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Dead & Company’s August and September tour dates available for livestream via nugs.net

August 6, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Grateful Dead spinoff group Dead & Company are set to continue their long strange trip with a new U.S. tour that kicks off later this month, and the nugs.net concert-streaming service will be offering livestreams of all 18 of the band’s shows scheduled through September.

Streams of the concerts, spanning from an August 16 performance in Raleigh, North Carolina, through a September 18 show at Chicago’s Wrigley Field, will be available in the HD and 4K formats. Visit LiveDead.co for more information.

An interesting feature of the Dead & Company livestreams will be a virtual experience hosted by Grateful Dead experts Gary Lambert and David Gans, who will take part in a live conversation via Zoom during set breaks at each show.

Dead & Company features Grateful Dead members Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart, as well as singer/guitarist John Mayer, ex-Allman Brothers Band bassist Oteil Burbridge, and RatDog keyboardist Jeff Chimenti.

The group’s 2021 tour is scheduled though an October 29-31 stand at Los Angles’ famed Hollywood Bowl.

Here’s a full list of shows that are available for livestream:

8/16 — Raleigh, NC, Coastal Credit Union Music Park
8/18 — Bristow, VA, Jiffy Lube Live
8/20 — New York, NY, Citi Field
8/21 — Philadelphia, PA, Citizens Bank Park
8/23 — Bethel, NY, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
8/25 — Darien, NY, Darien Lake Amphitheater
8/27 — Saratoga Springs, NY, Saratoga Performing Arts Center
8/28 — Hershey, PA, Hersheypark Stadium
9/2 — Mansfield, MA, Xfinity Center
9/3 — Mansfield, MA, Xfinity Center
9/5 — Hartford, CT, The Xfinity Theatre
9/7 — Cuyahoga Falls, OH, Blossom Music Center
9/10 — Clarkston, MI, DTE Energy Music Theatre
9/11 — Cincinnati, OH, Riverbend Music Center
9/13 — Maryland Heights, MO, Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
9/15 — Noblesville, IN, Ruoff Music Center
9/17 — Chicago, IL, Wrigley Field
9/18 — Chicago, IL, Wrigley Field

Students can transfer schools to avoid COVID-19 ‘harassment’ like mask mandates, Florida’s board of education says

August 6, 2021 by WDNY Radio

(TALLAHASSEE, Fla.) — dThe Florida Board of Education passed a rule Friday allowing parents in the state to skirt mask mandates that districts may enforce for their children.

The rule, passed unanimously at an emergency meeting, lets parents transfer their kids to a private school or another district if they experience “COVID-19 harassment,” including mask requirements.

According to the rule, these students would qualify for a Hope Scholarship, an existing program created to protect children who are bullied, assaulted, harassed or threatened in school.

The Florida Department of Health also announced a rule on Friday requiring school districts to allow parents to opt their children out of mask mandates.

Both rules were in response to an executive order issued last week by Gov. Ron DeSantis, which directed the state departments of education and health to enact measures to protect “parents’ rights … to make health care decisions for their minor children.”

Multiple districts this week defied the governor’s order by issuing mask mandates for their students, including northern Florida’s Alachua County, where schools have experienced a surge of COVID-19 cases among staff, including two recent deaths.

Leonetta McNealy, the chair of the Alachua County School Board, who told ABC News Thursday that the executive order was “appalling and absurd,” said Friday in a text message that the district will now allow parents to opt out of wearing masks by using the Hope Scholarship.

South Florida’s Broward County Public Schools, the other district to require masks for students, had not released updated guidance by Friday evening. The district said Wednesday that it was “awaiting further guidance” before updating its policy.

The debate around mask requirements comes as the delta variant of the coronavirus wreaks havoc in Florida.

On Thursday, the Florida Hospital Association reported 12,500 patients were hospitalized with COVID-19, marking a new pandemic high. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the state is now reporting over 17,000 new cases per day. About 1 in 5 COVID cases diagnosed in the country are now in Florida, according to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Biden administration extends pandemic relief for student loan debt through Jan. 31, 2022

August 6, 2021 by WDNY Radio

(WASHINGTON) — The Biden administration has announced it is extending pandemic relief for student loan repayments, interest and collections through January 31, 2022, referring to it as the “final” extension.

The pause has been in effect since former President Donald Trump signed the CARES Act in March 2020 and was extended by both him and President Joe Biden. It was most recently set to expire on Sept. 30.

“As our nation’s economy continues to recover from a deep hole, this final extension will give students and borrowers the time they need to plan for restart and ensure a smooth pathway back to repayment,” Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a statement. “It is the Department’s priority to support students and borrowers during this transition and ensure they have the resources they need to access affordable, high quality higher education.”

The Department of Education says the extension will give borrowers time to plan to resume payments and reduce the risk of delinquency and default.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Ayanna Pressley applauded the move in a joint statement Friday afternoon.

“We’re pleased the Biden administration has heeded our call to extend the pause on federally-held student loan payments, providing an enormous relief to millions of borrowers facing a disastrous financial cliff,” they said. “The payment pause has saved the average borrower hundreds of dollars per month, allowing them to invest in their futures and support their families’ needs.”

Still, the group of lawmakers wants the president to go further and use executive action to cancel $50,000 of student debt.

“Student debt cancellation is one of the most significant actions that President Biden can take right now to build a more just economy and address racial inequity,” the statement said.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, however, last month said the president does not have the power to cancel student debt and that only Congress has that authority.

“He can postpone, he can delay, but he does not have that power,” she said at a press conference.

Borrowers will be notified about the new extension “in the coming days” and the Education Department is expected to provide information about how to plan for restarting payments.

Different walks of life, “Same Boat”: Zac Brown Band spotlights a wide range of people in their new video

August 6, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Zac Brown Band’s new music video for their single, “Same Boat,” follows people of all different walks of life. Whether they’re city dwellers, rural farmers, fishermen or rodeo stars, one thing is clear: People across the world have more commonalities than they do differences.

“Same Boat” came out in June, and with its message of unity and togetherness, the song is currently inside country radio’s top 20.

“[Same Boat] is really about the human condition,” frontman Zac Brown explained when the group first put the song out. “It’s about how we all go through the same things, all together. It is a chance to remind people to be positive, be good to each other and show empathy.”

“You don’t know what it’s like to walk around in someone else’s shoes,” Zac continued. “Let’s spread some love around and show kindness to each other.”

Since releasing “Same Boat,” ZBB has continued to drop new music throughout the summer, including two songs that were co-written by country superstar Luke Combs. The band is currently on the road for their The Comeback Tour.

Now Jake Gyllenhaal comes out against daily bathing

August 6, 2021 by WDNY Radio

First it was Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis saying they wait to see dirt on their kids before bathing them. Then Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard admitted they often wait for their kids to “stink” before a trip to the tub.

Now, add Jake Gyllenhaal to the list.

The Spider-Man: Far From Home actor was ironically promoting Prada’s Luna Rossa Ocean fragrance to Vanity Fair when he admitted he doesn’t bathe much.

“More and more I find bathing to be less necessary, at times. I do believe, because Elvis Costello is wonderful, that ‘good manners and bad breath get you nowhere.’ So I do that. But I do also think that there’s a whole world of not bathing that is also really helpful for skin maintenance, and we naturally clean ourselves.”

Then again, kids are one thing — a hairy 40-year-old Soul Cycler like Gyllenhaal is another.

Maybe masks aren’t such a bad thing after all.

Monica discusses the path to launching her independent label, MonDeenise Music

August 6, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Grammy-winning vocalist Monica was 14 years old when she released her 1995 debut album, Miss Thang. She says she never predicted it would be as successful as it was, earning the #7 spot on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

“The greatest part of my first album is that I wasn’t expecting anything,” Monica admits during a recent interview with Billboard. “When you’re that young, it allows you to focus on what’s most important. I made sure that when I sang, I sang with my soul.”

Monica continues, “You can hear it in Miss Thang, [2006’s] The Makings of Me and [2003’s] ‘So Gone.’ I wanted it to touch people’s souls. I think when something is authentic, people can feel it.”

Monica parted ways with her former label, RCA Records, in 2016. Now, the 40-year-old singer is preparing to release her ninth studio album, Trenches, under her independent label, MonDeenise Music.

“This happened on its own,” says Monica. “My deal came to an end, but throughout the process of being on a label, you learn a lot about them, and it becomes a lot easier for you to step into that type of arena and feel comfortable. It’s a very expensive thing to do, but it’s extremely rewarding because I know what’s happening in every area.”

When asked who she’d like to collaborate with in the future, Monica replies, “Mary J. Blige is the first person that comes to mind.”

“Simply because our friendship is next level,” says Monica. “She tells the truth in her music. She’s OK with who she is. She is definitely one of the people that paved the way for me to be able to speak and live in my truth.”

Cody Johnson huddles up for fall with two nostalgic new songs off his upcoming double album

August 6, 2021 by WDNY Radio

The doubled-up song fun continues for Cody Johnson, who is making good on his promise to fans to put out two new songs each month leading up to the October release of his double album.

In August, the two songs on deck are “Let’s Build a Fire” and “Driveway,” a pair of tracks full of vivid, nostalgic imagery.

Perfectly timed for the beginning of the fall season, “Let’s Build a Fire” is a literal homage to autumn, celebrating chillier temperatures, football season and — of course — Friday night bonfires. Uptempo and bluesy, the song was written by fellow country singer Chris Janson, along with songwriter Mitch Oglesby.

Meanwhile, “Driveway” celebrates a different kind of nostalgia, as Cody reminisces about the warmth and comfort of being at his grandparents’ house.

“‘Let’s Build a Fire’ and ‘Driveway’ are the perfect two songs to get geared up for the fall season,” the singer says. “I’m very fortunate to have been able to cut both of these tracks. I was even able to play my grandfather’s old J45 [acoustic guitar] on ‘Driveway,’ which is a special memory I’ll never forget.”

While the full double album isn’t due out quite yet, fans can get their Cody fix beginning next week with the release of Dear Rodeo: The Cody Johnson Story, a documentary about his life and career in the rodeo and country music.

Britney Spears’ personal conservator Jodi Montgomery hits back at Jamie Spears

August 6, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Britney Spears’ personal conservator Jodi Montgomery is hitting back at claims made by the singer’s father, Jamie Spears.

In court documents filed by Jamie opposing Britney’s request for his role as co-conservator to be “immediately” suspended, Jamie claimed Montgomery told him during a phone call that Britney is “mentally sick” and suggested she be put on a 5150 psychiatric hold.

Montgomery denied these claims in a statement obtained by Variety.

“Ms. Montgomery implores Mr. Spears to stop the attacks,” her statement says. “It does no good; it only does harm. We all need to focus on one thing, and one thing only — the health, well-being and best interests of Britney Spears.”

The statement says Montgomery never expressed that Britney would qualify for a 5150 hold, and instead expressed concern that Jamie’s role in the conservatorship is what’s “having a serious impact on Ms. Spears’ mental health.”

“It is in Ms. Spears’ best interests that her father step down as her Conservator, so he can go back to just being Ms. Spears’ father, and working on a healthy, supportive father-daughter relationship,” the statement reads.

Jamie Spears is currently the conservator of Britney’s estate, meaning he controls all financial decisions. Montgomery is the conservator of the person, meaning she manages Britney’s personal and medical decisions.

Sara Bareilles adds new dates to limited run of ‘Waitress’ shows

August 6, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Sara Bareilles is extending her stay at Joe’s Diner.

Three new dates have been added to the “Brave” singer’s run as she reprises her role as Jenna Hunterson in Waitress on Broadway. Evening performances have been added on September 15 and 29 and on October 13 at 7 p.m. ET.

The new shows are part of the limited engagement of Waitress at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in New York City, opening September 2 and closing on January 9. As previously announced, Sara will perform September 2 through October 17.

The Grammy winner also composed the music and lyrics fir Waitress, earning two nominations for Best Original Score at the Tony Awards in 2017 and 2018.

Tickets are on sale now.

Virgin Galactic selling spaceflight tickets for $450,000

August 6, 2021 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — Those who wish to spend a few minutes at the edge of Earth’s atmosphere will now have the chance — if they have $450,000 to spare.

Virgin Galactic, the private space tourism firm headed by billionaire Richard Branson, announced Thursday evening that it was officially reopening ticket sales.

The announcement comes on the heels of a successful test flight last month in which Branson and a crew flew to the edge of space in a mission dubbed Unity 22.

“Leveraging the surge in consumer interest following the Unity 22 flight, we are excited to announce the reopening of sales effective today, beginning with our Spacefarer community,” Virgin Galactic CEO Michael Colglazier said in a statement Thursday as the company announced second quarter earnings. “As we endeavor to bring the wonder of space to a broad global population, we are delighted to open the door to an entirely new industry and consumer experience.”

“Spacefarer community” refers to customers who already have put down a refundable deposit to be first in line to purchase tickets. The company said it intends to offer three consumer offerings for the private astronaut market: a single seat, a multi-seat package for couples or friends and a full-flight buyout. When the firm initially announced it was selling tickets to space a few years ago, the announced price was $250,000.

Branson’s July 11 suborbital flight took heat from critics for stretching the definition of space as the crew did not go above the Karman line (62 miles above Earth) that is defined by many agencies — but not all — as the boundary between the planet’s atmosphere and space.

Still, video from the trip showed Branson and his crew enjoying a few minutes of micro-gravity and the entire crew was presented astronaut wings during a news conference after their landing.

Branson’s role in much-viewed test flight was as a mission specialist, tasked with testing the customer experience.

“I think, like most kids, I have dreamt of this moment since I was a kid and honestly nothing can prepare you for the view of Earth from space,” Branson said after landing. “It’s just magical. I’m just taking it all in. It’s just unreal.”

Just nine days after Branson’s spaceflight, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos took a similar jaunt via a ride from his private space-faring company Blue Origin. Many saw the back-to-back billionaire spaceflights as ushering in a new era in space tourism that has been propelled by a budding commercial space industry dominated by the ultra-rich.

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