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J.R. Richard, Astros legend, dies at 71

August 5, 2021 by WDNY Radio

(HOUSTON) — J.R. Richard, a Houston Astros legend, has died at the age of 71, the team announced Thursday.

Richard played ten years for the team and struck out 600 batters, but had his career cut short by a stroke in 1980.

During his career, Richard had a 107-71 record with a 3.15 ERA. In 1979, he struck out 313 batters. That record stood until Gerrit Cole surpassed it in 2019.

“Today is a sad day for the Houston Astros as we mourn the loss of one of our franchise icons, J.R. Richard,” the Astros said Thursday. “J.R. will forever be remembered as an intimidating figure on the mound and as one of the greatest pitchers in club history. He stood shoulder to shoulder with club icons Larry Dierker, Joe Niekro and Nolan Ryan, to form a few of the best rotations in club history. Sadly, his playing career was cut short by health issues, but his ten years in an Astros uniform stand out as a decade of excellence. We send our heartfelt condolences to J.R.’s wife, Lula, his family, friends and countless fans and admirers.”

On the franchise’s all-time list, Richards ranks third in ERA and strikeouts, fourth in complete games, and fifth in wins and shutouts.

He was elected to the team’s inaugural Astros Hall of Fame in 2019.

“I’ve known J.R. for a long time,” said Enos Cabell, an Astros teammate, said in a statement. “In the Minor Leagues, I played against him and then we were teammates with the Astros for many years. He was one of the greatest pitchers we ever had and probably would have been in the Hall of Fame if his career was not cut short. On the mound, he was devastating and intimidating. Nobody wanted to face him. Guys on the other team would say that they were sick to avoid facing him. This is very sad news. He will be missed.”

In 1980, Richard was named the National League’s starting pitcher in the All-Star game. He suffered a stroke on July 30th.

Reba McEntire postpones her late mom’s memorial indefinitely due to an increase in COVID-19 cases

August 5, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Ever since Reba McEntire’s mother, Jacqueline McEntire, died last spring, the singer has been hoping to have the chance to have a public memorial for her late mom.

A service was previously scheduled for this Sunday, August 8, but Reba now explains that that event is being canceled in light of an uptick in local COVID-19 cases.

“If you knew mama, you know she would scold us to pieces for putting on a memorial on her behalf with so many lives in danger of COVID exposure,” Reba wrote on Instagram, alongside a picture of her mother. “If and when we are able to honor our Mama, we will let you know.”

The singer also asked for help spreading the word to anyone who might have been planning on attending, since the cancellation was coming on such short notice.

Jacqueline died of cancer on March 14, 2020, at the age of 93. Earlier this year, on the one-year anniversary of her death, Reba remembered her mom with a moving social media tribute that featured her song “You Never Gave Up on Me.”

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‘Framing Britney Spears’ director says she “totally understand[s]” why Britney didn’t like the documentary

August 5, 2021 by WDNY Radio

The Hulu/FX documentary The New York Times Presents: Framing Britney Spears reignited the #FreeBritney movement when it came out back in February, but Britney herself didn’t seem to be a fan.

In an Instagram post last month, the singer wrote in part, “I didn’t like the way the documentaries bring up humiliating moments from the past.”

Framing Britney Spears director Samantha Stark tells Billboard she doesn’t blame Britney for feeling that way.

“While we were making the film, we talked a lot about re-traumatizing Britney and her family by showing these moments,” Stark says. “Part of the reason it’s called Framing Britney Spears is there are these still-photo frames that were humiliating to her.”

Stark continues, “We thought it was really important to pull outside the frame because so many people had all these assumptions based on one frame, one still image that they saw. In the end, we felt like we had to put some of them in because we wanted people to have more context.”

Stark concedes that Britney “100 percent deserves to be mad that we’re still looking at those photos, because it’s ridiculous that we’re still looking at them, and they shouldn’t have been there in the first place.”

“As much as I want to explain myself to her, I totally understand where she’s coming from,” she says.

The New York Times Presents: Framing Britney Spears received two Emmy nominations: Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special and Outstanding Picture Editing for a Nonfiction Program.

And in Britney conservatorship news, People reports Britney’s lawyer Mathew Rosengart filed a motion for an “immediate suspension” of her father Jamie Spears as conservator of her estate before her next court hearing on September 29.

Over 300 cats die in the UK from illness that could be linked to toxic pet food

August 5, 2021 by WDNY Radio

(LONDON) — At least 330 cats in the United Kingdom have died from a rare illness that could be linked to toxins in cat foods that have been recently recalled.

The condition, called feline pancytopenia, is when the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets decreases rapidly and results in serious illness, according to the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in London.

As of Monday, Aug. 2, at least 528 cases of feline pancytopenia have been reported, according to the RVC.

The RVC said the mortality rate among reported cases is 63.5% and the actual number of cases is likely much higher.

The RVC first raised the alarm about the spike in severe feline pancytopenia cases in late May. To date, the cause of the deaths is yet to be officially identified.

The RVC and Food Standards Agency in the UK (FSA) are investigating the cat deaths and possible causes.

The agencies are looking into several cat food brands — including Sainsbury’s hypoallergenic cat foods and Pets at Home’s Applaws and AVA cat foods — that were recalled in June. The FSA said the outbreak of pancytopenia could be linked to the recalled cat products.

“Our investigations are ongoing and we are still collecting data from practicing veterinarians, as well as testing food samples associated with affected and unaffected cats to determine the significance of these findings. We have shared our results with the FSA in order to assist them with their investigations into this matter,” RVC said in a statement.

The dry cat food brands pulled off shelves were manufactured by Fold Hill Foods. The company told ABC it “issued a voluntary and precautionary recall of selected cat food products after the FSA made us aware they were investigating a potential link between these cases and diet. This was fully supported by the FSA.”

“As stated by the FSA, there is no definitive evidence to confirm a link at this stage between the cat food products and feline pancytopenia,” a spokesperson for Fold Hill Foods said, noting it is cooperating with the investigation. “As cat owners ourselves, we fully understand how upsetting and stressful this situation is and the urgent need to establish why there has been an increase in cases of Pancytopenia in the U.K.”

The FSA said in a July 16 update that the presence of mycotoxins was identified “in a small number of samples of recalled cat food tested to date.”

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds naturally produced by some kinds of fungi, according to RVC. They can grow on different crops like grains and vegetables and appear on foods like cereals, nuts, and dried fruits, often under warm and humid conditions, the RVC said.

“Mycotoxins are widely found in some types of feed and food and do not, in themselves, indicate they are the cause of feline pancytopenia,” the FSA said.

The FSA and other regulators are continuing to investigate and will conduct wider samples and screenings for any possible toxins in cat feed.

Sainsbury told ABC News it is supporting the investigation. Pets at Home said in a statement it voluntarily recalled its products and supports the investigation as well.

Pet owners should check their cat food at home to make sure they’re not using recalled items. If yes, stop feeding the food immediately and contact local vets if concerned about a pet’s wellbeing, the FSA said.

It’s unclear if pets in the U.S. have been impacted.

White House fires back at Florida’s GOP governor over handling COVID surge

August 5, 2021 by WDNY Radio

(WASHINGTON) — The White House on Thursday hit back at Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis after he told President Joe Biden he will stand “in his way” while the country experiences an alarming surge of COVID-19 cases, with press secretary Jen Psaki saying the “facts” about hospitalizations in Florida speak for themselves.

At Thursday’s briefing with reporters, ABC News Correspondent Stephanie Ramos raised DeSantis’ latest fundraising push using the president’s comments from Tuesday urging DeSantis to help or “get out of the way,” and she asked whether Biden is considering reaching out to DeSantis.

“Well, first, from Day One, we’ve approached this not as a political issue but a public health issue,” Psaki began. “We remain in touch with officials in Florida, just like we’re in touch with officials from around the country about how we can provide assistance from the federal level to help address this public health crisis.”

Then, she turned up the heat.

“It is a fact — and data that you all are aware of — that 25% of hospitalizations in the country are in Florida. It is also a fact that the governor has taken steps that are counter to public health recommendations. So, we’re here to state the facts,” she said.

“Frankly our view is that this is too serious, deadly serious to be doing partisan name-calling,” she continued. “We’re focused on providing public health data information to the people of Florida to make sure they understand what steps they should be taking, even if those are not steps taken at the top of the leadership in that state.”

At least four school districts in Florida say they are pushing back against the governor’s mask ban.

In the last 24 hours, the country has seen 864,000 vaccinations in the last 24 hours, the highest daily number since July 3, White House coronavirus response coordinator Jeff Zients said Thursday.

Florida is among the seven states officials named that have some of the lowest vaccination rates and “account for about half of new cases and hospitalizations in the past week, despite making up less than a quarter of the U.S. population,” Zients said.

Jennifer Hudson says she’s down to do a Verzuz battle with Fantasia

August 5, 2021 by WDNY Radio

It looks like Jennifer Hudson is ready to take the Verzuz stage in a battle with another Grammy-winning vocalist.

“I live for Verzuz,” says Hudson during a recent interview captured by The Shade Room on Instagram. When asked if she would go hit for hit with Fantasia Barrino, Hudson replies, “That’s a dope idea.”

“I got some Verzuz ideas too that I want to see as well,” she continues. That’s a beautiful idea maybe one day we can make that happen, maybe one day. I want to see somebody like Smokey Robinsonvs. Stevie Wonder.”

Hudson said she loves old-school music, adding, “That’s why I’m sitting here.”

Fans sounded off in the post’s comments, declaring whether Jennifer Hudson or Fantasia would win a friendly Verzuz battle.

“She don’t want no smoke with Fantasia,” said one fan, while others suggested Hudson go against Jazmine Sullivan. Still others made it point to mention that Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia previously competed against each other on the third season of American Idol in 2004. Both made it to the final 12, though Fantasia was chosen as the season winner.

“American Idol vs American Idol. I’m with it,” wrote one fan in the comments, while another said, “OMG I’d tear up lol. They both got so much love, passion and soul in their music.”

Verzuz co-founder Swizz Beatz also caught wind of Hudson’s response, writing, “Let’s go.”

DOJ opening investigation into Phoenix Police Department, city of Phoenix

August 5, 2021 by WDNY Radio

(PHOENIX) — The Justice Department is opening an investigation into the policing practices of the Phoenix Police Department and the city of Phoenix, Attorney General Merrick Garland announced Thursday afternoon.

The investigation will examine whether the Phoenix Police Department uses excessive force, whether it engages in discriminatory policing practices, whether the department violated the First Amendment by retaliating against protesters and whether the department discriminates against people with disabilities.

This is the third pattern or practice investigation the Justice Department has opened during the Biden administration. Earlier this year, the DOJ opened investigations into the Louisville Police Department and Minneapolis Police Department.

“Each time I have noted that these investigations are aimed to promote transparency and accountability,” Garland said. “This increases public trust, which in turn increases public safety.”

Garland noted in his remarks that one important aspect of the investigation will be examining whether the Phoenix Police Department violated the rights of individuals experiencing homelessness by seizing or disposing of their belongings in a manner that violates the Constitution.

“Our society is straining the policing profession by turning to law enforcement to address a wide array of social problems,” Garland said. “Too often we ask law enforcement officers to be the first and last option for addressing uses that should not be handled by our criminal justice system. This makes police officers’ jobs more difficult, increases unnecessary confrontations with law enforcement and hinders public safety.”

The DOJ’s civil rights chief Kristen Clarke said the investigation was opened after a review of court files, media reports and citizen complaints, but she declined to say whether there was any “final straw” that led to Thursday’s formal announcement.

She said local officials in the city were contacted Thursday about the probe and the mayor and chief of police “pledged their full support.”

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego tweeted out a statement Thursday, saying police reform has been a priority since she took office and she welcomes the review.

“The reccomendations that will result from this review will assist in our ongoing efforts to become an even safer, stronger, more equitable city,” it said.

“The soul of The Valley is on the line”: With teaser, Netflix announces ‘Cobra Kai’ Season 4 to debut in December

August 5, 2021 by WDNY Radio

With a hard-hitting teaser that plays like a commercial for the All Valley Karate Tournament, Netflix has announced that its Emmy-nominated Cobra Kai series will return for its fourth season in December.

“Grab your gi. Tie your belt,” a narrator intones. “The soul of The Valley is on the line.”

The trailer features quick cuts of Karate Kid-turned-Cobra Kai stars Ralph Macchio, William Zabka and Martin Kove, who plays merciless sensei John Kreese, as well as the show’s younger cast members, including Xolo Maridueña, Mary Mouser and Tanner Buchanan.

According to Netflix, “Season 4 finds the Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang dojos joining forces to take down Cobra Kai at the All Valley Under 18 Karate Tournament…What tricks does Kreese have up his sleeve? Can Daniel and Johnny bury their decades-long hatchet to defeat Kreese? Or will Cobra Kai become the face of karate in the valley?”

Watch an animated Gloria Estefan sing Lin-Manuel Miranda tune in clip from new Netflix film, ‘Vivo’

August 5, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Gloria Estefan sings a new song written by Lin-Manuel Miranda in the new Netflix animated film Vivo, which starts streaming on Friday. You can watch a video of the sequence where Gloria’s character performs the song, called “Inside Your Heart,” on YouTube now.

Vivo stars Miranda as the voice of Vivo, a kinkajou who entertains people on the street by playing music with his owner, Andrés. Andrés’ former musical partner, a now-famous Cuban singer named Marta Sandoval, played by Gloria, invites him to her farewell concert. However, it eventually falls to Vivo to deliver to Marta a song that Andrés wrote for her many years ago.

Miranda wrote all the songs for the film, and Gloria tells Variety it was hearing the sad romantic ballad “Inside Your Heart” that convinced her to accept a role in Vivo.

“It was a moment when I was so incredibly busy, I thought it was going to be impossible,” she says. “But he sent me the demo of him singing it, and it tore my heart apart.”

She adds of Vivo, “It’s a story after my own heart because I’m Cuban American, and that story of love, loss and separation is near and dear to my heart.”

Amazon pushes back return-to-office plans to January

August 5, 2021 by WDNY Radio

(SAN FRANCISCO) — Amazon has pushed back the date for tech and corporate employees to return to office to 2022, as COVID-19 cases fueled by the highly transmissible delta variant continue to rise.

The company, which previously planned for employees to return the week of Sept. 7, has postponed reopening its doors to workers until at least Jan. 3, the company confirmed to ABC News.

The tech giant said it will continue to follow local government guidance in planning to reopen work spaces.

It’s not clear whether Amazon will require employees to be vaccinated to return to the office, but the company did tell ABC News it will require employees to wear masks in the office unless they can verify they’re fully vaccinated.

The move comes as other large companies, including several tech rivals, have made similar announcements on delaying return to in-person work and mandating staffers get vaccinated.

Microsoft announced earlier this week that return-to-office plans would be delayed to October, and employees will be required to be fully vaccinated to enter U.S. offices and work sites, The Associated Press reported.

Google, Facebook, Uber and a number of hospitals have announced similar requirements.

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