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Jo Dee Messina is preparing to release her first album in a decade and her excitement is contagious. Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
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Charlie Kirk’s widow can’t catch a break.
In addition to making odd statements and behaving strangely, Erika Kirk’s actions have made the target of conspiracy theories.
But what in the world could explain this $1k shopping spree, not even a full day after her husband died?
It wasn’t funeral clothes, if you’re wondering. Could there be some sort of explanation?
A $1,000 shopping spree hours after her husband was killed?
A TikToker named Markos is spilling some tea about Erika’s alleged shopping spree in the wake of her husband’s death.
In a TikTok video, he alleged that an Alo employee contacted him and handed over a receipt as evidence.
(Alo is a clothing brand known for gymwear with what critics call a hefty price tag.)
“You cannot defend her behavior at this point,” Markos opined.
Allegedly, he said, Erika spent over $1,000 the day after Charlie’s shooting to purchase black clothing.
@markosbits Erika, if you’re gonna go on a shopping spree 12 hours after your hubby gets sniped at least treat yourself to Prada.
No, this could not have been emergency funeral clothing, he explained.
Markos’ video notes that not only is this gymwear — not like the skirts, dresses, blazers, and suits that people might wear to a funeral — but it apparently has large branding on it.
The purchases, totaling $1,043, came at 11:10 AM on Thursday, September 11 — about 19 hours after Charlie died. The name on the receipt was Erika Franzese, her maiden name.
Now, that isn’t “before the body was cold,” as Markos hyperbolically dubbed it. Algor mortis aside, the body was certainly in a temperature-controlled environment well before the shopping went down.
The point, simply put, is that this seems like a weird move for a new widow. It’s not helping her image.
Is there an explanation that could make this make sense?
To be blunt, Erika went from being the essentially unknown wife of a notorious Christian nationalist to becoming the target of scorn from both sides of the political aisle.
Different people react in different ways to grief.
While many — including Markos — point out that most would not go on shopping sprees for pricey gymwear the morning after their spouse’s assassination, it’s true that different people have different ways to cope.
Could there be some sort of explanation for all of this?
Apparently, there is.
Mikey McCoy was Charlie Kirk’s chief of staff. Elizabeth is his wife.
She took to her Instagram Story to defend Erika, referring to herself as “the Alo purchaser.”
Apparently, she made these purchases as a favor to Erika.
“Think twice and consider evaluating things through a little grace perhaps,” she asked, “when you guys go down your next rabbit hole.”
Elizabeth also shared that she had gone to Target for other supplies.
All settled, right?
Admittedly, some wonder why Charlie Kirk’s wife seemingly had a card in her maiden name.
However, we can all probably recognize that the general dislike of Erika is probably a larger factor here than any purchase.
(Politically, the left dislikes Erika for taking on the mantle of her late husband’s white nationalism and Christian nationalism, while the right seems to resent that Erika is stepping into her husband’s shoes without the charisma or experience to back it up. Also she’s a woman, which many of them find unforgivable.)
You know when you hate someone so much that you cringe when they laugh or hate any restaurant that they frequent? The Erika thing has reached those proportions.
That said … this isn’t doing any favors for Alo as a brand.
Erika Kirk BLASTED for $1k Shopping Spree Hours After Charlie Died: What Could Explain … was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.
The Hollywood Gossip
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In a move that began to feel inevitable in recent days, ABC has canceled Taylor Frankie Paul’s season of The Bachelorette.
The decision follows the release of shocking footage that shows Paul assaulting then-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.
At one point in the video, Paul threw several chairs at Mortensen, one of which allegedly struck her 5-year-old daughter.
“In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of The Bachelorette at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family,” Disney said in a statement issued Thursday afternoon (per NBC News).
Many fans of The Bachelorette and its related series are breathing a sigh of relief today, as the consensus among viewers was that Paul’s season would’ve permanently degraded one of the longest-running franchises in reality TV history.
Paul’s other series, the Hulu reality show The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, has already suspended production in response to recent developments.
Taylor has not yet issued a statement on what may well be the end of her career as a reality star and influencer.
Asked about the scandal during an appearance on Wednesday’s Good Morning America, Paul declined to go into specifics but admitted that it had “been a heavy time to see the headlines.”
“But I will say, I’ve been here before, and I got through it, and, you know, shared my story, my light. So I’m hoping that I can do that again,” she added.
From the beginning, Mortensen has maintained that ABC was aware of the allegations against Paul, and they made the decision to cast her as Bachelorette in spite of the risks.
He also denied Taylor’s allegation that he was the one who made the allegations public.
“His number one priority here is protecting [their 2-year-old son], Ever,” a rep for Mortensen tells Entertainment Weekly, adding:
“He knew there was a possibility it could come out, but he was not going to be the one to proactively do that because he has always wanted a decent relationship with Taylor.
“It’s been really hard to achieve that, but he wants to co-parent well. He was just hoping that if he says nothing, as he usually does, it would go away. He’s never done any kind of sit-down interview about his side,” the spokesperson continued.
Paul’s casting was controversial from the very beginning, but very few of her critics would have predicted that her season would never even make it to air.
Only time will tell what sort of effect this move will have on the future of this franchise.
We will have further updates on this developing story as new information becomes available.
Taylor Frankie Paul’s Season of ‘The Bachelorette’ Canceled By ABC Amid … was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.
The Hollywood Gossip
Breaded fish sandwiches are sold in several fast food restaurants, and most stick to a similar format. One chain flips the script by using a regional delicacy.
Mashed – Fast Food, Celebrity Chefs, Grocery, Reviews
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We have tragic news to report from the world of television today.
Jordan Wright — a beloved TV personality who has appeared on numerous reality shows — has passed away.
He was just 33 years old.
According to reports from People and other outlets, Wright was found dead in Thailand under circumstances that remain under investigation.
Wright’s body was discovered on March 14 in a drainage canal near Bang Tao Beach in Phuket, just weeks after he had relocated to the country.
Local police say there were no immediate signs of foul play.
Officials reported that Wright had checked into his hotel alone and was expected to check out on March 13, but never did. A search of his room revealed no signs of forced entry or disturbance.
Security footage captured Wright appearing restless outside the hotel prior to his disappearance. Investigators believe his movements eventually led to the area where his body was later found.
Authorities also confirmed that his phone and hotel key card were recovered near the scene.
At this time, an autopsy is pending, and officials have not determined an official cause of death. They are also working to establish whether any substances may have played a role.
Wright first gained recognition through appearances on the British reality series The Only Way Is Essex and Ex on the Beach.
Though his time in the spotlight was relatively brief, he remained a recognizable figure among fans of the genre. In recent years, he had stepped away from television and returned to work as a firefighter.
In the days before his death, Wright had been sharing updates from Thailand on social media, documenting what appeared to be a new chapter in his life.
Tributes begin to emerge
Across social media today, friends, former castmates, and a legion of adoring fans are sharing messages of grief and remembrance.
A spokesperson for The Only Way Is Essex expressed sympathy for Wright’s loved ones, while fellow reality personalities left messages honoring his memory.
“Lost for words bro. Amazing memories with you mate. Rest easy brother,” influencer Brandon Myers wrote.
Authorities in Thailand continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Wright’s death, with key details — including the official cause — still pending.
What is clear is that this is a deeply sad loss involving a young man whose life ended far too soon, leaving those who knew him searching for answers and mourning his passing.
We will have further updates on this developing story as new information becomes available.
Jordan Wright Cause of Death: Beloved Reality TV Star Was 33 was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.
The Hollywood Gossip
Every year, Cadbury releases its mini eggs in spring, but this year, people in the United Kingdom are complaining that those eggs taste different.
Food Republic – Restaurants, Reviews, Recipes, Cooking Tips
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Whether you know him for his acting, the old meme about him, or his political controversies, Chuck Norris is a very famous name.
He has been hospitalized following a medical incident.
There’s a lot that we don’t know just yet.
But here is everything that we do know:
Is he okay?
On Thursday, March 19, TMZ reported that Norris was rushed to the hospital in Hawaii.
According to the report, the 86-year-old actor was on the island of Kauai.
It is unclear what health incident may have occurred.
For now, we know only that it was a medical emergency of some kind.
However, for whatever it’s worth, those closest to Norris told TMZ that he is in good spirits.
It is possible — even likely — that we will know more about Norris’ condition within the coming days.
After all, a celebrity (even an aging TV actor who is best known for an odd meme from over two decades ago) going to a hospital means a lot of people will have the opportunity to leak details.
His medical incident could range from something cardiovascular to an allergic reaction to something else altogether.
Admittedly, most of Norris’ fans would feel much more comfortable hearing a health update from the man himself.
It not only shows that he’s the one making things public, but will help reassure people who worry about him that he’s alright.
He is 86 years old
Just over a week before this, on March 10, Norris celebrated his birthday.
The controversial actor is 86 years old.
He attempted a callback at his eponymous meme from the early aughts, quipping: “I don’t age. I level up.”
Norris announced: “I’m 86 today! Nothing like some playful action on a sunny day to make you feel young.”
He expressed: “I’m grateful for another year, good health, and the chance to keep doing what I love.”
Despite his age, Norris has continued to remain physically active.
(And, of course, to showcase this activity on social media.)
Norris has shared photos and videos of himself riding horses, lifting weights, and going on hikes.
He has also of course engaged in what appear to be very careful practice fights.
However, health is not synonymous with physical activity. Staying active helps, but does not make anyone immune to medical incidents.
He is a controversial figure
Norris has consciously chosen to be a controversial figure, which goes back many decades.
He was an outspoken fan of Ronald Reagan in the 1980s. He has openly supported and rubbed elbows with Benjamin Netanyahu.
A little under two decades ago, he voiced support for the “birther” conspiracies surrounding President Barack Obama. Norris also supported Prop 8, which temporarily outlawed marriage equality in California.
Infamously, in 2012, he “warned” of civilizational doom if President Obama were to be reelected. Though it does often feel like the world is crumbling into despair, Obama is not the cause of the collapse.
All of this has complicated his legacy and how some of his erstwhile fans regard him and his projects from decades past.
But on the other hand, he’s not one of those people who rolled out of bed one day and decided to become radicalized. There’s something to be said for consistency.
Chuck Norris Rushed to Hospital After Medical Incident was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.
The Hollywood Gossip
Maine seafood is no joke, and some of the best comes from small towns along the coast. Reviews say this small shack in Boothbay makes a great fish sandwich.
Mashed – Fast Food, Celebrity Chefs, Grocery, Reviews
The Dimond Courthouse building, home to the Juneau offices of the Alaska Department of Law, is seen across the street from the Alaska State Capitol on Friday, May 27, 2022. (Photo by Lisa Phu/Alaska Beacon)
Reporter James Brooks regularly requests public information under the Freedom of Information Act and uses public documents, including those available through Alaska’s Court system, to do his job. As we observe Sunshine Week, an annual event that highlights the importance of open records and transparency in government, he shares a few thoughts.
This month, the state of Alaska filed lawsuits against six national crowdfunding websites, accusing them of illegally using the identities of Alaska charities and illegally raising money on their behalf.
These are big cases with major national implications.
They’re also going to be difficult to follow.
The Alaska Court System does an excellent job of listing new cases — it publishes lists of new civil and criminal cases daily — but when it comes to automatically notifying people about ongoing civil proceedings, there’s room for improvement.
There’s no way to be automatically notified when there are updates to civil cases, such as when someone files a motion, makes a written argument or schedules oral arguments.
That might seem like a niche problem, but it’s one that has implications across the state.
An individual Alaskan might be able to keep track of a case they care about by checking Courtview on a daily or weekly basis, but that process is physically impossible for a reporter who might want to follow dozens or hundreds at a time.
If a reporter doesn’t know about something, they can’t report on it. While court rules set specific timelines for some filings, it’s impossible to predict the unexpected, and a reporter can’t ask for a file if they don’t know it exists.
While PACER, the federal court system’s online portal, is an unaffordable mess that charges 10 cents per page, it at least is capable of automatic notices that instantly alert reporters of newsworthy developments.
In a perfect world, there would be enough reporters to make regular checks on all cases of interest. We don’t live in that perfect world.
Alaskans filed 2,569 civil cases in Alaska superior courts during the last fiscal year. There were more than 7,500 civil cases in district courts during the same period.
The Alaska court system has a useful system, TrueFile, for following criminal cases. There isn’t a similar system for civil cases, and there’s a reason for that: Civil courts deal with things like divorces and similar actions that are normally kept confidential.
Alaska has a constitutional right to privacy, after all.
But what about issues of public concern? Without a notification system, it’s impossible to stay abreast of what’s happening.
We know the court system is working on this problem — at the Beacon, we’ve certainly pestered them enough — but because it’s Sunshine Week, we thought we should shed a little light on a problem we’ve been dealing with for a long time.
The court system has been doing a good job of improving access. When we asked for a list of newly filed cases, they added it to their website.
At courthouses, there are now public terminals where reporters and members of the public can examine documents immediately, in any case, without cost. That lets us easily keep an eye on things across the state.
But for all those improvements, there’s still room for things to be better.
The lack of automatic notification is a problem for accused and accuser alike. If a business is accused of violating Alaska’s law requiring good faith and fair dealing, it’s easy for a reporter to know about and report on the accusation.
But under the current system, it’s much harder to know if that accusation is dismissed or withdrawn, which makes it less likely to be reported upon.
Reporters can ask the court to add a case to a list of most requested case files, but it’s a manual process that requires a lot of work by court staff.
The court system’s goal is to provide equal access to justice, but we note that equal access isn’t possible without information.
If the court system is reluctant to create an automatic notification system because of privacy concerns, an alternative would be to allow reporters and members of the public to ask to be added to existing email distribution lists for individual cases.
Judges might be reluctant to do this, so instead of asking for voluntary compliance, it would be better to enact a court rule change and require them to comply.
Attorneys involved in cases are already notified automatically by email about filings in cases that they are involved in.
If members of the public and reporters can be added to those distribution lists, it would fix the issue and lead to better reporting.
That’s in the interest of all Alaskans, not just those of us here at the Beacon.
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