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‘Eternals’ star Don Lee on the “very important message” of the film

November 5, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Marvel’s latest massive superhero film, Eternals, is in theaters this weekend! Don Lee stars as Gilgamesh, one of the Eternals who is tasked with protecting humans from outside forces that want to destroy them. As for how they do that, Lee tells ABC Audio that each Eternal has their own unique power.

“Gilgamesh is most powerful and strongest fighter among Eternals, and then his superpower is he’s got courageous strength. Also he has this one punch knockout power,” he spills.

Although Lee’s character has super strength, he says that’s nothing compared to when the Eternals work together as one — a message he hopes resonates with people after the film.

“Each of us have this unique superpower, but we are more powerful when we are together. That’s a very important message and that is about diversity,” the actor explains. “We are showing that no matter what gender or race is, we are stronger when we are together.”

Speaking of diversity, Lee, who is a famous South Korean action star with a massive following, admits that he jumped at the opportunity to reach a worldwide audience by being in the film, because he “saw the potential of inspiring younger generation as a first Korean superhero.”

“And then hopefully I can open up some more space for my actor friends in Korea,” he adds.

Another perk of the gig was getting to work closely alongside Angelina Jolie, who plays Thena in the film.

“She’s one of the greatest actress in history and also she’s a great person. I was a big fan of her. She’s a goddess of action film,” Lee raves.

Scoreboard roundup — 11/4/21

November 5, 2021 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — Here are the scores from Thursday’s sports events:

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
Philadelphia 109, Detroit 98
Utah 116, Atlanta 98
Boston 95, Miami 78
Phoenix 123, Houston 111
Oklahoma City 107, LA Lakers 104

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
Vegas 5, Ottawa 1
NY Islanders 6, Montreal 2
Boston 5, Detroit 1
Pittsburgh 3, Philadelphia 2 (OT)
Toronto 2, Tampa Bay 1 (OT)
Florida 5, Washington 4 (OT)
Dallas 4, Calgary 3 (OT)
Seattle 5, Buffalo 2
St. Louis 5, San Jose 3

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Indianapolis 45, NY Jets 30

TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Louisiana-Lafayette 21, Georgia St. 17

Tied city council race in Portland, Maine, decided by drawing name out of a bowl

November 4, 2021 by WDNY Radio

(PORTLAND, Maine) — Hundreds of people in Portland, Maine, turned up Thursday to watch an unprecedented event unfold in local election history: The winner of an open city council seat was chosen by chance, by drawing a name out of a wooden bowl.

None of the four candidates in the race for the city’s at-large council seat won a majority of the vote in Tuesday’s municipal election. The ranked-choice instant runoff determined that two of the candidates — Brandon Mazer and Roberto Rodriguez — were tied with exactly 8,529 votes each.

In the event of a tie, the city’s charter, which was amended in 2011 to adopt rules for administering ranked-choice voting, governs that “the City Clerk shall determine the winner in public by lot” — meaning the winner is selected at random.

So on Thursday morning, City Clerk Katherine Jones brought an antique wooden bowl from home as people gathered on the plaza outside Portland’s City Hall for the public drawing to determine the winner.

Mazer and Rodriguez, who both agreed to the unique process in advance, verified that their names were printed on identical pieces of cardstock paper. They folded the cards in half and placed them in the bowl, at which point Elections Administrator Paul Riley swirled them around while averting his eyes.

He then held the bowl above Jones’ eye line so she could pull out a card. After displaying it to the candidates, she announced the winner into a microphone — Brandon Mazer. Cheers erupted from the crowd, and the two candidates shook hands and embraced.

“I’m incredibly proud of the campaign we ran, and I really appreciate everyone who came out, and this truly shows that every vote matters,” Mazer, an attorney, told ABC Portland, Maine, affiliate WMTW after the drawing.

Rodriguez promptly submitted an official request for a manual recount, which has been scheduled for Nov. 9. If needed, it will continue on Nov. 10. If the outcome changes from the drawing, Rodriguez will be the winner.

“After such a grueling campaign season, to have it come down to chance was a little bit of a shock,” Rodriguez, a member of the Portland School Board, told WMTW. “But, again, you know, this is what the policy says. This is what we’re governed by, and so here we are today.”

“There is going to be a recount. We’re going to make sure every vote is counted,” he added.

Mazer told the station he supports a recount.

The new councilor will be sworn in on Dec. 6 in what is a historic event for the city.

“This is the first time anyone here can remember having a tie in an election,” Portland spokesperson Jessica Grondin told ABC News. “It is certainly the first time ever having a tie since we’ve used ranked choice voting, which was adopted in 2011.”

The unusual process sparked some criticism on Facebook, with commenters on a video post of the drawing mockingly suggesting using a dartboard, a coin toss or Rock, Paper, Scissors to determine the winner.

Portland isn’t the only place to decide ties by lot. The winner of a hotly contested Virginia House of Delegates seat in a 2017 race was determined by drawing a name out of a ceramic bowl.

Newly released FBI tapes show white supremacist members of ‘The Base’ plotting terror attacks

November 4, 2021 by WDNY Radio

(RICHMOND, Va.) — For a month, FBI agents listened in as two members of a white supremacist group discussed their sinister plans: a plot to use a pro-gun rights rally in Richmond, Virginia, to engage in mass murder and attacks on critical infrastructure, which they believed would mark the start of a racial civil war.

Patrik Mathews, a former Canadian Army reservist illegally in the U.S., and Brian Lemley, a Maryland resident and self-described white nationalist, fantasized about the brutal murders they’d soon carry out against law enforcement and Black people, all with the goal of bringing about the “Boogaloo,” or the collapse of the U.S. government in order to prop up a white ethno-state, according to recordings of the pair’s discussions.

“We need to go back to the days of … decimating Blacks and getting rid of them where they stand,” Mathews said in one recording. “If you see a bunch of Blacks sitting on some corner you f***ing shoot them.”

“I need to claim my first victim,” Lemley said in another recording. “It’s just that we can’t live with ourselves if we don’t get somebody’s blood on our hands.”

The two men were each sentenced in late October to nine years in prison, and ABC News has now obtained newly released audio from the FBI’s secret recording of Mathews and Lemley at their Delaware residence in late 2019.

The tapes offer a chilling look into the private plotting of the two members of “The Base,” a white supremacist extremist group that the FBI says has, since 2018, recruited members both in the U.S. and abroad through a combination of online chat rooms, private meetings, and military-style training camps. In their plea agreements and at sentencing, Mathews and Lemley both acknowledged their membership in the group.

After the two men were arrested in January 2020, just days before the Richmond rally was set to take place, law enforcement found tactical gear, 1,500 rounds of ammunition, and packed cases of food and supplies in their residence.

In the course of their investigation they also found that Lemley and Mathews had both attended military-style training camps with other members of The Base, and had built a functioning assault rifle that they tested out at a gun range in Maryland.

The recordings captured by the FBI included Mathews and Lemley discussing potential acts of terror they could carry out around the Richmond rally that would lead authorities and, eventually, the U.S. government, to capitulate to the chaos and bloodshed taking place.

“You wanna create f***ing some instability while the Virginia situation is happening, make other things happen,” Mathews said. “Derail some rail lines … shut down the highways … shut down the rest of the roads … kick off the economic collapse of the U.S. within a week after the [Boogaloo] starts.”

“I mean, even if we don’t win, I would still be satisfied with a defeat of the system … and whatever was to come in its place would be preferable than what there is now,” Lemley said. “And if it’s not us, then you know what, we still did what we had to do.”

Prior to their sentencing, Mathews and Lemley had pleaded guilty to firearms and immigration violation-related charges. At their Oct. 28 sentencing hearing, U.S. district judge Theodore Chuang went above the sentencing guidelines in applying a terrorism enhancement to each charge, sentencing both men to nine years in federal prison.

FBI Director Christopher Wray testified earlier this year that the number of domestic terrorism investigations into white supremacist individuals and groups has tripled since he joined the bureau in 2017.

2 dead after shootout between alleged drug gangs near Cancun resorts

November 4, 2021 by WDNY Radio

(PUERTO MORELOS, Mexico) — Two people are dead after a shooting involving alleged drug gangs in a Mexico resort zone Thursday afternoon, authorities said.

The shooting occurred on a beach in Puerto Morelos, south of Cancun, during a confrontation between alleged members of rival groups of drug dealers, according to a statement from the Quintana Roo Attorney General’s Office. Two of the alleged gang members died, and there were no additional injuries, the office said. Armed suspects escaped in a stolen motorboat, authorities said.

The stretch of beach is near two resorts, and the shooting sent vacationers running to their hotel rooms.

An American vacationing in Cancun confirmed to ABC News that he heard shots fired while at the Hyatt Ziva Hotel in Puerto Morelos.

Shortly after 2 p.m. local time, Jim Wildermuth, of Atlanta, said he was at the pool outside his room with other guests when they heard “cracks.”

“We kind of looked at each other funny,” Wildermuth said.

They then ran up to their rooms and were told to stay there because there was an active shooter on the property, according to Wildermuth, who said he saw military personnel directing people in front of the hotel.

A Hyatt spokesperson said in a statement to ABC News that they are “aware of a developing situation at Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun.”

“We understand the hotel team immediately engaged local authorities who are on the scene investigating the situation,” the company said, adding that it is “taking steps in an effort to ensure the safety of guests and colleagues.”

Guests at the hotel were deemed safe after the shooting, authorities said.

A spokesperson for the Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancun, which is located near the Hyatt Ziva Cancun, told ABC News it has no comment at this time.

The shooting comes nearly two weeks after two female tourists were killed during an apparent drug gang shootout in the Mexico resort destination of Tulum. Three tourists were wounded in the Oct. 23 shooting.

ABC News’ Josh Margolin and Christine Theodorou contributed to this report.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

WALK THE MOON cancels tour dates due to “ongoing health issues” amid touring party

November 4, 2021 by WDNY Radio

WALK THE MOON has canceled a batch of upcoming tour dates due to “ongoing health issues” affecting the band’s tour party.

The affected shows run from November 5-11, and include stops in Oklahoma City, Dallas, Austin, Los Angeles and San Diego. Wednesday night’s stop in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was also scrapped.

“We have been looking forward to playing for you all for so very long, and it’s devastating to have to make this announcement,” WTM says. “However, everyone’s health and safety must come first.”

Refunds will be issued at point of purchase.

WALK THE MOON had been touring ahead of the arrival of their new album, HEIGHTS, due out November 12.

thank you for understanding. we will be back as soon as we can.

we love you,
NS+E pic.twitter.com/9QWiUY4gkA

— WALK THE MOON (@WALKTHEMOONband) November 4, 2021

50th anniversary vinyl reissue of Janis Joplin’s ‘Pearl’ album to be released next week

November 4, 2021 by WDNY Radio

High-quality audiophile versions of the late Janis Joplin‘s classic final studio album, 1971’s Pearl, will be released on Tuesday, November 9. The versions include two-LP box sets mastered at 45 rpm, as well as on the SACD format.

The vinyl box sets, which are pressed on 180-gram vinyl, will be available with LPs created using Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab’s ultra-hi-fi UltraDisc One-Step lacquering process for $125, or with discs made with the industry-standard three-step process for $59.99. The LPs come housed in a deluxe box that features special foil-stamped jackets.

The reissues celebrate Pearl‘s 50th anniversary. The album was released on January 11, 1971, about three months after Joplin’s October 1970 death at age 27 from a heroin overdose, and spent nine consecutive weeks at #1 on the Billboard 200. Pearl features Janis’ chart-topping cover of Kris Kristofferson‘s “Me and Bobby McGee,” as well as such other classic tunes as “Mercedes Benz,” “Move Over” and “Cry Baby.”

“Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab is honored to be a part of the 50th anniversary celebration of Janis Joplin’s landmark recording,” says the company’s president, Jim Davis. “Our limited-edition, audiophile-grade vinyl box set brings out the explosive dynamics and delicate intricacies of Ms. Joplin’s powerhouse performances, allowing listeners to get closer to the singer’s music, passion, and emotions. Most importantly, this definitive version helps ensure Pearl will forever be regarded as one of the most important rock albums of all time.”

You can pre-order the Pearl vinyl box sets and SACD now at MoFi.com, and the ulra-hi-fi version also can be purchased at JanisJoplin.com and MusicDirect.com.

HBO’s ‘Music Box’ series features documentaries on the late DMX and Juice WRLD

November 4, 2021 by WDNY Radio

The lives of two late hip hop stars, DMX, and Juice WRLD, will be examined in HBO’s Music Box series.

DMX: Don’t Try to Understand will premiere Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 25. The film focuses on a year in the life of rapper Earl “DMX” Simmons as he is released from prison on January 25, 2019 after serving one year for tax fraud. It follows his attempt to resurrect his music career and rebuild relationships with family and friends.

Don’t Try to Understand tells the story of “a man searching for reinvention and redemption, striving to stay true to himself while reestablishing his roles as a father, an artist and an icon,” according to producers.

DMX passed away April 9, 2021 from a heart attack. The iconic rapper/actor was 50 years old.

Meanwhile, Juice WRLD: Into the Abyss, debuts Thursday, December 16. The documentary is described as “a dynamic, real-time account of the Chicago native who was already heading for superstardom and streaming supremacy by the time he was 18, courtesy of his 2018 breakout hit, ‘Lucid Dreams.'” Into the Abyss includes unreleased music and never-before-seen footage.

This week, Juice, born Jarad Higgins, received a posthumous American Music Awards nomination for Favorite Hip Hop Album for Legends Never Die. His third studio album was released July 10, 2020 and was RIAA-certified double Platinum.

Higgins died December 8, 2019 from an accidental drug overdose. He was 21 years old.

Andy Grammer to perform on ‘The Bachelorette’ next week

November 4, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Andy Grammer is blessing Bachelor Nation with his musical talents next week.

The singer will appear on ABC’s The Bachelorette on Tuesday, November 9, performing his recent single “Lease on Life” for Bachelorette Michelle Young and one of her suitors.

“Get out the tissues, or the snacks, or simply warm up your voice to yell the right choice at the screen,” Andy wrote on Instagram. “However you prepare just be ready to watch your boy serenade some young lovers on #TheBachelorette on Nov 9.”

Andy, whose current hit is “Damn It Feels Good to Be Me,” recently announced that he’ll be performing on this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. His Art of Joy tour launches in February.

DOJ sues Texas over restrictive voting law

November 4, 2021 by WDNY Radio

(WASHINGTON) — The Justice Department announced Thursday it has sued the State of Texas over its restrictive voting law that went into effect in September.

The complaint argues SB1 violates Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act “by improperly restricting what assistance in the polling booth voters who have a disability or are unable to read or write can receive.”

SB1 affects voters who have a disability by preventing those who assist them from providing help like answering questions on their behalf, confirming voters with visual impairments have properly marked their ballots and responding to any requests they might have about certain ballot translations.

The complaint also accuses the law of violating Section 101 of the Civil Rights Act “by requiring rejection of mail ballots and mail ballot request forms because of certain paperwork errors or omissions that are not material to establishing a voter’s eligibility to cast a ballot.”

The complaint filed in civil court asks a judge to prohibit Texas from enforcing the identified provisions in the law.

The DOJ similarly sued Georgia in June, alleging provisions in its new voting law violated Section 2 of the Civil Rights Act.

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