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Two years after Jan. 6, Capitol Police chief highlights 100 security improvements

January 3, 2023 by WDNY Radio

(WASHINGTON) — Nearly two years after the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol — a deadly riot that saw hundreds of people overwhelm law enforcement, sending lawmakers temporarily into lockdown — Police Chief Tom Manger is outlining what the agency has done to improve security.

In a letter to Congress on Monday, Manger said his force had made 100 “significant improvements” after the insurrection, such as bringing in a new special events coordinator, hiring a new intelligence information coordinator and enhancing the civil disturbance unit, among other changes.

“Make no mistake, there is still work to be done,” he said. “The current threat climate, particularly against elected officials, will require continued and heightened vigilance.”

Still, he vowed, “We will do everything possible to fulfill our mission of protecting the Members of Congress, the Capitol Complex and the legislative process. Our dedicated and courageous men and women take on this responsibility every day.”

Manger was brought on shortly after the Jan. 6 attack — with promises to reform the agency.

The Capitol Police’s inspector general, Michael Bolton, found last year that the agency was ill-equipped to handle the riot that day, had faulty equipment and did not share intelligence.

“Training deficiencies put officers, our brave men and women, in a position not to succeed,” he testified in the House in April 2021.

According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, 114 Capitol Police officers were injured on Jan. 6.

The watchdog also found that officers felt unprepared to handle the crowd that swarmed the complex, many of whom were armed — with pistols, rifles, bear spray and flagpoles, according to testimony heard during the House Jan. 6 hearings.

The Capitol Police union has also long complained that the agency has suffered from understaffing.

Manger said Monday they are working to address that issue, too.

“Perhaps most important, the United States Capitol Police is successfully recruiting and training new police officers at a rate that will, in the next several months, put us above our pre-pandemic and pre-January 6 staffing levels,” he said. “This success comes at a time when most law enforcement agencies are struggling to bring on additional officers.”

Prince Harry says he wants his father and brother back in new interview

January 3, 2023 by WDNY Radio

(LONDON) — Prince Harry says he wants “a family, not an institution” and wants to get his father and brother back in a new interview ahead of the release of his memoir titled Spare.

In a promo clip for Harry’s interview with Britian’s ITV News network, the duke of Sussex, 38, said “it never needed to be this way,” “I want a family, not an institution,” and “I would like to get my father back. I would like to have my brother back.” Only Harry’s answers, and no questions, are heard.

The memoir’s title, Spare, appears to be a nod to Harry’s birth order. Harry is fifth in line to the throne, behind his brother, Prince William, and William’s three children.

In the same edited ITV clip, Harry also said, “they feel as though it’s better to keep us somehow as the villains,” and “they’ve shown absolutely no willingness to reconcile.”

The highly anticipated memoir will be released on Jan. 10, just weeks after Prince Harry and Meghan’s closely followed docuseries aired and broke records as Netflix’s biggest documentary debut ever, according to the streaming service.

The six-part series, titled Harry & Meghan, made headlines about Harry and Meghan’s decision to step down from their senior royal roles in 2020, with Harry alleging “institutional gaslighting” and Meghan saying she was “being fed to the wolves.”

“To see this institutional gaslighting that happens, it is extraordinary,” Harry said in the docuseries. “And that’s why everything that’s happened to us was always going to happen to us, because if you speak truth to power, that’s how they respond.”

Following their exit, Harry and Meghan settled in California, where they now live with their two young children and run a foundation and a production company, which helped produce the Netflix series.

What we know about Harry’s memoir so far

When Harry’s book was first announced, the duke of Sussex said it would be a “firsthand account of my life that’s accurate and wholly truthful.”

The publisher said the book contains “raw, unflinching honesty” and described it as a “landmark publication full of insight, revelation, self-examination and hard-won wisdom about the eternal power of love over grief.”

Harry last appeared publicly with his brother and family members in England in September, when he and Meghan attended funeral services for Harry’s grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.

The Sussexes’ time in England during the mourning period for the queen marked the first time they both publicly appeared with members of the royal family in more than two years.

It is not known whether the tone or contents of Harry’s memoir changed after the death of the queen, with whom Harry had appeared to maintain a close relationship with despite tensions with his father, King Charles, and brother.

When the book was announced, Harry said he would be writing his memoir as “the man I have become.”

“I’m writing this not as the prince I was born but as the man I have become,” he said in a statement at the time. “I’ve worn many hats over the years, both literally and figuratively, and my hope is that in telling my story — the highs and lows, the mistakes, the lessons learned — I can help show that no matter where we come from, we have more in common than we think.”

The Moody Blues’ John Lodge would have loved to hear ‘Imagine’ album played live

January 3, 2023 by WDNY Radio

The Moody Blues’ John Lodge will hit the road in February on his Days of Future Passed tour, where he’ll play the band’s 1967 sophomore album in its entirety.

More and more artists are playing full albums at shows these days, and there are certainly some albums people would like to see played live. So, which album would Lodge love to see played live?

“The one that comes to mind, all the while, is Imagine, John Lennon,” he shares. “Because there’s some beautiful songs on that album. And just to have heard Lennon play those songs would have been great.”

Lodge acknowledges, “That’s not to be,” saying he’ll play the album instead.

Lodge kicks off the tour February 18 in Lexington, Massachusetts, with dates confirmed through March 15 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The tour will feature a special appearance by Jon Davison of Yes and will include a special recording by the late Graeme Edge.

Earth, Wind & Fire drummer Fred White dies at age 67

January 3, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Fred White, a drummer for classic ’70s superband Earth, Wind & Fire, has died, according to an Instagram post from his older brother and former bandmate, Verdine White. As of Monday, the cause of Fred’s death was unknown. He was 67.

Verdine wrote on Instagram on Sunday, “Our family is saddened today With the loss of an amazing and talented family member, Our beloved brother Frederick Eugene “Freddie” White.”

“He joins our brothers Maurice, Monte and Ronald in heaven and is now drumming with the angels,” the post continued. Verdine called his brother a “child protégé” and identified him as an “original” member of Earth, Wind & Fire.

“But more than that at home and beyond he was the wonderful bro that was always entertaining and delightfully mischievous! And we could always count on him to make a seemingly bad situation more light hearted! He will live in our hearts forever, rest in power beloved Freddie,” he added before thanking fans for their “love, blessings and support.”

The EWF band page also shared a heartwarming video in memory of the late drummer, showing off his skills from a performance in Germany during their Tour of the World in 1979. One of the band’s lead singers, Philip Bailey, also posted, sharing a photo of himself, Ralph Johnson, and Fred celebrating their 1980s Grammy wins.

“The best of times,” he wrote. “We will miss you, Freddie.”

‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ three-peats at #1 with $86 million New Year’s weekend haul

January 3, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Disney

James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of Water continued its domination at the North American box office, grabbing an estimated $86 million over the four-day weekend and $66.8 million between Friday and Sunday. That brings the Avatar sequel’s domestic gross to $444.4 million and around $1.4 billion worldwide.

The Way of Water now stands as the 14th-highest global release in history, just ahead of Marvel’s Black Panther, and it’s poised to become the highest-grossing movie released in 2022, which is currently Top Gun: Maverick with $1.488 billion.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish grabbed second place with an estimated $22.5 million over the long weekend and $16.3 million for the traditional weekend. The CGI-animated adventure set in the Shrek universe has collected $66.9 million at the North American box office and $135 million globally.

Third place belonged to Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which reentered the top five with an estimated $6.5 million over the four-day weekend and $4.8 million from Friday through Saturday. Worldwide, Disney-Marvel’s Black Panther sequel has earned $820 million.

The Whitney Houston biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody took fourth place with an estimated $4.8 million between Friday and Monday, raising its North American total to a disappointing $15.4 million.

Damien Chazelle‘s showbiz epic Babylon rounded out the top five, delivering and estimated $3.3 million over the New Year’s holiday weekend for a dismal $10.7 million total. The Brad Pitt-led film earned $2.7 million for the three-day.

Buffalo Bills’ safety Damar Hamlin in critical condition after cardiac arrest on field

January 3, 2023 by WDNY Radio

(CINCINNATI) — Buffalo Bills’ safety Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed Monday night after making a tackle during the first quarter against the Bengals in Cincinnati, and the game has been postponed, team officials said.

Hamlin, 24, is currently hospitalized in critical condition, Buffalo Bills officials said in a statement posted on Twitter.

“Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in our game versus the Bengals,” the statement said. “His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment. He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition.”

The National Football League issued a statement earlier, saying, “Hamlin received immediate medical attention on the field by team and independent medical staff and local paramedics. He was then transported to a local hospital where he is in critical condition. Our thoughts are with Damar and the Buffalo Bills. We will provide more information as it becomes available.”

“The NFL has been in constant communication with the NFL Players Association which is in agreement with postponing the game,” the league added.

Hamlin was down for at least 15 minutes. Paramedics were seen administering CPR as players from both teams gathered around at midfield, some openly weeping.

Hamlin was taken off the field in an ambulance, and both teams have gone back to their locker rooms.

The safety was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

“The thoughts and prayers of all of Bills Mafia are supporting you, Damar,” the team tweeted.

Several NFL teams also tweeted that they were sending their prayers to Hamlin, his family and the Bills.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes tweeted, “Praying hard.. please be okay man.”

Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt tweeted: “The game is not important. Damar Hamlin’s life is important. Please be ok. Please.”

“The entire City of Cincinnati is sending all of our prayers to Damar Hamlin right now. Our hearts are with you, your family and your friends,” the mayor of Cincinnati, Aftab Pureval, wrote.

In the time since Hamlin collapsed on the field, a toy drive on GoFundMe he organized in 2020 saw donations pouring in — topping more than $1.5 million as of late Monday night, with an initial goal of $2,500. ABC has verified with GoFundMe officials that the page was originally started by Hamlin.

Scoreboard roundup — 1/2/23

January 3, 2023 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — Here are the scores from Monday’s sports events:

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
New York 102, Phoenix 83
Philadelphia 120, New Orleans 111
LA Lakers 121, Charlotte 115
Indiana 122, Toronto 114
Brooklyn 139, San Antonio 103
Cleveland 145, Chicago 134 (OT)
Minnesota 124, Denver 111
Dallas 111, Houston 106
Golden State 143, Atlanta 141 (OT)
Portland 135, Detroit 106
Miami 110, LA Clippers 100

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
Boston 2, Pittsburgh 1
Vegas 3, Colorado 2
Philadelphia 4, Anaheim 0

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Cincinnati 7, Buffalo 3 (Suspended)

TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Penn St. 35, Utah 21
Tulane 46, Southern Cal 45
Mississippi St. 19, Illinois 10
LSU 63, Purdue 7

TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Rutgers 65, Purdue 64

Police officer killed, another injured in Pennsylvania, suspect dead

January 3, 2023 by WDNY Radio

(PITTSBURGH, Penn.) — A man wanted in connection with the shooting of two police officers, one fatally, died on Monday after being shot by officers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, authorities said.

“While fleeing from officers, the suspect fired at officers,” Allegheny County Police Superintendent Christopher Kearns said. “The officers returned fire. The suspect was struck. He was pronounced dead at the scene.”

The suspect, Aaron Lamont Swan, 28, had initially fled a traffic stop, Kearns said. He was wanted for probation violations and weapons charges, officials said.

An hours-long search for him in the town of Brackenridge, Pennsylvania, turned into a foot pursuit and ended with multiple “shooting incidents,” according to authorities in Allegheny County.

The deceased officer was struck in the head by gunfire. The injured officer was struck in the leg and is stable, authorities said.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro on Monday night identified the slain officer as Police Chief Justin McIntire.

“Today’s tragedy in Brackenridge is a devastating reminder of the bravery of those who put their lives on the line every day to protect us,” said Shapiro, who is also the state’s governor-elect.

“Police Chief Justin McIntire ran towards danger to keep Pennsylvanians safe — and he made the ultimate sacrifice in service to community,” he added.

Kearns later Monday said Swan had fled the scene in Brackenridge in a stolen silver Subaru. Detectives in Pittsburgh were alerted that he may be headed there. Officers mobilized and “saturated” the city’s Lincoln neighborhood, where they believed the suspect might have fled, Kearns said.

“They attempted to stop the vehicle,” he said. “The vehicle fled.”

The suspect led Pittsburgh police officers on a car chase, before crashing the Subaru and fleeing into nearby woods, Kearns said. Police surrounded the area. The suspect then fled into a housing development, where he exchanged gunfire with police, authorities said. Swan was pronounced dead at the scene, they said.

“Based on the description and the circumstances, we believe that is in fact the suspect we were seeking in the shooting of the officers in Brackenridge this afternoon,” Kearns said.

Buffalo Bills’ safety Damar Hamlin in critical condition after collapsing on field

January 3, 2023 by WDNY Radio

(CINCINNATI, Ohio) — Buffalo Bills’ safety Damar Hamlin collapsed Monday night after making a tackle during the first quarter against the Bengals in Cincinnati, and the game has been postponed.

Hamlin, 24, is currently hospitalized in critical condition, the National Football League said in a statement.

“Hamlin received immediate medical attention on the field by team and independent medical staff and local paramedics. He was then transported to a local hospital where he is in critical condition,” the NFL said. “Our thoughts are with Damar and the Buffalo Bills. We will provide more information as it becomes available.