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Camila Cabello launches Protect Our Kids Fund to combat Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill

May 9, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Camila Cabello is the latest artist to join the fight against Florida’s recently approved “Don’t Say Gay” bill. The singer unveiled her Protect Our Kids Fund, which aims to combat the new legislation while providing support to those targeted by it.

The “Bam Bam” singer announced the new initiative on Sunday, explaining in an Instagram post that it “supports litigation against the hateful Don’t Say Gay or Trans law in [Florida].”

Camila continues in the post, “What’s happening in my home state is unacceptable and is harming LGBTQ+ youth and families. Some of the most special people in my life are in this community and it breaks my heart to see their identities try to be erased. We have to demand equal rights and respect for all.”

Camila says donations have already exceeded $500,000. In addition to raising money, the fund has “set up a special hotline for students, teachers, and parents who’ve been harmed under the law so experts can provide critical support.”

The “Havana” singer has teamed with Lambda Legal and Equality Florida to run the new initiative.

The legislation, titled the Parental Rights in Education law, bans classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten through third grade. It also states that any instruction on those topics cannot occur “in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.”

The bill is expected to go into effect on July 1.

Mysterious poster teases Jack Antonoff-produced project featuring reported Tame Impala/Diana Ross collab

May 9, 2022 by WDNY Radio

That rumored collaboration between Tame Impala and R&B great Diana Ross may actually be coming to light.

You may recall that the U.K. tabloid The Sun reported last October that Ross and teamed up with Tame Impala for a track on her new album Thank You. However, when the record dropped the next month, Tame Impala was nowhere to be found.

Now, a mysterious poster has shown up in London that promises something from Tame Impala and Ross is “Coming Soon.”

The colorful ad, which was spotted by NME, also includes a list of several artists in smaller type, including Bleachers, Alabama Shakes‘ Brittany Howard, St. Vincent and Phoebe Bridgers. The bottom of the poster reads, “Produced by Jack Antonoff,” who also did some production on Thank You.

As for what exactly the poster is teasing, NME hypothesizes that a collaborative album between Ross and Tame Impala is in the works. However, there may be another possibility: the soundtrack to Minions 2.

The site Stereogum noticed that the poster features what looks to be one of the Minions, aka the adorable/obnoxious characters from the Despicable Me franchise, sticking out from Ross’ name. What’s more, Antonoff has already been announced as the soundtrack producer for Minions 2.

Nothing’s been officially confirmed yet, so stay tuned. Minions 2, aka Minions: The Rise of Gru, hits theaters on July 1.

Harry Styles talks about getting comfortable with aging in the music industry

May 9, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Harry Styles broke into the music industry when he was 16. Over a decade later, the “As It Was” singer says he no longer wants to compete with the success he had as part of One Direction.

In an expanded Better Homes & Gardens interview, the 28-year-old Grammy winner spoke of watching Billie Eilish at the 2021 Grammy Awards.

“She was so much younger than I am, and, when I was in the band, we were always the young guys. When I did my first solo thing, I was still like the young guy,” said Harry.

“I’m not like an old man now, but she’s just a different generation,” the Don’t Worry Darling actor added. Instead of feeling threatened by Billie’s rising star status, he no longer tries being “the thing.”

Harry thinks it’s unhealthy and unsustainable to try to stay relevant and compete with younger artists, which he says has led to people breaking down and making poor career choices.

“You can’t win music. It’s not like Formula One,” he noted. “I was like, in my lifetime, there will be 10 more people who burst onto the scene in that way, and I’m only going to get further away from being the young thing.”

Harry now has a new “liberating” mindset, which is: “Get comfortable with finding something else that makes you happy.”

That mantra is what carried him through creating his new album, Harry’s House, which arrives May 20.

“Finally, it doesn’t feel like my life is over if this album isn’t a commercial success,” he exclaimed, while admitting that it’s the first time he’s ever felt that way. He’s no longer concerned with making “really big songs” or “playing it safe.” He just wants to make “stuff that is right, that is fun.”

The sting and the bite! The Scorpions launching 2022 North American tour with Whitesnake in August

May 9, 2022 by WDNY Radio

After wrapping up their “Sin City Nights” Las Vegas residency last month, German rockers The Scorpions have now unveiled dates for a full 2022 North American tour in support of their latest studio album, Rock Believer.

The trek, which kicks off August 21 in Toronto, will feature Whitesnake serving as special guests at most of the shows. Whitesnake’s performances also will be part of their own Farewell Tour. Swedish rock band Thundermother also will perform as an open act on The Scorpions’ trek.

So far, 24 shows have been confirmed, and the outing is mapped out through an October 21 concert in Las Vegas.

Tickets for the Rock Believer tour go on sale to the general public this Friday, May 13, at 10 a.m. local time via Ticketmaster. Members of The Scorpions’ Rock Zone club will be able to purchase pre-sale tickets starting Tuesday, May 10, at 10 a.m. local time; visit The-Scorpions.com/RockZone for more information. Whitesnake is also offering fans a chance to buy pre-sale tickets. Visit Whitesnake.com for more details.

“After the amazing start we’ve had with our residency in Las Vegas, it’s about time to come back for a real tour to rock the U.S. like a hurricane again,” says Scorpions frontman Klaus Meine. “We can’t wait to see all you Rock Believers out there!”

Adds Whitesnake’s David Coverdale, “Once again it’s time to feel the sting of The Scorpions & the bite of the Whitesnake!!! Can’t wait!!!”

First up for The Scorpions in a European tour that gets underway tonight in Lisbon, Portugal. Check out the band’s full schedule at The-Scorpions.com.

“It’s never too late”: Anthony Anderson graduates from Howard University

May 9, 2022 by WDNY Radio

What’s been 30 years in the making, Anthony Anderson can finally say he’s a college graduate.

The Black-ish alum, 51, shared an inspiring message Sunday on Instagram celebrating his graduation from Howard University this past weekend.

“This spring I was finally able to complete the work to graduate from Howard University with a BFA degree from the Chadwick A Boseman College of Fine Arts!” Anderson wrote. “Yesterday was a full circle moment. It’s never too late! Things happen when they’re supposed to happen!”

He also expressed, “To quote Biggie, ‘IT WAS ALL A DREAM!’ Words can’t begin to describe the emotional roller coaster I’m on right now. It’s literally been 30 years in the making.”

In a 2018 interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Anderson revealed that he dropped out of college due to financial reasons.

The Law & Order star went on to thank the people who helped him accomplish this milestone, including Phylicia Rashad, who this time last year was named dean of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, and his Hustle & Flow co-star Taraji P. Henson, who served as the university’s commencement speaker.

The actor also thanked his son, Nathan, who he said inspired him to “return to school to finish my degree after he was accepted into Howard University.”

Anderson concluded the post with one final uplifting message, writing, “This is just the beginning!”

Watch the trailer for the new FX documentary about Tupac and his mom, ‘Dear Mama’

May 9, 2022 by WDNY Radio

In addition to the many Mother’s Day tributes that flooded the internet on Sunday, FX unveiled the trailer for a new docuseries about late rapper Tupac Shakur and his activist mother, Afeni Shakur, called Dear Mama.

The short clip shows a few images of a younger Tupac, accompanied by a voice-over by Afeni, who tells a story about a lesson she once taught her son.

“It was my responsibility to teach Tupac how to survive his reality,” she says in the clip. “So, Tupac do something wrong — take your little sorry self in that corner, get The New York Times and let’s have a debate about it. Not a discussion, a debate. Let me hear what your idea is, stand up, defend it.”

In a press release shared by Hot New Hip Hop, FX says the five-part docuseries is “told through the eyes of the people who knew them best,” adding, “[The series is] an intimate wide-angle portrait of the most inspiring and dangerous mother-son duo in American history, whose unified message of freedom, equality, persecution and justice are more relevant today than ever.”

Set to direct the series is Allen Hughes, who won a Best Music Film Grammy for the HBO docuseries The Defiant Ones, and who’s credits also include The Book of Eli and the classic ’90s film Menace II Society.

Jack Harlow announces tour, speaks about the importance of humility

May 9, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Even though Jack Harlow‘s career is taking off, he’s keeping his feet firmly planted on the ground.

Speaking to Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, Harlow admitted he’s enjoying the financial freedom that’s come with his newfound fame. “I think my biggest concern right now is getting everyone I care about secure. And sadly, it’s just, it’s very financial. Taking the weight off people I care about shoulders feels really good in the most simplistic way,” he shared.

The “Industry Baby” collaborator explained his financial support doesn’t necessarily mean fancy gifts, but by taking care of things like bills and rent. “You can just liberate people,” said Harlow. “The best part of having money is not thinking about money. It’s not about the cars. It’s not about the jewelry. It’s not about the flex. It’s about the security. It’s about being able to say, ‘Well, I don’t have to stress about that,’ because that is weighing so many people down.”

He says being able to share that feeling with those he cares about is one of the best things in life. That also helps him to stay grounded.

Harlow notes that what goes up always comes down — even his career. “The world’s going to turn on me soon,” he said. “I’m just saying, inevitably, that’s what happens.”

Harlow says he has a “good feeling” that he’ll make a comeback because he’s not taking anything for granted. “I’m starting to realize that humility is just more important than ever right now,” he said. “Just keeping a hold of that because it’s a long way down if you get with the hype.”

Harlow also announced his Come Home The Kids Miss You Tour, which kicks off September 6 in Nashville, Tennessee. Tickets go on sale Friday, May 11, at 10 a.m. local time.

Escaped murder suspect may be ‘extremely violent’ without medication: Sheriff

May 9, 2022 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — Authorities are concerned that escaped Florence, Alabama, murder suspect Casey White could be “extremely violent” without his medication, Lauderdale County Sheriff Rick Singleton told ABC News on Monday.

The sheriff did not provide details as to what the medication is or what Casey White’s being treated for, but said the concern is due to the escapee likely not having the medication with him.

Casey White, 38, fled the Lauderdale County jail with Lauderdale County Assistant Director of Corrections Vicky White, 56, on April 29. The inmate and employee are not related.

Casey White was facing two counts of capital murder for allegedly stabbing a woman to death in 2015, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.

Singleton said that Vicky White was seen shopping for men’s clothes at a Kohl’s before the pair went missing.

Authorities said they believe Vicky White willingly participated in the escape, which took place on her last day before retirement.

The duo fled Alabama in a Ford Edge and ditched the car in Williamson County, Tennessee — about a two-hour drive north of Florence — just hours after the jail break.

They may be armed with weapons including an AR-15 rifle and a shotgun, the U.S. Marshals Service said.

A warrant was issued for Vicky White charging her with permitting or facilitating escape.

A $15,000 reward is available for information leading to Casey White’s capture. A $10,000 reward has been offered for information leading to Vicky White.

Former NBA player Adreian Payne shot to death in Orlando

May 9, 2022 by WDNY Radio

(ORLANDO, Fla.) — Adreian Payne, a former first-round NBA draft pick and star collegiate basketball player at Michigan State, was shot and killed early Monday in Orlando, Florida, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Payne was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks at No. 15 overall in 2014 and played for the Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Orlando Magic during a five-year NBA career.

He was 31 years old.

The former player was shot at a home in Orlando at about 1:30 a.m., according to the sheriff’s office. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The suspect shooter, Lawrence Dority, 29, stayed at the scene after the shooting and was arrested on a charge of first-degree murder, the sheriff’s office said. He is being held at Orange County Jail.

The sheriff’s office does not have a motive for the shooting.

Payne won over hearts during the 2014 NCAA Tournament by befriending a young girl fighting cancer named Lacey Holsworth. Payne met the 8-year-old, who was battling neuroblastoma, on a team visit to a local hospital several years earlier and struck up a friendship. When the Michigan State Spartans won the Big Ten title in 2014, Payne let her cut down the net.

Holsworth died of cancer on April 8, 2014 — just three weeks after the Spartans won the conference title.

After his five years in the NBA, Payne had a successful career playing in Europe. The 6-foot-10 center played in Greece, China, France, Turkey and Lithuania. He won a Greek league title with powerhouse Panathinaikos in 2018 and French league team ASVEL in 2019. ASVEL posted a photo of him holding the championship trophy on Twitter and called the news “terribly shocking.”

Payne played for Juventus Utena, in Lithuania, as recently as February.

“So sad to hear that former Michigan State star Adreian Payne passed away at the age of 31,” ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas wrote on Twitter. “AP was an outstanding player for Tom Izzo, and befriended Lacey Holsworth through her battle with cancer. RIP Adreian Payne.”

Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green, who was a teammate of Payne at Michigan State, posted several broken heart emojis on Monday morning.

Woman suspected in slayings of boyfriend, brother found dead

May 9, 2022 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — A 22-year-old Michigan woman was found dead from an apparent suicide after authorities alleged she fatally shot her boyfriend and brother in what appeared to be a premeditated act of gun violence.

The body of Ruby Taverner was discovered in a wooded area in Independence Township, Michigan, near her apartment, where deputies found her brother and boyfriend dead early Sunday, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said Monday. Taverner apparently died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Bouchard said.

“It’s a terrible situation. It always seems to be magnified when you get someone who commits something horrible like that — a homicide — and then kills themselves,” Bouchard said. “You almost wonder what was the point to this whole thing? You never get any answers that satisfy those questions because, now, all parties are deceased.”

Bouchard said deputies were called to the Independence Square Apartments in Independence Township, about 16 miles north of Pontiac, after a neighbor reported being awakened by gunshots coming from Taverner’s apartment around 3:20 a.m. Sunday.

Deputies entered the apartment and discovered the bodies of Taverner’s brother, 25-year-old Bishop Taverner, in the living room and her boyfriend, 26-year-old Ray Muscat in a rear bedroom, according to a sheriff’s officials. Ruby Taverner and Muscat lived together, Bouchard said.

Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene from gunshot wounds, Bouchard said. He said Bishop Taverner was shot once in the head.

He said investigators suspect that after allegedly committing the homicides, Taverner fled the apartment on foot, leaving behind her cellphone and car.

Bouchard said detectives are trying to determine a motive for the double slaying, and a preliminary investigation indicates the killings were premeditated.

“You don’t typically find someone shot in the head one time unless they just kind of coolly and calmly walked up and did it,” Bouchard said.

Sheriff’s deputies combed the area around the apartment complex for evidence and were searching a nearby lake on Sunday, but Bouchard did not immediately say if that was where Taverner’s body was located.

He said records show Taverner had three registered firearms, including two 9mm handguns and a .38 caliber pistol. One of the weapons was legally purchased last week, according to the sheriff. Bouchard had warned local residents on Sunday that investigators suspected Taverner was armed and dangerous.

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