Month: December 2024

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News Daypop

Biden administration announces nearly $6 billion in military and budget aid to Ukraine

U.S. President Joe Biden and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy attend a joint news briefing^ amid Russia's attack on Ukraine. Kyiv^ Ukraine February 20^ 2023.

President Biden announced nearly $6 billion in funding military aid package for Ukraine on Monday that Biden’s administration is sending to Ukraine ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20.

President Joe Biden announced on Monday nearly $2.5 billion in security assistance for Ukraine, saying the assistance, which includes weapons, will go to giving Kyiv “the support it needs to prevail” against the larger and better-equipped Russian forces. Biden said in a statement: “At my direction, the United States will continue to work relentlessly to strengthen Ukraine’s position in this war over the remainder of my time in office. Since Russia launched its further assault against Ukraine in February 2022, the United States has rallied the world to stand with the Ukrainian people, and it has been a top priority of mine to provide Ukraine with the support it needs to prevail. [The aid] builds on this effort and will provide Ukraine with both an immediate influx of capabilities to use to great effect on the battlefield and longer-term supplies of air defense, artillery, and other critical weapons systems.”

Biden said the assistance includes a $1.25 billion drawdown package for the Ukrainian military and a $1.22 billion Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative package (USAI) signed earlier this year, as part of a $95 billion foreign aid package that included nearly $61 billion in military and economic funding for Ukraine, $17 billion in military assistance for Israel, $9 billion for Gaza and other war-torn regions and $8.1 billion for Taiwan and other Indo-Pacific allies.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement that another $3.4 billion in “direct budget support” are the final disbursement appropriated under the bipartisan Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriation Act 2024: “our direct budget support continues to be conditioned on reforms related to strengthening law enforcement, improving transparency and efficiency of government institutions, and bolstering anti-corruption rules and procedures.”

Editorial credit: photowalking / Shutterstock.com

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News Daypop

Federal appeals court upholds $5 million E. Jean Carroll verdict against President-elect Trump

The Thurgood Marshall Courthouse - US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and the US District Court for the Southern District of New York. New York^ NY^ US-November 11^ 2024

On Monday, a federal appeals court upheld the jury’s verdict that found President-elect Donald Trump liable for sexually abusing columnist E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s, and denied his request for a new trial. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a written opinion upholding the $5 million award that a Manhattan jury granted to Carroll for defamation and sexual abuse, stating that Trump’s legal team failed to show any errors in the ruling that would lead to a new trial.

In the 2023 trial, the jury found Trump liable of abusing Carroll in a dressing room at Manhattan’s Bergdorf Goodman department store, and defamed her with comments he made in October 2022. That jury awarded Carroll $5 million.  A separate jury awarded Carroll an additional $83.3 million after finding Trump defamed her by denying the sexual abuse. Trump has also appealed that verdict, repeatedly denying the allegations since Carroll first made them and calling the judgments overly excessive.

Carroll’s attorney Roberta Kaplan said (per NBC News): “[We] are gratified by today’s decision. We thank the Second Circuit for its careful consideration of the parties’ arguments.”

Trump spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement: “The American People have re-elected President Trump with an overwhelming mandate, and they demand an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and a swift dismissal of all of the Witch Hunts, including the Democrat-funded Carroll Hoax, which will continue to be appealed. We look forward to uniting our country in the new administration as President Trump makes America great again.”

Editorial credit: Heidi Besen / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Sports Daypop

Ex-Florida State basketball players sue coach Leonard Hamilton for $1.5M in missing NIL money

Donald Tucker Civic Center^ home of the Florida State Seminoles basketball team. tallahassee^FL/USA -3/20/19

Six former Florida State basketball players have sued Seminoles’ head coach Leonard Hamilton for missing NIL payments that total $250,000 per player.

Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger first reported the story, noting that the legal complaint (filed in Florida’s Leon County circuit court) states that Hamilton was being sued over unpaid promises of NIL compensation that total $1.5 million, and the former FSU players acknowledging hat they boycotted a practice last season over the missed NIL payments.

Darin Green Jr., Josh Nickelberry, Primo Spears, Cam’Ron Fletcher, De’Ante Green and Jalen Warley are the players who allege in a lawsuit that Hamilton promised them $250,000 in NIL money, which was never received. The former players included text message evidence of their conversations with Hamilton and Will Cowen, an executive of one of Florida State’s NIL collectives( which traditionally raises NIL money and oversees payments). The lawsuit states that Hamilton promised each player the funds from his “business partners.”

Florida State is off to a 9-4 start this season, starting ACC play 0-2 under Hamilton. None of the players pursuing legal action against Hamilton are still with the Seminoles.

Editorial credit: Aiden James / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Sports Daypop

Ron Rivera and Rex Ryan among those interviewing for NY Jets’ head coach spot

Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera during game at FedEx Field. Nov 14^ 2021; Landover^ MD USA

The New York Jets are beginning to interview applicants for their vacant head coaching spot, replacing Robert Saleh, who was fired in October. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich took over as interim head coach after Saleh was fired.

The team is reportedly set to interview two candidates in the coming weeks, including former Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera (Rivera coached the Panthers from 2011-2019, and spent four years with Washington before being fired in 2023.) Rivera was a two-time AP NFL Coach of the Year (2013, 2015) after leading the Panthers to 12-4 and 15-1 finishes. He led his teams to the playoffs five times in 13 seasons across the two franchises, and in 2015, he led Carolina to Super Bowl 50 (where they were defeated by the Denver Broncos).

Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Rivera is scheduled to interview with the Jets this week: “The #Jets are scheduled to interview Ron Rivera for their head coaching job this week, per sources. In 13 seasons with Carolina and Washington, Rivera made the playoffs five times, including an appearance in Super Bowl 50. The first of many HC interviews to come in NYJ’s search.”

In addition, former Jets coach Rex Ryan said Monday on ESPN New York that he will be interviewing for head coaching gig, and that he expects to speak with the team abut the spot after the regular season is over. Ryan coached the Jets from 2009-2014 and spent two seasons coaching the Buffalo Bills. He led the Jets to two playoff appearances — the last time that the Jets made the playoffs.  Ryan has not coached since being fired from the Bills in 2016, instead joining ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown as an analyst in 2017.

The Jets are currently 4-12 and will play their final game of the year next weekend against the Miami Dolphins.

Editorial credit: Steve Jacobson / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Country Daypop

Jon Pardi to launch 2025 Honkytonk Hollywood Tour

Jon Pardi performs onstage during the "All Time High" tour at the Paramount on January 16^ 2016 in Huntington^ New York.

Jon Pardi will return to the road with his North American Honkytonk Hollywood Tour, hitting 16 arenas and amphitheaters across the US with support from Corey Kent on select dates and Kassi Ashton.

A social post reads: “Have a lot coming for you guys in 2025… First, we have the Honkytonk Hollywood Tour with @coreykent and @kassiashton!  New music coming next year!”

A portion of ticket sale proceeds from the tour benefit the newly established Starlight Fund. Founded with his wife Summer Pardi, the Starlight Fund supports organizations dedicated to providing opportunities and resources specific to young people in need who are pursuing a path in the trades, agriculture and construction.

For ticket info, head HERE.

Editorial credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Country Daypop

Inaugural ‘Boots in the Park’ Las Vegas to feature headliners Old Dominion, Jordan Davis

Matt Ramsey of Old Dominion performs during Country Thunder Music Festival on July 22^ 2017 in Twin Lakes^ Wisconsin.

The inaugural ‘Boots In The Park in Las Vegas’ will take place on April 11-12 at The Event Center at Desert Breeze, featuring headlining performances by country superstars Old Dominion and Jordan Davis, with Tyler Hubbard, Nate Smith, Chris Janson, Parmalee, Chase Matthew, Owen Riegling, Presley Tennant, Joe Peters, Luwiss Luxand, and more also set to perform.

A social post read: “We are rolling into Las Vegas for two full days of country music with Old Dominion, Jordan Davis, Tyler Hubbarn + more!  Visit https://hubs.li/Q02-mtzM0! #bootsinthepark #lasvegas”

Boots In The Park is a traveling festival featuring world-class country artists. Fans will enjoy an all-day country party with live performances, line dancing, mouthwatering food from local vendors, a diverse selection of beverages—including craft beer and handmade cocktails—and captivating art installations.

Activated Events recently announced several Boots In The Park festivals taking place in Fresno, Bakersfield, Norco, Albuquerque, and San Diego, CA. Steve Thacher, CEO of Activated Events, shared in a statement: “We are incredibly excited to launch one of our premier festival brands, Boots In The Park, in Las Vegas, bringing together the best of country music, incredible local food vendors, and unique art installations, for an unforgettable weekend. With powerhouse headliners like Old Dominion and Jordan Davis, alongside a stellar supporting lineup, we’re delivering a one-of-a-kind festival that captures the vibrant energy of Las Vegas and the heart of country music fans.”

For ticket information, head HERE.

Editorial credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Entertainment Daypop

Broadway and sitcom star Linda Lavin dies at age 87

Linda Lavin at the premiere for 'No Good Deed' at the Tudum Theatre. LOS ANGELES^ CA. December 04^ 2024

Actress Linda Lavin has died at the age of 87. Lavin’s representative announced that the Tony and Golden Globe Award winner had died unexpectedly Sunday due to complications from her recently diagnosed lung cancer.

Lavin was working at the time of her death, and had even promoted her role in the new Netflix limited comedy series No Good Deed on Instagram just days ago.  Lavin attended the premiere of series at the streamer’s Tudum Theater in Hollywood as recently as Dec. 4.

Lavin was also currently filming the first season of the new Hulu comedy ‘Mid-Century Modern’ alongside Matt Bomer – from ‘Will & Grace’ creators/executive producers David Kohan and Max Mutchnick and director-producer James Burrows. Kohan, Mutchnick and Burrows said in a joint statement: “Working with Linda was one of the highlights of our careers. She was a magnificent actress, singer, musician and a heat seeking missile with a joke. But more significantly, she was a beautiful soul. Deep, joyful, generous and loving. She made our days better. The entire staff and crew will miss her beyond measure. We are better for having known her.”

Hulu and 20th Television also paid tribute to Lavin in a joint statement: “Our deepest and heartfelt condolences go to Linda Lavin’s family and loved ones. She was a legend in our industry, bringing her tremendous talent to audiences for over seven decades. She will be forever missed by her ‘Mid-Century Modern’ family, as we mourn this  incredible loss together.”

Lavin won two Golden Globes for her performance in the popular sitcom Alice in 1979 and 1980, and earned a Tony Award for her work in 1987’s Broadway Bound. Other credits include Barney Miller, The Muppets Take Manhattan, Room for Two, Conrad Bloom, Sean Saves the World, Elsbeth, Being the Ricardos, Brockmire, Santa Clarita Diet, Madam Secretary, Mom, The Good Wife, Bones, The O.C., The Sopranos, Room 104, Girls Weekend, How to Be a Latin Lover and The Back-Up Plan.

Lavin was married to actor Ron Liebman from 1969-81, and actor Kip Niven from 1982-92.  She is survived by her third husband, actor-drummer Steve Bakunas.

Editorial credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Rock Daypop

Def Leppard, Nickelback, Mötley Crüe, Shinedown to headline inaugural Boardwalk Rock festival

Def Leppard perform at Exit 111 Festival in Tennessee. Manchester^ Tennessee USA - 10-12-2019

Def Leppard, Nickelback, Mötley Crüe, and Shinedown will headline the inaugural Boardwalk Rock Festival, taking place May 17-18 in Ocean City, Maryland.

The two-day festival lineup will feature over 25 artists across three stages on the shores of Ocean City Inlet Beach at the historic Ocean City Boardwalk, with additional artists including Halestorm, Bush, Chevelle, Three Days Grace, Alice Cooper, 3 Doors Down, The Struts, Dorothy, Crossfade, Bret Michaels, and more.

For tickets and other information, head HERE.

Editorial credit: L Paul Mann / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Rock Daypop

Billy Joel and Rod Stewart teaming up for Pittsburgh Show

Billy Joel performs on state at the 2013 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. New Orleans^ Louisiana - April 27^ 2013

Billy Joel and Rod Stewart are teaming up together for the first time on Saturday, July 5th at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, as part of Joel’s One Night Only series which has been featuring artists including Sting and Stevie Nicks on select nights.

Pittsburgh Steelers President Art Rooney II said in a press release: “We are excited to host two iconic artists – Billy Joel and Rod Stewart – at Acrisure Stadium. The Independence Day weekend concert will be a great draw for residents and tourists alike and we look forward to welcoming everyone to the vibrant North Shore for a memorable concert.”

Billy Joel has several shows on his schedule for 2025, including a show in Hollywood, Florida, on Jan. 17, and several shows in the U.S. before heading to Edinburgh and Liverpool. Rod Stewart also has several shows on the calendar for next year, touring North America and Europe while also playing several stints in Las Vegas.

Joel and Sting kick off the 2025 dates in Indianapolis, IN, at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 8th, followed by Syracuse’s JMA Wireless Dome on April 11th, Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium on May 10th, and Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on May 23rd.

Meanwhile, Joel and Nicks will play Detroit’s Ford Field on March 29th, with Joel also performing solo dates throughout 2025.

For more information, head to billyjoel.com.

Editorial credit: Adam McCullough / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Entertainment Daypop

Sabrina Carpenter teams with Dunkin’ for exclusive ‘Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso’

Sabrina Carpenter at the Variety Power of Young Hollywood Event at the NeueHouse on August 10^ 2023 in Los Angeles^ CA

Dunkin has teamed up with Sabrina Carpenter to introduce ‘Sabrina’s Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso’, a limited-time speciality drink described as ‘handcrafted iced beverage combining Dunkin’s bold espresso, brown sugar notes, and oat milk, shaken to perfection.’ Sabrina’s Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso will be available at Dunkin’ stores nationwide starting Tuesday, Dec. 31. The cost of the drink will vary per market.

The drink is (obviously) inspired by Carpenter’s smash-hit single, “Espresso,” Billboard’s No. 1 Global Song of the Summer for 2024.  Dunkin’s ad campaign for the specialty drink, dubbed ‘Shake That Ess,’ was created in partnership with Artists Equity (Ben Affleck’s and Matt Damon’s company) and directed by Dave Meyers. As the beat of “Espresso” plays in the background, a room filled with an eccentric cast of characters are all showed enthusiastically shaking their ess’.

You can check out Carpenter’s commercial for the new Sabrina’s Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso – HERE.

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins/ Shutterstock.com