Month: February 2023

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Police arrest suspect in killing of Bishop David O’Connell in Los Angeles

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A suspect is in custody in connection to the shooting death of 69-year-old Bishop David O’Connell of the Los Angeles Archdiocese.  During a press conference on Monday, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna announced the arrest of 65-year-old Carlos Medina, who was arrested at his home in Torrance early on Monday morning. Bishop O’Connell was found dead in his home in the Hacienda Heights community in Los Angeles County, Calif., shortly before 1 p.m. on Saturday; he had served the Los Angeles Archdiocese since 1979.

Sheriff Luna identified Medina as the husband of a housekeeper who worked for O’Connell, and said the department received a tip that Medina made comments about O’Connell owing him money. Video surveillance showed a dark-colored SUV matching one driven by the housekeeper pull into O’Connell’s driveway and staying for a few minutes before leaving on Saturday. After deputies arrived at O’Connell’s home responding to a medical emergency, they discovered the bishop dead from a gunshot wound to the upper torso. The shooting is being investigated as a homicide.

O’Connell was an immigrant born in County Cork, Ireland, and studied at the All Hallows College in Dublin before moving to Los Angeles in 1979. Archbishop José H. Gomez said in a statement: “I am very sad this afternoon to report that our beloved Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell has passed away unexpectedly. It is a shock, and I have no words to express my sadness.” Gomez said O’Connell was a “peacemaker” who was particularly passionate about helping the poor and immigrants.

Chairperson of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Janice Hahn, recalled O’Connell as a longtime friend.  Hahn tweeted: “I was very sad to learn of the passing of Bishop O’Connell. He was a longtime friend. I was fortunate to work with him during my time on the city council and again as supervisor. I join with Archbishop Gomez and the people of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in mourning his loss.” 

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President Biden departs Kyiv after surprise visit with Ukrainian President Zelensky

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President Biden departed Kyiv on Monday after spending several hours with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. White House officials said the trip was meticulously planned over the last several months, with Biden giving the final sign off on it on Friday from the Oval Office; it was Biden’s first visit to the country since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine started nearly one year ago. Biden and Zelensky discussed future support for Ukraine during the war, walking around the central portion of the capital with Biden pledging additional support. Zelensky posted a photo of him and Biden shaking hands in Kyiv on Telegram, saying: “Joseph Biden, welcome to Kyiv! Your visit is an extremely important sign of support for all Ukrainians.” 

On Monday, the Department of Defense authorized more support for Ukraine, with the U.S. pledging to send additional ammunition for the Lockheed Martin HIMARS, a long-range rocket launcher, as well as howitzers. Additionally, the Biden Administration approved a supply of Javelin missiles, anti-armor rockets, artillery rounds, mortar rounds, night vision devices, air surveillance radar systems and morel, valued at an estimated $460 million.  U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday also authorized an additional $10 million to support ongoing emergency assistance to support the war-torn country’s energy infrastructure.

Biden’s surprise trip was only confirmed early on Monday in a White House statement: “When [Russian President Vladimir] Putin launched his invasion nearly one year ago, he thought Ukraine was weak and the West was divided. He thought he could outlast us. But he was dead wrong.” White House Communications Director Kate Bedingfield said via teleconference that the trip sends the message of Biden’s commitment to the Ukrainian people: “He wanted to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with President Zelensky and remind the world, as we approach the one-year anniversary of the invasion, that Kyiv still stands and the United States will not be deterred from standing with Ukraine.” 

Biden’s trip marks the first time in modern U.S. history that a president entered a war zone with no active U.S. military presence. Ukrainian authorities shut down much of central Kyiv to facilitate the visit.  The surprise visit ended late Monday with Biden traveling from Kyiv to Poland’s Rzeszw-Jasionka Airport, where he arrived at 10:04 p.m., local time, and boarded Air Force One for the roughly 50-minute flight to Warsaw, to begin his two-day visit in Poland.

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Take a listen to Olivia Newton-John’s final recording, a ‘Jolene’ duet with Dolly Parton

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In her final recording and music video before her passing, Olivia Newton-John teamed up for a duet with Dolly Parton on her classic hit song, “Jolene.”  Newton-John passed away in August 2022 at age 73.

The collaboration came about a year before Newton-John’s death, and is part of a duet project Newton-John created including big-name artists such as Parton, Mariah Carey, Michael McDonald, John Travolta, Barry Gibb, Vanessa Amorossi, and Jon Secada. Newton-John will posthumously release Just the Two of Us, which features 17 tracks, on May 5.

Parton calls Newton-John “one of my favorites of all time” and in the video for the duet, Parton introduces the collab by saying: “Hey, this is Dolly, in case you didn’t recognize me. I am so excited to be working with Olivia Newton-John, one of my favorites of all time. We’ve always stayed close through the years. I am just so proud to be a part of this duet project that she’s doing. We’re singing one of my all-time favorites that I’ve written called ‘Jolene,’ and she says it’s one of her favorites, so why not just do a duet on our favorite?” Added Newton-John: “I’m excited. I’ve always wanted to sing with Dolly.”

Check out Parton and Newton-John’s version of “Jolene” – here.

Editorial credit: Kobby Dagan / Shutterstock.com

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Usher extends Las Vegas residency with 15 new dates

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Usher has extended his Las Vegas residency into the fall with 15 new dates, writing on Instagram: “Yeah man…It’s that time again! VEGAS, I’m back! By popular demand, I’ve added 15 NEW shows to my Vegas Residency through October 2023! Tickets go on sale this Saturday 2/25 at 10am PT ✨ Get yours early in the fan presale starting Weds at 10am PT. Text (404) 737-1821 for the Presale password ✨”

The 15 new shows going on sale are scheduled for the following dates:
June 2023: 16, 17, 20, 23, 24, 29
October 2023: 11, 13, 14, 18, 20, 21, 25, 27, 28

Usher first announced his new residency at the Dolby Theater in February last year, with the shows featuring a repertoire of his smash hit songs and incorporates audience interactions. Usher, Live Nation Las Vegas and MGM Resorts pledge to donate $1 of every ticket purchased for dates in 2023 to Usher’s New Look, Inc., which helps support underserved youth.

Tickets for the new shows go on sale to the public on Saturday, Feb. 25; visit ticketmaster.com/ushervegas to learn more.

Usher Extends My Way Las Vegas Residency

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Woman dies after falling from parking structure at Disneyland

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The Anaheim Police Department is investigating the death of a woman who fell from the ‘Mickey and Friends Parking Structure’ in Disneyland, CA on Saturday. Anaheim police Sgt. Jon McClintock and the Anaheim Fire Department responded around 6:50 p.m. to a report of an individual who “jumped off or fell from” the parking structure. First responders reportedly found a woman lying on the ground and began providing aid; the woman was brought to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead.

The woman’s identity was not released, and it was unclear whether she was a guest at the theme park. An investigation into the circumstances of the woman’s death is underway.

The Mickey and Friends Parking Structure is the main guest parking facility at Disneyland, standing seven-stories tall and having room for more than 10,000 vehicles. When it opened in 2000 is was the largest parking structure in the United States. Saturday’s incident is the second in three months involving someone falling to their death from a Disneyland parking structure. In December, a man in his 50s fell from the Mickey and Friends lot,  who police said died “likely” died by suicide; and at least three other individuals have died after jumping since the structure opened.

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Teen suspect charged with murder in Temple University officer’s shooting death

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Police in Bucks County have arrested a teen suspect in the killing of a Temple University police officer on Saturday near the campus in Philadelphia.  At approximately 7 a.m. on Sunday morning, an unidentified 18-year-old white man was taken into custody at a family home in Buckingham Township in relation to the shooting. Temple University’s police association confirmed on Twitter that there had been an apprehension.

Jennifer Griffin, Temple University’s vice president for public safety, said in a statement: “Earlier this morning, an 18-year-old person of interest was taken into custody in connection with last night’s tragic murder of a Temple University Police Officer.”  Griffin identified the officer as Christopher David Fitzgerald, who was hired by the university in October 2021. Fitzgerald was shot while on duty and was pronounced dead at the Temple University Hospital. Griffin said: “Officer Fitzgerald gave his life to selflessly serve and defend this community. The courage and bravery he displayed highlights the day-to-day sacrifice made by our Temple University Police Officers to keep our community safe. This loss leaves an enormous hole in all of our hearts. He was a father, a husband, a son, a colleague, and a friend.”

Temple University president Jason Wingard said in a statement that Fitzgerald was shot while trying to apprehend a robbery suspect at 1700 W. Montgomery Avenue. The suspect fled the scene, according to Wingard, adding: “This loss comes at a time when gun violence continues its horrific impact on our city and our country. Philadelphia and the nation are dealing with an unprecedented epidemic of violence, and the tragedy that took place tonight is a gut-wrenching reminder of our police officers’ daily bravery and sacrifices to protect our students, faculty, staff and community.”

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Pop Daypop

Pink responds after being accused of “shading” Christina Aguilera

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Pink drew controversy over the weekend stemming from negative remarks she made about the making of the 2001 music video for “Lady Marmalade,” with many accusing the singer of “shading” co-star Christina Aguilera and reigniting their years-long feud. The drama began after Pink ranked “Lady Marmalade” in last place on a list 12 of her “most iconic music videos” in an interview with BuzzFeed UK, sharing, “It wasn’t very fun to make. I’m all about fun and it was like, a lot of fuss, and there were some personalities.” Pink added, “[Lil] Kim and Mýa were nice” referring to her and Christina’s two other collaborators on the song.

Now, Pink is responding on Twitter, writing: “Y’all are nuts … Xtina had s–t to do with who was on that song.  If you don’t know by now- I’m not “shading” someone by telling it over and over and over what actually happened. I’m zero percent interested in your f***ing drama. If you haven’t noticed- I’m a little busy selling…And by selling- I mean tickets and albums and bake sales and s–t.” Then in response to a fan’s criticism, Pink tweeted: “Also- I kissed xtinas mouth. I don’t need to kiss her a**.”

Both Christina and Pink have spoken publicly about their past feud, which began  more than 20 years ago over the recording of “Lady Marmalade.” In 2009, Pink said a record executive declared, “What’s the high part? What’s the most singing part? Christina’s going to take that part. I stood up, and I said ‘Hi. How are you? So nice of you to introduce yourself. I’m Pink. She will not be taking that part. I think that’s what the f–king meeting’s about.’”  However, in 2016, the two singers put their differences aside when they worked together on NBC’s ‘The Voice,’ during which Pink served as an advisor to Christina’s team. Pink said in 2017: “We made up on The Voice, because I hadn’t seen her in years and years and years and we became moms. We grew up and we hugged it out.”

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Selena Gomez details weight gain due to medications, slams online bullying

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Selena Gomez posted a message to fans this week to address online bullying due to recent changes in her appearance. Gomez detailed that her weight gain is due to medication for lupus, which she announced she was diagnosed with in 2015. Gomez underwent a kidney transplant in 2017, and has undergone chemotherapy as well.

In a TikTok livestream, Gomez explained how medication is necessary to control her condition, and its side affects: “I tend to hold a lot of water weight, and that happens very normally. When I’m off of it, I tend to lose weight. I just wanted to say and encourage anyone out there who feels any sort of shame for exactly what they’re going through, and no one knows the real story … I just want people to know that you’re beautiful and you’re wonderful. Yeah, we have days where maybe we feel like shit, but I would much rather be healthy and take care of myself. And my medications are important, and I believe they are what helps me.”  Gomez added:  “I just wanted to tell you I love you guys, and thanks for supporting me and understanding … And if not, go away.”

Gomez has had to respond to critics many times in the past; she shared on the ‘Giving Back Generation’ podcast in 2019: “It’s the medication I have to take for the rest of my life — it depends on even the month, to be honest. So for me, I really noticed when people started attacking me for that. And in reality, that’s just my truth. I fluctuate. It depends on what’s happening in my life.”  And on social media last year, Gomez proclaimed: “I don’t care about my weight, because people b**ch about it anyway. ‘You’re too small,’ ‘you’re too big,’ ‘that doesn’t fit.’ B**ch, I am perfect the way I am.”

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Travis Kelce Announced to Host ‘SNL’

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It was announced that the two-time Super Bowl champion, Travis Kelce is about to make his Saturday Night Live debut. NBC recently announced on Thursday that Kansas City Chiefs superstar tight end Travis Kelce will host the comedy and variety show on March 4 with musical guest Kelsea Ballerini. Kelce also revealed and shared the news while appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Thursday night.

“I was a huge like Chris Farley, Will Ferrell, Fallon kind of guy growing up,” Kelce said. “And I used to watch Saturday Night Live with my mother. It’s an absolute honor and a privilege to be hosting SNL on March 4th. I am so nervous for that, oh my gosh.” Fallon, an SNL alum, responded, “You are going to be so good. I was talking to SNL creator Lorne Michaels today, and I’m like, ‘He’s so charming and he can sing and he’s fun.’”

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P!nk Announces Dates for ‘TRUSTFALL’ Arena Tour

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P!nk is set to hit the road in support of her 9th album kicking off in October in Sacramento. Fans will have a chance to caught P!nk on the road this year.

On the same day she dropped her 9th studio album, TRUSTFALL, the singer announced the dates for her 2023 fall arena tour in support of the collection, which is expected to kick off with on October 12th, at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California.

Check out the dates for P!nk’s fall 2023 TRUSTFALL tour and the album cover below:

Oct. 12 – Sacramento, CA @ Golden 1 Center
Oct. 14 – San Francisco, CA @ Chase Center
Oct. 17 – Tacoma, WA @ Tacoma Dome
Oct. 20 – Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena
Oct. 25 – Denver, CO @ Ball Arena
Oct. 27 – Kansas City, MO @ T-Mobile Center
Nov. 1 – Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre
Nov. 4 – New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
Nov. 7 – Indianapolis, IN @ Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Nov. 8 – Cleveland, OH @ Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Nov. 11 – Louisville, KY @ KFC Yum! Center
Nov. 12 – Charlotte, NC @ Spectrum Center
Nov. 14 – Miami, FL @ Miami-Dade Arena
Nov. 18 – Orlando, FL @ Amway Center

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