Month: March 2026

Categories
News Daypop

President Trump considering seizing Iranian oil hub, issues warnings as tensions escalate

Oil drilling derricks at desert oilfield with Iran flag. The change in oil prices caused by the war. Oil prices are rising because of the global crisis. Crude oil production from the ground.

President Trump signaled he is considering a dramatic escalation in the conflict with Iran, including the possibility of taking control of the country’s key oil export hub, Kharg Island.

In remarks to the Financial Times, Trump said, “To be honest with you, my favourite thing is to take the oil in Iran,” suggesting that U.S. forces could seize and potentially hold the island. He downplayed the likelihood of resistance, adding that Iran lacked meaningful defenses, though he acknowledged any occupation could require a prolonged presence.

Trump also drew comparisons to a prior U.S. move to take control of oil assets in Venezuela earlier this year, while dismissing critics of similar action in Iran as “stupid people.” At the same time, the president issued a stark warning tied to ongoing negotiations. Posting on his Truth Social platform, he said the U.S. is engaged in “serious discussions with A NEW, AND MORE REASONABLE, REGIME to end our Military Operations in Iran,” but made clear that failure to reach a deal—or to reopen the Strait of Hormuz—could trigger massive escalation. “Great progress has been made but, if for any reason a deal is not shortly reached, which it probably will be, and if the Hormuz Strait is not immediately ‘Open for Business,’ we will conclude our lovely ‘stay’ in Iran by blowing up and completely obliterating all of their Electric Generating Plants, Oil Wells and Kharg Island (and possibly all desalinization plants!), which we have purposefully not yet ‘touched,’” Trump wrote.

Officials familiar with the situation have cautioned that such an operation would be highly dangerous. Kharg Island lies within range of Iranian missiles and drones, and even if captured, it would not necessarily ease disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz—a vital corridor for global oil shipments. Tankers leaving the Gulf could still face attacks, limiting any real impact on supply despite rising oil prices.

Meanwhile, the broader conflict continues to spill across the region. NATO confirmed that its air defenses intercepted an Iranian missile headed toward Turkey, marking the latest in a series of such incidents. Turkish officials said it was the fourth interception since fighting intensified.

Editorial credit: Hamara / Shutterstock.com

Categories
News Daypop

Spain closes airspace to U.S. planes involved in Iran conflict

Margarita Robles^ Minister of Defence arrives for a two-day meeting of the alliance's Defence Ministers at the NATO headquarters in Brussels^ Belgium on Feb. 14^ 2023.

Spain has tightened its stance against U.S. and Israeli military actions in Iran by shutting its airspace to U.S. aircrafts involved in the conflict, expanding on an earlier decision to deny access to jointly operated bases.

Defense Minister Margarita Robles said the restriction had been clear from the outset, emphasizing that neither military bases nor Spanish airspace would be used for operations tied to the war. “This was made perfectly clear to the American military and forces from the very beginning. Therefore, neither the bases are authorized, nor, of course, is the use of Spanish airspace authorized for any actions related to the war in Iran,” she said, reiterating her view that the conflict is “profoundly illegal and profoundly unjust.”

The move reinforces Spain’s position as one of Europe’s most outspoken critics of the war. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has repeatedly condemned the conflict and urged all sides to de-escalate, warning: “You cannot respond to one illegality with another, because that’s how humanity’s great disasters begin.”

Madrid’s decision means U.S. military aircraft operating from bases in Europe must avoid Spanish airspace when heading toward the Middle East, except in emergencies. It follows earlier restrictions on the use of bases at Rota and Morón, though existing agreements still allow limited logistical operations for U.S. forces stationed in Europe.

Spanish officials say the policy reflects a broader refusal to support a war they view as unlawful. “This decision is part of the decision already made by the Spanish government not to participate in or contribute to a war which was initiated unilaterally and against international law,” Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo said.

The stance has strained relations with Washington. After Spain blocked access to its bases, President Trump warned of potential trade consequences. Despite the tension, Spain maintains it can meet its NATO obligations while pursuing an independent foreign policy.

Editorial credit: Alexandros Michailidis / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Sports Daypop

Rams considering veteran backup QB options including Jimmy Garoppolo and Kirk Cousins

Rams head coach Sean McVay watches during an NFL preseason football game against the Cowboys at SoFi Stadium^ Saturday Aug. 9^ 2025^ in Inglewood^ Calif.

The Los Angeles Rams are exploring experienced options to strengthen their quarterback depth behind Matthew Stafford, with Jimmy Garoppolo and Kirk Cousins emerging as leading candidates.

Stafford, now 38, is coming off a standout MVP season in which he threw for 4,707 yards and a career-best 46 touchdowns, completing 65% of his passes with just eight interceptions. Despite his durability, the Rams appear focused on securing a reliable veteran backup.

Head coach Sean McVay confirmed the team’s interest during league meetings, noting that the roster currently includes only Stafford and Stetson Bennett under contract for 2026. Garoppolo, who served as Stafford’s backup last season, is now a free agent, while Cousins recently became available after being released by the Atlanta Falcons.

“I think Jimmy is working through his process right now,” McVay told NBC. “We would love to be able to have him. There are some other guys that are out there. We do need to be able to add another guy into that room. That’s something we are looking at. Obviously, people make some of the connections with Kirk. … I know he has some other options and some other suitors, but Jimmy and Kirk are guys that I would love to be able to have back with us.”

Garoppolo, 34, saw limited action last year and did not attempt a pass in three appearances. His most recent meaningful playing time came in 2024, when he completed 27 of 41 throws for 334 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in a spot start.

Cousins, 37, brings both familiarity and experience. He and McVay previously worked together in Washington, a stretch that helped launch McVay’s rise to a head coaching role. During that time, Cousins developed into a full-time starter and even earned a Pro Bowl selection.  However more recently, Cousins’ tenure in Atlanta was uneven. After signing a four-year, $180 million deal, he was eventually replaced by rookie Michael Penix Jr.. When injuries forced him back into action, Cousins helped guide the Falcons to a strong finish, including a late-season winning streak. Across his time in Atlanta, he went 12-10 as a starter, throwing for 5,229 yards with 28 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. Last season alone, he completed just over 61% of his passes for 1,721 yards, 10 scores, and five picks.

Editorial credit: Ringo Chiu / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Sports Daypop

Houston Rockets owner purchases WNBA’s Connecticut Sun in record deal

Generate a basketball with the WNBA logo^ the background must be completely black but the ball must be illuminated artistically.

The Connecticut Sun are set for a major transition after reaching an agreement to be sold to Tilman Fertitta for a reported $300 million—marking the highest sale price in WNBA history. The deal, announced by the Mohegan Tribe, still requires approval from the WNBA Board of Governors.

Joe Soper of the Mohegan Tribal Council said: “Mohegan owes an enormous amount of gratitude first and foremost to our extraordinary fans cheering on the team for 23 incredible seasons. This team — and what the talented women who have worn this uniform over the years have meant to Mohegan Sun, our region and the impact they’ve made both on and off the court, has been nothing short of remarkable.”

As part of the agreement, the team will remain in Connecticut through the 2026 season before relocating to Houston in 2027, where it is expected to revive the historic Comets name (the Houston Comets were one of the league’s original teams in 1997 and captured its first four championships before folding in 2008.) Fertitta’s group expressed excitement about restoring a former powerhouse. “My family and I are thrilled for the opportunity to bring the Houston Comets back to this incredible city,” said Patrick Fertitta. “Houston has a proud championship history in the WNBA… We believe the time is right to begin the next great era of Comets basketball.”

This move will close a 23-year chapter in New England. The franchise began as the Orlando Miracle in 1999 before being purchased and relocated to Connecticut by the Mohegan Tribe in 2003. Over the years, the Sun became a consistent contender, reaching the WNBA Finals four times and posting multiple strong seasons, including four straight campaigns with at least 25 wins from 2021 to 2024. However, the team struggled last season, finishing 11-33.

Suns’ president Jen Rizzotti acknowledged the emotional weight of the decision while emphasizing a focus on the future. “The Connecticut Sun organization understands how emotional this moment is for our fans and community,” she said. “You have made a home for this franchise for generations, and we are grateful for the passion and support that made us a cornerstone team in the WNBA. While the league continues to grow and evolve, our commitment is to honor this legacy — and finishing this final season together with pride.” Rizzotti also shared her personal disappointment about the relocation, noting she hoped the team could remain in the region but is now focused on making the final season memorable for fans.

Houston had long been viewed as a strong candidate for a WNBA return. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert previously said that the city was next in line for expansion, aligning with a broader trend of NBA-affiliated ownership groups entering the league. Recent additions and upcoming teams in cities like Golden State, Portland, Toronto, Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia all reflect that shift.

Editorial credit: Shutterstock AI Generator / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Country Daypop

Brandi Carlile expands “The Human Tour” with new North American dates

Brandi Carlile attends the 2019 CMT Music Awards at Bridgestone Arena on June 5^ 2019 in Nashville^ Tennessee.

Singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile is extending her “The Human Tour” with a newly announced fall leg across North America.

The newly announced shows follow a successful first leg of “The Human Tour,” which included multiple nights at Madison Square Garden as well as performances at Kia Forum and TD Garden. During that run, Carlile also hosted “Be Human: A Concert for Minneapolis” at Target Center, raising more than $700,000 for The Advocates for Human Rights through a sold-out show and livestream event.

The additional run, supporting her album Returning to Myself, will begin August 13 in Portland, Maine, and will travel through cities including Nashville, Austin, Vancouver, and San Diego at major venues such as Bridgestone Arena, Red Rocks Amphitheatre for a three-night stand, and The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park.

A strong lineup of supporting artists will join Carlile on select dates, including Jensen McRae, I’m With Her, Gregory Alan Isakov, The Head and the Heart, Stephen Wilson Jr., and CMAT.

Prior to the fall concerts, Carlile will appear at several previously scheduled events. She returns to The Gorge Amphitheatre for her “Echoes Through the Canyon” weekend on May 29–31, where night three will feature a headlining performance by The Highwomen. Guests across the weekend include Sheryl Crow, Indigo Girls, Bonnie Raitt, Wynonna Judd, Brittney Spencer, and Sara Bareilles. She will also headline the Newport Folk Festival on July 26.

Tickets can be purchased HERE.

Editorial credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Entertainment Daypop

Winona Ryder to reunite with Jenna Ortega in Season 3 of “Wednesday”

Winona Ryder at the Netflix's season 2 premiere of 'Stranger Things' held at the Regency Village Theatre in Westwood^ USA on October 26^ 2017.

Winona Ryder has signed on for a guest appearance in Season 3 of Netflix’s Wednesday. While details about her character are being kept secret, the casting sets up a reunion with director and executive producer Tim Burton — and with series lead Jenna Ortega.

Ryder previously worked with Burton on Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands, and recently shared the screen with Ortega in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Burton expressed his excitement in a statement, saying, “I am so happy that Winona has joined us, she fits right into this world. And she’s a dear friend. I always feel lucky to work with her.”

Series creators and showrunners Al Gough and Miles Millar echoed that enthusiasm: “When it comes to Outcasts, Winona Ryder is the GOAT. Her legendary partnership with Tim Burton has defined some of cinema’s most unforgettable characters. We loved collaborating with her on ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ and couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome her to Nevermore.”

Season 3 will also feature Eva Green as Morticia Addams’ sister, Ophelia, while Joanna Lumley has been elevated to series regular after debuting as Wednesday’s grandmother in Season 2. Returning cast members include Emma Myers, Hunter Doohan, Joy Sunday, Moosa Mostafa and Georgie Farmer, alongside Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzmán and Isaac Ordonez, who were promoted to series regulars in Season 2.

Editorial credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Entertainment Daypop

‘Emily in Paris’ renewed for Season 6 at Netflix

Lily Collins and Ashley Park at the premiere for season 4 of Emily in Paris at the Egyptian Theatre. LOS ANGELES^ USA. August 14^ 2024

‘Emily in Paris’ has been renewed for a sixth season on Netflix. “Home sweet home,” the streaming service posted Monday. “Emily in Paris is returning for Season 6!”

The series stars Lily Collins as Emily Cooper, a marketing professional from the U.S. who moves to Paris for a new job opportunity — which eventually also moves her to Italy. The synopsis for Season 5 read: “Now the head of Agence Grateau Rome, Emily faces professional and romantic challenges as she adapts to life in a new city. But just as everything falls into place, a work idea backfires, and the fallout cascades into heartbreak and career setbacks. Seeking stability, Emily leans into her French lifestyle, until a big secret threatens one of her closest relationships. Tackling conflict with honesty, Emily emerges with deeper connections, renewed clarity, and a readiness to embrace new possibilities.”

Season 5 debuted on the Netflix Top 10 in the No. 2 position with 13.5 milliion views in its first four days of streaming and held onto second place with 13.3 million views the following week.

Created by Darren Starr (Beverly Hills, 90210 and Sex and the City), the series also stars Minnie Driver, Eugenio Franceschini, Philippine Leroy-Bealieu, Ashley Park, Lucas Bravo, Samuel Arnold, Bruno Gouery, William Abadie, Lucien Lavisount, Thalia Besson, Paul Forman, Arnaud Binard, Bryan Greenberg and Michele Laroque

Editorial credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Rock Daypop

Louder Than Life 2026 unveils massive lineup led by Iron Maiden, My Chemical Romance, Limp Bizkit and TOOL

Iron Maiden performs at Cotroceni Stadium August 4^ 2008 in Bucharest. BUCHAREST^ ROMANIA - AUGUST 4

Louder Than Life has revealed its full 2026 bill, confirming a stacked four-day event topped by Iron Maiden, My Chemical Romance, Limp Bizkit, and Tool.

The 12th edition of the festival returns to the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville from September 17–20, bringing together more than 200 acts from across the rock and metal spectrum.

  • Thursday night kicks off with Iron Maiden closing the main stage, joined that day by heavy hitters like Megadeth, who are currently in the midst of their farewell run, along with Alice Cooper and Anthrax. Additional sets across the grounds include Pantera, Danzig, and Machine Head, among many others.
  • Friday belongs to My Chemical Romance, who headline a lineup that also features Coheed and Cambria, Taking Back Sunday, and A Day to Remember. Fans can also catch Pierce the Veil, The Used, and Cavalera, who will perform Sepultura’s Roots in full. Notably, Alissa White-Gluz is set to debut her new solo project live.
  • Saturday shifts gears with Limp Bizkit leading the charge. Their main-stage bill includes Sublime, Tom Morello, and Coal Chamber. Elsewhere, audiences can see Babymetal, Papa Roach, Halestorm, and In This Moment.
  • The weekend wraps Sunday with a closing set from Tool. The final day also features eclectic performances by Danny Elfman, The Prodigy, Ministry, and The Mars Volta. Heavy standouts across the stages include Gojira, Mastodon, Killswitch Engage, and Black Veil Brides.

Beyond the headliners, the festival promises reunion appearances from Circa Survive, Get Scared, Blood for Blood, Metal Church, Primer 55, Sent By Ravens, and 40 Below Summer, adding even more variety to an already packed schedule.

Promoter Danny Wimmer of DWP said in a statement: “Last year, we took over Kentucky Kingdom and broke rock festival records. This year, we’re back to deliver the ultimate rock escape. Louder Than Life is your playground — ride the coasters, catch legendary and emerging bands, enjoy incredible food and bourbon, and dive headfirst into the rock experience you’ve been waiting for. It’s time to let loose and have fun. We’ll see you soon.”

With single-day passes, weekend options, VIP upgrades, camping packages, and hotel bundles currently available, Louder Than Life 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest rock events of the year.   For passes, head HERE.

Further details can be found at the Louder Than Life website.

Editorial credit: Narcis Parfenti / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Pop Daypop

Céline Dion announces stage comeback with Paris concert series

Celine Dion at the premiere for Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" at El Capitan Theatre^ Hollywood. Los Angeles LOS ANGELES^ CA - MARCH 2^ 2017: Celine Dion at the premiere for Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" at El Capitan Theatre^ Hollywood. Los Angeles

Celine Dion is officially returning to live performances with a highly anticipated 2026 concert series in Paris—her first major run of shows in several years.

Revealed in a heartfelt video message shared on her birthday, the singer confirmed a five-week residency at Paris La Défense Arena, Europe’s largest indoor venue. The limited engagement will span 10 performances from September 12 through October 14. The upcoming Paris shows will feature a mix of her most iconic songs in both English and French, brought to life through a large-scale production led by acclaimed designer Willo Perron.

Speaking directly to fans, Dion reflected on their support during her time away, saying, “Over the last few years, every day that’s gone by, I’ve felt your prayers and support, your kindness and love. You’ve helped me in ways that I can’t even describe, and I’m truly fortunate to have your support.” She added that returning to the stage feels like “the best birthday gift of my life” and shared that she feels “so ready” to perform again.

Dion’s last full tour, the Courage World Tour, was halted in 2020 due to the pandemic and later canceled as she dealt with health challenges. In 2022, Dion revealed she had been diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome, a rare condition that causes severe muscle spasms and made performing difficult. She later detailed her intensive routine of physical, athletic, and vocal therapy in the documentary I Am: Celine Dion. Despite these setbacks, Dion made a brief but memorable return in 2024, performing at the 2024 Summer Olympics opening ceremony from the Eiffel Tower.

For ticket details, head to: celinedion.com.

Editorial credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Pop Daypop

Noah Kahan shares the song “Porch Light” ahead of ‘The Great Divide’ album release

Noah Kahan at the 2024 Soundside Music Festival. Bridgeport^ Connecticut - September 28^ 2024

Noah Kahan has released a new single titled “Porch Light,” offering another glimpse into his upcoming fourth studio album, The Great Divide, set to arrive April 24th.

Kahan wrote the song with Grammy-winning producer Aaron Dessner (known for his work with Taylor Swift and Bon Iver) during their first studio session together. The track was produced by Kahan, Dessner, and longtime collaborator Gabe Simon, and recorded between Long Pond Studio and Gold Pacific Studios.

“Porch Light” – which was first performed live at the 2025 ‘Out of the Blue Festival’ before its official release – reflects on the emotional toll that Kahan feels his career may have placed on his family after the massive success of his 2022 album Stick Season. In the song, he imagines the situation from his mother’s point of view The track

After the album arrives, Kahan will launch his sold-out ‘Great Divide Tour,’ which has already moved more than one million tickets. The 30-date North American run begins June 11–12 in Orlando and will travel through major cities including Philadelphia, Toronto, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Vancouver, and Seattle. The tour will also feature four shows at Fenway Park, making the Vermont native the first artist to sell out the iconic venue for four nights.

In addition to the new music, Kahan’s documentary, Noah Kahan: Out of Body, premiered at South by Southwest before its arrival on Netflix. The documentary follows the singer as he navigates the pressure of success after Stick Season, returning to his roots in Vermont while working on ‘The Great Divide,’ and searching for renewed creative inspiration.

Preorder ‘The Great Divide’ – HERE.
Stream ‘Porch Light’ – HERE.

Editorial credit: Adam McCullough / Shutterstock.com