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Music

Tucker Wetmore Honors U.S. Troops With Visits to Naval Base Guam and Andersen Air Force Base

Tucker Wetmore is continuing to show his support for the men and women who serve. The country star most recently spent time with U.S. troops, visiting both Naval Base Guam and Andersen Air Force Base, two key military bases in the Pacific.

Wetmore shared glimpses of his time on base in a new Instagram post, showcasing moments with service members and snapshots of the conversations and a few performances he delivered for the troops. Alongside the photos, he kept his message simple but meaningful, writing, “God bless our troops.”

Photo Courtesy of Tucker Wetmore
Photo Courtesy of Tucker Wetmore

The visit is just another example of the Washington native’s ongoing support for the military. This is a subject that’s deeply personal to him because his late grandfather was a veteran and unfortunately lost his life to his “battle at home” a few years ago. That loss continues to inspire the singer/songwriter to use his platform to honor veterans and join the efforts to raise awareness surrounding suicide in the military community.

Wetmore also showed his support during his Grand Ole Opry debut on September 10, 2024, which also happened to take place during the special “Face the Fight Night” at the coveted venue. This was a huge milestone moment for him, but he didn’t hesitate to use his time on stage to recognize those who have served. He asked all veterans in attendance to stand, removed his hat, and led the crowd in applause, reminding everyone, “freedom ain’t free.”

In another video shared across Face the Fight’s social media, prior to the special night at the Opry, Wetmore shared a heartfelt message about what the movement means to him.

“It’s important to surround yourself with people that are also going through the same things that you are in life, especially military men and women, having avenues to talk about their thoughts and their worries and talk about the things that they’ve been through,” he explained. “That hits super close to my heart. My grandpa was a veteran. He passed a couple years ago. It’s super important for people to come together and for people to see the significance and the importance of just loving each other and talking with each other about how we’re really feeling.”

He ended the message with one very important reminder: “You aren’t alone. You’re very loved. Together, let’s face this fight.”

Through this night at the Opry, his upcoming tour, and moments like his recent visits to the bases, it’s clear that the “Sunburn” singer’s support for veterans goes far beyond the stage. He continues to use his voice to remind veterans that them they’re not alone and to remind everyone else of what an important cause this is.

Tucker Wetmore; Photo by photos by Chris Hollo
Tucker Wetmore; Photo by photos by Chris Hollo

Wetmore has also made the decision to donate a portion of every ticket sold on his 2026 Brunette World Tour to benefit the Face the Fight initiative focused on fostering real, open conversations around veteran mental health care and suicide prevention.

Wetmore is currently in the midst of a run of shows across Switzerland, Germany, Belgium Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the UK and more as part of The Brunette World Tour. The trek will return to the U.S. in July and continue with dates through October.

The post Tucker Wetmore Honors U.S. Troops With Visits to Naval Base Guam and Andersen Air Force Base appeared first on Country Now.

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Music

Tanner Usrey Addresses Felony Drug Charges Brought Against Him

Tanner Usrey says he’s focused on learning from his arrest on serious drug charges last month. He also addressed one of the charges brought against him, which was in a Penalty Group specifically referring to fentanyl or fentanyl-derived substances. Continue reading…​Country Music News – Taste of Country

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Music

Tanner Usrey Addresses Felony Drug Charges Brought Against Him

Tanner Usrey says he’s focused on learning from his arrest on serious drug charges last month. He also addressed one of the charges brought against him, which was in a Penalty Group specifically referring to fentanyl or fentanyl-derived substances. Continue reading…​The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs

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Entertainment

Nancy Guthrie Was Recently Seen Alive In Mexico But Has Since Died, Informant Claims

Reading Time: 2 minutes

On Monday, Savannah Guthrie returned to the Today show for the first time since the disappearance of her mother in early February.

And while the search for Nancy Guthrie has yet to yield any results, investigators haven’t given up.

Sadly, the focus now seems to be more on recovery than rescue, and a new tip from an informant alleges that the 84-year-old captive has indeed passed away.

Savannah and Nancy Guthrie during one of Nancy's many guest appearances on the 'Today' show.
Savannah and Nancy Guthrie during one of Nancy’s many guest appearances on the Today show. (YouTube)

If you’ve been following the case closely, then you may know that TMZ and other media outlets have received messages from an informant who claimed to have inside information about Nancy’s whereabouts.

“I saw her alive with them in the state of Sonora Mexico,” reads one note that was published by TMZ this week.

That might sound like hopeful news, but the outlet also received a note that states bluntly, “She is dead.”

TMZ says they’ve been forwarding all of the informant’s notes to the FBI, but the agency seems to have doubts about the note’s authenticity, and thus has been unwilling to pay the informant.

Nancy Guthrie is still missing, several days after being taken from her home.
Nancy Guthrie is still missing, several weeks after being taken from her home. (YouTube)

In a separate note, the informant expressed their frustration with the situation.

“It’s unbelievable that millions have been wasted and yet here I am willing to deliver them on a silver platter since the 11th of february for a bitcoin but I am disregarded as a scam,” they wrote.

“They are free and the case is frozen but the ego’s remain hot when it comes to me. Arrogance at its finest.”

If the informant’s claims turn out to be true, then the criticism of FBI Director Kash Patel’s handling of the case will likely only intensify.

Savannah Guthrie is interviewed.
Her eyes illuminated by motherly pride, Savannah Guthrie is interviewed by her own daughter. (Image Credit: NBC)

“I just want what’s fair and to live peacefully with enough to start my life again quietly without having to join a witness protection program,” the informant continued.

They are requesting one Bitcoin as payment, which is currently valued at roughly $68,000.

Savannah did not directly address her mother’s disappearance during her return to Today, but she did become visibly emotional while greeting supportive fans outside the studio.

In her previous videos and social media posts, Savannah acknowledged the sad reality that her mother might have passed away.

We will have further updates on this developing story as new information becomes available.

Nancy Guthrie Was Recently Seen Alive In Mexico But Has Since Died, Informant Claims was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

​The Hollywood Gossip

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Music

Lucas Leon Brings Tim McGraw & Faith Hill Classic to Life on ‘American Idol’ With Standout 90s Night Performance

18-year-old Lucas Leon wasn’t even alive in 1997 when Tim McGraw and Faith Hill released “It’s Your Love,” but he delivered a performance that made it feel like he lived every word during American Idol’s 90s Judges Song Contest episode on Monday.

For the round, the judges each picked a song for Leon to choose from, including “It’s Your Love” by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” by Toby Keith, and “Ain’t That Lonely Yet” by Dwight Yoakam. While he originally planned to sing “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” he ultimately decided to go with “It’s Your Love.”

Lucas Leon; Photo by Disney/Eric McCandless
Lucas Leon; Photo by Disney/Eric McCandless

Taking the stage with his guitar in hand, the Gallatin, Tennessee native showcased a raspier side of his voice while fully leaning into the emotional lyrics. The crowd could be seen nodding along, while fellow contestants, including Hannah Harper, sang from their seats.

Leon correctly guessed that Lionel Richie had selected the song for him, with Richie saying, “Your voice with that song, resonated to the point of believability. I love what you did.”

Carrie Underwood also admitted Leon “surprised” her with his choice, adding that she had a “hard time” deciding which song to pick for him. She shared, “It felt believable, it felt genuine, I liked your voice on it.”

Luke Bryan was equally impressed, saying, “I’m so glad you picked that. The last two times we’ve seen you perform, you really grew into a more artistic mindset. You’re working the room and it’s really working for you.”

Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan; Photo by Disney/Eric McCandless
Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan; Photo by Disney/Eric McCandless

Leon’s performance even caught the attention of “It’s Your Love” songwriter Stephony Smith, who praised him on Instagram and encouraged Tim McGraw to check it out.

“@lionelrichie thanks for choosing my song for @lucasleonofficial to sing! It means the world to me. @thetimmcgraw check out this young gun killing his version of your version of “It’s Your Love” on @americanidol wow,” she wrote.

Lucas Leon; Photo by Disney/Eric McCandless
Lucas Leon; Photo by Disney/Eric McCandless

Lucas Leon has been a standout from the start. He began the competition at just 17 years old and impressed with each performance, including covers of “Georgia On My Mind” by Ray Charles, “The House That Built Me” by Miranda Lambert, and “Just To See You Smile” by Tim McGraw. 

American Idol returns next Monday, April 13, as the Top 11 take on iconic hits from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees while America votes live to determine the Top 9. The 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees will also be revealed during the episode.

The post Lucas Leon Brings Tim McGraw & Faith Hill Classic to Life on ‘American Idol’ With Standout 90s Night Performance appeared first on Country Now.

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Categories
Food

The Best Barbecue In The USA Can Be Found In This State, According To Marcus Samuelsson

Of the many delicious styles of American barbecue, celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson believes one state’s version stands in a league of its own.

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

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Entertainment

Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni Reject Settlement, Legal War Goes to Trial

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Last week, the court dealt a setback to Blake Lively’s lawsuit against Justin Baldoni.

Technicalities — her employment status during filming and the location of production — meant, the judge ruled, that she has no legal protections allowing her to sue for sexual harassment.

With no settlement, they’re going to court.

All of this has exacted a terrible toll upon Lively who, after all, never imagined that making a film would turn her life upside down for years to come.

Blake Lively on Seth Meyers
During an interview, Blake Lively described one encounter that left her starstruck and fumbling for words. (Image Credit: NBC)

When this is over, she’s ‘excited for some quiet time’

People reports on the deep emotional toll that this past year and a half of hell have taken on Lively.

“She didn’t file this lawsuit thinking it would be easy,” the insider acknowledged.

“She knew it would be a long, challenging process,” the source affirmed.

“But,” the insider explained, “she felt it was something she needed to do.”

According to the source: “The legal battle has been emotionally taxing, but Blake has stayed focused.”

Justin Baldoni on a podcast.
Speaking on a podcast, Justin Baldoni emphasizes the importance of breaking cycles. (Image Credit: YouTube)

The insider emphasized that Lively’s allegations against Baldoni have “never changed and she’s looking forward to her day in court.”

At least, as much as anyone can look forward to seeing the inside of a courtroom.

“She’s balancing this with all her responsibilities at home,” the source emphasized.

“As a mom,” the insider then explained, “she has many other priorities which help her stay grounded.”

The source added that Lively is “excited for some quiet time this summer with her family once this is behind her.”

Blake Lively on Late Night
As a guest on ‘Late Night,’ Blake Lively’s dress was almost too big for her seat. (Image Credit: NBC)

No settlement in sight

On Monday, April 6, Lively and Baldoni attended a meeting with a judge in New York.

However, both parties declined a last-minute settlement attempt, The Daily Mail reported.

The judge had asked both legal teams for any updates on“their client’s updated settlement position” ahead of going to trial.

In other words, after last week’s changes that wiped out the sexual harassment portion of the lawsuit, did they want to settle and call it a day?

They did not, and will proceed to trial.

Justin Baldoni on The Jennifer Hudson show.
As a guest on ‘The Jennifer Hudson Show,’ Justin Baldoni sits and chats. (Image Credit: Warner Bros. Productions)

As we reported, the majority of Lively’s points of contention within her lawsuit against Baldoni were dismissed by the court.

Because she was, the judge found, an independent contractor when working on It Ends With Us, she was not technically an employee.

Therefore, Title VII federal protections against sexual harassment do not extend to her. Truly an appalling indictment of our legal system.

Additionally, she cannot sue him under California law over the sexual harassment. They filmed in New Jersey, not California.

However, key claims remain: breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting in retaliation.

A text post from Blake Lively
After the court gutted her lawsuit on grounds of jurisdiction and a lack of federal protections for independent contractors, Blake Lively shared this message. (Image Credit: Instagram)

What will the court decide?

Many would argue that, in the court of popular opinion, Baldoni seems to have won, even if his lead has been shrinking steadily for the past year and a half.

But isn’t the alleged smear campaign, which Baldoni denies despite what appears to be evidence of a conspiracy to defame Lively, sort of the heart of the retaliation lawsuit?

Many are bracing themselves for a bad outcome.

Too many times, the world has watched what appears to be a solid case with solid evidence fall apart. It’s sort of like watching election results come in, in the worst way.

Even so, we hope that the outcome will be just and correct.

Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni Reject Settlement, Legal War Goes to Trial was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

​The Hollywood Gossip

Categories
Music

Country Music Hall Of Famer Ray Stevens Suffers Broken Neck In Fall

Country Music Hall of Famer Ray Stevens, 87, suffered a fall in Nashville on Sunday, March 29 that resulted in a broken neck. According to a statement from his team, the two-time GRAMMY winner was briefly hospitalized and is now at home recovering. 

Doctors have instructed Stevens to wear a neck brace for the next four weeks. Despite the injury, he remains mobile and in good spirits as he heals.

This health setback comes after Stevens suffered a mild heart attack in early July 2025. At the time, he was hospitalized after experiencing chest pain and later underwent a minimally invasive heart catheterization procedure at a Nashville hospital. He subsequently had a second procedure a few weeks later, during which doctors placed two stents to treat additional blockages. After spending several days in a Nashville rehabilitation facility, he returned home to continue his recovery.

Photo Courtesy Ray Stevens
Photo Courtesy Ray Stevens

Stevens and his team are welcoming thoughts and prayers during his recovery.

Cards and well wishes can be sent to:
Ray Stevens
5724 River Rd
Nashville, TN 37209

New Album Releasing This Week

Stevens is scheduled to release a new album, Favorites Old & New, via Curb Records this Friday, April 10. The album will be released as planned. 

The 13-track collection mixes timeless classics with brand-new material, highlighting Stevens’ signature charm, humor, and versatility. Favorites Old & New brings together a thoughtful blend of beloved standards and fresh cuts from a range of songwriters, delivering a project that feels both nostalgic and new. 

Ray Stevens - Favorites Old & New cover
Ray Stevens – Favorites Old & New cover

“I had a lot of fun creating this album, ‘Favorites Old & New,’” Stevens shares. “It really does contain a few of my favorite old songs as well as favorite new ones penned by some talented writers. I just hope Ray Stevens fans enjoy it as much as Ray Stevens!”

On Favorites Old & New, Stevens brings new life to timeless classics like “The Look of Love,” “It Had To Be You,” and “Come Rain or Come Shine,” all delivered with his signature humor, charm, and musical style. The project also features new songs such as “I Guess You’ve Never Been in Love With the Moon,” “Moving Out is Easier Than Moving On,” and “Time Machine,” blending modern songwriting with the nostalgic feel fans have always loved from him.

Favorites Old & New Track Listing:

1. Savannah

2. Something

3. Parakeet Motel

4. First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

5. Roger

6. Just For A Thrill

7. Time Machine

8. Come Rain or Come Shine

9. Old Carousels

10. The Look of Love

11. Moving Out Is Easier Than Moving On

12. It Had to Be You

13. I Guess You’ve Never Been in Love With The Moon

The post Country Music Hall Of Famer Ray Stevens Suffers Broken Neck In Fall appeared first on Country Now.

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Alaska News

Alaska Senate advances bill to allow surrender of infants in climate-controlled boxes 

Sen. Robert Myers, R-North Pole, speaks on House Bill 57 in the Alaska Senate on Monday, April 28, 2025. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

The Alaska Senate last week advanced a bill that would allow for the anonymous surrendering of infants in so-called infant safety devices.

The boxes are located on the exteriors of buildings. They are climate controlled and monitored by video. When the device is opened, a 911 request is automatically made. 

Alaskans have been able to surrender infants since 2008. Newborns must be given directly to police officers, firefighters, doctors or other medical personnel. They are then turned over to the Alaska Office of Children Services for adoption. 

In Alaska, an infant must be aged 21 days or younger to be surrendered legally. 

North Pole Republican Sen. Robb Myers is the lead sponsor of Senate Bill 9. It would allow newborns to be surrendered in climate-controlled boxes, located outside police stations, fire departments, hospitals and other locations. 

Myers said that around one baby a year has been surrendered in Alaska since 2008. Despite that, three infants have been found abandoned in Alaska since 2013: Two were found dead; one newborn was discovered alive in Fairbanks in a box in winter.

Myers said safe surrender devices would help save lives. Parents can feel shame or the fear of potential recognition when giving a child to another person, he said. The climate-controlled boxes are intended to remove that barrier.

The Anchorage Fire Department, City of Fairbanks, the Alaska Children’s Trust and other groups support the legislative change.

The Alaska Senate advanced the bill on an 18-2 vote. Sens. Bert Stedman, a Sitka Republican, and Löki Tobin, an Anchorage Democrat, voted no.

Tobin said the anonymity of surrendering a child into a baby box could lead to abuse of women. She said the boxes introduce the potential that traffickers could surrender babies without a mother’s consent.

“The potential misuses for these devices far outweigh the benefits,” Tobin said.  

All 50 states allow for the surrendering of infants. Almost half of states allow for newborns to be surrendered in baby boxes, which has accelerated since Roe vs. Wade was overturned, particularly in Republican-led states

If the bill passes, the Alaska Department of Public Safety would be tasked with drafting regulations for the placement of infant safety devices. Each infant safety device is estimated to cost $16,000. That excludes surveillance and security costs, which state officials say could be “significant.”

SB 9 now advances to the House for its consideration. Similar legislation has been advancing through that legislative chamber.

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Health

Photos Of Tiger Woods Throughout The Years Speak Volumes About His Health Struggles

From the earliest days of his professional golf career, Tiger Woods has struggled with an assortment of health-related issues, some of which required surgeries.

​Health Digest – Health News, Wellness, Expert Insights