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Four Southern states under tornado watch

March 30, 2022 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — Severe weather on Wednesday has prompted tornado watches for parts of four southern states, including some areas still cleaning up damage from a swarm of twisters that hit last week.

Portions of Arkansas, northern Louisiana, east Texas and southeast Oklahoma were under a tornado watch issued by the National Weather Service, which is also forecasting wind gusts in excess of 75 mph and inch-size hail. The tornado warnings are expected to stay in effect through Wednesday night.

A wildfire burning in northeast Oklahoma has prompted evacuations.

A major storm system is pushing east out of the Rocky Mountains and is expected to bring severe weather outbreaks to the South.

Severe weather is forecasted for cities such as Dallas, Jackson, Memphis and Mobile.

A possible tornado touched down in Springdale, Arkansas early Wednesday, causing heavy damage to an elementary school and injuring seven people, two critically, according to ABC affiliate station KATV in Little Rock.

The Springdale School District said on its Facebook page that George Elementary School was damaged by a potential tornado. The district posted photos showing the elementary school’s destroyed gymnasium and reported that the school’s kitchen and cafeteria were severely damaged.

A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. People in those areas are advised to be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and stay tuned for announcements from local authorities.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning Tuesday night as storms moved into Oklahoma’s Seminole County, producing 60 mph wind gusts and inch-size hail.

The weather service also confirmed a tornado in eastern St. Joseph, Missouri, Tuesday night. No injuries were immediately reported and a damage assessment is taking place Wednesday.

Oklahoma emergency management officials were not only dealing with tornado warnings Wednesday but also fire warnings as well. Evacuations have been issued in Roger Mills County, Oklahoma, due to a wildfire. Roger Mills Emergency Management officials on Tuesday asked that residents to evacuate their homes in the Durham and Dead Warrior Lake areas in northwestern Roger Mills County, where severe weather is expected to move in on Wednesday.

Some areas where tornado watches have been issued were struck last week by more than 60 tornadoes that ripped through the southeast. Most of the tornadoes were reported in Texas, where a 73-year-old woman was killed and 10 people were injured in Grayson County.

Two tornadoes touched down on March 22 in New Orleans, causing widespread damage in St. Bernard’s Parish, including the Ninth Ward, Chalmette and Arabi. One person was killed in Arabi, officials said.

Severe weather this week has also stretched into the northeast, where a snow squall on Monday led to a multiple-car pileup on Interstate 81 in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania State Police said on Wednesday that six people were killed in the pileup in Schuylkill County that included 39 commercial vehicles and 41 passenger vehicles.

Interstate 81 reopened just after midnight Wednesday following an investigation and cleanup.

ABC News’ Max Golembo and Whitney Lloyd contributed to this report.

Bruce Willis diagnosed with aphasia, his family announces

March 30, 2022 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — Bruce Willis’ family has announced the actor has been diagnosed with aphasia and is “stepping away” from his career due to the diagnosis.

The 67-year-old actor’s wife, Emma Heming Willis; his ex-wife, Demi Moore; and his daughters shared a photo of him on Instagram on Wednesday with a lengthy message on his health.

“To Bruce’s amazing supporters, as a family we wanted to share that our beloved Bruce has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities,” their message began. “As a result of this and with much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, aphasia is “a condition that robs you of the ability to communicate,” and the disorder can impact one’s “ability to speak, write and understand language, both verbal and written.”

The medical nonprofit says the language disorder “typically occurs suddenly after a stroke or a head injury.”

There are several different types of the language disorder, and the condition “usually occurs suddenly, often following a stroke or head injury, but it may also develop slowly, as the result of a brain tumor or a progressive neurological disease,” according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.

The impact of treatment depends on “the cause of the brain injury, the area of the brain that was damaged and its extent, and the age and health of the individual,” according to the NIDCD.

The disorder affects around 2 million people in the United Statues, the National Aphasia Association says, and almost 180,000 Americans are diagnosed with it every year.

The Die Hard actor’s family did not provide further details on his condition but did expression their gratitude for support from his fans.

“This is a really challenging time for our family and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion and support,” the message from the actor’s family read. “We are moving through this as a strong family unit, and wanted to bring his fans in because we know how much he means to you, as you do to him.”

“As Bruce always says, ‘Live it up,’ and together we plan to do just that,” they added.

Shawn Mendes teases music video for “When You’re Gone”

March 30, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Shawn Mendes teased his upcoming single, “When You’re Gone,” as well as its music video on Wednesday.

The Grammy winner shared a snippet with Good Morning America, giving fans a taste of what’s to come. The clip contained the lyrics, “Hold on/ I don’t wanna know what it’s like when you’re gone/ I don’t wanna move on/ I don’t wanna know what it’s like when you’re gone for good/ You’re slipping through my finger tips/ A little bit/ By a little bit/ I didn’t know that loving you was the happiest I’ve ever been.”

Shawn also shared a brief teaser of the music video, which shows him performing the song before a screaming crowd of fans.

“When You’re Gone” drops Thursday at midnight. It’ll be his followup to his other breakup anthem, “It’ll Be Okay.”

Shawn’s next music era appears to explore his breakup with girlfriend Camila Cabello, whom he dated for two years.

The “Stitches” singer isn’t the only one to use the breakup as a source of musical inspiration, as Camila previously admitted she will sing about her respective heartbreak in the upcoming album, Familia, due out April 8.

Fans believe the two are communicating with each other through their music, with Shawn seemingly insisting he didn’t want things to end while Camila appearing to hint their separation was for the best.

The “Havana” singer teased a new song clip on TikTok, where she asks, “Did you get the space you needed?/ Did you realize you don’t need me?” She shared another song teaser on Monday that hints Shawn may have forced a wedge between the two by not opening up to her emotionally.

Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, Danielle Brooks to star in Broadway play, ‘The Piano Lesson’

March 30, 2022 by WDNY Radio

The late August Wilson‘s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, The Piano Lesson will return to Broadway in September and award-winning actors Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington and Danielle Brooks are set to star.

The groundbreaking play, which debuted over 30 years ago in 1990, will be directed by actress and Tony Award nominee Latanya Richardson Jackson, marking the first time ever, an August Wilson play will be led by a woman.

“August Wilson dedicated his life and devoted his talent to dramatizing our stories and our experience,” Richardson Jackson said. “The Piano Lesson is one of his most enduring, profound and consequential masterpieces, and I am reveling in this opportunity to present it to Broadway audiences for the first time since its premiere.”

As the fourth play as part of Wilson’s seminal American Century Cycle, the drama follows a brother and sister who “are locked in a war over the fate of a family heirloom: a piano carved with the faces of their ancestors.”

Producers Brian Anthony Moreland (Thoughts of a Colored Man) Sonia Friedman (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) and Tom Kirdahy (Hadestown) said, “This production is coming back to Broadway at such an exciting time for our industry as we work to rebuild – and who better than Mr. Wilson to help us.”

Performances begin Sept. 19, at the St. James Theatre.

Jared Leto talks ‘Morbius’ and Sinister Six rumors on ‘The Tonight Show’

March 30, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Jared Leto stars in Sony Pictures’ Spider-Man-adjacent action film Morbius, opening April 1, and during an appearance on Tuesday’s The Tonight Show, he talked about playing the titular character, and a possible connection to Marvel’s Sinister Six group of villains.

Leto plays the titular character in Morbius, whose attempt to cure himself, and humanity, of a deadly disease gives Dr. Michael Morbius all the powers of a vampire. The Thirty Second’s to Mars frontman told Fallon he was honored to be the first to bring the character to life.

“This is, like, the first time I’ve ever starred in a big Marvel movie like this and I’m incredibly excited,” he said. “It’s the first time that Morbius has ever been on the screen, so that was a big honor to get asked to bring this character to life.”

Leto says he’s had a fascination with vampires dating back to his childhood, thanks to his grandmother. “I saw the original Dracula because of her,” he recalls. “I was up late at night…I was sleeping on the floor, which you do when you’re a kid…and she let me stay up and watch the originalDracula with her and that’s when I fell in love with vampires.”

Fallon then pulled out a picture of Leto at the Spider-Man: No Way Home premiere, in which he was wearing a chain with the numeral “6,” and pressed Jared on a possible appearance by Morbius as part of the Sinister Six supervillains squad in a future Marvel film, many of whom we’ve already seen in past Spider-Man films.

A poker-faced Leto replied, “It was actually meant to be a nine, it just got flipped.”

Leto can currently be seen starring opposite Anne Hathaway in Apple TV+’s WeCrashed.

Bruce Willis “stepping away” from his career following aphasia diagnosis

March 30, 2022 by WDNY Radio

On her Instagram, Rumer Willis revealed that her father, Bruce Willis is “stepping away” from the limelight, following the diagnosis of a condition that can rob someone of their ability to communicate.

“To Bruce’s amazing supporters, as a family we wanted to share that our beloved Bruce has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities,” began the message, which was posted with a picture of the 67-year-old Die Hard series star in a bath robe, smirking with a towel on his head.

“As a result of this and with much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him,” Rumer explained.

“This is a really challenging time for our family and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion and support. We are moving through this as a strong family unit, and wanted to bring his fans in because we know how much he means to you, as you do to him,” the message continued.

“As Bruce always says, ‘Live it up’ and together we plan to do just that,” Rumer said.

Rumer’s post was signed off with “love” from herself, as well as her mom and Bruce’s ex-wife Demi Moore, her sisters Scout and Tallulah, and Mabel and Evelyn, Bruce’s young daughters with his model wife Emma Heming Willis.

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Aphasia typically occurs suddenly after a stroke or a head injury. But it can also come on gradually from a slow-growing brain tumor or a disease that causes progressive, permanent damage (degenerative). The severity of aphasia depends on a number of conditions, including the cause and the extent of the brain damage.”

Paul McCartney pays homage to late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins: “a true Rock and Roll hero”

March 30, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Paul McCartney has joined the long list of famous artists paying tribute to Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, who died Friday, March 25, at age 50.

In a message posted on his official website and social media pages, McCartney who is a longtime friend of the Foo Fighters, writes, “Taylor’s sudden death came as a shock to me and the people who knew and loved him…Not only was he a GREAT drummer but his personality was big and shiny and will be sorely missed by all who were lucky to live and work alongside him.”

Sir Paul goes on to note, “I was asked by the Foo Fighters to play on one of their tracks. It turned out that they wanted me to play drums! — on one of Taylor’s songs [referring to ‘Sunday Rain,’ from the band’s 2017 album Concrete and Gold]. This request came from a group with TWO amazing drummers! It was an incredible session and cemented my relationship with Taylor and the guys.”

McCartney then reflects on the Foo Fighters asking him to induct them into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at the 2021 ceremony.

“I sang with them on ‘Get Back,'” Paul notes. “Taylor provided a powerhouse drum part. I’ll never forget that night. All of which made it much more of a desperately sad shock to hear he had died.”

McCartney concludes, “So thanks Taylor for sharing some glorious minutes with me. You were a true Rock and Roll hero and will always remain in my heart. God bless his family and band — Love Paul X.”

Interestingly, McCartney and the Foos will be competing against each other for two honors at the Grammy Awards this Sunday — Best Rock Song and Best Rock Album.

The Wanted’s Tom Parker dies at 33 after cancer battle

March 30, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Tom Parker, singer for the British band The Wanted, has lost his battle with cancer. He was 33.

Tom’s wife, Kelsey, confirmed his passing on Wednesday, saying in a statement, “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we confirm Tom passed away peacefully earlier today with all of his family by his side.”

“Our hearts are broken, Tom was the centre of our world and we can’t imagine life without his infectious smile and energetic presence. We are truly thankful for the outpouring of love and support and ask that we all unite to ensure Tom’s light continues to shine for his beautiful children,” the statement continued. “Thank you to everyone who has supported in his care throughout, he fought until the very end. I’m forever proud of you.”

The Wanted also reacted to Tom’s passing, writing on Instagram, “Max, Jay, Siva, Nathan and the whole Wanted family are devastated by the tragic and premature loss of our bandmate Tom Parker, who passed away peacefully at lunchtime today surrounded by his family and his band mates.”

“He was our brother, words can’t express the loss and sadness we feel. Always and forever in our hearts,” the statement closed.

Parker was diagnosed with an inoperable glioblastoma, a stage 4 brain tumor, in October 2020 after experiencing seizures. “We are all absolutely devastated but we are gonna fight this all the way,” he said on Instagram at the time.

He would periodically share progress updates with fans, his last being in November, where he announced his tumor was “under control” and “stable” following radiation and treatment.

Parker and The Wanted achieved fame in 2012 with their hits “Glad You Came” and “Chasing the Sun.” He leaves behind his wife as well as his two-year-old daughter Aurelia and one-year-old son, Bodhi.

Biden gets second booster after outlining dire need for COVID funding

March 30, 2022 by WDNY Radio

(WASHINGTON) — President Joe Biden received his second booster shot following his scheduled remarks Wednesday about the state of the country’s COVID response, according to the White House.

Biden’s speech promoted the launch of COVID.gov, a new website the White House is billing as a “one-stop shop” to help Americans get better access to vaccines, tests, treatments and masks — as well as area-specific updates on COVID-19 spread.

The website leads users to locations where they can get vaccines, boosters and masks, and it connects people with another White House website to order free at-home rapid tests.

The president also highlighted that the “Test to Treat” initiative he announced at the State of the Union has already expanded to over 2,000 sites nationwide and now through COVID.gov’s new “Test to Treat Locator,” Americans can readily find pharmacies and community health centers to get tested for COVID-19 and receive treatments if needed.

Notably, many of the COVID response efforts available on COVID.gov are the same things the White House says are in jeopardy of running out in the coming weeks and months if more funding is not approved.

Administration officials for weeks have been ringing alarm bells about the critical need for more COVID funding, warning of the severe consequences for Americans.

Biden on Wednesday sent what a White House official called an “urgent, direct message to Congress” to act swiftly to secure funding for the administration’s COVID response.

Last week, the fund to cover testing and treatment for uninsured Americans ran out of money, leaving people to pay as much as $125 out of pocket if they get PCR testing at labs like Quest Diagnostics, one of the biggest in the country.

The funding to cover the cost of administering vaccines for uninsured people will run out next week.

At the same time, monoclonal antibody treatment supplies distributed to states each week has been cut by 35%. And the U.S. supply could run out entirely by May if funding isn’t secured.

The government says it has enough tests to get to the summer, but if there’s another surge, the country will again be caught flat-footed like it was during the omicron wave.

“You could see, again, a gap in access to at-home testing,” Andrea Palm, deputy secretary of Health and Human Services, told reporters last week.

The White House has said without additional funding, “the results are dire” — one official told ABC News earlier this month, “Simply put, failing to take action now will have severe consequences for the American people.”

The White House has asked for $22.5 billion in immediate aid to keep COVID-19 programs afloat. Congress whittled that request down to $15 billion before cutting it from a spending bill entirely in early March. Since then, the White House has urged Democrats and Republicans on the Hill to come to an agreement, but negotiations remain at a stalemate.

ABC News’ Justin Gomez contributed to this report.

Garth Brooks’ Stadium Tour is headed to Birmingham, will break in a brand-new stadium

March 30, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Kevin Mazur/BBMA2020/Getty Images for dcp

Garth Brooks is setting his sights on Alabama.

The singer just announced a Stadium Tour stop in Birmingham at the city’s Protective Stadium, a 45,000-capacity venue that opened last October and has never hosted a concert before. The show will take place June 4 at 7 p.m.

The just-announced show comes as part of a lengthy string of 2022 Stadium Tour dates for Garth, who booked new stops this year as well as setting several make-up dates at cities where he had to cancel planned concerts due to COVID-19 in 2021.

He’s got plans for a two-night hometown stand in Nashville this spring, followed by sold-out stops in Fayetteville, Arkansas and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Charlotte, Cincinnati and South Bend are also among the cities he’s visiting this summer.

Tickets for Garth’s Birmingham show go on sale April 8 at 10 a.m. CT.

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