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More than 7,000 nurses go on strike across 2 New York City hospitals

January 9, 2023 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — More than 7,000 nurses at two hospitals in New York City went on strike early Monday morning demanding better pay, better working conditions and more staffing.

The strike began at 6 a.m. after nurses at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx and Mount Sinai Hospital in Harlem failed to reach an agreement with hospital administration during a bargaining session Sunday night, according to the New York State Nurses’ Association.

“These nurses are dedicated professionals who provide quality patient care under unimaginable conditions day in and day out that were exacerbated by the pandemic,” Mario Cilento, president of the New York State AFL-CIO, a labor union, said in a statement Monday. “Now they are faced with the added challenge of short staffing that has reached critical levels and could compromise their ability to provide the best quality care to their patients.”

“It is time for the hospitals to treat these nurses fairly, with the dignity and respect they deserve, and to negotiate in good faith, quickly, to ensure nurses can get back to serving their communities by providing superior care to their patients,” the statement continued.

Strikes are occurring at three locations in the Bronx and one location in Manhattan and will occur until 7 p.m.

In a statement, Montefiore Medical Center said it offered a 19.1% compounded wage increase and promised to create more than 170 new nursing positions ahead of the strike.

“We remain committed to seamless and compassionate care, recognizing that the union leadership’s decision will spark fear and uncertainty across our community,” the statement read.

Separately, Philip Ozuah, president of Montefiore Hospital, wrote a memo to staff members claiming the strike was unnecessary because all parties are allegedly near a final agreement. He added that the nurses turned down an offer that “exceeded the terms already agreed to at the wealthiest of our peer institutions”.

Mount Sinai told ABC News in a statement it also offered a 19.1% increased wage proposal but that nurses rejected the offer.

“Our first priority is the safety of our patients. We’re prepared to minimize disruption, and we encourage Mount Sinai nurses to continue providing the world-class care they’re known for, in spite of NYSNA’s strike,” Mount Sinai officials said.

During a press conference Monday afternoon, Nancy Hagans, president of the NYSNA said the current contract does not address nurse/patient ratios — which they are calling for and has led to stalled negotiations. She also claimed hospitals did not want to be held “accountable.”

Mount Sinai said it was preparing for the strike by “diverting a majority of ambulances,” starting “to cancel some elective surgeries … perform emergency surgery only,” “starting to transfer patients” to other hospitals and medical centers, and “working to safely discharge as many patients as appropriate,” according to an internal memo obtained by New York ABC station WABC-TV.

Gov. Kathy Hochul called for binding arbitration Sunday night to avert a strike, but union officials did not accept the proposal.

“Gov. Hochul should listen to frontline Covid nurse heroes and respect our federally protected labor and collective bargaining rights,” NYSNA said in a statement. “Nurses don’t want to strike. Bosses have pushed us to strike by refusing to seriously consider our proposals to address the desperate crisis of unsafe staffing that harms our patients.”

The NYSNA also urged New Yorkers to not be fearful or concerned about seeking medical care due to the shrike.

“To all of our patients, to all New Yorkers, we want to be absolutely clear: If you are sick, please do not delay getting medical care, regardless of whether we are on strike,” the organization tweeted. “In fact, we invite you to come join us on the strike line after you’ve gotten the care you need.”

The New York State Department of Health said it’s “working closely with affected hospitals to ensure the health and safety of patients as the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) strikes proceed at Mount Sinai and Montefiore Hospitals.” The department said it was continuing to monitor the safety and staffing of patients.

ABC News’ Sasha Pezenik and Eric Strauss contributed to this report.

Paul Stanley announces new art gallery appearances

January 9, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Paul Stanley is bringing his art to more people. The KISS frontman is set to appear at showings of his latest collection at Wentworth Gallery locations in Florida, Maryland and Virginia.

Stanley will kick off his appearances February 3 and 4 in Hollywood and Boca Raton, Florida, respectively. Then on February 24 he’ll be in Bethesda, Maryland, followed by McLean, Virginia, on February 25.

The latest collection includes artwork from his Black Series, which was originally commissioned for a museum exhibition in 2020 that was canceled due to the pandemic. These works were started on a black canvas, instead of a white one, and feature his trademark bright colors.

Stanley has been creating art for decades, and actually designed and created the iconic KISS emblem. About 10 years ago he took it up again, creating portraits and abstract work. His art has been featured in museums, as well as sold-out art shows and more.

Hugh Jackman denies steroid use, explains he has six months to bulk up for ‘Deadpool 3’

January 9, 2023 by WDNY Radio

In a chat with the titular host of Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace? on HBO, Hugh Jackman shed some light on his next appearance as Wolverine, this time in 2024’s Deadpool 3.

The Tony-winning actor had vowed to hang up the claws after 2017’s Oscar-nominated Logan, but thanks to the actor’s bestie Ryan Reynolds joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the threequel — and the multiverse — Jackman will be able to pick the claws up for a 10th time.

But first, he’s gotta pick up some weights to once again bulk up as the adamantium-skeletoned X-Man.

The actor, now 54, explained to Wallace: “I’ve learned you can’t rush it. I’ve learned that it takes time … So, we have six months from when I finish [The Music Man on Broadway] to when I started filming. And I’m not doing any other work. I’m going to be with my family and train. That’s going to be my job for six months.”

The star also denied rumors that his comic book physique could be found in a bottle. Jackman laughed and shook his head when asked about rumors he took steroids to bulk up. “No, I love my job. And I love Wolverine. I got to be careful what I say here, but I had been told anecdotally what the side effects are of that. And I was like, ‘I don’t love it that much.'”

Instead, Jackman has to once again rely on some fine feathered friends, as he did in the past. “I tell you, I’ve eaten more chickens — I’m so sorry to all the vegans and vegetarians and to the chickens of the world. Literally, the karma is not good for me. If the deity has anything related to chickens, I’m in trouble.”

A “Chaise Longue” for ’Harry’s House’: Wet Leg opening Harry Styles’ upcoming Los Angeles shows

January 9, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Harry’s House is getting some new furniture, courtesy of Wet Leg.

The “Chaise Longue” duo is supporting for Harry Styles during the pop star’s upcoming concerts at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, taking place January 26, 27 and 29. The shows were originally scheduled for November, but were postponed after Styles caught the flu.

Following the LA dates, Wet Leg will reunite with Styles on the other side of the globe when they open for his tour of Australia and New Zealand in February and March. They may also cross paths at the Grammys in LA on February 5, where they’re both up for several awards.

Styles previously shared his Wet Leg fandom with a cover of their song “Wet Dream.”

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band begin tour rehearsals

January 9, 2023 by WDNY Radio

We are less than a month away from Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band kicking off their North American tour, and the band has taken their first steps toward getting ready. According to posts by E Street Band members Steven Van Zandt and Nils Lofgren, rehearsals for the trek started Monday.

“so it begins,” Nils tweeted along with a photo of his instruments. “Off to play in greatest band in the land. let’s rock.” He tagged The Boss in the post.

Little Steven also confirmed the rehearsal news. A fan asked, “can you give us an update on how rehearsals are going?” He joked, “So far they have been flawless perfection!” He added, “(We begin on Monday).”

Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band’s tour, their first since 2016, kicks off February 1 in Tampa, Florida, with U.S. dates running through April 14 in Newark, New Jersey.

Paul McCartney nearly got run over recreating ‘Abbey Road’ crossing

January 9, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Who can forget the classic cover of The Beatles’ 1969 album, Abbey Road, featuring the infamous photo of the band walking across the street? Well, apparently Sir Paul McCartney recently tried to recreate it — and it almost turned into a disaster.

While talking about her Abbey Road documentary If These Walls Could Sing, director Mary McCartney, Paul’s daughter, shared that her favorite part of shooting the film was when her dad walked across the iconic crosswalk again. But she says he almost got run over doing it.

“The bit where the car nearly ran him over on the zebra crossing, that was so funny,” she tells The Mirror. “As we were leaving [the studio], I said, ‘I’ll film you [on the crossing],’ and he went over and this car totally didn’t stop for him!”

If These Walls Could Sing is currently streaming on Disney+.

Disney is the parent company of ABC News.

Newport News school shooting: 6-year-old’s mom bought gun legally; boy put it in backpack, brought to class

January 9, 2023 by WDNY Radio

(NEWPORT NEWS, Va.) — A 6-year-old student took a handgun from his home, put it in his backpack and brought it to his Newport News, Virginia, elementary school where he allegedly shot and injured a teacher, according to police.

Police have interviewed the 6-year-old and his mother in the wake of Friday’s shooting at Richneck Elementary School and determined the gun was legally purchased by the boy’s mother, Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew said at a news conference Monday. The gun was in their home, and the 6-year-old “obtained that firearm,” put it in his backpack and brought it to school, Drew said.

The 6-year-old is accused of shooting 25-year-old teacher Abigail Zwerner in a first grade classroom, police said.

She was initially hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.

“Abigail wanted me to tell you all … that she is in stable condition and she is thankful for the thoughts and prayers,” Drew said Monday.

Zwerner was giving class instruction when the student pointed the gun at her and fired one round, Drew said, adding that there was no physical struggle or fight.

Zwerner took a defensive position and raised her hand, and the bullet went through her hand and then into her chest, the chief said.

After Zwerner was shot, she ushered all of her students out of the classroom, the chief said, adding that she was the last person to leave that class.

The chief called Zwerner “a hero,” and said she’s repeatedly asked how her students are doing.

No students were injured and the 6-year-old suspect was taken into custody.

The 6-year-old suspect was taken to a hospital for evaluation, Drew said. A temporary detention order was obtained and the child is currently receiving treatment at a medical facility, Drew said Monday.

A motive has not been released. Authorities haven’t elaborated on the altercation between the student and teacher but the police chief told reporters Friday that the shooting was not accidental.

Asked by CNN on Sunday what will happen next for the suspect and if the 6-year-old’s parents could be held responsible, Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones replied, “There’s a lot of questions that we have to answer.”

“Because it remains an investigation, we’re going to let itself work out before we rush to judgment at this time,” Jones said. “The individuals responsible will be held accountable — I can promise that.”

ABC News’ Meredith Deliso, Ivan Pereira and Ben Siu contributed to this report.

Bills safety Damar Hamlin released from Cincinnati hospital, returns to Buffalo

January 9, 2023 by WDNY Radio

(CINCINNATI) — Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin has been released from a Cincinnati hospital, one week after he suffered cardiac arrest and collapsed during a Monday Night Football game.

Hamlin, who had his heart restarted on the field, has returned to Buffalo for further treatment at another hospital, doctors said on a conference call Monday afternoon. He is now being treated at Buffalo General, according to Hamlin.

“We are thrilled and proud to share that Damar Hamlin has been released from the hospital and returned to Buffalo,” University of Cincinnati Medical Center said in a statement. “He is doing well and this is the next stage of his recovery.”

Hamlin tweeted minutes after the press conference that he was returning to Buffalo.

“Headed home to Buffalo today with a lot of love on my heart. Watching the world come together around me on Sunday was truly an amazing feeling,” he wrote. “The same love you all have shown me is the same love that I plan to put back into the world n more.”

Hamlin collapsed suddenly after tackling Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins on Jan. 2. He was quickly surrounded by medical personnel, who performed CPR and restarted his heart before being loaded into an ambulance and taken to the nearby hospital. The game was suspended and later canceled.

He also thanked his doctors in a tweet Monday afternoon: “Grateful for the awesome care I received at UCMC. Happy to be back in Buffalo. The docs and nurses at Buffalo General have already made me feel at home!”

Hamlin, 24, had his breathing tube removed early Friday morning and was up and walking around the medical unit the same day, Drs. Timothy Pritts and William Knight said at Monday’s conference

“We are mostly grateful for how well Damar has done,” Pritts said.

The doctors also said that Hamlin did not suffer any brain damage and has made good progress with his physical therapy.

Knight said some of Hamlin’s teammates accompanied him to the airport in Cincinnati.

In Buffalo, Hamlin will remain under strict care.

“He is going to be observed and monitored to ensure that there is no impact of the flight on his condition or on his lungs,” Knight said, adding that Hamlin will undergo tests to try to determine the cause of the collapse.

Bills head coach Sean McDermott said at Monday’s press conference he’d gotten a chance to go see Hamlin in the hospital before coming to the team facility.

“Super excited he’s back in Buffalo. Had a chance to see him a few minutes ago,” McDermott said. “He’s doing well, a little bit tired, but good to see him for the first time in person for a little bit.”

“He seemed happy to be back in Buffalo, in a familiar place to him,” he added. “He’s taking it one step at a time.”

The NFL honored Hamlin across the league on Sunday, the first day of games since his collapse. Players around the league wore “Love for Damar” T-shirts during pregame, while the Bills wore a No. 3 patch on their jerseys.

The Bills returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown in their game against the New England Patriots and went on to win 35-24 to lock up the No. 2 seed in the playoffs.

Hamlin, in his second year out of the University of Pittsburgh, shared a photo with his parents from his hospital bed a half hour before game time Sunday and tweeted several times as he watched the Bills and the tributes around the league.

ABC News’ Will McDuffie and Teddy Grant contributed to this report.

Bret Michaels announces new single, ‘Back in the Day’

January 9, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Bret Michaels is getting ready to share some new music. The Poison frontman is set to drop the new single “Back in the Day,” described as “a feel good, road trip anthem song that will help you beat the winter blues,” on January 18.

The song will be accompanied by a music video, which is described as “a modern day MTV throwback video to the early days of the music TV network,” featuring never-before-seen images and photos. Bret will also host a Facebook Live event where fans can ask him questions.

The new music comes ahead of Bret’s upcoming Parti-Gras tour, featuring Jefferson Starship and Night Ranger, along with special appearances by ex-Journey singer Steve Augeri and Sugar Ray‘s Mark McGrath. It’s set to kick off July 13 in Clarkston, Michigan.

Pregnant Minnesota woman fatally shot in Amazon warehouse parking lot

January 9, 2023 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — Police are investigating the Jan. 8 death of a pregnant woman who was shot inside of a vehicle in an Amazon Fulfillment Center parking lot in Lakeville, Minnesota. She was pronounced dead at a local hospital that evening.

Staff at the Hennepin County Medical Center delivered the baby later that night, according to police. The baby’s condition is currently unknown, and the mother’s identity has not yet been released.

Donte Rapheal McCray has been identified as being allegedly involved in the incident, Lakeville police say. He’s being held at Dakota County Jail on second-degree manslaughter charges. McCray “has employment affiliation with the Amazon facility where the incident occurred,” a press release from police reads.

The investigation into the incident, led by Lakeville police, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Officer, is ongoing.

Amazon told ABC News that the company is working with police as they continue to investigate the incident. Amazon confirmed McCray’s employment with the company, according to an Amazon spokesperson.

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