Not all restaurants make things from scratch. Some use frozen, premade, or otherwise less than fresh ingredients. However, these chains use only fresh.
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Day: April 24, 2026
After more than a year Haines and Skagway have a sport fishing area management biologist again.
John Whitinger, is a biologist and Alaskan who says he is most drawn to looking at the entire ecosystem when considering the health of individual fish stocks.
He was born in Kodiak but described a childhood commercial fishing throughout Southeast Alaska. The 32-year-old is Aleut and has family on Prince of Wales, in Ketchikan and Sitka. “Everywhere I go, I have family,” he said.
He described power trolling for salmon from a 100-year-old wooden tug with his grandfather.
“He’d always try to keep me into the school year because that’s when the kings are running,” Whitinger said.
He moved to Anchorage and after he graduated he said he mostly thought about sports, football specifically.
“I was defensive line, linebacker, full back,” he said. “I played one year in Tacoma, Washington at the University of Puget Sound. It was a great place for school but we had the longest losing streak in football history and we lost every single game.”
He walked on at Adams State in Colorado and said he played one more year, then got a concussion and two shoulder injuries and realized that he probably needed to focus on studying fish before he destroyed his body.
After graduating with a degree in organismal biology, Whitinger taught high school science for a year, cultivating a passion for education that he said he’d like to continue in the Chilkat Valley.
Then he became a masters student at Northern Michigan University and worked on a project in Little Bay de Noc, which is known as a world class walleye fishery at the upper end of Lake Michigan. He and his professor documented how the fishery had changed over 30 years due to changing conditions in the lake and agricultural run-off that caused fish that used to be in the northern end of the lake to follow food and nutrients to the south.
“Now, after 10 years of this being the world’s best walleye fishing hole, it has completely flip-flopped and now Wisconsin pulls all of the larger fish from that fishery,” he said.
It was a chance to do the kind of work Whitinger said he is most interested in, looking at the entire ecosystem and how a fish population fits into it.
He moved back to Alaska two years ago and said he’s been applying to work for the state ever since, weathering hiring freezes at the state and federal levels. Then, he said, he got exactly what he was looking for.
“The first time I got offered a position, it was not only in Southeast, where I want to be, but it’s in a part of Southeast that [I’m not] super familiar with. So I’m super excited about that,” he said.
At the top of his to-do list right now is getting boats and a Ski-doo that haven’t been used in more than a year back up and running.
While he is new to the community, Whitinger said he brings a lot of experience with different kinds of fisheries with him.
“I’ve worked in the Great Lakes, all freshwater systems with a lot of artificial habitat, a lot of disruption. I’ve also worked in the Gulf [of Mexico],” he said. “I think that seeing this really wide array of what fisheries can look like and how it works in other places is .. something that makes me unique in this position.”
Just a few days into the job and Whitinger said he’s hearing from a lot of locals, which is how he’d like to spend his first year.
“I’ve already met several people who said ‘hey, I want to show you the river.’ I’ve had people invite me out on their boats, which has been awesome. If anybody wants me to go out fishing with them and I can do it, I will,” he said.
That’s how he’ll figure out what people would most like to see addressed in the Upper Lynn Canal fisheries they are using. Also on his priority list is checking in with the Chilkoot Indian Association and Chilkat Indian Village about what they’ve been working on, their goals and local priorities.
So far the thing most people ask him about first has been king salmon, he said.
Haines’ king salmon sport fishery has been shut down for nearly a decade. As currently written, this year’s plan is to open it back up again beginning June 14 to both resident and non-resident anglers.
“Everyone is on edge about how things are going to go because it has been so long and it’s very tense,” Whitinger said.
Some fisherman have questioned the decision to reopen the fishery and worry that it will put too much pressure on a recovering population. He said everyone he has talked to seems to be the most concerned that the fishery be healthy and managed sustainably.
“I’ve been talking with regional managers in the last four days… I’ve been on so many calls about this specific subject,” he said. “We’re working incredibly hard to provide fair and equitable access to king salmon this year to all user groups.”
Looking ahead to managing this season, Whitinger said he was going to rely a lot on the knowledge and experience of other people in the local Fish and Game office.
“I’m leaning heavily on theirs because I don’t have the background,” he said. “The types of things that you can’t get from showing up here and reading the reg book.”
The post Meet the new Upper Lynn Canal sport fish area management biologist appeared first on Chilkat Valley News.
Well, it certainly seems that the Los Angeles Rams have found their Matthew Stafford successor. In one of the statement selections on Night 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Rams took Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 pick, a move that presumably makes him the heir apparent to the 38-year-old Stafford, who’s the reigning NFL MVP. Did the Rams, who reached the NFC Championship Game last season, make a mistake by not taking a player who will start from the jump? Colin Cowherd, for one, sees the reasoning in the Rams taking Simpson. “I don’t love Ty Simpson. Do I think it’s a reach? Yeah, but you can’t get Ty Simpson in the second or third round this year, and the Rams are going to be at the bottom of the first round next year,” Cowherd said on Friday’s edition of “The Herd” about the Rams drafting Simpson. “They could win the Super Bowl; they’re going to be drafting No. 31 or 32. How many picks would it take to get a top-five quarterback next year? That’s the question because, next year, you cross your fingers Stafford doesn’t get banged up. You cross your fingers he doesn’t have back issues. Many of the top quarterbacks, even young guys, get hurt, so if you’re a Super Bowl team, it’s important to have a high-end backup. … “I would’ve taken an offensive tackle, but this is an organization that gets wide receivers in the fifth round — Puka Nacua — and the third round — Cooper Kupp. They went and got Jordan Whittington in the sixth round; he’s, at worst, a No. 4 receiver.” Los Angeles had the No. 13 pick as a result of a 2025 NFL Draft night trade with the Atlanta Falcons. Meanwhile, the Rams traded the No. 29 pick to the Kansas City Chiefs as part of a deal to acquire cornerback and 2023 All-Pro Trent McDuffie in March. After serving as backup to both Bryce Young (No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft) and Jalen Milroe (third-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks in 2025) from 2022-24, Simpson got the starting nod for the Crimson Tide in 2025. In Simpson’s lone season as Alabama’s starting quarterback, he totaled 3,567 passing yards, 28 passing touchdowns, five interceptions and a 145.2 passer rating, while completing 64.5% of his passes. Simpson and the Crimson Tide reached the College Football Playoff, defeating the Oklahoma Sooners on their home turf in the first round before losing to the Indiana Hoosiers in the quarterfinal round. “The real winner is Ty Simpson,” Cowherd said. “He gets [Rams head coach] Sean McVay [and] doesn’t have to play for two years in that culture. Ty Simpson, you couldn’t land in a better place. McVay took Baker Mayfield with one practice and Baker Mayfield was outstanding with one practice. This kid’s [Simpson] going to have 300 practices and like six preseason games before he ever takes a big-time snap in the NFL. It’s just not the worst thing in the world.” Regarding Stafford’s 2025 MVP campaign, he led the NFL with 4,707 passing yards and 46 passing touchdowns in the regular season, while posting a career-high 109.2 passer rating and throwing just eight interceptions. He then led the sport with 936 passing yards and six passing touchdowns across three postseason games. Stafford has one year remaining on his current contract. As for the rest of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Rams have picks No. 61, 93, 207, 232, 251 and 252.Latest Sports News from FOX Sports
Forget soda or pop: A large swath of the country uses the term “coke” to refer to any soft drink. We’re here to tell you the reason behind it.
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With the NFL draft taking place in Pittsburgh and an estimated 500,000 to 700,000 people expected to attend the events downtown and on the North Shore, conversations about sex trafficking have resurfaced – as they often do when major events draw large crowds to a city.
But how much of what people believe about trafficking and big events is actually supported by evidence? Mary Burke, a psychology professor at Carlow University who studies this intersection, breaks down what the data shows.
Burke partners with local nonprofit groups that fight human trafficking, such as Eden’s Farm. The organization offered three community training sessions ahead of the NFL draft that focused on recognizing the signs of exploitation, understanding grooming tactics and strengthening prevention strategies.
With Pittsburgh hosting the NFL draft, what does research show about how large events can influence sex trafficking activity?
Researchers have not found conclusive evidence that large events such as the NFL draft, the World Cup or other similarly sized, temporary events cause an increase in sex trafficking. However, experts do believe the crime of sex trafficking is underestimated in general due to a number of factors. Because so much effort goes into concealing trafficking, the crime goes unreported and undetected more often than it’s discovered. The true scale of the problem is likely much larger than the data reflects.
Large events that draw crowds even on a smaller scale than the draft, such as motorcycle rallies and large business conferences, often create opportunities traffickers may try to exploit, according to a 2016 study by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University.
Also, we do see an increased demand for commercial sex with events that draw a large male audience. Some of this demand is met through consensual means and some through force, fraud and coercion, which is the definition of sex trafficking.
AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar
How are organizations like Eden’s Farm working on the ground to prevent trafficking during the draft?
Eden’s Farm as well as the Social Impact Institute and Carlow University have led training. The hope is that this will equip citizens and those on the ground – law enforcement, ride share drivers and hotel and restaurant employees, for example – to know how to identify and respond to potential trafficking situations.
Additionally, these groups teach the public how to recognize signs of exploitation, how grooming works and how to strengthen online safety. The training also help families, educators, service providers and community members prevent people they know from being trafficked.
What are common misconceptions people have about sex trafficking during events like this?
One of the most common misconceptions about sex trafficking is the idea that trafficking includes abduction or physical captivity. While kidnapping can occur, many trafficking situations are carried out through psychological coercion rather than physical force. Victims may be controlled through grooming, fraud, intimidation, fear of retaliation against loved ones, or deep emotional dependency on the trafficker.
This translates into a victim not appearing to be restrained physically, which can make identification of a person in distress more difficult.
AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar
What signs should the general public look for that might indicate trafficking is happening?
This is tricky, as some of the indicators would be revealed through conversation, rather than observation at a distance. With that said, people should be on the lookout for patterns of control – for example, someone who does not seem to be able to speak freely or move about freely, has money or identification that is controlled by another person, or appears fearful.
In our training, we explain how to become aware of signs that someone is being pressured into commercial sex through manipulation rather than overt violence or consent. No single sign is definitive on its own, but there are some common situational red flags the public can take notice of regarding potential victims: They are coming and going from a hotel room at unusual hours with multiple different people, they are dressed in a way that seems inconsistent with the weather or setting, or they don’t seem to know basic details about where they are or where they’re going.
What are some prevention strategies Pittsburgh could adopt?
For this event and going forward, trafficking prevention should include a city- and county-level plan that can be implemented in relevant agencies. Pennsylvania’s plan focuses on prevention through public awareness and training, especially by equipping transportation workers and the public to recognize and report trafficking.
Prevention plans could include recommendations for the service and hospitality industries that require staff training on recognizing trafficking indicators, such as signs of coercion or restricted movement, and how to report to law enforcement or 911 for a rapid response. There are also a variety of ways to report suspected sex trafficking activity through the National Human Trafficking Hotline. When businesses and service workers interact with people who may be trafficking victims, they should do so in a way that is sensitive, nonjudgmental and doesn’t put the person in danger.
For example, a hotel employee who suspects a guest may be a trafficking victim shouldn’t confront the trafficker directly or make a scene – instead, they should know how to quietly offer help or alert the right people without escalating the situation or making the victim feel ashamed or accused.
Mary Burke is also the Director of the Social Impact Institute.
Rachel Seamans volunteers with the Social Impact Institute and Eden’s Farm.
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Their catalog stands the test of time. Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country
Ingrid Andress is letting her guard down in a vulnerable new track titled “Tattoos.” Tapping into a personal struggle, the songstress delivers a story centered around fear of commitment both in relationships and in her everyday life.
She penned the haunting track alongside a group of standout Nashville songwriters, including Jordan Schmidt, Chase McGill and Emily Weisband. Together, the creatives used something as simple as a temporary tattoo to reflect the weight of something much deeper.
“Tattoos” begins with Andress testing out a temporary tattoo and admitting how overwhelming it felt to even consider making that artwork a permanent part of her body. This image sets the tone for the true confession that follows.
She sings, “I drew a flower on my ankle to see how it felt/ By the time it faded, I thought I’d probably want something else/ It’s hard to imagine being so confident/ In something to make it so permanent/ What if I hate it and can’t take it back?”
There’s is a lingering intensity that comes from how emotionally conflicted Andress is over what she knows she can give to a partner versus the promises she can’t get herself to make. The honesty hits hard as the song continues into the chorus, with lines about commitment making her “nauseous.”
“That’s why I can’t do commitment ’cause it makes me nauseous/ Wish it was different but if I’m being honest/ I don’t like to break things so, I won’t make a promise/ It’s got nothing to do with you I think of it often, me getting married/ You’re a good option but forever is scary/ It’s got nothing to do with you/ It’s got nothing to do with you/ I don’t even have tattoos,” Andress sings with a rawness in her vocals.
The Multi-Platinum-selling singer-songwriter reflects on the personal message that runs throughout the track, recognizing that she has a habit of walking away before things get too serious.
“‘Tattoos’ is a song about commitment issues and the weight of choosing something permanent like a tattoo,” she explains. “I wrote this song to express a familiar internal struggle of mine – wanting to be fully present and dedicated in a relationship while simultaneously grappling with the anxiety of forever.”
More new music is set to drop throughout the year as Andress gets closer to finalizing her third studio album, which will follow her sophomore album, Good Person, and debut, Lady Like, both co-produced and co-written by Andress.
Ingrid Andress also recently announced her “Low-Key Sessions” tour. The trek is set to launch May 8 in the Cincinnati area and wrap up May 15 in Minneapolis.
The dates for this run were chosen after Andress asked fans for input via social media. Using those responses, she handpicked each of the six cities based on their submissions. Fans can expect to hear a setlist full of brand-new, unreleased music alongside a stripped-down band and minimal production.
Tickets are on sale now at https://www.ingridandress.com/tour
The post Ingrid Andress Gets Real About Fear of Commitment on Vulnerable New Track ‘Tattoos’ appeared first on Country Now.
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Celebrity lookalike contests are popping up all over the world, and the latest one in London set out to find the best Kacey Musgraves doppelganger.
A group of people donning dark brown wigs and their best country attire gathered for the search to find someone who most closely resembled the Grammy-winning country artist. What started as a fun event quickly turned into something even more unexpected when Musgraves herself showed up.
In a new video posted to TikTok, Musgraves is seen earning loud cheers from the room as she introduced herself.
“Well, I’m Kacey, that’s my name,” she began before dropping a nod to her song “Biscuits,” saying, “I mind my own biscuits.” The Texas native was fully committed to the moment while wearing a red gingham dress reminiscent of the one from the track’s official music video.
When it came time to name the winner, Musgraves didn’t take the crown for her own lookalike contest but she was not a sore loser. The “Butterflies” singer happily crowned the winner before sharing a toast with her newly appointed doppelgänger and ending the moment with a hug.
@andreafiocchetta This look alike contest was so much fun! ✨✨@kaceymusgraves #kaceymusgraves #countrymusic #lookalike #dryspell #london ♬ Dry Spell – Kacey Musgraves
This fun fan event took place while Kacey Musgraves was across the pond promoting her new album Middle of Nowhere, following her surprise appearance at weekend two of Coachella where she performed several tracks off the project.
Set to arrive May 1, Middle of Nowhere, features 13 tracks that offer stories that pay tribute to her Texas upbringing, as well as moments of reflection and finding clarity after a breakup. Fans can also expect to find collaborations with acts including Willie Nelson, Miranda Lambert, Billy Strings, and Gregory Alan Isakov.
Musgraves has already shared a look into the project through the first single, “Dry Spell.” She opened up about the inspiration behind this particular track during a new interview on CBS News Sunday Morning.
“I had that title written down in my phone because quite literally I was going through a draft spell,” Musgraves noted before later admitting that said dry spell has since been “broken.”
.@KaceyMusgraves tells @anthonymasoncbs the inspiration behind her hit “Dry Spell” came from real life, saying she wrote it going through one herself and jokes it’s since been broken: “I’ve got everything I need.”
See more of their interview this Sunday 🌞 pic.twitter.com/LXWBhMXLzn
— CBS Sunday Morning 🌞 (@CBSSunday) April 23, 2026
She goes on to tell Anthony Mason about how she experienced a renewed sense of confidence in her writing after the lyrics for “Dry Spell” unfolded.
“There is no greater drug. Mostly, I’m always in competition with myself. Can I beat myself? Can I make this better? Leaving that day and playing it in your car, you’re like, okay, I have not lost it. You’re like, that was good,” she acknowledged.
The full interview is set to air Sunday at 9 AM ET on CBS. Fans can get their hands on the new album next month.
The post Kacey Musgraves Hilariously Enters Her Own Lookalike Contest In London appeared first on Country Now.
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Lainey wrote to the country veteran when she was 18 asking for his help. Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
Lainey wrote to the country veteran when she was 18 asking for his help. Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country