Taylor Swift adds new North American dates to her Eras Tour

Taylor Swift has announced a new run of North American dates on her ‘Eras Tour’ for late 2024. The 33-year-old singer-songwriter announced 15 more shows, sharing on social media: “Turns out it’s NOT the end of an era 😝 Miami, New Orleans, Indy and Toronto: The Eras Tour is coming to you in 2024 with @gracieabrams! Verified fan registration for all shows is open now – visit http://TaylorSwift.com for more information”

Swift’s return to North America in 2024 will kick off with three shows each in Miami, New Orleans and Indianapolis, with six performances set for Toronto in October and November of next year. Gracie Abrams will serve as support all dates.

Swift will wrap the first leg of her North American run with six shows in SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles that kicked off on August 3rd running through August 9th.  She then heads to Mexico for three dates in August followed by South American stops in Argentina, Rio de Janeiro and Brazil in November. Swift will spend most of 2024 on the European leg of the Eras Tour, beginning May 2024 with stops in Sweden, Portugal, France, Spain, The UK, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Poland, and Austria.

Verified Fan registration is open now on Ticketmaster through 5 p.m. ET Saturday, August 5th at 5 pm ET/2 pm PT. Fans will receive confirmation if they will have access to the Verified Fan on sale or if they’ve been placed on a waiting list on Tuesday, August 8th. The Verified Fans on sale runs Wednesday, August 9th through Friday, August 11th with assigned specific on sale windows.

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Lizzo responds to allegations made against her by former backup dancers

Lizzo is speaking out after news broker earlier this week that a lawsuit was filed against her by three of her former backup dancers. Lizzo — whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson — addressed the claims made by Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriguez in the lawsuit, which accused her of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment.

The 35-year-old singer posted a lengthy statement to her social media accounts, saying: “these last few days have been gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing. My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticized. Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed. These sensationalized stories are coming from former employees who have already publicly admitted that they were told their behaviour on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional.” Lizzo added: “I take my music and my performances seriously because at the end of the day I only want to put out the best art than represents me and my fans. With passion comes hard work and high standards. Sometimes I have to make hard decisions but it’s never my intention to make anyone feel uncomfortable or like they aren’t valued as an important part of the team.”

Sayiing that she doesn’t want to be “looked at as a victim”, Lizzo wrote: “But I also know that I am not the villain that people and the media have portrayed me to be these last few days. I am very open with my sexuality and expressing myself but I cannot accept or allow people to use that openness to make me out to be something I am not. There is nothing I take more seriously than the respect we deserve as women in the world. I know what it feels like to be body shamed on a daily basis and would absolutely never criticize or terminate an employee because of their weight … I’m hurt but I will not let the good work I’ve done in the world be overshadowed by this. I want to thank everyone who has reached out in support to lift me up during this difficult time.”

The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on August 1, names Lizzo, as well as her production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc. (BGBT), and Shirlene Quigley, the captain of her dance team as defendants. The dancers are suing Lizzo for sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment, as well as seeking damages for emotional distress including unpaid wages, loss of earnings, and attorney fees.

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Pittsburgh synagogue mass shooter is sentenced to death

In an unanimous decision, a jury in Pittsburgh has recommended a death sentence for the gunman who killed 11 people and injured seven more in a mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue in 2018.  The jury, who were on their second day of deliberations after almost 10 total hours deliberating, were weighing either a death sentence or life in prison for the gunman, Robert Bowers. Bowers was found guilty in June of all 63 federal charges brought against him in connection with the massacre, including criminal counts for hate crimes resulting in death.

Judge Robert Colville, who presided over the case, denied a motion from the defense for a mistrial prior to the sentencing hearing on Tuesday morning. Judge Colville said “the task before the jury was an enormous task and they seem to have embraced it with an earnestness and seriousness.”  The 12-member jury had to reach a decision in the penalty phase on whether what are known as aggravating factors outweighed 115 mitigating factors. The decisions on each of those factors on the 25-page verdict form were read before the jury announced its final decision. The jury found Bowers eligible to face the death penalty in July.

Bowers opened fire inside of Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, during Shabbat morning services, in the deadliest antisemitic attack in the country’s history. Police said the gunman was armed with an AR-15 rifle and three handguns, shouting “All Jews must die!” during the shooting  The gunman was shot multiple times by responding officers and taken into custody. Bowers had a documented history of antisemitic and violent extremist views that he posted about online, and his attorneys admitted during the criminal trial that he was responsible for the massacre; however, the defense focused on his mental state, raising questions as to whether Bowers was driven by hate or schizophrenia when he carried out the attack. Prosecutors rejected the defense’s claims related to mental illness, arguing that the gunman methodically planned the shooting.

Formal sentencing for Bowers will be Thursday, and victims will also have the chance to share statements before the judge officially imposes the final sentence.

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WWE Executive Chairman Vince McMahon served with subpoena by federal agents

The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) disclosed on Wednesday that federal law enforcement agents executed a search warrant on executive chairman Vince McMahon  last month, serving him with a federal grand jury subpoena.

The WWE also revealed Wednesday that McMahon “went on medical leave after undergoing major spinal surgery.”   The WWE said in its quarterly report to the Securities and Exchange Commission that McMahon’s leave began July 21, and he will “remain on medical leave until further notice but will remain Executive Chairman” of WWE. WWE CEO Nick Khan revealed news of McMahon’s surgery during the company’s second-quarter earnings call on Wednesday. Khan said McMahon had major spinal surgery nearly two weeks ago and is taking the leave in order to focus on his recovery, but did not specify the duration of the leave.

The new subpoena is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations that McMahon paid millions of dollars over the years to women after being accused of sexual misconduct. WWE said in the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that while government investigations into McMahon remain ongoing, no charges have been brought in them. The company said it has received voluntary and compulsory legal demands for documents concerning the investigation and related subject matters, sharing in a statement: “WWE has cooperated throughout and fully understands and respects the government’s need for a complete process.”

It was revealed last year that the WWE was investigating an alleged $3 million payment from McMahon to a departing female employee following a consensual affair. WWE’s investigation into the misconduct allegations was completed last year. McMahon said in a statement: “In 2022, WWE formed a special committee to review allegations of misconduct against me. That review was concluded in November 2022 following an extensive investigation. Throughout this experience, I have always denied any intentional wrongdoing and continue to do so. I am confident that the government’s investigation will be resolved without any findings of wrongdoing.”

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WWE Executive Chairman Vince McMahon served with subpoena by federal agents

The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) disclosed on Wednesday that federal law enforcement agents executed a search warrant on executive chairman Vince McMahon  last month, serving him with a federal grand jury subpoena.

The WWE also revealed Wednesday that McMahon “went on medical leave after undergoing major spinal surgery.”   The WWE said in its quarterly report to the Securities and Exchange Commission that McMahon’s leave began July 21, and he will “remain on medical leave until further notice but will remain Executive Chairman” of WWE. WWE CEO Nick Khan revealed news of McMahon’s surgery during the company’s second-quarter earnings call on Wednesday. Khan said McMahon had major spinal surgery nearly two weeks ago and is taking the leave in order to focus on his recovery, but did not specify the duration of the leave.

The new subpoena is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations that McMahon paid millions of dollars over the years to women after being accused of sexual misconduct. WWE said in the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that while government investigations into McMahon remain ongoing, no charges have been brought in them. The company said it has received voluntary and compulsory legal demands for documents concerning the investigation and related subject matters, sharing in a statement: “WWE has cooperated throughout and fully understands and respects the government’s need for a complete process.”

It was revealed last year that the WWE was investigating an alleged $3 million payment from McMahon to a departing female employee following a consensual affair. WWE’s investigation into the misconduct allegations was completed last year. McMahon said in a statement: “In 2022, WWE formed a special committee to review allegations of misconduct against me. That review was concluded in November 2022 following an extensive investigation. Throughout this experience, I have always denied any intentional wrongdoing and continue to do so. I am confident that the government’s investigation will be resolved without any findings of wrongdoing.”

Editorial credit: John Hanson Pye / Shutterstock.com

WWE Executive Chairman Vince McMahon served with subpoena by federal agents

The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) disclosed on Wednesday that federal law enforcement agents executed a search warrant on executive chairman Vince McMahon  last month, serving him with a federal grand jury subpoena.

The WWE also revealed Wednesday that McMahon “went on medical leave after undergoing major spinal surgery.”   The WWE said in its quarterly report to the Securities and Exchange Commission that McMahon’s leave began July 21, and he will “remain on medical leave until further notice but will remain Executive Chairman” of WWE. WWE CEO Nick Khan revealed news of McMahon’s surgery during the company’s second-quarter earnings call on Wednesday. Khan said McMahon had major spinal surgery nearly two weeks ago and is taking the leave in order to focus on his recovery, but did not specify the duration of the leave.

The new subpoena is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations that McMahon paid millions of dollars over the years to women after being accused of sexual misconduct. WWE said in the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that while government investigations into McMahon remain ongoing, no charges have been brought in them. The company said it has received voluntary and compulsory legal demands for documents concerning the investigation and related subject matters, sharing in a statement: “WWE has cooperated throughout and fully understands and respects the government’s need for a complete process.”

It was revealed last year that the WWE was investigating an alleged $3 million payment from McMahon to a departing female employee following a consensual affair. WWE’s investigation into the misconduct allegations was completed last year. McMahon said in a statement: “In 2022, WWE formed a special committee to review allegations of misconduct against me. That review was concluded in November 2022 following an extensive investigation. Throughout this experience, I have always denied any intentional wrongdoing and continue to do so. I am confident that the government’s investigation will be resolved without any findings of wrongdoing.”

Editorial credit: John Hanson Pye / Shutterstock.com

Spurs’ guard Devonte’ Graham suspended 2 games for 2022 DWI charge

The NBA announced Wednesday that they have suspended San Antonio Spurs guard Devonte’ Graham for two games for pleading guilty to a 2022 charge of driving while impaired. The league said that the suspension will start with the next regular-season game he is able and eligible to play. Graham will serve the suspension at the start of the 2023-24 season, which begins in late October.

Graham (then a member of the New Orleans Pelicans) was pulled over by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol for speeding at 3 a.m. on July 7, 2022, in Raleigh, North Carolina. The 28-year-old Graham allegedly was driving 63 mph in a 40 mph zone and was arrested after he showed signs of intoxication. Once he was taken to the Wake County Detention Center, he blew a 0.11 BAC on the breathalyzer (the state limit is 0.08).

Graham pleaded guilty in June and in July was sentenced to 21 days in jail, which ended up being suspended as part of a plea deal; the speeding charge was also dropped. Instead, Graham received a year of probation and was required to pay $393 in fines and fees.

In the time since his DWI arrest and suspension, the Pelicans traded Graham and four second-round picks to the Spurs for Josh Richardson in February. Graham has played well with the Spurs, averaging 13 points, 2.5 rebounds and 4 assists over 20 games (eight starts), scoring double-digit points in 14 of those games.

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Craig Morgan enlists in U.S. Army Reserve onstage at Grand Ole Opry

Craig Morgan surprised the audience at the Grand Ole Opry by enlisting and being sworn into the U.S. Army Reserve during his set on the Opry stage on July 29. Morgan, who was inducted as an Opry member in 2008, became a newly sworn in Staff Sergeant and Warrant Officer candidate.

Morgan took to the Opry stage in civilian attire, performing a trio of his hits: “That’s What I Love About Sunday,” “Redneck Yacht Club” and “Almost Home.” Then after briefly exiting the stage, Morgan returned in his military uniform for the swearing-in ceremony, officiated by General Andrew Poppas, commander, US Army Forces Command.

Morgan followed the swearing-in ceremony with a performance of his song “Soldier,’ telling the crowd: “It’s been awhile since I’ve sung in uniform.”  Several members of Morgan’s family and many of Morgan’s military colleagues were present at the Opry; his colleagues joined him onstage during the swearing-in ceremony.

Morgan previously served 17 years in the Army and Army Reserve with the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions as an E-6 Staff Sergeant and Fire Support Specialist. He includes Airborne, Air Assault and Rappel Master among his certifications. Morgan is also a recipient of the Army’s Outstanding Civilian Service Medal and the USO Merit Award, as well as a member of the U.S. Field Artillery Hall of Fame.

Morgan will continue touring and releasing new music in his civilian career while simultaneously serving in the Army Reserve. Morgan will go to warrant officer school for six weeks in November, and then will fulfill his Army Reserves commitment one weekend per month, and two weeks per year, alongside his music career commitments.

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Chris Young shares the video for ‘Young Love & Saturday Nights’

Chris Young has dropped his new song “Young Love & Saturday Nights” along with the corresponding video for the track, and he is also sharing the ‘behind-the-scenes’ footage of the video shoot, filmed at Old Hickory Beach in Hendersonville, Tenn.

The video clip depicts the story of summer love beginning at a gas station as sparks fly between two people, who decide to take the plunge, in the end.  Young shares of the nearly four-minute clip: “Just getting ready to actually shoot the scene here on the beach for ‘Young Love & Saturday Nights.’ We are very excited. We were crossing our fingers that it was going to look like this. It’s just a good song, and it’s just one of those things that I think fits the summer vibe. This is perfect.”

You can take a look at the video for ‘Young Love & Saturday Nights’ – here.
To stream ‘Young Love & Saturday Nights,’ head here.

LISTEN: Chris Young Shares Irresistible New Song “Young Love & Saturday Nights”

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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces separation from wife Sophie Grégoire

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Grégoire are separating after 18 years of marriage.

Trudeau, 52, shared the news on Wednesday in a post published in both English and French on Instagram, writing: “Hi everyone, Sophie and I would like to share the fact that after many meaningful and difficult conversation, we have made the decision to separate. As always, we remain a close family with deep love and respect for each other and for everything we have built and will continue to build. For the well-being of our children, we ask that you respect our and their privacy. Thank you.”. Sophie shared the same statement on her social media accounts.

The Canadian Prime Minister’s office confirmed the news in a statement, sharing that the couple have “signed a legal separation agreement. They have worked to ensure that all legal and ethical steps with regards to their decision to separate have been taken, and will continue to do so moving forward. They remain a close family and Sophie and the Prime Minister are focused on raising their kids in a safe, loving and collaborative environment. Both parents will be a constant presence in their children’s lives and Canadians can expect to often see the family together. The family will be together on vacation, beginning next week.” The couple share three children — 15-year-old Xavier, 14-year-old Ella-Grace and 9-year-old Hadrien.

Trudeau and Grégoire met as children in Montreal, where Grégoire was a classmate and friend of the Trudeau’s brother, Michel.  They reconnected in 2003, when Grégoire, a television personality in Quebec, was given the job as Trudeau’s co-host for a charity ball.  They began dating, and in October 2004 they became engaged. The couple tied the knot on May 28, 2005 at Montreal’s Sainte-Madeleine d’Outremont Church.

Trudeau was elected as a Liberal member of Parliament in 2008, going on to become party leader and assuming the office of Prime Minister on November 4, 2015.

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