Month: September 2025

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News Daypop

Trump Administration launches immigration crackdown in Massachusetts

DHS Officer in riot gear outside the White House WASHINGTON^ DC - JUNE 28^ 2020

A new report from The New York Times says the Trump Administration has rolled out a new federal immigration enforcement initiative in Massachusetts, aimed at deporting undocumented immigrants with criminal records.

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the operation includes the city of Boston, with sources stating that the operation began in early September and is expected to last several weeks. The effort reflects a broader strategy by the Trump administration to escalate deportations in cities led by Democratic officials who oppose federal immigration measures.

DHS confirmed Sunday that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has begun an operation called “Patriot 2.0”, designed to build on the May campaign known as Operation Patriot. The agency said the effort will focus on what it described as “the worst of the worst” offenders living in the state.

In its statement, DHS criticized Boston Mayor Michelle Wu over the city’s sanctuary policies, arguing they shield undocumented immigrants from federal enforcement. The agency claimed those measures “not only attract and harbor criminals but also place these public safety threats above the interests of law-abiding American citizens,” vowing that DHS will arrest criminals released by local authorities. The statement continues to state that “under President Trump and Secretary Noem, nowhere is a safe haven for criminal illegal aliens. If you come to our country illegally and break our laws, we will hunt you down, arrest you, deport you, and you will never return.”

Earlier this month, the Justice Department filed suit against Mayor Wu over Boston’s sanctuary policy, which limits cooperation with federal immigration authorities.Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey criticized the federal action, telling MSNBC on Sunday: “What we have seen from ICE and from the administration really isn’t about public safety, it’s about political theater. It’s about a political power grab and an attempt to intimidate.”

White House officials told CNN that the Boston operation coincides with similar enforcement plans in Chicago, part of a broader push to crack down on sanctuary cities in the months ahead. Both operations mirror a large-scale initiative in Los Angeles earlier this year, where federal authorities reported 5,000 arrests since June. Officials added that the president has the option of deploying the National Guard in Boston or Chicago if federal agents determine additional support is needed to maintain order.

Editorial credit: Cavan-Images / Shutterstock.com

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News Daypop

Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announces resignation

Shigeru Ishiba^ Prime Minister of Japan^ during a meeting at the G20 plenary. Rio de Janeiro^ Brazil^ November 19^ 2024

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation on Sunday, amid mounting pressure from within his party following a crushing defeat in July’s parliamentary elections.

Ishiba, who took office last October, had resisted calls from rivals inside the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to step down, arguing that his resignation could create instability at a time when Japan faces pressing domestic and international challenges. Ishiba’s fractured party while navigating a minority government was weakened by back-to-back electoral setbacks. His coalition lost its majority in the 248-seat upper house in July, compounding an earlier loss of control in the lower house. After weeks of intensifying criticism, he ultimately agreed to resign.

The prime minister’s decision followed a private meeting Saturday with Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and his longtime mentor, former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga. Both reportedly urged him to resign before the party’s leadership discussions. Ishiba said during a press conference: “I have consistently stated that I do not intend to cling to this position, and that I would make a decision at the appropriate time after accomplishing what needed to be done. I believe this is precisely the appropriate timing. I have therefore decided to step aside and make way for my successor.”

Ishiba’s announcement came just one day before the LDP was set to decide on whether to call an early leadership race—an effective vote of no confidence had it gone ahead. Instead, Ishiba confirmed that he would begin the process for a party leadership election to select his successor, making Monday’s planned decision unnecessary. Ishiba’s top aide LDP Secretary General Hiroshi Moriyama, a key figure in negotiations with the opposition, has also offered to resign over the election defeat. Moriyama expressed his intention to step down on Sept. 2 over the election loss, though Ishiba hasn’t granted his resignation.

Pressure escalated after the LDP last week adopted a post-election review calling for a “complete overhaul” of the party, fueling demands for either his resignation or an immediate leadership contest. Prominent conservatives, including veteran lawmaker Taro Aso—one of Ishiba’s fiercest critics—joined several cabinet ministers and deputy ministers in pressing for a swift leadership vote. In addition, Former Health Minister Norihisa Tamura said that Ishiba should “settle” the issue before Monday’s party meeting to prevent further division.

With Ishiba’s resignation confirmed, the LDP is now expected to schedule a leadership election for early October. Potential contenders include Koizumi; former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, a staunch conservative; and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, a centrist closely aligned with former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Editorial credit: A.PAES / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Sports Daypop

Carlos Alcarez captures second US Open title with win over Jannik Sinner

Arthur Ashe Stadium for a U.S. Open tennis match on September 9^ 2010 in NEW YORK

Carlos Alcaraz claimed his second U.S. Open titled on Sunday at Arthur Ashe Stadium, defeating Jannik Sinner in four sets: 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4.

The victory marks Alcaraz’s second Grand Slam triumph of 2025, adding to his French Open title earlier this year (where he again defeated Sinner in a grueling five-set battle). The win also means Alcaraz will become the new No. 1 player in the world, replacing Sinner atop the men’s world rankings.

The match began after a 30-minute delay, caused by heightened security surrounding an appearance from President Trump. Once the match was underway, Alcaraz immediately seized control, playing with far more aggression than in his semifinal against Novak Djokovic.

Alcaraz dictated early rallies, mixing up his shot selection and using his serve and forehand to push the Italian around the court. Sinner struggled to find consistency on his own serve and was broken several times, leaving him chasing the match.

During his on-court interview, Alcaraz joked of Sinner: “I’m seeing you more than my family, Jesus!” (the two have faced off five times in a single year). The 22 year-old Spaniard added: “It’s great to share the court, to share the locker rooms, to share everything with you. Watching you improve every day.”

Alcaraz went on to share of his coaches: “I’m really lucky to have you guys, to be honest. The hard work you’re making just to make me even better, not only in the professional part, but the personal part as well. I’m just really proud about the people I have around. Every achievement that I’m having is thanks to you. Everyone who made this possible, this tournament, is super special for me. Everything you’re doing, everything just to make us feel at home. You made it incredible. I just feel at home, feel the energy, feel the love and (I’m) just trying to play my best for you guys.”

Editorial credit: Frank Romeo / Shutterstock.com

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Sports Daypop

Max Verstappen wins Italian Grand Prix over Lando Norris

Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing on the podium during Formula One Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari^ Imola^ Italy. 18.May.2025

Max Verstappen claimed his third win of the season with a commanding drive at the Italian Grand Prix. The reigning champion crossed the finish line nearly 19 seconds ahead of Lando Norris, whose battle for position with teammate Oscar Piastri created late-race tension within the McLaren camp. The victory marked Verstappen’s third career triumph at Monza, and the first time he has converted pole into a win at the famous circuit.

McLaren had gambled on delaying their pit stops, hoping a late safety car would allow them to maximize the benefit of fresh soft tires. That strategy backfired when a slower stop for Norris dropped him behind Piastri, despite the team’s policy that the lead car should receive priority service.

Fearing that keeping Piastri out longer would leave him vulnerable to Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari, the team brought the Australian in first. His stop was a rapid 1.9 seconds, while Norris lost crucial time to a sluggish change on his left front tire, rejoining the track behind his teammate.

After the race, Verstappen praised his team’s flawless execution: “It’s super enjoyable to win here. It was a great day for us. Lap 1 was a bit unlucky but after that we were flying. The car was really enjoyable. I could manage the pace quite well throughout that first stint and we pitted at the right time. Fantastic execution by everyone by the whole team. The whole weekend, we were on it.”

Norris briefly challenged Verstappen off the start, forcing the Red Bull wide through the opening chicane after running onto the grass on the approach to Turn 1. To avoid a penalty for gaining an advantage off track, Verstappen was instructed to yield the place on Lap 2—but his superior pace saw him reclaim the lead just two laps later. Reflecting on the race, Norris said: “I always know it’s going to be a good fight with Max and it was [at the start]. So enjoyable but just not the speed today of Max and the Red Bull .. I felt like I was there quite a long time. Every now and then we make mistakes as a team and today was one of them.”

Leclerc took fourth, and Lewis Hamilton finished sixth in his first Italian Grand Prix as a Ferrari driver. Rounding out the top ten, Alex Albon’s alternative tire strategy earned Williams a strong seventh, followed by Gabriel Bortoleto’s Sauber in eighth. Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli secured ninth, while Isack Hadjar picked up the final point for Racing Bulls in 10th.

Editorial credit: Jay Hirano / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Country Daypop

Lady A to launch first-ever Christmas tour, release second holiday album

(L-R) Dave Haywood^ Hillary Scott and Charles Kelley of Lady A attend the 2019 CMT Artists of the Year at Schermerhorn Symphony Center on October 16^ 2019 in Nashville

Lady A will celebrate the holiday season this year with their first-ever Christmas tour, the “This Winter’s Night Tour,” which kicks off Dec. 5 in Atlanta at The Woodruff Arts Center’s Atlanta Symphony Hall.

The holiday tour will launch will visit Florida, Illinois, Indiana and more, wrapping just before Christmas with three shows at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium Dec. 21-23.

The festive tour will kick off after the release of the trio’s new album On This Winter’s Night Vol. 2 on Sept. 26. Both the upcoming album and tour will be packed with holiday classics as well as new originals as a companion and refresh of their 2020 album On This Winter’s Night.

Lady A’s Hillary Scott shares: “We have been in such a season of family and that’s the first thing we think of when we think of Christmas and the Holiday Season. We hope this record and our first ever Christmas tour will be an opportunity for families and fans to usher in the Holiday Spirit with fun, joy and gratitude.”

Tickets are on sale at LadyAMusic.com.

Editorial credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Country Daypop

Lindsay Ell releases the song ‘magic’ from new EP ‘fence sitter’

Lindsay Ell arrives for the Brooks Brothers Holiday Celebration Honoring St. Jude on December 07^ 2019 in West Hollywood^ CA

Lindsay Ell has announced the release of her new EP, fence sitter, set to come out on October 3. According to press notes, “‘fence sitter’ explores themes of reclaiming truth, questioning motherhood, and keeping faith in oneself.’

Ell has shared a preview of the EP with her new single “magic”; she shares of the track: “I always believed that if you apply yourself to something hard enough, you can make it happen. ‘magic’ is a reminder to believe that you just need to keep going and you’ll find those moments of joy and accomplishment.”

Listen to “magic” – HERE.

Preorder ‘fence sitter’ – HERE.

Editorial credit: DFree / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Entertainment Daypop

See Margot Robbie, Colin Farrell in the trailer for ‘A Big Bold Beautiful Journey’

Margot Robbie attends the "Barbie" European Premiere at Cineworld Leicester Square in London^ England - July 12^ 2023

Sony Pictures is previewing the film A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell, in theaters Sept. 19.

A Big Bold Beautiful Journey marks Robbie’s first big screen role since she starred in the 2023 smash hit Barbie, and features her and Farrell, 49, taking a wild journey through each other’s lives and memories after they meet at a wedding. The pair, who play Sarah and David, are brought together further when David’s car GPS instructs him to pick up Sarah and invites the characters to take part in the movie’s titular big bold beautiful journey.

An official synopsis for the movie reads: “What if you could open a doorway and walk through it to re-live a defining moment from your past?” Sarah and David are single strangers who meet at a mutual friend’s wedding and soon, through a surprising twist of fate, find themselves on A Big Bold Beautiful Journey – a funny, fantastical, sweeping adventure together where they get to re-live important moments from their respective pasts, illuminating how they got to where they are in the present…and possibly getting a chance to alter their futures.”

The romantic fantasy film is written by Seth Reiss and directed by Kogonada (‘After Yang’).  It also stars Jodie Turner-Smith, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Billy Magnussen, Lily Rabe, Hamish Linklate, and Kevin Kline.

See the trailer – HERE.

Editorial credit: Fred Duval / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Rock Daypop

Black Veil Brides share the video for “Hallelujah”

Black Veil Brides perform live at Manchester Academy Uk. Manchester^ United Kingdom^ 22nd February 2023

Black Veil Brides have premiered the video for their new single “Hallelujah,” featuring the Tampa, Florida-based choir, One Voice Ensemble. The track is the first taste off the band’s next album, the follow-up to 2021’s The Phantom Tomorrow.

The band – comprised of vocalist Andy Biersack, guitarists Jake Pitts and Jinxx, bassist Lonny Eagleton, and drummer Christian Coma – return to their roots with Hallelujah, which marks their first piece of new music since 2024’s chart-topping single “Bleeders.”

Frontman Andy Biersack said of the song: “‘Hallelujah’ is an important song for us, not only because it is the first track from the new record, but also as a signifier of what’s to come for the band. On a narrative level, it represents the themes and ideas I am exploring lyrically on the album. I am fascinated by the current state of discourse and how often we seem to prioritize ideological certainty over the heart and soul of humanity. Over the years we have developed a tremendous connection with our audience, which is often dismissed or misinterpreted by the ‘scene.’ We stand at a unique inflection point culturally and I want to be able to speak openly about how much I believe in being true to yourself over the fear of mass hysteria or in-group recriminations. When my grandfather’s voice spoke to ‘the outcasts’ in the first moments of our first record in 2010, it was a sincere call to arms for all those who feel different. In many ways this record is the natural evolution of that same idea. This is the heaviest and most vitriolic BVB record by far but more importantly I believe it is the most sincere and honest record we have ever made.”

To coincide with the new single, BVB have released the animated video for “Hallelujah,” directed by Marco Pavone. You can watch the video for “Hallelujah” – HERE.

Editorial credit: ChrisJamesRyanPhotography / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Rock Daypop

I Prevail share video for ‘Rain’ off upcoming fourth studio album ‘Violent Nature’

I Prevail perform live at slam dunk festival uk. vLeeds^ United Kingdom^ 26th may 2024

I Prevail’s fourth studio album, Violent Nature, will be released on September 19th – marking the band’s first project since the departure of co-vocalist Brian Burkheiser, with Eric Vanlerberghe taking over on lead vocals. The album, comprised of 10 tracks, was produced by the band’s bassist, Jon Eberhard.

The band are previewing the new album by unveiling the single “Rain” ahead of the LP’s release. “Rain” follows previous singles “Into Hell” and the title track, with Vanlerberghe stating, “‘Rain’ was one of the first songs we wrote for the record. As time went along and more songs started filling up the tracklist, it continued to be one of my favorite songs. Thematically, Rain deals with acceptance of things out of your control and finding clarity.”

Take a look at the video for ‘Rain’ – HERE.
Preorder ‘Violent Nature’ – HERE.

Editorial credit: ChrisJamesRyanPhotography / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Pop Daypop

Justin Bieber drops sequel album ‘SWAG II’

Justin and Hailey Bieber arrives for the Premiere Of YouTube Originals' "Justin Bieber: Seasons" on January 27^ 2020 in Westwood^ CA

Justin Bieber is back with Swag II, the follow-up to his recent album, Swag, which dropped in July.

Swag II features production from Dijon, Mk.gee, Carter Lang, and Bieber, with collaborations from Lil B, Tems, Bakar, Hurricane Chris, and Eddie Benjamin.

The 23 tracks on the album includes: “Speed Demon,” “Better Man,” “Love Song,” “I Do,” “I Think You’re Special,” “Mother in You,” “Witchya,” “Eye Candy,” “Don’t Wanna,” “Bad Honey,” “Need It,” “Oh Man,” “Poppin’ My S***,” “All the Way,” “Petting Zoo,” “Moving Fast,” “Safe Space,” “Lyin’,” “Dotted Line,” “Open Up Your Heart,” “When It’s Over,” “Everything Hallelujah” and “Story of God.”

Stream SWAG II – HERE.

Editorial credit: DFree / Shutterstock.com