Travis Denning has a new EP on the way called Might As Well Be Me. The six-song collection is due out August 5, but you can listen to one new track, “Buy a Girl a Drink,” right now.
Zac Brown Band have announced the next duet to come off the deluxe version of their The Comeback album. The track is a version of “Wild Palomino” that features Cody Johnson. It’ll be out next Friday, July 15.
Jelly Roll joined Craig Morgan on the Grand Ole Opry stage on Thursday night, and the pair gave an emotional performance of Craig’s “Almost Home.” It was a full-circle moment for the rising star, who cites Craig as one of his musical heroes.
Like many celebrities and entertainers who have spoken out about Brittney Griner‘s detainment in Russia, Chris Brown chimed in to share his thoughts on the case.
“It’s not my business. But…..it’s F****d up what they doing to Brittney Griner,” Brown wrote on his Instagram Story, later saved and shared by The Shade Room.
“IF THIS WAS A MALE STAR ATHLETE YALL WOULD BE WAY MORE VOCAL AND HELPFUL.” He added, “THAT S**T LAME AS F**K. I WISH I COULD REALLY HELP HER OUT.”
Brown seemingly agrees with Phoenix Mercury coach Vanessa Nygaard, who recently spoke to the media about Griner’s continued detainment.
“If it was LeBron [James], he’d be home, right?” Nygaard asked, according to USA Today. “It’s a statement about the value of women. It’s a statement about the value of a Black person. It’s a statement about the value of a gay person. All of those things. We know it, and so that’s what hurts a little more.”
The WNBA star has been held in Russia since Feb. 17, when she was arrested while visiting the country to play basketball in the off-season. She was detained at Sheremetyevo International Airport for having vape cartridges containing hashish oil, which is illegal in the country. In a Thursday court appearance,Grinerpleaded guilty to drug charges, saying that the vape cartridges were in her luggage unintentionally.
“I did not have any intention on breaking Russian law,” she said.
Heart singer Ann Wilson will take part in a special performance at an exhibition of Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay‘s extensive collection of rock memorabilia and other historic artifacts, which will be held August 2 in Irsay’s hometown of Chicago.
Wilson will perform at the event with The Jim Irsay Band, which features Irsay backed by founding R.E.M. bassist Mike Mills, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, longtime John Mellencamp guitarist Mike Wanchic, John Fogerty touring drummer Kenny Aronoff and other noteworthy musicians.
The exhibit of the Jim Irsay Collection and the performance will take place at the Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier and will run from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. CT. The event is free, but tickets will be required to attend and can be reserved at Eventbrite.com.
Irsay’s collection includes guitars that were played and/or owned by Bob Dylan, members of The Beatles, Prince, Eric Clapton, The Grateful Dead‘s Jerry Garcia, Pink Floyd‘s David Gilmour and many other famous musicians.
The collection also features other instruments, as well as autographed photos, handwritten lyrics and more. The most recent additions to Irsay’s trove of memorabilia is the guitar that late Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain played in his band’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” video, and the guitar on which the late Janis Joplin learned to play “Me and Bobby McGee.”
Some non-music-related items also are part of the collection: an original “Wanted” poster for John Wilkes Booth, a baseball bat used by Jackie Robinson and a robe worn by Muhammad Ali.
If you’ve watched Tyler Hubbard’s new music video for his song “35’s,” you may be wondering if the time capsule he dug up in the video was a real artifact from the singer’s past — and sure enough, it is.
On social media, Tyler offers fans a “show-and-tell” of the capsule, which he made and buried when he was “8 or 9 years old,” he says.
The first thing in the box is a Bible, which is fitting: Tyler says the Bible is still as important to him today as it was during his childhood. Also in the box are toys, including a miniature car. “This is a fun little reminder of who I was as a kid,” the singer says, unboxing the car. “I love cars, anything with motors. I love speed.”
Then there are a couple of childhood photos, including one of 6-year-old Tyler at a motocross racing event, and another of him and his father. “This is a special photo of me and my dad when I was super young,” he explains. “I lost my dad when I was 20, so we had a lot more years together, but this photo takes me back to just good times, having fun with him.”
Other artifacts include a Blackhawk CD and a note that he wrote as a kid to his 35-year-old self — which just so happens to be the age that Tyler is now.
“It was just a reminder to stay young and remember where you came from and make sure you stay rooted in your values, and who you know you are,” the singer reflects.
(WASHINGTON) — A Louisiana Supreme Court ruling allowed the state’s ban on almost all abortions to go into effect on Friday, after a series of court challenges by local abortion providers was moved to another jurisdiction.
After the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to overturn Roe v. Wade on June 24, Louisiana’s trigger laws restrictions arguably went into automatic effect.
However, a lawsuit led by the Center for Reproductive Rights and the Boies Schiller law firm on behalf of Hope Medical Group for Women — a Louisiana abortion provider — that had challenged the state’s three abortion trigger laws, led to a temporarily ruling to block such bans on June 27.
Louisiana District Court Judge Ethel Simms Julien will not extend a temporary restraining order to block the Louisiana state ban on abortion, according to the public information officer for the New Orleans Parish Civil District Court.
Since Orleans Parish Civil District Judge Robin Giarrusso’s decision on June 27, two abortion clinics have continued to see patients in the state: Women’s Health Care Center Delta Clinic of Baton Rouge and Hope Medical Group for Women.
As of this ruling, those clinics will no longer be able to continue their services. Nor is it clear which guidelines providers are to follow, since no ruling was issued on the specifics of the lawsuit.
Instead, the lawsuit is now under a different court’s jurisdiction, and the state’s bans are not blocked during the time it will take to obtain a ruling, according to Friday’s hearing.
During the hearing, Attorney General Jeff Landry argued that the New Orleans Parish Civil District Court is not the appropriate venue to litigate the case. The court will now transfer the case to the 19 Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge.
It is unclear at this point when that hearing will take place.
According to Julien’s ruling in Friday’s hearing, the case is now out of the jurisdiction of the New Orleans Parish Civil District Court, and the judge has no authority to extend the temporary restraining order blocking the state bans. Abortion is effectively banned in Louisiana until the case is heard in Baton Rouge.
According to The Associated Press, about 60 protesters gathered outside the courthouse Friday waving signs that read, “Abortion is health care” and “Do you want women to die?”
Following the ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, Louisiana was only one of three states to have automatic, immediate trigger laws restricting abortions, including a ban on abortion after 6 weeks.
The first of the state’s trigger laws was enacted in 2006, stating that abortion under all circumstances except due to certain medical circumstances would become criminal offenses. However, there was no clear guideline as to how the ban would be enforced or when it would become effective.
In June 2022, in anticipation of a Supreme Court ruling on Roe v. Wade’s constitutionality, a second ban was signed. This ban added a statement directly relating to the overturning of Roe by the Supreme Court.
A third trigger ban was enacted days after the second, which states that it will ban abortion after 15 weeks gestation, compared to the first and second’s bans for abortion at any point. The three bans also all differ on their penalty provisions.
Mark Ronson is a super-producer, having worked with incredible talents such as Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson and Dua Lipa. Andhe’s ready to name the artists he thinks are the most naturally gifted.
Speaking with Variety, the Silk City artist revealed Lady Gaga, his “Uptown Funk” collaborator Bruno Mars, Adele, the late Amy Winehouse and Yebba stand out to him most.
“I’m not just listing them because they’re the famous ones. They all have this gift, whether it’s intentional or not, this precipice in their voice where it’s just breaking and they know how much it brings you in,” Ronson described.
He said of Bruno, “He knows how to write a song on this part of his voice where it’s gonna break, where there’s that urgency.”
Ronson also assessed Adele’s gift, saying when he worked with her, “She was so happy to do 16, 17, 18 takes — not because she didn’t sing it perfectly the first time, but she knew there’s a part where her voice starts to get worn in a little bit, and then there’s that pain in it that makes us all just melt, you know?”
He worked with the Grammy winner on her songs “Cold Shoulder” and “Why Do You Love Me,” from the respective albums 19 and 25.
However, he is unable to say which artist of the group is the most talented. “They’re all fantastic,” he declared.
After Simone Biles accepted the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden at the White House on Thursday, the celebrated gymnast took to social media to express her gratitude.
“I’m so honored & thankful to be recognized as a recipient by President Biden for this prestigious award,” she wrote on Instagram after becoming the youngest person ever to receive the award.
Biles, 25, shared a special image of herself smiling from ear to ear as Biden placed the distinguished medal around her neck. Reflecting on the special moment, she added, “I still have no words. I’m shocked!”
Following Thursday’s celebratory post, Biles shared another sweet image on Friday, this time of her and fiancé, NFL player Jonathan Owens, who posed for a photo from the White House lawn.
The Houston Texans safety penned a heartfelt letter to his wife-to-be, expressing his love and appreciation for the young star.
“Words can’t explain how proud i am of you, this has been such a surreal experience to watch you receive your Presidential Medal of Freedom, and be the youngest to ever receive one at that!,” he wrote. “You’re one of the strongest people i know and are so deserving, I’m so blessed to be able to experience this with you.”
Owens concluded by adding, “You motivate me more everyday to be the best version of myself. Such a inspiration, i love you so much babe.”
Biles, in addition to 16 other honorees, including acclaimed actor Denzel Washington, were invited to the White House to attend the medal ceremony. Washington was unable to attend due to testing positive for COVID.
(CONCORD, N.H.) — New Hampshire officials are offering $50,000 in reward money to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and indictment of the person responsible for the killing of a married couple.
Stephen and Djeswende Reid were last seen leaving their home in Concord’s Alton Woods apartment complex on April 18. The couple went on a walk that led them to the area of the Broken Ground Trails off of Portsmouth Street in Concord, New Hampshire.
Their friends and family did not see or hear from them after that, according to the attorney general’s office. Their bodies were found in a wooded area near the Marsh Loop Trail on April 21, according to the attorney general’s office.
Autopsies revealed they both died due to multiple gunshot wounds and the medical examiner ruled their deaths as homicides, according to the attorney general’s office.
The New Hampshire attorney general’s office said two anonymous donors pledged $20,000 and $15,000 for information that comes in the next 60 days. Other anonymous donors pledged $6,000, according to the attorney general’s office.
The Concord Police Patrolmen’s Association, Supervisors Association and Retired New Hampshire State Police Troopers Association all contributed to the amount as well, according to the attorney general’s office.
Investigators are looking for a person of interest seen in the vicinity of the shooting in April. The individual is described as a white male in his late 20s or early 30s, approximately 5’10” tall, medium build, with short brown hair and clean-shaven, according to the attorney general’s office.
He was seen wearing a dark blue jacked, khaki-colored pants and was carrying a black backpack, according to the attorney general’s office. Investigators are asking anyone with information about his whereabouts or his identity to come forward.
(HIGHLAND PARK, Ill.) — An 8-year-old boy is paralyzed from the waist down after he was shot in the chest during a mass shooting at a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois.
The shooting left seven people dead and at least 38 people injured.
Cooper Roberts, who suffered a severed spinal cord, remains in serious condition after undergoing multiple surgeries at Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago, attorney Anthony Loizzi, who is acting as the family’s spokesperson, told ABC News Friday.
“He has regained consciousness, although he’s very confused about what’s going on,” said Loizzi, adding that doctors at this time do not believe Cooper suffered any brain damage from the shooting. “He’s crying uncontrollably because he just doesn’t understand why can’t move his legs.”
Cooper was attending his town’s July 4th parade with his twin brother Luke and their parents, Jason and Keely Roberts, when the shooting happened, according to Loizzi, who is not representing the family in a legal capacity.
Loizzi said the brothers had loved attending the parade in the past, adding that the Roberts family, which also includes four daughters, ages 18 to 26, moved to Highland Park last year from a nearby town.
This year’s parade in the Chicago suburb ended in tragedy when the shooting suspect, Robert “Bobby” Crimo III, allegedly climbed onto the roof of a business and used a high-powered rifle to unleash more than 70 rounds on marchers and revelers, according to police.
Crimo, 21, was charged Tuesday with seven counts of first-degree murder, and more charges are expected, according to Lake County State Attorney Eric Rinehart.
Loizzi said that Cooper’s brother Luke was treated for injuries from shrapnel and is now recovering at home, where he is being cared for by his oldest sister.
The boys’ father did not suffer any physical injuries in the shooting, but their mother, Keely Roberts, a local school superintendent, was shot twice in the leg, according to Loizzi. She underwent two surgeries and was discharged at her own request Wednesday so that she could be with Cooper.
“She’s been there 24/7 since being discharged,” Loizzi said of Keely Roberts. “She’s supposed to have another surgery because I believe she’s continued to have bleeding, but she demanded to be discharged and, understandably, they let her go.”
Loizzi said the Roberts family is an extremely close-knit family of eight, and described Cooper and Luke specifically as the “best of friends.”
“Their sister described them as partners in crime,” said Loizzi. “Cooper is just a very outgoing kid, the type of kid that walks into a room and will just walk up and talk to you and get to know you right away.”
Cooper is an athletic child who loves baseball and the Milwaukee Brewers as well as his family’s dog, according to Loizzi.
“His favorite pastime is being with his dog George,” he said, adding that Cooper asked to see his dog and his twin brother upon regaining consciousness. “They’re just inseparable.”
A GoFundMe account started by friends of the Roberts family has so far raised over $620,000 to help the family pay for medical bills, treatments and therapy.
Loizzi said Keely Roberts is focused on her family’s recovery and has asked people to keep them in their “thoughts and prayers.”
“She’s not watching the news. She’s not following social media, so they’re kind of just in a bubble and just want to focus,” said Loizzi. “Every time I’ve asked her, what do you want people to know, what do you need, she just says, ‘Please just keep us in your thoughts and prayers, and at the same time, we’d just like people to respect our privacy while we’re going through this tough time.'”
The school district in Zion, Illinois, where Keely Roberts has worked for the past seven years said active and retired superintendents have stepped up to volunteer their services while she and her family continue to heal.
“For seven years in Zion District 6 and other area school districts for many years prior, Dr. Roberts has done everything she can to support the needs of students and families in our community,” Zion District 6 Board President Ruth Davis said in a statement Thursday. “Now, she and her family need our help and support.”
Loizzi, who is the attorney for the school district’s board, described Keely Roberts as an “unbelievable advocate” for her students.
“I’ve worked with Keely pretty much on a daily basis for seven years,” he said. “The woman works nonstop, 24/7 and does anything she can to support the students and family and community that she serves.”
(HIGHLAND PARK, Ill.) — Memorial services and funerals have begun for the victims of this week’s mass shooting at a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois.
Seven people were killed and dozens injured after a gunman opened fire from a rooftop on the crowd attending the celebration in the Chicago suburb.
As the community continues to grapple with the shock and horror of that day, a former synagogue preschool teacher and two beloved grandfathers are among the first victims of the tragedy to be honored.
Jacquelyn “Jacki” Sundheim, 63, was a beloved worker at her synagogue, North Shore Congregation Israel in Glencoe, Illinois. She was known by her colleagues for her infectious smile and great hugs, they said.
The congregation gathered at the synagogue Friday afternoon to celebrate the life of Sundheim, who is survived by her husband and daughter.
Rabbi Wendi Geffen opened with pointed remarks.
“We should not have to be here today,” she told the congregation during the service, which was livestreamed. “There is nothing, not one single thing, that makes us being brought together to mourn for Jacki acceptable. We are horrified. We are enraged, sickened, aggrieved, inconsolable for the terror that has befallen us and robbed us of Jacki.”
But Geffen warned against remembering Sundheim “not by how she lived, but by how she died.”
“We cannot allow that to happen, she said. “While Jacki was alive, her life was beautiful and full, and full of love and joy, meaning, significance. Her legacy is one of kindness and devotion. That’s who Jacki was. And who she will remain to us forever.”
Sundheim’s daughter, Leah Sundheim, called on those gathered to channel their grief, pain and anger into “a drive to help heal our world.”
“Do not let this sadness, this fear, rage, turn you indifferent or bitter towards our world,” she said. “Because the world is darker without my mom in it. And it’s up to us now to fill it with a little extra laughter and help replace her life and love.”
A funeral service was held Friday for Stephen Straus, 88, who was the oldest victim to die in the shooting rampage, according to the Lake County Coroner’s Office. The Chicago native had lived in Highland Park for decades and is survived by his wife, two sons and four grandchildren.
Family and friends gathered Friday afternoon at Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation in Evanston, Illinois, following his burial.
“We connect in a national moment with the mourning of those in Highland Park. And now, it has happened to us — these stories that we saw on the news, these stories that seemed so far away and so disconnected is now our story too,” Rabbi Rachel Weiss said at the start of the service, which was livestreamed. “But most of all, we are mourning the life of Stephen Straus.”
Weiss recited words his brother told her: “If there were more people like Steve in this world, the world would be a much better place.”
Straus’ brother remembered his sibling as being fiercely loyal since they were children.
“He was dedicated, honest — goes without saying. Honest beyond words,” Larry Straus said.
Straus’ son, Jonathan Straus, spoke of his father’s kindness, impeccable joke-telling and “irresistible” charm.” He was an “avid lover of the arts” who continued to work five days a week, he said.
“You know what a special person he was,” he said, calling his father his “best friend.” “He still had a lot of zest for life, and I know he had a few more good years in him.”
Straus’ younger son, Peter Straus, remembered his father as a voracious reader, particularly of poetry, biographies, science, nature and history.
“He schooled my brother and I on James Bond, Captain Kirk and ‘2001,’” he said.
A service is also scheduled for Nicolas Toledo, 78, Friday evening at Iglesia Emanuel in Waukegan. The native of Morelos, Mexico, was remembered by family for his humor. “He’d always joke around and be playful with his grandkids,” his grandson, David Toledo, told ABC News in a statement.
A service for the seventh victim to die from injuries suffered in the mass shooting, 69-year-old Eduardo Uvaldo, is scheduled for Saturday. Uvaldo was a grandfather of 13 and a great-grandfather of six. Several of his family members were also at the parade; his 13-year-old grandson, Brian, was shot in the arm and his wife, Maria, was hit in the head by shrapnel, his daughters told ABC News. Both are expected to fully recover, officials say.
Those killed in the shooting also included Katherine Goldstein, 64, a mother of two adult daughters; and husband-and-wife Kevin McCarthy, 37, and Irina McCarthy, 35, who leave behind a 2-year-old son. Details for their services have not been made public.
Robert E. Crimo III, the accused 21-year-old gunman, has been charged with seven counts of first-degree murder. Prosecutors have said they expect to bring attempted murder charges for each of the more than 30 people wounded in the attack.
Prosecutors said that Crimo III confessed to Monday morning’s parade massacre. He did not enter a plea during a bond hearing on Wednesday.
