Month: November 2024

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News Daypop

Satire publication The Onion purchases Alex Jones’ Infowars at bankruptcy auction

Cover of the Onion parody news publisher. Calgary^ Alberta^ June 17^ 2022

Satrire publication The Onion purchased Infowars — the Alex Jones right-wing conspiracy theory website — in a bankruptcy auction on Thursday.  About an hour and a half after the announcement of the sale, Infowars’ website was shut down.

The Onion will take control over Jones’ media empire, most notably Infowars, the far-right, conspiracy-minded website that served as Jones’ primary online platform. Infowars was sold in a bankruptcy auction after Sandy Hook elementary school shooting families won a $1.5 billion judgment against Jones in defamation suits.  Proceeds from the sale will go to pay down a $1.5 billion against Jones for spreading false conspiracy theories that claimed the 2012 Sandy Hook mass elementary school shooting was faked.

Jones confirmed the purchase Thursday on X:  “I just got word 15 minutes ago that my lawyers and folks met with the U.S. trustee over our bankruptcy this morning and they said they are shutting us down even without a court order this morning. I don’t know what’s going to happen but I’m going to be here until they come and turn the lights off.”  Jones added that security had notified him he has to leave the Infowars premises on Thursday.

The Onion, which often satirized Jones, said they plan to rebuild the Infowars website to feature the work of well-known Internet humor writers and content creators. In a statement on the social media site BlueSky, The Onion CEO Ben Collins said his company has plans for Infowars: “We are planning on making it a very funny, very stupid website. We have retained the services of some Onion and Clickhole Hall of Famers to pull this off. I can’t wait to show you what we have cooked up.” The Onion added that its “exclusive launch advertiser” will be the gun violence prevention organization Everytown for Gun Safety.

Sandy Hook families from Newton, CT filed lawsuits in Connecticut and Texas claiming Jones defamed them on his show and inflicted emotional distress by repeatedly suggesting the shooting, in which a gunman killed 20 first grade children and six adults, was a hoax. Chris Mattei, an attorney for the families, said: “Our clients knew that true accountability meant an end to Infowars and an end to Jones’ ability to spread lies, pain and fear at scale.”  The plaintiffs agreed to forgo a portion of their recovery to boost The Onion’s bankruptcy auction bid, according to attorneys.

Editorial credit: Jeff Whyte / Shutterstock.com

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News Daypop

14-year-old boy arrested for allegedly starting forest fire in New Jersey

Wildfire ^ Forest fire. Forest fire in progress. Large flames. 2024.

A 14-year-old has been charged with allegedly starting one of the several wildfires that spread across New Jersey over the last month amid severe drought conditions in the region.

Authorities investigating the cause and origin of the blaze “located evidence that identified this fire as an arson,” the Evesham Township Police said in a statement.

Officers responded to a forest fire in Evesham Township, in the area of Sycamore Avenue near the Berlin Township border in New Jersey on October 30 at approximately 1 p.m.; over the next several days, authorities say the blaze burned 52 acres of land. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service and Evesham Fire Department combatted the flames, with authorities stating that no structures were threatened and no injuries were reported.

Following an “extensive investigation,” the teen — who resides in Marlton, within Evesham Township — was identified as a suspect, police said. The teen was arrested on Nov. 7 and charged with aggravated arson and causing or risking widespread injury or damage, and was lodged in the Middlesex Juvenile Detention Center pending his first appearance.

Police added that a separate blaze — dubbed the “Bethany Run Wildfire” — began on November 7 in the area of Sycamore Drive, and is also under investigation for possibly being connected to the October 30 blaze. The Nov. 7 fire burned for several days with 375 acres consumed, though no structures were damaged. The investigation into both fires is ongoing.

Editorial credit: Fernando Astasio Avila / Shutterstock.com

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Sports Daypop

Tampa Bay Rays will play home games at Yankees spring training site in 2025

George M Steinbrenner field in Tampa Florida is the spring training and preseason home of the New York Yankees baseball team

The Tampa Bay Rays will play their regular-season home games in 2025 at George Steinbrenner Field — the New York Yankees’ spring training site. The Rays posted on their social media pages: “We are thrilled to play in Tampa Bay. 🩵 To be the first to receive ticketing information, join the 2025 Interest List at the link in our bio.” George Steinbrenner Field is located in Tampa, Fla., about 20 miles northeast of Tropicana Field.

An announcement from the team states that the move stems from the significant damage that Hurricane Milton caused to Tropicana Field. Milton’s winds ripped the roof off Tropicana Field last month as it swept through St. Petersburg, Fla., causing an estimated $39 million in damage. City officials said Tuesday it will cost $55.7 million to repair the field in time for the Rays’ home opener in 2026; replacing the roof is estimated at $23.6 million.

Rays owner Stuart Sternberg added in a news release: “We deeply appreciate that the Yankees have graciously allowed us to play at Steinbrenner Field for the 2025 season. The hurricane damage to Tropicana Field has forced us to take some extraordinary steps, just as Hurricanes Helene and Milton have forced thousands of families and businesses in our community to adapt to new circumstances as we all recover and rebuild.”

The Yankees still plan to use George Steinbrenner Field for spring training. The Rays will still use Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte, Fla (approx. 80 miles south of Tropicana Field) for spring training. Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner said in a statement: “We are happy to extend our hand to the Rays and their fans by providing a major league-quality facility for them to utilize this season. Both the Yankees organization and my family have deep roots in the Tampa Bay region, and we understand how meaningful it is for Rays players, employees and fans to have their 2025 home games take place within 30 minutes of Tropicana Field. In times like these, rivalry and competition take a back seat to doing what’s right for our community — which is continuing to help families and businesses rebound from the devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.”

George Steinbrenner Field seats only 11,000, while Tropicana Field can hold more than 40,000 fans. According to Major League Baseball, the Rays averaged 16,515 fans during home games in 2024.  MLB commissioner Robert Manfred said in a statement: “This outcome meets Major League Baseball’s goals that Rays’ fans will see their team play next season in their home market and that their players can remain home without disruption to their families.”

MLB pitchers and catchers will report to spring training in mid February. The Rays will host their first regular-season game against the Colorado Rockies on March 27 in Tampa.

Editorial credit: James Kirkikis / Shutterstock.com

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Sports Daypop

Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn coming out of retirement, returning to U.S. ski team

Lindsey Vonn attends 2022 Harper's Bazaar ICONS Bloomingdale's 150th Anniversary on September 09^ 2022 in New York City.

Three-time Olympic medalist Lindsey Vonn announced Thursday that she is ending her retirement and will join the U.S. Ski Team.

Vonn, 40, made the announcement on her social media platforms and through a news release from the U.S. Ski Team.  She captioned a post shared to Instagram and X posts (which included a video of her skiing down a slope): “Well, it’s off to Colorado. I hope the U.S. Ski Team uniform still fits.”

The U.S. Ski Team said that Vonn’s decision to return to ski racing came after “careful consideration” by the skier, who underwent partial knee replacement surgery in April. She has been training and tested the knee over the last several months.  Vonn shared: “Getting back to skiing without pain has been an incredible journey. I am looking forward to being back with the Stifel U.S. Ski Team and to continue to share my knowledge of the sport with these incredible women.”

Vonn — one of the most decorated skiers in history — announced her retirement in 2019. She earned her first World Cup triumph in 2004, going on to total 82 World Cup race victories, which stood as the record until fellow American Mikaela Shiffrin broke passed her mark in January 2023. Vonn is a four-time overall World Cup champion, and also earned eight medals — including two golds — at World Championships. She won gold in the downhill at Vancouver 2010, and a bronze in the Super G at the 2010 Winter Games. Vonn added another bronze medal in the downhill at Pyeongchang 2018.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard president and CEO Sophie Goldschmidt said in a statement: “Lindsey has made an indelible mark on alpine skiing and our organization throughout her career. We’re delighted to welcome her back. Her dedication and passion towards alpine skiing is inspiring and we’re excited to have her back on snow and see where she can go from here.”

The next Winter Olympics will be held Feb. 6 to 22, 2026, in Cortina d’Ampezzo and Milan, Italy.

Editorial credit: Ron Adar / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Country Daypop

Kelsea Ballerini to embark on 30-city arena tour in 2025

Kelsea Ballerini attends the 9th Annual ACM Honors at the Ryman Auditorium on September 1^ 2015 in Nashville^ Tennessee.

Kelsea Ballerini has announced her 30-city arena tour dubbed ‘Kelsea Ballerini Live on Tour.’

‘Kelsea Ballerini Live on Tour’ kicks off January 21, 2025, at Grand Rapids, MI’s Van Andel Arena and runs through most of America’s rock halls. Serving as support on tour will be MaRynn Taylor and Maisie Peters.

Ballerini shared in an Instagram post, writing, “this ain’t my first rodeo (but it IS my first arena tour!!!!!!) i genuinely can’t wait to be back on the road with you in 2025 and sing our lil hearts out together. sign up now for early access to tickets at kelseaballerinilive.com…pre-sales start oct 29, tickets on sale nov 1. fan club, check your emails for your pre-sale info.”

Ballerini is donating one dollar from every ticket sold to her Feel Your Way Through Foundation with a commitment to supporting mental health charities, FYWT was designed to lessen the stigma around the conversation of mental health, as well as find a way to get people the tools they need to get help they may not have access to currently.

Tickets are on sale now; for information, head to:  www.axs.com.

Editorial credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

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Country Daypop

Maddie & Tae announces 2025 Love & Light Tour

Madison Marlow^ Taylor Dye^ Maddie and Tae at the 54th Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 7^ 2019 in Las Vegas^ NV

On the heels of wrapping their headlining “Here’s To Friends” tour, Maddie & Tae are announcing an exclusive run of five shows dubbed the Love & Light Tour, taking place Spring 2025. The  duo will take the stage in New York City, Chicago, Nashville, Denver, and Los Angeles.

Maddie & Tae announced that the run of shows will kick off April 10 in New York City, followed by shows in Chicago (April 25), Nashville (May 1), Denver (May 9) and Los Angeles (May 15).  They shared: “We are so stoked to announce our Love & Light Tour for Spring 2025,” the duo said. “Five cities, five magical nights singing songs that are fan favorites and ones that are hot off the press! Can’t wait to see y’all!”

Tickets are on sale now; for information, head to: maddieandtae.com/tour.

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Entertainment Daypop

CBS to air ‘Making of Gladiator II’ special on Nov. 18

Paul Mescal arrives for the Independent Spirit Awards on March 04^ 2023 in Santa Monica^ CA. LOS ANGELES - MAR 04

CBS will present The Making of Gladiator II, a special behind-the-scenes look at the making of Paramount Pictures’ feature film, Gladiator II, from director Ridley Scott.

Gladiator II is the sequel to the iconic Oscar Best Picture-winning 2000 film Gladiator, with the sequel led by a cast including Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Connie Nielsen reprising her role from the original film, and Academy Award-winner Denzel Washington.

An official synopsis for the sequel film reads:  “Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.”

The special will give fans a never-before-seen look at the making of the film. This inside look offers unprecedented access encompassing all aspects of production, from the grand scope of the set – including reconstructing Ancient Rome – to characters, combat training, costumes, historical accuracy, scoring, and more.

The Making of Gladiator II will air on Monday, Nov. 18 (10:30-11:00 p.m. ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network and stream on Paramount+ (live and on-demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers or on demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the special airs).

Gladiator II will open in theaters on November 22.

Editorial credit: DFree / Shutterstock.com

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Entertainment Daypop

Craig Melvin to replace Hoda Kotb as co-anchor of NBC’s ‘Today’ show

Craig Melvin attends National Board of Review Gala 2022 at Cipriani 42nd street. New York^ NY - March 15^ 2022

NBC News anchor and broadcast journalist Craig Melvin will replace Hoda Kotb as co-anchor of NBC’s Today show, taking over for Kotb following her departure on Jan. 10. Melvin, 45, will co-anchor the program alongside Savannah Guthrie.

Today’s senior vice president, Libby Leist, in a statement: “He’s been an integral and beloved part of our family. From breaking news coverage in the field, to presidential interviews, to multiple Olympics and Super Bowls, Craig’s shown he has the talent and the range to cover all that we do here at Today. And he does it without ever losing that Southern charm.”

The 14-year NBC veteran said after the on-air announcement: “I am beyond excited and grateful. I’ve had a lot of conversations yesterday with a lot of people who mean a lot to me. I want to thank NBC and the folks who deemed me worthy, but I’ve got to start by thanking the man upstairs, the Lord above and his son, Jesus. I’ve enjoyed just a lifetime of blessings and this is the latest in a long line of blessings.”

Melvin has co-anchored the weekend edition of Today and currently co-hosts the third hour of the Today show, in addition to news-anchoring earlier broadcasts of the show.  He will co-host the Today show with Guthrie for the 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. hours (beginning Jan. 13) and will remain a co-host during the third hour. Today’s fourth hour, which is currently co-hosted by Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager, will be rebranded as ‘Today with Jenna & Friends’ beginning Jan. 13.   The show will welcome a rotating cast of personalities to helm the show with Bush Hager until a permanent cohost is found.

Kotb announced she was leaving the Today Show in September, releasing a statement confirming that she’d step down from the show to spend more time with her family: “as I write this, my heart is all over the map,” she wrote in a letter to the show’s staff. “I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s a painful one. And you all are the reason why. They say two things can be right at the same time, and I’m feeling that so deeply right now. I love you and it’s time for me to leave the show.”

Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Rock Daypop

They Might Be Giants to launch 2025 US tour

They Might Be Giants (band) perform in concert at Vida Festival on June 30^ 2018 in Barcelona^ Spain.

They Might Be Giants have announced new US tour dates, serving as an extension of the band’s ongoing “Big Show Tour,” which feature different shows from night to night, with setlists that draw upon all five decades of the band’s discography. The band’s live shows consists of an eight-piece setup, including a three-piece horn section.

The new leg kicks off in Orlando on February 27th, and continues through early summer with shows in Ft. Lauderdale, Nashville, Atlanta, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland, and more. The tour is set to conclude with a pair of shows in Seattle on June 13th and 14th. They Might Be Giants will also play two shows in Asheville, North Carolina, with $1.00 from each ticket sold going to the MANNA Food Bank in benefit of victims of Hurricane Helene.

Tickets for They Might Be Giants’ 2025 tour are on sale now via Ticketmaster.

Editorial credit: Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Rock Daypop

Dropkick Murphys to embark on annual 2025 St. Patrick’s Day tour

Dropkick Murphys performing at the Coca Cola Roxy theatre. ATLANTA^ GA / USA - MARCH 7TH^ 2018

Dropkick Murphys have announced the 2025 dates for their annual “St. Patrick’s Day Tour,” featuring support from The Menzingers and Teenage Bottlerocket.

The three-week, 17-date run kicks off February 26th in Huntington, New York with stops in Cincinnati, Atlanta, Miami Beach and more before wrapping-up with four hometown shows in Boston — including three at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway, and a final March 17th date at the Citizens House of Blues.

Tickets are on sale now via Dropkick Murphys’ official website.

Editorial credit: Olga Steckel / Shutterstock.com