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Kathleen Durst’s family questions why murder charge took 39 years

November 9, 2021 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — The family of Robert Durst’s first wife, Kathleen, is thanking prosecutors for charging the real estate heir for her murder, but is questioning why it took nearly 40 years.

“It is important to ask why it took so long to get to this point,” Kathleen Durst’s brother, James McCormack, said at a news conference Tuesday. “My family and I have serious questions and we deserve answers.”

Kathleen Durst, 29, disappeared on Jan. 31, 1982 in South Salem, New York. Her body has never been found.

A grand jury indicted Robert Durst on a second-degree murder charge last week.

Westchester County prosecutors charged Robert Durst with his wife’s murder last month, shortly after he was sentenced to life in prison for the 2000 murder of his friend Susan Berman. Robert Durst allegedly killed Berman because he feared she would disclose details of Kathleen Durst’s death, according to investigators said.

McCormack questioned whether prosecutors protected the Durst family, whether police conducted a proper investigation and why Durst was allowed to stand trial in Los Angeles for Berman’s slaying before standing trial for Kathleen Durst’s murder.

Robert Abrams, attorney for Kathleen Durst’s family, took aim at the Durst family.

“All they cared about was money. They didn’t care about Kathie,” Abrams said, promising to present evidence next month against people the family believes participated in a “cover-up” of Kathleen Durst’s murder.

Abrams took particular aim at former Westchester District Attorney Judge Jeanine Pirro, who he claimed held a “clandestine, private meeting” with Robert Durst’s brother, Douglas Durst, after which she allegedly told her staff to stand down. Abrams called on prosecutors to investigate whether Douglas Durst’s $400,000 political donation to former New York Gov. George Pataki, whom Abrams described as Pirro’s mentor, was a quid pro quo.

“As much as we appreciate what [Westchester County] District Attorney [Miriam] Rocah has done by indicting Robert Durst for Kathie’s murder … what she did is what her job requires her to do,” Abrams said. “Kudos to her because that was not done for the past 40 years.”

Gabby Barrett is “very excited” about her custom CMA Awards outfits

November 9, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Gabby Barrett is bringing her fashion A-game to the 2021 CMA Awards.

As she gets red-carpet ready for the show that’s been deemed “Country Music’s Biggest Night,” Gabby reveals that she will be donning two special outfits throughout the night, citing fashion as another way for her to express herself in country music.

“My carpet outfit and my performance outfit are both custom pieces, which I’m very excited about. I work very close with my stylist and whoever the designer is on specific looks and bringing fresh and new looks to the country music world. I’m very excited about it,” the “I Hope” hitmaker explains, hinting, “I can’t tell you too much because you got to look out for it, but they’ll be really cool.”

Gabby is nominated Female Vocalist of the Year, New Artist of the Year, Single of the Year and Song of the Year for “The Good Ones.”

Viewers will get to see the unique pieces when Gabby appears at the CMA Awards, airing live from Nashville Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Kanye West wants to squash his beef with Drake

November 9, 2021 by WDNY Radio

The bitter feud between Kanye West and Drake may finally come to an end.

After years of beefing, Ye extended an olive branch to Drizzy Monday night, inviting him to perform with him at an event on December 7 in Los Angeles. West offered the invitation during a social media video posted by Rap-A-Lot CEO J Prince.

“I’m making this video to address the ongoing back and forth between myself and Drake. Both me and Drake have taken shots at each other, and it’s time to put it to rest,” Yeezy said. “I’m asking Drake on December 7 to join me on stage as a special guest to share the two biggest albums of the year, live in Los Angeles, with the ultimate purpose being to free Larry Hoover. I believe this event will not only bring awareness to our cause, but prove to people everywhere how much more we can accomplish when we lay our pride to the side and come together.”

Hoover, a co-founder of Chicago’s Gangster Disciples gang, is currently incarcerated at ADX Florence in Colorado. Kanye mentions him on the Donda album.

After working together for years, the Kanye/Drake beef was ignited in 2018 when Pusha T accused the Champagne Papi of using a ghostwriter in the song “Infrared,” which West produced. The feud continued since then, and this year, Drake disses Kanye on Trippie Redd‘s track, “Betrayal, “with the lyrics, “All these fools I’m beefin’ that I barely know / Forty-five, forty-four (burned out) let it go / ‘Ye ain’t changin’ s*** for me, it’s set in stone.”

Kanye responded by posting, and then deleting, Drake’s home address on Instagram.

I met with @kanyewest night in Htown at the Rothko Chapel. It wasn’t in my plans to meet him there but I must say I’m glad I didn’t allow a worship place for God to detour our meeting. pic.twitter.com/GM9FIN80Uj

— J Prince (@jprincerespect) November 8, 2021

Lance Bass is thrilled to discover he’s related to Britney Spears: “This means so much to me!”

November 9, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Lance Bass has often said that Britney Spears is like a little sister to him — but as it turns out, she’s literally a distant relative.

The genealogy company Ancestry.com sponsors a YouTube series called 2 Lies & a Leaf, and on Monday’s episode, Lance got the shocking news that he and Britney are sixth cousins once removed.

On the episode, Lance and his husband, Michael Turchin, were asked to guess which one of three famous musicians is part of Lance’s family tree: Faith Hill, Elvis Presley or Britney Spears. Lance says he wants it to be Britney, but he felt there was “no way,” so he guessed Elvis. Michael guessed Britney, and he was right.

“That is so crazy, though, because I feel like she’s my little sister, and this whole time, she’s been my little cousin!” Lance exclaimed. “And it makes sense ’cause we were born an hour from each other. This is so cool!”

Lance was born in Laurel, Mississippi, while Britney was born in McComb, Mississippi.

“I mean, this means so much to me!” Lance continued. “I mean, she is like family to me, so the fact that we’re, like, blood-related is amazing.” Lance even claims that when they were very young, he always thought there was a family resemblance.

In other “Lance Bass’ relatives” news, he and Michael are already teaching their newborn twins about Daddy Lance’s musical legacy. Lance posted a pic of little Alexander and Violet wearing “We’re *NSYNC” onesies, with the caption “They’re tearin’ up my heart.”

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A post shared by Lance Bass (@lancebass)

Brothers Osborne on bringing “Younger Me” to the CMA Awards: “It’s a big night for us”

November 9, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Brothers Osborne are feeling the power of their song “Younger Me” as they head into the 2021 CMA Awards.

“Younger Me” was released after T.J. Osborne came out as gay, serving as a message of hope to his younger self. Since coming out in February, T.J. has received a wealth of support from the country music community, including the Country Music Association — the duo will perform the song that is nominated for Music Video of the Year on the CMAs.

“To be in a moment where we’re getting a nomination, but also getting to perform a song that isn’t a single or on a record yet, I think speaks volumes to the CMAs and what they’re willing to do to bring some visibility or have things that are meaningful on the show,” T.J. expresses. “I would certainly love to win for the video, mainly for the message beyond what the song says. That would be a huge one to win.”

Additionally, the Brothers scored nominations for Duo of the Year and one of the night’s top prizes, Album of the Year, for Skeletons. The nominations not only validate their work, but their place in country music. The twosome is going into the show already feeling like winners.

“To be nominated at the same time for an album that that song isn’t on and be nominated for Skeletons, it’s a big night for us, honestly, no matter how you slice it,” T.J. continues. “Even at this point, if we walk away with just our nominations, it’s still a really big night for us.”

Brothers Osborne will perform “Younger Me” when the CMA Awards air tomorrow night at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Astroworld tragedy leaves 9-year-old with major organ damage, brain swelling: Family

November 9, 2021 by WDNY Radio

(HOUSTON) — A 9-year-old is fighting for his life following the deadly chaos at rapper Travis Scott’s Astroworld Festival, which left eight people dead many more injured last Friday.

Now, his family is joining the wave of lawsuits being filed against the event organizers, venue management and performers at the concert.

Ezra Blount went to the concert at NRG Park in Houston with his father, and was on his father’s shoulders when the crowd surge began, Ezra’s grandparents told ABC Houston station KTRK-TV.

Ezra was separated from his father, and his grandparents said they found him alone at the hospital in a coma, suffering from major organ damage and severe brain swelling.

“He’s a small, innocent child,” Ezra’s grandfather Bernon Blount, told KTRK-TV. “He didn’t deserve it. He didn’t deserve it at all. He’s just coming into town to see one of his favorite artists and to be trampled like that and really left the hospital with no one knowing where he was. That’s heartbreaking.”

According to Houston Police and witness accounts, tens of thousands of people dangerously rushed toward the stage when Scott — and later, rapper Drake — appeared. Concert attendees recall being pushed into one another from all sides, pushed down to the floor, and trampled or crushed by other concertgoers.

According to a GoFundMe, his father, Treston Blount, said he began to be crushed by others and could not breathe. He passed out and fell, and Ezra fell along with him, getting trampled by others in the crowd.

“How could this happen in the city of Houston? You know, when we go to concerts and different events we expect safety and security,” Ezra’s grandfather told KTRK-TV.

Now, family members are asking for answers about who is responsible for this tragedy as they await Ezra’s recovery.

“We’re praying that he makes a full recovery. And we have faith in the doctors that are treating him,” Treston Blount told the station. “We just wish something more would be done because no family deserves to be going through this.”

The family’s lawsuit, filed by civil rights attorney Ben Crump, alleges negligence regarding crowd control, medical attention and event staffing.

“This young child and his family will face life-altering trauma from this day forward, a reality that nobody expects when they buy concert tickets,” Crump said in a statement to ABC News. “This little boy is currently fighting for his life, and his parents will never know the same child they entered Astroworld with.”

In an online statement, Houston Chief of Police Troy Finner said he met with Travis Scott and security officials to address safety concerns prior to the concert. Finner said the criminal investigation into the incident is ongoing and urges the community to be “considerate of the grieving families.”

Following the concert, Scott released a statement on the tragedy on Twitter, saying, “I’m absolutely devastated by what took place last night. My prayers go out to the families and all those impacted by what happened at Astroworld festival.”

Scott announced he will cover the funeral costs and further aid to individuals affected by the tragedy and will refund all of the Astroworld concertgoers and ticket holders. He has also said he is cooperating with investigators.

Neither Scott nor his attorneys have responded publicly to the lawsuits.

General Electric stock surges on news it’s splitting into 3 companies

November 9, 2021 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — Shares for General Electric surged 6% in early trading Tuesday after the historic American conglomerate announced plans to split into three publicly-traded companies focused on aviation, health care and energy.

Investors seemed to welcome the news from the major firm, with a market cap topping $126 billion, despite further details on how the split will impact shareholders not yet fully apparent.

The more than 125-year-old company, which ties its origin to American inventor and businessman Thomas Edison, said it intends to execute “tax-free spin-offs” to form the GE Healthcare company in early 2023, and the GE Renewable Energy and Power in early 2024. The remaining company will focus on the aviation sector.

“At GE, we have always taken immense pride in our purpose of building a world that works. The world demands — and deserves — we bring our best to solve the biggest challenges in flight, healthcare, and energy,” GE Chairman and CEO H. Lawrence Culp, Jr. said in a statement Tuesday. “By creating three industry-leading, global public companies, each can benefit from greater focus, tailored capital allocation, and strategic flexibility to drive long-term growth and value for customers, investors, and employees.”

GE said it expects to retain a stake of 19.9% in GE Healthcare, which will be the first to branch out and focus on precision health. It did not disclose the stake it plans to retain for GE Renewable Energy and Power (which will combine GE Renewable Energy, GE Power, and GE Digital into one business), but said the plans are to position this offshoot of the company to “lead the energy transition” as the impacts of climate change force businesses to transition away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy.

Following the spin-off of GE Renewable Energy and Power, the remaining arm of the company will be focused on aviation and “shaping the future of flight,” according to a company statement Tuesday.

The independent businesses will be better positioned to deliver long-term growth, GE said, by allowing deeper operational focus, tailored capital allocation decisions, financial flexibility, dedicated boards of directors and unique investment profiles that appeal to a deeper investor base.

Culp called Tuesday a “defining moment for GE,” adding, “and we are ready.”

“We have a responsibility to move with speed to shape the future of flight, deliver precision health, and lead the energy transition,” Culp added. “The momentum we have built puts us in a position of strength to take this exciting next step in GE’s transformation and realize the full potential of each of our businesses.”

Culp will continue to serve as chairman and CEO of GE until the second spin-off, the company said, at which point he will lead the GE aviation-focused company going forward. He will also serve as a non-executive chairman of the GE healthcare company upon its spin-off.

The company said GE veteran Peter Arduini will assume the role of president and CEO of GE Healthcare beginning on Jan. 1, 2022, Scott Strazik will be the CEO of the combined Renewable Energy, Power and Digital business and John Slattery will continue as CEO of Aviation.

Finally, the company said that it is on track to reduce debt by more than $75 billion by the end of the year, and said this will put it in a strong position to execute the plan to form three separate companies.

How Demi Lovato is bringing fans good vibes for the holidays

November 9, 2021 by WDNY Radio

It could be the perfect holiday gift for the Demi Lovato fan in your life: the singer’s very own signature sex toy.

On Instagram, Demi holds up what they’re calling the “Demi Wand” — a yellow sex toy that comes in a matching yellow charging case. “I wanted to create my own sex toy to take the stigma away from pleasure, and to take your sexual relationship to the next level,” Demi writes.

The toy is described as “a true labor of love” between Demi and Boutique Bellesa, a company that sells that sort of thing. According to the company’s website, it’s “compact,” “quiet” and “discreet,” and the case, we’re told, “blends seamlessly with your accessories.”

On the site, Demi notes, “We have spent far too long pretending we are not sexual beings — it’s time for us to put this stigma to rest. We are all deserving of pleasure.”

Report: Faith Evans and Stevie J to divorce after three years of marriage

November 9, 2021 by WDNY Radio

After three years of marriage, “I’ll Be Missing You” singer Faith Evans and husband Stevie J will be going their separate ways.

Entertainment Tonight reports Stevie, birth name Steven Aaron Jordan, filed for divorce on Monday at Los Angeles County Superior Court. No reason was provided for the separation.

Evans and Stevie wed in July 2018 and marked their nuptials on Twitter by publicly declaring their love for one another.

Although they tied the knot three years ago, the two have been in each others’ circles since the early 90s. Stevie, a record producer and reality TV star, used to work with Evans’ former husband, The Notorious B.I.G., until the rapper’s untimely death in 1997.

Evans and Biggie share a son, C.J. Wallace, who is 25. The singer was also married to Todd Russaw, a record executive, from 1998 to 2011. They share children Ryder Evan, 14, and Joshua, who is 21.

Stevie also has children from previous relationships.

Faith and Stevie have yet to publicly address the divorce.

Hear a new Adele song in a holiday ad for Amazon

November 9, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Adele‘s new album 30 isn’t coming out until November 19, but you can get a preview of one of her new songs right now in a holiday ad for Amazon.

The ad, which runs over two minutes, features Adele’s song “Hold On.” It tells the story of an overwhelmed young college student in what appears to be London. When her older neighbor hears a report on the news about how young adults are struggling with anxiety, she sends the student a surprise gift via Amazon. The tagline is, “Kindness: The Greatest Gift.”

“Hold On” is a ballad in which Adele sings about going through a difficult time. It ends, she said in her cover story for Vogue, with a chorus of her friends singing “Just hold on.” “That’s what my friends used to say to me,” she explained. “That’s why I wanted them to sing it, rather than an actual choir.”

“Hold On” is one of the new songs that Adele performs in her CBS special, which airs on Sunday night.

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