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Suspect in fatal UVA shooting of 3 football players makes court appearance

December 8, 2022 by WDNY Radio

(CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.) — The student accused of opening fire on a loaded charter bus, killing three University of Virginia football players and wounding two other classmates, made a brief appearance in court on Thursday.

The suspect, Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., 22, appeared in court in Charlottesville for a status conference in the triple-murder case. It was his second court appearance since his arrest in the deadly November attacks.

Jones was represented at the hearing by a public defender.

A judge scheduled a preliminary hearing in the case for March 30, according to ABC affiliate station WSET in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Jones is charged with three felony counts of second-degree murder, two felony counts of malicious wounding and five felony counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony. He has yet to enter a plea to the charges.f

The shooting unfolded on Nov. 13 when Jones allegedly opened fire with a handgun on a charter bus packed with students returning to the UVA campus in Charlottesville from a field trip to Washington, D.C., officials said.

Killed in the attack were UVA Cavaliers football players Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr. and D’Sean Perry. The shooting also wounded students Mike Hoins and Marlee Morgan.

Jones was a walk-on member of the school’s football team in 2018, but never played in a game, UVA officials said.

A possible motive for the shooting has not been disclosed by prosecutors or investigators.

As law enforcement continues to investigate the killings, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares is conducting an external review of the circumstances leading up to the attack. Miyares has yet to announce any findings in his probe.

Prosecutors said a witness told police Jones targeted specific students on the bus and that one of the victims, Chandler, was shot to death as he slept on the bus.

Jones was arrested a day after the attack following a massive search for him.

Virginia State Police confirmed that multiple guns and ammunition were seized from Jones’ home.

Paramore premieres new ’This Is Why’ song, “The News”

December 8, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Paramore has premiered a new song called “The News,” which will appear on the band’s upcoming album, This Is Why.

As its title suggests, “The News” reflects Hayley Williams and company’s experience in the world since 2020.

“Lyrically, it probably explains itself,” Williams says. “The 24-hr news cycle is just impossible to comprehend. And I feel a pang of guilt when I unplug to protect my headspace. The common reaction, or non-reaction, seems to be dissociation. Not one of us is innocent of that and who could blame us?”

You can listen to “The News” now via digital outlets and watch its accompanying video streaming now on YouTube.

This Is Why, the long-awaited follow-up to 2017’s After Laughter, arrives February 10. “The News” is the second song to be released from the album, following the title track.

Paramore will launch a U.S. headlining tour in support of This Is Why in May. They’re also opening select dates on Taylor Swift‘s stadium tour in March.

Kanye West references recent controversial statements on new song, “Someday We’ll All Be Free”

December 8, 2022 by WDNY Radio

his new song he wishes that “Someday We’ll All Be Free.”

Launched on conspiracy theorist Alex Jones‘ Infowars website, the song samples the 1973 Donny Hathaway song of the same name and hears him reference his vow to abstain from sex before marriage, among other things.

“Wakin’ up to ‘I can’t do this anymore’ texts (Woo)/And the Bible said I can’t have any more sex ’til marriage (Woo, woo). No drip ’til Paris (Paris)/The meek shall flourish (Flourish)/So where’s my heiress?” he raps.

He also makes mention of the antisemitic comment he posted on Twitter in early October.

“I ain’t never rocked with none of y’all, no way (No way)/And I’m pullin’ up in that white OJ (Ayy),” he rhymes. “Used to wear watch filled with the O’Sheas/Jackson if you nasty/Tweeted ‘death con,’ now we past three(It won’t be long, take it from me, someday—)/Tweeted ‘death con,’ now we past three.”

At the end of the song, he includes an audio clip of his interview with Jones, during which he said he loves Adolf Hitler.

Ye’s new song was met with mixed reviews. “Kanye West put out a song saying ‘someday we’ll all be free’ after praising Nazis… the least free society to ever exist. Something is not right with Donda’s son,” one person tweeted.

Another Twitter user, who appears to be a fan of the track, tweeted, “Kanye west just dropped the hardest song of 2022 after getting ‘cancelled.'”

Jerrod Carmichael to host the 2023 Golden Globes

December 8, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Jerrod Carmichael has signed on to host the 2023 Golden Globes.

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association announced Thursday that the comedian will host the awards show ceremony, which will be held January 10 at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.

“We’re so excited to have Jerrod Carmichael host the historic 80th Golden Globe Awards,” HFPA President Helen Hoehne said in a statement. “His comedic talents have entertained and thrilled audiences while providing thought-provoking moments that are so important in the times we live. Jerrod is the kind of talent this show calls for to kick off the awards season.”

Carmichael is best known for his sitcom The Carmichael Show and for his three HBO comedy specials — the most recent of which, 2022’s Rothaniel, featured him coming out as gay and won him an Emmy.

The nominations for the 2023 Golden Globes will be announced December 12 by father-daughter duo George Lopez and Mayan Lopez.

It was announced in September that the Golden Globes would be returning to television in 2023 after being sidelined this year due to allegations of racism within the HFPA.

The 2022 ceremony was held as a private event in January after NBC refused to air the awards show following a 2021 report from the Los Angeles Times that found there were no Black members in the HFPA, an 87-person group of international journalists who decide the nominees, as well as the winners.

The HFPA promised “transformational changes” to the organization in the wake of the controversy, vowing to boost minority membership and representation and to have more transparency within the organization.

The 80th annual Golden Globes will take place January 10 beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, airing live on NBC and streaming live on Peacock.

Stevie Nicks praises Lizzo for “stunning” People’s Choice Award speech, suggests she has a future in politics

December 8, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Stevie Nicks usually takes to social media to comment on world events, politics or major personal news. For example, she mourned the loss of her bandmate Christine McVie in a lengthy post. But now she’s been moved to do a special post praising the acceptance speech delivered by Lizzo at the People’s Choice Awards earlier this week.

While accepting The People’s Champion trophy, Grammy winner Lizzo told the crowd, “I don’t need a trophy for championing people … to be an icon isn’t about how long you’ve had your platform. Being an icon is what you do with that platform.”

She then brought a group of female activists onstage — 17 in all — and individually highlighted their work, which encompassed transgender and female rights, the rights of Indigenous peoples, anti-gun violence organizations and more. Images of each woman were also shown on video screens around the stage.

“Give them their flowers,” the “About Damn Time” singer concluded. “Power will always be to the people … follow them and support them.”

Stevie was so moved by Lizzo’s speech that she wrote on her socials, “Dearest Lizzo … your presentation … was not only so beautiful and so needed, that you get the award for being a great woman of our time.”

“I was so impressed and so touched that you put that together and pulled it off,” Stevie continued. “It was stunning, and everyone heard you. You have given all women soundbites forever — flute player, singer, songwriter, future politician…?”

Stevie concluded, “Your name is in the stars now.”

So far, Lizzo hasn’t responded to Stevie’s kind words.

Pete Davidson makes … something Instagram official with Eli Manning

December 8, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Pete Davidson, arguably Hollywood’s biggest scorer, has coupled up with another superstar. But this time it’s a two-time Super Bowl champion.

Davidson and Eli Manning just launched a joint Instagram account, an occasion marked — as Pete often does with new relationships — with a tattoo. The small New York Giants helmet was inked just to the right of Davidson’s belly button, and both dudes happily showed it off for the social media service.

“Hello, Instagram. I have decided to come back, but only with a GOAT,” Pete says in a video, before panning to Eli. “What’s up! Your bed is so comfortable,” Manning replies.

“Aw, thanks, man. We’ve been having a good time on my bed,” Pete replies.

Another video sees Davidson and Manning answering whether they prefer the big spoon or the little spoon, which Manning misunderstands as a soup-related question. “I’d say big spoon … because I like to eat a lot of food,” the athlete responds, cracking Pete up. He clarifies, “No, like with your girl, when you snuggle,” before covering his face laughing, exclaiming, “You’re adorable, that’s hilarious. That’s so cute. You’re such a nice guy.”

The reason behind the team-up is anyone’s guess, though the account, pete_eli10, notes neither had an Instagram account, so they started one together.

Iggy Pop sets new ‘Billboard’ chart record with “Frenzy” single

December 8, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Iggy Pop is causing a “Frenzy” on the Billboard charts.

The Godfather of Punk’s latest single enters the Mainstream Rock Airplay tally this week at #38 and, in doing so, sets a new record for the longest gap between appearances on that particular ranking.

Pop last charted on Mainstream Rock Airplay in 1991 with his song “Candy,” a collaboration with Kate Pierson of The B-52‘s. It took him 31 years, nine months and two weeks to get back on the chart.

The previous high-water mark for longest gap in between Mainstream Rock Airplay appearances was actually just set earlier this year by Jeff Beck. The guitar virtuoso waited 28 years and four months in between charting in 1994 with a cover of Jimi Hendrix‘s “Manic Depression” with Seal and returning in 2022 with his guest spot on Ozzy Osbourne‘s “Patient Number 9.”

“Frenzy” is the lead single off Pop’s upcoming album, Every Loser, due out January 6. The Andrew Watt-produced record features Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan, Blink-182‘s Travis Barker, Jane’s Addiction‘s Dave Navarro and Eric Avery, Pearl Jam guitarist Stone Gossard, ex-RHCP guitarist Josh Klinghoffer and late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins.

If Iggy is celebrating his Billboard achievement, it probably won’t be with his signature move. In a recent interview with NME, the 75-year-old rocker shares he’s now “too rickety” for stage dives.

Biden insists prisoner swap was ‘not a choice’ between Brittney Griner, Paul Whelan

December 8, 2022 by WDNY Radio

(WASHINGTON) — In celebrating WNBA star Brittney Griner’s release, President Joe Biden made a point on Thursday to say the prisoner swap was “not a choice” between Griner and Paul Whelan, the American former Marine who is still detained in Russia.

“We never forgot about Brittney. We’ve not forgotten about Paul Whelan who has been unjustly detained in Russia for years. This was not a choice of which American to bring home,” Biden said from the White House.

“Sadly, or totally illegitimate reasons, Russia is treating Paul’s case differently than Brittney’s, and while we have not yet succeeded in securing Paul’s release we are not giving up. We will never give up,” he said.

Whelan has spent four years in detention since he was seized in 2018 by Russia’s domestic intelligence agency, the Federal Security Service, while visiting Moscow for a friend’s wedding. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison on espionage charges but the United States and his family say they were fabricated in order to take him as a political bargaining chip.

The Biden administration remains in close contact with the Whelan family, Biden said, adding they must have “such mixed emotions today.”

“We’ll keep negotiating in good faith for Paul’s release. I guarantee that. I say that to the family. I guarantee you. I urge Russia to do the same to ensure that Paul’s health and humane treatment are maintained until we are able to bring him home. I don’t want any American to sit wrongfully detained one extra day if we can bring that person home,” he said.

Whelan’s twin brother, David, released a statement just ahead of Biden’s remarks calling the swap for Griner “the right decision.”

“As the family member of a Russian hostage, I can literally only imagine the joy she will have, being reunited with her loved ones, and in time for the holidays. There is no greater success than for a wrongful detainee to be freed and for them to go home. The Biden Administration made the right decision to bring Ms. Griner home, and to make the deal that was possible, rather than waiting for one that wasn’t going to happen,” he said.

He said officials let them know in advance “that Paul would be left behind,” unlike in April, when news broke of former Marine Trevor Reed’s return.

“This is the event we wish for so much for our own family,” the Whelans said in April, and again on Thursday. “She will be reunited with her family. Brittney is free. And Paul is still a hostage.”

The Whelan family is unsure if Whelan himself is aware of Griner’s release, his brother said, but they expect to speak with him soon, as they approach the fourth anniversary of his detention.

Griner will be back in the U.S. within 24 hours, according to officials.

“She’s safe. She’s on a plane. She’s on her way home,” Biden said alongside Brittney’s wife, Cherelle, Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Blinken, in a written statement, praised Griner’s release but lamented that Whelan and his family “continue to suffer needlessly.”

“Despite our ceaseless efforts, the Russian Government has not yet been willing to bring a long overdue end to his wrongful detention. I wholeheartedly wish we could have brought Paul home today on the same plane with Brittney,” Blinken said.

Former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, who for months tried to help negotiate a trade for Griner and Whelan and travelled repeatedly to Moscow for meetings, said his team is thrilled Griner is now free but called for the Biden administration to now make Whelan’s return a priority.

ABC News’ Cindy Smith and Justin Gomez contributed to this report.

Aerosmith scraps remainder of Deuces Are Wild Las Vegas residency due to Tyler’s illness

December 8, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Aerosmith has crapped out in Las Vegas.

The band has canceled the remainder of their Deuces Are Wild Las Vegas residency — two shows, scheduled for Thursday night and this Sunday — due to frontman Steven Tyler‘s ongoing illness. “On the advice of doctors, Steven has to sit these out,” the band wrote on Instagram. Tickets will be refunded.

The band had already scrapped the December 2 and 5 shows of the residency at Dolby Live theater at Park MGM due to Tyler’s undisclosed illness. At the time, Tyler, 74, said on Instagram, “On the advice of my doctor, I’m taking more time to rest… there is nowhere we’d rather be than on stage surrounded by the greatest fans in the world.”

In May, Aerosmith canceled their June and July Las Vegas residency shows so that Tyler could “voluntarily” enter rehab, with the band explaining at the time that he’d relapsed after using pain medication following foot surgery.

Def Leppard and Mötley Crüe announce U.S. dates for 2023 The World Tour

December 8, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Following their successful North American stadium tour this past year, Def Leppard and Mötley Crüe are ready to rock the entire planet with their co-headlining 2023 The World Tour — and they’ve just announced that the U.S. will be a part of it.

As previously reported, the two bands will start 2023 with two shows in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in February, and will then launch a series of European and Latin American dates. They’ll bring the tour to the U.S. starting August 5 in Syracuse, New York, and wrap up August 18 in El Paso, Texas. Alice Cooper is the special guest on all dates.

“We had an incredible time playing The Stadium Tour in North America this summer and we truly can’t wait to take the show around the globe with The WORLD Tour in 2023,” Mötley Crüe said in a joint statement. “Crüeheads get ready because we have a few amazing U.S. dates set for you!”

The general onsale date is Friday, December 16, at 10 a.m. local time via motley.com and defleppard.com. Citi cardmembers can access a presale starting December 13 at 10 a.m. local time via citientertainment.com.

The global outing follows Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard’s 2022 U.S. Stadium Tour, which also featured Poison and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts on the bill.

Crüe guitarist Mick Mars announced in October that he’s retiring from touring. Rob Zombie guitarist John 5 will take his place for the upcoming shows.

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