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94th Oscars will “likely” have multiple hosts, ‘Variety’ says

January 21, 2022 by WDNY Radio

While the search goes on for who will fill the role of host of the upcoming 94th Annual Academy Awards, Variety reports producers are looking for more than one set of shoes to fill.

The first hosted telecast since Jimmy Kimmel left the podium in 2018 “likely” will have multiple hosts, according to the trade, which says producers have reached out to “multiple celebrities” for “possible pairings” of emcees throughout show business’ biggest night.

The trade cautions, however, it’s early on in the process. Variety also notes the 1983 telecast, which had four hosts — Liza Minnelli, Walter Matthau, Dudley Moore and Richard Pryor — was one of the most-watched in Oscars history.

By contrast, last year’s host-free ceremony — which ended with an unexpected posthumous snub of Chadwick Boseman in the Lead Actor category — drew an all-time low audience of fewer than 10 million people.

As previously reported, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) recently asked fans on Twitter who they’d like to see host, and preliminary discussions have already reportedly happened with Spider-Man series star Tom Holland, and with reps for Pete Davidson.

The 94th Annual Academy Awards will air live on March 27 on ABC.

Brian Laundrie claims responsibility for killing Gabby Petito in notebook: FBI

January 21, 2022 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — The FBI on Friday released new details in the investigation of Gabby Petito’s death, saying that that Brian Laundrie wrote in a notebook that he killed her.

The FBI’s Denver office had sent out a timeline of the investigation, saying that before discovering Laundrie’s remains in a Florida wetland in October, agents had discovered a backpack, a gun and a notebook that all belonged to him.

“A review of the notebook revealed written statements by Mr. Laundrie claiming responsibility for Ms. Petito’s death,” the FBI said in a statement.

The agency said Petito’s family met with agents as the case into the 22-year-old’s disappearance and death soon will be closed.

“All logical investigative steps have been concluded in this case,” Michael Schneider, FBI Denver Division special agent in charge, said in a statement. “The investigation did not identify any other individuals other than Brian Laundrie directly involved in the tragic death of Gabby Petito.”

Steven Bertolino, an attorney representing the Laundrie family, released a statement Friday expressing condolences for both families.

“We can only hope that with today’s closure of the case each family can begin to heal and move forward and find peace in and with the memories of their children,” he said in a statement.

Petito went on a road trip with Laundrie, her boyfriend, through Colorado and Utah from July to August.

Utah Police said officers responded to a 911 call in August where the caller claimed he saw Laundrie slap Petito, and police stopped the couple for questioning on the side of the road. They were allowed to continue their trip because of “insufficient evidence” of any wrongdoing, police said.

Petito went missing around Aug. 27 and Laundrie returned home to Florida on Sept. 1, investigators said.

Two weeks later, he was named a person of interest in Petito’s disappearance, but Laundrie was reported missing Sept. 17.

On Sept. 19, search crews discovered a body in Bridger-Teton National Park in Wyoming later revealed to be Petito’s. An autopsy determined she died from strangulation.

Search crews combed the Florida wetlands where Laundrie was last seen, and on Oct. 20 found his remains in Carlton Reserve, near North Port.

‘Jack Ryan’ movie, TV producer Mace Neufeld dead at 93

January 21, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Producer Mace Neufeld, who had a long a varied career in Hollywood, has died. The Hollywood Reporter notes the producer passed away in his sleep at his Beverly Hills home at 93.

When Neufeld was still in high school, he became a finalist for a Pulitzer, with a photo he snapped of an injured G.I. returning to the arms of his family in New York City after World War II.

In Hollywood, he not only represented musical acts including Neil Diamond and Lou Rawls, but also actors like James Caan and acclaimed writer Buck Henry.

Neufeld’s first job as an executive producer was the 1976 horror classic The Omen, and his credits went on to include the Cold War thriller No Way Out starring Kevin Costner and 2003’s Gods and Generals among others.

Neufeld also made a household name of thriller writer Tom Clancy, by optioning the then-relatively unknown novelist’s The Hunt for Red October for the big screen. The hit 1990 film starring Sean Connery as a rogue Soviet submariner and Alec Baldwin as CIA analyst Jack Ryan led to more Clancy-based films, including 1992’s Patriot Games and 1994’s Clear and Present Danger with Harrison Ford playing Ryan.

Neufeld was also credited with Amazon Prime’s ongoing Jack Ryan series starring John Krasinski.

‘Critical missing’ 11-year-old boy found safe, police say

January 21, 2022 by WDNY Radio

(DALLAS) — Dallas police said an 11-year-old boy who was missing for two nights and last seen wearing only shorts and socks during frigid temperatures has been found safe.

Traveon Michael Allen Griffin left his home in southwest Dallas early Thursday, around midnight, according to police.

“He may be confused and in need of assistance,” police said.

Police upgraded the missing person’s case Thursday to “critical” due to the “victim’s clothing attire and current below-freezing temperatures.”

Friday afternoon, police said in an update on social media that Traveon had been “located and he is safe.” No further details were provided.

Since he was reported missing, police had been going door-to-door looking for Traveon, and were focused on a playground and pond near the child’s home. The department had also been utilizing its mounted and canine units, drones and a helicopter. Police said volunteers were joining the search efforts

Police said in an earlier update Friday morning that they had found no new leads, though noted there was no evidence of foul play.

Officers additionally planned to visit friends’ homes and hospitals to search for Traveon, police told ABC Dallas affiliate WFAA-TV Friday.

“We will not leave any stone unturned,” Dallas Police spokesperson Sgt. Warren Mitchell told WFAA-TV Thursday. “We will check every creek, every residence in this area, every alley, every backyard, until we can find him.

Mitchell had suspected the child might be trying to hide.

“But eventually, hopefully, we’ll be able to find him,” he said.

Intel investing $20 billion to bring chip manufacturing to Ohio amid global shortage

January 21, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Intel investing billion to bring chip manufacturing to Ohio amid global shortage

(NEW YORK) — Amid a global chip shortage that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Intel announced Friday that it will invest more than $20 billion in two new chip factories in Ohio.

The new investment will significantly expand U.S. manufacturing capabilities for semiconductors, a vital building block needed for computers, smartphones, autos, and much more. Much of the global tech industry currently relies on chip manufacturing out of Asia.

“Today’s investment marks another significant way Intel is leading the effort to restore U.S. semiconductor manufacturing leadership,” Intel’s CEO Pat Gelsinger said in a statement Friday.

The project will make Ohio home to Intel’s first new manufacturing site location in 40 years.

The California-based tech giant said the project represents the largest single private-sector investment in Ohio history, and is expected to create 3,000 Intel jobs and 7,000 construction jobs over the course of the build. The mega-site will span some 1,000 acres in Licking County, a suburb of Columbus, with construction expected to begin in late 2022 and chip production expected to begin in 2025.

“Intel’s actions will help build a more resilient supply chain and ensure reliable access to advanced semiconductors for years to come,” Gelsinger added. “Intel is bringing leading capability and capacity back to the United States to strengthen the global semiconductor industry. These factories will create a new epicenter for advanced chipmaking in the U.S. that will bolster Intel’s domestic lab-to-fab pipeline and strengthen Ohio’s leadership in research and high tech.”

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in a statement the announcement is “monumental news for the state of Ohio.”

“Intel’s new facilities will be transformative for our state, creating thousands of good-paying jobs in Ohio manufacturing strategically vital semiconductors, often called ‘chips,'” DeWine said. “Advanced manufacturing, research and development, and talent are part of Ohio’s DNA, and we are proud that chips — which power the future — will be made in Ohio, by Ohioans.”

In addition to the initial investment of some $20 billion, Intel pledged an additional $100 million to help “build a pipeline of talent and bolster research programs in the region,” according to a company statement.

Intel also said the new factories have the goal to be powered by 100% renewable electricity and place environmental concerns at the fore throughout the building process.

The news of Intel’s massive investment in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing comes on the heels of Samsung announcing late last year that it plans to build a $17 billion semiconductor factory in the U.S. just outside of Austin, Texas.

Halsey teases cover of tATu’s “All The Things She Said”

January 21, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Halsey revealed they did a little more than sample a tATu song when creating their 2019 song “Nightmare” — they apparently went ahead and recorded their own cover, as well.

Taking to TikTok on Friday, Halsey shared that the chorus from “Nightmare” contains elements from tATu’s 2002 hit “All The Things She Said,” and then proved it by playing “Nightmare” and their own version of “All the Things She Said” together.

Halsey then teased their full-length cover of the Russian duo’s song, writing, “should I leak this version?” A quick look at the comments section shows that people are dying to hear the whole thing, with some saying the song needs to come out “immediately.”

“All The Things She Said” ignited worldwide controversy for referencing a same-sex relationship and the music video caused further controversy because it featured the two artists kissing. Several conservative organizations attempted to ban the song outright for promoting lesbianism.

Fans serenade Barry Manilow with “Copacabana” singalong

January 21, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Barry Manilow enjoyed a little surprise when enjoying dinner with songwriting partner Bruce Sussman at a New York City restaurant Thursday night. According to Page Six, once the patrons figured out the legendary singer was in the house, they burst into a performance of his signature song, “Copacabana.”

A witness to the impromptu celebration at Fresco by Scotto told Page Six, “It was insane. Almost everyone dropped their pasta and meatballs to form a conga line that snaked around the restaurant before arriving at the foot of Bruce and Barry’s table.”

Barry was delighted by the sight and, the insider dished, “[He] was giggling and screaming to Bruce, ‘I can’t believe they all know all the lyrics!'”

The 78-year-old hitmaker was so moved by the display that he told the co-owner, “We have to come back.” A spy adds the two tipped 100 percent of their bill, paying the good vibes forward to their server.

As for why Barry is is hanging around NYC, it’s because he and Sussman are working on their new musical, Harmony, which will go into previews in March. The story is about the singing group Comedian Harmonists, a band of six German men of Jewish descent who became musical sensations in the 1920s, before facing danger due to the rise of the Nazi party.

New Music Friday: Mary J. Blige, French Montana, Young Dolph, and Da Baby

January 21, 2022 by WDNY Radio

As Mary J. Blige prepares to perform with Dr. Dre, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, and Snoop Dogg during the Super Bowl halftime show on February 13, she dropped her new track, “Rent Money” featuring Dave East, on Friday. The mid-tempo groove is the latest release from The Queen of Hip Hop Soul’s 15th solo album, GOOD MORNING GORGEOUS, due out February 11. Mary previously released the title track, and “Amazing” featuring DJ Khaled.

As previously reported, a cinematic trailer for the halftime show, titled “The Call,” dropped Thursday in which the stars drop everything to meet at the site of the big game, Sofi Stadium in Englewood, California, after receiving a call from Dre.

French Montana traveled to Cuba to co-direct the remix video for “FWMGAB” featuring Moneybagg Yo. The rappers engage in a high stakes poker game, and make it rain in a pool full of bikini clad booty shakers. The track is from Montana’s fourth studio album, They Got Amnesia, which dropped on November 19, 2021.

The Paper Route Empire label released the Young Dolph tribute album, Long Live Dolph, an eight-track project dedicated to the memory of the late rapper who was murdered November 17 in Memphis. Opening with Jay Fizzle’s title track, the album features Dolph’s roster of artists: Key Glock, Big Moochie Grape, Kenny Muney, Jay Fizzle, Joddy Badass, Snupe Bandz, Paper Route Woo and Chitana. A posthumous album of unreleased Dolph music, titled Paper Route Frank, will be released later this year.

Finally, Da Baby directed his new “Book It” video, which finds him having fun working as a cook in a diner, and sending a customer out in a coffin.

GAYLE enjoys comparisons to Olivia Rodrigo, but worries critics will “start competing us against each other”

January 21, 2022 by WDNY Radio

GAYLE is enjoying her meteoric rise to fame thanks to her breakout hit “abcdefu,” and revealed on Thursday that while she’d love to work with fellow teen female singer Olivia Rodrigo, she doesn’t want to be pitted against her.

Speaking to E! News, the 17-year-old revealed, “Olivia Rodrigo DMed me. That was insane. She was just congratulating me on the success of the song. She told me that I was killing it and that was very just nice to hear from her, especially because she’s just such an amazing artist and talented human being.”

GAYLE mused over how similar her success story is to Olivia’s: Both became famous after releasing their brutally honest breakup anthems online at age 17. But though she’s “happy” to be compared to Olivia, she also worries that people might “start competing us against each other.”

“I truly believe that we both can be great in our own ways, and she’s already great. And I’m just trying to do my thing and not suck, you know?,” she added.

That doesn’t mean GAYLE isn’t open to jumping into the studio with Olivia, even though she knows it’ll be some time before that happens.

“I would love to collaborate with Olivia. I had an opportunity to ask that but I didn’t because, you know, everybody wants to collaborate with Olivia Rodrigo,” she remarked. GAYLE noted that while it would be “amazing” to do a song with her, “I’m also not going to be, like, stalking her for it, because she knows what she wants to do.”

Gayle, who is currently working on her debut album, just released a new single, “ur so horny” and its companion music video on Wednesday.

Listen to AWOLNATION cover The Scorpions’ 1991 hit “Wind of Change”

January 21, 2022 by WDNY Radio

AWOLNATION has given us the first taste of their forthcoming covers album My Echo, My Shadow, My Covers and Me, which is due out May 6.

Aaron Bruno and company’s version of The Scorpions’ 1991 classic “Wind of Change,” featuring contributions from Portugal .The Man and Brandon Boyd of Incubus, is out now. On Instagram, Bruno writes, “I’ll never claim this to be as good as the original by @scorpions, but with the help of @portugaltheman and @brandonboyd i hope it brings you a similar optimistic feeling that the song gave me as a kid when it was always on MTV.”

He adds, “Can’t wait to share more of these covers and special guests with you!“

“Wind of Change,” Scorpions’ biggest U.S. hit, became synonymous with the end of the Cold War and the Soviet Union. The song resurfaced in 2020 thanks to a podcast that explored the rumor that “Wind of Change” had been written by the CIA.

Fun fact: AWOLNATION’s version of the song arrives exactly 31 years and one day after the original was released, on January 20, 1991.

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