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Music

ERNEST Shares Patriotic Fourth of July Message to Fans Ahead of Holiday Weekend

Ahead of this year’s Fourth of July holiday, ERNEST is taking a moment to reflect on what the occasion means beyond the fireworks and festivities. In a heartfelt message shared with fans, the country singer encouraged all those celebrating to do so safely while honoring the people who have helped bring freedom to the nation.

He began, “My fellow Americans, As we gather to celebrate our nation’s Independence Day, we pause to reflect on the enduring promise of the United States of America—a country built on the ideals of freedom, courage, and opportunity.”

Photo Courtesy of ERNEST
Photo Courtesy of ERNEST

The country star offered a reminder that the annual summertime holiday is about much more than just late-night fireworks and fun-filled cookouts with loved ones. It’s a day to remember the “generations of Americans who have worked, sacrificed, and served to preserve the liberties we enjoy today.”

ERNEST went on to express his gratitude towards the service members, first responders and their families whose efforts make the country “strong.”

“We are grateful for all who continue to carry that spirit forward.”

Along with encouraging fans to proudly wave the American flag and keep those who serve at the forefront of their minds, the “Lorelei” singer urged everyone to spend the holiday with the people who matter most by sharing meals, reconnecting over conversations and appreciating “the blessings of living in this great nation.”

He also made it a point to remind fans to prioritize safety throughout the busy holiday weekend, whether they’re traveling, enjoying fireworks, spending time on the water or firing up the grill.

“As you celebrate, please do so safely. If you’re traveling, be patient and careful on the roads. If you’re enjoying fireworks, use them responsibly and look out for your neighbors. If you’re spending time on the water or around a grill, take the extra precautions that help ensure everyone makes it home safely.”

He continues, “No matter where you call home—whether in a bustling city, a quiet small town, on a family farm, or serving overseas—we are united by the values that have defined America for nearly 250 years.”

The powerful statement concluded with ERNEST wishing everyone a “joyful, peaceful, and safe Fourth of July weekend.”

“May God bless you, may God bless our troops, and may God continue to bless the United States of America🇺🇸,” he added.

The post ERNEST Shares Patriotic Fourth of July Message to Fans Ahead of Holiday Weekend appeared first on Country Now.

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Categories
Music

The Real Story Behind Toby Keith’s Most Patriotic Hit

The song was a response to the Sept. 11 attacks, but that’s only half the story. Continue reading…​The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs

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Music

James Rodgers Announces Birth of His First Child, Support Pours In From Fellow Country Artists

Jameson Rodgers and his wife Sarah Allison Turner have welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Shepherd.

The couple announced the news on Wednesday, July 3 with a heartfelt Instagram post featuring a carousel of professional photos documenting this next chapter of their life at home.

Their caption was filled with joy and excitement as they wrote, “He’s here, he’s a red head, and he’s perfect. Everybody meet Shepherd 🩵”

Photo Courtesy of Jameson Rodgers
Photo Courtesy of Jameson Rodgers

Rodgers made sure to give an update on both the baby and his mom, stating “they are doing great.”

He added, “we’re soaking up every second in this sweet newborn season. Our lives will never be the same.”

This news arrives six months after the lovebirds announced they were expecting their first child back in January.

At the time, Jameson Rodgers wrote, “Gratitude looks a lot different this year as we welcome the newest addition to our family! Baby boy Rodgers coming soon 🩵”

Their latest announcement received an outpouring of love and support from fellow country singers and songwriters.

Greylan James wrote, “THERE HE IS!!”

Meghan Patrick added “Congrats buddy! So happy for y’all

Drew Baldridge gushed, “So happy for y’all! Congrats!! Y’all are gonna be the best parents!”

Travis Denning chimed in to say, “Coach’s son!! Congrats yall”

Cole Swindell shared, “Congrats y’all!”

Jameson Rodgers and Sarah Allison Turners love story began over 10 years ago when they first met at a songwriting workshop at the iconic Bluebird Café. That fateful moment led them to walk down the aisle and say “I do” in a ceremony at The Venue at Birchwood in Spring Hill, TN on September 5, 2021.

“I’ve never felt more loved than I did last Sunday with all our friends and family in one place celebrating Sarah and me. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with Sarah,” Rodgers told PEOPLE at the time.

Along with announcing their pregnancy at the top of the year, Rodgers dropped his latest release, “I Love This Town.”

He currently has no tour dates scheduled as he takes time to enjoy this new personal chapter at home.

The post James Rodgers Announces Birth of His First Child, Support Pours In From Fellow Country Artists appeared first on Country Now.

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Entertainment

Donald Trump Jokes About ‘Threesome’ With Sons for Some Reason

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Some would argue that a parent’s job is to embarrass their children.

At the very least, some of them act like its a professional calling.

This week, Donald Trump rambled about awards in a speech … only to joke about having “a threesome” with sons Don Jr. and Eric.

Though that arguably wasn’t the worst part of the speech, it was the most eye-opening.

Donald Trump in Montana.
On July 1, 2026, Donald Trump joked about a threesome with his eldest sons. It was bewildering. (Image Credit: The New York Post/YouTube)

‘And we’ll have a threesome’

On Wednesday, July 1, Donald Trump made remarks at the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota.

As is his habit, he ad libbed stream-of-consciousness commentary on whatever crossed his mind.

When mentioned that Teddy Roosevelt and his son were almost the only father-son pair to earn the Medal of Honor in wartime, a thought surfaced that he simply could not resist sharing.

“Except for Arthur and Douglas MacArthur … they’re the only father and son pair to receive our nation’s highest military award for courage above and beyond the call of duty,” Trump noted.

“Now, as I see my two beautiful sons sitting there,” Trump stated. “I think I’m going to give one to myself, one to them, and we’ll have a threesome.”

As you can imagine (actually, you don’t have to imagine, as you can hear it for yourself), this resulted in gasps of shock from the audience.

Famously, Trump did not serve in the military in any capacity. Neither have either of his sons.

“Ok, I’ll pick out one of the two,” he rambled. “I’ll give them the Congressional Medal of Honor for something for their genius at hunting.”

Not leaving out his favorite person, he continued: “And I’ll get one for taking on Russia, Russia, Russia, or something, and we’ll have a third pair now.”

Trump then added that he was “only kidding.”

“I see my two beautiful sons sitting there. I think I’m going to … have a threesome.”

[image or embed]

— Sky Marchini (@sky.skymarchini.net) July 1, 2026 at 9:52 PM

‘Only kidding’

It was, in fact, the second time in the span of a few hours that he’d “joked” about awarding himself the medal.

Now, it is very likely that Trump did not intend a sexual implication, even though threesome almost universally refers to a sexual encounter involving three individuals.

(In contrast, twosome may get some chuckles but is often used in a non-sexual context.)

The idea of one of the most infamous sexual predators on the planet cracking incestuous sex jokes in public without a care in the world is nauseating.

It’s possible that, given the state of his brain, he simply forgot words like “trifecta.” But, if you were paying attention, you likely spotted that the “threesome” line was not the worst aspect of his on-stage rambling.

Trump seems to have a fixation with awards and honors.

Not with earning them, but simply with receiving them — and, at times, this means lashing out at those who do receive them, and those who do not give him awards.

The result has been decision-making about the leadership of Venezuela, weird diplomatic issues with Sweden even though the government does not determine who receives the Nobel Peace Prize, and the creation of bogus awards like the much-lampooned “Fifa Peace Prize” simply to appease him.

What’s sad is that it works. These glittering awards appear to mollify him, albeit temporarily.

Trump and members of his regime have spent a year and a half participating in what feels like a ritual desecration of our nation, from his gold-embossed Oval Office to the demolished East Wing to the fighting pit on the White House lawn to the Greenwater reflecting pool scandal and beyond.

For now, at least, the Medal of Honor is safe from losing all meaning. Any day now, however, Trump may stop listening to whichever advisers are counseling him against awarding it to himself.

Donald Trump Jokes About ‘Threesome’ With Sons for Some Reason was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

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Categories
Music

The Real Story Behind Toby Keith’s Most Patriotic Hit

The song was a response to the Sept. 11 attacks, but that’s only half the story. Continue reading…​Country Music News – Taste of Country

Categories
Food

What Cheeses Are Actually In Store-Bought Mexican-Style Shredded Cheese Blend?

Shredded Mexican cheese blends are used in a variety of American-style, Mexican-inspired dishes – but which varieties actually make up the mix?

​Food Republic – Restaurants, Reviews, Recipes, Cooking Tips

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Entertainment

KPop Demon Hunters’ Arden Cho Marries Christopher Lee in Italy

Arden Cho Christopher LeeTogether, Arden Cho and Christopher Lee are glowing.
The KPop Demon Hunters star and orthopedic surgeon got married at Villa Cora in Florence, Italy over the weekend of June 27. Throughout the…
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Alaska News

Shipbuilder submits bid to replace an iconic but aged Alaska state ferry

The Tustumena is seen docked in Kodiak in 2021 (Photo by Gabe Strong/Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities)

The Tustumena is seen docked in Kodiak in 2021. The 62-year-old ferry is referred to affectionately as the “Trusty Tusty.” State officials are moving toward replacing it with a modern ship, a plan that has been in the works for more than a decade. (Photo by Gabe Strong/Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities)

A Louisiana shipbuilder is proposing to build a replacement for one of the workhorse vessels in the Alaska state ferry fleet.

Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors LLC submitted a bid of about $350 million to build a replacement for the 62-year-old Tustumena, one of two ocean-going ships in the fleet, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities said Tuesday.

Thoma-Sea’s bid was the only one submitted for the project, a department spokesperson said.

The company’s bid, which is still subject to more review, brings the state a step closer to replacing the iconic “Trusty Tusty,” a ship famous for plying often-rough Gulf of Alaska waters as far west as Unalaska in the Aleutian Islands.

“For the communities served by the Tustumena, this vessel represents far more than a new ferry. It is a lifeline that connects families, supports local economies, moves freight, and provides access to essential services,” Ryan Anderson, commissioner of the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, said in a statement.

Submission of the bid represents an important step toward what is planned as the first major Alaska Marine Highway System vessel procurement in more than a decade, the department said.

The effort to replace the Tustumena has been an on-and-off process stretching over more than a decade.

The Tustumena, named for the Tustumena Glacier on the Kenai Peninsula, is the smallest of the state’s four mainline ferries, but it is known for its toughness.

Decades of being battered in the Gulf of Alaska have taken a toll on the ship. Starting in late 2012, it spent several months in dry dock for a series of repairs, disrupting sailing schedules and leaving Gulf of Alaska communities like Kodiak without ferry service for an extended period. In 2016, it developed a hull crack severe enough to force some weather restrictions for the ship’s operations. Those problems inspired another nickname: “Rusty Tusty.”

The ship has withstood political and economic turbulence, as well.

A replacement plan triggered by the 2012 repair problems was later shelved for budgetary reasons, then revived and then shelved again, also for budgetary reasons. A 2022 state request for bids from shipbuilders drew no responses. Plans to solicit bids in 2024 and 2025 did not materialize.

This year’s bidding process resulted in an estimated cost about $100 million higher than what was estimated in 2021 by the Dunleavy administration. However, most of the money that would be needed to pay for the planned replacement has come to the state through federal legislation shepherded by Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska.

The replacement ship is to be built by 2029, according to the state’s request for bids. Meanwhile, the Tustumena, which has gotten several upgrades, continues to operate on its route between Homer and Unalaska.

Despite its ups and downs, the Tustumena has a loyal and affectionate following from residents of western Gulf of Alaska communities and Alaska history buffs.

An oral history project compiled stories of people who worked or rode on the Tustumena in past decades.

In 2024, residents of Kodiak threw a 60th anniversary bash for the Tustumena that featured speeches by legislators and mayors from communities served by the ferry.

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Categories
Music

Hardy Says He ‘Moved to Town to Write a Song for Blake Shelton’

Hardy moved to Nashville with one goal — write songs for the artists he admired. Turns out, Blake Shelton was at the top of that list. Continue reading…​Country Music News – Taste of Country

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Music

Hardy Says He ‘Moved to Town to Write a Song for Blake Shelton’

Hardy moved to Nashville with one goal — write songs for the artists he admired. Turns out, Blake Shelton was at the top of that list. Continue reading…​The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs