Page 6228 – 105.7 WDNY

Migrant surge at southern border prompts ramped up enforcement

December 13, 2022 by WDNY Radio

(EL PASO, Texas) — A wave of unauthorized migrants who entered the U.S. through El Paso in recent days has prompted immigration authorities to ramp up enforcement and processing.

Over the weekend, authorities in El Paso stopped migrants 2,460 times a day on average, according to U.S. Border Patrol El Paso. That’s compared to 2,150 since the beginning of December and 1,700 to 1,800 per day in the weeks prior. A similarly high rate of migration into El Paso was seen last October, a Customs and Border Protection official said Monday.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials descended on central El Paso and began transferring some migrants out of the area to avoid overcrowding.

Nearly 500 migrants were released on Sunday with orders to report back to authorities to continue an assessment of their immigration status, Border Patrol said in a statement.

One Homeland Security official described the situation as an “absolute mess” and multiple Border Patrol agents who spoke to ABC News expressed concern about the possible discontinuation of Title 42 expulsions, a Trump-era border restriction ordered a the beginning of the pandemic. Following a months-long legal battle that is yet to determine the final outcome for Title 42, a federal judge set a Dec. 21 deadline to repeal the protocols.

A number of Republican-led states have banded together in an attempt to keep the pandemic-justified restrictions and push back the Dec. 21 repeal date, despite a decision from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to end the practice last spring.

“El Paso Sector continues to have constant communications with city and county leaders to address the migrant influxes and is also currently transporting migrants to El Paso County facilities when operationally feasible,” a Border Patrol spokesperson said in a statement. “The El Paso Sector continues to process individuals safely, efficiently, and effectively at the border and continues to expel migrants under Title 42 authority.”

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is traveling to the border this week and is expected to meet with El Paso Border Patrol agents.

The Department of Homeland Security has worked to shore up immigration processing capacity across the southwest with new temporary holding facilities and a work force that is often called on to shift its focus to various regions experiencing high volumes of unauthorized migration.

Over the last few months, on the opposite end of the Texas-Mexico border, the Rio Grande Valley area has moved from first place to third for total Border Patrol apprehensions. But many of the resources remain in place which makes the sector uniquely prepared to handle a migrant influx. Processing centers have been built out and beefed up, and the sector – which includes wide stretches of remote land — is familiar with processing large numbers of people.

The Tonys are going off-Broadway

December 13, 2022 by WDNY Radio

On Tuesday, the American Theatre Wing announced that the 2023 Tony Awards will be held off-Broadway.

The 76th annual event saluting the best of the theater world will be held at Washington Heights’ United Palace on Sunday, June 11, 2023.

It will be the first time the event will be held in the historic venue; traditionally, the Tonys are held in and around Midtown Manhattan. The change of ZIP code to upper Manhattan is meant to broaden the appeal of the awards show and better represent the talent on the Great White Way.

Heather Hitchens, president and CEO of the American Theatre Wing, and Charlotte St. Martin, president of The Broadway League, said in a joint statement, “As we celebrate the best of this Broadway season and 76 years of the Tony Awards, we look forward to ushering in a new golden age for the show from this majestic, golden age theatre.”

The Tonys will be carried live on CBS, and stream live and on demand on Paramount+.

Tina Turner’s son’s cause of death revealed

December 13, 2022 by WDNY Radio

A report by the Los Angeles County coroner has revealed that Tina Turner’s son Ronnie passed away following a battle with colon cancer.

According to TMZ, the autopsy report states he died from “complications of metastatic colon carcinoma,” which was stage 4. He apparently battled the disease for three weeks before he died. The report also says he suffered from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which means his arteries had a buildup of fats and cholesterol.

Ronnie, Tina’s son with ex-husband and musical partner Ike Turner, passed away Thursday, December 8, at the age of 62. Tina took to social media to pay tribute to her son, writing, “Ronnie, you left the world far too early. In sorrow I close my eyes and think of you, my beloved son.”

Nick Cannon announces Next Superstar Tour in search of next generation’s rising music stars

December 13, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Nick Cannon is conducting a search for the rising stars of music’s next generation, and he’s launching a tour that will allow him to rummage through the nation’s potential acts.

The Next Superstar Tour 2023, a partnership with Black Music Action Coalition, will feature three different stages: one for the Next Superstar Educational Seminar, another for the Next Superstar Show and the last for the BMAC x Ncredible Next Superstar Grant, geared toward the development of future music industry professionals. A $5,000 cash award and industry membership will be awarded to grant recipients in every stop of the 24-city trek.

“The Next Superstar Seminar is directly empowering our community by giving the next generation essential tools to elevate themselves,” Cannon said in a statement. “We look to spread knowledge and strategies not only for up and coming Musicians, but aspiring professionals looking to build a career within the many aspects of the Music and Entertainment industry.”

Cannon’s Next Superstar Tour kicks off Saturday, February 25, at The Wiltern in Los Angeles, making stops in Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago and other cities across North America. Attendees can expect performances from Symba, 24kGoldn, Justina Valentine, Hitman Holla, JD McCrary, Traetwothree, Klondike Blonde, DW Flame and POP MONEY.

Tickets go on sale Friday, December 16, at 10 a.m. local time on Ticketmaster.com, with a presale beginning Tuesday, December, 13, for Citi cardmembers.

Those interested in the grant application can visit bmacoalition.org/ for more information.

The Jonas Brothers returning to Las Vegas for another residency

December 13, 2022 by WDNY Radio

The Jonas Brothers can’t get enough of Las Vegas. They’re heading back to Sin City for a second encore of their successful Jonas Brothers: Live in Las Vegas residency.

The trio unveiled their new chapter on Tuesday, which runs for three exclusive nights from February 17 through February 19 at Dolby Live at Park MGM. The singers last took over the venue in November following their successful launch in June.

To get your hands on tickets sooner rather than later, sign up to be a part of the Jonas Brothers fan club so you can access a special presale on Wednesday, December 14, at 10 a.m PT. Those who have a membership with MGM Rewards, MGM Resorts International’s loyalty program as well as Live Nation or Ticketmaster can jump into their own presale the following day, December 15, starting at 10 a.m. PT.

All general public ticket sales go live Friday, December 16, at 10 a.m. PT, with prices starting at $49 on Ticketmaster.

The JoBros have been frequent guests of Sin City. Aside from their multiple residency dates, they also helped their parents launch a new restaurant at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Their parents, Kevin Jonas Sr. and Denise, opened Nellie’s Southern Kitchen in June to coincide with the JoBros’ summer residency.

Leonard Cohen’s children in battle over estate

December 13, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Leonard Cohen died back in 2016, but now his family is in a battle over his estate. The New York Post reports Cohen’s daughter, Lorca, and son, Adam, have spent over a year trying to remove attorney Robert Kory as a trustee of the Leonard Cohen Family Trust. Cohen himself appointed Kory as trustee, overseeing the singer’s vast archives of music, poetry, novels and more, said to be valued at over $48 million.

According to the court papers, Cohen’s adult children claim the singer “came to appreciate in his waning days that he had made a grave error by allowing Kory to insinuate himself into Leonard’s affairs and take control over virtually every aspect of Leonard’s finances and legacy.” The Cohen kids insist Kory isn’t keeping them in the loop about ways he’s trying to make money from the estate. They are also unhappy Kory hired his son to archive Cohen’s vast personal documents.

A lawyer hired by Adam also claims they have proof documents from 2005 giving Kory control of Cohen’s legacy were forged in order to “fleece the estate of millions of dollars and steal the Hall of Famer’s legacy from his own children.” Lawyer Adam Streisand insists there are two versions of the documents, and the “one and only true version” gives the singer’s children and Anjani Thomas, Cohen’s former lover who happens to be Kory’s ex-wife, control of the Trust. They claim when Cohen died the original was “swapped out,” designating Kory as trustee.

But Kory insists he didn’t do anything wrong, and does all he can to keep Lorca and Adam in the loop on Trust matters. He describes the confusion over the documents as “a scrivener’s error.”

‘The White Lotus’ inspiring trips to Sicily

December 13, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Just as the 2003 romance Under the Tuscan Sun inspired people to jet off to Tuscany, HBO’s Emmy-winning dramedy The White Lotus has folks looking to spend some time in its shooting location, Sicily.

According to the travel booking site Hopper, interest in booking a Sicilian holiday has jumped more than 50% since the second season of The White Lotus began; specifically, the episode that aired on November 27 really seemed to kick that wanderlust into high gear.

While there’s no White Lotus hotel in real life, Hopper’s experts say travelers looking to share in some of the glamour and intrigue of the Jennifer Coolidge and Aubrey Plaza-fronted show can be expected to shell out $1,225 for round-trip airfare from the U.S.

Further, hotels in Taormina Coast in Sicily, where the show shoots, average $192 per night, though the site points out they can be had for as little as $90 per night provided you book in advance, and keep tabs on price alerts.

Adam Lambert announces details of covers album ‘High Drama,’ out in February

December 13, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Adam Lambert has announced details of his new album, High Drama, which features the singer covering hits from the ’70s, ’80s and today. He’s also released the first track, a cover of Duran Duran‘s 1993 smash “Ordinary World,” along with a video. As previously reported, Adam will perform that song Tuesday night on The Voice season finale.

The album, due out February 24, also includes Adam’s recently released version of Noël Coward‘s “Mad About the Boy” from an upcoming documentary of the same name about Coward, an English playwright, composer, director, actor and singer.

Among the tracks on the album are Adam’s takes on recent songs like Sia‘s “Chandelier,” Kings of Leon‘s “Sex on Fire,” Billie Eilish‘s “Getting Older,” Pink‘s “My Attic” and Lana Del Rey‘s “West Coast.” He also throws it back to the ’70s with Ann Peebles‘ classic “I Can’t Stand the Rain,” and to the ’80s with Culture Club‘s “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?” and Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding Out for a Hero.”

The only song on the track listing that’s unclear is “I’m a Man.” It could be the 1967 song of the same name by The Spencer Davis Group, or the 1955 song of the same name by Bo Diddley. Guess we’ll just have to wait and find out.

High Drama will be available for purchase on vinyl in March, but you can preorder it now.

Special counsel subpoenas election officials in Georgia, New Mexico

December 13, 2022 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — Special counsel Jack Smith has issued subpoenas to election officials in Georgia and New Mexico, including the secretary of state’s offices in both states and officials in Georgia’s Cobb County, for communications with or involving former President Donald Trump, his 2020 campaign aides, and a list of Trump allies involved in his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

As ABC News previously reported, Smith has also sent subpoenas to the secretary of state’s offices in Michigan and Arizona and to local election officials in Michigan, Arizona and Wisconsin — battleground states targeted by Trump and his allies in their efforts to contest the election.

The subpoena sent to New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, which was obtained by ABC News, is dated November 22 and is also signed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Burke.

Georgia’s secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, was the recipient of Trump’s now-famous phone call in January 2021, in which has asked Raffensperger to “find” the exact number of votes he needed to win the state. Trump has repeatedly defended the call, calling it “perfect.”

Election officials in Cobb County, one of Georgia’s largest counties encompassing Atlanta’s northeastern suburbs, also received a subpoena from Smith, the county’s election director confirmed to ABC News on Tuesday.

Smith, a longtime federal prosecutor and former head of the Justice Department’s public integrity section, was tapped last month by Attorney General Merrick Garland to oversee the DOJ’s investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election and Trump’s handling of classified materials after leaving office.

The appointment of the special counsel was triggered by Trump’s announcement last month that he is running for president for a third time, which created a conflict of interest, according to the DOJ special counsel guidelines.

From ARMY to actual army: BTS’ Jin buzzes hair, starts military service

December 13, 2022 by WDNY Radio

It’s official: Jin is in the army now.

The oldest member of BTS began his military service Tuesday in one of South Korea’s northernmost military bases, The Korea Herald reports. In preparation, Jin posted a photo of himself with a buzz cut on the social media platform Weverse, writing, “It looks cuter than I thought.”

Jin will go through five weeks of basic training at the base along with 200 other new soldiers, and then he’ll be placed in a military unit, the Herald reports.

Jin, 30, is heading to the military after delaying his service two years beyond the maximum age limit. This was possible due to a change of law designed to buy time for pop artists to carry on with their careers. It is mandatory for all South Korean able-bodied men between the ages 18 to 28 to serve in the military for at least a year and a half.

Meanwhile, The Herald reports that according to military sources, group member Suga, 29, will fulfill his military duty by serving as a social service agent, an alternative form of service for those who are unable to serve as soldiers. This is apparently due to a shoulder injury Suga suffered in 2012.

In that role, Suga could work at any number of institutions, from schools and subway stations to government buildings and nursing homes. The term of service is 21 months, three months longer than army duty.

+ More