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More than 6,000 children killed, hurt by gunfire in 2022: Report

December 26, 2022 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) – A look at the level of gun violence in the U.S. through statistics.

More than 6,000 children have been killed or injured in the United States by gunfire in 2022, the most ever recorded in the nine-year history of a nonprofit that tracks shooting incidents.

With five days to go in the year, the Gun Violence Archive found that 6,023 U.S. children 17 years old or younger have been killed or hurt in gunfire this year, surpassing the 5,708 killed or hurt 2021.

The Gun Violence Archive said it was the most children to die or be injured by gunfire in a single year since it started keeping track in 2014.

At least 306 children 11 years old or younger have been killed by gunfire in 2022, according to the website. Another 1,323 children between the ages of 12 and 17 died in shootings, according to the website.

In the first year the Gun Violence Archive began to track shootings in 2014, it recorded 2,859 children 17 years old or younger killed or injured by gunfire.

The grim statistics come after a 3-year-old girl in Kansas City, Missouri, was killed on Christmas Eve in what police suspect was an accidental shooting, Kansas City ABC affiliate KMBC reported.

The child shooting deaths in 2022 also include 19 students, all 11 years old or younger, killed in a mass shooting on May 24 at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.

One of the youngest victims killed by gunfire this year was 5-month-old Cecilia Thomas, who was shot in the head while sitting in a car in Chicago during a June 24 drive-by shooting.

White House condemns ‘stunt’ of busing migrants in freezing Christmas Eve weather

December 26, 2022 by WDNY Radio

(WASHINGTON) — The White House on Sunday said a politically motivated “stunt” led to migrants being bused in subfreezing temperatures to Washington, D.C., the night before.

It wasn’t clear who had transported the migrants. But Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, both Republicans, have for months been periodically sending migrants to Democratic-led areas of the country in protest of federal immigration policies, they have said.

Three buses arrived Saturday night outside Vice President Kamala Harris’ residence at the Naval Observatory, ABC affiliate WJLA-TV reported.

Temperatures in Washington on Saturday night were in the teens, according to the National Weather Service.

The migrants were reportedly brought to a local church and provided meals.

Abbott previously bused 50 migrants to Harris’ home in September.

“We’re sending migrants to her backyard to call on the Biden Administration to do its job & secure the border,” he tweeted at the time.

He told ABC News’ Nightline in August that “we’ve got to secure our border because the Biden administration is not securing it. And then the reason why we began putting people on buses in the first place is because the Biden administration, they were literally dumping migrants off in small little towns of 10 or 25,000 people, and they were completely overwhelmed.”

Abbott’s office said in August that more than 6,500 migrants had been taken by bus to cities like New York and Washington.

A spokesperson for the Texas Division of Emergency Management told ABC News in September that the state had spent more than $12 million on transporting the migrants, including charter buses and private security.

President Joe Biden has called such tactics “un-American,” “reckless” and “simply wrong.”

“This was a cruel, dangerous, and shameful stunt,” White House spokesman Abdullah Hasan said in a statement on Sunday.

“As we have repeatedly said, we are willing to work with anyone — Republican or Democrat alike — on real solutions, like the comprehensive immigration reform and border security measures President Biden sent to Congress on his first day in office, but these political games accomplish nothing and only put lives in danger,” Hasan said.

Abbott’s and Ducey’s offices did not immediately respond to ABC News’ requests for comment.

The best after-Christmas sales to shop right now

December 26, 2022 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — With the holiday rush behind you, it’s time to shop for y-o-u. The 2022 after-Christmas sales are in full swing and better than ever.

Among other retailers, Amazon’s end-of-year sale runs through Dec. 31 with discounts on favorites like the RENPHO massage gun, JBL headphones and more.

Nordstrom’s half-yearly sale also kicks off Dec. 26 and runs through Dec. 29. Lululemon’s Boxing Day specials are running through Dec. 28 and will have you jumping for joy.

Whether you are checking in on the return policy of a holiday gift you know you won’t keep or have been eyeing a new pair of boots all season, scroll below for some ‘can’t miss’ Boxing Day deals:

Amazon

Amazon is offering its best deals on tech and home essentials during its end-of-year sale.

Everlane

Everlane is having an end-of-year clearance event offering up to 60% off markdowns.

lululemon

Lululemon is offering Boxing Day specials through Dec. 28.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom’s half-yearly sale kicks off with an EXTRA 25% off clearance items from Dec. 26 through Dec. 29 at 11:59 PT.

Ruggable

End of Year Ruggable sale will be kicking off Dec. 26. The promotion will include up to 20% off sitewide, with shoppers receiving 15% off the purchase of one rug and 20% off the purchase of two.

Vince Camuto

Vince Camuto is running its end-of-year sale event offering up to 60% off select styles through Jan. 2.

Russia-Ukraine live updates: Ukraine strikes bomber base in Russia, killing three

December 26, 2022 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — More than nine months after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an invasion into neighboring Ukraine, the two countries are engaged in a struggle for control of areas throughout eastern and southern Ukraine.

Putin’s forces in November pulled out of key positions, retreating from Kherson as Ukrainian troops led a counteroffensive targeting the city. Russian drones have continued bombarding civilian targets throughout Ukraine, knocking out critical power infrastructure as winter sets in.

Here’s how the news is developing. All times Eastern:

Dec 26, 7:40 AM EST
Ukraine strikes bomber base in Russia, killing three

A Ukrainian drone attack on the Engels Air Force Base in southern Russia killed three, Russia’s Ministry of Defense said.

A spokesman for Ukrainian Air Force confirmed the attack, saying, “If the Russians thought the war would not touch them they were wrong.”

Russian air defence reportedly shot down a Ukrainian drone flying at low altitude, but falling debris caused the casualties in the overnight attack.

The Engels base lies just over 300 miles northeast of Ukraine’s border with Russia. The facility has been repeatedly used by Russia to carry out missile strikes on targets in Ukraine.

Ukrainian forces had attacked another Russian air base on Dec. 5, killing three and damaging two strategic bombers.

China sends 71 warplanes toward Taiwan after US passes defense bill

December 26, 2022 by WDNY Radio

(HONG KONG) — China on Monday flew 71 warplanes into Taiwan’s air defense zone, as part of a drill that included 47 planes crossing the de-facto maritime border between the mainland and the island.

The 47 aircraft crossed the median line in the Taiwan Strait, entering into Taiwan’s southwest air defense zone at about 6 a.m. local time, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said.

71 PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected in our surrounding region by 6 a.m.(UTC+8) today. R.O.C. Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond these activities. pic.twitter.com/DagRhnN69F

— 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, R.O.C. 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) December 26, 2022

President Joe Biden on Dec. 23 signed the National Defense Authorization Act for 2023, a bill that included funding for Taiwan, along with support for its “meaningful participation” in the international community.

Officials from China’s People Liberation Army said Monday’s military drills were in response to a “provocation” from the U.S. and Taiwan.

“This is a resolute response to the current US-Taiwan escalation and provocation,” the Chinese PLA Eastern Theater said in a statement.

The statement added, “The theater troops will take all necessary measures to resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Taiwan’s military forces “have monitored the situation” and tasked “aircraft, Navy vessels and land-based missile systems to respond [to] these activities,” officials said on Twitter.

Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis join Prince William, Kate for Christmas service

December 26, 2022 by WDNY Radio

(LONDON) — After two years off due to COVID-19, the British royal family returned this year with its traditional Christmas morning service at Sandringham Estate.

Joining the tradition this year were Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, the children of Prince William and Kate, the prince and princess of Wales.

Also in attendance were King Charles III, George, Louis and Charlotte’s grandfather, and Queen Camilla.

The last time the royal family stepped out for Christmas service at Sandringham was in 2019 with the late Queen Elizabeth II. This year marks the family’s first Christmas without her and the first Christmas for Charles as the sovereign. It’s also the first Christmas for William and Kate since taking on the titles of prince and princess of Wales.

While Elizabeth canceled Christmas service last year at Sandringham, Charles and Camilla attended Christmas mass in Windsor.

In the past, after Christmas service, the family would walk back to Sandringham, the queen’s estate in Norfolk, England, where they would have Christmas lunch and watch the queen deliver her annual Christmas message.

Then, in the evening, the family would usually get together for a Christmas dinner.

On Christmas Eve, the family typically holds its gift exchange, following the German tradition. The gifts are usually funny or homemade.

Earlier this month, Prince William and Kate shared their family’s Christmas card, which featured all of them in a casual photo taken in Norfolk, where they have a country home, Anmer Hall. Last week, the prince and princess of Wales and their children, George and Charlotte, also stepped out for Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey.

Absent from this year’s Christmas tradition was Prince William’s brother, Prince Harry, and Harry’s wife, Meghan, the duke and duchess of Sussex.

Two weeks ago, that couple released the final three episodes of their six-part docuseries, Harry & Meghan, which focused on their 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,” with stories about her being fed to the press on purpose.

Members of the royal family have not commented on Harry and Meghan’s docuseries and Buckingham Palace said it had no comment on the final three episodes.

Harry and Meghan currently live in California with their two young children, Archie and Lillibet.

Buffalo hit by ‘most devastating storm’ in city’s history, governor says

December 26, 2022 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — At least 39 people have died from the wintry weather wreaking havoc across the U.S. over Christmas weekend.

The highest number of fatalities is in New York state, where 17 people have died in the wake of a massive snowstorm, according to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Ten of New York’s deaths are in the city of Buffalo. Mark Poloncarz, the executive of Erie County, which encompasses Buffalo, said he expects more fatalities.

The “colossal” snowstorm brought winds of nearly 80 mph to Buffalo, the governor said.

“This will go down in history as the most devastating storm” in Buffalo, Hochul said during a Christmas morning news conference.

Buffalo initiated a travel ban as blizzard conditions moved in.

“I cannot overstate how dangerous the conditions still are,” Hochul said Sunday, urging people to stay off the roads on Christmas.

This storm marked the first time in history that the Buffalo Fire Department couldn’t respond to any calls, officials said. National Guardsmen have been called in.

Hundreds of people have been rescued from cars, Hochul said, adding, “we still have people who need to be rescued.”

Buffalo’s airport will be closed until Tuesday.

Weather-related fatalities were also reported in Ohio, Vermont, Colorado, Wisconsin, Kansas, Missouri and Kentucky.

The storm comes as brutally cold air slammed the country on Christmas morning.

The temperature was forecast to plunge to minus 9 degrees in Minneapolis, 2 degrees in Chicago, 3 degrees in Denver, 15 degrees in New York, 16 degrees in Atlanta and 21 degrees in Dallas.

More than 165,000 customers woke up without power on Christmas morning across Maine, New York, New Hampshire, Virginia and Florida.

Over 3,000 flights were canceled into, out of or within the U.S. on Christmas Eve, and more than 2,000 flights were canceled on Christmas Day.

Songs by Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, SZA, Lizzo make Barack Obama’s Favorite Music of 2022 playlist

December 25, 2022 by WDNY Radio

As he does each year, former president Barack Obama has shared his picks for the movies, books and music he enjoyed over the past 12 months. On the music side, songs by Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé and Lizzo made his playlist.

“I always enjoy sharing my end of year music playlist with all of you — and this year we heard a lot of great songs. Here are some of my favorites,” Obama captioned the list, which includes “The Heart Part 5” by K.Dot, “Break My Soul” by Queen Bey and “About Damn Time” by Lizzo.

And in 2022, Obama was apparently also jamming to SZA’s “Shirt,” “Tití Me Preguntó” by Bad Bunny, “Saoko” by Rosalía, “‘Round Midnight” by Adam Blackstone and Jazmine Sullivan and “POF” by Ari Lennox.

The eclectic list also includes “Pull Up” by Koffee, “Last Last” by Burna Boy, “Belize” by Danger Mouse & Black Thought ft. MF Doom and “Sunshine” by Steve Lacy ft. Fousheé.

Among Obama’s favorite movies were Till and The Woman King, while his favorite books included The Light We Carry by his wife Michelle and The Furrows: A Novel.

Texas A&M student who disappeared on day of graduation found dead: Police

December 25, 2022 by WDNY Radio

(AUSTIN, Texas) — A Texas A&M University student who went missing more than a week ago has been found dead, police said.

The body of 22-year-old Tanner Hoang was found in Austin on Saturday, a College Station Police Department spokesperson told ABC News.

ABC News has reached out to the Austin Police Department for further information.

Hoang was last seen the morning of Dec. 16, authorities said. His family said they were going to the College Station school for his graduation and reported him missing when he did not show up to lunch before the ceremony.

“He was supposed to graduate but I’m not sure what happened that would cause him to leave,” his uncle, Bao Hoang, told ABC Waco affiliate KXXV earlier this week.

The student’s phone had been turned off, making it difficult to track him, according to his family.

After his vehicle was spotted several times on video, the car was ultimately found unoccupied in Austin on Thursday, according to Amber Alert Network Brazos Valley. The car was located near Pennybacker Bridge Overlook on Highway 360 at the Colorado River, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Volunteers organized a search in the area on Saturday, with the community urged to take precautions due to frigid Christmas Eve temperatures and rough terrain. Though law enforcement officers “asked that all search and volunteer efforts cease,” organizers said in an update early Saturday afternoon.

Hoang’s uncle called the disappearance “uncharacteristic.”

“He is always available, always showing up to help,” his uncle told KXXV. “Anytime that I’ve been back to Texas or anytime his grandparents would need help, he would show up there. Anytime his parents would need help, family gatherings, always show up.”

“That’s why we’re quite in disbelief that he would leave without notifying us,” he added.

Amid the search for Hoang, family members spoke out to him to come home.

“Tanner, we love you. God loves you,” his uncle said to KXXV. “Come home as soon as you get this message or the messages that’s been on Facebook for you.”

“We hope that he’s okay,” he continued. “We hope that everything will come to a conclusion that will be a reunion with the family.”

Soccer star Pelé’s family shares updates from his hospital bed

December 25, 2022 by WDNY Radio

(SAO PAULO) — Family members of Brazilian soccer superstar Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known as Pelé, gathered by his hospital bed on Christmas Eve as he faces health challenges.

The 82-year-old former forward was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2021. Earlier this week, the Albert Einstein hospital in São Paulo said in a statement the colon cancer had advanced and Pelé was in “elevated care” around kidney and heart “dysfunctions.”

His daughter Kely Nascimento posted an image on Instagram Saturday showing family members sleeping by his side in the hospital.

“We are still here in the fight and with faith. Another night together,” she captioned the image.

His son Edson Cholbi Nascimento, a coach and former player known as Edinho, also posted an image on Saturday from the hospital, showing the father and son holding hands.

“Father… my strength is yours,” he captioned the post.

Pelé, widely considered one of the best soccer players in history, holds the Guinness World Record for Most Career Goals, scoring 1,279 goals in 1,363 between Sept. 7, 1956 and Oct. 1, 1977, and the only football player to have won three World Cups.

Pelé announced his official retirement from soccer in 1974, however he decided to continue playing and joined the North American Soccer League’s New York Cosmos before retiring in 1977.

FIFA granted a joint award to Pelé and Argentina’s Diego Maradona in December 2000, naming them the Player of the Century. The International Olympic Committee named him the Athlete of the Century in 1999.

After retiring from soccer, he was appointed to be a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in 1994, becoming the first athlete to receive that distinction. He was appointed a U.N. ambassador for ecology and the environment in 1992.

Pelé has been married three times and has seven children.

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