Is Fortnite down? What Epic Games is saying as gamers report issues

IsFortnitedown?

Gamers were reporting issues with the Epic Games battle royale video game during the evening of Thursday, May, according toDownDetector.com, which monitors problems with sites.

Just after 8 p.m., nearly 15,0000 users reported issues connecting to servers, according to DownDetector.

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TheFortnite Status account on X postedat 8:06 p.m.: "We're aware that players may not be able to log into or matchmake in Fortnite. We'll provide an update when we have one."

Just before 9 p.m., Fortnite provided an update: "We're actively working with our partners to resolve the outage and will share another update as soon as we have more to share. Thanks for hanging in there with us; we'll have you back in the game as quickly as possible!"

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com:Is Fortnite down? Gamers report issues, Epic Games responds

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May 09, 2026

Is Fortnite down? What Epic Games is saying as gamers report issues

IsFortnitedown? Gamers were reporting issues with the Epic Games battle royale video game during the evening of Thursday, May, ac...

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What Happened to Joseph Scott Freeman After Kidnapping His Ex-Girlfriend?

Karen Kummerer and Scott Freeman dated for eight months in 2006

NEED TO KNOW

• After their breakup, Freeman kidnapped Kummerer and took her across multiple states

• The traumatic incident is the subject of a season 2 episode of Netflix's Worst Ex Ever

In 2006, Karen Kummerer was stepping back into the dating scene after her recent divorce.

One night out, she met Joseph Scott Freeman and they started dating. But their relationship eventually took a dark turn — resulting in Freeman abducting Kummerer, leading to a multi-state chase with the police and FBI in pursuit.

"I was scared from the very beginning," Kummerer said, according to theOrlando Sentinel. "Honestly, I didn’t think I was coming back."

The harrowing account of Kummerer's relationship with Freeman is the subject of an episode in season 2 of Netflix'sWorst Ex Ever. Thedocuseriesfeaturestrue crimestories, told by the survivors who lived through them, including Kummerer.

Here's what led to the kidnapping of Karen Kummerer, and what happened to Joseph Scott Freeman.

Freeman and Kummerer dated for several months

Kummerer met Freeman out at a local bar one night in January 2006.

"When I met Scott, I felt a little bit of a spark," she said inWorst Ex Ever.

Valentine's Day was a couple weeks after they met, and Freeman showered her with gifts. "He spent a lot of money on me, actually," Kummerer recalled.

Despite Kummerer "not really looking for a committed relationship," things moved quickly, with Freeman unexpectedly moving into Kummerer's house one day.

Freeman was allegedly verbally and physically abusive during their relationship

Kummerer's niece, Brenna Randall, was living with Kummerer at the time she started dating Freeman.

"Karen definitely changed after Scott moved in," Randall said inWorst Ex Ever.

After Freeman established himself in the house, he "suggested Brenna move out," and "that's when the real domestic violence started," Kummerer said, adding how he would hold her down and scream at her "all night."

They would date for eight months, according tolegal documentsfiled in the Supreme Court of Florida.

After they broke up, Freeman harassed Kummerer

Kummerer finally broke it off with Freeman, but after their relationship ended, he started harassing her.

Kummerer recalled how he left 27 voicemails on her phone over the course of one day, per legal documents. "It was all the time like this," Randall added.

One morning, while on her way to work, Kummerer stopped at a stop sign, while Freeman was hiding out in a bush nearby, waiting for her.

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Using a key fob, he unlocked her car and got in the passenger seat with a knife. He told her to drive, and she was eventually able to calm him down by telling him she would start seeing him again.

"It was the first time Scott had ever held a knife or weapon to me," Kummerer said inWorst Ex Ever.

Freeman let Kummerer go, and Kummerer went to the police department and filed an emergency restraining order.

Freeman kidnapped Kummerer, leading to a week-long abduction through multiple states

Kummerer changed her phone number, and had all her car doors rekeyed — except the trunk.

Two weeks after filing the restraining order, Kummerer was on her way to work when her open trunk light came on.

She stopped, and went around the back to shut it, when Freeman jumped out of the trunk wearing all black and holding a knife, according to the Supreme Court of Florida filing.

He forced her into the passenger seat, and took her to his jeep. They got in his jeep, and he started driving.

While in Freeman's jeep, Randall called Kummerer, and using a code phrase, Kummerer let Randall know she was in trouble, and Randall called the police.

Over the next week, Freeman and Kummerer traveled across multiple states. After staying in a hotel one night, Kummerer grabbed the notepad from the room, and started leaving notes in restaurant and gas station bathrooms along their route, saying she had been abducted.

A restaurant employee found one of the notes, and called the police. A week into the ordeal, authorities were able to pinpoint their location from an ATM withdrawal.

The FBI later spotted Freeman's jeep on a highway in Mississippi. The police arrived and were able to stop Freeman and arrest him.

Where is Joseph Scott Freeman now?

After Kummerer was rescued, authorities found a knife, rope, blankets and a can "used to smoke crack cocaine" in Freeman's jeep.

According to the end ofWorst Ex Ever, Freeman was charged with "aggravated stalking, kidnapping with a weapon, violation of an injunction against domestic violation and violation of probation."

In 2007, he was sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty on all charges, per theOrlando Sentinel.

Freeman died in prison in 2025.

Read the original article onPeople

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May 09, 2026

What Happened to Joseph Scott Freeman After Kidnapping His Ex-Girlfriend?

Karen Kummerer and Scott Freeman dated for eight months in 2006 NEED TO KNOW After their breakup, Freeman kidnappe...

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Victor Wembanyama too much for Wolves in Game 3

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Anthony Slater:Timberwolves got up 99 shots tonight (14 more than Spurs), but only made 38 of them. Struggled to make anything with Victor Wembanyama roaming. Jaden McDaniels and Julius Randle a combined 8-of-33 shooting. Minnesota's first home loss of playoffs puts them in 2-1 series hole.

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype:Victor Wembanyama too much for Wolves in Game 3

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Victor Wembanyama too much for Wolves in Game 3

Advertisement Anthony Slater:Timberwolves got up 99 shots tonight (14 more than Spurs), but only made 38 of them. Struggled to ma...

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Josh Groban talks 'core memory' of recording with his dad at Louis Armstrong’s studio

Josh Groban’ssatiny baritone has coated classical pop, Italian standards, Broadway boomers and holiday singalongs.

On “Cinematic,” out now, Groban sinks into movie classics, another genre well-suited to his robust vocals.

From Adele’s Oscar-winning James Bond theme (“Skyfall”) to timeless Disney sentiments (“When You Wish Upon a Star” from “Pinocchio”) to forceful drama (“Brucia La Terra” from “The Godfather”), Groban exercises every facet ofhis chameleonic instrument.

His 10th albumis also peppered with guests including upcoming tour partnerJennifer Hudsonon a duet arrangement of “Unchained Melody,” the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angelesaugmenting “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,”and, most special to Groban, his father Jack playing trumpet on the eternally swoony “Moon River.”

Calling recently from Los Angeles – and just beforeannouncing his engagementto Natalie McQueen andreceiving a staron the Hollywood Walk of Fame - the always affable Groban, 45, chatted about recording with his dad in Louis Armstrong’s studio, his appreciation of Phil Collins and paying tribute to Rob Reiner in song.

You had infinite choices with this album. How did you whittle it down to 10 songs?

I knew what my bookends were. “As Time Goes By” would open the album because (orchestrator) Jeff Atmajian wrote an opening arrangement that captured the essence of what I wanted people to hear first. And then to end with a song that has meant so much to me (“Stand By Me”) and include atribute to Rob Reiner.

You said “the why” was a big factor in choosing these songs. Why that particular Rob movie?

Obviously, tragically, the whybecame very apparent. We missed the (recording) deadline because it was a last-minute decision to do (“Stand By Me”) and that worked in its favor because it was intimate and that was exactly how we wanted it. It’s one of the most important things I’ve ever recorded. It deserved to be a final thought.

Did you rewatch some of these movies before recording?

(Laughs) I did! Not just to get back in the mood but also to educate myself about some of the films that admittedly I didn’t know the songs were from. The cool thing about an album like this is everyone knows the theme from that movie. But it also pays tribute to the songs that were maybe far more popular than the movies themselves.

You mean like “Against All Odds”? Phil Collins has written some timeless songs even though he often gets a bad rap.

I think Phil Collins has written some of the most brilliant songs, period. But something unlocks in him when writing in service of a film and that’s not uncommon.

Your dad, Jack, also appears on the album. Is this the first time you’ve recorded together?

This is the first time he’s been on record period. He did a version of “Old Devil Moon” with me in 2015 (during a show in Los Angeles) and it was one of my favorite moments onstage ever. I have a photo from it but no recording. I knew he could play and when (conductor/arranger) Vince Mendoza wrote this brilliant rendition of “Moon River” I asked (my dad) if he thought he could handle the arrangement. He practiced at home and I’d come to the house and listen to him play it. He’s going to be 80 this summer. He really crushed it. (Album producer) Greg Wells took the initiative to get Sunset Sound, Louis Armstrong’s favorite studio and room, and got his stool for my dad to sit on. My whole family came to watch. It was a core memory for all of us.

Do you think your dad was nervous?

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My dad is the coolest guy I know. On the surface he doesn’t get thrown. This meant so much to him too, and for us to share as a father and son. He sacrificed so much. He was a musician. He was brilliant at the trumpet but it was a time when deciding to go all-in on an artistic dream was at odds with a family. So my brother and I could stand on the back of that stability to follow our artistic dream.

Why was it important for you to feature the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles on “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”?

When we were trying to figure out what songs would be relevant today, that song is so iconic and Elton (John) is so iconic and I grew up listening to that song. Of course I thought, what do I have to add to this? We were listening to Elton’s version and reading lyrics and doomscrolling about the fear in the world and the division and where is the feeling of love? So we thought, what if we view the approach as an anthem to discovering that feeling and to give that love to communities that really need it.

Had you ever performed with them before?

I sang with the Gay Men’s Choir for (President) Obama’s first inauguration and I remembered the power of their voices. But also, representing an allyship with a community that needs to feel the love was an inspiration. I was honored they said yes.

You and Jennifer Hudson make a swoony pair on “Unchained Melody.” Do you have plans to do anything together on your upcoming tour?

Yeah, we’re definitely going to sing it together during the show. Her voice is such an extraordinary instrument ... We sang together for the first time (on a holiday special in 2024). We did “O Holy Night” and when our voices came together on that final “Noel,” we looked at each other like, wehaveto do this again.

You’re also heading back toCaesars Palace in Las Vegasin October with your “Gems” residency. Will these shows be different than the tour?

The show we created for Vegas took time to craft so we want to have a show that represents what we can only do for Vegas. But every time I come back I want there to be enough changes to whatever I’m doing in that moment, so “Cinematic” will be represented.

You’ve pivoted back to music, but any plans to return to the theater after this album and tour cycle?

It just comes down to whether the right thing feels as exciting as the last two (Groban earned Tony nominations for “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” and“Sweeney Todd”). I wasn’t planning on either of them, but I knew from the excitement I had in my creative soul they were shows I would drop everything for. I would love to do something new, maybe even off-Broadway. Theater is always an opportunity to spread my wings.

I would be remiss if I didn’t ask ifyour dog Georgeis still traveling with you?

He is not really the traveling Westie I thought he might turn out to be. He’s shown himself to be a very special dog with his own likes and those don’t involve a tour bus. He loves his little buddies in LA. He gets nervous in situations he doesn’t know. But he gets cuter by the day. He hasa little sisternow, who is 50 pounds – Stevie.

Is she named for Stevie Nicks?

She is. My (fiancée) is a big fan and she got to name her. But she is the adventure dog and she is all love.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Josh Groban's 'Cinematic' pays tribute to Rob Reiner's 'Stand By Me'

byCosmopolite

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May 09, 2026

Josh Groban talks 'core memory' of recording with his dad at Louis Armstrong’s studio

Josh Groban’ssatiny baritone has coated classical pop, Italian standards, Broadway boomers and holiday singalongs. On “Cinematic,”...

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8 Singers and Groups Who Have Canceled or Postponed Their Tours in 2026

At least eight singers, duos and bands have made major changes to their live performance schedules in 2026

NEED TO KNOW

• Dolly Parton and Barry Manilow put off their Las Vegas residencies to deal with health issues

• Meghan Trainor canceled her entire summer tour to focus on her growing family after welcoming a daughter via surrogate

FromDolly Parton's Las Vegas residency toPost MaloneandJelly Roll's stadium tour, 2026 has already seen a string of high-profile shows get axed or pushed back — and the year isn't even half over.

Whether it's health issues, growing families or creative delays, artists across every genre have been forced to pull the plug on their upcoming dates.

As Malone told fans via his Instagram Stories in May 2026, "what we were trying to do, and what's possible,isn't really lining up," a sentiment that's defined much of the year in live music so far.

Here's every singer, duo or group who have canceled or postponed their tour or residency so far this year.

Post Malone and Jelly Roll

In May 2026, Malone (né Austin Post) canceled the first six shows of his Big Ass Stadium Tour with Jelly Roll so he could finish his upcoming 40-track albumThe Eternal Buzz.

"Truth is, I promised y’all beautiful people new music, and I don’t have the time to finish it before tour starts," he explained on his Instagram Stories. "We ain’t ready for tour just yet, so I’m making the decision to push the tour back about 3 weeks to get this music done."

The show, which was set to begin on May 13, will now start on June 9 in Charlotte, N.C.

Dolly Parton

Over six months afterpostponing her Las Vegas residency, Parton announced in anInstagram Reelthat she wascanceling the showto recover from ongoing health issues regarding her kidney stones.

"The good news is I'm responding really well to meds and treatments, and I'm improving every day," the "9 to 5" singer said in May 2026. "Now, the bad news is that it's gonna take me a little while before I'm up to stage performance level because some of the meds and treatments make me a little swimmy-headed, as my grandma used to say."

Though Parton didn't reveal any future plans to perform live, she has been "rewriting and reworking"Dolly: A True Original Musical,which is set to debut on Broadway later this year.

Zayn Malik

Zayn Malikcanceled all of hisU.S. tour datesfor his KONNAKOL Tour following asudden hospitalizationfrom an undisclosed illness.

The One Direction alum shared on his Instagram Stories that while he's "recovering" and plans to "be better and stronger than before," he decided to reduce the number of his upcoming live shows.

Though he canceled dates in Dublin and Birmingham, he added a date in Manchester, U.K. Malik's first performance is now set for May 23 in London.

Meghan Trainor

Months afterwelcoming a daughtervia surrogate,Meghan Trainorannounced in April that she hadcanceled the entiretyof her Get in Girl Tour, which was set to begin in June 2026.

"Balancing the release of a new album, preparing for a nationwide tour, and welcoming our new baby girl to our growing family of five has just been more than I can take on right now, and I need to be home and present for each and all of them at this time," the Grammy-winning singer wrote on her Instagram Stories.

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Trainor added that though canceling was the "right decision" for her family, she promised fans that she would "be back soon."

Neil Young

In February 2026,Neil Youngshared that he was scrapping his planned U.K. and European tour with his band, Chrome Hearts.

The run was set to kick off in June 2026 in Bodelva, England, but Young offered no explanation for the sudden cancellation, perBillboard.

“I have decided to take a break and will not be touring Europe this time,” the legendary musician wrote on hiswebsite. “Thanks to everyone who bought tickets. I’m sorry to let you down, but this is not the time."

Demi Lovato

Demi Lovatopostponed her It's Not That Deep Tour bycanceling five performances"to protect" her health.

She wrote on her Instagram Stories that she "overextended what may be possible" while prepping for the run and that she needed more time to "rest and rehearse."

The first showkicked offon April 13 in Orlando, Fla., and will run for 18 dates in North America.

Barry Manilow

Barry Manilowhas had toreschedule a number of his live performances, including his Las Vegas residency, since December 2025 as he's been recovering from a lobectomy following a stage 1 lung cancer diagnosis.

While announcing the cancellation of his May shows in Vegas, he told fans via his Instagram Stories that he was "making great progress," but his doctor did not give him the all-clear to perform.

"All the training and exercising I've put in is paying off," Manilow wrote. "He did say, however, that I'm not quite ready for Vegas. This means I won't be able to return for our May shows at Westgate Las Vegas."

Manilow added that he's expected to return to the residency in July and still plans to perform his U.K. dates in June, perBillboard.

The Pussycat Dolls

The Pussycat Dollsdealt a major blow to North American fans in May 2026,cancelingnearly all of the U.S. dates on their highly anticipated PCD FOREVER reunion tour.

The group, currently comprised ofNicole Scherzinger, Kimberly Wyatt and Ashley Roberts, called the decision "difficult" in theirInstagramannouncement but offered no explanation for the sudden cuts.

The Pussycat Dolls are still set to perform during the OUTLOUD Music Festival at WeHo Pride on June 6, and their U.K. and European dates, set to begin in September, remain intact.

Read the original article onPeople

byCosmopolite

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May 08, 2026

8 Singers and Groups Who Have Canceled or Postponed Their Tours in 2026

At least eight singers, duos and bands have made major changes to their live performance schedules in 2026 NEED TO KNOW ...

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Chaka Khan Dishes on Friendship with 'Brilliant' Sia and How She Became the Singer's 'Godmother' (Exclusive)

Chaka Khan and Sia collaborated on the dance-pop single "Chakzilla," the first release from the "I'm Every Woman" singer's upcoming album

NEED TO KNOW

• Khan tells PEOPLE about how she became Sia's godmother

• "Chaka is the Godzilla of chanteuses alive," Sia tells PEOPLE in a statement

Friendship looks good onChaka KhanandSia.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member's new single "Chakzilla" is out now, and the dance-pop track was written with Sia, who also provides backing vocals, marking their latest collaboration after years of knowing one another.

"The moment we met, we felt like we knew each other forever," Khan, 73, tells PEOPLE of the "Chandelier" singer-songwriter, 50. "She's now my goddaughter. I'm a godmother."

How did Khan become Sia's godmother? "Quite naturally," she explains. "She asked me to be her godmother. I said, 'Absolutely.' Simple as that."

The two artists previously performed "I'm Every Woman" together when Khan was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2023, and they later collaborated on the song "Immortal Queen" from Sia's 2024 albumReasonable Woman.

"She's got a big, beautiful heart. And she's such a talent," says Khan of Sia. "She's so clever and so smart and a great singer, a great writer. I mean, she's almost perfection when it comes to art. She's brilliant."

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"Chakzilla" serves as the first single off Khan's upcoming album of the same name, which comes out on Friday, Sept. 18 after about "a year and a half" of making the project together with producer Greg Kurstin.

Sia tells PEOPLE in a statement, "Chaka is the Godzilla of chanteuses alive, and it was my honor to collaborate with her on this music!"

The "Cheap Thrills" artist came up with the title of "Chakzilla," according to Khan. "I would've never thought of that," she says. "[Sia is] clever. She comes up with lots of ideas."

In the song's music video, Khan portrays a Godzilla-like "monster of a person" who rebuilds society instead of destroying it. She was inspired to embody the altruistic character "because that's closer to what I am," she says. "I tried to make it true to who I am and what I'm about."

Chakzillawill mark Khan's first new album since 2019'sHello Happiness. "It's a really, really great album, a great CD with great songs. It's going to be on the pop dance side," she explains. "We've got lots of great people collaborating as well."

Read the original article onPeople

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May 08, 2026

Chaka Khan Dishes on Friendship with 'Brilliant' Sia and How She Became the Singer's 'Godmother' (Exclusive)

Chaka Khan and Sia collaborated on the dance-pop single "Chakzilla," the first release from the "I'm Every Woman...

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Nomade sculpture returns to Des Moines after monthslong restoration

One of Des Moines most beloved landmarks has returned.

On May 5, crews started reassembling Nomade at the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park in downtown Des Moines. One of the park's most photographed and admired sculptures, it has beenabsent from the park since October2025, when it was removed for conservation work.

Nomade, a crouching human form composed of painted stainless‑steel letters from the Latin alphabet, has been at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park since it opened in September 2009. Spanish artist Jaume Plensa created the 27‑foot‑tall sculpture.

Here's what to know about the return of the Nomade.

What renovations were done to the Nomade?

A team of members from the Des Moines Art Center, professional conservators and Des Moines company specializing in metalwork removed the sculpture from the park and disassembled it bolt by bolt, according to aMay 5 news release.

Afterward, they conducted a thorough inspection, which included 100 hours of sandblasting and meticulous repainting of each surface before reassembling the work.

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There will be a ribbon‑cutting to celebrate Nomade’s return on Wednesday, May 20, at 11:30 a.m. Remarks from Des Moines Art Center staff begin at noon, followed by free guided tours, refreshments and a picnic in the park. Thursday, May 21, is the backup date if weather does not cooperate.

Are more renovations coming to sculptures at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park?

Conservation work on Nomade was the first of a series of conservation efforts happening over the next three years, Amy Day, the senior director of communications and marketing at the Des Moines Art Center, told the Register in 2025.

The Register reported in October 2025 that the Des Moines Art Center received a $113,000 Legacy Grant from Prairie Meadows to preserve Nomade and upgrade the park's security and accessibility. The organization also received $50,000 from The Fred Maytag Family Foundation and launched a $500,000 "Friends of the Pappajohn Sculpture Park" campaign, a multi‑year fundraising effort to protect sculptures across the park and improve security and accessibility, the news release said.

"Thanks to Prairie Meadows' leadership and commitment, we can ensure this beloved space remains welcoming and inspiring for generations to come," Dr. Kelly Baum, John and Mary Pappajohn Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Des Moines Art Center, said in the news release.

Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at cworth@gannett.com or follow him on X @CooperAWorth.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register:Nomade returns to Des Moines sculpture park after monthslong repairs

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May 08, 2026

Nomade sculpture returns to Des Moines after monthslong restoration

One of Des Moines most beloved landmarks has returned. On May 5, crews started reassembling Nomade at the John and Mary Pappajohn...

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WWE Hall of Famer Bill Goldberg coming to Memphis in May BBQ contest

It’s not just the ribs that will be bringing the heat to the2026 Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.

Professional wrestling icon Bill Goldberg is slated to appear on Friday, May 15, at Liberty Park, leaving the ring for the smoke pit, connecting generations of fans united by the thrill of competition and the perfect smoked meat.

“Memphis has always been the home of champions, whether it’s in the ring or on the grill,” said Mack Weaver, Memphis in May president and CEO. “Bringing Goldberg to the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is a celebration of that spirit. It’s bold, it’s exciting, and it’s uniquely Memphis.”

MEMPHIS IN MAY 2025:Memphis in May: Meet the winners of the 2025 World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest

Starting at 2 p.m. May 15, fans can stop by the Patriot Tactical Booth and grab photos and autographs with the WWE Hall of Famer, perhaps best known for his 173-win streak at World Championship Wrestling.

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According to Memphis in May, Goldberg will make many other special appearances throughout the day, blending his larger-than-life persona and star power with one of the city’s most celebrated culinary events.

The Memphis in May barbecue contest is set for May 13-16 at Liberty Park. For more information, visitmemphisinmay.org/barbecue.

Brian Strickland is the Food & Dining reporter at the The Commercial Appeal. Contact him atbrian.strickland@commercialappeal.com.

To keep up with the latest news from the Memphis food and dining scene, sign upherefor our Eat Drink Memphis weekly newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal:Bill Goldberg coming to Memphis in May BBQ contest. What to know

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May 07, 2026

WWE Hall of Famer Bill Goldberg coming to Memphis in May BBQ contest

It’s not just the ribs that will be bringing the heat to the2026 Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. Prof...

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Eileen Davidson credits Oprah Winfrey with changing her outlook on “Days of Our Lives” role

Eileen Davidson looked back on a time when Oprah Winfrey changed her outlook on life.

Key Points

• The soap opera star, who was transitioning from a role on The Young and the Restless to one on Days of Our Lives, saw the talk show host and her guest discussing the importance of having no expectations.

• Davidson tried the approach herself and ended up having the "best" year of her creative life.

Soap opera actressEileen Davidsonjust described having whatOprah Winfreywould call an "aha moment," because of the former talk show host.

TheYoung and the Restlessalum, who had originated the character of Ashley Abbott in 1982, which she left and returned to several times over the years, recalled being asked to work on another soap,Days of Our Lives,during an appearance this week on theSoapypodcast.

While Davidson was asked to do both series at first, she said, she lost her job atY&Rtwo months later.

"I thought, 'I'm like a baseball player," Davidson said. "I got no say in it. I took a pay cut. I was so angry. I was so pissed off, because I got no say."

Still, Davidson joined the other soap opera, because she needed the money for her family.

"I was so angry," the actress repeated. "And I'm going toDayswith so much bitterness. I had no idea what I was going into. I didn't know who I was going to be working with. I was kind of just given a take it or leave it. And then I watched Oprah."

The experience of hearing the conversation between Winfrey and her guest changed things for her.

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"She said, 'When you're in life, if something happens, just have no expectation,'" Davidson recounted. "Have no expectations, and then you'll be surprised and it'll be a blessing.' And I went, 'I can't go into this new job being full of bitterness and hate."

She decided to "go in completely free of it, any bitterness, and just welcome the experience, see what was going to happen.'"

As viewers who watched Davidson as Kristen know, what happened wasverygood.

"It was, honestly, one of the best years of my life creatively," Davidson said. "I won my first Emmy that year."

She was nominated for a Daytime Emmy (for the first time) for her work onDays of Our Livesin both 1998 and 2014. She won for the latter. (Davidson was nominated onY&Rin 2003, 2018, and 2025. She won in 2018.)

And she continued to appear onDaysfor decades.

Watch the full conversation above.

Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly

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May 07, 2026

Eileen Davidson credits Oprah Winfrey with changing her outlook on “Days of Our Lives” role

Eileen Davidson looked back on a time when Oprah Winfrey changed her outlook on life. Key Points The soap opera st...

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Carrie Underwood on HiNote, Healthy Habits and Life on a Farm (Exclusive)

Carrie Underwood launched HiNote, a wellness brand designed to make wellness feel doable

NEED TO KNOW

• Underwood emphasizes self-care through fitness, nutrition and going on walks to balance her career and family life

• The "Jesus, Take the Wheel" singer says she finds joy and fulfillment living on her Tennessee farm

Carrie Underwoodwants to live life on a HiNote.

At 43, Underwood has her priorities straight — and she wants to show up as her best possible self for it all.

"I have to take care of myself because if I get sick, if I get down, if I get unhealthy, everything suffers," Underwood says. "I can't do my job the way I want to, I can'tbe a momthe way I want to, I can'tbe a wifethe way I want to or a friend."

After launching the Fit52 app in 2020, Underwood knew she was ready to take it a step further — this time by simplifying the path to "the best version of yourself" for women everywhere. The result was her newly launched wellness brandHiNote.

"Over the past couple of decades, I really have been trying my best to take care of myself," Underwood, who's currently serving as judge onAmerican Idol, says. "I know better than anyone. I'm in gyms all over the world, it's confusing and there's so much information out there and we really wanted to simplify."

According to a press release, HiNote brings together movement, nourishment and community to make wellness feel doable. The first product launch is HiNote's Everyday Energy Daily Nutrition Drink Mix, which is available in three flavors.

"We want to create things that are easily implementable into daily life. Nothing should be too complicated," she says of the drink mix. "It's not a meal replacement. We're not telling you to get on some crazy diet... You're going to be hydrated. You're going to get your protein, you're going to get some fiber, you're going to get some greens and some super foods and some veggies in there."

She continues, "I'm in my 40s and I feel now it's more important than ever to make sure that those numbers stay where they need to be."

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Over the years, Underwood — who released her last studio albumDenim & Rhinestonesin 2022 — has found that the best remedies involve making time for herself and staying off social media.

"If I do have time to work out, I'm going to work out. If I don't, I might go for a walk. I try to look for those windows in my day that it's like, 'What can I do right now instead of sitting on your phone scrolling?' Which is everybody's favorite pastime these days," she says.

"The foundation is good sleep and good nutrition. I feel like we try to over complicate things," she says, adding, "And then having healthy snacks, having our HiNotes sitting on the counter, it's an easy win. All those little easy wins really do make a big difference."

Most recently, however, Underwood has found fulfillment at her Tennessee farm.

"I grew up in a small town on a farm to leave the farm, go and do all this other stuff, only to end back up on a farm," she says. "I love getting my hands in the dirt. I love growing things. I love it when I make dinner and my husband's a big hunter, my boys are hunters, so we get the cleanest meat anywhere," she says.

The "Somethin' Bad" singer continues, "It's something really soul-filling, as well as fueling your body right when you know exactly what's in it. Nobody's sneaking anything, it was grown right. It's fun and it's great for your brain and your body to be out in the sunshine and have your hands in the dirt. It's very cup-filling for me."

Learn more aboutHiNote here.

Read the original article onPeople

byCosmopolite

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May 07, 2026

Carrie Underwood on HiNote, Healthy Habits and Life on a Farm (Exclusive)

Carrie Underwood launched HiNote, a wellness brand designed to make wellness feel doable NEED TO KNOW Underwood em...

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North Hagerstown sweeps team titles in Washington County track meet

North Hagerstown's boys extended their streak ofWashington CountyPublic Schools outdoor track & field team titles to six, while the Hubs girls snapped Smithsburg's four-year run and completed a North sweep of the team honors during the 2026 county championships at South Hagerstown on May 6.

Boys team scores

North Hagerstown 175; Smithsburg 150.5; Boonsboro 110; South Hagerstown 100.5; Clear Spring 84; Williamsport 37; Hancock 23.

Girls team scores

North Hagerstown 197; Smithsburg 123; Boonsboro 113; Clear Spring 112; South Hagerstown 98; Williamsport 41.

Boys individual results

100-- 1. Byron Snyder (Williamsport) 10.91; 2. Torin Sitter (South) 11.06; 3. Isaiah Seering (North) 11.10.

200-- 1. Torin Sitter (South) 22.41; 2. Byron Snyder (Williamsport) 22.55; 3. Wyatt Hegedus (Boonsboro) 23.09.

400-- 1. Torin Sitter (South) 49.24; 2. Clinton Otinkorang (South) 50.26; 3. Naythan Bwana (Boonsboro) 51.97.

800-- 1. Dylan Herbst (Smithsburg) 2:00.11; 2. Landon Call (North) 2:01.80; 3. Gage Crampton (Clear Spring) 2:02.49)

1,600-- 1. Dylan Herbst (Smithsburg) 4:29.23; 2. Landon Call (North) 4:29.37; 3. Walker Mason (North) 4:29.96.

3,200-- 1, Michael Wynkoop (Smithsburg) 9:54.05; 2. Walker Mason (North); 3. Grayson Wynkoop (Smithsburg).

110 hurdles-- 1. Daniel Apiou (Clear Spring) 14.83; 2. Thomas Owusu (North) 15.59; 3. Jonathan Morris (North) 16.01.

300 hurdles-- 1. Jonathan Morris (North) 43.85; 2. Michael Boller (South) 44.49; 3. Ish Badaki (Boonsboro) 45.24.

4x100 relay-- 1. South (Myles Clottey, Kareem Walton, Jameir Simms, Torin Sitter) 43.95; 2. Boonsboro 44.30; 3. North 45.49.

4x200 relay-- 1. North (Jared Anderson, Jonathan Morris, Carter Naylor, Isaiah Seering) 1:33.07; 2. Smithsburg 1:34.02; 3. Boonsboro 1:35.84.

4x400 relay-- 1. South (Clinton Otinkorang, Jameir Simms, Myles Clottey, Michael Boller) 3:32.94; 2. North 3:40.22; 3. Smithsburg 3:46.61.

4x800 relay-- 1. Smithsburg (Dylan Lowe, Grayson Wynkoop, Ernesto Mellott, Gavin Gross) 8:49.66; 2. North 8:58.73; 3. Clear Spring 9:02.21.

Shot put-- 1. Austin Dinsmore (Boonsboro) 45-8; 2. Brooks Myers (Clear Spring) 41-10 1/4; 3. Garett Forrest (North) 39-8 3/4.

Discus-- 1. Austin Dinsmore (Boonsboro) 136-4; 2. Brooks Myers (Clear Spring) 131-1; 3. Trevor Jessup (Smithsburg) 127-9.

High jump-- 1. Daniel Apiou (Clear Spring) 6-2; 2. Ish Badaki (Boonsboro) 6-0; 3. tie, Kareem Walton (South) and Michael Jackson (Smithsburg) 5-8.

Pole vault-- 1. Elias House (North) 11-0; 2. Brady Bruette (North) 11-0; 3. Derek Rummel (Smithsburg) 10-6.

Long jump-- 1. Byron Snyder (Williamsport) 20-11 1/2; 2. Jacob Tyler (Smithsburg) 20-9 1/2; 3. Landyn Clark (Hancock) 19-7.

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Triple jump-- 1. Daniel Apiou (Clear Spring) 44-2; 2. Naythan Bwana (Boonsboro) 40-6 1/2; 3. Rittenhouse Shuster (Smithsburg) 39-7 1/2.

Girls individual results

100-- 1. Annabelle Schaberl (North) 12.34; 2. Taraji Nartey (North) 1245; 3. Trinity Savage (South) 12.45.

200-- 1. Taraji Nartey (North) 25.94; 2. Annabelle Schaberl (North) 26.56; 3. Abigayle Fluharty (Boonsboro) 26.70.

400-- 1. Mackenzie Philp (North) 1:00.16; 2. Abigayle Fluharty (Boonsboro) 1:00.73; 3. Juliet Hodge (Clear Spring) 1:00.73.

800-- 1. Mackenzie Philp (North) 2:22.73; 2. Juliet Hodge (Clear Spring) 2:27.11; 3. Emily Franko (Boonsboro) 2:30.53.

1,600-- 1. Caroline Philp (North) 5:14.54; 2. Anna Ramanan (North) 5:34.47; 3. Emily Franko (Boonsboro) 5:41.98.

3,200-- 1. Anna Ramanan (North) 12:18.84; 2. Charlee Hajel (North) 13:22.62; 3. Madeline Schaberl (North) 13:34.51.

100 hurdles-- 1. Brielle Morales (Clear Spring) 15.97; 2. Anna Chamberlin (North) 15.99; 3. Kristen Gyamfi (South) 17.45.

300 hurdles-- 1. Dayanah Brunson (North) 50.45; 2. Brielle Enow (Clear Spring) 52.64; 3. Kristen Gyamfi (South) 52.82.

4x100 relay-- 1. Smithsburg (Acasia Todd, Melyssa Bard, Lilian Hade, Skyla Mastronardi) 49.91; 2. South 50.52; 3. Boonsboro 50.84.

4x200 relay-- 1. South (Chloe Gietka, Ajayah Alexander, Wynter Cephus, Trinity Savage) 1:45.34; 2. Smithsburg 1:47.70; 3. Boonsboro 1:52.26.

4x400 relay-- 1. North (Taraji Nartey, Dayanah Brunson, Anna Ramanan, Caroline Philp) 4:24.79; 2. Clear Spring 4:35.04; 3. Smithsburg 4:37.89.

4x800 relay-- 1. North (Caroline Philp, Brianna Mathews, Anabelle Myers, Mackenzie Philp) 10:51.13; 2. Boonsboro 11:08.49; 3. Smithsburg 12:08.16.

Shot put-- 1. Sarah Mohler (Boonsboro) 35-9 1/2; 2. Katelyn Moffitt (Clear Spring) 35-8 1/2; 3. Sidney Turner (Boonsboro) 32-10 1/2.

Discus-- 1. Sidney Turner (Boonsboro) 122-3; 2. Sarah Mohler (Boonsboro) 113-5; 3. Katelyn Moffitt (Clear Spring) 98-3.

High jump-- 1. Skyla Mastronardi (Smithsburg) 5-4; 2. Hadley Elwood (Clear Spring) 5-4; 3. Anna Chamberlin (North) 5-0.

Pole vault-- 1. Evelyn Briggs (Boonsboro) 9-6; 2. Audrey Roberts (Clear Spring) 9-0; 3. Lilian Hade (Smithsburg) 8-6.

Long jump-- 1. Trinity Savage (South) 17-7 1/2; 2. Chloe Gietka (South) 16-11; 3. Alyssa Merriman (Williamsport) 15-3 1/2.

Triple jump-- 1. Chloe Gietka (South) 36-8 1/2; 2. Binta Macalou (North) 33-8; 3. Hadley Elwood (Clear Spring) 32-3 1/2.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail:2026 Washington County Public Schools Track & Field meet results

byCosmopolite

in

May 07, 2026

North Hagerstown sweeps team titles in Washington County track meet

North Hagerstown's boys extended their streak ofWashington CountyPublic Schools outdoor track & field team titles to six, while...

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