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John Travolta salutes Olivia Newton-John on what would have been her 74th birthday

September 27, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Olivia Newton-John would have turned 74 on Monday, so friends of the late singer are paying their respects.

John Travolta, who starred alongside Newton-John in the movie adaptation of Grease, saluted the late legend in a meaningful post on social media. “Happy birthday my Olivia,” he wrote in an Instagram Story, sharing a still of their characters — Danny and Sandy — glancing adoringly at the other.

Olivia’s family also honored her on her birthday. Her husband, John Easterling, shared a heartfelt tribute in the form of a beautiful memory. He recalled a trip to the Bahamas and how they were caught up in a storm that they feared would blow their boat off course.

The storm quickly subsided and left behind a beautiful rainbow while “dolphins started jumping at the bow of the boat.” He closed the memory, saying, “Every day with Olivia there was a hint of magic and everyday with Olivia was a bit of the supernatural.”

Olivia’s daughter, Chloe Lattanzi, paid tribute to the late singer on her birthday writing, “We love you mama” along with a dolphin emoji. She shared a video of the family celebrating the late legend’s birthday with a family dinner.

Newton-John died on August 8 after a years-long battle with cancer.

Kanye West teases three new songs during London Fashion Week party

September 27, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Kanye West teased three new songs during an appearance in London Monday night.

Ye, who was in town for London Fashion Week, previewed the unreleased tracks at Burberry’s aftershow party at The Twenty Two. The songs were all collaborations with British singer/producer James Blake.

After fan-captured videos of Ye playing the tracks hit social media, Blake took to Twitter to confirm that he produced all three songs.

“It’s my birthday and @kanyewest is playing tracks we made I’m good for presents thanks,” he wrote on Monday.

No word yet on when the songs will be released.

US consumer confidence rises more than expected in September, defying recession fears

September 27, 2022 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — U.S. consumer confidence rose more than expected this month, extending a rebound in sentiment that began with a jump in August.

The growing confidence in the U.S. economy defies recession fears on Wall Street less than a week after the Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate and forecasted rising unemployment.

The Conference Board said on Tuesday its Consumer Confidence Index rose to 108.0 this month from 103.6 in August. Consumer sentiment improved both for the current state of the labor market and business conditions.

Last week, the Federal Reserve escalated its fight against inflation by raising borrowing costs 0.75% — a repeat of the same hike it imposed at each of the last two meetings. Prior to this year, the Fed last matched a hike of this magnitude in 1994.

The central bank said additional rate hikes would likely follow.

The data from the Conference Board signals resilient consumer confidence, which could sustain consumer spending.

The Fed, which aims to fight inflation by slowing the economy, may see the data as a sign that it should continue its significant rate hikes. The approach, however, risks tipping the U.S. into an economic downturn and putting millions out of work.

Before the Consumer Confidence Index jumped in August, it had dropped for three consecutive months. It reached its lowest point of the year in July.

The present situation index, which measures consumer sentiment toward current business and labor market conditions, rose to 149.6 from 145.3 last month. The expectations index, which assesses the short-term outlook for income, business and labor market conditions, jumped to 80.3 from 75.8.

The persistence of elevated prices has weighed on U.S. consumers and investors for well over a year. A higher-than-expected inflation report this month sent the S&P 500 tumbling for its worst day of 2022.

Inflation data showed that prices rose unexpectedly in August from the month prior but the overall year-over-year inflation rate fell slightly to 8.3%.

Gwyneth Paltrow literally goes for the gold with nude “birthday” suit snap

September 27, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Gwyneth Paltrow turns the big 5-0 today, and she got herself some gold — body paint, that is. The Oscar winner celebrated her milestone wearing only her birthday suit in an artfully posed nude snap in which she’s glowing from head to toe with the shimmery stuff.

Paltrow was posed so that her modesty was mostly protected. She’s seen in profile with her left arm draped over a white column as she leans on her right elbow, forehead in hand.

“50,” she captioned the snap posted to her 8.1 million followers.

The post got more than 200,000 likes in the first hour it was up on social media.

For the actress and Goop CEO, it’s just the latest picture to commemorate her 50th trip around the sun. Four days ago, she posted a black-and-white snap of herself wearing a bikini, smiling and doing a mid-air split.

The caption there was “musings on a milestone.” Among those to reply to that one was Demi Moore, who called Gwyneth “a goddess.”

Trace Adkins has a specific role he wants Blake Shelton to play on ’Monarch’

September 27, 2022 by WDNY Radio

There’s already a slew of country artists slated to appear on the new show Monarch, but the show’s star, Trace Adkins, has another one he’d like to add to the mix — Blake Shelton.

Trace portrays the character Albie Roman, a legendary singer-songwriter and husband to Susan Sarandon‘s Dottie Cantrell Roman, known as the “Queen of Country Music” on the show.

While the new season of Monarch features several of Trace’s country music peers, including Shania Twain, Martina McBride and Little Big Town, in guest starring roles, he hopes that he can get Blake on board for a special appearance.

“I think we should bring Blake Shelton, let him play my stupid younger brother,” Trace says. “That’s kind of what he is anyway.”

Trace and Blake’s friendship spans multiple years; the two teamed up for the hit 2009 duet “Hillbilly Bone.” In addition to their playful jabs, the singers have also ventured out on the road together, with Trace joining Blake’s 2021 Friends and Heroes Tour. Trace also inducted Blake as a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2010.

Though Blake has over a decade of experience coaching on The Voice, Trace says he didn’t ask his longtime pal for acting tips. “Blake’s thing is a completely different animal. You can’t compare that stuff,” Trace says.

Monarch airs on Fox Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET.

Foo Fighters holding second Taylor Hawkins tribute concert in Los Angeles tonight

September 27, 2022 by WDNY Radio

The second of Foo Fighters‘ two tribute concerts honoring late drummer Taylor Hawkins takes place tonight, Tuesday, at the Kia Forum in the Los Angeles suburb of Inglewood, Caliornia.

The first show was held at London’s Wembley Stadium on September 3. Many of the artists who performed at the London tribute will be making the trip back across the pond for the LA concert, including Led Zeppelin‘s John Paul Jones, Metallica‘s Lars Ulrich, Rush‘s Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, Queen‘s Brian May and Roger Taylor, The Police‘s Stewart Copeland, the Joe Walsh-fronted James Gang, Wolfgang Van Halen, David Bowie drummer Omar Hakim, Blink-182‘s Travis Barker, Queens of the Stone Age‘s Josh Homme, Kesha, session drummer Josh Freese and Hawkins’ cover band Chevy Metal.

The LA lineup also includes Def Leppard‘s Joe Elliott, Phil Collen and Rick Savage, Joan Jett, Heart‘s Nancy Wilson, The Cars‘ Elliot Easton, Mötley Crüe‘s Tommy Lee and Nikki Sixx, Soundgarden‘s Matt Cameron and Kim Thayil, Black Sabbath‘s Geezer Butler, Nirvana‘s Krist Novoselic, Red Hot Chili Peppers‘ Chad Smith, Yes vocalist and Hawkins’ childhood friend Jon Davison, Miley Cyrus, Tool‘s Danny Carey, Alanis Morissette, ex-Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach, Pink and Rage Against the Machine‘s Brad Wilk.

Additionally, Dave Grohl‘s daughter Violet and Hawkins’ son Shane will perform. Foo Fighters’ performance of “My Hero” with Shane on drums was widely considered to be the highlight of the six-hour London concert.

Like with the London show, proceeds from the LA tribute will be donated to MusiCares and Music Support. Unlike the London show, however, no streaming details have been announced for the LA concert.

Foo Fighters’ Chris Shiflett calls out social media conspiracies over Taylor Hawkins’ death: “It’s all wrong”

September 27, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Foo Fighters guitarist Chris Shiflett has opened up regarding the response to drummer Taylor Hawkins‘ death.

In an interview with The Plug podcast, Shiflett takes aim at “yahoo[s] on Twitter” spreading conspiracy theories about Hawkins and how he died.

“Especially right after [Hawkins] died, all these Twitter private investigators, they absolutely know what happened, and are sure of it, and it’s all wrong,” Shiflett says. “That’s been really strange to watch.”

“I understand people’s fascination with it, Taylor was this big character and he meant a lot to millions of people all over the world,” the guitarist continues. “But it’s, like, so much of what I’ve seen out there is so completely wrong.”

In addition to conspiracy theories on social media, Shiflett calls Rolling Stone‘s article about Hawkins’ death “complete nonsense, for the most part.” The article, titled “Inside Taylor Hawkins’ Final Days as a Foo Fighter,” features quotes from artists — including Pearl Jam‘s Matt Cameron and Red Hot Chili Peppers‘ Chad Smith — claiming that Hawkins had expressed concern with the amount of touring he had to do with Foo Fighters leading up to his death. Both Cameron and Smith distanced themselves from the article and apologized for taking part.

In speaking about the reaction to Hawkins death, Shiflett seemingly suggests that another Foo Fighters album could be possible. When asked if he’s found in recent press interviews that people have been “awkwardly not asking” about the subject, Shiflett replies, “It probably will be when we ever get around to putting out another Foo Fighter record and go back into the promo boogie woogie.”

Shiflett recently released two singles with his solo country project. He’ll join Foo Fighters for the second of their two tribute concerts to Hawkins Tuesday in Los Angeles.

Second star-studded Taylor Hawkins tribute concert takes place tonight in Los Angeles

September 27, 2022 by WDNY Radio

The second of Foo Fighters‘ two tribute concerts honoring late drummer Taylor Hawkins takes place tonight, Tuesday, at the Kia Forum in the Los Angeles suburb of Inglewood, California.

The first show was held at London’s Wembley Stadium on September 3. Many of the artists who performed at the London tribute will be making the trip back across the pond for the LA concert, including Queen‘s Brian May and Roger Taylor, The Police‘s Stewart Copeland, Joe Walsh‘s pre-Eagles band the James Gang, Led Zeppelin‘s John Paul Jones, Rush‘s Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, Wolfgang Van Halen, David Bowie drummer Omar Hakim, Blink-182‘s Travis Barker and Metallica‘s Lars Ulrich.

The LA lineup also includes Def Leppard‘s Joe Elliott, Phil Collen and Rick Savage, Heart‘s Nancy Wilson, Joan Jett, The Cars‘ Elliot Easton, Alanis Morissette, Red Hot Chili Peppers‘ Chad Smith, Yes vocalist and Hawkins’ childhood friend Jon Davison, Miley Cyrus, Nirvana‘s Krist Novoselic, ex-Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach, Mötley Crüe‘s Tommy Lee and Nikki Sixx, and Pink.

Additionally, Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl‘s daughter Violet and Hawkins’ son Shane will perform.

Like with the London show, proceeds from the LA tribute will be donated to MusiCares and Music Support. Unlike the London show, however, no streaming details have been announced for the LA concert.

Shakira ordered to stand trial in Spain over alleged tax evasion, faces up to 8 years in prison

September 27, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Shakira will stand trial in Spain after being accused of dodging roughly $14 million dollars in unpaid taxes.

A spokesperson in Barcelona for the Audiencia Nacional confirmed to ABC News that the Grammy winner has been ordered to stand trial. Shakira has been charged with tax fraud for allegedly not paying income taxes in Spain between 2012 and 2014. Prosecutors allege she owes the nation roughly 14.5 million euros or $14 million USD.

Spanish prosecutors allege Spain was Shakira’s primary residence during that time period, so she was obligated to pay the country’s income tax.

The “Objection (Tango)” singer denies any wrongdoing. In a recent interview with ELLE, the hitmaker addressed her legal woes and called them “false accusations.”

Shakira refuted the claim she mainly resided in Spain between 2012 and 2014, adding she was “busy fulfilling my professional commitments around the world.” She noted further, “I’ve paid everything they claimed I owed, even before they filed a lawsuit. So as of today, I owe zero to them.”

The singer also said she was advised by “one of the four biggest tax specialist firms in the world” at the time and is “confident” she was “doing things correctly and transparently from day one.”

She then accused prosecutors of intentionally harming her reputation by planting “salacious” stories about her in the press.

In all, Shakira believes she will be vindicated in court. “I’m confident that I have enough proof to support my case and that justice will prevail in my favor,” she declared.

If convicted, however, Shakira could spend up to eight years in prison and pay a hefty fine.

A trial date has not been announced.

How to save on pricey pumpkins as drought, inflation impacts farmers ahead of Halloween

September 27, 2022 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — As prices continue to climb on an array of goods due to inflation and increased production costs — like fuel for transportation — farm owners have warned that pumpkins could have a higher price tag this season.

With Halloween fast approaching, pumpkins used for jack-o’-lanterns and fall decor are up to $5.68 compared to $4.92 last year on average and may vary by location.

Farm owners from Texas to Maryland have seen a nearly 20% increase “mostly due to fuel costs increases,” Kama Bozeman of YesterLand Farm told Tyler, Texas, ABC News affiliate KTLV.

“The price of fuel has affected everything, the fertilizer for … pumpkins has been, you know, unbelievable,” Tammy Adkins, a farmer in Salisbury, Maryland, told ABC News affiliate WMDT. “It seems that everything has gone up and of course parents see that at the grocery store so it’s affected us as well.”

In addition to the rising costs, farmers have reported that drought conditions have also impacted some crops.

“We didn’t have much rain in August, so the hot weather — where it gets above 90 degrees — we didn’t get the pollination we should’ve got,” Gaylon Adkins the owner of Adkins Farm Market said. “So we’re looking at about probably a half a crop of pumpkins.”

The summer of dry weather has forced farmers like Adkins to get creative.

“I’ve already bought a few of pumpkins up in Delaware, I’ll probably get some in Pennsylvania,” Adkins continued. “I really need to finish picking my field and see what I got but I know I probably will not have enough.”

At Happy Day Farm in New Jersey, owner Tim Stockel said families can still get their hands on fall crops but said they may look different this year.

“Pumpkins this year are a little bit smaller due to the lack of rain,” Stockel told ABC News. “But they are healthy and we do have an abundance of amount to pick from.”

With Americans set to spend a record $10.6 billion celebrating Halloween this year, according to the National Retail Federation, and $3.4 billion of that on decorations, consumers will need to find ways to save without compromising on the staple squash.

Dr. Kerri Camp, a marketing professor at the University of Texas at Tyler, suggests “purchasing from local farms — because transportation costs will have less of an impact on the actual pumpkin prices.”

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