Month: August 2026

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Entertainment Daypop

Ariana Grande to “step back from visibility” after tour ends; drops out of West End production of ‘Sunday in the Park with George’

Ariana Grande at the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar SANTA MONICA - JANUARY 4^ 2026

Ariana Grande will “step back from visibility” after completing her ‘Eternal Sunshine Tour,’ and has withdrawn from the planned 2027 West End revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George. A representative for Grande said the singer intends to finish the tour “on a high note, both healthily and happily,” before taking “a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny. This tour has been a beautiful experience for her. She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much.”

Grande had been set to reunite with her ‘Wicked’ co-star Jonathan Bailey in the London production at the Barbican Theatre, where she was expected to play Dot and Marie. Producers confirmed her departure in a statement to the BBC, writing: “Following the announcement from Ariana Grande’s team, we can confirm that she has decided to step back from Sunday in the Park with George. We know this cannot have been an easy decision, and she makes it with our complete understanding and support. We wish her nothing but the best.”We sincerely hope to welcome her to the Barbican one day when the time is right. Our brilliant theatre team are continuing their hard work preparing for Sunday In The Park with George to open at the Barbican in summer 2027 as planned, starring Jonathan Bailey and directed by Marianne Elliott. Further casting and details about the run, as well as information about how to buy tickets, will be announced soon.”

The announcement follows months of intense public discussion surrounding Grande’s appearance and health, as well as the recent release of her eighth studio album, Petal. The singer has previously addressed the impact of persistent commentary about her body, describing the scrutiny as dehumanizing. Her representative emphasized that the tour has been a rewarding experience and said Grande remains grateful for the support she has received from fans throughout the run.

Ironically just last month, Grande had detailed a new mental health initiative designed to support members of the music industry, expanding the work of her recently launched Brighter Days Ahead Foundation through a partnership with nonprofit organization Backline. The initiative builds on the Brighter Days Ahead Foundation, which Grande officially introduced in June after years of supporting charitable causes privately. The foundation focuses on four key areas: expanding access to mental health care, protecting LGBTQ+ rights, supporting civil and reproductive justice efforts, and providing emergency relief during crises. When announcing the organization, Grande said, “Our mission is to support, protect and provide resources for our vulnerable friends in need.” She added, “Through four different funds, we will be supporting handfuls of incredible organizations that provide the safe space and care that is desperately needed by so many right now.”

Grande’s Eternal Sunshine Tour concludes Sept. 1 in London before she begins her planned hiatus from public-facing commitments. Although she is stepping away from future stage appearances for now, audiences will still see her in the upcoming comedy film Focker-in-Law, scheduled for release later this year.

Editorial credit: Joe Seer / Shutterstock.com

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News Daypop

Shooting at Idaho In-N-Out Burger leaves 3 dead, 5 injured

In-N-Out Burger sign is seen at the entrance to its restaurant in Grants Pass^ Oregon. In-N-Out Burger is an American fast food chain based in Irvine^ California.

Three people were killed and at least five others were injured after a gunman opened fire at a busy In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls, Idaho, authorities confirmed Sunday as investigators continued working to determine what prompted the attack. Police said the suspect died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after the shooting, which unfolded Saturday afternoon at the recently opened restaurant in a crowded commercial district.

At a news conference Saturday evening, Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks said a motive for the shooting remains under investigation, noting that the suspected shooter is also dead and police believe there is no longer any threat to the community. Hicks described the scene as chaotic, with officers responding to reports of gunfire shortly after 2:30 p.m. Witness videos circulating online appeared to show the gunman carrying a rifle before firing near the restaurant and parking lot, sending customers and employees scrambling for safety. Authorities said two of the injured have since been released from the hospital, while several others remain hospitalized in stable or critical condition. Police credited the actions of an off-duty Idaho State Police trooper and an armed civilian with helping bring the violence to an end and potentially preventing additional casualties. The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are assisting in the investigation.

Investigators believe the 24-year-old suspect acted alone, though they have not announced a possible motive. Hundreds of witnesses are expected to be interviewed, and the FBI has asked anyone with photos or video from the scene to come forward. Authorities have not publicly identified the victims as notifications to their families continue.

The Twin Falls location had opened only days earlier as part of In-N-Out Burger’s continued expansion into Idaho. Company owner Lynsi Snyder confirmed that one of the victims was an employee and expressed condolences to those affected, while company leaders pledged full cooperation with law enforcement. Idaho Gov. Brad Little also offered sympathy to the victims, their families and first responders as the community mourns one of the state’s deadliest recent mass shootings.

The FBI is asking for anyone with audio, still images or video footage of the incident to submit them at the link HERE.

Editorial credit: Tada Images / Shutterstock.com

Categories
News Daypop

Eastern Washington state wildfires destroy over 600 structures, trigger mass evacuations

Aerial View of Spokane^ Washington in heavy Wildfire Smoke

Wind-driven wildfires tearing through eastern Washington have destroyed more than 600 structures and forced the evacuation of roughly 5,000 homes as firefighters continue battling multiple fast-moving blazes fueled by hot, dry weather and powerful winds. Officials said the fires remain largely uncontained, with the largest burning near Spokane, where flames spread rapidly through residential neighborhoods and scorched thousands of acres. Authorities have not reported any deaths, though damage assessments remain ongoing as emergency crews gain access to affected areas.

The fires, collectively impacting communities around Spokane, include the Old Trails, Fairview and Meadowview fires. Fire officials said strong winds, difficult terrain and critically dry vegetation have complicated suppression efforts, while flames crossed the Spokane River and threatened thousands of additional homes and businesses. Evacuation centers have been established for displaced residents, and officials continue urging those under evacuation orders to stay away from impacted neighborhoods until conditions are safe.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency as fire activity intensified across the region. The National Weather Service issued a rare “particularly dangerous situation” Red Flag Warning for eastern Washington, citing extreme wildfire conditions driven by high temperatures, low humidity and strong wind gusts. Utility provider Avista also implemented public safety power shutoffs in some areas to reduce the risk of additional fires, while smoke prompted air quality alerts across parts of the Inland Northwest.

The eastern Washington fires are part of a broader wildfire outbreak across the Pacific Northwest, where firefighters are also battling major blazes in Idaho and Oregon. State officials said thousands of firefighters, including crews from other states and National Guard personnel, have been deployed as multiple large fires burn across Washington. Investigators continue working to determine the causes of the Spokane-area fires while warning that continued hot, windy weather could lead to additional fire growth and new ignitions.

Editorial credit: Jacob Boomsma / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Country Daypop

Vince Gill releases eighth EP in ’50 Years From Home’ series – ‘’A Mother’s Prayer‘’

Vince Gill at the 7th Annual ACM Honors^ Ryman Auditorium^ Nashville^ TN 09-10-13

The eighth release in Vince Gill’s ’50 Years From Home’ series, titled ‘A Mother’s Prayer,’ is available now.

The EP features seven songs with writing credits from Jordan Fletcher, Maggie Rose, John Jarvis, Nathan Chapman and more.  Gill shared in a statement: I think with each of these EPs, I’m working toward pairing the songs that will sit together, that flow together, that sequence well. I like the theme of these songs, what they’re about. Where they came from. There are definitely some very personal ones on A Mother’s Prayer.”

Gill has been commemorating his 50-year career milestone over the course of a year by curating a series of EPs to be released, titled 50 Years from Home. Up until now, Gill has released seven EPs – with each featuring six new songs and one previous hit: I Gave You Everything I Had, Secondhand Smoke, and Brown’s Diner Bar, Pocket Full of Gold, Down At The Borderline (ft. Lainey Wilson), End of the Night, and Nobody Held Her Like Me.

Stream ‘A Mother’s Prayer’ – HERE.

Editorial credit: s_bukley / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Country Daypop

Garth Brooks expands Denver arena set with two additional Ball Arena shows

Garth Brooks performs before a sold out crowd at the Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento^ CA. Sacramento^ CA/USA - 3/27/2015

Garth Brooks has expanded his upcoming Denver stop on the “Blame It All On My Roots” arena tour, adding two more performances at Ball Arena after the initial pair of concerts generated overwhelming demand. The newly added shows are scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 6, and Monday, Sept. 7, extending the Denver run to four consecutive performances. The additional dates follow a familiar strategy Brooks has used throughout his career, increasing the number of shows in a market rather than relying on resale pricing or larger venues.

An Instagram post reads: “DENVER!!! You just keep showing up, so we’re gonna keep showing up too!!! Garth’s adding a FOURTH and Final show!!!! Stay up late with us on Sunday!! Monday’s a holiday!!!!!! Get your tickets for the final show now Ticketmaster.com/GarthBrooks -Team Garth”

The Denver concerts mark the second stop on Brooks’ first major arena tour in roughly three decades, following a four-show kickoff in Indianapolis that also expanded after hundreds of thousands of fans joined the online ticket queue. The tour revisits the arena format that helped launch Brooks into superstardom during the 1990s, with the singer promising a more intimate experience than his recent stadium productions. As Brooks has said previously, “going back into the arenas is about putting the stadium show in a box. The excitement gets multiplied by the intimacy. Every seat is a great seat. This is personal.”

Tickets for the original Denver dates went on sale Friday through Ticketmaster, and Brooks has continued his long-standing “one fair price” approach, with no presales or advance box office sales and an eight-ticket purchase limit designed to give more fans equal access. Organizers have also encouraged concertgoers to sign into their Ticketmaster accounts before entering the virtual waiting room to improve their chances of securing seats.

The “Blame It All On My Roots” tour will feature Brooks’ biggest hits in the arenas where many of them first became concert staples while also serving as the basis for his upcoming “Killer Live” recording project, which aims to capture performances in real time. Denver also holds special significance for Brooks, whose record-setting 2019 concert at Empower Field at Mile High drew more than 84,000 fans. This time, he is returning to a smaller venue that he believes will create an even stronger connection with audiences.

For tickets head to: Ticketmaster.com.

Editorial credit: Sterling Munksgard / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Entertainment Daypop

‘Sopranos’ star Vincent Pastore dies at 80

Actor Vincent Pastore attends the premiere of "Chappie" at AMC Loews Lincoln Square on March 4^ 2015 in New York City

Vincent Pastore, the veteran character actor best known for portraying Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s acclaimed crime drama The Sopranos, has died at the age of 80. His death was confirmed by his representatives after he was found unresponsive at his home on City Island in the Bronx. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, though initial reports indicated no immediate signs of foul play and an official cause had not been announced.

Born in the Bronx on July 14, 1946, Pastore served in the U.S. Navy before pursuing acting later in life. After studying drama at Pace University, he established himself as a familiar face in crime films and television, appearing in projects including Goodfellas, Awakenings, Carlito’s Way, Gotti, Law & Order, The Practice and Hawaii Five-0. His career reached its defining moment in 1999 when he joined The Sopranos as the conflicted mobster whose storyline became one of the series’ most memorable arcs.

Tributes quickly poured in from colleagues and friends who remembered Pastore for far more than the tough-guy characters he portrayed on screen. Manager Bob McGowan described him as a generous, loyal and compassionate person who regularly supported charitable causes and encouraged aspiring actors. Fellow Sopranos cast member Michael Imperioli also honored Pastore’s warmth and kindness, recalling his devotion to friends, family and fans throughout a career that spanned more than three decades.

Although he became synonymous with “Big Pussy,” Pastore remained active long after The Sopranos ended, continuing to act while frequently attending fan conventions and cast reunions. One of his final public appearances came at the 2024 Tribeca Festival, where he supported longtime friend and co-star Steven Van Zandt. Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee.

Editorial credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Entertainment Daypop

‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ swings to second-best opening in box office history with $355M debut weekend

Tom Holland and Zendaya attend the Spider-Man: Brand New Day photocall at the Four Seasons Hotel on June 15^ 2026 in Madrid^ Spain

Tom Holland’s latest outing as Marvel’s iconic web-slinger delivered one of the biggest opening weekends in box office history, with “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” earning an estimated $355 million across North America.

The launch ranks as the second-largest domestic opening of all time, trailing only 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, while giving Sony Pictures the biggest debut in the studio’s history. Worldwide, the film collected an estimated $927 million, including $572 million from international markets, led by China with $121 million.

Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the fourth ‘Spider-Man’ film starring Holland follows Peter Parker after the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, with the world having forgotten his identity as he continues fighting crime. The movie also stars Zendaya as MJ and debuted after generating record-breaking preview grosses and advance ticket sales. Industry analysts said the film’s combination of strong audience anticipation, positive reviews and the enduring popularity of Spider-Man helped it outperform expectations despite recent struggles for several superhero releases.

The film also earned enthusiastic audience and critical reactions, receiving an “A” CinemaScore, a 90% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 98% audience score. It set a new opening-day record with $168 million and attracted an audience of more than 24 million moviegoers during its first weekend. Sony Pictures chairman Tom Rothman credited the film’s themes of friendship and human connection for helping it resonate with audiences.

The blockbuster debut provided another major boost for the 2026 summer movie season, joining hits including The Odyssey and Toy Story 5 in driving strong theater attendance. Box office analysts said the performance could push domestic summer ticket sales beyond $4 billion and keep the annual North American box office on pace to surpass $10 billion, signaling renewed momentum for theatrical releases after several uneven years.

Editorial credit: OSCAR GONZALEZ FUENTES / Shutterstock.com