Month: May 2026

Categories
News Daypop

Texas man facing federal charges after shooting near National Mall

Panoramic view of National Mall and Washington monument^ Washington DC^ capital of USA uly 7^ 2025

A Texas man is facing federal charges after a shooting near the Washington Monument left a teenage bystander injured and prompted a response from Secret Service agents. The injured teenager has since been treated and released from the hospital.

Authorities say 45-year-old Michael Marx, of Midland, Texas, has been charged with assaulting federal officers with a dangerous weapon, using and discharging a firearm during a violent crime, and illegally possessing a firearm. The incident unfolded Monday afternoon at the busy intersection of 15th Street and Independence Avenue SW, as Vice President JD Vance’s motorcade was leaving the White House and passing through an area crowded with pedestrians.

According to investigators, a plainclothes Secret Service agent initially noticed Marx appearing to conceal a gun. When uniformed officers approached and issued verbal commands, Marx ran. Officials allege that as he fled, he pulled a handgun from his waistband and, after crossing the street, turned and fired toward one of the pursuing officers. A civilian standing behind the agent was struck in the leg. Secret Service personnel returned fire, hitting Marx in the hand, left arm, and upper abdomen. He collapsed at the scene, and officers recovered a 9mm handgun nearby. Prosecutors say Marx did not have a license to carry a firearm in Washington, D.C., and note he had a prior drug trafficking conviction in Florida in 2011.

While being taken to a hospital, Marx allegedly made statements including “F— the White House” and “Kill me, kill me, kill me,” though the broader context of those remarks remains unclear. Authorities also reported that he behaved aggressively after being wounded, including spitting at officers who attempted to assist him.

Officials emphasized that the shooting occurred close to a heavily trafficked area and along the route of the vice president’s motorcade, though there is no indication the incident was directly tied to the White House or its occupants. In response to the situation, the motorcade was briefly rerouted as a precaution. “We will prove this defendant carried an illegal firearm into the heart of Washington, D.C., opened fire at Secret Service officers near a crowded intersection, and shot an innocent bystander who was simply crossing the street with his family,” prosecutors said, adding that they intend to pursue the most serious charges available.

As of now, no attorney has been listed for Marx in court records, and further court proceedings have not yet been scheduled.

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Categories
Country Daypop

Little Big Town, Jake Owen, and Thomas Rhett added for Alan Jackson’s final concert

Little Big Town arrives to the American Music Awards 2015 on November 22^ 2015 in Los Angeles^ CA.

The lineup for Alan Jackson’s final tour stop continues to grow. The country legend has added Little Big Town, Jake Owen, and Thomas Rhett to what is already a packed roster of major artists set to celebrate his career.

Billed as “Last Call: One More for the Road – The Finale,” the concert is scheduled for Saturday, June 27, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. The newly announced performers will share the stage with an impressive group that includes Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Jon Pardi, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and Lee Ann Womack, along with appearances from Jackson’s extended family members Adam Wright, Big City Brian Wright, and Carlisle Wright. Organizers say additional names are still on the way.

The event marks the end of Jackson’s decades-spanning life on the road, closing out a touring career that has reached audiences across the United States and internationally, including Canada, Europe, Australia, and Brazil. His “Last Call” run has drawn strong crowds over the past several years, underscoring the lasting appeal of his traditional country sound. The overwhelming demand for the Nashville finale wasn’t lost on Jackson. “I’m proud and overwhelmed by the response from my fans. I’m just sorry there weren’t enough seats for everybody who wanted one,” he shared previously. Reflecting on his journey, he added, “I appreciate all the people that have come to my shows and supported me over the years.”

Jackson, 67, has indicated that 2025 will be his “last year of major touring,” following his diagnosis with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a neurological condition that has affected his ability to perform. Jackson expressed gratitude to those who have supported him throughout his career, saying, “to thank y’all for supporting my music all these years, coming to the shows, buying the records and having a good time with us. I’m so fortunate, so lucky.”

Beyond serving as a farewell celebration, the concert will also support a meaningful cause. For every ticket sold, $1 will go to the CMT Research Foundation, with a donor contributing an additional $2 per ticket—helping fund research aimed at finding a cure for the disease.

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Categories
Country Daypop

Brantley Gilbert returns with the single “Good Damn”

Brantley Gilbert performs at CBS Radio's Stars & Strings event at the Chicago Theatre on November 9^ 2016 in Chicago^ Illinois.

Brantley Gilbert is ushering in a fresh phase of his career with the release of his latest track, “GOOD DAMN,” his first push to country radio since joining BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville under Wheelhouse Records.

Co-written with Brock Berryhill, HARDY, and Taylor Phillips, and co-produced by Gilbert and Berryhill, the track draws directly from real-life experience rather than fiction. It reflects the imperfect, emotional twists in his relationship with his wife, Amber, whom he’s been married to for over a decade.  Gilbert shared: “This song hits close to home for me. It’s about a second chance and being honest in the moment. You see someone you’ve got a past with and realize there’s still something there. Instead of overthinking it, you shoot your shot.”

Beyond its personal roots, “GOOD DAMN” signals what Gilbert calls a “brand-new chapter” in his musical journey. With its gritty tone and confident energy, the song leans into the raw storytelling style that first put him on the map, while hinting at the direction of his upcoming eighth studio album.  He says: “My first release with the label that has felt like home from the start. Simply put, this song is all about shootin’ your shot and just telling it how it is.”

Fans can look forward to seeing Gilbert live at various festivals this spring and summer, with more tour dates expected to be revealed later in the year.

See the studio performance video for ‘Good Damn’ – HERE.
Stream “GOOD DAMN” – HERE.

Editorial credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Pop Daypop

Zayn Malik cancels U.S. leg of ‘Konnakol’ tour after health setback

Zayn Malik at the Los Angeles premiere of 'Straight Outta Compton' held at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles^ USA on August 10^ 2015.

Zayn Malik has officially scrapped all U.S. dates on his upcoming Konnakol Tour following a recent hospitalization for an undisclosed illness, which is prompting a reshuffle of his global touring plans. The tour will support Zayn’s recent album, Konnakol (stream: HERE.).

The U.S. leg—originally set to begin July 19 in Philadelphia and continue through cities including Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Miami in November—has been completely removed from the schedule. Reports also noted softer ticket sales for the American dates, though his earlier Las Vegas residency was warmly received.

The former One Direction star, 33, shared the update via Instagram Stories, thanking fans for their support as he recovers and explaining the need to scale back his schedule. His message read: “To my fans: Thank you so much for all the support and love you’ve shown me on the album release and more importantly your love, prayers, and well wishes for my health. I’ve felt it, and it’s meant the world. I’ve been at home recovering and I’m doing well and will be better and stronger than before. I’ve had to take another look at my schedule for the months ahead and have to reduce the number of shows on the KONNAKOL Tour. I want to make sure I still get out and see as many of you as I possibly can. I’m really looking forward to playing these shows for you, and I hope to see the rest of you around the world very soon. Big Love, Z”

He also previously told fans, “Heartbroken that I can’t see you all this week, I wouldn’t be in the place I am today without you guys and am so thankful for your understanding,” after cancelling a planned album listening event and Q&A in Kingston, U.K.

Malik was hospitalized last month, though details of his condition have not been disclosed. Around the same time, he also asked fans to stop sending flowers after a local florist became overwhelmed, encouraging donations instead to the Palestine Project. His cousin later clarified the request was linked to a charity fundraiser and not his hospitalization.

Despite the setbacks, the singer is continuing with select international shows. The tour will now kick off May 23 at London’s O2 Arena, followed by Manchester’s AO Arena. European cancellations include previously planned stops such as Dublin and Birmingham. In June, he’ll head to Mexico with shows in Monterrey (June 14), Guadalajara (June 17), and Mexico City (June 20), before moving on to South America in October, including Santiago, Buenos Aires, São Paulo, and Lima.

Updated tour info can be found via Zayn’s website.

Editorial credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Pop Daypop

Outside Lands 2026 lineup features Charli xcx, The Strokes, Rüfüs Du Sol & more

Charli XCX at the 'Wuthering Heights' World Premiere at the TCL Chinese Theater IMAX on January 28^ 2026 in Los Angeles^ CA

San Francisco’s Outside Lands festival is gearing up for its 18th year with a major slate of performers set to take over Golden Gate Park from August 7–9, 2026. Leading the charge are Charli XCX, RÜFÜS DU SOL, and The Strokes.

Beyond the headliners, the three-day event will showcase a wide-ranging mix of artists, including The xx, Turnstile, Baby Keem, Geese, Djo, Wet Leg, Empire of the Sun, Clipse, Labrinth, Dijon, Ethel Cain, and Death Cab for Cutie — who are scheduled to play both an early afternoon set and a separate evening performance.

The lineup stretches even further with appearances from Lucy Dacus, GRiZTronics (Subtronics + GRiZ), Disco Lines, Modest Mouse, GloRilla, Mariah the Scientist, Sierra Ferrell, Tinashe, The Temper Trap, Snow Strippers, The Story So Far, Yard Act, Boys Noize, Momma, Wunderhorse, Bad Nerves, and many others.

Festival organizers also confirmed the return of SOMA, the dedicated house and techno stage. This year’s electronic roster includes Boys Noize, Lane 8, Boris Brejcha, Miss Monique, Ben Böhmer, and additional DJs and producers.

Head to the event’s website for tickets and other info: HERE.

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

Categories
News Daypop

Suspect in custody in shooting that killed 2, injured 3 at Koreatown shopping center in Carrollton, Texas

H Mart supermarket entrance. An American supermarket chain^ specializes in providing Asian foods^ operated by the Hanahreum Group^ Lyndhurst^ NJ CARROLLTON^ TX^ US-JUL 1^ 2018

Two people were killed and three others hospitalized after a shooting at a shopping center in Carrollton, Texas on Tuesday.

Officers were called just before 10 a.m. to K Towne Plaza, located along Highway 121 in the city’s Koreatown district, roughly 20 miles north of Dallas. When they arrived, they found five victims. Two were pronounced dead at the scene, while three others were taken to the hospital; their conditions were not immediately confirmed.

Officials described the situation as complex, with officers securing multiple areas around the plaza and a nearby shopping center during the response. Federal agents, including personnel from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, assisted at the scene.

Police Chief Roberto Arredondo said during a press conference the violence stemmed from a meeting connected to a business relationship, emphasizing it was “not a random act” and that those involved knew one another.  Authorities identified the suspect as Seung Han Ho, 69. Investigators said undercover officers later located his vehicle, and he was taken into custody after a brief foot chase near Old Denton Road, several miles from the scene.

Police are still working to determine what led to the shooting and the nature of the business connection. No charges had been announced as of Tuesday, and the identities of the victims have not been released. Authorities added there is no ongoing threat to the public.

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Categories
News Daypop

Some ‘human-to-human transmission’ possible in hantavirus outbreak aboard cruise ship

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) Critical Respiratory Support booklet with stethoscope^ mask and clinical desk setup.

Three people aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius that was hit by a hantavirus outbreak were evacuated on Tuesday.  Cape Verde’s health ministry said that medical personnel from the country who boarded the ship have assessed that all three are clinically stable, with authorities stating that two air ambulances helped with the evacuations, one of which is already in the country. (per CNN).

Health officials are still investigating the deadly outbreak of hantavirus aboard the MV Hondius, where a small cluster of cases has raised concerns about possible person-to-person transmission. According to the World Health Organization, seven infections have been identified so far—two confirmed and five suspected—with three fatalities. Among those who died is a Dutch couple who had shared a cabin, prompting experts to examine whether close contact may have enabled limited human transmission.

Despite the seriousness of the situation, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the overall risk to the global population remains low. Maria Van Kerkhove of WHO said during a briefing that “we do believe that there may be some human-to-human transmission that’s happening among the really close contacts, the husband and wife, people who’ve shared cabins, [et cetera].” She emphasized that this remains an assumption under investigation, as hantaviruses typically spread through contact with infected rodents, not between people. One exception is the Andes strain, which scientists suspect may be involved in this outbreak. Testing is ongoing to confirm the exact variant.

Passengers and crew of the MV Hondius began falling ill between April 6 and April 28, experiencing symptoms such as fever, digestive issues, and in severe cases, pneumonia and respiratory failure. Because hantavirus can take up to eight weeks to appear after exposure, officials believe the earliest cases—particularly the Dutch couple—were likely infected before boarding in Argentina. The husband, 70, became ill shortly after embarkation and died on April 11. His wife, 69, later developed symptoms and died after being flown to South Africa. A British passenger, now hospitalized in intensive care in Johannesburg, is one of the confirmed cases. Another passenger, a German woman, also died after developing severe respiratory illness. Three additional suspected cases remain onboard, showing high fever or gastrointestinal symptoms.

The vessel, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, has been stationed off Cape Verde while authorities coordinate medical evacuations. Two critically ill individuals and another passenger are being airlifted to the Netherlands for treatment. Once evacuations are complete, the ship is expected to continue to the Canary Islands, where Spanish health officials plan a full investigation, including testing, contact tracing, and disinfection.

Strict isolation measures and protective protocols are in place for the roughly 150 people onboard. Health teams are also tracing contacts from earlier stops, which included remote regions like Antarctica and Atlantic islands.

Editorial credit: La Terase / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Country Daypop

Shania Twain to host the 61st ACM Awards in Las Vegas

Shania Twain performs during opening ceremony at US Open Championships day 1 at Billie Jean King Tennis center New York^ NY USA - August 28^ 2017

Country music icon Shania Twain is stepping into a new role this year, taking the stage as host of the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards — marking her first time emceeing the event. Twain, who wrapped up her Las Vegas residency at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in 2025, now returns to the city for one of country music’s biggest nights.

A post announcing the news read: “Let’s Go Girls! 💖 @shaniatwain is hosting the 61st #ACMawards — LIVE from @mgmgrand in Las Vegas! 🎤 Tune in Sunday, May 17 at 8pm ET / 5pm PT on @primevideo. 🤩”

Twain, the best-selling female country-pop artist in history, has won five Grammy Awards, and earned three ACM wins—including the prestigious Entertainer of the Year honor. She said in a statement: “I’m thrilled to be hosting the 61st ACM Awards in Las Vegas, a place that feels like home. It’s such an honor to be part of this incredible night celebrating country music’s biggest stars, especially with so many talented women leading nominations this year. I can’t wait to welcome all of the fans and artists out for this unforgettable night.”

ACM CEO Damon Whiteside praised the choice, sharing in a statement: “We are honored to welcome global music superstar Shania Twain as our host this year We couldn’t imagine a more perfect icon to follow our previous iconic hosts, Dolly, Garth, and Reba, blending one of the most important nights in Country Music with the excitement of Las Vegas . Shania has an impressive history on the ACM Awards stage including her win of the coveted ACM Entertainer of the Year trophy and receiving the ACM Poet’s Award honoring her prolific songwriting career.”

The 61st ACM Awards ceremony is scheduled for May 17 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will stream live at 8 p.m. ET on Prime Video, with additional viewing options available through Amazon Music’s app and Twitch channel for audiences in more than 240 countries. Artists already announced to perform include Cody Johnson, Kacey Musgraves, Lainey Wilson, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, and Riley Green, with more names expected soon.

Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Country Daypop

Ashley McBryde previews new album with the track ‘Lines in the Carpet’

Ashley McBryde performs in concert on April 5^ 2024 in Fort Lauderdale^ Florida. The performance was part of the Tortuga Music Festival.

Ashley McBryde has shared the song “Lines In The Carpet,” a new preview from her upcoming fifth studio album, Wild, dropping on May 8.

Penned by Lauren Hungate, Caroline Watkins, and Lori McKenna, Lines In The Carpet tells the story of a woman caught in an emotionally barren marriage. McBryde shared: “I see so many women I know in this song. There’s no promise in the lyrics that things are going to change or get better—it just stays with that feeling of being contained, and knowing that the person you’re with is completely oblivious to everything you’re feeling. This record is about getting back in touch with the Wild within. I think part of that means taking a good long look at what keeps us caged.”

Wild, produced by John Osborne and recorded alongside her longtime band Deadhorse, marks Ashley’s first full project since 2023’s The Devil I Know. The album draws heavily from McBryde’s upbringing in Arkansas’ Ozark Mountains and the influence of a strict religious background, while also confronting addiction, inherited trauma, and the difficult road to sobriety. McBryde shares: “When people hear this record, I hope it wakes up the part of them that I’m singing about in ‘Wild’-the part that still believes in those unrealized dreams and untaken risks. I believe that wild little kid is still alive inside of all of us, and that’s the version of everyone that I want to sing to.”  Check out the album trailer: HERE.

Fans have previously gotten an early taste of the album through songs like “Rattlesnake Preacher,” “Arkansas Mud,” and “What If We Don’t,” and the track ‘Bottle Tells Me So‘ written by McBryde with Shelly Fairchild and Terri Jo Box.  That song was accompanied by an official music video, directed by Brandon Campbell, with the clip picking up where the official music video for “Arkansas Mud,” left off. See the video for Bottle Tells Me So – HERE.

See the video for ‘Lines in the Carpet’ – HERE.

Preorder/save Wild – HERE.

Editorial credit: Geoffrey Clowes / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Pop Daypop

The Pussycat Dolls cancel North American leg of reunion tour

Kimberly Wyatt with Nicole Scherzinger and Ashley Roberts at the launch of the Pussycat Dolls Lingerie '...Shhh'. Bebe^ Beverly Hills^ CA. 12-03-08

The Pussycat Dolls have dramatically reduced their planned 2026 North American reunion tour, canceling every date except one. The trio—Nicole Scherzinger, Kimberly Wyatt, and Ashley Roberts—pointed to weak ticket demand for the arena and amphitheater run as the main factor behind the decision. Refunds will be automatically issued to fans who purchased tickets through Ticketmaster or AXS, while those who bought from resale platforms are advised to contact their sellers directly.

The group shared on social media: “When we announced the PCD Forever Tour, we hoped to bring the show to fans across the world. After taking an honest look at the North American run, we’ve made the difficult and heartbreaking decision to cancel all but one of the North American dates. Our UK and European dates are still moving forward as planned, and the response has been incredible, with several shows already sold out,” they added. “We are putting everything into making this show a true celebration of the music and the memories, for the fans who have been with us from the beginning and those discovering us for the first time. We’re working hard to create the kind of show we’ve always dreamed of bringing to you. We cannot wait to bring this reunion to Europe and make these nights unforgettable.”

The PCD Forever Tour was scheduled to span 53 shows across North America, the United Kingdom, and Europe beginning June 5 at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California, featuring special guests Mýa and Lil’ Kim (with Lil’ Kim appearing during the European and U.K. dates). Now with the North American leg cancellation, their only remaining U.S. appearance is set for June 6 at WeHo Pride in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, the international leg of the tour is still moving ahead as planned, with strong ticket sales reported across the UK and Europe.

The reunion of The Pussycat Dolls coincided with the 20th anniversary of the group’s breakout album PCD. The record — which includes major hits like Don’t Cha, Buttons, and Stickwitu — will be reissued in several formats, including standard vinyl, expanded vinyl editions with bonus tracks and remixes, and special CD releases. Their 2008 follow-up album Doll Domination will also receive new vinyl and digital editions. The group also dropped a brand-new track titled “Club Song,” their first new release since 2019’s React, produced by Mike Sabath and co-written by Scherzinger with Caroline Ailin and Solly.   Stream ‘Club Song’ – HERE.

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