Today, you have an opportunity to make a big impact in our community. United Way of the National Capital Area is hosting its 9th Annual Do More 24 campaign. My guest is Nedelka Phillips – Senior Vice President United Way National Capital Area
Do More 24 is Wednesday, May 19 from midnight to midnight. For more information and to choose your favorite charity, go here:
Tune in to Taking it to the Streets, weekday mornings at 6:15, 7:08 and 8:40 on the Steve Harvey Morning Show on 96.3 WHUR.
Follow me on facebook and twitter at @bobbygailes for updates and to stay connected.
After many months of regional and state executive orders requiring the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID… we are now seeing restrictions lifted everywhere. But they aren’t the same everywhere. Why not? What are we supposed to do about wearing them if we’re vaccinated or not vaccinated? We take a look at these changes and the latest information in the vaccination of children over 12-years-old.
Dr. Marilyn Mcpherson-Corder, Pediatrician, Adjuct Professor, Howard University College of Medicine
Dr. Reed Tuckson, Co-founder, Black Coalition Against COVID-19
(Bowie, MD) — A three-year-old boy is hospitalized in critical condition after he was shot last evening. Bowie police say officers were called to an apartment on Governor Bridge Road and found the toddler inside the apartment suffering from a gunshot wound. The child was rushed to the hospital where he was treated for his injury. There is no word if the child was home alone or if there was someone inside the apartment with him. Prince George’s County Police have taken over the investigation.
Dr. Charles Jenkins gave a taste of news songs sung by Shirley Caesar and Stephanie Mills on his new album Praise Party Volume One that will be released June 25th and followed by a virtual concert on June 27 featuring Pastor Caesar, Dottie Peoples, and others. Tickets will be available on praisepartyexperience.com on May 22. His new book “Seasons” is available on charlesjenkins.com.
(Elizabeth City, NC) — A North Carolina prosecutor says police deputies involved in the shooting of Andrew Brown Jr. were “justified” in their use of deadly force. District Attorney Andrew Womble said Brown’s decision to flee quickly escalated the situation to an employment of force. He argued that shots were not fired until Brown’s vehicle moved forward as officers surrounded him on foot. Womble showed never-before-seen body cam footage to clearly illustrate that the officers’ use of deadly force was done “reasonably.”
Pasquotank County Sheriff’s deputies shot and killed Brown when he tried to drive away while they served a drug-related search and arrest warrant last month.
J. Cole, the North Carolina Rapper and now professional basketball player, made his debut with the Patriots Basketball Club on Sunday and held his own on the court in the Basketball Africa League.
While some may think Cole pursuing hoops is a surprise, he was a high school standout as well as even walked on to the St. John’s team in college. Also having many lyrics referencing hoops, it’s no secret that Cole loves basketball and is a fan of many players in the NBA.
“Cole, whose real name is Jermaine Cole, finished with three points, three rebounds and two assists in just under 18 minutes of action as the Patriots, who are based in Kigali, Rwanda, took on the Rivers Hoopers Basketball Club. His first points came on a putback layup off of a miss by Steve Hagumintwari in the final minute of the first quarter.” Via ESPN.
With his latest album “The Off-Season” on pace to debut at number 1 on the charts, it seems the rapper and new pro athlete really doesn’t ever take a break.
It feels like 2009 was just yesterday, when child reporter Damon Weaver interviewed then President Barack Obama.
Weaver, who was 11 at the time, interviewed Obama in the Diplomatic Room in 2009. The interview focused on education topics such as school lunches, bullying, conflict resolution and how to succeed via Yahoo.
Weaver, who passed away from natural causes, was 23 and a student at Albany State in Georgia where he was studying communications.
Teachers saw a spark in him even at a young age, ““Damon was the kid who ran after me in the hall to tell me he was interested,” his teacher, Brian Zimmerman, told the Post in 2016. “And right away, I just saw the potential for the way he was on camera. You could see his personality come through. He wasn’t nervous being on camera.”
Damon interviewed major celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Wade.
Our prayers and condolences go to his family and friends.
Two AUC legends are now forever enshrined after having Spelman College’s performing arts building named after them. LaTanya Richard Jackson(Spelman ‘71) and Samuel L Jackson(Morehouse ‘72) are the honorees of the new building.
Richard Jackson who is a producer, director and actress developed her skills at Spelman’s Baldwin Burroughs Theatre alongside future movie mainstay Jackson, BlackEnterprise reports.
“Their auspicious debut in plays produced by Spelman’s Department of Drama catapulted the couple into award-winning careers spanning nearly 50 years of artistic excellence and theatrical success,” Spelman said in a press release.
Richard Jackson has appeared in many film festivals including the New York Shakespeare Festival where she appeared in the critically acclaimed “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf.”
Samuel L Jackson is an Oscar nominated actor who appeared in movies such as Pulp Fiction, Star Wars and even the Avengers.
“We are grateful for their gift and that of the Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation, Bank of America and David Rockefeller Jr. to renovate the space where these beloved talents got their start,” Spelman president Mary Schmidt Campbell, Ph.D., said in a statement. “Pioneers and leaders in producing important stories, LaTanya and Sam’s excellence will forever resonate in the arts center named for them.”
We are focusing on Mental Health this morning. WHUR is teaming up with WUSA9 tomorrow for an important conversation entitled Mental Health Matters. I have the details on how you can take part. My guest is Lesli Foster – WUSA 9 News Anchor
WHUR is teaming up with WUSA9 for a day of mental wellness. We will host a two-part virtual discussion entitled Mental Health Matters Wednesday, May 19th at 8am and 12:30pm. For more information go here:
Tune in to Taking it to the Streets, weekday mornings at 6:15, 7:08 and 8:40 on the Steve Harvey Morning Show on 96.3 WHUR.
Follow me on facebook and twitter at @bobbygailes for updates and to stay connected.
Things are rapidly changing as we move to back to a pre-pandemic way of life. But for some… getting back on their feet will be much more difficult. The hungry are hungrier. Those living on the edge of society with few resources before the pandemic… have struggled mightily since and need even more help now. On Wednesday… The United Way of the National Capital Area will, once again, spend 24 hours raising money in support of needy populations with Do More 24.
Rosie Allen Herring, CEO and President, The United Way of the National Capital AreaLeah Paley, Executive Director, Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services, Inc.
(Undated) — Gas shortages on the East Coast are easing after a thousand more stations got supplies as the nation’s biggest pipeline network recovers from last week’s shutdown. But many more stations were still are dry Sunday. The 55-hundred-mile Colonial Pipeline transported no fuel for six days as the most disruptive cyber attack on record choked off the supply of gas, diesel, and jet fuel throughout the eastern U.S. About 70-percent of stations in and around Washington, DC were out. There was no fuel in more than half the stations in North Carolina while fewer than half the stations were dry in South Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, and Georgia.
(Capitol Heights, MD) — An urgent plea is going out to residents in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties to stop flushing sanitary wipes down the toilet. WSSC says it has removed more than 700 tons of wipes from a wastewater pumping station since 2020 and the problem is getting worse. The utility says an excessive amount of so-called flushable wipes are clogging the sewer mains and causing untreated wastewater to overflow into nearby waterways. Officials are hoping more people will comply by only flushing toilet paper down the toilet and toss wipes in the trash.
Whether you first heard Drake on his hit song “Hotline Bling”, or maybe you were asking KeKe if she loved you after the summer 2018 anthem “In My Feelings”, or running through the 6 with your woes in 2015 after “Know Yourself”, it’s safe to say Drake has been in control of the airways.
First debuting on the Billboard in 2009 with hit song “Best I Ever Had”, Drake would go on to have one of the most dominant reigns on the Billboard Charts. The reign included a record breaking run which included the most Hot 100 top 10s, sitting at an absurd 45 entries and counting, as well the most overall entries at a massive 232. The self proclaimed “6 man” also ironically has 6 Hot 100 number 1s. Drake also holds the record for most BBMAs( Billboard Music Awards).
“Drake’s dominance during the 2010s wins him top honors in the overall top artist category, which ranks the best-performing artists based on activity on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart and the Billboard 200 albums tally, as well as social media data and touring revenue from Billboard Boxscore, during the decade” wrote Billboard in a statement on their website
Drake catches the torch from the previous winners Eminem in the 2000s and Mariah Carey of the 90s.
Like his newest top song “What’s Next” we’ll have to wait and see what crazy record Drake breaks next.
“Billboard’s Top Artists of the 2010s:
1, Drake
2, Taylor Swift
3, Bruno Mars
4, Rihanna
5, Adele
6, Ed Sheeran
7, Justin Bieber
8, Katy Perry
9, Maroon 5
10, Post Malone” Via Billboard.com
NBC will broadcast live the Billboard Music Awards Sunday, May 23 starting at 8pm EST.
The WNBA has been in the headlines this past year as leaders for social change and breaking barriers. The Atlanta Dream joined that cycle as bringing in their first fully black women broadcast team to call home games.
“As the Atlanta Dream experiences new beginnings we are extremely excited to announce our new broadcast team for the 2021 season,” said Renee Montgomery, Dream co-owner and vice president. “This broadcast team of all women is another positive step in our goal of providing empowerment to the diverse Atlanta community. It’s exciting knowing that moments such as these will create momentum, and we plan to keep that same level of energy moving forward.” via the teams press release.
The team consists of returning award winning color analyst LaChina Robinson who will be entering her 12th year with the team. Robinson will also be joined by former Georgia Tech standout basketball player Tabitha Turner who worked with the team back in 2017 and 2018. Florida standout Angel Gray also joins the broadcast crew after doing sideline reporting for the team in 2015 and 2016. Autumn Johnson, who is an award winning analyst and current host of the 2kLeagues weekly series, joins the crew to round out the 4 women squad.
“Excited is an understatement for me,” Turner said. “I truly feel blessed to be back with such an amazing, talented team that led the way in the fight for social justice and equality throughout the pandemic. Between the leadership of everyone involved and the high level of talent on this team, waiting to get started is the hardest part and I’m glad to be along for the ride!
The strides the Dream and WNBA are taking will hopefully continue to grow the trend of more women in sports! Be sure to catch the Atlanta Dream in their season opener this Friday
You probably have seen Kunta Kinte from Roots, or Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge in the Star Trek: The Next Generation franchise, or the Reading Rainbow host LeVar Burton. The newly announced Jeopardy guest host recently started a book club in partnership with the app Fable.
Many viewers grew up with a love of books and reading due to the show “Reading Rainbow” which aired on PBS from 1983-2006.
“As a lifelong advocate for literacy, the opportunity to launch my book club on Fable’s wonderful new platform is extremely exciting and timely,” Burton said in a statement Tuesday. “This partnership will help foster the importance of storytelling while sharing my love of reading.” via USA Today
The first title chosen was “Go Tell It on the Mountain” , a 1953 novel by the legendary black author James Baldwin. The next two titles are rounded out by Octavia Butler’s “Parable of the Sower” and “The Fire This Time,” a poetry and essay collection edited by two-time National Book Award-winner Jesmyn Ward.
Outside of his new book club, Burton is excited to begin work with the talk show Jeopardy. “This is something that I really think is a good idea,” he said, appearing on an April episode of USA TODAY’s The Mothership podcast. “I think it’s a good fit of what the show is, what the show requires and what I feel like I bring to the table.”
After longtime host Alex Trebek passed away to cancer, the show has not announced a new permanent host. Burton looks to provide “justice to the legacy of Alex.”
What books will you be looking to read this summer?
Mothers and daughters, one of the most loving relationships many will experience. But it can get complicated. Ladies you know, when your mini me turns into a mini you don’t know. How do you handle those rocky times and smooth things over? This is Harold Fisher. Join me Wednesday, May 19th @ 7pm for a special WHUR WHUT-TV edition of the Daily Drum. “Moms and Me, A Time to Heal With Our Daughters.” The Daily Drum on 96.3 WHUR, WHUT-TV and whur.com. Better TOGETHER!
The late Maya Angelou will be one of the first women on the new quarters the US Mint is releasing starting 2022. The Mint will be releasing special quarters featuring spectacular women from 2022 to 2025 American Women Quarters Program.
Angelou was a best selling poet and author best known for her poem “Still I Rise” and books such as “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings.” However she also was a civil rights activist with Dr.King and Malcom X, Hollywood’s first black women director, and a composer among many other things Black Enterprise wrote on their article.
Angelou was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Bill Clinton 2000. While in 2010 she earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Angelou, who passed away in 2014, is regarded not only as one of the best poets ever but one of the best poets and literary figures. Her work is studied and taught in many high schools and universities across the country.
“As authorized by Public Law 116-330—the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020—the Mint will issue circulating and numismatic quarter-dollar coins with reverse (tails) designs emblematic of the accomplishments and contributions of a prominent American woman beginning in January 2022. Contributions may come from a wide spectrum of fields including, but not limited to, suffrage, civil rights, abolition, government, humanities, science, space, and the arts. The women honored will come from ethnically, racially, and geographically diverse backgrounds. As the Public Law requires that no living person be featured in the coin designs, all of the women honored must be deceased. The Mint will annually issue up to five different reverse designs over the four-year period beginning in 2022 and continuing through 2025.” said the US Mint via their website.
Along with Angelou, Dr.Sally Ride, the first American woman to visit space, will be honored on the first set of coins
To help select the next honorees the Mint has a survey available.
The coins will start circulating in January of 2022.
Calling all my Ward 8 residents. An effort is underway to get input from the community on what you would like to see in your community moving forward. This morning I have the details on how you can speak up and speak out. My guest is Mustafa Abdul Salaam – Facilitator for the Ward 8 Community Economic Development Planning Process
Ward 8 Community Economic Development Planning Process wants to engage local residents in data collection, goal-setting, and planning to create a comprehensive economic development plan for Ward 8. For more information go here:
Tune in to Taking it to the Streets, weekday mornings at 6:15, 7:08 and 8:40 on the Steve Harvey Morning Show on 96.3 WHUR.
Follow me on facebook and twitter at @bobbygailes for updates and to stay connected.
How should you discipline your young children? It is an age-old question. What are your options? Time out? Taking away privileges? Reasoning with them? What about spanking? Our guest offers contemporary alternatives to corporal punishment.
Gas shortages at the pumps are spreading from the South to the Mid-Atlantic states, where Virginia and the District of Columbia have become some of the hardest-hit areas following a cyberattack that led to the shutdown of the nation’s largest gasoline pipeline. The tracking service GasBuddy.com on Friday showed that 86% of gas stations were out of fuel in Washington, D.C., more than half were out in Virginia, and 42% of Maryland stations were dry. A gas station owner in Virginia descried the situation there as “a frenzy” fueled by panic buying. A cyberattack struck Georgia-based Colonial Pipeline on May 7.
By The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Prince Harry compares his royal experience to being on “The Truman Show” and “living in a zoo.” The Duke of Sussex speaks candidly during a Thursday episode of the “Armchair Expert” podcast. He says he contemplated quitting royal life on several occasions while in his 20s. He tells host Dax Shepard about keeping his relationship with Meghan a secret and dealing with the U.K. media scrutiny. Harry says he struggled to deal with being a member of the royal family. He also says he feared that his pregnant wife and son, Archie, would have to deal with the spotlight the same way his late mother, Princess Diana, had to deal with the enormous attention.
By VANESSA SÁNCHEZ PULLA, TRISHA AHMED, BRITTANY NICOLE GADDY, LUCIANA PEREZ URIBE GUINASSI, CARMEN MOLINA ACOSTA, SOPHIA SORENSEN AND AADIT TAMBE/The Howard Center for Investigative Journalism The Howard Center for Investigative Journalism
FISHING CREEK, Md. (AP) — Despite the pandemic, more than 12,000 workers received U.S. approval in the last fiscal year to leave their homes in Mexico for jobs in American seafood processing plants. Yet the federal government did not establish COVID-safety rules for their bus travel or require virus testing. The Howard Center for Investigative Journalism found that Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina also failed to provide migrant seafood workers with critical protections, leaving that up to employers. The Howard Center found COVID-19 outbreaks at seafood processing plants in all three states.
By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer
Kobe. Timmy. KG. The full names weren’t necessary. The first name, or even the initials, were enough. Such was the star power that Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett carried throughout their careers and still possess, all of them now five years removed from their final games as NBA greats. Each was an NBA champion, an MVP, an Olympic gold medalist, annual locks for All-Star and All-Defensive teams. And now, the ultimate honor comes their way: On Saturday night in Uncasville, Connecticut, they all officially become members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
By DEREK GATOPOULOS and THANASSIS STAVRAKIS Associated Press
NAXOS, Greece (AP) — Southern European countries are racing to reopen their tourism services despite delays in rolling out a planned EU-wide travel pass. Greece Friday became the latest country to open up its vacation season as it dismantles lockdown restrictions and focuses its vaccination program on the islands. But other destinations are also offering travel incentives, relaxing entry requirements and even offering activity vouchers.
Fun-times for the kids with education in mind. Remake Learning Days Across America is here in the DMV thru Saturday with an amazing festival filled with lots of in-person and virtual activities. It’s hosted by KID Museum. My guest is Cara Lesser – Executive Director at KID Museum
Remake Learning Days Across America festival runs thru May 22nd and is hosted by Kid Museum and the Washington International School. The festival consists of more than 60 events (safe and in-person as well as virtual) created to foster a love of maker education and emphasize the diversity of kids and students throughout the DC area. For more information go here:
Tune in to Taking it to the Streets, weekday mornings at 6:15, 7:08 and 8:40 on the Steve Harvey Morning Show on 96.3 WHUR.
Follow me on facebook and twitter at @bobbygailes for updates and to stay connected.
We haven’t seen a run on consumer products like this since the beginning of the pandemic. The difference is… this run is on gasoline, not Lysol, toilet paper and paper towels. The Colonial Pipeline, which sends gas from Texas to New Jersey is back up and running after being shut down due to a cyber attack. But that’s cold comfort for those waiting in long lines for much more expensive gasoline. We’re talking about the impact of this mini gas crisis and what you need to do and stop doing to manage it.
Dr. Christopher Daniels, Economist
John Townsend, Mgr., Public and Government Relations, AAA Mid-Atlantic
“I’m taking advantage of every opportunity! Whatever I set my mind to, I’m giving it my all!”
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Some people are just dripping with talent. Keith Robinson is one of them. He is a true creative and seems to excel in each arena. Acting, singing, and stage. So good catching up with my good friend.
Triple threat, Keith Robinson stars in movies like Dreamgirls. You’ve also seen him on many television shows, like Bounce TV’s Saints and Sinners, where he’s a regular character, Miles Caloway.
Keith is a gifted singer too. He’s described by other recording artists as a singer’s singer. In fact, when you talk to him about hsi craft, he’ll quickly tell you that he’s a singer first. We talked about his new single Kama Sutra. Why does he put all of this creativitiy in the world? He says, it’s all apart of The Love Movement.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is easing mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, allowing them to stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings. The new guidance announced Thursday is a major step toward returning to pre-pandemic life. It still calls for wearing masks in crowded indoor settings like buses, planes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters but will help clear the way for reopening workplaces and schools. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky says: “We have all longed for this moment — when we can get back to some sense of normalcy.”
(Washington, DC) — If you are late paying your water bill, penalties are about to kick in. WSSC Water customers are being advised by the utility that it will once again start charging late fees on June 1st. The utility began waiving late fees in March 2020 due to the pandemic to assist customers financially impacted by the coronavirus. The company says that decision resulted in more than seven-million-dollars being waived for 175-thousand customers. The utility says those customers still facing financial hardship can set up a convenient payment plan to avoid further action.
Jaleel White is spilling all the tea about when he joined Family Matter.
The actor reveals that when he joined the show, some of the cast was not very welcoming.
He said that the actors that played Harriet, Carl, and Rachel thought they were the stars of the show, so when he came along, they were not happy.
He said, “I didn’t see how I was stepping on anybody’s toes; I was taking anybody’s shine. It’s very important that I say this: I was not very well welcomed to the cast at all, okay? And I don’t need to rehash that with the adults over and over again. They know what it is.”
He added that the network played a part in the drama.
What was your favorite storyline from Family Matters?
Andra Day has made a shocking revelation and says she struggles with porn and sex addiction.
She said, “I didn’t want any element of sexualization. I had come out of something in my own life — dealing with porn addiction. I’m being very, very candid with you because I’m not the only one. But I knew I wanted all of that very much gone.”
She said because of this, she wanted to rid Billie Holiday of her hypersexualized persona when she played the singer.
She added, “I feel now, after playing Billie, that I’m honoring her and the strength that is femininity. I’m definitely in a healthier place to enjoy that because I’m outside of the addiction, if you will. So, yeah, it’s been really fun, because it’s been very new for me.”
Have you ever struggled and overcome an addiction?
Toddler shoots mom and dad and injures himself after finding gun in nightstand at a home in West Bath, Maine.
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(Thursday, April 13, 2021) – A frightening story out of Maine where a two-year-old boy has reportedly shot both his mom and dad with a handgun.
The Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office says the toddler apparently got the handgun out of a nightstand. He reportedly shot the mother in the leg and his father in the head. The boy was also injured when the gun recoiled and hit him in the face.
All of the injuries are said to be non-life threatening. The couple’s three-week-old newborn, who was also in the bedroom, was not hurt.
Deputies say the toddler is now in the custody of a grandparent.
Tank took to Instagram to let fans know that he’s suffering hearing loss.
“I’m going completely deaf in my right ear. I’m kind of losing sound in my left. Dizzy. Can’t walk a straight line. All of this out of nowhere,” he said in a selfie video. “Don’t know how or why. Seen the doctors. Got MRI and all that good stuff going on. Medication.”
After revealing his diagnosis Tank gave some encouragement saying, “No matter where you find yourself. Whether your body is failing you, whether your mind is failing you, whether your spirit is failing you. Keep going, keep pushing.”
Positivity plays a big role in your health, how do you keep yourself encouraged while dealing with health problems?
One thing about Porsha Williams-she knows how to get to the bag!
After her revelation that she is engaged to be married to Falynn Guobadia’s soon to be ex-husband, Simon, a source says Porsha is getting a three-part series on Bravo.
Note: Falynn was in a Clubhouse room Tuesday night and she said she is NOT officially divorced from Simon yet.
The three-part series is expected to film this Summer and will focus on Porsha’s family and activism.
It is said that she had the special secured before the engagement announcement.
What are your thoughts on the ENTIRE Porsha engagement, new series, Girl Code?
Lil Wayne has often been revered as a “G.O.A.T” and there is a reason for it. Not only has he been rapping since the age of 14 but the Young Money frontman has now charted on the Billboard Hot 100 for 17 consecutive years.
With his appearance on DJ Khaled’s latest Khaled Khaled album, Lil Wayne enters into his 17th year on the Billboard Hot 100 and his first appearance of 2021.
Khaled’s “Thankful” single entered the Hot 100 at number 100 on Monday (May 10). Since 2004 Wayne has had a single on the chart every year and the new entry marks his 21st appearance in 22 years.
Wayne entered the chart in 1999, however, in 2003 he didn’t make an appearance. The only artist ahead of Wayne with the accolade is Kanye West who has made an appearance on the Billboard Hot 100 every year since 2003.
During a recent episode of Mark Ronson’s “FADER Uncovered Podcast” series, Questlove revealed that he worried about working with JAY-Z out of fear of looking like a “sellout.”
“In 2001, there was still this Hip Hop apartheid, church and state separation thing between artists. Backpackers didn’t take kindly to commercial rappers. Commercial rappers looked at us like broke haters,” Questlove explained.
Quest noted that JAY-Z’s Blueprint, which came out on September 11th, was a “self-soothing” album that got many people through a tough time.
Quest hit up Dream Hampton to let her know how much he liked the album but begged her not to tell JAY, to which she refused and told him anyway.
Today there seems to be no such thing as a sellout or is there? What is considered a “sellout” in current terms?
U.S. health advisers endorsed use of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine in kids as young as 12 on Wednesday, just as expected new guidelines say it’s OK for people of any age to get the shot at the same time as other needed vaccinations.
The sprint to vaccinate millions of middle and high school students has already started in parts of the country, as a long line of kids rolled up their sleeves in suburban Atlanta for a first dose Wednesday. But much of the nation was awaiting recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that Pfizer’s vaccine, already used for months in those 16 and older, was a good choice for 12- to 15-year-olds, too. The CDC was expected to accept its advisers’ recommendation.
“It just felt like a flu shot, honestly,” said Meredith Rogers, a 14-year-old middle school student from Decatur, Georgia, after getting her vaccination.
Michelle Rogers, Meredith’s mother, said she hoped the youth vaccinations would help bring some normalcy back.
“A little apprehensive, but you know what? This is a step towards getting life back to normal so, we’re all in,” Michelle Rogers said with a slight fist pump.
Earlier in the week, the Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use of the two-shot vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner, BioNTech. A study of more than 2,000 12- to 15-year-olds found the same dose adults use is safe and strongly protective in the kids, too.
Among the outstanding questions: Is it OK to get vaccinated against COVID-19 at the same doctor’s visit as people receive some routine vaccinations? That’s an urgent back-to-school concern especially for the 12- to 15-year-olds, who have missed out on regularly scheduled vaccines during the pandemic — but also an issue for adults, too.
The CDC until now has recommended not getting other vaccinations within two weeks of a COVID-19 shot, mostly as a precaution so that safety monitors could spot if any unexpected side effects crop up. But the CDC said Wednesday it is changing that advice because the COVID-19 vaccines have proved so safe — and that health workers can decide to give another needed vaccine at the same time.
The American Academy of Pediatrics on Wednesday also endorsed the Pfizer vaccine for the 12-and-up crowd — and agreed that it’s fine to give more than one vaccine at the same time, especially for kids who are behind on their regular vaccinations.
In the Pfizer study, there were no cases of COVID-19 among volunteers given the two-shot vaccination compared with 16 in the group given dummy shots. Kids also developed higher levels of virus-fighting antibodies than vaccinated adults. Side effects are the same as adults experience, mostly sore arms and flu-like fever, chills or aches that signal the immune system is revving up.
Vaccinating Americans of all ages will be critical to getting back to normal, and there’s plenty of supply for the nation’s nearly 17 million 12- to 15-year-olds.
In addition to the mass vaccination sites and health department rollouts that were key for adults, many states will be offering kids more familiar options — shipping doses to pediatricians and even to schools.
Pfizer is not the only company seeking to lower the age limit for its vaccine. Moderna recently said preliminary results from its study in 12- to 17-year-olds show strong protection and no serious side effects, data the FDA will need to scrutinize.
As for even younger children, both companies have begun tests in youngsters ages 6 months to 11 years. Those studies explore if different doses are needed at the youngest ages, and FDA plans to hold a public meeting next month to debate exactly what evidence is needed.
They’ve been told not to panic, but that does not seem to be working for people fearful of not having enough gasoline to drive their cars following the cyber attack on one of the U.S.’s largest gas pipelines.
Friday, the Colonial pipeline’s computer system was hacked. Colonial supplies close to 45-percent of the fuel for the East Coast. Drivers in the Southeast portion of the nation are trying to fill up. In our region, that has especially become a problem where in Virginia about 44% of the state’s nearly 39,000 gas stations reported being out of gas, according to GasBuddy, a website company that tracks supply. Yesterday, Virginia governor Ralph Northam issued a state of emergency over the gasonline shortage.
In Maryland, about 11% of Maryland gas stations reported being out of gas. That number is at 10 percent in the District. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a series of safety tweets, reminding people to use the appropriate containers for gas, including a tweet that said, “Do not fill “bags” with gasoline.” Colonial says it expects to return to service by Friday.
Ellen DeGeneres is ending her talk show with season 19 at the end of 2022.
She has hosted the show since 2003.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter she said, when you’re a creative person you constantly need to be challenged and as great as this show is and as fun as it is, it’s just not a challenge anymore.
Ellen is going to sit down with Oprah and discuss publicly on May 13th.
Who do you see as the ‘heir’ to Ellen’s spot?
By The Associated Press
If you’re traveling over the Memorial Day weekend, expect lots of company. The AAA auto club said Tuesday that more than 37 million Americans plan to travel at least 50 miles from home over the holiday weekend. If that forecast is correct, it’ll mean a 60% increase over last year, when many people were locked down at home. The AAA forecast would still be a decrease of about 6 million, or 13%, since the same holiday weekend before the pandemic. AAA expects most holiday travelers to go by car — about 34 million.
By CHRISTINA AMANO DOLAN of Capital News Service
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia restaurants will soon be able to host more patrons, but establishments may not be able to accommodate more guests due to a shortage in workers. Gov. Ralph Northam recently announced that restaurants and drinking establishments will be able to seat up to 100 patrons indoors and a maximum of 250 guests outdoors starting May 15. Eric Terry, president of the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association, estimated around 100 Richmond restaurants closed last year, but said there have been minimal closures this year. Terry said many restaurants are likely nearing 80% of their pre-pandemic revenue levels.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Stacey Abrams’ new political thriller has been snapped up for a small-screen adaptation. The rights for “While Justice Sleeps” will go to Working Title Television, part of NBCUniversal International Studios. The deal was announced Tuesday, the day of the novel’s release by Penguin Random House. Abrams will serve as an executive producer for the project, based on the first work published under the name of the politician and activist. She’s used the pen name Selena Montgomery for her previous works, including romance novels. Abrams served in Georgia’s House of Representatives, was the Democratic candidate for governor in 2018 and is a leading voice on ballot access.
Nipsey Hussle’s alleged killer has had his trial pushed back again after he refused to leave his cell.
Eric Holder wouldn’t leave his cell on Tuesday (May 11) causing the new judge presiding over his case to push the trial back.
Holder also has a new criminal defense attorney after his former attorney, Lowynn Young, took a judge’s seat.
“A new judge coupled with a new defense attorney can only mean that it will take a few months for them to get caught up on the case,” court officials told The Shade Room.
Do you think Eric Holder will be convicted of Nipsey’s murder?
WASHINGTON – Following a comprehensive national search, Howard University today proudly announces the appointment of Phylicia Rashad as dean of the recently reestablished College of Fine Arts, effective July 1, 2021. In this role, she will report to Provost Anthony K. Wutoh. An alumna of Howard University, Rashad graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s in fine arts.
“It is an honor to welcome one of Howard’s acclaimed daughters back home to Alma Mater. In this full circle moment, Ms. Phylicia Rashad will take the training and skills that she honed as a student at Howard and exuded in an outstanding performing career, and she will share those pearls of wisdom with the next generation of students in the College of Fine Arts. Her passion for the arts and student success makes her a perfect fit for this role,” said Wutoh.
An accomplished actor and stage director, Rashad became a household name when she portrayed Claire Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” a character whose enduring appeal has earned her numerous honors and awards for over two decades. More recent roles in television and film include appearances as Carol on NBC’s “This Is Us;” Diana Dubois on the Fox TV series “Empire;” Dr. Woods-Trap in Tarrell Alvin McCraney’s Peabody Award-winning series “David Makes Man” on the OWN Network; Libba Gardner in Pixar’s Academy Award-winning animated feature, “Soul;” Grandmother Journey in the Netflix holiday musical “Jingle Jangle;” and Dr. Jones in “Between the World and Me” on HBO Max.
Highlights of an extensive career onstage include performances as Lena Younger in Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun;” Aunt Ester in August Wilson’s “Gem of the Ocean;” The Witch in Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods;” Violet Weston in Tracey Letts’ “August Osage County;” and Shelah in Tarrell Alvin McCraney’s “Head of Passes.”
“It is a privilege to serve in this capacity and to work with the Howard University administration, faculty and students in reestablishing the College of Fine Arts,” said Rashad.
Rashad is one of many Howard University alumni who have transformed the arts and entertainment industry through legendary careers on screen and behind the scenes, in front of the microphone and from within the boardroom. Howard’s dedication to cultivating talented artists has had a deep and profound impact on historical and contemporary culture.
Rashad has served as guest lecturer and adjunct faculty member, conducting master’s-level classes at many colleges, universities and arts organizations, including Howard University, New York University, Vassar College, Carnegie Mellon, Wayne State University, Juilliard, The Black Arts Institute of the Stella Adler Studio of Acting and the prestigious Ten Chimneys Foundation established at the Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne Estate. She also holds the distinction of being the first recipient of the Denzel Washington Chair in Theater at Fordham University.
She made her critically acclaimed directorial debut at the Seattle Repertory Theater with August Wilson’s “Gem of the Ocean.” She has also directed Stephen Adly Guirgis’ “Our Lady of 121st Street” at the Signature Theatre; “The Roommate” at Steppenwolf Theatre; “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” (winner of the 2014 NAACP Theatre Award for best director) at the Mark Taper Forum; “Immediate Family” at the Taper and Goodman Theatre; “Fences” at the Long Wharf Theatre and McCarter Theatre; “A Raisin in the Sun” at Ebony Repertory Theatre, Kirk Douglas Theatre and Westport Country Playhouse; and “Four Little Girls” at the Kennedy Center.
“I can think of no individual better suited to take on this role than Ms. Phylicia Rashad,” said Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA. “As we reintroduce our campus community and the world at large to Howard’s College of Fine Arts, the dean will play an instrumental role in ensuring an auspicious beginning for this reestablished institution. Given Ms. Rashad’s reputation as well as her capabilities and impressive list of accomplishments, she will undoubtedly empower the college to transcend even our incredibly high expectations. Under her leadership, Howard will continue to inspire and cultivate the artists and leaders who will shape our niche and national cultures for generations to come.”
Rashad has received the Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, BET Honors Theatrical Arts Award, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s Spirit of Shakespeare Award, the inaugural Legacy Award of the Ruben Santiago Hudson Fine Arts Learning Center, and the Lucille Lortel Award. In 2016, Rashad was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame. Among the other awards that decorate her walls and shelves are the 2018 Will Award from Washington D.C.’s Shakespeare Theatre Company, the 2014 Mosaic Woman Legend Award of Diversity Woman Magazine, the Texas Medal of Arts, the National Council of Negro Women’s Dorothy L. Height Dreammaker Award, People’s Choice Awards, NAACP Image Awards, AFTRA’s AMEE Award for Excellence in Entertainment, New York Women in Film and Television’s Muse Award for Outstanding Vision and Achievement, Dallas Women in Film Topaz Award, and the Pan African Film Festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Rashad also serves on a number of prestigious boards, including Brainerd Institute Heritage (which is steering the restoration of Kumler Hall at the historic site of Brainerd Institute in Chester, South Carolina) and DADA (the Debbie Allen Dance Academy). Since 2017, she has been the brand ambassador of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund.
Her commitment to excellence in the performing arts and scholarship has been recognized by the numerous colleges and universities that have presented her with honorary doctorates, including Howard University, Spelman College, the University of South Carolina at Columbia, Tuskegee University, Brown University, Bennett College, St. Augustine College, Providence College, Barber Scotia College, Clark Atlanta University, Morris Brown College, Carnegie Mellon University and Fordham University.
By DAVID BAUDER AP Entertainment Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will induct Jay-Z, Foo Fighters and the Go-Go’s, elected this year on the first ballot. They will join Tina Turner, Carole King and Todd Rundgren as performers ushered into the Rock Hall. The Cleveland-based museum will hold an induction ceremony Oct. 30 in Cleveland’s Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, before what they hope is a full house paying tribute to the return of live music. The hall is also honoring LL Cool J, Billy Preston, Randy Rhoads, Kraftwerk, Gil Scott Heron and Charley Patton in special categories. The hall announced its 2021 class on Wednesday.
