Maren Morris has long been a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, and in recent weeks, her support for trans youth has been particularly visible.
The singer made headlines following a fiery back-and-forth with Brittany Aldean, wife of superstar Jason Aldean, after Brittany posted an Instagram reel that thanked her parents for not “changing my gender” when she went through “my tomboy phase.”
Maren, along with singer Cassadee Pope, flagged the comments as transphobic, and things continued to get heated, culminating in Brittany’s appearance on Fox News’ Tucker Carlson Tonight. Show host Tucker Carlson described Maren as a “Lunatic country music person,” which she promptly made into a T-shirt, ultimately raising $500,000 for GLAAD and the Trans Lifeline.
Now, Maren is back with a second T-shirt design. This time, it’s a purple tee for #SpiritDay, an October 20 initiative to raise money for GLAAD’s push against youth bullying, that reads “You Have a Seat at This Table.” That could be a reference to a lyric in “Crowded Table,” a song released by Maren’s band, The Highwomen.
“At its core, country music is for everyone,” Maren explains in a new interview with GLAAD. “It’s not just for one type of person. It’s everyone’s stories. It’s storytelling. So yeah, I definitely feel like that became apparent over the last few weeks.”
One-hundred percent of the proceeds of Maren’s new shirt benefit GLAAD’s work supporting LGBTQ youth. Additionally, she’s partnering with Fandiem and Bandsintown for a sweepstakes supporting GLAAD; the winner will win a flyaway plus tickets to a stop on her Humble Quest tour and more. To learn more and donate to win, visit Fandiem.
Arctic Monkeys have premiered a new song called “Body Paint,” a track off their upcoming album, The Car.
You can listen to “Body Paint” now via digital outlets and watch its accompanying video streaming now on YouTube.
The Car, which also features the previously released single “There’d Better Be a Mirrorball,” will be released October 21. It’s the seventh studio Arctic Monkeys effort and the first since 2018’s Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino.
Arctic Monkeys will be touring South America, Australia and the U.K. later this year and into 2023 in support of The Car. Alex Turner and company don’t currently have any U.S. dates on their schedule, but you can watch them perform “Body Paint” on Thursday’s episode of NBC’s The Tonight Show.
(WASHINGTON) — With Hurricane Ian making landfall in Florida on Wednesday, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D- Mass., and Rep. Adriano Espaillat, D-N.Y., pressed the Biden administration for details about a much-delayed housing program that they said was intended to be up-and-running by this hurricane season to help low-income people displaced by disasters, a letter obtained exclusively by ABC News shows.
The Disaster Assistance and Supportive Housing program, or DASH, was supposed to launch by March 2022 with the goal of subsidizing housing for people who lose their homes to hurricanes, wildfires or other disasters, and giving longer-term assistance in finding new housing in the aftermath.
But the program has yet to launch, Warren and Espaillat wrote in a letter to agency leaders, requesting an update.
“We are concerned that despite [Federal Emergency Management Agency] and [the Department of Housing and Urban Development]’s intention of making the program available for the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season, which is expected to produce above-normal storm activity, program implementation appears to have stalled,” Warren and Espaillat wrote.
Asked about the program’s delays and a timeline for the rollout, FEMA spokesperson Jaclyn Rothenberg said the agency was “reviewing the letter.”
Warren and Espaillat called for an update from FEMA and HUD by mid-October.
“Year after year we are devastated by hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters and year after year we are ill-prepared to meet the needs of the affected communities,” Warren said in a statement to ABC News.
“As we begin the 2022 hurricane season, I am urging FEMA and HUD to act quickly to implement the DASH program so that no families, no matter their income, fall through service gaps in existing disaster relief programs.”
Warren and Espaillat said the new housing program has been deemed “essential” by housing advocates who say FEMA’s existing programs have ” left low-income survivors vulnerable.”
Just last week, Hurricane Fiona left the entire island of Puerto Rico without power and killed at least four people, with more potentially killed by indirect effects of the storm. The devastation showed the remaining need for hurricane relief leftover from Hurricane Maria, which hit the island five years ago.
“We are living in a time where our communities are under-prepared when natural disasters strike as we recently witnessed with Hurricane Fiona—and this is completely unacceptable,” Espaillat said in a statement to ABC News.
Warren and Espaillat also argued in the letter that other communities of color would become victims of more climate change-related natural disasters in the future, and that government assistance could alleviate the effects.
“Given that climate change is resulting in a rapidly increasing number of natural disasters, which disproportionately impact low-income communities of color, we are concerned that the delay in activating DASH will result in more harm and slower recoveries for marginalized communities,” they wrote.
(NEW YORK) — Hurricane Ian could cripple Florida’s already-fragile homeowners insurance market. Experts say a major storm like Ian could push some of those insurance companies into insolvency, making it harder for people to collect on claims.
Since January 2020, at least a dozen insurance companies in the state have gone out of business, including six this year alone. Nearly 30 others are on the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation’s “Watch List” because of financial instability.
“Hurricane Ian will test the financial preparedness of some insurers to cover losses to their portfolios, in particular smaller Florida carriers with high exposure concentrations in the impacted areas,” Jeff Waters, an analyst at risk analytics company RMS and meteorologist, told ABC News. Waters said Florida is a peak catastrophe zone for reinsurers, and those with exposure will likely incur meaningful losses.
More than 1 million homes on the Florida Gulf Coast are in the storm’s path, and while Ian’s track and severity can change in the coming days, one early estimate pegs the potential reconstruction cost at $258 billion, according to Corelogic, a property analytics firm.
Industry analysts say years of rampant and frivolous litigation and scams have brought Florida’s home-insurance market to its knees, with many large insurers like Allstate and State Farm, reducing their exposure to the state in the past decade.
“Insurers most exposed to the storm will be the Florida-only insurers, which we define as insurance companies with at least 75% of their homeowners and commercial property premiums written in Florida,” according to a report from Moody’s Analytics submitted to ABC News.
The state-run, taxpayer-subsidized Citizens Property Insurance Corp. stands to lose the most. As more local insurance companies in Florida have closed their doors, Citizens has seen its number of policyholders swell from 700,000 to more than 1 million in just the past year.
Florida state Sen. Jeff Brandes, a Republican from St. Petersburg and a vocal critic of Florida’s insurance industry, warns that if Citizens can’t pay its claims, Floridians should brace for assessments to go up on their own insurance policies under a state law that allows it to assess non-customers to pay out claims.
“Every policy holder in the state of Florida, home and auto, should be watching this storm very carefully because it could have a direct impact on their pocketbooks,” said Brandes. He predicts policy holders will see rate hikes of up to 40% next year as a result of Ian.
A spokesperson for Citizens did not immediately respond to ABC News’ request for comment.
Florida is already home to the highest insurance premiums in the U.S., something Charlie Crist, the former Florida governor running against incumbent Gov. Ron DeSantis, blames on his opponent.
“Gov. DeSantis let these insurance companies double Floridians’ rates and they’re still going belly up when homeowners need them most. You pay and pay and pay, and the insurance company isn’t there for you in the end anyway,” Crist said in a statement Monday.
A spokesperson for DeSantis did not immediately respond to ABC News’ request for comment.
In May, DeSantis signed a bipartisan property insurance reform bill into law that poured $2 billion into a reinsurance relief program and $150 million into a grant program for hurricane retrofitting. Among other things, it prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage based on the age of a roof and limits attorney fees on frivolous claims and lawsuits.
At a news conference Tuesday, DeSantis said a lot of the damage from Ian would be from flooding and storm surge. DeSantis said the danger with the Tampa Bay area is that the water has no place to go, noting that the area has close to 1 million residents enrolled in a national flood insurance program.
Homeowner policies typically do not cover flood damage, and most homeowners located in a flood zone often get coverage from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Most private property insurance companies insure primarily for wind damage.
President Joe Biden on Thursday approved DeSantis’ request for a disaster declaration for a number of counties in the state. It includes grants for temporary housing and home repairs and low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses.
“The expense will be higher because of higher construction costs and overall inflation,” Denise Rappmund, the vice president of Moody’s Public Project and Infrastructure Finance Group, told ABC News. “FEMA is the key source of aid following a natural disaster, but much of the costs to repair and rebuild damaged property will be borne by property insurers who will benefit from $2 billion of state-funded reinsurance.”
Analysts say Hurricane Ian has the potential to be among the four costliest storms in U.S. history, mostly because Florida’s population has exploded in recent years.
No state in the eastern U.S. has grown faster in population than Florida in the past decade and the state’s fastest growing cities: Tampa, Fort Myers and Sarasota, are all in the storm’s path. Analysts warn that more people and more homes mean that a major storm could become more destructive and costly.
(WASHINGTON) — President Joe Biden on Thursday visited FEMA headquarters in Washington as search and rescue efforts were underway in Florida in the wake of Hurricane Ian.
Upon his arrival, Biden turned to FEMA personnel in the room and thanked them for their work during the historic storm.
Early assessments offer a devastating picture of the damage wreaked by the hurricane. Severe flooding and storm surges left people trapped in their homes, knocked out power to millions and destroyed at least two bridges in southwest Florida.
“This could be the deadliest hurricane in Florida’s history,” Biden said. “Numbers are still unclear, but we’re hearing early reports of what may be substantial loss of life.”
The president said he’ll go to Florida once weather conditions allow to survey damage. He also said he intends to go to Puerto Rico, which was ravaged by Hurricane Fiona earlier this month.
“We’re continuing to see deadly rainfall, catastrophic storm surges, roads and homes flooded,” Biden said. “We’re seeing millions of people without power and thousands hunker down in schools and community centers. They’re wondering what’s going to be left, what’s gonna be left when they get to go home.”
Before his visit to FEMA, Biden approved a major disaster declaration for the state, making federal funding available to impacted individuals in nine counties: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota.
Biden said the declaration means the federal government will pay for “100% of the cost” to clear debris and to save lives. The government will also cover a majority of the cost to rebuild public buildings ruined by the storm.
The president spoke with GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis again on Thursday morning, telling DeSantis that FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will travel to Florida on Friday to check in on response efforts.
DeSantis has thanked the administration for the resources provided so far, but said Thursday the state expects more disaster declarations as the storm continues to move across the state.
“I just spoke with the president this morning and he offered support. I told them that thanks for this but because the storm has moved inland and caused a lot of potential damage in the center part of our state, that we are going to be asking for those counties to be expanded and included there,” DeSantis said at a press conference at 9 a.m. Thursday.
The White House said Biden and DeSantis, often political opponents, are “committed to continued close coordination.”
Accompanying the president to FEMA on Thursday were Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and leaders from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Weather Service, the U.S. Coast Guard and other officials.
Biden said search and rescue was critical, noting the Coast Guard’s deployed 16 rescue helicopters, six fixed-wing aircraft and 18 rescue boats and crews.
“These are dangerous missions, and I’m grateful for the brave women and men in federal, state and local governments working as one team, risking their lives to save others,” the president said.
Biden urged Floridians to continue to heed warnings from officials, and not to go outside unless they “absolutely have to.”
“My message to people of Florida, to the country is at times like this, America comes together,” Biden said. “We’re gonna pull together as one team, as one America.”
BET announced Thursday the lineup for the 2022 Hip Hop Awards rap cyphers, naming some of the hottest artists on the rise.
Baby Tate, Big Boss Vette, Deetranada, Guapdad 4000, JaysonCash, Ray Vaughn, Reuben Vincent, Sa-Roc, Sauce Walka and Topaz Jones will take part in the on-air cyphers.
The show will also feature a digital-exclusive cypher featuring up-and-comers Armani Caesar, KenTheMan, Nana, Navelle Hice, OT The Real and Yung Pooda.
Prior to the all-important cyphers will be the Twitter awards pre-show hosted by Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast hosts Gillie Da Kid and Wallo.
Leading this year’s nominations with 14 is Drake, whose nods include Lyricist of the Year, Best Live Performer and Hip Hop album of the Year. Ye follows closely with 10 nods and Kendrick Lamar with 9.
Miami’s own rap princess, Trina, is this year’s recipient of the I Am Hip Hop Award.
“I am honored to receive and accept the 2022 I Am Hip Hop Award presented by BET,” Trina said via press release. “As a legend with over 20 years in the music industry, consistency and unity have contributed to my Rockstarr power as a femcee. I believe when one woman wins, whether it’s in front of the camera or behind the scenes, we all WIN. Let’s keep winning!”
The 2022 BET Hip Hop Awards, hosted by Fat Joe, airs Tuesday, October 4 at 9 p.m. ET on BET.
If your love of metal expands beyond just the music, then perhaps you’d be interested in a James Hetfield cigar or an Ozzy Osbourne burger.
The Metallica frontman has launched his own signature stogie, according to Cigar Aficionado. The Blacked M81 was created in collaboration with cigar maker Jonathan Drew and distiller Rob Dietrich, who also works with Metallica on their Blackened Whiskey.
“The three of us connected and shared each other’s vision and story about where we’ve been, what we like to see and what is important to us now,” Hetfield says. “We all came up with what a Blackened M81 cigar would look and taste like.”
Cigar Aficionado will be offering Blackened M81s at the magazine’s upcoming Big Smoke Las Vegas event in November.
Meanwhile, the metal-themed burger joint Grill ‘Em All has announced a new sandwhich inspired by Ozzy. Fittingly for the Prince of Darkness, the burger is served on a black bun with “house made
chimichurri, garlic aioli, blue cheese, onion frizzle and field greens” topping a half-pound of meat.
You can try one for yourself this Saturday, October 1 at the Grill ‘Em All in Alhambra, California. While the real Ozzy won’t be in attendance, the 25-foot inflatable version of the Black Sabbath frontman, which previously made its debut over the summer at San Diego Comic-Con, will be on display.
On her Instagram, Michelle Pfeiffer posted a throwback picture of herself with Coolio, who died Wednesday at 59.
“Heartbroken to hear of the passing of the gifted artist@coolio. A life cut entirely too short,” she began about the “Gangsta’s Paradise” artist. “As some of you may know I was lucky enough to work with him on Dangerous Minds in 1995. He won a Grammy for his brilliant song on the soundtrack – which I think was the reason our film saw so much success.”
Pfeiffer added, “I remember him being nothing but gracious. 30 years later I still get chills when I hear the song. Sending love and light to his family.”
She closed by mentioning his birth name, “Rest in Power, Artis Leon Ivey Jr.” along with a heart emoji.
Incidentally, Pfeiffer is correct about the popularity of “Gangsta’s Paradise” boosting the film: Antoine Fuqua, then an up-and-coming video director, has credited the actress’ surprise participation in the video and its success, with turning the movie into a hit.
(WASHINGTON) — Ginni Thomas, the wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, appeared in person at the House Jan. 6 committee’s offices on Thursday morning for a closed-door interview.
Cameras caught Thomas walking to the conference room around 9:30 a.m.
The select committee investigating the U.S. Capitol attack has sought to question Thomas over her efforts to push state officials to reject the outcome of the 2020 election. Thomas was also communicating with members of the White House, including former chief of staff Mark Meadows, about efforts to overturn the election.
Thomas’s political activism has been under scrutiny given her close proximity to the U.S. Supreme Court. Records obtained by ABC News earlier this year showed Thomas emailed Arizona House Speaker Rusty Bowers and Arizona State Rep. Shawnna Bolick asking them to “fight back against fraud” in the days after the November 2020 election.
Sources had previously said that it was unlikely the Thomas interview would be played during the committee hearing originally scheduled for Wednesday, but since that is is expected to be rescheduled for a later date, it’s possible clips from this interview could be played.
The committee hasn’t formally announced a new date for the hearing, but the Chair Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., told reporters that he “doubts” it would be scheduled for next week. He said members would meet to discuss a new date this week.
Thomas’ attorney, Mark Paoletta, had confirmed last week she would be sitting down with the committee.
“As she has said from the outset, Mrs. Thomas is eager to answer the Committee’s questions to clear up any misconceptions about her work relating to the 2020 election. She looks forward to that opportunity,” Paoletta said in a statement on Sept. 21.
The committee sent a letter to her requesting an interview in June, after revelations about emails sources said she exchanged with right-wing lawyer John Eastman, who the committee’s described as a leader of the legal scheme to fraudulently overturn Donald Trump’s election loss.
Committee vice-char Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., told CNN at the time the committee was prepared to consider subpoenaing Thomas for an interview. Thomas voluntarily agreed to the sit-down, her attorney said later.
The Jan. 6 committee is expected to release a final report of its findings and recommendations later this year.
2022 still has a few more months to go, but Billy Joel’s already making plans for 2023.
The Piano Man has announced that he’s headlining London’s annual British Summer Time Hyde Park festival on Friday, July 7. The gig is billed as his “only European appearance of 2023.” He’ll be joining his pal Bruce Springsteen and his E Street Band at the festival: They’re performing July 6 and July 8.
The rest of the this year’s festival lineup — which has in the past featured the likes of Adele, Elton John, The Eagles, Celine Dion, Lionel Richie, Barbra Streisand, Michael Bublé and Bruno Mars as headliners — will be announced at a later date.
Meanwhile, Billy’s concert film Live At Yankee Stadium — which documents his June 1990 show, the first rock concert ever held at the iconic venue — will be shown in theaters on October 5 and 9. You can get tickets at BillyJoel.film.
