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Trump and DeSantis hold dueling events in Iowa

May 13, 2023 by WDNY Radio

(DES MOINES, Iowa) — Former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, the top two names in the 2024 GOP presidential primary field, are set to be in Iowa this weekend, marking the first time the two will be in the critical state simultaneously this election cycle.

The former president will hold a rally in Des Moines, Iowa, Saturday evening, while DeSantis will participate in two events in different parts of the state. The first DeSantis event is set to take place late Saturday morning in Sioux Center, where the governor will attend an annual Family Picnic hosted by Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa. Later in the evening, the governor will make his way over to Cedar Rapids where he will host a reception with Iowa GOP Chairman Jeff Kaufmann, which is being billed as an interview-style discussion with the governor.

“There’s a civil war in the Republican Party coming, and it’s coming quicker than everybody thinks, and Iowa is ground zero for that,” said Dan Eberhart, a Republican donor who previously fundraised for Trump but is now supporting DeSantis.

“I don’t think either campaign is going to say this, but Iowa is a must-win,” Eberhart added.

DeSantis may sense a rare opportunity to gain ground on the former president, given that Trump’s loss in the state’s 2016 caucuses briefly set Trump back on his heels in the race for the nomination. Ahead of the governor’s visit to the state, DeSantis received numerous endorsements from Iowan Republicans — 37 to be exact, including from the state’s Senate President Amy Sinclair.

“The support in Iowa for Governor Ron DeSantis to jump in the race and be our next President is overflowing – as shown by this historic list, which is the largest number of endorsements from Iowa legislators at this stage of a GOP primary in modern memory. Iowa’s leaders are getting behind DeSantis as the future of the Republican Party,” said Erin Perrine, the communication director for the pro-DeSantis super PAC Never Back Down.

DeSantis is not the first potential 2024 contender to be invited to the Iowa congressman’s Family Picnic. In the spring of 2021, former Vice President Mike Pence, fresh off the White House, became the first special guest at the first Feenstra annual picnic, and last year, Trump’s former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley — herself now a 2024 hopeful — joined the Feenstra picnic as she was mulling a presidential run.

“Iowans are laser-focused on defeating Joe Biden and passing a conservative agenda for our country, and that starts with the Iowa caucuses,” Feenstra said in a statement to ABC News. “That’s why I’m excited that Governor Ron DeSantis is headlining my 3rd annual Feenstra Family Picnic to share his record of results with my constituents.”

At this year’s picnic, top Iowa GOP leaders will join Feenstra and DeSantis, including Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, Lieutenant Gov. Adam Gregg, Sen. Joni Ernst and Rep. Mariannetta Miller-Meeks.

“One thing that everyone who makes their way through Iowa comes to learn quickly is just how seriously Iowans take our First-in-the-Nation Caucus,” Kaufmann said in a statement to ABC News. “We’re always eager to hear what candidates and national figures have to say, and Gov. Ron DeSantis is certainly no exception — we’ve heard a tremendous deal of excitement from Iowa Republicans for our sold-out event with Gov. DeSantis.”

Kaufmann added that his conversation with DeSantis will be a great opportunity for Iowans to learn more about him as a person and not just as a governor.

Even without DeSantis’ candidacy, Never Back Down has raised $30 million from donors seeking an alternative Republican to Trump since March, and last month, the super PAC launched seven-figure ad campaigns in four early voting states pitching DeSantis is the new leader of the GOP, as previously reported by ABC News.

But Trump’s allies are coming at an even more aggressive pace – pro-Trump super PAC Make America Great Again Inc. with a massive $50 million war chest already spending more than $10 million in ad campaigns attacking DeSantis.

“Trump sees DeSantis as the biggest threat right now,” Bob Vander Plaats, president of conservative Iowa-based group the Family Leader and a prominent figure in Iowa politics, told ABC News.

“I think there are two races going on: One is Trump versus DeSantis, and then you have everybody else versus DeSantis,” said Vander Plaats, who has publicly said he’s looking for an alternative to Trump.

Trump could prove difficult to defeat if the field remains extremely crowded, with candidates dividing the anti-Trump vote, the Iowa politico said.

“Let’s say the race were to remain the way it is right now, [where] there are six or seven candidates in the races. Most likely, Trump will win the Iowa caucuses, and he’d win the Republican primary just by the math of division,” Vander Plaats continued. “If there’s a coalescing around one candidate who emerges as a clear alternative to Trump and that coalesce becomes one-on-one against the former president, now I think there’s a chance they’ll have a different nominee other than Donald Trump.”

Asked whether DeSantis is ready to take on Trump, Vander Plaats said, “Definitely.”

“He’s the governor of the state of Florida,” Vander Plaats said. “He won a massive reelection. He’s accomplished a ton. He’s very gifted as a leader. He’s articulate. He’s focused. He’s a Navy SEAL. I think he’s very prepared to go toe-to-toe with the former president.”

But Vander Plaats, noting he has yet to endorse anyone, said he’s still “keeping a very open hand” for a number of candidates. He said he met with DeSantis and his wife Casey DeSantis recently in Florida, Nikki Haley is visiting his office next week, and Mike Pence will do the same the following week.

Asked what Iowans will be looking for from the two frontrunners this weekend, Vander Plaats said: “At the end of the day, they want to know the true personal character: whether you have the ability and competency to be president and that you’re the right person to win. That’s really what they’re looking for.”

The parallel events in Iowa signal the 2024 Republican presidential primary field is ramping up for a heated battle in the Hawkeye State as DeSantis boosts his political operation ahead of a much anticipated campaign announcement and Trump attempts to raise his public profile, most recently by participating in a town hall in New Hampshire with CNN during which he continued to push false information about the 2020 presidential election.

Trump and DeSantis’ pseudo match in Iowa also comes on the heels of a widening polling gap, with the former president pulling well ahead of DeSantis in national polls for the 2024 Republican nomination. The Florida governor was once neck-and-neck with Trump in polls, boosted by his strong reelection victory and prolific fundraising during the 2022 midterms. But some Republican leaders and supporters have expressed doubts on whether he’s ready to take on Trump, holding off on donations or actively seeking alternative contenders.

Trump’s camp says the strong lead is attributable to his record.

“President Trump is dominating in the polls — both in the primary and general elections — and passed significant policies to improve the lives of all Iowans. He granted consumers year-round access to E15 gasoline with higher blends of ethanol, which led to improved corn prices and lower costs for drivers. He negotiated America First trade deals like the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement and with the European Union, China, and Japan to increase access to purchase agricultural products from Iowans. To protect generations of Iowa farmers and business owners, President Trump virtually eliminated the estate tax and enacted tax cuts for the middle class,” a Trump spokesperson told ABC News.

Although Trump is the clear frontrunner in the 2024 presidential election and has widened his leads in the polls, DeSantis remains the biggest in-party threat to Trump’s attempt to return to the White House, with the former president ramping up his attacks on the Florida governor ahead of his expected presidential announcement in the summer.

ABC News’ Olivia Rubin contributed to this report.

Kelly Clarkson responds to ‘Rolling Stone article,’ vows to “eradicate” any “toxicity” at her show

May 13, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Kelly Clarkson has taken to Instagram to address accusations by current and former employees that the behind-the-scenes culture on the Emmy-winning Kelly Clarkson Show is “toxic.”

Rolling Stone published an article which quoted the employees as saying that showrunner and executive producer Alex Duda is a “monster,” and claiming that their complaints of mistreatment by Duda and other production staff were ignored by HR. However, they all were quick to clarify that Kelly herself is “fantastic” and is likely unaware of what’s going on.

Now, Kelly has posted a lengthy response to the article.

“In my 20 years in the entertainment industry, I’ve always led with my heart and what I believed to be right,” her statement began. “I love my team at The Kelly Clarkson Show, and to find out that anyone is feeling unheard and or disrespected on this show is unacceptable.”

“I have always been, and will continue to be, committed to creating and maintaining a safe and healthy environment at The Kelly Clarkson Show,” she continued.

Referring to the fact that the show’s production is moving from Los Angeles to New York City next season, Kelly added, “As we prepare for a move to the East Coast, I am more committed than ever to ensuring that not only our team that is moving, but also our new team in NY, is comprised of the best and kindest in the business.”

Her statement concluded, “Part of that build will include leadership training for all of the senior staff, including myself. There is always room to grow and ensure we are all being/becoming the best version of ourselves in any business. Especially when it comes to leadership, to ensure that any notion of toxicity is eradicated.”

Rammstein announces “Du hast” vinyl single

May 12, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Rammstein has announced a new “Du hast” vinyl release.

The white 7-inch single features the German metal outfit’s signature song, as well as a new, 2023 mix of the song “Spiel mit mir.” You can preorder it now via the band’s web store.

Last month, Rammstein announced a reissue of their 1997 album Sehnsucht, due out June 9. It features remastered HD sound audio, as well as the 2023 “Spiel mit mir” mix. The original Sehnsucht remains the only fully German album to be certified Platinum by the RIAA.

Rammstein’s most recent album is 2022’s Zeit.

Clairo releases ‘Live at Electric Lady’ EP

May 12, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Clario has released a new EP called Live at Electric Lady.

As its title suggests, the set was recorded at the famed Electric Lady Studios in New York City. It includes reworkings of five songs from her two albums, Immunity and Sling.

“I’m extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to perform at Electric Lady,” Clairo says. “A huge thank you to everyone involved!”

You can listen to Live at Electric Lady via Spotify and watch performances from the sessions streaming now on YouTube.

Clairo will be touring this summer alongside boygenuis.

Music notes: Lil Durk, Drake, Ice Spice and more

May 12, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Lil Durk delayed his Almost Healed album, but he did release the music video for “All My Life” ft. J. Cole Friday. He says the “most surprising thing” about working with Cole was that he “smoked my a**” on the track. “That barely happens,” Durk told Complex. He also made headlines for offering to fight Tekashi 69 in a televised matchup that would take place in Dubai.

Ice Spice is shooting a music video, as captured in clips that have surfaced on the internet. She was seen in New York sitting atop a black Chevy Suburban as a camera crew filmed and cheering fans surrounded the vehicle. Her mother is also getting a taste of virality, as a photo of her and Ice has made its way around social media.

Speaking of Ice, a fan compared Flo Milli‘s lyricism to that of the Bronx rapper, prompting Flo to request an end to all the comparisons. “i wish yall would stop with this tired a** narrative yall love to push about my career,” she tweeted. “and stop mentioning me while trying to degrade another artist its WEIRDDD.”

Tickets for Drake‘s concert may be high, but so is the price of his new Air Drake socks. The socks are made out of hand-spun cashmere and cost $415, resulting in jokes and other reactions from his fans and critics alike.

Willem Dafoe, Catherine O’Hara and more reportedly joining ‘Beetlejuice 2’

May 12, 2023 by WDNY Radio

A Goblin is reportedly joining the self-described “ghost with the most.” The Hollywood Reporter says Willem Dafoe, recently seen reprising as Norman Osborn/The Green Goblin in Spider-Man: No Way Home, will appear in Beetlejuice 2 for director Tim Burton.

As the trade reported, Burton’s Wednesday star Jenna Ortega will lead the follow-up to the 1988 supernatural comedy classic, with Michael Keaton reprising as the titular human-haunting demon and Winona Ryder again playing Lydia Deetz, now a mom to Ortega’s character.

THR also reports Schitt’s Creek Emmy winner Catherine O’Hara, who played Lydia’s snobby mom in the original, will return for the movie, which will also star White House Plumbers lead Justin Theroux and The Matrix: Reloaded‘s Monica Bellucci.

The Warner Bros. film, co-produced by Brad Pitt‘s Plan B company, will be released September 6, 2024.

Rasheem Carter’s family presses for justice as more possible remains found

May 12, 2023 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — A potential fourth set of remains that may belong to Rasheem Carter, a 25-year-old Black man who went missing in Mississippi in October, has been found and investigators say they’re working to analyze them.

The development comes as Carter’s family continues its call for justice in the case, which has dragged on for months. Though local officials have said that they believe there was no foul play in the disappearance and the cause of death remains undetermined, family members believe that doesn’t hold water.

“I am overwhelmed with the oppression that this state have caused in our lives. I want something done, and I want it done immediately. I’m tired of waiting,” Tiffany Carter, Rasheem’s mother, said at a press conference with the family’s attorney Ben Crump. “I know I can’t change what has happened, but we can make the change that this doesn’t happen to another family.”

On the day of his disappearance, Rasheem Carter allegedly sent a text to his mother saying that he was afraid for his safety and that men in trucks yelling racial epithets were after him, his family has said.

Simpsons County Sheriff Paul Mullins confirmed that remains were found in the woods on April 30. He said they appeared to be animal bones, but they were sent to the county coroner for examination. He added that the Mississippi medical examiner would analyze the remains on Monday.

On Nov. 2, 2022, the first set of remains were found in neighboring Smith County. Carter’s skull and spinal cord were located in separate locations classifying them as two sets of remains, according to Crump’s office.

Another set of remains that matched Carter’s DNA were found on Feb. 23, also in Smith County, according to Crump’s office.

Crump said Mississippi officials haven’t notified the family of the fourth set of remains. He said a bystander filmed police retrieving the remains and sent the video to the Carter family.

“There is no excuse for bystanders coming showing video to the family, and officials not having the dignity and respect to notify the family immediately, and say ‘we found more human remains in the vicinity where your son head and spinal cord and other bodily remains were found,'” Crump said.

Mississippi state officials involved in the investigation told ABC News in a statement that they received the first three sets of remains from local authorities. They wouldn’t confirm if they received a fourth set of remains.

The state medical examiner’s office did not immediately respond to ABC News’ request for comment.

In light of the recent discovery, attorneys representing Carter’s family are calling for a federal probe into his death, arguing that the Smith County Sheriff’s Department’s original conclusion that there was no foul play seemed dubious.

Smith County Sheriff Joel Houston told ABC News that the sheriff’s department stands behind its earlier determination that no foul play was involved in Carter’s death. Earlier evidence “didn’t suggest anything,” he said.

According to an autopsy report on the first two sets of remains, a copy of which was obtained by ABC News, most of what was found was bone and the cause of death was undetermined.

“Nothing is being swept under the rug,” Houston said. “There’s nothing to hide.” Houston added that the department is awaiting results of search warrants before ruling out foul play.

“Mississippi, all America’s watching to see if you’re going to do right by Rasheem Carter,” Crump said. “His brokenhearted mother has nightmares at night about what her son must have been doing as a result of this lynching in 2022.”

Black Eyed Peas celebrate 20 years of “Where Is the Love?”: “We feel beyond blessed”

May 12, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Twenty years ago — May 12, 2003 — Black Eyed Peas released the song that would prove to be their mainstream breakthrough: “Where Is the Love?”

The first single from their third album, Elephunk, “Where Is the Love?” was the Peas’ first song to feature Fergie as an official member. The hook of the song is sung by Justin Timberlake, who co-wrote the track.

“Where Is the Love?” was inspired by will.i.am‘s anxiety and fear after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, but it also takes on issues like racism, pollution and war. Its release was delayed as the Peas’ record company and Timberlake’s record company tried to work out a compromise so that Timberlake, who was promoting his debut solo album, Justified, at the time, wouldn’t be overexposed.

Eventually, Timberlake’s record label approved the release of the track, but he’s uncredited on it and doesn’t appear in the video, either.

Neither of those things seemed to hurt the song’s success, though. It was their first single to reach the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and went on to become the bestselling single of 2003 in the U.K. It also earned the Peas and Timberlake two Grammy nominations, including Record of the Year.

On Friday, the Peas tweeted, “20 years ago today we released ‘Where Is the Love?’ A song that not only left a special imprint on our career but our lives, and many around us. We want to thank our team, family, friends and peabodies for always believing in us and the power of love to make change. We feel beyond blessed.”

They also tweeted a link to a remastered 4K version of the song’s video.

Music notes: Jonas Brothers, Lewis Capaldi and more

May 12, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Jonas Brothers superfan Haley Lu Richardson got to be a Jonas Brothers correspondent on the Today show Friday. As part of the gig, the White Lotus actress, who also appeared in the JoBros “Wings” video, got to attend their Citi Concert Series performance in celebration of their new album, The Album.

After Taylor Swift and Matty Healy were spotted holding hands while out in NYC Thursday, an insider tells People their relationship is “not just platonic.” “They’re hanging out and having a good time,” the source says.

Lewis Capaldi appears on a new episode of the popular YouTube series Chicken Shop Date, where he enjoys some chicken nuggets and fried Mars bars in Glasgow with host Amelia Dimoldenberg.

Ed Sheeran is giving parenting advice to fans in a new TikTok video. In the clip posted by @MeetCutesNYC, the singer surprises a married couple on the streets of NYC who are expecting their first child together. “Month 4, it gets easier,” Ed tells them. “The one thing you need to know is that no one gets it right.” Ed’s got two daughters with wife Cherry, 2-year-old Lyra and 1-year-old Jupiter.

James Taylor shares throwback performance of “Brother Trucker”

May 12, 2023 by WDNY Radio

James Taylor is sharing another throwback video with fans. The singer just posted a “vintage” live performance of the tune “Brother Trucker.”

The video shows James and his band performing the song at the Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, on July 18, 1979. Taylor has since played Blossom 26 times, more than any other featured performer.

This performance of “Brother Trucker” was previously available as part of James Taylor – In Concert, which was his first commercial video release.

Taylor wrote “Brother Trucker” for the musical Working. It was later included on his 1979 album, Flag.

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