Officers dying in line of duty during a felony down 18% in 2022: FBI

May 9, 2023 by WDNY Radio

(WASHINGTON) — Officer Dan Rocha of the Everett, Washington Police Department responded to a call for a suspect moving guns from one car to another, according to body camera footage released by the Everett Police Department.

Rocha approaches the suspect and, after a few brief minutes of conversation, tells him to wait until his partner gets to the scene. A struggle ensues, and the suspect shoots and kills Rocha and then flees the scene.

Police caught the suspect two miles down the road, and he was later found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. Rocha was a four-year veteran of the police force.

“Officer Dan Rocha was dedicated to keeping Everett safe,” Rep. Rick Larsen, D- Wash., said in a statement last year. “On the day he passed, he was doing the job he loved – serving and protecting his community. I know the women and men of the Everett Police Department will continue to carry on Officer Rocha’s legacy by upholding the Department’s commitment to service, integrity, professionalism and honor.”

Rocha was one of the 60 law enforcement officers that died in the line of duty during a felony in 2022, according to FBI statistics released this week.

That number, however, is down 18% from the previous year.

In total, there were 118 officers killed in the line of duty in 2022 – 60 were killed during a felony and 58 were killed accidentally, according to the FBI. 2021 saw one of the highest years for officer line-of-duty deaths with 73.

“The five- and 10-year comparisons show an increase of three felonious deaths when compared with the 2018 figure (57 officers) and an increase of 33 deaths when compared with 2013 data (27 officers),” the report said.

Of the 60 officers that died in 2022, 49 were killed with a gun. The average age of the officers who were feloniously killed was 39. The officers had served in law enforcement for an average of seven years at the time of their deaths.

Ten of the identified suspects in the officers’ deaths had prior criminal arrests, and two were under judicial supervision at the time of the incidents, according to the FBI report.

At this point in 2023, 20 law enforcement officers have been fatally wounded and eight have died in accidents, federal data shows.

Jury deliberations underway in E. Jean Carroll battery, defamation case against Trump

May 9, 2023 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — Deliberations began Tuesday in former President Donald Trump’s defamation and battery trial that’s based on a civil lawsuit brought by writer E. Jean Carroll.

Carroll, who brought the lawsuit in November, alleges that Trump defamed her in his 2022 Truth Social post by calling her allegations “a Hoax and a lie” and saying “This woman is not my type!” when he denied her claim that Trump raped her in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room in the 1990s.

The former Elle magazine columnist added a charge of battery under a recently adopted New York law that allows adult survivors of sexual abuse to sue their alleged attacker regardless of the statute of limitations. Trump has denied all allegations that he raped Carroll or defamed her.

The jury is considering whether to hold Trump liable for battering Carroll and for defaming her and, if so, whether she deserves to be paid damages.

The verdict form requires the jury to answer ten questions, including which degree of battery, if any, for which to hold Trump liable. The jury could find Trump liable for raping Carroll, for sexually abusing her, or for forcibly touching her. Any of the three would be enough to find Trump committed battery against Carroll, and the jury could then consider what damages to impose, if any.

The judge reminded the jury that the standard of proof is less in a civil case than it is for a criminal case. Carroll must prove her claims by a preponderance of the evidence and not beyond a reasonable doubt.

“Each of you must decide for yourself the answers to the questions I put to you,” Judge Lewis Kaplan said. “Your answers to each question are to be unanimous.”

Before deliberations started, Trump posted on social media, “Waiting for a jury decision on a False Accusation where I, despite being a current political candidate and leading all others in both parties, am not allowed to speak or defend myself, even as hard nosed reporters scream questions about this case at me. In the meantime, the other side has a book falsely accusing me of Rape, & is working with the press. I will therefore not speak until after the trial, but will appeal the Unconstitutional silencing of me, as a candidate, no matter the outcome.”

Early in the trial the judge had admonished the defense over Trump’s social media posts about Carroll and her allegations. The judge did not address this most recent post, but previously indicated that if Trump wanted to speak about the case he should testify under oath, which Trump declined to do.

In a civil case jurors are allowed to draw a negative inference when a defendant decides not to testify.

“He just decided not to be here. He never looked you in the eye and denied raping Ms. Carroll. Never did that,” Carroll’s attorney, Michael Ferrara, told jurors during the trial.

Defense attorney Joe Tacopina said there was no reason for Trump to appear because Carroll’s story was “completely made up” and lacked credibility because she could not pinpoint when the alleged rape occurred.

“And if Donald Trump testified, what could I have asked him?” Tacopina said. “Where were you on some unknown date 27 or 28 years ago?”

Noting the media coverage of the case, the judge told jurors, “Hopefully you have not partaken of any of it, or allowed anybody to communicate it to you.”

The judge then sent the jury off to deliberate with a reminder not to freelance.

“In reaching your decision on the facts, it is your sworn duty to follow all the rules of law that I explained to you,” he said. “I know you’re going to do you duty and render a just and true verdict.”

Yara Shahidi to be honored for activism at The Cam for a Cause Gala

May 9, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Yara Shahidi‘s activism will be honored at this year’s Cam for a Cause Gala, hosted by the Cameron Foundation. The actress will receive the gala’s first Youth Empowerment Award, specifically for her work surrounding STEM awareness, civil rights and women’s rights, as well as her acts of kindness toward others.

The Cam for a Cause Gala launched last year with the goal of raising funds and awareness for epilepsy, which caused a seizure that caused Cameron’s death in 2019. The award itself aims to honor his legacy by celebrating a young person, who like him, is dedicated to making a positive change in the world.

“Despite Cameron’s accomplishments during his short time here, he was at his core, a true philanthropist,” a press release reads, per The Hollywood Reporter. “Aside from his countless acts of selflessness and dedication to bettering the lives of others, he also used his voice and platform to show other people how they too, could give back — even if they didn’t know how to.”

“In Cameron’s words: ‘The leaders of tomorrow are fierce and unafraid,” the statement continued.“Yara is a shining example of an extraordinary young leader who is undoubtedly fierce and fearless when it comes to using her voice for change.”

Yara also shared a statement, noting, “It means so much to be recognized for my advocacy, and the work I continue to do to effect change. I’m grateful to my friends and family at The Cameron Boyce Foundation for thinking of me, as I will always be inspired and activated by their incredible work in the fight to end epilepsy.”

The second annual Cam for a Cause Gala takes place June 1 in Los Angeles.

Garth Brooks is “going to have so much fun” hosting with Dolly Parton

May 9, 2023 by WDNY Radio

With the 2023 ACM Awards just two days away, Garth Brooks is gearing up for his first-ever hosting gig, alongside country music royalty Dolly Parton.

Although Garth is a fairly script-following host, he knows that Dolly isn’t because of her spontaneity and tendency to improvise. So, he’s saddling up for that while also beaming with excitement for the onstage fun they’ll have.

“I’m telling you right now – I am preparing myself,” Garth tells fans in a recent episode of Inside Studio G. “I’m going to be reading the teleprompter, and I betcha 10-to-1 what’s on there she ain’t going to say. And then you’ve got to figure out where you’re at. She’s great at that! I am not that guy, but I’m going to have so much fun with her.”

The 58th Academy of Country Music Awards, hosted by Dolly and Garth, will stream live on Amazon Prime Video May 11 at 7 p.m. ET.

Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler having second thoughts about “Peace Out” tour name

May 9, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Aerosmith recently announced their “Peace Out” tour, with special guest The Black Crowes, but it looks like Steven Tyler wasn’t sold on the tour name.

In a funny new video, Tyler has a special golden winged phone delivered to Crowes frontman Chris Robinson, and when Tyler calls, he reveals his uncertainty, along with a string of bizarre options.

“Coming up with a tour name isn’t as easy as one would think!” reads the video caption. “Steven Tyler lets Chris Robinson know he is having second thoughts about ‘Peace Out’!”

Some of Tyler’s strange suggestions include: LSD for lead singer disorder, Aerosmith and The Crowes – Wings O’Plenty, Trial and Terror, Brothers in Arguments and Aero-Swiss Family Robinson.

Aerosmith’s Peace Out tour, which they say will be their final one ever, kicks off September 2 in Philadelphia, hitting such cities as Pittsburgh, Detroit, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Los Angeles, Boston, New York and Nashville before wrapping January 26, 2024, in Montreal, Canada. A complete list of dates can be found at Aerosmith.com.

(Video includes uncensored profanity.)

Francia Raisa questions why Selena Gomez fans are bullying her when Selena condemns it

May 9, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Selena Gomez and Francia Raisa in 2017; Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

TMZ recently cornered actress Francia Raisa, Selena Gomez‘s longtime friend and kidney donor, and peppered her with questions about the current state of their relationship. Francia totally dodged the questions, and as a result, she tells TMZ that she’s getting bullied online very badly.

Cornered once again by TMZ, the How I Met Your Father star said, “Now I’m being bullied like crazy.” Asked which comments have particularly hurt her, Francia says one person wrote, “I hope someone … rips out your other kidney, you f****** wh***.”

She continued, “The only thing I’m going to say is in no way, shape or form does anyone condone bullying, especially Selena. She literally has a whole nonprofit dedicated to mental health and I believe [her brand] Rare Beauty even just had an event for mental health. So the fact that I’m now being bullied as I am, it’s messing with me mentally.”

“To me, it’s not what anyone wants for someone. She’s literally out there saying, ‘Please stop,’ so I don’t understand why it’s not stopping — not just for me, but others that are also being antagonized online,” she added. “I’m doing my best to not listen.”

Francia and Selena were rumored to have had a falling out after Selena, in a Rolling Stone interview, failed to mention Francia as one of her close friends. Francia then unfollowed Selena on social media. But earlier this year, in an episode of the Apple TV+ documentary Dear…, Selena called Francia her “best friend” and said she was forever “in debt” to her because of the kidney donation.

Austin City Limits Music Festival to feature headliner Kendrick Lamar, Coi Leray, GloRilla, Lil Yachty and more

May 9, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Kendrick Lamar is headlining the Austin City Limits Music Festival when it returns to the Texas city in October. The rapper will be sharing headlining duties with Foo Fighters, Mumford & Sons, The Lumineers, ODESZA, Shania Twain, Alanis Morissette, The 1975 and Hozier.

Also featured on the bill are Lil Yachty, Kali Uchis, Coi Leray, GloRilla, Serayah and a slew of native Texans. All artists will perform on one of nine different stages during the two-weekend event, which takes place at Zilker Park October 6-8 and October 13-15. Some artists, like Shania and The 1975, will only perform during one of the two weekends.

Tickets go on sale May 9 at 12 p.m. CT at aclfestival.com. Layaway plans are available.

Queens of the Stone Age preview new music in latest teaser

May 9, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Queens of the Stone Age have shared a video teaser hinting at upcoming new music.

The clip, posted to the “No One Knows” band’s Facebook page, is titled “The World’s Gonna End” and features a barely clothed woman with a snake wrapped around her body standing next to a globe on fire. In the background, you can hear Josh Homme sing, “I don’t care what the people know/ the world’s gonna end in a month or so.”

On Monday, QotSA shared a Facebook post reading, “It’s our special week!” alongside a snake emoji.

If and when new Queens music arrives, it’ll be the follow-up to the group’s 2017 album, Villains, which was produced by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars collaborator Mark Ronson.

Queens of the Stone Age are set to play a number of U.S. festivals this year, including Sonic Temple and Boston Calling. They have one U.S. headlining date currently scheduled: August 12 at New York City’s Forest Hills Stadium.

Why didn’t Miley Cyrus reprise ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ role in ‘Vol. 3’?

May 9, 2023 by WDNY Radio

James Gunn has explained — albeit very briefly — why Miley Cyrus‘ voice wasn’t heard in Galaxy of the Guardians Vol. 3.

The singer and Black Mirror actress had a single line in an after-credits scene in Vol. 2 as Mainframe, an AI that in the film is just a robotic head. When Mainframe is reunited with Michelle Yeoh‘s Aleta, Michael Rosenbaum‘s Martinex, Ving Rhames‘ Charlie-27, a CG character named Krugarr and their former leader Stakar, played by Sylvester Stallone, she says, “I miss you guys so much!”

However, in Vol. 3, the character has more lines, and they were voiced instead by Loki‘s Miss Minutes herself, veteran cartoon voice-over actress Tara Strong.

On Monday, keeping his promise to fans to answer any questions they had provided they could be answered yes or no, a fan asked, “Was Miley Cyrus not able to reprise her role from Guardians 2? Was that the same character?”

Gunn’s answers were “Yes” and “Yes,” meaning some kind of scheduling conflict might have prevented Miley from rebooting as Mainframe for the Guardians’ final adventure.

Neil Young on returning to the stage after 3 1/2 years: “Made me want to play more”

May 9, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Neil Young recently returned to the stage for the first time since before the pandemic began, and it sounds like we may soon be seeing more of him.

In a post shared on his Neil Young Archives site, the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer reflected on his recent performances at Stephen Stills‘ Light up the Blues benefit and at Willie Nelson’s 90th birthday celebration at the Hollywood Bowl, and shared his desire to keep playing.

“Well, last week was really cool – playing with Steve and Willie,” Young writes, noting it was “great to be playing with Stephen again.” He added, “ … seeing you all enjoy this show is amazing.”

As for the Willie concert, Young called it a “great gift for all.”

And it sounds like the experiences sparked Young’s desire to get back out there. “Made me want to play more,” he concluded his post. “It felt so good to be up there after three and a half years … Maybe July.”

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