Latest news with #HoustonLivestockShowandRodeo
New York Post
09-08-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
How Reba McEntire supported ex-stepson Brandon Blackstock in final months before his death
Reba McEntire brought the family together in the last months of Brandon Blackstock's life. The 'Fancy' singer's former stepson, who was also Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband, died on Thursday, August 7, at age 48 after a private battle with cancer. Sources are now sharing how McEntire, 70, was there for Blackstock before his passing. The Grammy winner was previously married to Blackstock's father, Narvel Blackstock. 14 Narvel Blackstock, Reba McEntire, Kelly Clarkson, and Brandon Blackstock in Phoenix, AZ, on March 28, 2015. Michael Buckner 14 Reba McEntire with Brandon Blackstock, Shelby Blackstock and others at the Houston Rodeo in March. Instagram/shelbyblackstock 'Reba has spent more time with the Blackstock crew in the past year than in years prior,' an insider told Us Weekly in an interview published on Friday, August 8. While the source noted that the years past were 'contentious,' they added that McEntire, her ex-husband and the rest of the clan 'really came together' in the past several months. In March, the country superstar was photographed smiling sweetly at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo alongside her ailing ex-stepson and her biological son, Shelby, the only child she shares with Narvel. 14 Reba McEntire with Brandon Blackstock, Shelby Blackstock and others at the Houston Rodeo in March. Instagram/shelbyblackstock 14 Reba McEntire with Brandon Blackstock, Shelby Blackstock and others at the Houston Rodeo in March. Instagram/shelbyblackstock McEntire was also one of the three headliners at the event, with the source sharing that the exes pushed their feelings aside and were a united front in the months leading up to Blackstock's passing. 'Narvel and his wife, Laura, and Reba's boyfriend, Rex, are at a place where they can be together and talk, which is a big step,' the insider told the outlet. 'Reba has a heart of gold, and she was there for Brandon and his kids. They are family at the end of the day.' McEntire and Blackstock's father married in 1989 while he was her music manager. They announced their separation in 2015 and finalized their divorce that year. 14 Narvel Blackstock and Reba McEntire at the American Country Countdown Awards in Nashville, Tennessee, on December 15, 2014. Jason Merritt 14 McEntire is seen attending the NBCUniversal Upfront 2025 at Radio City Music Hall in Midtown, Manhattan on May 12, 2025. GC Images The 'Consider Me Gone' singer has been in a committed relationship with actor Rex Linn, 68, since 2020. More than a decade before his passing, McEntire spoke about her unbreakable bond with her stepchildren, which also included Narvel's other children from his first marriage, Chassidy and Shawna. 'I don't consider Brandon, Chassidy and Shawna [Blackstock] stepchildren. I claim them all,' she told The Boot in 2010. 14 Shelby Blackstock and Brandon Blackstock. Shelby Blackstock/Instagram 14 Brandon Blackstock attends the 25th Annual Critics' Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California, on January 12, 2020. Getty Images However, the country superstar revealed years later that time and distance made it hard to stay a family unit. 'I don't ever see the grandkids,' she confessed to People in 2018. 'It was a lot better when everybody was not so busy, but I've got seven grandchildren, so they're scattered all over the country and busy doing stuff. But I love them.' McEntire's love for Blackstock never wavered, though. 14 (L-R) Reba McEntire, Warner Music Nashville's President and CEO John Espositio, Blake Shelton, Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson at Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, California, on February 12, 2012. Getty Images for InStyle 14 Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson in Nashville, Tennessee, on June 07, 2007. MJT/AdMedia / 14 Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles, California, on November 19, 2017. Getty Images for dcp 'Brandon's been my son forever, it seems,' she told Entertainment Tonight in 2021, just four years before his death. 'Although he's my stepson, I still love him like he's my total — my blood, so I'm praying for them both because I love them both.' She also had a tight relationship with Blackstock's ex-wife, Clarkson. In 2023, the singers appeared on Season 23 of 'The Voice,' with Clarkson serving as judge and McEntire as a mega mentor. 14 Remington Alexander Blackstock, Savannah Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson, River Rose Blackstock, Brandon Blackstock, Seth Blackstock. STX Films World Premiere Of 'UglyDolls' in Los Angeles on April 27, 2019. / Blackstock and the 'Since U Been Gone' singer married in 2013, and they had two children together: daughter River, 11, and son Remington 'Remy,' 9. He also had two kids from his first marriage: daughter Savannah, 23, and son, Seth, 18. Clarkson filed for divorce in 2020, citing irreconcilable differences, but their battle was drawn-out and contentious. Despite the bad blood, sources told Page Six that the talk show host was there for Blackstock, caring for him and bringing their kids to visit their father, up until his death. 14 Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson in Los Angeles. MediaPunch / BACKGRID She canceled the remaining August shows of her Las Vegas residency the night before her ex-husband's passing, revealing that Blackstock was seriously ill. Hours later, his family announced he had passed away. 'It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has died. Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years,' his family said in a statement obtained by The Post. 14 Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson backstage after she performed songs from her new album 'The Meaning of Life' at The Rainbow Room in New York City on September 6, 2017. Kevin Mazur 'He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family's privacy during this very difficult time,' they concluded. McEntire's son, Shelby, paid tribute to his half-brother in an emotional separate post. 'Words cannot begin to capture the tremendous loss our family has endured. Yesterday, we lost a brother, a father, a grandfather, and a son,' Shelby wrote. 'Brandon Blackstock was an irreplaceable part of our family—funny, bright, and full of life—and he will be deeply missed.' Clarkson is said to be 'devastated' for her kids. She sparked concern earlier this year when she went missing in action from 'The Kelly Clarkson Show' without explanation. Insiders confirmed to Page Six that the singer-songwriter's absences this past season were due to Blackstock's illness, with sources telling TMZ that new episodes of Clarkson's syndicated program are still slated to air in September despite her ex-husband's death.
Business Journals
15-05-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo boosts vocational scholarships to new record, addressing skilled-labor shortage
Houston's rapid growth has led to a shortage of skilled workers in various fields. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo aims to help address that shortage and provide opportunities for local students considering career paths beyond the traditional four-year college route.
The Sun
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Rarely seen 80s rock legend unrecognizable as he's spotted on day out in LA – 44 years after smash hit song
AN EIGHTIES music legend looked unrecognisable as he stepped out in Los Angeles. The singer-songwriter, 76, was the lead singer and frontman of an American group, best known for its 1981 hit Don't Stop Believin'. 6 6 Yet Steve Perry left fans doing a double take as he took a stroll in a baggy black logo top and shorts, paired with dark trainers. The Journey hitmaker was seen running errands with a paper bag tucked under his left arm. The California-born singer, who had two stints in the band known for hits Open Arms and Separate Ways, pulled on a pair of sunglasses as he made his way down the street. He appeared to be eager to go incognito, gazing down at the ground with a calm expression on his face as he walked with his new partner. Steve quit Journey for the second time back in 1998, due to personal reasons. At the time, he old SiriusXM station Trunk Nation: "The reason I left is because I was just truly burned out. "My love for music was getting really, really questionable within my heart, and I kind of had to stop. "There was no easy way to stop, leaving the mothership that I had so loved and worked so hard with the guys to build. "It was tough. I didn't tell nobody — I just kept working, and then all of a sudden, it just kind of hit the wall, and I said, 'I can't do this anymore." He also spoke out in 2017 when the band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame and simply said: "I am truly grateful that Journey is being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame." Seventies rock legends forced to cancel concert during hit song - months after ditching UK tour last minute The band currently consists of singer Arnel Pineda, guitarist Neal Schon, drummer Deen Castronovo, keyboardist and guitarist Jonathan Cain, bassist Todd Jensen and Jason Derlatka. TRICKY JOURNEY Steve's former band faced a sticky situation in March after they were forced to cancel a gig while performing one of their greatest hits. Journey were performing at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo when an 'electrical incident' occurred. The band were performing one of their biggest hits - Don't Stop Believin' - as the fifth song in their set. But suddenly, power on the stage went off, and initially the crowd continued to sing the lyrics of the 1981 smash hit. However, crew then took to the stage with fire extinguishers and soon after, a statement was released to the fans to reveal the rest of the concert had unfortunately been cancelled. The cancellation came months after Journey cancelled their 2024 UK tour at the last minute. But back in August, with members embroiled in a legal battle, the band gave no explanation as they put the decision down to "circumstances beyond their control". "Due to circumstances beyond the band's control, Journey's UK and Ireland tour is unfortunately cancelled. "Refunds will be made from your point of purchase." The 50th anniversary tour, which had already travelled across the U.S., was set to begin in Cardiff in October and travel to cities including Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham and London. 6 6 6
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Deep Dive Data Drop: Zelle® Unveils First-Ever Small Business Report - Here's What it Reveals
New data demonstrates how small business use of Zelle is growing, helping small businesses across the country do more, faster NEW YORK, April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Main Street makes the American economy move, and Zelle® today released never-before published data that provides new insight into when, where, and how U.S. small businesses rely on the payment tool's unique features to help boost growth and unlock opportunities. The new data, released ahead of National Small Business Month in May, underscores the growing role Zelle plays in helping reduce uncertainty for America's Main Street economy: Almost seven million small businesses are enrolled to use Zelle and use of Zelle to pay small businesses has tripled in the past three years. Zelle also plays a meaningful role in the financial lives of an additional estimated 3-4 million individuals who use it to receive payments tied to independent or self-directed work. Zelle is most popular with small businesses in critical commercial markets across the country. In these areas, small businesses are getting paid with Zelle in ways as unique as the cities they're in — like surf lessons in Los Angeles, local souvenirs in Orlando, livestock grooming during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, or grabbing a hot dog from a cart in New York City. On average, small businesses received about $465 per transaction in 2024. Zelle is used by small businesses owners to send payments in key moments when speed and reliability matter most — like ensuring payroll is met and vendors are paid. In fact, the average payment sent by a small business was around $630 in 2024 — that's about the monthly cost of vendor space at the Ft. Myers Beach Market in Florida or a bi-weekly space at the Union Square Farmers Market in Massachusetts. What They're Saying: "Small businesses power the U.S. economy — and Zelle helps them thrive," said Denise Leonhard, general manager of Zelle. "By enabling fast, reliable payments, Zelle helps lower costs and builds confidence. It's a game-changer for how small businesses run and stimulate growth in local economies nationwide." "I've been using Zelle for about seven years to accept payments from clients on a weekly and monthly basis. I find it's pretty seamless—easier than some of the other services out there," said Michael B., who owns a dog walking service in New York. "It's just really easy to set up. Payments go right into my bank account. I don't have to go through a third party. I have access to the money immediately." Where Small Businesses Rely on Zelle1 Zelle is available from financial institutions in all 50 states — from South Carolina to Michigan, from New Hampshire to Iowa, and from Wisconsin to Nevada. In fact, 95% of the banks and credit unions that offer Zelle are community financial institutions — and according to a recent survey of Zelle users, 3 out of 5 small businesses say Zelle helps them build a deeper and more trusted relationship with their bank or credit union.2 Small businesses in economic centers across the country are also relying on Zelle to help them succeed. Below are the top areas of the country where small businesses are using Zelle: Los Angeles, Calif. Miami-Fort Lauderdale, Fla. New York, N.Y. Chicago, Ill. Houston, Texas Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas Atlanta, Ga. Washington, D.C. Phoenix, Ariz. Orlando, Fla. When Small Businesses Use Zelle3 Whether paying contractors, managing overhead, or receiving customer payments, Zelle supports economic empowerment and enables real-time cash flow. The Zelle network is built for reliability around the clock — and while small businesses count on it every day, the data reveals key moments when speed and dependability matter most: March Momentum: March is the busiest month for payments received by small businesses on Zelle. Why? March is typically tied to increased consumer spending from bonuses and tax refunds. Summer Surge: May through August have a high volume of payments sent by small businesses. This is typically when seasonal industries ramp up staffing and there is an increase in tourism, food service, recreation, landscaping, and construction. From Payday to Rent Pay: Fridays and the first of each month are consistently the busiest days for transactions. Both are days where businesses are often paying their employees and sending rent payments to landlords. These patterns reflect the real-time nature of small business operations and the growing reliance on trusted payment tools like Zelle. The benefits of Zelle to small businesses are clear and the increasing use of Zelle by small business owners reflects a broader digital shift as entrepreneurs seek payment tools that are more flexible and immediate. Zelle helps reduce uncertainty and helps small business owners focus on what matters most: running and growing their business. About Zelle® Zelle® is transforming how money moves, with more than five billion digital payments sent since its launch in 2017. The Zelle® network connects over 2,200 banks and credit unions of all sizes, enabling consumers and businesses to send digital payments to people and businesses they know and trust with an eligible bank account in the U.S. Money is available directly in bank accounts generally within minutes when the recipient is already enrolled with Zelle®. To learn more about Zelle® and participating financial institutions in the Zelle® network, visit 1Based on 2024 enrollment and 90-day use data. 2This consumer research was conducted by Nonfiction Research in partnership with Early Warning Services, LLC and Pereira O'Dell. The data and quotes featured were obtained via Qualitative Interviews (N=24) and Quantitative Surveys (N=1007) from July 2024 through August 2024. Participants were compensated for their time. 3Based on limited available and self-reported 2024 memo field data. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Early Warning Services, LLC
Business Journals
25-04-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Bun B's Trill Burgers opens 2nd standalone location in Klein area
By submitting your information you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and User Agreement . Join the Houston Business Journal to unlock even more insights! Trill Burgers, the popular smash burger chain owned by Houston rapper Bun B, officially has a second brick-and-mortar location — and this one is outside of the Loop. Trill Burgers, the popular smash burger chain owned by Houston rapper Bun B, officially has a second brick-and-mortar location. The new Spring restaurant, at 6810 Louetta Road in the unincorporated Klein area north of Houston, opened April 25. The company confirmed that location, formerly a Dairy Queen, last November. Jonathan Aron of Houston-based Hunington Properties secured the location for Trill Burgers, and Houston-based Construction Concepts & Design handled the design and build-out. GET TO KNOW YOUR CITY Find Local Events Near You Connect with a community of local professionals. Explore All Events The design features Trill's signature black-and-yellow color palette. Prominent design components include neon signage, including the 'Keep It Trill' phrase; warm wood elements; and colorful murals by Houston graphic artist Todd Louis. The 3,023-square-foot restaurant seats 76 guests inside and 32 on the patio. Trill Burgers' new location will continue to offer fan favorites, such as the OG Burger – named 'Best Burger in America' by Good Morning America in 2022 – the Vegan OG Burger and more. Additionally, Trill Lemonade makes its in-store debut in Spring after premiering at the 2025 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The fresh-squeezed lemonade comes in classic and strawberry versions as well as blended with iced tea for an Arnold Palmer option. Coca-Cola is the new fountain drink provider for Trill Burgers. 'The support our community continues to show has been nothing short of incredible,' Bun B — whose real name is Bernard Freeman — said in an April 25 press release. 'We're so grateful for this city, and we're excited to expand to the north side of Houston. To our new neighbors and visitors in Spring, we're thrilled to be joining your community. We hope to see y'all at Trill Burgers very soon.' Led by co-founders Bun B, Andy Nguyen and Nick Scurfield with executive chefs Mike Pham and Fernando Valladares, Trill Burgers launched in 2021 with a series of pop-ups, including one at City Hall in September 2022 that drew 2,000 customers. Its first brick-and-mortar location opened in a former James Coney Island building at 3607 S. Shepherd Drive, at Richmond Avenue, in June 2023 and immediately attracted long lines. The concept also has added outposts at NRG Stadium, Shell Energy Stadium and TDECU Stadium. Trill Burgers also has participated in festivals such as Coachella, Rolling Loud, Rock the Bells and Something in the Water as well as the Chris Shepherd-spearheaded Southern Smoke Festival. The concept also sold thousands of burgers during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for the past several years. Next up, Trill Burgers plans to open locations in Fort Bend Town Center in Missouri City as well as on Westheimer west of the Galleria later this year. Trill Burgers' Spring restaurant will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the drive-thru open until midnight. Trill Burgers also extended its partnership with DoorDash as its exclusive third-party provider for delivery and pickup orders.
