Apple says it will soon introduce an Apple Wallet feature to allow U.S. users to create a digital ID using their passport, which can be used at select TSA checkpoints for domestic travel.

Israel’s genocide is being powered by Microsoft. From creating a massive digital dragnet, aiding in the production of A.I.-generated kill lists, hiring hundreds of Israeli spies to run its internal affairs, and suppressing figures opposing the slaughter, the Seattle-based tech corporation has played a key role in the violence. MintPress has detailed the deep collaboration …

More dates coming soon. Attempting to wrap up another highly successful year, which included a key role in Parker McCollum and Miranda Lambert’s Better Together Texas benefit concert, four nominations at the upcoming CMA Awards including an Entertainer of the Year nod, continued success on his Leather Deluxe Tour and recently being called upon by George Strait for his upcoming return to Death Valley next May, Cody Johnson’s 2025 was unfortunately cut short due to a burst eardrum. Taking to Instagram on October 7th, Johnson shared that he suffered the burst eardrum due to his ongoing fight with the infection and was undergoing surgery immediately to fix it. “It is with a very heavy heart I have to share the remainder of this year’s concert performances will not be able to happen. While battling a severe upper respiratory and sinus infection, I burst my ear drum. The severity of the rupture means I must undergo immediate surgery. The healing process will take many weeks, and it is not possible for me to sing during this time. Without the surgery, my downtime could be months. I pray for full healing so I can get well and return to what I love. Thank you COJO Nation for the love and support now, and always.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cody Johnson (@codyjohnson) Johnson would return to Instagram later that day to provide fans with an update, letting them know the surgery went well and that he was currently recovering at home. He’d also thank them for all their support before letting them know that he’ll see them in 2026. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cody Johnson (@codyjohnson) With the emergency surgery, multiple different shows were rescheduled, including stops in Pittsburgh, Birmingham and Las Vegas, as well as his scheduled performance at Boots in the Bayou in Gonzales, Louisiana and his highly-anticipated appearance at Hondo Rodeo in Phoenix, Arizona, in which he was scheduled to not only perform but compete at the show’s events. Though the Boots in the Bayou, Hondo Rodeo and solo Las Vegas stops had been outright cancelled, the “Leather” singer promised rescheduled dates heading into 2026. And today, Johnson not only confirmed new dates for Pittsburgh and Birmingham, but he also added an additional six new stops across the country next year. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cody Johnson (@codyjohnson) Just announced, Johnson will be hitting the likes of Champaign, Illinois, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Little Rock, Arkansas, Bossier City, Louisiana, Des Moines, Iowa and Rosemont, Illinois in addition to the 12 previously-scheduled shows taking place throughout the first half of 2026. Additionally, the rescheduled Birmingham and Pittsburgh shows slot in on February 6-7 and March 6, respectively. Tickets for the newly-scheduled dates, which are highlighted in bold below, go on sale next Friday, November 7, at 10 a.m. local. However, members of Johnson’s fan club, CoJo Nation, can get early access to presale starting now. Johnson, who has never failed to deliver a stunning show, will undoubtedly be ready to hit the road and get back to performing after his year was cut short recently. We all know that he lives for his live shows, so if he’s in your area next year, you won’t want to miss his grand return to the stage in 2026. Cody Johnson Tour Dates February 6-7 – Birmingham, Alabama – Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex February 13 – Champaign, Illinois – State Farm Center  February 14 – Louisville, Kentucky – KFC Yum! Center February 27 – Winston-Salem, North Carolina – LJVM Coliseum  February 28 – Columbia, South Carolina – Colonial Life Arena March 6 – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – PPG Paints Arena March 7 – Baltimore, Maryland – CGF Bank Arena March 22 – Houston, Texas – Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo March 28 – Little Rock, Arkansas – Simmons Bank Arena April 10 – Bossier City, Louisiana – Brookshire Grocery Arena April 24 – Indio, California – Stagecoach May 2 – Clemson, South Carolina – Death Valley (Clemson Stadium) May 9 – Des Moines, Iowa – Casey’s Corner May 30 – Rosemont, Illinois – Allstate Center July 11 – Cavendish, Prince Edward Island – Cavendish Beach Music Festival July 17-18 – Columbus, Ohio – Nationwide ArenaThe post Cody Johnson Adds Additional Dates To 2026 Tour first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

2025 has been a HUGE year for Leon Majcen. Not only has he opened for some of country music’s biggest acts and played his biggest headlining gigs to date, but he’s proven prolific in his output as well, having already released two full length albums this year. And he hasn’t sacrificed quality for quantity in the process, either, Released back in April, Majcen’s third record Better Days is a masterclass in his signature laid-back, gulf coast vibe. A relatively stripped-back project featuring seven imagery-filled tracks that prove his songwriting prowess – as well as a cover that tipped the hat to one of his most important influences in the late great Townes Van Zandt – Better Days was an impressive yet logical step in the direction Majcen’s catalog was clearly headed. His second album of the year hit streaming platforms last week, though, and as spectacular as Better Days is, his latest project represents a major leap in his artistry. Aptly titled Makin’ A Livin’ (Not a Killin’), the 26-year old troubadour’s fourth record in five years is an introspective and deeply reflective foray into life on the road, and the coming of age moment that transpires when a musician realizes exactly why they are making music for a living. Spoiler: It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme or a vain attempt at fame and glory. At least not in Majcen’s case it isn’t. As a seasoned road warrior at this point in his career, it’s clear in this album that he not only understands and welcomes the highs and lows of life on the road, but he’s found a way to make light of the struggles through clever lyricism and humorous quips. Using descriptive lyricism to set the scene for the listener, the Czech Republic born and Clearwater, Florida bred artist weaves seamlessly through love songs and tale of life on the road, all bound together by the aforementioned common theme. Aside from the lyrical contents of Makin’ A Livin’ (Not a Killin’), Majcen’s latest work also signifies a sonic leap, bringing in the full band for a bigger and better sound while still managing to keep the songwriting on the forefront. Give the new album a listen for yourself below and you’ll understand why the buzz surrounding Majcen’s name keeps getting louder and louder – and why 2025 is the year that Leon Majcen has truly arrived on the scene. Here’s a few early favorites: “If That’s What It Takes” “Down The Road” “Making A Livin’ (Not A Killin’)” “Thinking ‘Bout Love” There are plenty of opportunities left this year to catch Leon Majcen in concert and hear these songs live, so I suggest you make it happen. Leon Majcen Tour Dates 10/23 – Knitting Factory Concert House – Boise, ID* 10/24 & 10/25 – The Elm – Bozeman, MT* 10/30 – The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI* 10/31 & 11/1 – Saint Andrew’s Hall – Detroit, MI* 11/6 – Petersen Events Center – Pittsburgh, PA% 11/7 – The Anthem – Washington, D.C.% 11/8 – Wolstein Center – Cleveland, OH% 11/11 – The Commonwealth Room – Salt Lake City, UT^ 11/12 – Belly Up Aspen – Aspen, CO^ 11/14 – Longhorn Ballroom – Dallas, TX^ 11/15 – Emo’s – Austin, TX^ 11/16 – John T. Floore’s Country Store – Helotes, TX^ 11/19 & 11/20 – The Eastern – Atlanta, GA+ 11/21 – St. Pete Country Festival – St. Petersburg, FL 12/5 – Billy Bob’s Texas – Fort Worth, TX+ 12/12 – Jack Rabbits – Jacksonville, FL*** 12/13 – The Merry Widow – Mobile, AL*** *support for Kip Moore +support for Sam Barber %support for Turnpike Troubadours ^support for Margo Price ***support for Liam St. John ^^^support for American AquariumThe post Leon Majcen Hits His Stride With Cleverly Penned New Record, “Makin’ A Livin’ (Not A Killin’)” first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

New  “Western Amerijuana” on the way. Since the release of Tyler Halverson‘s debut single, “Beer Garden Baby,” in 2021, the South Dakota native has solidified himself as a staple among Texas and red dirt country fans, releasing other stellar singles like “Mac Miller,” “Her,” and “Codigo GoGo.” In April of last year, Halverson released his first EP, Western Amerijuana (Pt. 1), which was quickly followed up in October with the release of his second EP, Western Amerijuana (Pt. 2). It’s been a long time coming for fans to get a full-length LP from Halverson, and today he announced that he’s been in the studio working on just that. On February 13, Halverson will gift fans his debut album, In Defense of Drinking. Recorded at Amber Sound in Hermitage, Tennessee, and produced by Halverson, Ryan Youmans, and Gary Stanton (of Muscadine Bloodline), fans can expect this 11-song record to build off the sound established on his Western Amerijuana EPs. Growing up ranching, throwing salt blocks to heifers, but listening to artists like Drake, Mac Miller, and the country classics like Merle Haggard, Halverson’s sound blends a modern-day outlook on the outlaw life with elements of partying and living in the moment. It’s a work-hard play-hard mentality–that sometimes does not always pan out in your favor. “You can lose yourself in the troubadour lifestyle, where every night is a damn party and you’re far from your family, your home, and your faith. So, this album may be a little bit of a personal battle: Who are you on the road vs. who are you at home. These songs are often about me admitting that I can be reckless and impulsive, but that I’m trying my best. Conflict isn’t always bad if you can make some good out of it.” In celebration of the album’s announcement, Halverson is releasing a new single to give fans a taste of what’s in store, playing into his words that you can “lose yourself in the troubadour lifestyle.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tyler Halverson (@tylerhalverwho) “More Hearts Than Horses” is a confession about being more of a heartbreaker and player than a cowboy, spending more time as a womanizer than working for a buck flipping young fillies and colts. “I wrote ‘More Hearts Than Horses’ with two of my favorite writers in town, Colton Venner and Johnny Clawson. This song serves as a warning not to love what’s always leaving, but damn if it ain’t fun to try!” Halverson continues: “That comes with the territory of being a troubadour. It’s a warning: whatever you’ve heard about cowboys and cowboy singers is probably true, and sometimes you best just leave it alone.” A warning is true. In the lyrics, Halverson sings about the poor choices that he’s made in his life. He shares that he feels falling in love takes you away from work and, in the end, leads to heartbreak, knowing you have to pay the bills. The melody brings the words to life with a haunting feel that honors the traditional roots of country music. “If you come walking my way I’ll send you running someday, Good times a shortcut to a long goodbye Ask any ghost of my past, my gone don’t ever come back Ain’t gonna stop you babe, but know that I’ve Broke more hearts than I’ve horses, Cheers and beers on dancin’ floors Just lead to lust, won’t get enough Shine like gold then turn to rust I’ve done all that I can do It’s your game to play and lose” Tyler Halverson hit the ball out of the park with “More Hearts Than Horses.” I can’t wait to hear what’s in store for In Defense of Drinking come February. In Defense of Drinking Tracklist:  More Hearts Than Horses Beer Garden ft. Parker McCollum Second High Ft. Worth Losing Smoke You Out In Defense of Drinking Like The Rodeo Cowboy Babies Old Men Younger Women The Dreamer Son Brother Believer 2025 Tour Dates: Oct 24 Fri – Tulsa, OK – Vanguard Oct 25 Sat – Manhattan, KS – The Hat Nov 6 Thu – Little Rock, AR – Rev Room Nov 7 Fri – Broken Bow, OK – Hochatown Saloon Nov 8 Sat – Victoria, TX – Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival Nov 14 Fri – College Station, TX – Wolf Pen Creek Amp Nov 15 Sat – Helotes, TX – Floores Country Store – Indoor Dec 6 Sat – Las Vegas, NV – Wingate Resort & Casino Dec 31 Wed – Sioux Falls, SD – Alliance Center (Private Cattle Auction) Confirmed 2026 Tour Dates: Jan 5 Mon – Steamboat Springs, CO – The Musicfest Steamboat 2026 Feb 5 Thu – University, MS – Pavilion at Ole Miss* Feb 6 Fri – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena* Feb 7 Sat – Salem, VA – Salem Civic Center* Feb 12 Thu – Winston Salem, NC – Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum* Feb 13 Fri – Auburn University, AL – Auburn Arena* Feb 14 Sat – Savannah, GA – Enmarket Arena *with Parker McCollumThe post Tyler Halverson Announces New Album, ‘In Defense Of Drinking,’ Releases New Heartbreak Ballad “More Hearts Than Horses” first appeared on Whiskey Riff.