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News Daypop

Pres. Biden, VP Harris meet separately with Israel PM Netanyahu at the White House

US President Joe Biden (L) listens to Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he joins a meeting of the Israeli war cabinet in Tel Aviv on October 18^ 2023

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris met separately with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Thursday. Biden hosted Netanyahu in the Oval Office for a bilateral meeting, with the two leaders meeting with families of American hostages held hostage in Gaza later in the White House Cabinet Room.  The meeting was the first time the two world leaders have met in person since Biden visited Israel shortly after Hamas’ terrorist attack on Oct. 7, 2023.

Netanyahu thanked Biden for his 50 years of public service and his support of the state of Israel during a press conference at the Oval Office before the meeting: “Mr. President, we’ve known each other for 40 years and you’ve known every Israeli prime minister for 50 years from Golda Meir. So from a proud Jewish Zionist, to a proud Irish American Zionist, I want to thank you for 50 years of public service and 50 years of support for the State of Israel.”

Harris later spoke with Netanyahu in the vice president’s ceremonial office in a high-stakes meeting since news broke that Harris is hoping to secure the Democratic nomination for the 2024 election, following Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race.

A senior administration official told reporters Wednesday that Biden planned to discuss his “ironclad commitment to Israel’s security, the very serious threats from Iran and from Iranian proxy and terrorist groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis,” adding that the men are also expected to speak “in depth” about developments in Gaza, including efforts to reach a cease-fire agreement and the humanitarian crisis. The administration believes that a deal “is in the closing stages and it’s reaching a point that we believe a deal is closable, and it’s time to move to close that agreement.”

Netanyahu is also scheduled to meet with former President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday.

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News Daypop

VP Kamala Harris denounces burning of American flags at pro-Hamas protests in Washington, D.C.

Presidential candidate Kamala Harris speaking at the Democratic National Convention summer session in San Francisco^ California.

Per Reuters, Vice President Kamala Harris joined Democratic and Republican leaders in condemning protesters who burned American flags and sprayed pro-Hamas graffiti outside Washington’s Union Station on Wednesday. The protests coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress on Wednesday,

The Vice President said in a statement issued from her office: “I condemn any individuals associating with the brutal terrorist organization Hamas, which has vowed to annihilate the State of Israel and kill Jews. Pro-Hamas graffiti and rhetoric is abhorrent and we must not tolerate it in our nation. I condemn the burning of the American flag. That flag is a symbol of our highest ideals as a nation and represents the promise of America. It should never be desecrated in that way .. I support the right to peacefully protest, but let’s be clear: Antisemitism, hate and violence of any kind have no place in our nation.” 

Protesters marched near the U.S. Capitol building, condemning U.S. military aid to Israel during its war with Hamas militants in Gaza. Following Netanyahu’s speech, some of the demonstrators gathered in front of Union Station hoisting Palestinian flags outside the train station as they burned American flags and spray painted the words “Hamas is coming” and “Free Gaza” on a large monument. One American flag was set ablaze under an effigy of Netanyahu. Police used pepper spray on some of the thousands of demonstrators present, with U.S. Park Police sharing in a statement that at least eight people were arrested outside the train station after failing to disperse Wednesday afternoon. The crowd, police said, “damaged and destroyed park property, including vandalizing statues and fountains, tearing down and burning flags, and starting several small fires.”

The actions of the protesters outside Union Station also drew strong criticism from Republican U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson and Hakeem Jeffries, the chamber’s Democratic leader. Harris is now the likely Democratic nominee for president after President Biden dropped his reelection bid.

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Sports Daypop

Philadelphia Flyers and Travis Konecny agree to 8-year, $70M contract extension

Philadelphia Flyers logo^ NHL team logo

Philadelphia Flyers announced on Thursday that veteran forward Travis Konecny has signed an eight-year, $70 million contract extension, worth an average of $8.75 million per season. The new deal is set to begin in 2025-26, and will make Konecny the highest-paid player on the Flyers’ roster (per ESPN).

Flyers general manager Daniel Brière said in a statement: “Travis Konecny is an integral part of the fabric of our team and we are thrilled to have him under contract for the long term. Travis has grown into a significant leader on our team and he truly embodies what it means to be a Flyer. His work ethic, combined with his tenacity and talent makes him a central figure for what we are building towards, and his determination for our future success speaks volumes about his commitment to our team and city.”

Konecny, 27, recorded a career-high total in goals (33), points (68) and short-handed goals (6) in 76 games last season. His assist total (35) fell two shy of his previous best, set in 2019-20. He led the Flyers in both goals and assists last season (marking his second straight campaign exceeding both 30 goals and 30 assists), and was an All-Star for the second time.  Overall, Konecny has totaled 400 points (174 goals, 226 assists) in 564 career games since being selected by the Flyers with the 24th overall pick of the 2015 NHL draft.

Konecny said in a statement: “I couldn’t be happier to sign again with the Flyers. There’s such a bright and exciting future with this team and I can’t wait to be a part of it for the next nine years and see what we will accomplish. I can’t thank all my teammates and staff members enough because this opportunity wouldn’t be possible without each and every one of them along the way. I can’t wait to get back to Philly in front of the best fans in the world and I look forward to another great season.”

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Sports Daypop

Los Angeles Rams cornerback Derion Kendrick feared to have suffered torn ACL

The logo of the Los Angeles Rams football club on the green lawn of the stadium.

Sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Los Angeles Rams cornerback Derion Kendrick is feared to have suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) on the first day of training camp, with a post on X reading: “Rams projected starting CB Derion Kendrick, the team’s 2022 sixth-round pick, is feared to have torn his ACL during practice. He will undergo additional testing to confirm the initial diagnosis.”

The former Georgia Bulldogs cornerback, a sixth-round pick in 2022, is starting his third season in the NFL with the Los Angeles Rams; he will undergo additional testing to confirm the initial diagnosis. Kendrick has 92 total tackles, 14 pass deflections and one interception in the first two seasons of his NFL career. H started 12 games last season for Los Angeles, with an interception and 10 passes defended in 2023 (per ESPN).

On Wednesday, Rakms coach Sean McVay said he thought the secondary impressed by playing “a lot of sticky coverage,” and listed six players in the secondary in his answer but did not mention Kendrick. Said McVay: “We have some guys that can really stay sticky … can really move. Whether that’s from the safety position [or] from the corner position, it’s great to get Tre’Davious White out here. I thought that Cobie Durant [and] Darious Williams had great springs from the corner spot, and then to be able to see Tre’Davious White get out here … his résumé is well-documented, but he looked good. I thought we saw a lot from our safeties. Quentin Lake, [Kamren] Curl showed up, and then it was good to be able to have John Johnson back. He looked very comfortable today.”

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Country Daypop

Carly Pearce shares “truck on fire”

Carly Pearce as she greets fans on the street before award ceremony. Nashville^ Tennessee - November 10^ 2021

Carly Pearce revealed her next single at country radio titled “truck on fire,” her latest track from her recent LP, hummingbird. Carly’s “truck on fire” is the follow-up to the Chris Stapleton-assisted “We Don’t Fight Anymore.”

Pearce, who co-wrote the tune with songwriter Justin Ebach and Lady A‘s Charles Kelley, says of the track: “No one wants to be cheated on, but everyone wants to seek revenge. I wrote this song for every girl who has gone through a similar situation and dreams of wreaking havoc on her ex. I got the opportunity to perform the song live while on tour with Tim McGraw and the way the fans have embraced it has blown me away every single time. I couldn’t think of a better song to make my next single.”

Carly Pearce recently serves as direct support for Tim McGraw’s Standing Room Only tour, and performed at various summer festivals before she kicks off her Hummingbird 2025 UK/EU Tour, which includes stops in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and London. Tickets are available at carlypearce.com.

Check out the lyric video for ‘truck on fire’: HERE.

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Country Daypop

Bailey Zimmerman shares “New To Country”

Bailey Zimmerman at the 2022 American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theatre. LOS ANGELES^ CA. November 20^ 2022

Bailey Zimmerman has shared his new anthem, “New to Country,” following his Platinum-selling, fourth consecutive career No. 1, “Where It Ends” that held the top spot for two weeks back to back.

Zimmerman is currently making waves with his current single, “Holy Smokes,” and is also featured on the star-studded Twisters: The Album official soundtrack with his latest release, “Hell Or High Water,” alongside artists like Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Kane Brown, Thomas Rhett, Megan Moroney, Shania Twain, Tyler Childers, and more.

Zimmerman is currently on the road with his sold-out 30+ city international headline trek, RELIGIOUSLY. THE TOUR, as well as serving as support for Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan and Kane Brown.

Take a listen to “New To Country” – here.

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Entertainment Daypop

Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz returning for ‘Shrek V’

Mike Myers at the AFI Lifetime Achievement Awards IHO Nicole Kidman at the Dolby Theater on April 27^ 2024 in Los Angeles^ CA

Variety reported that Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz are returning to their roles of Shrek, Donkey and Princess Fiona in a new animated adventure in the Shrek universe.

DreamWorks Animation posted on X: “Not too Far, Far Away… @Shrek 5 is coming to theaters on July 1, 2026 with Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz.”

Shrek 5 will be directed by Walt Dohrn, who served as a writer and artist on “Shrek 2” and “Shrek the Third,” and as head of story on “Shrek Forever After,” in which he also voiced Rumpelstiltskin. “Shrek 5” will be produced by franchise returner Gina Shay and Illumination founder Chris Meledandri; Brad Ableson serves as co-director.

Shrek 5 is set for release July 1, 2026, in time for the 25th anniversary of the release of the original film, based on William Stieg’s beloved children’s book. The most recent Shrek film, Shrek Forever After, was released in 2010. The franchise also includes several Puss in Boots spinoffs featuring Antonio Banderas.

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Categories
Rock Daypop

Eagles add more shows in January 2025 to Las Vegas Sphere residency

MSG Sphere and High Roller illuminated at night Las Vegas^ Nevada^ USA - November 7th^ 2023

The Eagles have added four more dates to their upcoming residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas, extending their Las Vegas residency   into 2025.

The rock band announced four additional dates in January “due to overwhelming demand.” The Sphere and Eagles posted on social media: “Due to overwhelming demand, the Eagles have announced four additional shows for the band’s residency at Sphere in Las Vegas on Friday, January 17th, Saturday, January 18th, Friday, January 24th, and Saturday, January 25th. The residency will feature 20 shows over ten weekends, from Friday, September 20th through Saturday, January 25th. Presale registration is available now at Eagles.com. The presale begins Tuesday, July 23rd at 10 AM PT. Vibee Hotel & Experience Packages are on sale now at eagles.vibee.com/ The general on-sale begins Friday, July 26th at 9 AM PT.”

The Eagles initially announced an eight-date residency at the Sphere that begins Sept. 20. The band later added November dates and a series of shows in December. With the new dates, the Eagles will now perform a total of 20 shows over 10 weekends at the Sphere.

Tickets for the January dates go on sale July 26 at noon EDT. For information, head to: eagles.vibee.com. 

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Rock Daypop

Chris Cornell’s widow shares unreleased version of “Fast Car” to honor his 60th birthday

Chris Cornell and Vicky Karayiannis at the Los Angeles premiere of 'The Promise' held at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood^ USA on April 12^ 2017.

Chris Cornell’s widow, Vicky Cornell shared an unreleased clip of her late husband covering Tracy Chapman’s classic song “Fast Car” in honor his 60th birthday (which was July 20th). “Fast Car” was originally released by Chapman in 1988, and saw a resurgence last y ear when it was covered by country artist Luke Combs. Combs’ version of “Fast Car” was a smash hit, and made Chapman the first Black woman to be the sole writer on a No. 1 country song.

Alongside a reel full of footage of Cornell (set against an audio clip of him singing the Chapman classic), Vicky paid tribute to her husband on social media, and also teased more unreleased music of Cornell’s, writing: “Chris would have turned 60 today. Although everyone that loved him is sad that he’s no longer here, it’s all of you, the fans who made him, whose love has continued to keep his legacy alive. I’m so grateful to you all for that. While I remember him best as the wonderful husband, father and human being he was – I’d like to celebrate his whole life and everything he gave us. On his 60th we can all celebrate his genius as an artist who redefined music, but also the incredible man who touched and changed lives. He’s an icon, and he gave us all so much – his unique voice, his poetry, his creativity… his life was a gift to so many. And as you can hear – there’s more to come!!! Sharing this to thank you all for your love and support and come together in celebrating ….We love you Chris – happy birthday! – @vickycornell”

Cornell’s estate released a 2020 covers album, No One Sings Like You Anymore, following his tragic death in 2017, The 10-song collection, originally recorded in 2016, featured the Soundgarden singer performing renditions of songs by John Lennon, Prince, and Janis Joplin.

Heart’s Nancy Wilson also recently shared previously unseen footage of Cornell joining the Heart acoustic side project the Lovemongers to take on Rolling Stones’ “Wild Horses” at a concert in Seattle on September 22nd, 1991. Wilson posted on social media: “Found a gem of a Lovemongers 90s rarity when Chris Cornell joined us on stage to sing Wild Horses in honor of Layne Staley. Happy birthday @chriscornellofficial”

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Categories
Entertainment Daypop

Mariah Carey adds 2025 dates to ‘Celebration of Mimi’ Las Vegas residency

Mariah Carey at the Variety's 2019 Power Of Women held at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills^ USA on October 11^ 2019.

Mariah Carey is extending her Las Vegas residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM with eight additional shows taking place in early 2025.

The eight new performances of the exclusive engagement Mariah Carey: The Celebration of Mimi Live in Las Vegas will kick off on January 31, 2025, and go through February 15, 2025. The career-spanning show, billed as a 20th anniversary celebration of Carey’s 10th album The Emancipation of Mimi (2005), is a trip through the singer’s illustrious career, from her debut 1990 single “Vision of Love,” through “Dreamlover,” “Hero,” “Fantasy,” “Butterfly,” “Heartbreaker,” “Shake It Off,” “We Belong Together” and “Fly Like a Bird.”

Tickets go on sale Friday, July 26th at 10 am local time via Ticketmaster. A limited number of tickets are also available for the following eight previously announced performances on July 26, 27 & 31; August 2, 3, 7, 9 & 10.

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