Month: June 2025

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Entertainment Daypop

See the first trailer for ‘Wicked: For Good’ starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande at the premiere for Wicked at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. LOS ANGELES^ CA. November 09^ 2024

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo return in the first trailer for Wicked: For Good. 

Wicked: For Good is the second of a two-film adaption of the Broadway musical by director Jon M. Chu, picking up the stories of Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba and Ariana Grande’s Glinda years later.  The sequel picks up after Elphaba (Erivo) is branded a “wicked witch” and flees the Land of Oz.

The films are inspired by Gregory Maguire’s 1995 book and the 2003 Broadway adaptation. The story explores the origins of “The Wicked Witch of the West,” and “Glinda the Good” from The Wizard of Oz, inspired by the Frank L. Baum novel.

Wicked: For Good is in theaters Nov. 21; see the trailer: HERE.

Editorial credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com

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Pop Daypop

The Weeknd shares video for ‘Baptized in Fear’

The Weeknd arrives for the ÔAvatar The Way of WaterÕ Hollywood Premiere on December 12^ 2022 in Hollywood^ CA

Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd, has released the music video for his song “Baptized in Fear,” taken off his latest album Hurry Up Tomorrow. 

The haunting, cinematic clip is shot in and around an old church, with eerie statues transforming in ghostly ways and the screen dark, except for the pews.  Statues dissolve as Tesfaye sings, and he watches as his hand is slowly engulfed in a liquid marble, which according to a release, is “akin to the soulless statues that populate the visual before wandering out into the equally empty grounds of the churchyard, which represents the singer’s battle with inner demons, a purgatory that he must endure, fighting for rebirth.”

Baptized in Fear follows the videos for “Open Hearts,” “Cry For Me,” and “Drive,” and The Weeknd’s new film, Hurry Up Tomorrow – the full-length psychological thriller directed by Trey Edward Shults that serves as a companion piece to the album, starring Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan.

See the video for Baptized in Fear – HERE.

Editorial credit: DFree / Shutterstock.com

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Entertainment Daypop

Prosecutors to drop some charges in case against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs

Sean Combs He is facing fresh allegations as he remains imprisoned at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Centre

Prosecutors are streamlining their case and have moved to drop some of the charges against Sean “Diddy” Combs a day before closing arguments are set to commence. Combs, 55, is charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. Those charges were not affected by the prosecution’s letter, but the jury will now have fewer predicates to consider during deliberations. Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In a letter to Judge Arun Subramanian filed on the morning of Wednesday, June 25, prosecutors said that they will not instruct the jury to consider attempted kidnapping, attempted arson and aiding and abetting sex trafficking prior to deliberations: “The Government understands the Court’s desire for streamlined instructions. Specifically, the Government has removed instructions from the charge relating to (i) attempted kidnapping under both California and New York law, (ii) attempted arson under California law, and (iii) aiding and abetting sex trafficking. The Government is no longer planning to proceed on these theories of liability so instructions are no longer necessary.”

In addition to dropping parts of their argument of the first count—one count of racketeering conspiracy—the letter sought to clarify Combs’ two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. The letter notes that it is “imperative” the jury understands that “earlier consent is not determinative” of whether a victim was sex trafficked, adding that the same is true of forced labor, which is part of Combs’ sex trafficking counts. Additionally, the letter requests that “the Court instruct the jury that sex trafficking/labor and payment to the victim for that conduct are not mutually exclusive.”

Prosecutors called 34 witnesses over 29 days of testimony, while Combs’ team rested their defense after only 20 minutes on June 24, having called no witnesses and only introducing a series of text messages into evidence. Combs —who has been in federal custody since his September arrest—also waived his right to testify. In a rare statement addressing the court, he said: “We have discussed it thoroughly, that is my decision. That is totally my decision, I am making it.”  He also expressed gratitude for how Judge Subramanian has handled the case thus far: “I’m doing great, your honor, wanted to tell you thank you, you’re doing an excellent job.”

Editorial credit: bella1105 / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Pop Daypop

Prosecutors to drop some charges in case against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs

Sean Combs He is facing fresh allegations as he remains imprisoned at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Centre

Prosecutors are streamlining their case and have moved to drop some of the charges against Sean “Diddy” Combs a day before closing arguments are set to commence. Combs, 55, is charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. Those charges were not affected by the prosecution’s letter, but the jury will now have fewer predicates to consider during deliberations. Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In a letter to Judge Arun Subramanian filed on the morning of Wednesday, June 25, prosecutors said that they will not instruct the jury to consider attempted kidnapping, attempted arson and aiding and abetting sex trafficking prior to deliberations: “The Government understands the Court’s desire for streamlined instructions. Specifically, the Government has removed instructions from the charge relating to (i) attempted kidnapping under both California and New York law, (ii) attempted arson under California law, and (iii) aiding and abetting sex trafficking. The Government is no longer planning to proceed on these theories of liability so instructions are no longer necessary.”

In addition to dropping parts of their argument of the first count—one count of racketeering conspiracy—the letter sought to clarify Combs’ two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. The letter notes that it is “imperative” the jury understands that “earlier consent is not determinative” of whether a victim was sex trafficked, adding that the same is true of forced labor, which is part of Combs’ sex trafficking counts. Additionally, the letter requests that “the Court instruct the jury that sex trafficking/labor and payment to the victim for that conduct are not mutually exclusive.”

Prosecutors called 34 witnesses over 29 days of testimony, while Combs’ team rested their defense after only 20 minutes on June 24, having called no witnesses and only introducing a series of text messages into evidence. Combs —who has been in federal custody since his September arrest—also waived his right to testify. In a rare statement addressing the court, he said: “We have discussed it thoroughly, that is my decision. That is totally my decision, I am making it.”  He also expressed gratitude for how Judge Subramanian has handled the case thus far: “I’m doing great, your honor, wanted to tell you thank you, you’re doing an excellent job.”

Editorial credit: bella1105 / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Sports Daypop

Edmonton Oilers trade veteran forward Evander Kane to Vancouver Canucks

Official Vancouver Canucks game puck on the ice ^product shot

The Edmonton Oilers announced Wednesday they have traded veteran forward Evander Kane to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.   This will be Kane’s 16th NHL season, having played 930 games with the Atlanta Thrashers, Winnipeg Jets, Buffalo Sabres, San Jose Sharks and Oilers.

Kane, 33, totaled 44 points (from 24 goals and 20 assists) and led the NHL with 37 playoff penalty minutes in over 77 appearances in the 2023-24 season.  The 15-year veteran winger also totaled a career-high 250 hits and led the Oilers with 85 penalty minutes in 2023-24.

Kane, who signed a four-year, $20.5 million contract with the Oilers in 2022, missed the entire 2024-25 season after multiple surgeries (first to his hip and groin areas and then knee surgery in January). He returned in the Stanley Cup playoffs and scored 6 goals and 6 assists in 21 games during the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs, but the Oilers lost to the Florida Panthers for the second straight season in the Final.

Canucks GM Patrik Allvin said in a news release: “Evander is a physical power forward who will add some much-needed size and toughness to our group. We like the way he wins puck battles along the boards and handles himself in the dirty areas in front of the net. Evander moves well around the ice and has proven to be a productive goal scorer in the National Hockey League. We are excited to bring him back home to Vancouver and our staff looks forward to working with him this coming season.”

In a message on X, Kane thanked Oilers players, staff and ownership “for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to be a part of such a respected and passionate franchise,” and thanked Oilers fans for “embracing me and showing unwavering support throughout my time in Edmonton.” Kane said that he’s “incredibly excited for the next chapter of my career … It’s an honor to become part of an organization and team I grew up watching as a kid. Vancouver is a city that lives and breathes hockey, I’m looking forward to the opportunity to play in front of my hometown as I did many years ago as a Vancouver Giant.”

Editorial credit: dean bertoncelj / Shutterstock.com

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Sports Daypop

Guard Fred VanVleet to reportedly sign 2-year, $50 million deal to remain with Houston Rockets

LOGO (RED) of NBA franchise HOUSTON ROCKETS on white background.

Per a report from ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Houston Rockets are declining Fred VanVleet’s $44.9 million player option for next season and will re-sign him on a two-year, $50 million contract, with the two sides having reportedly worked out a new deal.

Charania said on X: “Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet intends to sign a two-year, $50 million contract to stay with the franchise, with a player option in 2026-27, sources tell ESPN. Rockets are declining VanVleet’s $44.9 million team option and land the new deal with Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul.”

VanVleet’s new deal comes days after the Rockets added 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns in a trade for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and the No. 10 pick in Wednesday’s NBA draft, plus five second-round picks as part of the trade.

VanVleet, 31, spent the first seven seasons of his NBA career with the Toronto Raptors where he helped them to the 2019 NBA title.  He just finished his second season in Houston where he averaged 14.1 points and 5.6 assists per game, and 1.6 steals in 60 appearances; shooting 34.5% from 3-point range. The Rockets signed VanVleet in 2023 to a three-year, $128.5 million contract that included a team option for the third year.

Houston finished second in the Western Conference at 52-30 and lost in seven games to the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the playoffs.

Editorial credit: MaxxGraphic / Shutterstock.com

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Entertainment Daypop

Pete Davidson stars in the trailer for horror-thriller ‘The Home’

Pete Davidson arrives for the Netflix 'The Dirt' Premiere on March 18^ 2019 in Hollywood^ CA

A new trailer was released for the new horror-thrilled The Home, starring Pete Davidson as a man performing community service at a retirement home with a dark secret.

The film, which also stars John Glover and Bruce Altman, is directed by James DeMonaco (The Purge) from a script he co-wrote with Adam Cantor. DeMonaco said in a statement: “When I set out to create The Home, I aimed to capture the spine-chilling eeriness of 70’s horror, where suspense simmers and ultimately erupts into glorious chaos. Joining me is my Staten Island brother, Pete Davidson, who unveils a darker, dramatic side as his character navigates a bizarre group of residents in an old age home. The growing tension culminates in an epic blood-soaked finale, designed to leave audiences gasping, terrified, and cheering. I can’t wait for everyone to visit The Home. Cover your eyes, folks.”

The official film synopsis reads: “The residents on the fourth floor are strictly off-limits, said to require ‘special care.’ As his suspicions grow and he digs deeper, he uncovers a chilling secret that puts both the residents’ lives and his own in grave danger.”

The Home premieres in theaters July 25; see the trailer – HERE.

Editorial credit: DFree / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Pop Daypop

Lorde shares video for ‘Hammer’ off new album ‘Virgin’

Lorde performs in concert at Primavera Sound Festival on June 2^ 2018 in Barcelona^ Spain.

Lorde has shared the video for “Hammer,” directed by Renell Medrano and shot on location in London. The visual finds Lorde dancing, swimming, and spending time in nature.

Co-produced by Lorde and Jim-E Stack, “Hammer” opens Lorde’s upcoming album Virgin; it follows the release of “Man of the Year,” and “What was That.” The album will also feature the songs “Shapeshifter,” “Favorite Daughter,” “Current Affairs,” “Clearblue,” “GRWM,” “Broken Glass,” “If She Could See Me Now” and “David.”

Lorde, 28, previously shared news of the release of  “Hammer” with a 17-second preview clip which saw the singer sitting on a park bench in Hampstead Heath park in London, with pigeons sitting on her shoulders. She wear her hairs in braids and runs down a hill. Check it out HERE.

Lorde said of her upcoming album, “I was trying to see myself, all the way through. I was trying to make a document that reflected my femininity: raw, primal, innocent, elegant, openhearted, spiritual, masc. I’m proud and scared of this album. There’s nowhere to hide. I believe that putting the deepest parts of ourselves to music is what sets us free.”

See the video for ‘Hammer’ – HERE.

Virgin drops 6/27; to pre-order, head here.

Editorial credit: Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Sports Daypop

Arizona Diamondbacks OF Corbin Carroll placed on IL with left wrist fracture

arionza diamondbacks (Mlb) images on outside of stadium Picture of Helmet with Diamondbacks logo and closeup of player's jersey

Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll was placed on the injured list with a chip fracture in his left wrist.

Carroll suffered the injury last week after being hit in the hand by a 91.4-mph fastball during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays. He left the game after the top of the eighth inning and while postgame X-rays were initially negative, a follow up MRI revealed the extent of the damage.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said at a news conference: “That’s still a little bit confusing to all of us .. It’s on the back of his hand. The impact of the ball hit the side of his hand. Just goes to show you how hard these guys are throwing .. I don’t have too great of an understanding of what it is, I know it hurts. Hoping for a shorter term [injured list stint]. I’ve never experienced a bone break before, so I’m still just gathering information, and [we’ll] see where we’re at …”  

Lovullo said that Carroll is seeking other opinions to get a definitive diagnosis and determine how much time he will miss: “It sounds like it’s relatively stable so it just needs to heal and we’ll see how it is to tolerate after that. I don’t know what the downtime is going to be. They’ll probably reassess it after a few weeks. It’s going to be some period of time down.”

Carroll, the 2023 NL Rookie of the Year, hit .255 with 20 home runs, an MLB-high nine triples, 44 RBIs and 10 stolen bases through his first 72 appearances this season.  Through 72 games this season the 24-year-old Carroll is batting .255 with 20 home runs, 44 RBI and 10 stolen bases.

Editorial credit: Eric Glenn / Shutterstock.com

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Sports Daypop

Portland Trail Blazers to acquire Jrue Holiday from Boston Celtics for Anfernee Simons, draft picks

Portland Trail Blazers^ Popular editorial vector logo is printed on white paper.

The Portland Trail Blazers will acquire guard Jrue Holiday from the Boston Celtics. Per The Athletic, the Blazers agreed to send guard Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks to the Celtics in exchange for Holiday.

Holiday signed a four-year, $135 million contract extension with the Celtics in 2024. He is set to make $32.4 million in 2025-26, $34.8 million in 2026-27 and has a $37.2 million player option in 2027-28. Meanwhile, Simons signed a four-year, $100 million contract extension with the Blazers in 2022 and is set to make $27.6 million in 2025-26, the final year of that pact.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, “Portland makes an aggressive move to re-acquire Holiday, who the franchise originally received from Milwaukee in the Damian Lillard trade in 2023 and later moved to Boston for a deal that included two first-round picks to Blazers. Simons joins Boston on an expiring contract.” Charania added that the Celtics are still engaged in trade talks “surrounding multiple key players on the roster,” though further specifics are not yet known.

Holiday, 35, entered the league as the No. 17 overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2009 NBA Draft, and has spent time with the New Orleans Pelicans and Milwaukee Bucks. He spent the past two seasons with the Celtics after the Trail Blazers dealt him there following the Damian Lillard trade to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023, (though he didn’t play a game in Portland). The two-time champion, two-time All-Star and six-time All-Defensive Team selection averaged 11.1 points and 4.3 rebounds over 62 starts last season (his fewest since his 2009-10 rookie campaign).

Simons, 26, was the No. 24 overall pick by the Blazers in the 2018 NBA Draft and averaged 19.3 points, 4.8 assists and 2.7 rebounds per game over a career-high 70 starts last season. In 2023-24, Simons averaged a career-high 22.6 points, 5.5 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game over 46 starts.

Editorial credit: Ridex Official / Shutterstock.com