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Israel prepares to expand activity in Lebanon as conflict with Hezbollah escalates

March 12, 2026 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — As Israel continued striking Beirut on Thursday, Israel’s military is preparing to expand its activity in Lebanon, Israel Defense Minister Israel Katz said.

The IDF issued a new evacuation order on Thursday, expanding the area in the south of Lebanon from which residents have been told to leave. The area now extends past the Litani River, all the way to the Zahrani River.

“I warned the Lebanese president that if the Lebanese government does not know how to control the territory and prevent Hezbollah from threatening the northern communities and firing at Israel — we will take the territory and do it ourselves,” Katz said in remarks at a military operations center in Tel Aviv.

“The prime minister and I instructed the [Israel Defense Forces] to prepare to expand IDF activity in Lebanon and restore peace and security to the northern communities,” Katz added.

The expanded evacuation order now includes the city of Nabatieh, with a population of at least 35,000 people.

Overnight, Israeli strikes hit Beirut’s Corniche, a seafront area where many had evacuated to, following orders by the IDF to leave southern Beirut neighborhoods, a Hezbollah stronghold that the IDF has been striking and bombing in the past 12 days. At least eight people have died and dozens more were injured in the strikes, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health.

“The IDF continues to conduct extensive waves of strikes from the air and sea in the Beirut area against the Hezbollah terrorist organization … Among the targets struck were terrorist infrastructure, weapons storage facilities, central headquarters, and the IRGC Air Force headquarters in Beirut,” the IDF said in a statement Thursday.

Around 800,000 have now been driven from their homes in southern Lebanon and Beirut, according to Lebanese officials.

The Israeli military had issued an urgent evacuation notice for parts of southern Lebanon, including Beirut, on Wednesday, days after first ordering the evacuation of residents from southern Lebanon.

The two have continued to trade fire since Israel last week began carrying out intensified attacks targeting Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy force in Lebanon, following its strikes on Iran.

On Wednesday, Hezbollah announced a new operation against its neighbor, launching dozens of rockets.

Israel has responded with an intense bombardment of the Beirut suburb of Dahiyeh.

The Israel Defense Forces said Wednesday it began a “large-scale wave of strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure” after issuing an “urgent and dangerous” evacuation alert for the area.

In an update late Wednesday, the IDF said it had struck 10 Hezbollah facilities in Dahieh in 30 minutes, including an intelligence headquarters and command centers.

Since March 2, when Israel began issuing evacuation warnings amid its airstrikes, over 630 people have been killed and nearly 1,600 injured in Lebanon, according to the Lebanese health ministry.

Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn says he’s running for reelection after all

March 12, 2026 by WDNY Radio

(WASHINGTON) — Longtime Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn told ABC News on Thursday that he is running for reelection, not announcing his retirement.

Clyburn, 85, later made the announcement official at South Carolina Democratic Party HQ in Columbia, where he promised to mount a “vigorous campaign” as he pursues an 18th term in the House of Representatives.

Amid speculation that he may opt to retire, the former House majority whip admitted he seriously considered it and consulted with his three daughters and polled constituents. He said the message he received was, “We don’t want you to leave.”

“So, I’m responding to the people down here,” Clyburn said.

After more than 33 years in the House, what is left unfinished for Clyburn to accomplish?

“We exist in pursuit of a more perfect union,” Clyburn said. “There’s nobody here today who thinks that this country is perfect. It is not a perfect country. But I don’t think there’s anybody today who believe that we should give up on that pursuit of perfection, and I’m here today to say I do believe that I’m very well equipped and healthy enough to move into the next term, trying to do the things that are necessary to continue that pursuit of perfection.”

Clyburn’s potential reelection would push his political survival beyond Democratic Reps. Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer, who are retiring at the end of the current term on Jan. 3, 2027.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and House Democrats need a net gain of just three seats to seize the majority in November’s midterm elections.

“He was among those who asked me to stay,” Clyburn said of Jeffries. “He expressed an interest in my being a part of his leadership if he were to take the House back.”

Clyburn helped propel former President Joe Biden to the White House in 2020, throwing his endorsement behind Biden days before the South Carolina primary after three consecutive primary victories by Bernie Sanders as a field of Democrats vied for the party nomination.

Biden awarded Clyburn with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2024.

“Always grounded in faith, family and service, Jim has guided South Carolina and our country with a steady hand and honest heart for over the last half century,” Biden said. “I would not be standing here as president making these awards were it not for Jim. I mean that sincerely.”

Clyburn on Thursday would not say whether, if he is reelected, it would be his final term.

“This could very well be my last term, and it could very well not be,” Clyburn said. “We’ll just see how things go.”

Clyburn’s announcement comes as an increasing number of members of Congress are retiring, including Pelosi, 85, Hoyer, 86, and Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell, 84.

Clyburn said in a 2021 interview with Axios that there is a path for the next generation and that if they wanted his seat, to “come get it.”

“The path is there for the next generation; I never asked anyone to die for me. I don’t know why people come saying you need to step aside for me. No. If you want my seat, come get it,” Clyburn said at the time.

Still, the U.S. Congress has gotten younger as a whole, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of representatives and senators who took office at the start of the 119th Congress.

The median age of voting members of the House of Representatives is now 57.5 years. That’s down from 57.9 at the start of the 118th Congress (2023-2025), 58.9 in the 117th Congress (2021-2023).

The Senate, following the death or retirement of some of its oldest members, has begun to reverse its aging trend. The new Senate’s median age is 64.7 years, down from 65.3 at the start of the previous Congress.

Rapper and radio host Lord Sear dies

March 12, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Steve Watson, famously known as rapper and longtime radio host Lord Sear, has died at 52 years old. The news was confirmed in a joint post on his Instagram, the accounts for his Lord Sear Special radio show and Shade 45, Eminem’s hip-hop channel on Sirius XM.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Lord Sear. He was more than a voice on the radio — he was a force, a friend, and family to so many of us,” the caption reads. “Lord Sear’s legacy in hip hop runs deep.”

The post briefly summarizes his history, including his work alongside rapper Kurious, his run on the Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show in the ’90s, the time he spent on the road during Eminem’s Anger Management Tour and his more than 20-year stint on Shade 45.

“Rest easy, Lord Sear,” the caption says. “The culture will never forget you.”

Hip-hop stars including Fat Joe, Yasiin Bey, Lloyd Banks, Sheek Louch, Xzibit, Tony Yayo and David Banner have commented on the post announcing Sear’s death. Eminem also posted a tribute on Instagram, remembering Sear as “one of the greatest people to be around.”

“I will never forget how he made me laugh on our tour together,” Em wrote. “Our time on @shade45 together was always some of my favorite interviews. He made the world a better place and I’m gonna seriously miss that. Rest in peace Lil Trey aka @LordSear!!!”

Luke Bryan’s Crash My Playa returns for a 12th year in 2027

March 12, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Luke Bryan’s annual Crash My Playa fan getaway will continue for a 12th year in 2027, taking over Riviera Cancun, Mexico, Jan. 13-16.

The announcement hit the Crash My Playa socials Thursday morning, along with a promotional video promising the usual four days of music during the all-inclusive weekend, complete “with the best fans in country music.”

Crash My Playa will return to Moon Palace Resort in 2027. Announcements about who will play the nightly concerts typically come later in the year.

The Crash My Playa video offers a preview of Luke’s new radio single, “Country and She Knows It,” which comes out March 27.

Did The Black Crowes inspire the Oasis reunion? Definitely, not maybe, says Chris Robinson

March 12, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Before Noel Gallagher and Liam Gallagher ended their long-running feud to get Oasis back together in 2024, another pair of formerly estranged brothers, Chris Robinson and Rich Robinson, reunited their band, The Black Crowes, in 2019.

So, did the Robinson reconciliation lead to the return of the “Wonderwall” outfit? Speaking with Rolling Stone‘s Nashville Now, Chris doesn’t just say maybe.

“Of course we did. There’s no doubt in my mind that we didn’t,” Chris says. “I don’t care what Noel or Liam say. They are that heavily influenced by how Rich and I’s relationship is going.”

“I would say we’re the barometer to their family dynamic,” the “She Talks to Angels” singer continues. “That’s just a fact. And I’d like to see either of them deny it.”

Oasis and the Crowes actually shared the road together back in 2001 on the Tour of Brotherly Love alongside another sibling band, Spacehog.

“It was amazing,” Rich recalls of the shows. “That was a great tour.”

As for yet another thing they have in common, Oasis and The Black Crowes are both nominated to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2026. The inductees will be announced in April.

Myles Smith returns to hometown for free surprise show

March 12, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Myles Smith has been surprising fans for quite some time with last-minute announcements of free pop-up shows. But the one he did on Wednesday was particularly special, because it was in his hometown of Luton, England.

After tipping off his Instagram followers, Myles arrived in Luton to play an acoustic show in front of the Hat Factory, a venue he performed at before “Stargazing” made him a global star, as the BBC reports. Hundreds of fans turned out to greet the hometown hero.

According to the BBC, when asked what Luton means to him, Myles said, “It’s the best. I was born here, it’s full of the greatest people, I love it.” During the show he invited a 9-year-old fan to join him for “Stargazing.”

Myles’ mom, Deborah Smith, was also on hand, and told the BBC that she’s “eternally grateful” and “incredibly proud” of her son. She also said that growing up in Luton — with its “eclectic mix of nationalities, of cultures, of socioeconomic differences” — made Myles the artist he is today.

Myles wrote on his Instagram Story Wednesday, “So good to be home, thank you to the hundreds of you that turned up last minute. It’s incredible to come back to the town who made me the person that I am and I’m so thankful. I hope I made you proud.”

Morrissey claims scheduled Spain concert ‘rendered impossible’ due to ‘sleep deprivation’

March 12, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Given his long history of canceling and postponing shows, Morrissey pulling out of yet another gig isn’t exactly news. But the former Smiths frontman’s reason for his latest cancellation warrants a headline.

Ahead of his scheduled show in Valencia, Spain, on Thursday, a message on the Morrissey Central website was posted reading, “Having travelled for two days by road, Morrissey reached the hotel in Valencia late on Wednesday. Any form of sleep or rest throughout the night was impossible due to festival noise / loud techno singing / megaphone announcements.”

“This experience has left Morrissey in a catatonic state,” the post continued. “Before leaving for tonight’s scheduled concert, please check that the show remains possible under these circumstances.”

A follow-up post then declared, “Tonight’s scheduled show in Valencia has been rendered impossible due to sleep deprivation.”

“Morrissey drove from Milan to Valencia but has been unable to rest in Valencia due to noise,” the second post continued. “The show is not cancelled. Circumstances render the show impossible.”

A third and, so far, final post reads, “Morrissey has described his hotel on Plaza Manises as … ‘indescribable hell. It will take me one year to recover. And that is an understatement.'”

Meanwhile, the show page on the venue’s website now says that the Morrissey concert is “cancelled due to circumstances beyond the promoter’s control.” Refunds will be issued.

Morrissey is currently scheduled to play in Zaragoza, Spain, on Saturday, provided he’s able to get some shut-eye.

A new Morrissey album called Make-up is a Lie dropped earlier in March.

Maya Rudolph to make Broadway debut starring in ‘Oh, Mary!’

March 12, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Oh, Mary? More like Oh, Maya!

Maya Rudolph will make her Broadway debut by taking on the starring role of Mary Todd Lincoln in the Tony Award-winning play Oh, Mary!

Rudolph’s run in the production will be an eight-week limited engagement starting on April 28 and ending on June 20.

Oh, Mary!‘s official Instagram shared a poster with Rudolph adorned in Mary’s signature bratty curls. The account also posted a video of Maya in costume as Mary as she finds a mirror that has the phrase, “You’re next, Maya,” written in all caps using red lipstick.

Cole Escola created, wrote and won a Tony for starring in Oh, Mary! The show is a one-act comedy play centered on Mary Todd Lincoln in the weeks leading up to her husband Abraham Lincoln’s assassination.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch‘s John Cameron Mitchell is currently starring as Mary Todd Lincoln in the production. His final performance in the role will be April 26.

ICYMI: Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, Papoose and more

March 12, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground media company has joined Broadway’s revival of Proof starring Ayo Edebiri and Don Cheadle, who will be making their Broadway debuts. The Obamas will co-produce with Mike Posner and director Thomas Kail. “To bring this landmark play back to Broadway with Ayo, Don, Tommy, and Mike at the helm is an extraordinary privilege, and we couldn’t be more proud to be part of this production,” the Obamas said in a statement. “Proof is exactly the kind of story Higher Ground was built to champion. A play that asks profound questions about brilliance, doubt, and what we inherit from the people we love most.”

Rome Flynn, Algee Smith, Desi Banks and Siv Ngesi will play college friends on a boys trip in the upcoming action-comedy Boyz Trip. The trip “quickly spirals into international chaos, forcing them to rely on old bonds, questionable skills, and pure luck just to make it out alive,” the movie’s synopsis reads, according to Deadline. Production for Boyz Trip has already begun in Cape Town, South Africa.

Papoose targets 50 Cent in a diss track titled “Agent Provocateur.” “He was a crab in the barrel until Eminem picked him/ Made himself famous by claiming he was a victim/ His claim to fame was ‘I got shot 9 times’/ But the truth is he only got shot 5 times,” he raps on the song. It marks his second 50 Cent diss track, following “Many Men.” The two have been engaged in a back and forth since 50 poked fun at Papoose’s girlfriend, Claressa Shields, and their relationship on social media.

2026 Country Music Hall of Fame inductees to be revealed March 20

March 12, 2026 by WDNY Radio

We’re about a week away from learning the identities of the newest members of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Marty Stuart will host the official announcement of the 2026 inductees March 20 from the Hall of Fame’s rotunda.

You’ll be able to livestream this year’s big reveal starting at 10 a.m. CT on the CMA’s YouTube channel.

The three new members will officially join the Hall of Fame’s esteemed ranks after the annual Medallion Ceremony in the fall.

Kenny Chesney, June Carter Cash and Tony Brown were the 2025 inductees.

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