Though she’s been M.I.A from TV screens since her departure from her long-running daytime talk series, The Wendy Williams Show, last September, Wendy Williams says she’ll make a comeback this fall.
While reportedly out and about at a Met Gala after party in New York City on Monday night, TMZ reporters asked Wendy about the prospect of her returning to TV.
“So will you be back on in September? Yes, no, maybe so?” she was asked, to which Wendy responded, “Yes! Yes!” As she walked away hand in hand with Hollywood Unlocked‘s Jason Lee, she raised her arm in the air as if she was excited to make the declaration.
Beyond Wendy’s declaration, there are no further details about her return.
A months-long hiatus away from her trademark purple chair last year prompted The Wendy Williams Show to be canceled after 13 seasons and the announcement of The Sherri Shepherd Show to take its place. And while it’s unclear if she’ll return to her famous New York set to once again ask the audience member co-hosts, “How you doin’?,” Williams tells TMZ, “The Wendy Williams Show lives forever!.”
(WASHINGTON) — President Joe Biden on Wednesday said that the federal government will pay down the national debt this quarter for the first time in six years.
His remarks on economic growth came ahead of the Federal Reserve announcing a hike in interest rates Wednesday afternoon in an attempt to manage soaring inflation.
“Bringing down the deficit is one way to ease inflationary pressures in an economy, where a consequence of a war and gas prices and oil, food, and it all — it’s just a different world right this moment because of Ukraine and Russia,” Biden said.
Inflation is a big political problem for him and fellow Democrats ahead of the midterm elections as Republicans try to capitalize on soaring energy prices.
“For all the talk the Republicans make about deficits, it didn’t happen a single quarter under my predecessor, not once,” Biden said. “The bottom line is the deficit went up every year under my predecessor, before the pandemic and during the pandemic, snd it’s gone down both years since I have been here. Period. There are the facts.”
Biden’s remarks from the White House come after the Treasury Department updated estimates this week to project that the U.S. deficit will fall by over $1.5 trillion this year, a revision from the $1.3 trillion projected in Biden’s budget.
He credited the American Rescue Plan for growing the economy, though that relief bill has also been criticized for contributing to current inflation problems.
“Looking ahead, I plan to reduce the deficit even more which will help reduce inflationary measures and lower the cost for everyone’s families,” Biden said, as he tries to revive a stalled legislative agenda in Congress.
A White House official said, “This deficit reduction is occurring because the robust economic recovery means earnings and incomes are higher, which is increasing revenue, and because the Administration is winding down emergency spending.”
“There is no reason why a billionaire should be paid a lower tax rate than a teacher or firefighter,” Biden said Wednesday. “That is a sharp contrast to what’s today’s Republican Party is offering.”
Raising a plan released by Florida GOP Sen. Rick Scott, Biden blasted what he called “this ultra-MAGA agenda,” which he said would raise costs for Americans families.
The budget deficit fell by more than $350 billion in Biden’s first year, according to the White House, but with inflation at a 40-year high, Republicans are hitting Biden on the economy as the 2022 midterm election cycle kicks off and Americans are still paying more at the pump.
In an effort to manage inflation, the Federal Reserve is expected to raise the short-term interest rate by a half-percentage point Wednesday — double the usual amount and the sharpest rate hike since 2000, meaning it will soon cost Americans more to buy big-ticket items like cars and homes.
The annual deficit has expanded to around $3 trillion due to the pandemic’s blow on the economy, with the gross national debt surpassing $30 trillion for the first time earlier this year. Former President Donald Trump’s massive tax cut in 2017 has added more than $1 trillion to the debt by some estimates — a point Biden hit head on.
ABC News’ Justin Gomez contributed to this report.
Sum 41 guitarist Dave “Brownsound” Baksh is now “cancer free” after having surgery to remove what turned out to be a malignant tumor.
“Around March I found a lump and had it checked out,” Baksh writes in an Instagram post. “Within two weeks I went through surgery in order to get rid of a tumor that ended up being #cancer.”
Baksh adds that his “brush with this serious disease was very short lived,” while thanking his doctors, as well as his family and friends.
“Something incredible that this disease taught me was how many amazing and supportive people I have in my life,” Baksh writes. “I’m beyond thankful for you and I’m forever in your debt.”
He continues, “As of now I’m cancer free and ready to enjoy tour life again with a fresh perspective on everything.”
Said tour life includes Sum 41’s Blame Canada tour alongside Simple Plan, which just kicked off last week.
Meanwhile, Sum 41 has also been prepping a new, double album titled Heaven and Hell.
Britney Spears offered some insight about the emotional damage she endured during her 13-year conservatorship. The singer aired her frustrations in an Instagram post while sharing a photo of her 13-year-old self.
“13 was the age I actually felt kinda pretty … I think my rebellious days were due to the fact that I always had to be perfect and pretty,” Britney began. “Then I went to the extremes and went wild and naughty … but in those rebellious days I honestly still felt hot as f*** !!!”
Britney continued, “One thing the conservatorship did to me … and one of the things that hurt me the most … is that I was always being told I was fat and never good enough !!! My dad always made me feel like I had to try … try … try !!! BIG TIME !!!”
She said the effect of those comments, allegedly made by her father, Jamie Spears, “ruined the deep seed of my existence … the seed that made me feel beautiful like when I was 13 … my confidence … my swag … my inner dialogue … and yes even my sex life … all completely ruined !!! He made me feel ugly … therefore I was.”
Britney assured she’s working on loving herself again and said she “felt so good about myself” when the conservatorship was terminated: “I stopped trying so damn hard and yes I entered a whole new world !!! I felt beautiful … therefore I was !!!”
The “Everytime” singer noted she’s still grappling with the “psychological damage” from her father and the conservatorship, but stressed her focus is now on how she views and feels about herself.
Britney also hinted in a subsequent post she’s writing her tell-all memoir, adding, “Most will say she’s playing the victim but I honestly just say it like it is.”
Keith Urban led a crowd in a powerful rendition of “Love Can Build a Bridge” during a show in Manchester, England this week.
The unforgettable moment happened at Manchester’s 02 Apollo during the European leg of Keith’s The Speed of Now Tour. Of course, Keith’s performance was in tribute to country legend Naomi Judd of The Judds, who died over the weekend.
Keith led the crowd in a sing-a-long of the Judds’ celebrated ballad, while strumming along on his acoustic guitar. He shared footage of the moment on his social channels, along with a remembrance of the late legend.
“Naomi Judd sowed so many important seeds in her precious time here. Here’s one of many,” Keith reflected. “On the other side of the world in Manchester tonight they were all singing ‘Love Can Build a Bridge.’ Thank you Naomi. We love you.”
Keith’s one of many country artists to pay tribute to Naomi’s legacy in the days since her death, which took place just one day before the Judds were officially inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Naomi passed away on April 30 at the age of 76. A joint statement from her daughters, Wynonna and Ashley, stated that the cause of death was related to mental illness.
Entertainment Tonight reports Meg Ryan is making a return to rom-coms for the first time since 2008.
The When Harry Met Sally star is set to direct and star opposite David Duchovny in the upcoming film, What Happens Later, based on Steven Dietz‘s play, Shooting Star.
The movie adaptation, which she co-wrote with Dietz and playwright/novelist Kirk Lynn, follows Ryan and Duchovny as Willa and Bill, an ex-couple “who are reunited when they find themselves snowed in at an airport overnight.” Through the course of the evening, Willa, a free spirit, and Bill, who’s coping with a recent separation, “look back on their shared past and revisit any feelings that still linger between them.”
The producers, in a statement obtained by the outlet, say the rom-com takes “a look at life and love that audiences the world over will relate to and hunger for in these uncertain times when connection and reconciliation feel more important than ever.”
Halsey expressed shock and dismay over the Supreme Court’s leaked opinion on Roe V. Wade, which hinted the court was going to overturn the 1973 decision that made abortion a constitutional right.
“The overturning of Roe V Wade will mark a catastrophic shift in our fundamental rights to bodily autonomy and reproductive health care,” the “Nightmare” singer expressed on Twitter. “We are constituents and we have the right and responsibility to fight this.”
They also penned a letter, which read, “The effects of this decision will spiral into lethal situations for our entire country, Most seriously impacting people of color, rural areas and socioeconomically impacted communities. The time to take action is now.”
The Grammy nominee urged their followers to attend rallies, donate to causes dedicated to protecting reproductive rights and “educate” themselves on their local legislators.
“This is not a false alarm,” Halsey warned. “I cannot stress enough the implications of this moment in history. This is a cruel attack on our fundamental right to choose if and when to have a child. I felt this way before I became a mother and I feel this way even more now after having my son.”
Halsey isn’t the only artist speaking out. Ariana Grande wrote on her Instagram story, “It’s never been more necessary to make sure you and everyone you know and care about are registered to VOTE in ALL elections.”
Billie Eilish said, “i’m so tired” on hers while Ava Max, Demi Lovato and Alessia Cara shared the phrase, “You can’t ban abortion. You can only ban safe abortions” to theirs.
Harry Styles, Adam Levine and Britney Spears’ fiancé Sam Asghari reposted an infographic to their stories that said, “Men shouldn’t be making laws about women’s bodies.”
Also signaling their disgust was Mariah Carey, Jessie J, Kesha and Sara Bareilles.
Rob Halford has shared his reaction to Judas Priest‘s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in an interview with Billboard.
“It’s a very, very important institution for recognizing various people that have been in music since music began, right from the beginning of rock ‘n’ roll,” Halford says. “To be part of that is, like, wow…”
After being nominated twice before, Priest will finally be inducted as part of the Rock Hall’s 2022 class, with the Musical Excellence Award. Halford and company’s exclusion from the Hall has long been a sore spot for metal fans, who’ve criticized the institution for not properly recognizing heavy music.
“Glory hallelujah, there’s another metal band in now,” Halford says. “That’s the blessing we’ve all been waiting for.”
Halford adds that being inducted with the Musical Excellence Award, as opposed to in the more publicized Performers category, is “a really sweet addition.”
“They really look at you beyond the simple band that you are,” Halford says. “They really dig deep as to this album and that album this song and that song. I think that really supports what we’ve always tried to do.”
Halford is also hoping to see any former Priest members who wish to attend at the ceremony — “They have every right to be a part of the event,” he says — but has one main goal for induction night.
“All I want is a self(ie) with Dolly Parton,” he laughs.
The 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony takes place November 5 in Los Angeles. Parton is among the inductees in the Performer category, along with Pat Benatar, Duran Duran, Eminem, Eurythmics, Lionel Richie and Carly Simon.
Meanwhile, a video of Halford sharing his excitement about Priest’s impending induction has been posted on the Rock Hall’s YouTube channel.
Camila Cabello continues to play coy about when she’ll head out on tour to support her new album, Familia, but she does want it to happen.
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight about the possible road trip, Camila said, “I would absolutely love to tour this album. I love this album,” though she added, “I don’t know [when], but I want it to happen.”
Camila first began teasing her Familia tour in February, where the “Bam Bam” singer shared a TikTok titled, “The US during the Familia tour.” The snippet showed her pretending to be on stage and holding out the microphone to hear the imaginary audience sing along while the first notes of Daddy Yankee‘s “Gasolina” blare in the background.
The audio then cuts to a woman horribly flubbing the lyrics as Camila jokingly looks around in confusion.
The last time Camila hit the road was on her headlining Never Be the Same Tour, which wrapped in March 2019.
(NEW YORK) — Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “special military operation” into neighboring Ukraine began on Feb. 24, with Russian forces invading from Belarus, to the north, and Russia, to the east. Ukrainian troops have offered “stiff resistance,” according to U.S. officials.
The Russian military last month launched a full-scale ground offensive in eastern Ukraine’s disputed Donbas region, attempting to capture the strategic port city of Mariupol and to secure a coastal corridor to the Moscow-annexed Crimean Peninsula.
Here’s how the news is developing. All times Eastern:
May 04, 12:26 pm
Ukraine claims Russia plans to hold WWII Victory Day parade in Mariupol
Ukraine’s military intelligence claims Russia is planning to hold a World War II Victory Day parade in Mariupol on May 9. The military intelligence said streets are being cleared of bodies and debris.
Russia claimed Wednesday that its military has taken complete control of Mauripol, a strategic port city in Ukraine’s war-torn east.
May 9 is a major holiday in Russia known as Victory Day, commemorating the country’s victory over the Nazis. It’s usually celebrated with a military parade in Moscow and a speech by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Last week, British Defense Minister Ben Wallace told LBC Radio that Putin will “probably” use the occasion to declare war. Russia has maintained that it’s carrying out “special military operations” in Ukraine and hasn’t declared war. In a call with reporters Wednesday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said claims Russia will declare a general mobilization are “absurd.”
-ABC News’ Yuriy Zaliznyak
May 04, 11:41 am
Russia claims to have taken full control of Mariupol, ‘securely blocked’ steel plant
Russia claimed Wednesday that its military has taken complete control of Mauripol, a strategic port city in Ukraine’s war-torn east.
“Peaceful life is being established in the territories of the LPR and DPR and Ukraine liberated from nationalists, including Mariupol, the largest industrial and transport hub on the Sea of Azov,” Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said during a teleconference. “It is under the control of the Russian army.”
According to Shoigu, Russian forces have “securely blocked” remaining Ukrainian fighters on the grounds of the Azovstal Iron and Steel Works plant in Mariupol. The sprawling industrial site, which includes a maze of underground tunnels and bunkers, is the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance in Mariupol.
“In accordance with the instructions of the supreme commander, the remnants of the militants located in the industrial zone of the Azovstal plant are securely blocked around the entire perimeter of this territory,” Shoigu told reporters. “Repeated proposals to the nationalists to release civilians and lay down their arms with a guarantee of saving lives and decent treatment in accordance with international law, they have ignored. We continue these attempts.”
During a daily briefing call later Wednesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the situation at the blockaded plant hadn’t changed and denied reports that Russian forces had begun storming the bombed-out territory, but said they have seen sporadic attempts by Ukrainian fighters to open fire.
“The supreme commander-in-chief has publicly ordered that the storm be canceled. There is no storm,” Peksov told reporters. “We can see that escalations happen as the fighters come to firing positions. These attempts are suppressed quite rapidly.”
ABC News recently spoke with Denys Prokopenko, a commander of the Azov Regiment, a far-right group now part of the Ukrainian military that was among the units defending Mariupol and is holed up inside the Azovstal plant with others. He said the fighters inside have tried to initiate a cease-fire to create conditions to allow people to flee but have yet to surrender, despite the odds. There are a number of people wounded and dead inside the plant, with some out of reach after sections of a bunker collapsed from Russian bombardment, according to Prokopenko.
“We are in full blockade, full circle of surrounding and we are under fire and the city is under fire,” Prokopenko told ABC News.
Earlier this week, a humanitarian convoy evacuated more than 100 civilians from the Azovstal plant and escorted them safely to Zaporizhzhia, a Ukrainian government-controlled city located about 140 miles northwest of Mariupol. Hundreds more civilians remain trapped inside the plant and Russian forces have resumed shelling of the area, according to Ukrainian officials.
-ABC News’ Clark Bentson, Dragana Jovanovic and Ian Pannell
May 04, 5:19 am
EU leader proposes import ban on Russian oil
The European Union’s top official called on the 27-nation bloc on Wednesday to gradually ban oil imports from Russia as part of a sixth set of sanctions against Moscow for its war in Ukraine.
Addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed that member nations “phase out” imports of Russian crude oil within six months and refined oil products from Russia by the end of the year. She also recommended sanctions targeting Russia’s biggest bank and major broadcasters.
“We will make sure that we phase out Russian oil in an orderly fashion, in a way that allows us and our partners to secure alternative supply routes and minimizes the impact on global markets,” von der Leyen said. “Thus, we maximise pressure on Russia, while at the same time minimising collateral damage to us and our partners around the globe. Because to help Ukraine, our own economy has to remain strong.”
The proposals must be unanimously approved to take effect. Von der Leyen admitted that getting all 27 member countries to agree on oil sanctions “will not be easy.” Hungary and Slovakia, both of which are highly dependent on Russian energy, have already demanded exemptions.
“Some member states are strongly dependent on Russian oil. But we simply have to work on it,” she said. “We now propose a ban on Russian oil. This will be a complete import ban on all Russian oil, seaborne and pipeline, crude and refined.”
![Rob Halford reacts to Judas Priest’s Rock Hall induction: “All I want is a self[ie] with Dolly Parton”](https://s3.amazonaws.com/syndication.abcaudio.com/files/2022-05-04/G_priest_5422.jpg "Rob Halford reacts to Judas Priest’s Rock Hall induction: “All I want is a self[ie] with Dolly Parton”")
