I think, most people."

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"The Years Are Short" singer told Fox News Digital one of the major themes of his latest album is authenticity. He said the rise of Artificial Intelligence and social media has left people craving something real.

"I think it's hard to believe, with social media, with all the filters and the AI everywhere. There's a place for all that, but I just think that having something real, you can't replace real, authentic anything," he began. "And I think people just appreciate that."

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Atkins' new album, "True South," was three decades in the making as every song tells a piece of his story, where he’s been, what he’s learned, what he believes, and the people who've helped shape him along the way.

WATCH: COUNTRY SINGER RODNEY ATKINS EXPLAINS INSPIRATION FOR LATEST ALBUM 'TRUE SOUTH'

"You know, ‘True South,’ it's not necessarily about… geography. We're all south of somewhere. Really, it's about the things that made me, me. The things that I value, that I grew up with, that, you know, you still hang on to. It's not about going back in time, but about those things that you value and hanging on to that and then what I'm trying to raise my kid, those kind of values… I've got three sons… you know I'm not raising babies. I'm trying to raise young men."

Atkins' album features the single "The Years Are Short," and he said there are moments "all the time" with his kids that remind him just how fast life is moving.

"You know, marking their height on the pantry door. And then you turn around, and they're practically wearing your shoes, or they're, you know, looking you in the eyes, asking for the car keys. It's just, it goes by so fast."

The new album and single are now available. For more info, visit: https://www.curb.com/.

source https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/rodney-atkins-warns-younger-generation-against-chasing-trends-losing-sight-what-matters

Rare American Bible and founders’ letters trace faith’s role in birth of the nation

A rare collection of original letters, family Bibles and founding-era artifacts is offering new insight into the role Scripture played during the nation's founding.

The artifacts are on display at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., where a new collection marking America's 250th anniversary examines how Scripture influenced the country's earliest years through original documents and historical objects.

Among the featured items are the first Bible printed in English in America, family Bibles belonging to several founding fathers and other prominent Americans, and an original Thomas Jefferson letter on religious freedom.

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Together, the documents trace how biblical language appeared throughout the founding era, influencing conversations about liberty, education and public life.

Anthony Schmidt, the museum's director of collections and curatorial, told Fox News Digital that the collection uses primary sources to examine the Bible's role in early American history.

"The Bible has been an integral part of this nation's founding and history," Schmidt said.

"That's not a theological claim; it's what the documents show. The founding fathers referenced Scripture, argued from it, and built political frameworks on its language about human dignity and liberty."

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One section explores how Scripture was part of everyday life during the nation's earliest years, displaying the first Bible printed in English in America alongside family Bibles owned by several founding fathers and other historical figures.

Schmidt said the objects were intentionally selected to tell what he described as the fullest story possible about the Bible's influence on America's founding generation.

"These objects show the Bible's impact not only on religious life, but on early American art, education and politics."

Another section examines the relationship between faith and government through Jefferson's writings on religious liberty and one of the nation's earliest published arguments for resisting tyranny.

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Visitors can also view Revolutionary-era printed materials that helped unify the colonies, documents tracing early Jewish civic life in America, portraits of George Washington and other colonial-era figures, a hand-colored lithograph memorializing Abraham Lincoln, and busts of George Washington and Benjamin Franklin.

Schmidt said one of the collection's central goals is to encourage visitors to engage directly with original historical documents.

"We want visitors to encounter the history of this country and see, in the primary documents, what impact the Bible actually had on the people who built it," he said.

He noted that while the founding fathers often disagreed on matters of religion, the historical record shows many were still influenced by the Bible's language and ideas.

"Many of the founders disagreed about religion, and disagreed sharply, but they were still shaped by the Bible's language and arguments," Schmidt said. "We want people to engage with that evidence and come to their own conclusions."

source https://www.foxnews.com/travel/rare-american-bible-founders-letters-trace-faiths-role-birth-nation

Sisters, friend charged in Texas mom's stabbing death

Two sisters and a friend were charged with murder after a 32-year-old Texas mother of five was stabbed multiple times in broad daylight and later died, authorities said.

Kitty Mia Diaz, 21; Amaya Cookie Diaz, 19; and Kyandra Renee Faz, 21, were arrested Thursday on charges of murder in connection with the fatal attack, the Del Rio Police Department wrote in a press release posted to Facebook.

The victim was identified as Caroline "Caro" Peña, 32, according to local media reports.

"She was one of those people that she was born to be a mom," Peña’s childhood friend, Zelina Ochoa, told KENS 5, fighting back and wiping off tears. "She really loved being a mom."

AUBURN GRAD WHO JUST LANDED DREAM JOB ALLEGEDLY SHOT AND KILLED BY BOYFRIEND'S FATHER IN ALABAMA

Del Rio is a city of 35,000 in southwest Texas near the Mexican border.

Police said officers responded around 2:10 p.m. Thursday to Val Verde Regional Medical Center after receiving a report that a woman had arrived with multiple stab wounds from an assault at a busy intersection.

"This wasn’t something that happened in a back alley; this happened at the corner near Sonic on one of our busiest roads in broad daylight," Ochoa told KENS 5.

Because of the severity of her injuries, the woman was taken to a San Antonio medical facility for emergency treatment, police said. Investigators were notified around 9 p.m. that she had died after being stabbed twice in the back and a third time in her stomach.

BELFAST BURNS AFTER SUDANESE MIGRANT ARRESTED IN BRUTAL KNIFE ATTACK

Detectives reviewed surveillance video, processed evidence and interviewed witnesses before identifying Kitty Diaz, Cookie Diaz and Faz as suspects, police said. Kitty Diaz and Cookie Diaz were arrested without incident around 4 p.m. local time Thursday, and Faz was arrested a short time later.

Another friend, Christina Salinas, told the outlet she missed a call from Peña shortly before the stabbing and later recognized her in a photo suffering from the wounds circulating on a community page.

"I feel like if I would have answered that call, honestly I would have been there with her," Salinas said. "It wouldn’t have gotten like that."

Police have not publicly released a motive.

PENNSYLVANIA MOTHER OF THREE FATALLY SHOT WHILE ALLEGEDLY TRYING TO PROTECT WOMAN OUTSIDE BAR: REPORT

Salinas said she rushed to the hospital and was able to say goodbye before Peña was flown to San Antonio.

"That girl, she was a fighter: She was still standing her ground," Salinas said.

All three suspects were booked at the Del Rio Police Department before being transported to the GEO Correctional Facility, where police said they remained pending court hearings.

The investigation remains active, and police said additional charges could be filed as detectives continue gathering evidence.

Peña is survived by her five children – the oldest a 17-year-old son – and a twin sister, according to reports.

"If you needed something and she had it, even if it was her last, she’d give it to you," Ochoa told KENS 5.

source https://www.foxnews.com/us/sisters-friend-charged-texas-moms-stabbing-death

Phil Mickelson accused of showing nude photo to pro golfer's ex-wife: 'Come see me'

Another troubling accusation has come out about Phil Mickelson, this time from a fellow professional golfer's ex-wife.

It was revealed earlier this month that Mickelson was booted from a golf club he had long been a member of following alleged inappropriate contact with a female employee before a round of golf this spring at The Farms Golf Club in the San Diego area.

But now, Mickelson is being accused of more sexual harassment.

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Pat Perez's ex, Ashley, said that she and Perez were staying at a villa rented by Mickelson near Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, where Mickelson is a member, during the 2015 Barclays at nearby Plainfield Country Club when things grew extremely uncomfortable rather quickly.

In an interview with Skratch, Ashley alleged that when she and Mickelson were briefly alone in a room after Pat went to the bathroom, Mickelson showed her a picture of himself nude with an erection and flexing his bicep.

"Phil says to me, ‘I’m going to leave my bedroom door open tonight. When Pat falls asleep I want you to come see me,'" Ashley claimed.

PHIL MICKELSON OBTAINS DEFAMATION COUNSEL TO ABSOLVE 'FALSE RUMORS' THAT GOT HIM BOOTED FROM GOLF CLUB

Ashley said that she did not mention the incident to her then-husband until after the tournament, and Mickelson apologized at a later date.

Skratch noted that Perez discussed his "hate" for Mickelson in a podcast roughly four years ago.

"Phil crossed the line with me that is just uncrossable and unforgivable. He knows that he screwed up. He apologized for the action, but I cannot forgive him for it," Perez said.

Ashley said she now feels she was being "groomed" by Mickelson from when they first met in 2014.

Skratch also interviewed other sources for its story who alleged infidelity by Mickelson amid abrupt endings of memberships at other golf clubs.

Fox News Digital reached out for comments from Mickelson and Perez but did not immediately hear back. A spokesperson for Mickelson gave Skratch the following statement:

"Some of the allegations circulating about Mr. Mickelson are false, and others revisit mistakes he has already acknowledged, publicly or privately. Stacking the disputed claims next to the ones he has owned does not make them credible. It instead contributes to a false and misleading narrative.

"No person, no article, and no book can present an accurate, complete, or personal story of the life Mr. Mickelson and his family have lived. His story, struggles, and recovery belong to him and to the people who have shared it closely alongside him.

"Recovery is not a straight line. Throughout their 35-year relationship, his wife, Amy Mickelson, has supported Mr. Mickelson and their family with extraordinary grace, unwavering love, and the belief that people are measured not only by their failures, but by what they do to make them right.

"Mr. Mickelson's priority is to become the husband, father, and man his family deserves. Right now, that means giving his full attention to a private family health matter. He understands that parts of his life are public, but his family's private matters are not."

Perez told Skratch he was "not talking about Phil."

Both Perez and Mickelson currently play for LIV Golf, but Mickelson has played just one tournament this year due to family issues. He has also missed all three majors.

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source https://www.foxnews.com/sports/phil-mickelson-accused-showing-nude-photo-pro-golfers-ex-wife-come-see

NFL great shares blunt advice for Caitlin Clark after Alyssa Thomas throat punch: 'Bury these fools'

NFL great Patrick Peterson has some simple advice for Caitlin Clark: Make them pay.

During the Fever’s 111-109 loss to the Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday, Clark was punched in the throat by Alyssa Thomas while lying on the court after a scrum. No foul was called at the time, and Clark left the game due to injury.

Discussing the incident in a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Peterson said he believes Clark needs to respond by burying her opponents on the court.

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"When they play each other, now you got to put (belt to a--). You got to prove it with your play. Now, now you understand that I'm getting cheap-shotted or however she may feel, I'm getting a cheap shot now. I got to go out here and bury these fools," Peterson said. "Every time I see the Mercury show up on my schedule, it’s on from when the schedule comes out."

Peterson, who played in the NFL for 13 seasons and was named to the Pro Bowl eight times, said he would let his play do the talking on the field.

"That's always been my mentality, because we can't fight on the court. We can't fight on the football field. We got helmets on. So what sense does that make? And the best way to silence someone is with your play," Peterson said.

WHO IS ALYSSA THOMAS? WNBA STAR SUSPENDED FOR PUNCHING CAITLIN CLARK IN THE THROAT

The three-time All-Pro said Clark’s teammates can get fired up to defend Clark, but it could ultimately end up being detrimental in the long run.

"At the end of the day, you got to move on from it, you know? I mean, we can come in the locker room, and we can say, ‘Hurrah,’ and say we're going to do this, that, and the other, but you just saw what (Alyssa Thomas) just got, a suspension. And so now money is coming out of your own pocket," Peterson said.

Peterson was one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL during his 13-year career. Peterson was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 2010s. In 201 career games, Peterson recorded 36 interceptions, 122 pass deflections, 652 total tackles and four sacks.

He spent the first 10 seasons of his career with the Arizona Cardinals, then two with the Minnesota Vikings before spending his final season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played from 2011-2023.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

The Fort Lauderdale, Florida, native will be playing in the American Century Championship from July 10-12 at Edgewood Golf Course in Lake Tahoe. 

Peterson said the event has evolved tremendously over the years and said it’s something that his whole family enjoys.

"My girls look forward to going to Lake Tahoe each and every year to not only walk with dad, but to go out on the lake," Peterson said. "Go on top the mountain and doing the zipline and things like that. So, the memories that they're able to create for the families that are involved are countless."

Peterson is using AI to help improve his golf game and prepare for the American Century Championship.

"I'm using this app called Performance Golf. It's basically an app that you can download on your phone, and you can basically have a AI coach," Peterson said.

"You can video yourself, you can use any club, any swing, putter, wedge, chip, pitch, driver, irons, whatever you need that you need help in or want to see better results in, you can video yourself, submit the video, and then what'll happen is the AI coach will tell you what your flaw is what you need to work on to have better results. And I've been using it for the last four months and it's helped my game tremendously."

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source https://www.foxnews.com/sports/nfl-great-shares-blunt-advice-caitlin-clark-alyssa-thomas-throat-punch-bury-fools

Former Mets pitcher narrowly escapes death in Venezuela earthquakes thanks to elevator malfunction

Thousands are feared dead in Venezuela after two massive earthquakes, but a former MLB pitcher is one of the lucky ones.

Jenrry Mejia, who now pitches in the Venezuelan Major League, said that divine intervention in an elevator saved his life during the earthquakes.

Speaking to a Dominican radio station, Mejia said he had just finished working out at the Hotel Eduards in La Guaira when, instead of going to the floor where he was staying, the elevator took him to the lobby, allowing him to escape.

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"I was in the gym area. And at that moment, I took the elevator to leave," Mejia told "Mañana Deportiva."

"In fact, I had pressed number 6, which was where my floor was. But … I think it was God because instead of going up, it went down to the basement," he continued. "The door opened directly into the lobby. That’s when I came out and the building started to collapse."

Mejia helped an older man out of the hotel and believes the two of them are the only ones to make it out of the hotel alive.

PLAYERS, FANS FLEE STADIUM AS POWERFUL EARTHQUAKES STRIKE DURING VENEZUELA BASEBALL GAME

"The others are still there, trapped under the rubble," he said.

The hotel, according to the New York Post, citing local reports, was hosting the families of players and staff members from the Delfines and the Guerreros de Lara baseball teams, with relatives of former MLB players Eliezer Alfonso and Gorkys Hernández missing.

Mejia pitched parts of five seasons for the New York Mets, becoming their closer in 2014, one year before they made it to the World Series. However, he ultimately became the first baseball player to be banned from Major League Baseball for life for violating its performance-enhancing drug policy.

Mejia was suspended for 80 games for his first offense in 2015. After pitching in seven games, he tested positive again and was given a 162-game suspension. The following February, he tested positive for a third time, prompting his ban. He has since applied for and been granted reinstatement but has not pitched in the major leagues since. He did play minor-league ball for the Boston Red Sox organization.

The death toll has risen to 589 with thousands reported missing.

Venezuela won the World Baseball Classic earlier this year.

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source https://www.foxnews.com/sports/former-mets-pitcher-narrowly-escapes-death-venezuela-earthquakes-elevator-malfunction

New high-tech jacket pulls drinking water from thin air, researchers say

Engineers have developed a jacket capable of converting water vapor from the air into drinking water.

A team of University of Texas engineers developed the jacket as part of their broader invention, AirGel, a technology that uses hydrogel material and solar energy.

"Water scarcity threatens two-thirds of the global population, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable and accessible clean water solutions," the researchers wrote in a Science Advances report on their development of a field‑portable, solar‑powered, water-harvesting device.

CAN ALKALINE WATER ACTUALLY IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH? EXPERTS SEPARATE FACT FROM FICTION

"AirGel provides a complementary solution to existing water-processing systems," said Yaxuan Zhao, one of the UT researchers who developed the technology, in a UT press release. "It can produce water using only air and sunlight, and it can deliver water directly to the point of need."

"This differs from a centralized system that might need to transport water a long distance, which can increase the cost and the energy demand," he went on. 

"Since our system is portable, modular and only relies on solar energy, it can be used in many applications, such as outdoor activities, for household or community needs, and even disaster relief."

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The wearable prototype could be valuable to soldiers, emergency responders and others who spend time in remote outdoor environments, the researchers said.

"The fabric absorbs moisture from the air, then releases it when heated by sunlight, so the water can be condensed and collected," stated the news release.

In testing, the wearable prototype jacket proved to be a much less bulky, more efficient and portable method of harvesting water compared to conventional materials, which often involve a box or panel, according to researchers.

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The jacket produced about 14 to 30 ounces of water, depending on humidity levels, which amounts to between a threefold and 10-fold improvement in performance compared to other materials, the release said.

The research team used the same technology in a separate device, which pulled "a record amount of drinking water from the air in the hot, arid climate of the Chihuahuan Desert of New Mexico and the more humid environment of Austin," the news release said.

"The important advance here is that the team did not simply make another material that absorbs water," Keith Johnston, co-author and chair professor of the Cockrell School of Engineering's McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, said in a statement.

"They designed a pathway for water to move quickly, from vapor in the air, to liquid on the fiber surface and then into the textile. That transport design is what allows the material to work not just in a small lab test, but in a wearable system."

UT's research commercialization unit, Discovery to Impact, has a patent pending on this technology, and is considering using it in other forms of outdoor gear, such as tents, and for various other applications.

Zhao and fellow graduate researcher Weixin Guan won international innovation awards for the AirGel technology, which received a Patent Acceleration Certificate from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, UT reported.

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"[We] hope to send AirGel to places globally that need water most, where we can further study their field performance and cost-effectiveness to bring AirGel one step closer to practical implementation," Guan said.

source https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/new-high-tech-jacket-pulls-drinking-water-from-thin-air-researchers-say