Nine killed, 20 injured after driver plows into crowd at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Day Festival

At least nine people were killed and 20 were injured when a man drove into a crowd during a block party celebrating Filipino culture in Vancouver, Canada.

The tragedy unfolded Saturday night after the vehicle entered the street at 8:14 p.m. and struck people attending the Lapu Lapu Day festival, the Vancouver Police Department said on X. A damaged black SUV, believed to be the vehicle involved, was seen stationary in the middle of the roadway after colliding with food trucks set up for the pedestrian-only event, which just moments earlier had been filled with lively celebrations. Vancouver police confirmed that attendees of the annual Lapu-Lapu Day block party apprehended the suspect before handing him over to officers.

In an update posted Sunday, police confirmed the death toll had reached nine. “Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by this heartbreaking event,” the department wrote, adding that they had the suspect in custody: “a 30-year-old suspect, a Vancouver man, was arrested at the scene. At this time, we are confident that this incident was not an act of terrorism.”  Interim Police Chief Steve Rai added that an extensive investigation was now underway to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said in a statement: “I am shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific events at today’s Lapu Lapu Day celebration. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this extremely difficult time.”

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney shared on X: “I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver earlier this evening. I offer my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured, to the Filipino Canadian community, and to everyone in Vancouver. We are all mourning with you. We are monitoring the situation closely, and thankful to our first responders for their swift action.”

Carney later addressed the nation on Sunday, calling the tragedy “every family’s worst nightmare” and praised the strength and resilience of Filipino-Canadians, citing a Tagalog word reflecting the Filipino tradition of community and unity, emphasizing the need for solidarity during this sorrowful time:  “We will stand together, comfort those who grieve, and support one another.”

British Columbia officially recognized April 27 as Lapu-Lapu Day in 2023 to commemorate the Battle of Mactan, fought in what is now the Philippines in 1521. Lapu-Lapu, an Indigenous leader, is remembered for resisting Spanish colonization and defeating Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. Today, Lapu-Lapu stands as a symbol of anti-colonial resistance, celebrated both in the Philippines and among Filipino communities worldwide.

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Death toll in Gaza tops 52,000 as territory’s health ministry reports 51 more deaths from Israeli strikes

Palestinian authorities reported that more than 52,000 people have died in Gaza, as Israel intensifies its military operations following the collapse of a ceasefire with Hamas in March.

The Gaza Health Ministry reported Sunday that hospitals across the Gaza Strip received the bodies of 51 Palestinians killed in Israeli air raids over the past day, which brings the total number of Palestinian fatalities in the 18-month-long conflict between Israel and Hamas to 52,243. This includes nearly 700 additional victims whose deaths were recently verified. Search and rescue crews, along with local residents, continue to comb through the wreckage after Israeli forces bombarded areas west of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza on Sunday, April 27.

Israel resumed heavy airstrikes across Gaza after abruptly ending its truce with Hamas (which is recognized as a terrorist organization by both the U.S. and Israel) on March 18.  Israeli ground forces have expanded a buffer zone and encircled the southern city of Rafah, now claiming control over roughly half of Gaza’s territory.

In addition to the military campaign, Israel has imposed a near-total blockade on Gaza’s 2 million residents, cutting off supplies of food, medicine, and other essentials for nearly two months. Humanitarian organizations warn that resources are dwindling, leaving thousands of children severely malnourished, with most families merely surviving on limited supplies such as canned vegetables, rice, pasta, and lentils.

Israeli officials have stated that the renewed offensive and tightened blockade are designed to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages taken during the group’s October 7, 2023, assault, which sparked the ongoing war. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to continue the fight until Hamas is dismantled and all hostages are freed.

Hamas, for its part, has insisted that it will only release the 59 remaining captives — 24 of whom are believed to still be alive — in exchange for a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and a permanent ceasefire. These demands mirror the terms outlined in a now-defunct ceasefire agreement reached earlier this year.

The Gaza Health Ministry claims that women and children represent a majority of the Palestinian fatalities, though it does not differentiate between civilian and militant casualties. It also reports that around 117,600 people have been wounded during the conflict.

Israel claims its forces have eliminated roughly 20,000 Hamas fighters but has not publicly shared evidence to support this figure. Israeli military officials emphasize that they aim to minimize civilian casualties and accuse Hamas of endangering civilians by operating within densely populated urban areas.

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Sheryl Crow and LeAnn Rimes to appear on ‘The Voice’ as Mega Mentors

Sheryl Crow and LeAnn Rimes will appear on The Voice as “mega mentors,” lending their expertise to help contestants prepare for the high-stakes playoff round beginning April 28 at 8 p.m. on NBC, and streaming the following day on Peacock.

Crow will collaborate with coaches Kelsea Ballerini and Michael Bublé, while Rimes will team up with John Legend and Adam Levine.  Rimes brings international coaching experience from her time on the British and Australian versions of The Voice.

Crow and Rimes will work alongside five artists on their team as they enter the playoff phase to fine-tune performances and offer guidance as the artists compete for a spot in the live shows. Ultimately, the coaches will each choose two contestants to advance.

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Jelly Roll to host “Opry NextStage Live from Texas”

Jelly Roll will return as the host of the “Opry NextStage Live from Texas” show for the third consecutive year, taking place at the Lexus Box Garden at Legacy Hall on May 7 at 2:30 p.m. CT in Plano, Texas — preceding the 6oth Annual ACM Awards on May 8.

“Opry NextStage Live from Texas” will feature performances from members of the Opry NextStage Class of 2025, including Avery Anna, Chayce Beckham, Dasha, Kaitlin Butts, Kashus Culpepper, Tigirlily Gold and Tucker Wetmore.

Since its inception in 2019, Opry NextStage artists have tallied a combined 33 No. 1 hits, accumulating a total of 43 weeks on top the Country Aircheck/Mediabase airplay chart. Previous alumni include Hailey Whitters, Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, Nate Smith, Parker McCollum, Riley Green and Tenille Townes, who have all won ACM New Male or Female Artist of the Year after their NextStage inclusion. Wilson is the first Opry NextStage alum to become an Opry member.

Tickets for “Opry NextStage Live from Texas” are available – HERE.

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Netflix orders Willy Wonka competition series ‘The Golden Ticket’

Netflix has announced a new reality competition series titled The Golden Ticket, inspired by Roald Dahl’s classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

The Golden Ticket will see contestants seek to gain entry to a “retro-futuristic” chocolate factory  and then try to make it through all the challenges they will encounter, in what’s described as a high-stakes social experiment. Participants will adapt and strategize through games, tests and temptations that are designed to prove their resilience and ability to thrive in the candy-colored, retro-futuristic wonderland. The one catch being that only players who find a golden ticket will be allowed to enter the chocolate factory.

Jeff Gaspin, VP of unscripted at Netflix, said in a statement: “We are thrilled to bring the magic of The Chocolate Factory to life like never before. This one-of-a-kind reality competition blends adventure, strategy and social dynamics, creating an experience that is as captivating as it is unpredictable. For the first time, a lucky few won’t just have to imagine the experience — they’ll get to step inside the factory and live it.”

The Golden Ticket has now begun casting for contestants, with applications to appear on the show are now open to legal residents of United States who are at least 18 years or older. The filming location and premiere date have yet to be announced.

See a video clip featuring the series announcement: HERE.

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‘Landman’ renewed for Season 2 at Paramount+

Paramount+ has renewed its drama series Landman for a second season. The series renewal comes shortly after the show, which originally debuted on Paramount+ in November, concluded its first season in January.

Landman, co-created by Yellowstone’s Taylor Sheridan and starring Billy Bob Thornton, is set in the world of the West Texas oil fields, Thornton plays the titular landman of the series, a fixer who keeps things running and acts as an intermediary between the field workers and the money men in the oil industry. Demi Moore stars alongside Thornton, with a cast including: Andy Garcia, Ali Larter, Jacob Lofland, Michelle Randolph, Paulina Chávez, Kayla Wallace, Mark Collie, James Jordan and Colm Feore. Jon Hamm also starred in season one.

Landman ranked among the top 10 original streaming series during the fourth quarter of last year and racked up almost 9.7 billion minutes of viewing over 11 weeks in Nielsen’s top 10 streaming rankings.  Chris McCarthy, co-CEO of Paramount and president and CEO of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks, said in a statement: “’Landman’ was one of the biggest shows of the year because of Taylor Sheridan’s unique ability to tap into the cultural zeitgeist, harnessing the neo-Western themes of rugged individualism, ambition and working-class struggles set against contemporary debates around energy, climate change and economic growth. The series has helped drive Paramount+ to new heights as the No. 2 SVOD [service] in the U.S. for original hours watched in Q4.”

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19-year-old man charged with arson in New Jersey Wildfire

Authorities confirmed on Thursday that a 19-year-old man from Ocean Township, New Jersey, has been charged in connection with a wildfire that erupted Tuesday and spread rapidly across more than 15,000 acres.  In a statement released jointly by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Ocean Township Police Department, and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, officials announced that Joseph Kling has been taken into custody and placed in the Ocean County Jail. He faces charges of aggravated arson and arson and is awaiting a detention hearing.

Authorities allege that Kling is responsible for igniting the fire, which tore through large areas of Waretown and Lacey townships and resulted in the destruction of a commercial property. Investigators say the blaze began after Kling allegedly built a bonfire using wooden pallets and then left the area before ensuring the fire was out, leading to his arrest on charges of arson and aggravated arson. The flames were initially discovered in the Forked River Mountains Wilderness Area, part of the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust.

The wildfire in New Jersey’s Pine Barrens—a sprawling forest region spanning more than 1 million acres and roughly the size of the Grand Canyon — was sparked by an abandoned bonfire and has continued to spread, prompting air quality alerts as far as New York City. According to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, the wildfire remained only 50% contained as of 10 a.m. EDT on Thursday. The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office said on Thursday that smoke would likely linger and emergency crews would remain on the scene for several days.

The fire has consumed over 23 square miles of land, making it one of the largest wildfires the state has seen in nearly 20 years, with firefighters battling tough conditions, including dry air and the effects of a prolonged drought. New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the U.S., and officials have warned that residential areas nearby could be at risk. No injuries or fatalities have been reported, with approximately 5,000 residents evacuated at one point but were allowed to return on Wednesday.

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Highland Park gunman sentenced to life in prison for July 4th parade shooting that killed 7

Robert Crimo III, the gunman who killed seven people and injured dozens in a mass shooting during a parade in Highland Park, Illinois on July 4, 2022, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on Thursday.

Judge Victoria A. Rossetti announced on Thursday that Crimo was sentenced to seven consecutive life sentences along with 50 years in prison for each person injured. As she handed down the maximum sentence, Rossetti said: “The court finds he’s irrevocably depraved. He is beyond any rehabilitation .. This court hopes this sentence brings a sense of justice and an end to the continued horror.” Life without the possibility of parole is the most severe punishment Crimo faced, as Illinois doesn’t have capital punishment.

The seven people killed by Crimo were Stephen Straus, 88; Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza, 78; Eduardo Uvaldo, 69; Katherine Goldstein, 64; Jacquelyn Sundheim, 63; and married couple Kevin McCarthy, 37, and Irina McCarthy, 35. Cooper Roberts, then 8, was shot and paralyzed.

Crimo, 24, was a no-show in court Thursday and declined to make a statement to the court, per his lawyer. The shooter’s parents, who have attended most court proceedings, were also not present. Crimo pleaded guilty last month to charges in the mass shooting that wounded nearly 50 more people in addition to the seven deaths.

The sentencing hearing, which began Wednesday and finished Thursday morning, included testimony from multiple survivors and relatives of those killed in the shooting at the Independence Day parade. Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said: “In the middle of that joy, in the middle of that celebration, 83 shots rang out over 40 seconds. Eighty-three attempts to hurt people, do as much damage as possible. Eighty-three attempts to kill. Eighty-three attempts to reduce light in the world. He intended to end the happiness he saw around him … I cannot attempt to rein in the pain, ocean of grief, trauma, heartache and loss.”

Prosecutors say that Crimo told police he wore women’s clothing during the shooting and used makeup to hide his facial tattoos and blend in with the crowd during the chaos. He was apprehended hours after the shooting, and confessed.  Crimo’s father, Robert Crimo Jr., pleaded guilty last year to reckless conduct, admitting to signing the Firearm Owner’s Identification card for his son to apply for gun ownership. At the time, Illinois at the time required people ages 18, 19 or 20 to have parent or guardian authorization; and Crimo III was 19 and too young to get a FOID card on his own.

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ACM Awards announces additional performers: Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert and more

The Academy of Country Music has announced a new performers for its upcoming 60th annual ACM Awards, set to be held on May 8 in Frisco, Texas.

This latest wave of artists set to take the stage includes country music legends and fan favorites: Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Chris Stapleton, Clint Black, Cody Johnson, Kelsea Ballerini, LeAnn Rimes, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts, and Wynonna Judd. These acts will join the previously revealed lineup featuring Blake Shelton, Eric Church, and Lainey Wilson, as well as Reba McEntire (who is also set to host the show).

The 60th ACM Awards will stream live for a global audience on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch on Thursday, May 8, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Country icon McEntire will serve as the host for this milestone event.

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Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Brooks & Dunn to headline Country Calling 2025

Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Brooks & Dunn will headline the star-studded lineup for Country Calling Festival 2025, headed back to the Ocean City Boardwalk October 3-5.

Country Calling Festival 2025 will showcase more than 35 artists across three stages over three days at Ocean City Inlet Beach, including performances from Zach Top, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Koe Wetzel, Ryan Bingham & The Texas Gentlemen, Treaty Oak Revival, Flatland Cavalry, Gary Allan, Gavin Adcock, Tyler Hubbard, Tucker Wetmore, Wynonna Judd, Chase Rice, LeAnn Rimes, and many others.

Festival goers will have access to the Ocean City Boardwalk and its businesses in residence including restaurants, bars, variety shops and more, as well as the beloved Jolly Roger at the Pier Amusement Park. Both are located inside the festival grounds and included with the purchase of a Country Calling Festival ticket.

For information, head to: countrycallingfestival.com.

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