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5 Texas officers on-site at Uvalde school referred to inspector general; 2 so far suspended with pay: DPS

September 6, 2022 by WDNY Radio

(UVALDE, Texas) — The action or inaction of five Texas Department of Public Safety officers on-site at Robb Elementary School on May 24 has been referred to the Texas inspector general to determine what, if any, discipline is warranted and whether a criminal referral to the DA should be made, the DPS communications chief told ABC News Tuesday.

Two of the five officers have been suspended with pay pending the outcome of the inspector general’s investigation, Texas DPS spokesman Travis Considine told ABC News.

DPS Director Steve McCraw ordered a top-to-bottom review of what his officers did and did not do during the deadly Uvalde elementary school shooting. The special state legislative investigation found that there were DPS personnel on-site among the federal, state and local law enforcement officers who did not take action to stop the massacre for more than an hour.

That internal review is now done, Considine said. The agency has referred the actions/inactions of five DPS officers to the state inspector general, who will now conduct an investigation to determine what — if any — discipline should be forthcoming. The inspector general can also refer its findings to the district attorney in Uvalde, who continues to conduct a criminal probe of the school shooting.

Even if the inspector general decides against taking action, McCraw has the authority to issue internal disciplinary measures to those officers. The five officers are not being identified and their ranks are not being released, Considine said.

Meanwhile, McCraw has issued two new orders that will radically change the way police procedure is handled in Texas in the wake of the school shooting, in which 19 students and two teachers were killed.

Uvalde:365 is a continuing ABC News series reported from Uvalde and focused on the Texas community and how it forges on in the shadow of tragedy.

Under one, once an “active shooter” is declared at a school, the situation cannot be treated as anything else by Texas DPS personnel — troopers and Rangers — until the shooter or shooters are neutralized.

Under the other order, all DPS personnel are ordered from now on to override any other law enforcement officers who are standing in the way of taking active measures to neutralize a school shooter.

The police response took nearly 77 minutes to confront and kill the 18-year-old gunman and was plagued with failures, a state report issued by a special committee in the Texas Legislature found. Among them, the report found that school district police chief Pete Arredondo “failed to perform or to transfer to another person the role of incident commander.”

Arredondo was fired last month as the community has continued to call for accountability following the deadly school shooting. The former chief pushed back that he was “forced into the role of the ‘fall guy'” despite taking “all reasonable actions.”

Texas says it spent over $12 million to bus migrants to sanctuary cities

September 6, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Texas says it spent over million to bus migrants to sanctuary cities

(AUSTIN, Texas) — Texas has spent over $12 million as of mid-August in busing migrants to New York City, Washington, D.C., and Chicago, a spokesperson for the Texas Division of Emergency Management told ABC News.

The state agency utilizes a contract to charter the buses, which include private security, the spokesperson said.

Abbott has sparred with the Democratic mayors of the three cities, who have accused him of using immigrants as pawns in his political agenda. The governor began the busing program after the Biden administration overturned a pandemic-era order restricting migrant entry numbers to the U.S.

Chicago became the latest city to unknowingly receive migrants as of last Wednesday. Mayor Lori Lightfoot called for unity in the situation and slammed the busings as “inhumane” and “not the Christianity and the teachings of the Bible that I know.”

“My frustration comes from the actions of the governor of Texas,” Lightfoot said at a press conference held Sunday following the arrival of another bus of migrants. “There could be a level of coordination and cooperation but he chooses to do none of those things and instead tries to send human beings…not cargo, not freight, but human beings across the country,” she added.

A spokesperson for Abbott said Chicago has received over 150 migrants on 3 buses so far from Texas. Abbott has no plans to stop anytime soon, the spokesperson said, calling on Mayor Lightfoot to take it up with President Joe Biden.

“Attacking the Governor’s commitment to his faith is a pathetic political ploy to change the conversation away from Mayor Lightfoot’s unwillingness to uphold her city’s self-declared sanctuary status,” Abbott’s press secretary Renae Eze said in a statement provided to ABC News. “Where was Mayor Lightfoot’s outrage and condemnation of President Biden as he flew plane loads of migrants across the country and dropped them in communities in the cover of night?”

The statement added, “Instead of lowly personal attacks on the Governor and complaining about a few dozen migrants being bused into her sanctuary city, Mayor Lightfoot should call on President Biden to take immediate action to secure the border—something the President continues failing to do.”

A White House spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment from ABC News.

Then-White House press secretary Jen Psaki in April told reporters the migrants on the buses are processed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and “are free to travel.”

New York City Mayor Eric Adams called Abbott’s actions “the worst type of politics” in an interview with “Nightline” last month.

“It’s hateful politics to raise his national profile and, you know what, you should not be doing it by taking away the respect and dignity of people who are in need,” Adams said.

Abbott responded by calling Adams a “hypocrite” because “New York City is a self-declared ‘sanctuary city.'”

Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser was denied a request last month from the Pentagon for help from the National Guard in dealing with the crisis.

Black and Hispanic Americans are less likely to receive monkeypox vaccines: CDC

September 6, 2022 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — Black and Hispanic Americans make up the majority of monkeypox cases in the United States but are underrepresented when it comes to vaccine distribution.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of Aug. 31, people of color make up more than two-thirds of reported cases in the nation with 29% of cases reported among Hispanics and 37.8% reported among Black people.

However, the share of monkeypox vaccines that minorities have received tells a different story. Only 22.1% of first doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine have been administered to Hispanic Americans and 10.4% have been given to Black Americans, data from the CDC shows.

Comparatively, white and Asian Americans make up 27.4% and 2.9% of cases, respectively, and have received 44.2% and 7.6%, respectively, of monkeypox vaccine first doses.

“Unfortunately, it’s not that surprising,” said Dr. Mark Abdelmalek, an ABC News contributor and an associate professor of dermatology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania — who has treated monkeypox patients. “History kind of repeats itself. We see heath disparities across so many aspects of medicine and to think that this wouldn’t be one of them is a little naïve.”

He added, “I mean we saw it with COVID. It speaks to the fact that we have a lot of work to do to meet people where they are.”

Similar trends in racial/ethnic disparities can be seen on a city level.

In Philadelphia, Black or African American residents make up 55% of all monkeypox cases but just 24% of vaccinations, city data shows. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 16% of all cases but 12% of vaccinations.

Meanwhile, white Philadelphians make up 24% of cases but have received 56% of first doses.

Similarly, in New York City, as of Sep.1, Hispanics account for 32.7% of monkeypox infections and Black people account for 26.3% of infections. However, Hispanic residents have only received 23.3% of vaccine doses and Black residents have received 12.0%. according to data from the city’s Department of Health & Mental Hygiene.

By comparison, 24.2% of monkeypox infections in the Big Apple are among white residents but this population has received 45.5% of available first vaccine doses.

“The problem with infectious diseases is they often get a head start on attacking our communities before even a lot of people are aware,” Abdelmalek said. “So, these viruses already have a head start and then when you put into the equation, the fact that there might be certain populations like Black and Hispanic that have less access to medicine, the gap becomes even wider.”

Abdelmalek said a few ways to narrow these gaps include the medical community partnering with local businesses to get the word out about populations at-risk and vaccines and making sure social media platforms have messages that are targeted at traditionally underserved communities.

He also recommends people reach out and ask their doctor if they are eligible for the monkeypox vaccine and, if so, how they can receive.

“We should encourage [people] that you’re not bothering your doctor by calling them and asking them about could you get the vaccine,” Abdelmalek said. “Especially if you’re part of an underserved population. You can be empowered to call your doctor and advocate for yourself.”

Book in Black: AC/DC singer Brian Johnson’s memoir due out next month

September 6, 2022 by WDNY Radio

AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson‘s autobiography, The Lives of Brian: AC/DC, Me, and the Making of Back in Black, which originally was scheduled to be published in October 2021, will finally be released October 25.

In the memoir, Johnson shares the story of his journey from growing up in a working-class town in northern England to singing for one of the world’s biggest rock bands.

Back when The Lives of Brian was first announced last year, Johnson posted a video trailer for the memoir on his official YouTube channel, along with a note that reads, “I’ve had some long nights and some great nights, bad days and a lot of good ones. I’ve gone from choirboy to rock ‘n’ roll singer, and now I’ve gone and written a bloody book about it.”

According to a description at HarperCollins.com, The Lives of Brian will follow Johnson’s life from his formative years in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, to his experiences fronting the local glam-rock band Geordie, to being hired by AC/DC in 1980 to replace their late singer Bon Scott.

The memoir also will feature Johnson’s stories about the making of his first album with AC/DC, the landmark Back in Black and his adventures of touring behind what’s become one of the best-selling rock records of all time.

The Lives of Brian can be preordered now at HarperCollins.com and will be available as a hardcover, an e-book and an audio book.

Johnson, who’s also a well-known car-racing enthusiast, previously wrote a book about his passion for fast cars, called Rockers and Rollers: A Full-Throttle Memoir, which was published in 2009.

(Video contains uncensored profanity.)

Music notes: Dove Cameron, BLACKPINK, The Chainsmokers, Selena Gomez, Harry Styles and more

September 6, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Dove Cameron is rocking a new hairstyle: blunt mini bangs. The “Boyfriend” singer showed off her new ‘do on Instagram, captioning the reveal, “we can talk about it in the morning.”

Selena Gomez shared a few bloopers from her Selena + Chef series. Two clips shows Gordon Ramsay accusing her of lighting her food on fire and swearing at her in exasperation. Overall, it looks like Selena has a severe case of the dropsies all season and messes up her fair share of dishes.

BLACKPINK announced you can begin buying tickets to their Born Pink tour on Friday, September 16, on their official website.

The Chainsmokers helped launch Roblox’s new platform, called Festival Tycoon. The new feature is a nonstop artist experience. To celebrate the launch, the singers will perform a fully motion-captured performance on Friday starting at 4 p.m. PT, with encore shows airing all weekend.

Harry Styles released a behind-the-scenes look at his “Late Night Talking” music video, which takes a peek at him snarling traffic in London while cruising around on that giant metal bed.

The ever-fashionable Mariah Carey learned the hard way why wearing heels to an amusement park is a bad idea. Sharing photos of her hanging out with twins Moroccan and Monroe, the hitmaker captioned, “Had the best time at [Ohio’s Cedar Point Amusement Park]! Never again with the heels though!”

Katy Perry‘s little girl turned 2! Katy and Orlando Bloom celebrated their toddler’s birthday with a multitiered Elmo-themed birthday cake, which they showed off on their Instagram Stories. Daisy’s birthday was August 26.

Sam Smith is teaming up with Kim Petras for “Unholy,” a dance track coming out September 16. Sam said in a release the song is about “liberating oneself from the clutches of others’ secrets.”

Music notes: Andy Grammer, Katy Perry, Harry Styles, Adam Lambert, Sam Smith and Mariah Carey

September 6, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Andy Grammer is showing off his new shoes — his daughter shoes. Taking to his Instagram Story, the “Fresh Eyes” singer shared a video of his two little girls clinging to his ankles and giggling while he drags them around the house. Andy notes that, while the shoes are stylish, they do slow you down.

Speaking of daughters, Katy Perry‘s little girl turned 2! Katy and Orlando Bloom celebrated their toddler’s birthday with a multitiered Elmo-themed birthday cake, which they showed off on their Instagram Stories. Daisy’s birthday was August 26.

Harry Styles released a behind-the-scenes look at how he filmed his “Late Night Talking” music video, from him goofing off with the extras to snarling traffic in London while cruising around on a giant metal bed.

Adam Lambert was targeted by a Beverly Hills “bling ring,” and those who robbed his home are heading to court. Daily Mail reports real estate agent Jason Yaselli would have his accomplice, Benjamin Ackerman, steal from the homes once they were listed. In all, they pilfered $5.5 million worth of valuables from their victims. They face up to 31 years in prison.

Sam Smith is teaming up with Kim Petras for a new song, “Unholy,” which launches September 16. Sam said in a release they had “so much fun making” the song, which is about “liberating oneself from the clutches of others’ secrets.”

The ever-fashionable Mariah Carey learned the hard way why wearing heels to an amusement park is a bad idea. Sharing photos of her hanging out with twins Moroccan and Monroe, the hitmaker captioned, “Had the best time at [Ohio’s Cedar Point Amusement Park]! Never again with the heels though!”

Fat Joe to host BET Hip Hop Awards

September 6, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Fat Joe will be firing up the A-T-L on September 30 as the host of the BET Hip Hop Awards.

“This will be the BIGGEST awards show in history,” the Terror Squad leader said Tuesday in a statement. “It’s truly an honor to host and produce the BET Hip Hop Awards and I can’t thank the entire BET family enough for this opportunity.“

The annual show will be taped at Cobb Energy Center in Atlanta on Friday, September 30. The broadcast will air Tuesday, October 4, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on BET.

“We’re going to celebrate music, culture and entertainment, honor the biggest and brightest stars in the world, and make this an unforgettable night full of laughs and surprises,” the “Lean Back” rapper continued.

“Fat Joe is hip-hop royalty. He has represented the art form and the Bronx, the birthplace of hip-hop, throughout his outstanding musical career,” said BET’s Connie Orlando. “He is a treasured friend of the network, and we’ve loved seeing and supporting his evolution to becoming the superstar he is today.”

“We can’t wait to watch him take the stage with his vivacious energy, standing together with today’s hottest and beloved hip-hop stars,” Orlando added.

The BET Hip Hop Awards 2022 nominations, performers and presenters will be announced at a later date.

Scrub up! ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ invites you to meet the fresh meat in a “Meet the Interns” clip

September 6, 2022 by WDNY Radio

In a new snippet promoting the upcoming 19th season of Grey’s Anatomy, ABC has released a clip showing Ellen Pompeo‘s Dr. Meredith Grey addressing a new slate of Grey Sloan medical interns.

“Congratulations, you made it,” she tells the five eager new faces. You’ll save lives with this equipment, she says, referring to an operating room — “and you will end them.”

The snippet switches between scenes from the forthcoming season to interviews with executive producer Pompeo and some of the new cast members discussing their characters, who Scott Speedman‘s Dr. Nick refers to as “diamonds in the rough.”

As reported, Adelaide Kane, Alexis Floyd, Harry Shum Jr., Niko Terho and Midori Francis join the cast for the latest installment of the long-running drama.

Incidentally, ABC Audio caught up with Shum, who plays Benson “Blue” Kwan, who told us about his character and how his rounds are going.

About that nickname? “He’s used to winning blue ribbons as a kid, so they gave him that nickname,” the actor explains.

“Throughout his life he’s — very competitive, used to winning. But a tragedy happened in his life that set him back a lot. He has to climb back up this mountain he thinks he deserves to be on.”

He says of all his co-stars, “Along with the new interns, they’re just — they picked a really good bunch … I think they have a skill, not just writing great stories, but at choosing great people to be part of it.”

He likens jumping onto the show to boarding a moving train, “but it’s one of those trains that kind of allow you to onboard pretty easily,” he laughs.

“You have people who’ve done this for a couple of decades, but at the same time, it’s still … feels like the energy is just so high, and everyone is just so energized to keep making this show and how iconic it’s been for so long.”

Carl Palmer launching virtual ELP reunion tour using video of late bandmates

September 6, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Emerson, Lake & Palmer‘s sole surviving member, drummer Carl Palmer, will resurrect his old band with the help of modern technology for a new U.S. tour this fall.

Palmer, in association with the estates of his late ELP bandmates Keith Emerson and Greg Lake, will launch the Welcome Back My Friends — The Return of Emerson Lake & Palmer Tour on November 18 in Philadelphia.

The trek will feature Palmer performing live onstage with his current group, ELP Legacy, flanked by two huge video screens where digital footage of Emerson and Lake playing in concert will be projected.

“About five years ago I explored the idea of trying to reunite the band using digital holograms,” Palmer explains. “We saw a few shows of other artists but it did not seem like an honest approach.

“Then we realized the film we made of ELP’s sold-out run at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 1992 had everything we needed. We were able to use just the camera shots of Keith and Greg, with the sterling audio tracks of their performances, resulting in a combination of film and onstage performance that brings back the magic of ELP.”

The tour currently features 10 confirmed dates and is mapped out through a December 3 show in Akron, Ohio. More shows are expected to be announced soon. Tickets for the Welcome Back My Friends Tour are on sale now at CarlPalmer.com.

You can check out a trailer for the trek now on the YouTube channel of ELP and Carl Palmer’s manager, Bruce Pilato.

Emerson died by suicide in March 2016 at age 71, while Lake passed away in December that year of cancer at age 69.

Palmer also has plans to take part in a 40th anniversary Asia tour in early 2023.

‘The View’ returns for season 26: “It’s going to be one to watch”

September 6, 2022 by WDNY Radio

The View is officially back for season 26.

The daytime show returned with new episodes – and new permanent co-host, former Trump staffer Alyssa Farah Griffin – on Tuesday. Longtime contributor Ana Navarro also joins as permanent co-host this season.

Returning co-hosts Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Sara Haines and Sunny Hostin are embracing the changes to the panel and say they can’t wait for the “robust conversations” ahead.

“People think that we don’t want to have anybody here with an opposing position,” Behar tells ABC Audio. “It’s not true. We just don’t want an attack dog, you know, at the table attacking us.”

This season also boasts a lineup of notable guests, kicking off with Hillary and Chelsea Clinton on Wednesday to promote their new Apple TV+ show, Gutsy.

“We’ve got an awesome season ahead,” Griffin says. “So many good guests. It’s a good moment for the show, too, because we’re heading into the midterms. So tons of politics there … It’s going to be one to watch. And I’m so, so honored to be here.”

The View airs at 11 a.m. ET on ABC.

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