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Georgians prepare for politics during Thanksgiving

November 24, 2022 by WDNY Radio

(ATLANTA, GA) — As Georgians gather for Thanksgiving, food and celebration won’t be the only things on their mind. Conversations about politics could also swirl around the dinner table as the Thanksgiving holiday arrives in the middle of a heated runoff election cycle.

“Well, I was trying to not have to interrupt your Thanksgiving with politics. We got real close. Very close. But we’ve got to go a little bit further. Are y’all ready to bring this home? Let’s get it done,” Sen. Warnock said Tuesday.

Georgia is no stranger to politics during the holidays. In 2020, when the state experienced two Senate runoff races, the cycle was nine weeks long and cut into Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s.

However, even with this year’s runoff cycle limited to four weeks, voters are still being asked to go to the polls during the holiday season, which has brought a lot of mixed reactions from the voting public.

Cameron Stargell and Peyton Jones are both sophomore college students studying out-of-state. But both are back in home Atlanta for the Thanksgiving holiday and plan to vote in person before they head back to school after the festivities.

“It’s really difficult, but I feel like it’s really worth it to like have to vote again because I really do want Warnock to win. So I think it’s beneficial for us in the long run to do so,” said Stargell.

Both said they’re open to the political conversations that might arise while home.

“I feel like you have to talk about it now because the issues that are being voted on are not things you can ignore, so I feel like it’s important to have those conversations,” said Jones.

Early voting starts statewide on Monday, Nov. 28; however, counties could choose to hold more early voting days if they were able to.

Douglas County opened polls on Tuesday and voters said they were grateful for voting options ahead of the holiday.

“I won’t be in town, so I came before I left,” Alfredia Brennon said. “I’m ready for it to be over. So I’m gonna make my vote count because I’m tired of seeing all the the news, the commercials, all that. I’m over it.”

“I hope this is the last time,” said Samuel Wyatt. “Not that I mind because when I found out today that we could vote early … I said that’s great.”

Wyatt, however, said his family would likely not be discussing politics at the Thanksgiving dinner table.

“It’s over. We voted. Folks ask me ‘who you vote for?’ I say ‘I voted.'” Wyatt said with a laugh.

Both Senate candidates cautioned voters not to totally tune out politics for the holidays.

“If you eat on Thursday and shop on Friday, certainly you can vote on Saturday or on Sunday,” Sen. Warnock said.

“There’s a reason now Thanksgiving is not the Thanksgiving you used to have. Now, you’re looking for what are you going to do for Thanksgiving. You’re gonna either have a turkey or chicken. I don’t mind if you have chicken ‘cuz I sell chicken, so buy a lot of chicken,” Walker said.

Polls will be closed on Thanksgiving and the day after but, following a judge’s ruling that Saturday voting is allowed in the state ahead of the runoff, a slate of counties announced they would offer early voting on Saturday, Nov. 26 and Sunday, Nov. 27.

Virginia Walmart mass shooting: What we know about the victims

November 23, 2022 by WDNY Radio

(CHESAPEAKE, Va.) — Six people were gunned down in a mass shooting at a Walmart in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Survivors said the gunman walked into a break room and opened fire on Tuesday night.

The suspect was identified by city officials as 31-year-old Andre Bing of Chesapeake. Walmart said he worked at the store as an overnight team lead and had been an employee since 2010. He died at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.

On Wednesday, the City of Chesapeake released the names of the victims on Twitter.

Here’s what we know about the victims:

Lorenzo Gamble

Brian Pendleton, 38

Pendleton’s mother, Michelle Johnson, told ABC News that her son “had a real big heart” and loved working at Walmart.

Pendleton had a condition called congenital hydrocephalus, but it never stopped him from leading a full life, she said.

“He liked to joke, and he liked to make people laugh, but he was a very good worker,” Johnson said.

“I’m going to miss my son,” she said.

Kellie Pyle

Randall Blevins

Tyneka Johnson

Chesapeake hasn’t released the name and photo of the sixth victim, a 16-year-old boy, because he’s a minor.

Snow, rain expected in parts of US on Thanksgiving

November 23, 2022 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — Millions of people who hit the roads and the skies for the Thanksgiving holiday are not expected to face any significant weather issues, but a few storms in the South and the Northeast may cause a few hiccups for travelers.

While most parts of the country are expected to experience nice and quiet weather on Wednesday, a few snow showers in the northern Rockies are expected.

By Thanksgiving Day, the snow showers will drop into the central and southern Rockies, with heavy rain and a few thunderstorms developing in the Deep South, which can cause airport and traffic delays.

The American Automobile Association predicts 54.6 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home on Thanksgiving, a 1.5% increase over last year.

This year is forecast to be the third-busiest for Thanksgiving travel since AAA started tracking in 2000.

According to the National Weather Service, powerful storms are possible in southeastern Texas and southern Louisiana.

In Houston, thunderstorms are expected ahead of a cold front, sending temperatures to the low 60s in the evening, down from the 70s early in the day.

A few light and scattered showers will move into the Northeast Friday. Atlanta could see a wet start as rain also moves into the Southeast U.S. by Friday morning.

A second storm system will bring more rain across the South from New Orleans to Memphis to Atlanta throughout the day.

Rain is expected to move into the Northeast from Washington, D.C., to NYC and Boston on Sunday, one of the year’s busiest travel days.

The Transportation Security Administration estimates that over 2.5 million people will be screened at airport security checkpoints on Sunday.

Officers avoid charges in fatal shooting of Detroit man suffering mental health crisis

November 23, 2022 by WDNY Radio

(DETROIT) — Detroit police officers involved in the fatal shooting of a 20-year-old man suffering a mental health crisis in October acted in self-defense and will not face any charges, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s office said.

A report from the prosecutor’s office said the officers acted in self-defense because they spoke to Porter Burks using his first name, posed open-ended questions, asking what he wanted and then offered to take him wherever he wanted to go if he put the knife down.

The officers repeatedly told Burks to drop his weapon, which can also be seen on bodycam video released by the police department. Burks repeatedly refused to drop the knife and the officers did not make “any threats and used no hostile remarks or tones,” a statement from the prosecutor said.

Prosecutor Kym Worthy called the shooting a “truly tragic case.”

“Mr. Burks had a long history of mental illness and violent behavior and a propensity for carrying knives that had been communicated by his family to the responding officers,” Worthy said in a statement. “He previously allegedly cut two individuals and a seven-year-old girl in 2020. The police spent a significant amount of time trying to get him to drop his weapon. He suddenly ran at them with the knife and covered the distance between them in approximately three seconds. Eyewitnesses to the shooting were interviewed and indicated that the police did all that they could to de-escalate the situation before Mr. Burks charged at the police.”

She added, “Unfortunately, Mr. Burks was fatally shot by the officers in self-defense and defense of others.”

Burks had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, according to his family. His brother, Damondo Anderson, was the one who called authorities for help on Oct. 1 claiming he was “concerned for people” because his brother was walking around the neighborhood with a knife and was having a “real bad episode,” according to police. Anderson also told officers his brother was frantic and slashed his tires, which can be seen in bodycam footage.

Detroit police said they fired 38 shots in three seconds at Burks. According to the prosecutor’s investigation, Burks ran approximately 40 feet in under three seconds towards officers. Before he collapsed, he was approximately six to eight feet from the officer who tried to talk him into dropping his knife. The prosecutor’s investigation also indicated a taser was deployed but there is no evidence of whether the taser had an effect on Burks.

This report comes on the heels of Porter’s family announcing earlier this month that they plan to sue four unnamed officers for $50 million for wrongful death, according to the family’s attorney, Geoffrey Fieger.

Fieger claims Detroit Police Chief James White has “failed to provide the names of the officers who were involved in the execution-style killing of Porter Burks.”

The Detroit Police Department did not respond to ABC News’ request for comment on Fieger’s comments.

“The chief, despite my request to him directly to provide everything, the videos and everything involved in this case…to date for the last two weeks, I’ve received nothing,” Fieger said at a press conference on Nov. 1, announcing the lawsuit. “They have not been forthcoming with any information.”

White in a statement Nov. 23 called the shooting a “tragic event” and called for additional resources for individuals suffering from mental illness. He thanked Worthy’s office for its “objective review.”

“Their independent review confirms that the actions of our officers were justified under those circumstances,” the statement said.

According to Fieger, Burks’ autopsy report reveals that no shots were fired by police in close proximity and that Burks was hit at least 19 times with shots to the head, face, chest, arms and legs.

Fieger did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the prosecutor’s findings.

Murkowski, Peltola reelected in Alaska’s ranked-choice voting, ABC News reports

November 23, 2022 by WDNY Radio

(WASHINGTON) — ABC News reports that Alaska’s incumbent senator, Republican Lisa Murkowski, is projected to win reelection against another Republican opponent, Trump-backed Kelly Tshibaka, and that Democrat Rep. Mary Peltola, the first Alaska Native elected to Congress, is projected to win reelection to her at-large House seat against Republican challenger Sarah Palin.

The projections come after the Alaska Division of Elections on Wednesday night revealed the results of the state’s new ranked-choice voting system and are some of the last outstanding races of the 2022 midterm elections.

Even with the Murkowski projection, power in the Democrat-controlled U.S. Senate remains at 50-49 since the last remaining Senate candidates in Alaska were both Republicans. The final outcome of the seat count in the Senate will be determined by a Dec. 6 runoff election in Georgia between incumbent Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock and GOP challenger Herschel Walker.

With Peltola’s projected win, Democrats have 213 seats in a Republican-controlled House.

The unusually tight contests featured Murkowski, a moderate Republican who supports abortion rights and who voted to impeach former President Donald Trump, and Tshibaka, a staunch Trump supporter who previously served as a commissioner of the Alaska Department of Administration.

Peltola, reelected as the first Democrat to occupy the seat since the early 1970s, faced a rematch with former Republican vice president nominee Palin — and all the races were determined through a lengthy ranked-choice voting process because none of the candidates in the Alaska Senate or House races received 50% of the vote on Nov. 8.

According to the new election system, approved by Alaskans in 2020, contests where neither candidate reached the majority mark eliminated the individual who finished with the lowest number of votes. If a voter had chosen that last-place candidate, their vote then goes to their second choice. If a voter’s first choice was not eliminated, their vote stays with that candidate. The votes are then counted again.

Murkowski, an ardent ally of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, has served in the Senate for 20 years after her father resigned to become the governor of Alaska and appointed her to take his place. Murkowski is the only Republican senator on the ballot this year who voted to convict Trump in his impeachment trial– a political target of the former president, who has said she is “one of the worst senators even imaginable.” Murkowski also opposed the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Tshibaka, however, was ahead of the incumbent Murkowski until Friday. When the race went to a second round, Tshibaka had 44% of 71% of the expected vote reporting, followed by Murkowski with 43%, Democratic candidate Patricia Chesbro with 10% and Republican candidate Buzz Kelley with 3%.

Upon the news that she squeaked ahead, Murkowski’s campaign tweeted a GIF mocking her Republican challenger. Following Democrat Mary Peltola’s victory in a special election for Alaska’s House seat earlier this year, Republicans heavily criticized Alaska’s ranked-choice voting.

“And just like that … Kelly’s claim that she only lost because of Ranked Choice was gone,” text accompanying the GIF states.

The Murkowski campaign said Monday they were not concerned about chances that the incumbent may not be victorious, stating that any outstanding votes would “break favorably for Lisa Murkowski.”

Peltola also did not cross the 50% threshold on Nov. 8, but handily won the House seat in August during a special election when a similar ranked-choice scenario played out to fill the place of Rep. Don Young, a Republican who died in March after representing the state in the House for nearly half a century.

ABC News’ Nadine El-Bawab and Alexandra Hutzler contributed to this report.

Watch Shane Hawkins & Nandi Bushell jam together backstage at London Taylor Hawkins show

November 23, 2022 by WDNY Radio

In between all the rock legends who played the Taylor Hawkins concerts in September, it may have been the youngest people onstage who stole the show.

Hawkins’ teenage son Shane memorably took his father’s place on drums to play “My Hero” along with Foo Fighters, while kid music prodigy Nandi Bushell — who went viral after challenging Dave Grohl to a drum battle — joined the Foos for “Learn to Fly” during the concert at London’s Wembley Stadium.

In addition to warming the hearts of countless rock fans, Shane and Nandi became friends, and jammed together backstage during the Wembley show.

Nandi has now shared video of that jam session, featuring her and Shane playing songs including the Foos’ “Everlong” and Nirvana‘s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”

“Jamming with Shane backstage at Wembley is one of my favorite ever moments,” Nandi writes alongside the clip. “Shane is one of the nicest, friendliest, talented people I have ever met. He is so much fun to be around and has so much energy.”

Music notes: Lady Gaga, Katharine McPhee, Mel C, Jordin Sparks, Gloria Estefan and Paula Abdul

November 23, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Lady Gaga is heading to London’s Kensington Palace — well, one of her iconic outfits is, anyway. Rolling Stone reports the flowing green gown she wore to the 2020 MTV VMAs will be featured at the State Apartments at Kensington Palace’s “Crown to Couture” exhibit. The dress will be featured alongside some iconic pieces of fashion history stemming from the 18th century. It opens April 5.

Katharine McPhee and husband David Foster release their Christmas Songs album on Friday. This is their first holiday album together, and they’ve already released their cover of “Jingle Bell Rock.” They also head out on tour starting December 1 in Stony Brook, New York. You can buy tickets on Katharine’s website.

Blake Shelton finally revealed what he wants as a retirement gift when he leaves The Voice next year. Wife Gwen Stefani previously joked he’d be happy with a bag of corn or fertilizer, but it appears Blake wants an ATV. He told Entertainment Tonight, “I think that would be great for Camila [Cabello] to buy me.” Camila joked back, “Santa’s budget is a little tight this year.”

Spice Girls member Mel C is unhappy her fellow artists are performing in Qatar for the World Cup. “Personally, I’m an ally to the LGBTQ+ community and it’s not something I would feel comfortable in doing,” she told Daily Mail about performing in the country that’s been mired in controversy over alleged human rights abuses. “People want to go over there and help to make a change. Each to their own, but it would be a no from me if the offer came.”

Don’t forget, Jordin Sparks, Gloria Estefan, Joss Stone and Paula Abdul will perform at the 96th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday. The parade steps off 9 a.m. ET and will air on NBC and Peacock.

Music notes: Jungkook, Mel C, Elton John and ‘The Voice’

November 23, 2022 by WDNY Radio

BTS‘ Jungkook released the music video for “Dreamers,” which features him exploring Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He is one of the artists featured on the event’s official soundtrack.

Speaking of the World Cup, Spice Girls member Mel C is unhappy her fellow artists are performing in Qatar. “Personally, I’m an ally to the LGBTQ+ community and it’s not something I would feel comfortable in doing,” she told Daily Mail about performing in the country that’s been mired in controversy over alleged human rights abuses. “People want to go over there and help to make a change. Each to their own, but it would be a no from me if the offer came.”

Elton John minted a new Boxscore record after his final tour amassed $749.9 million, reports Billboard. He is now in striking distance of Ed Sheeran‘s Divide Tour for the largest haul. Ed set a record when Divide made $776.4 million. Sir Elton has about 50 more shows to complete.

Blake Shelton finally revealed what he wants as a retirement gift when he leaves The Voice next year. Wife Gwen Stefani previously joked he’d be happy with a bag of corn or fertilizer, but it appears Blake wants an ATV. He told Entertainment Tonight, “I think that would be great for Camila [Cabello] to buy me.” Camila joked back, “Santa’s budget is a little tight this year.”

‘Criminal Minds: Evolution’ kicks off Thanksgiving Day on Paramount+

November 23, 2022 by WDNY Radio

On Thanksgiving Day, Paramount+ drops the first two episodes of the next chapter in the long-running crime drama series Criminal Minds with Criminal Minds: Evolution.

The 10-episode series has the added freedom of being on a streaming platform. Joe Mantegna reprises as FBI profiler David Rossi, who joins other returning cast members, including Kirsten Vangsness, Aisha Tyler, A.J. Cook and Paget Brewster.

Mantegna tells ABC Audio the new title is fitting. “It looks a little different. It sounds a little different. There are moments that people are going to say, ‘Wait, did Rossi say that?'” he laughs.

Mantegna says it’s heartening to see how beloved the original show is. “I mean, I get fan mail from all over the world. … And it makes you appreciate the fact that … you’re doing something that’s translating in a way that people are responding, not just locally … but all across the world.”

Vangsness tells ABC Audio her longevity on the show always surprises her. “You book a gig as a costar with two lines, and you’re just going to be there and gone. And then they keep bringing you back, and you’re like, ‘This is nice!'”

The series gets the show’s resident tech expert and fan favorite Penelope Garcia up and out from behind a desk. “Before, I did so much exposition on the show … A lot of the time just being like, ‘OK, pretend talk to that person, pretend talk to that person.’ And now, you know, I walk with feet and have scenes, and you realize that walking with feet and scenes with other people are much more satisfying than being in a room alone and just hearing imaginary voices in your head with a fake earbud!”

Lizzo and Lady Gaga’s outfits to be displayed in Kensington Palace

November 23, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Lizzo and Lady Gaga are heading to Kensington Palace, London — well, two of their iconic outfits are anyway.

Rolling Stone reports that a pair of the singers’ most iconic looks will be featured at the State Apartments at Kensington Palace’s upcoming display, “Crown to Couture.”

Lizzo’s outfit will be the dramatically glamorous, black-and-gold Thom Browne corset dress she wore to the 2022 Met Gala. Fashion experts lauded the rapper for understanding the assignment of the night’s theme, which was Gilded Glamour.

As for Gaga, the flowing green gown she wore to the 2020 MTV VMAs will be on display.

These outfits will be featured alongside some iconic pieces of fashion history stemming from the 18th century. Claudia Acott Williams explained the inspiration behind the new “Crown to Couture” exhibit, saying it’s their way of bringing together the past and present.

“By bringing these familiar looks into the Palace and placing them in conversation with spectacular 18th-century court dress, we hope to provide a new perspective on these historic spaces and the seemingly distant customs of the Georgian Court, and allow visitors to experience the Palace as it was meant to be experienced: filled to the brim with the most fashionable and influential names of the day,” said Wiliams.

So, if you want to see Gaga and Lizzo’s fashion choices showing up some 300-year-plus outfits from the Georgian era, you have from April 5, 2023, to October 29, 2023, to see them.

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