After dropping their Through the Madness Vol. 1 EP back in January, Maddie & Tae have announced the next half of the project: Through the Madness Vol. 2 will be available in September.
“The story continues September 23,” the duo shared on social media. “Through the Madness Vol. 2 has a little something for all your feels. We can’t wait for you to hear these songs!”
Volume one of the project included personal tracks like “Madness” and “Woman You Got,” which reflects on recent life changes ripped straight from their lives: Both Maddie Font and Taylor Kerr got married within the last few years.
The duo have experienced “madness” throughout the album release process in other ways, too: They had to postpone their scheduled early 2022 tour after Taylor, who was pregnant, was placed on bed rest. After being hospitalized for a month, the singer gave birth to her daughter, Leighton, significantly early. The baby spent 53 days in the newborn intensive care unit, went home and has been thriving since.
The video opens with Harry waking up in his bed and reaching over for someone, only to realize the space next to him is empty. He then sees a pile of clothes on top of his speaker and begins searching around his bed before diving into the covers and traveling through a portal lined with billowing white sheets.
The tunnel leads to multiple beds and increasingly interesting scenarios — Harry is seen lying on a giant red bed lined with numerous people, and waking up in a museum, as critics walk around and inspect the art installation he’s now a part of.
And it turns out the video does contain footage of Harry rolling down the streets of London on a giant, ornate metal bed. Fans spotted the Grammy-winner shooting this particular scene in February; he apparently held up traffic as the bed was towed down the street and toward Buckingham Palace.
Harry vanishes from each bed after spending time with its residents. The video ends with him standing on a brass bed that’s plummeting from the sky. Harry finally makes peace with his situation and lays down on the bed, relaxing as clouds race up past him.
“Late Night Talking” is the latest single from Harry’s House to get the music video treatment. After the clip was posted, he took to his Instagram Story to share a behind-the-scenes clip, which teases the amount of work that went into creating the music video.
(NEW YORK) — As U.S. policymakers walk a tightrope in an attempt to dial back sky-high prices while averting an economic recession, new inflation data on Wednesday showed a significant acceleration of price hikes.
Prices rose even faster in June, jumping at the highest rate in four decades and prolonging a bout of inflation that has strained household budgets nationwide, according to data released by the federal government.
The consumer price index, or CPI, stood at 9.1% in June, a significant increase from 8.6% in May, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That is the largest 12-month increase since December 1981.
On a monthly basis, the consumer price index rose 1.3% in June, far outpacing the 1% rise seen in April, according to the bureau.
The new data arrives as the Federal Reserve pursues a series of rate hikes that aim to tackle inflation by slowing down the economy and slashing demand. The moves, however, risk tipping the economy into a recession.
The high inflation figure could spur the Fed to seek a more aggressive approach to raising interest rates. The new inflation data comes days after employment data showed stronger than expected hiring last month, suggesting that employers remain undeterred by borrowing cost increases from the Fed.
“The million dollar question is how hard the Fed has to apply the brakes,” Hernan Moscoso Boedo, an economist at the University of Cincinnati, told ABC News.
Inflation data that shows continued acceleration of inflation “will put more pressure on the Fed to increase the interest rate more than expected, and that increases the possibility that the U.S. is going to enter a recession,” Moscoso Boedo added.
President Joe Biden, in a statement on Wednesday, called the new inflation data “unacceptably high” but downplayed the report as “out of date.” Gas prices, which made up almost half of the monthly increase in inflation, have declined since last month, Biden said. “Those savings are providing important breathing room for American families,” he added.
Over the past month, the national average gas price has decreased about 35 cents, reaching $4.65 a gallon, according to data from AAA.
But more needs to be done to bring down inflation, which remains “the most pressing economic challenge,” Biden said.
“Tackling inflation is my top priority,” he added. “We need to make more progress, more quickly, in getting price increases under control.”
At a Fed meeting last month, just days after the release of inflation data for May, the central bank raised its benchmark interest rate 0.75%, its largest rate hike since 1994. The increase brought the interest rate to a range of 1.5% to 1.75%
At a meeting later this month, the Fed is expected to raise the interest rate again. Fed officials are considering a 0.50% or 0.75% hike at the next meeting, according to minutes from the past meeting that were released July 6.
(NEW YORK) — More than 300 damaging storm reports came from Maine to Arkansas, as severe storms moved through.
More than 100,000 people in Virginia and Maryland were left without power on Tuesday night, as storm damage left its mark on homes, power lines and cars. Particularly, fallen trees were captured smashing into cars and parts of homes.
Heavy rains, up to 4 inches in some areas, caused flooding into Wednesday morning in the Dollywood theme park area in Tennessee.
Officials reported that over a dozen people were rescued Tuesday night after flash flooding in Greenbrier Campground in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
The Gatlinburg Fire Department responded to a call just before 11 p.m. that 14 people were trapped at the campground due to flooding, officials said.
Throughout the night, the Sevier County Emergency Management Agency continued to monitor the situation, first posting at 11:10 p.m. that anyone in the Greenbrier Island area and anyone downstream of Pigeon River should seek high ground, due to rapidly rising water with recent heavy thunderstorms.
As reports emerged of displaced people in the area, a temporary evacuation shelter was opened at Pittman Center Elementary School around midnight, SCEMA said.
At 2 a.m., SCEMA said that the water was continuing to recede, but that roads and low-lying areas were expected to remain submerged for the next several hours.
Farther south and out West, this summer’s extreme weather continues to manifest in dry, scorching heat.
Texas cities including Austin, San Antonio and Tyler, saw record-high temperatures on Tuesday, coming in at 109, 105 and 106 degrees, respectively.
For Wednesday, Austin is set for a heat index of 110 degrees.
According to the National Weather Service, the heat isn’t going anywhere, and will likely spread to the Midwest, the Great Lakes and parts of the East by next week.
For Phoenix, the heat will also stay steady through the end of the week, forecasted at 112 and 113 degrees for the end of the week.
Heat alerts have been issued for Nevada, Idaho, Utah and Montana.
Heat advisories have been issued for much of Texas, as well as in Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Colorado and parts of Montana.
An excessive heat warning has been enacted in the Salt Lake City area.
Out West, the extreme heat coupled with dry weather, maintains the region’s fire risk.
The Washburn Fire continues to burn in southern Yosemite National Park as it reaches 3,516 acres burned and is 17% contained.
Hot and dry weather will continue in the area.
Red flag warnings have been issued for dry lightning and gusty winds, making the perfect circumstances for fire, from northern California to Nevada, including parts of southern Colorado.
To add to the eastern floods, southern heat and western fire, the Gulf Coast may be hit with tropical moisture and heavy rain.
Flash flooding from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle, may come as rains could reach half a foot in a short period of time on Wednesday.
As the weather across the U.S. remains extreme, remember to stay safe in life-threatening situations such as high temperatures. Learn more about hot weather safety here.
(NEW YORK) — Five men were killed in separate shootings that erupted on the streets of New York City during a violent four-hour streak, police said.
The slayings occurred between 9 p.m. Tuesday and 1 a.m. Wednesday, including three in the city’s Brooklyn borough and two in the Bronx, according to the New York Police Department.
No arrests have been announced in any of the homicides.
The latest killing occurred just after 1 a.m. Wednesday in the Fordham Heights neighborhood of the Bronx when police said two gunmen on dirt bikes opened fire on a 34-year-old man standing in front of his apartment building, police said.
Officers called to the scene found the man shot in the torso and unconscious, according to the NYPD. The victim, identified as Melquan Cooper, was taken to Saint Barnabas Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.
About a half-hour earlier, a 24-year-old man was found shot in the torso outside a home in the Cypress Hills neighborhood of Brooklyn, police said. The man, whose name was not immediately released, was pronounced dead at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, police said. No further details were released on the homicide.
The string of fatal shootings started around 9:13 p.m. Tuesday, when police officers were called to investigate a report of shots fired in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn and found a 26-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the chest outside a New York City Housing Authority complex, according to the NYPD. The man was taken to Brookdale Hospital Medical Center, where he died, police said.
The man’s name was not immediately released and homicide investigators were working Wednesday to identify suspects.
More gunfire rang out at 10:46 p.m. Tuesday outside an apartment building in the Wakefield neighborhood of the Bronx, police said. Officers, who responded to a 911 call of a person shot, discovered a 31-year-old man unconscious and with a gunshot wound to the torso, according to the NYPD. The victim was pronounced dead at Saint Barnabas Hospital, police said.
The victim’s name was not immediately released, pending notification of his relatives.
Another fatal shooting happened about 11:10 p.m. Tuesday outside an apartment building in the Ocean Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn, police said. Officers discovered a 29-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg.
The victim, whose name was not immediately released, was taken to Brookdale Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, authorities said.
The latest NYPD crime statistics show that as of Sunday, 222 homicides have occurred across New York City this year, a nearly 8% decrease from the same period as last year.
(AKRON, Ohio) — Jayland Walker’s funeral took place Wednesday, as Akron, Ohio, recognizes an official citywide day of mourning for the police shooting victim declared by city officials days earlier.
Services began midday Wednesday with musical performances. Singers and speakers were flanked by photos of Walker in the Akron Civic Theatre.
“Jayland was a kind and gentle soul who loved to make others laugh,” said Pastor Marlon Walker. “A true family man, Jayland cheers the time he spent with his mother, sister and grandmother. He had a zeal for life and love, traveling with his beloved fiancee. He loved underground music and basketball. He was just beginning to live his life, saving money to become a successful entrepreneur with aspirations of starting a business.”
Speakers took to the stage to not only honor Walker’s life, but also call for accountability in his death.
“One of the things that we cannot do, we must not do, is — we must not normalize this,” said Bishop Timothy Clarke. “We cannot make the deaths of our sons and daughters at such an early age the normal thing. … We should not be here and Jayland should not be in that box.”
The ceremony will be followed by a press conference with representatives of the family, who plan to discuss Walker’s death.
Walker’s sister previously told Good Morning America about how she remembers her brother as a funny, kind brother who looked out for his family and had big goals for his future.
“It’s hard to just talk about somebody who you expect to live your life out with,” Jada Walker said.
The 25-year-old unarmed Black man was fatally shot by officers of the Akron Police Department on June 27.
Officials said they attempted to pull over Walker for a traffic violation and an equipment violation with his car. He allegedly refused to stop, which set off a chase that ended in his death.
Officials said a flash of light seen in body camera footage appeared to be the muzzle flash of a gun coming from the driver’s side of Walker’s car.
In a second body camera video, officers are heard radioing that they heard a shot being fired from Walker’s car. The footage shows the officer following Walker’s Buick off Route 8 and continuing the pursuit on side streets.
At one point, Walker slowed down and jumped out of the passenger side door before it came to a full stop. As Walker ran away from police, several officers simultaneously fired several bullets, fatally shooting him.
The officers involved in the shooting are on paid administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation being led by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, officials said.
His death has prompted weeks of protests across the city.
“Tomorrow, Jayland Walker, a beloved son, brother, nephew, and friend will be laid to rest,” said Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan on Tuesday. “I want to thank Akron City Council for passing this resolution declaring tomorrow a day of mourning, in support of Jayland’s family and friends and to respect them in their time of grief. I know our entire city is also grieving. I offer my sincerest condolences to Jayland’s mom, sister, family, and friends during this difficult time.”
The citywide day of mourning aims to address ongoing unrest concerning Walker’s death.
“The City encourages robust discussions about difficult topics and supports advocacy to change unjust laws, and supports those who press for meaningful change, by engaging their local, state, and federal legislatures,” the resolution to enact the honorary day reads.
In it, officials also call for peaceful protesting and healing throughout the community: “The City urges that the friends and family of Jayland Walker, and the entire Akron community, be surrounded with love and peace, and that the City would begin to heal.”
Yungblud has canceled a batch of upcoming North American headlining concerts scheduled for September and October.
The affected dates include September 13 in Montreal, September 15 in Toronto and October 4 in Salt Lake City. Refunds are being issued at the point of purchase.
“My family in Toronto, Montreal and Salt Lake City, due to unforeseen circumstances, my shows this fall are going to be canceled,” Yungblud says in a statement. “You now how much I hate canceling shows, it breaks my f***ing heart but this is way beyond my control.”
“I promise I will be back soon and have massive plans,” the U.K. rocker adds. “All will be made clear soon. It’s gonna be…mental.”
The headlining shows fell in the middle of a run of U.S. festival dates, including sets at Riot Fest, Louder than Life and Firefly, which Yungblud is currently still scheduled to play.
Yungblud is gearing up to release a new, self-titled album on September 2. It includes the single “The Funeral” and the WILLOW collaboration, “Memories.”
It seems like just yesterday that country fans from across the world were filing into Nashville for CMA Fest — one of the biggest music events of the year — but it’s already been a month and a half since the festival wrapped.
Fortunately, in the coming weeks, you can revisit all the CMA Fest fun with an ABC special hosted for the first time by Dierks Bentley and Elle King.
“I think Elle brings so much to the table,” says Dierks of his co-host and “Worth a Shot” duet partner. “Onstage she’s just a riot and also super talented — a great combination of talent with comedic humor. A lot of spontaneous moments between the two of us and just a lot of laughs.”
“I am co-hosting this whole she-bang,” Elle adds. “Not only do I get to do it with my buddy Dierks, I also get to see all these incredible performances and be a part of a big party!”
The “CMA Fest” ABC special will revisit some of the most unforgettable performances from the festival. Filmed at Nissan Stadium, the show will provide a front-row seat to mainstage performances from Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett and a slew of other stars.
The special airs on August 3 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. It’ll be available to watch the next day on Hulu.
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Ashanti joined Good Morning America Wednesday to chat about her re-recorded, self-titled debut album and when fans can finally expect it.
The “Princess of R&B” is re-doing the hit collection — which was released 20 years ago — to have full control over her work and to own the masters to the songs. She told Robin Roberts the award-winning collection will be out “before the end of this year.”
“There’s so much going on. So I’m in the studio and I’m re-recording as an NFT, so I’m very excited about that,” she said before reiterating, “It will definitely be out later this year.”
During her appearance on the morning show Ashanti, 41, performed her brand-new song “Falling for You” and was joined by special guest Ja Rule for a medley of popular hits “Rock Wit U,” “Happy” and “Mesmerize.”
The superstar singer says her relationship with labelmate Rule is still “so organic” after many years of working together.
“It’s amazing for us to still be touring and doing our records and just getting so much love from the people, it’s an amazing feeling,” she said. “We have such a mutual respect for one another and it’s always been like that from day one.”
Ashanti’s new book, My Name is a Story, went number one on Amazon Wednesday, the same day as her mother’s birthday. She says she wrote the children’s story to encourage young kids “to be empowered to celebrate having a unique name.”
Ashanti said she’d remind her younger self “to always be encouraged, to dream big, to think outside of the box, never get discouraged, follow your dreams, always, always, always.”
Doja Cat is hemorrhaging followers after publicly calling out Stranger Things star Noah Schnapp on a TikTok live.
The social media shake-up came after the “Say So” singer said that she was “disappointed” the 17-year-old actor shared their private messages about her crush on Joseph Quinn, who played rocker Eddie Munson on the show.
“When you’re that young, you make mistakes,” she had said, according to a fan-recorded video. While she did give Noah the benefit of the doubt that he wasn’t being malicious, Doja also said him posting “a private conversation between me and him” was “socially unaware and whack.”
“That’s like borderline snake s***. That’s like… weasel s***,” she continued. “I made an assumption that he was gonna be chill about it and he went and shared information that I didn’t feel comfortable with him sharing.”
Since she made those statements, over 240,000 people have unfollowed the Grammy winner, NME reports. Based on analytic data, Doja went from 24.34 million followers to 24.14 million followers in a week.
As for Noah, his follower count has increased — with his numbers jumping from 24.25 million to 25.17 million followers in that same span of time.
Neither of the two has spoken out about the incident. Noah has since deleted the video in question that sparked the whole debacle.
