Sparking rumors in Austin, Texas. It appears that Landman star Michelle Randolph, who stars as Ainsley Norris in the hit Taylor Sheridan series, is following in the suit of her character’s plotline, dating a football player… well, kind of sort of. In the early episodes of season two, we see that Ainsley Norris has committed to Texas Christian University as a preferred walk-on cheerleader, forgoing her original college plans of attending Texas Tech University. Why, you may ask, if you’re not tuning into the show, the answer is relatively simple. Tech had a policy against cheerleaders dating other athletes, whereas TCU does not, meaning Norris can continue dating whichever football star she desires. And it appears she could be interested in Chad Powers star, Glen Powell. Of course, this analogy between their two characters is all for good fun, but it does appear the Landman star is getting cozy with Chad Powers star. Recently, the two were spotted swaying on the dance floor at Austin, Texas’ Broke Spoke. The two were dancing close to each other at the small honky tonk and dance hall, with Powell leading her in a two-step, even sending her out for a few spins. A TikTok user, @danielle.guilbot, sneakily filmed the two, and it appears they are smitten with each other while out on the dance floor. According to TMZ, this is not the first time the Landman actress has been seen with Powell, as he took her as his date to a Chad Powers series premiere party a few months back. The outlet also noted that reps from both parties had not responded to them for comments. While it’s all speculation at this time that the two are together, I secretly hope this is true, as they look great together on the Austin dance floor. @danielle.guilbot Benefits of going to university in Austin, TX #glenpowell #dancing #austin ♬ Cowgirl Trailride – S Dott This is not Randolph’s first rodeo when it comes to dating someone in the public eye. The actress dated Gregg Sulkin for multiple years, and the two broke up around 2023. Before being spotted with Randolph, many thought Glen Powell was romantically involved with Sydney Sweeney after starring in Anyone But You together. Sweeney was Powell’s date to his sister’s wedding in Dallas. However, the rumors were quickly shut down by Powell’s mother after the Daily Mail reported that Cyndy Powell told the outlet that speculation about the two being in a relationship was “silly.” “They’re definitely not together.”  According to Cyndy, Powell’s little sister is very close to Sweeney, which is why she was extended an invitation to her wedding. “We love Sydney. We’ve considered her just a really, really good friend. We all were together so much, and we haven’t seen her in a long time. She’s really a friend, and we all enjoy her.” When one blonde doesn’t work out, it leaves room for another one to enter… Okay, bad joke, but in all seriousness, I really like the idea of Powell and Randolph together, so hopefully, we see more of these two out and about together. “Landman: The Best Of Ainsley” The post ‘Landman’ Star, Michelle Randolph, & Glen Powell Spark Romance Rumors After Being Spotted Two Stepping In Austin, Texas first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

Christian artist Brandon Lake has gotten rather comfortable in the country music genre. All of this talk about artists switching over to country (Beyoncé, Post Malone, etc.), yet not much has been said about Brandon Lake. I suppose Christian to country isn’t a huge move musically, but nonetheless, the artist behind the hit song “Gratitude” has been working with plenty of country artists lately – and has even made some country music of his own. Back in May, there were two Christian songs that made the Hot 100 chart – the first time that’s happened in over a decade. One is Forrest Frank’s viral smash “Your Way’s Better,” and the other just so happened to be the Christian-country crossover that you’ve probably heard: “Hard Fought Hallelujah” with Lake and rapper-turned-country-singer, Jelly Roll. It seems as though the positive response to that one has inspired Brandon Lake to continue trusting country music fans to connect with his voice and his music. He brought out Cole Swindell for a collab at a recent concert, and has more recently confirmed that a song with Cody Johnson titled “When A Cowboy Prays” is on the way, and teased a track with Lainey Wilson called “The Jesus I Know.” That’s exciting to hear, but that’s apparently just scratching the surface of what Brandon Lake has planned for 2026 in terms of Christian-country-crossovers. As Lake took home “Christian Music Songwriter of the Year” and “Christian Music Song of the Year” at the 2025 ASCAP Awards in Nashville, the Christian artist took time to say that his success thus far has already far surpassed the dreams that he had. Lake also pointed out that his recent success in the country realm has been a God thing, and that more country music collaborations are to come in 2026: “My biggest dream came true years and years ago. This is just the overflow. This is the proof of Ephesians 3:20, that God’s able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than anything we think, ask or imagine, according to the power that He’s placed in us. I’m getting to witness that every single day of my life. This is what’s on my heart. The collision of Christian and country. Revival and redneck-ness, if you will. It’s just an honor to write songs. I’m so excited for 2026 and all the collaborations. I just want to say thank you to the country community already, that with open arms have welcomed me. Thank you Jelly for introducing me to so many folks and kinda getting my foot in the door. Not that I was trying to. Honestly, this has been a God thing from the get go. It’s not like this was a move I was trying to make.” Like I said earlier, it does seem as though the collab with Jelly Roll on “Hard Fought Hallelujah” was what opened the flood gates for Brandon Lake testing out the waters of country music. And from what it sounds like, there’s much more to come for Lake and the country music artists that he’s crossed paths with. There’s already the two aforementioned songs with Lainey Wilson and Cody Johnson on the way, and who knows who else is lined up to collab with the Christian artist. But all signs are pointing towards 2026 being a big year for Christian and country music coming together: “Christian x Country Collision incoming 2026. To God be the glory!” View this post on Instagram The post Brandon Lake Says More Christian Country Crossovers Are Coming In 2026 first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt slapped a MSNOW reporter for yelling her questions. The reporter in question is the obnoxious April D Ryan, who used to work for PBS. Here’s the . . .

Chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood here in the US may soon have a new terrorist designation that will allow the Trump administration to go after them, now that President Trump has signed . . .

A Very Bad Dream

The film industry is, undeniably, having a rough time. Theories abound as to why the total box office numbers in the U.S. and Canada have yet to return to pre-COVID numbers after completely bottoming out during the lockdowns of 2020. Affordability plays a role—a lot of families can no longer justify the rising costs of seeing films in theaters. And then there's the streaming piece. Many of us really enjoy watching movies on Netflix and Amazon Prime from the comfort of our own couch or bed, so why bother going to a theater?But there's something powerful about watching movies in a theater that can never truly be recreated at home. There's a concept called "collective effervescence"—it explains why you can listen to the same song 1,000 times, but when you hear it performed live alongside tens of thousands of people all singing along, it can move you to tears. It also explains why the laughs, the frights, and the poignant moments of films hit so much harder when you experience them in a theater full of strangers.Recently, Pope Leo XIV (yes, the Pope, of all people) urged all of us not to give up hope in a stunningly beautiful speech that reminds us of the power of original films, and the importance of experiencing them they way they were meant to be experienced: together. Pope Leo XIV is a new breed of Pope.By Edgar Beltrán / The Pillar - Wikimedia CommonsHe invited many of the biggest names in Hollywood to the Vatican, according to Deadline, and spoke in great detail about why we need movies more than ever. Not simply movies and shows we watch from the comforts of home, but challenging, original pieces of art that we consume in the theaters with others in our community.On why we need movies, especially during dark times:"I also express my gratitude for what cinema represents: a popular art in the noblest sense, intended for and accessible to all. It is wonderful to see that when the magic light of cinema illuminates the darkness, it simultaneously ignites the eyes of the soul. Indeed, cinema combines what appears to be mere entertainment with the narrative of the human person’s spiritual adventure. One of cinema’s most valuable contributions is helping audiences consider their own lives, look at the complexity of their experiences with new eyes and examine the world as if for the first time. In doing so, they rediscover a portion of the hope that is essential for humanity to live to the fullest. I find comfort in the thought that cinema is not just moving pictures; it sets hope in motion.Entering a cinema is like crossing a threshold. In the darkness and silence, vision becomes sharper, the heart opens up, and the mind becomes receptive to things not yet imagined."On what separates movies from other forms of screen-based entertainment:"Through your productions, you connect with people who are looking for entertainment, as well as those who carry within their hearts a sense of restlessness and are looking for meaning, justice and beauty. We live in an age where digital screens are always on. There is a constant flow of information. However, cinema is much more than just a screen; it is an intersection of desires, memories and questions. It is a sensory journey in which light pierces the darkness and words meet silence. As the plot unfolds, our mind is educated, our imagination broadens, and even pain can find new meaning."On why we still, and always will, need local movie theaters:"Cultural facilities, such as cinemas and theaters, are the beating hearts of our communities because they contribute to making them more human. If a city is alive, it is thanks in part to its cultural spaces. We must inhabit these spaces and build relationships within them, day after day. Nonetheless, cinemas are experiencing a troubling decline, with many being removed from cities and neighborhoods. More than a few people are saying that the art of cinema and the cinematic experience are in danger. I urge institutions not to give up but to cooperate in affirming the social and cultural value of this activity." Don't let movie theaters die off. Photo by Krists Luhaers on Unsplash On the conundrum of creating art in a world driven by algorithms:"The logic of algorithms tends to repeat what “works,” but art opens up what is possible. Not everything has to be immediate or predictable. Defend slowness when it serves a purpose, silence when it speaks and difference when evocative. Beauty is not just a means of escape; it is, above all, an invocation. When cinema is authentic, it does not merely console but challenges. It articulates the questions that dwell within us and sometimes even provokes tears that we did not know we needed to express.In the present era, there is a need for witnesses of hope, beauty and truth. You can fulfill this role through your artistic work. Good cinema and those who create and star in it have the power to recover the authenticity of imagery in order to safeguard and promote human dignity. Do not be afraid to confront the world’s wounds. Violence, poverty, exile, loneliness, addiction and forgotten wars are issues that need to be acknowledged and narrated. Good cinema does not exploit pain; it recognizes and explores it. This is what all the great directors have done. Giving voice to the complex, contradictory and sometimes dark feelings that dwell in the human heart is an act of love. Art must not shy away from the mystery of frailty; it must engage with it and know how to remain before it. Without being didactic, authentically artistic forms of cinema possess the capacity to educate the audience’s gaze."It's not the first time powerful voices have spoken up on the importance of the movie theater and the original films that populate it.In 2020, filmmaker Christopher Nolan shared his hope that we wouldn't lose the community theater forever, saying: "These are places of joyful mingling where workers serve up stories and treats to the crowds that come to enjoy an evening out with friends and family. As a filmmaker, my work can never be complete without those workers and the audiences they welcome.”Director Sean Baker used his Oscar acceptance speech in March of 2025 to make a rousing case: "Where did we fall in love with the movies? At the movie theater. Watching a film in the theater with an audience is an experience. We can laugh together, cry together, scream and fight together. And in a time in which the world can feel very divided, this is more important than ever. Movie theaters, especially independently owned theaters, are struggling and it's up to us to support them. ... If we don't reserve this trend [of theaters shutting down], we'll lose a vital part of our culture."He also urged filmmakers to keep making movies "for the big screen." - YouTube www.youtube.com The last piece of his argument is critical. Us regular folks need to support filmmakers and theaters by continuing to show up, but it's contingent on Hollywood making films that are worthy of the big screen (and our hard-earned money).Pope Leo explained it beautifully: There's nothing wrong with easy-to-watch and enjoy films crafted based on algorithmic data—they can offer comfort and entertainment, while being affordable and accessible for those times we can't make it to the theater.But we shouldn't let streaming films replace the movie-going experience. Original films that challenge and move us are incredibly important in divided times. They bring us together, whether its by celebrating the best of humanity, or by holding up a mirror to the worst.Rechna Varma writes for MovieMaker: "If the phenomenon of Barbenheimer (2023) and Glicked (2024) showed us anything, it’s that when filmmakers dare to challenge, innovate, and create, audiences will show up in force. Let’s make it the rule, not the exception."If The Pope deemed it worthy to take a break from deliberating issues of global faith and morality in order to discuss his favorite films, it's safe to say that the topic is more important than we may give it credit for.

It's not easy being a river in the desert under the best of circumstances. The ecosystem exists in a very delicate balance, allowing water sources to thrive in the harsh conditions. These water sources in otherwise extremely dry areas are vital to the survival of unique wildlife, agriculture, and even tourism as they provide fresh drinking water for the people who live nearby.But man-made problems like climate change, over-farming, and pollution have made a tough job even tougher in some areas. Rivers in Utah and Colorado part of the Colorado River Basin have been barely surviving the extremely harsh drought season. When the riverbeds get too dry, fish and other aquatic creatures die off and the wildfire risk increases dramatically.About six years ago, one team of researchers had a fascinating idea to restore the health of some of Utah's most vulnerable rivers: Bring in the beavers. Beaver on riverbank. Canva PhotosIn 2019, master's student Emma Doden and a team of researchers from Utah State University began a "translocation" project to bring displaced beavers to areas like Utah's Price River, in the hopes of bringing it back to life.Why beavers? Well, it just makes dam sense! (Sorry.)In all seriousness, beaver dams restrict the flow of water in some areas of a river, creating ponds and wetlands. In drought-stricken areas, fish and other wildlife can take refuge in the ponds while the rest of the river runs dry, thus riding out the danger until it rains again.When beavers are present in a watershed, the benefits are unbelievable: Better water quality, healthier fish populations, better nutrient availability, and fewer or less severe wildfires.It's why beavers have earned the title of "keystone species," or any animal that has a disproportionate impact on the ecosystem around them. Pbs Nature Swimming GIF by Nature on PBS Giphy Doden and her team took beavers who were captured or removed from their original homes due to their being a "nuisance," interfering with infrastructure, or being endangered, and—after a short period of quarantine—were brought to the Price River.Despite the research team's best efforts, not all the translocated beavers have survived or stayed put over the years. Some have trouble adapting to their new home and die off or are killed by predators, while others leave of their own accord.But sine 2019, enough have stayed and built dams that the team is starting to see the results of the effort. In fact, beaver projects just like this one have been going on all over the state in recent years. - YouTube youtu.be The water levels in the river are now the healthiest they've been in years. The fish are thriving and Utah residents are overjoyed with the experiment's results. According to an early 2025 column in The Salt Lake Tribune (i.e. six years after the beaver translocation began) the revitalization of the Price River has "helped save [our] Utah town.""A tributary of the Colorado River, the Price River runs through downtown Helper," wrote column authors Lenise Peterman and Jordan Nielson. "On a warm day, you’re likely to find the river filled with tourists and locals kayaking, tubing and fishing along its shore. A decade ago, it was hard to imagine this scene—and the thriving recreation economy that comes with it—was possible."Of course, it wasn't JUST the beavers. Other federal water cleanup investments helped remove debris, break down old and malfunctioning dams, and place tighter regulations on agriculture grazing in the area that depleted vital plant life.But the experts know that the beavers, and their incredible engineering work, are the real MVPs. An actual beaver dam on the now-thriving Price River Public Domain In other drying, struggling rivers in the area, researchers are bringing in beavers and even creating manmade beaver dams. They're hoping that the critters will take over the job as the rivers get healthier.Utah's San Rafael River, which is in bleak condition, is a prime candidate. In one area of the river, a natural flood inspired a host of beavers to return to the area and "riparian habitat along that stretch had increased by 230%, and it had the most diverse flow patterns of anywhere on the river," according to KUER.It's hard to believe that beavers nearly went extinct during the heyday of the fur trapping industry, and continued to struggle as they were considered nuisances and pests. Now, they're getting the respect they deserve as engineer marvels, and their populations have rebounded due to better PR and conservation programs.It's about dam time!This article originally appeared in June.

No Thanksgiving feast is complete without some yummy desserts. While pie tends to be the crowd favorite, it can be a predictable dish to prepare.But one dessert dish that may bring an element of surprise and American history to your Thanksgiving meal is Indian pudding. Dating back to the 1700s, Indian pudding is a twist on the British classic hasty pudding—a thick porridge dish made by boiling wheat flour in water or milk.For American colonists, access to wheat was sparse. However, corn was abundant—an ingredient heavily favored by native Americans—and 'Indian' pudding was created. "The Native Americans made cornmeal, which early settlers called 'Indian flour,'" according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. - YouTube www.youtube.com "The dish dates back to the 17th century, when settlers were introduced to corn and cornmeal by the native Americans, and referred to it as Indian corn or Indian meal," Anna Stockwell, writer at food magazine Epicurious, explains. "While wheat flour and white sugar were scarce, cornmeal and molasses (used to produce rum) were abundant, and Indian pudding is thought to have evolved from the British hasty pudding traditionally made with wheat flour, milk, and sugar."Indian pudding was a favorite of Founding Father John Adams. His wife, Abigail Adams, created her own recipe for Indian pudding. @saltysprig Indiana Pudding Recipe! #indianpudding #recipe #baking #fallrecipes #cooking #dessert. YouTuber and historic food chef Max Miller of Tasting History recreated an Indian pudding dish from 1829. He noted, "Once a popular dessert (or breakfast) across the country, Indian Pudding is rarely seen outside of New England today. But, while it’s not the most beautiful dish, it’s absolutely delicious and deserves a comeback." (You can try his recipe here.)The dessert has New England roots, and people on Reddit offered their thoughts and experiences with the dish (as well as their own recipes)."My Mayflower descended New England grandmother used to make this for me every Thanksgiving, and it was my absolute favorite, one commented. Another added, "I grew up in Western Mass. We used to get this occasionally at our school lunches. We used to walk back and forth to school before cafeterias were built. But once we got a cafeteria, we had some old-fashioned New England ladies who made old fashioned New England dishes and Indian pudding was one of them. It was our dessert for hot lunch. It was delicious. I made it a few years ago and I ate the whole thing myself." - YouTube www.youtube.com Others offered advice on how to serve it, while noting it may not be the most beautiful dessert on the dining table:"It looks nasty, but it’s absolutely delicious warm with heavy cream or ice cream on top," one commented. Another shared, "It’s awesome. Definitely serve hot with a scoop of vanilla ice cream." And another home chef added, "I would serve it like you would a trifle: in glass and with a couple of layers of cake and cream."