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Back to the Office During the Pandemic. Is it an Option?

What do you do when the boss asks you to come back to the workplace during the pandemic and you’re not comfortable with that?

Posted by Harold Fisher
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Before the most recent COVID-19 surge… we’ve seen more traffic on the roads as cities and counties began to open up.  For a lot of people, that meant going back to the office after working from home since the shutdown in March.  Even as more people head back now, many, like teachers for example, aren’t ready to risk infection.  What do you do when the boss asks you to come back to the workplace during the pandemic and you’re not comfortable with that?  Do you have to chose between your health and your job?

Families First Coronavirus Response Act

Janelle Colbert, Esq., Managing Attorney, The Colbert Law Center

 

 

D.C. Council Set To Vote On Budget

The proposal to slash the Police Department’s budget by nearly 15-million-dollars is up for a second and final vote today. 

Posted by Harold Fisher
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(Washington, DC)  —  The D.C. Council is set to vote today on a budget that could result in fewer officers in the Metropolitan Police Department.  The proposal to slash the Police Department’s budget by nearly 15-million-dollars is up for a second and final vote today.  If certified by the Chief Financial Officer, the changes would mean a hiring freeze and possibly fewer officers on the streets of the District.

Two No. Va. Schools Reverse Course On Hybrid Opening

The decisions come after initially considering a hybrid of in-school and distance learning. 

Posted by Harold Fisher
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Fairfax and Loudoun County Public Schools have decided to start the 2020-2021 year with all distance learning.  The decisions come after initially considering a hybrid of in-school and distance learning. Fairfax County Superintendent Scott Brabrand said a surge of COVID-19 infections across the country is impacting the school system here. Loudoun County Superintendent Eric Williams will propose the all-distance learning at a school board meeting today.

MD Health Officials Want Tougher COVID-19 Restrictions To Return

County health officials in Maryland want restrictions on gatherings in bars and restaurants reinstated.

Posted by Andrea Muñoz
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Health department leaders in Maryland’s largest counties, including Prince George’s, Montgomery, Howard, Anne Arundel and Baltimore City, have sent a letter to the state’s health department requesting that restrictions be put back into place for bars and restaurants over concerns of COVID-19 cases trending upward.  Governor Hogan says county leaders have the flexibility to make any changes to guidelines.

Grant Money for Community Organizations

The deadline is fast approaching for the Humanities DC Soul of the City Grants

Posted by Bobby Gailes
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Some good money news this morning.  Humanities DC Soul of the City grant is now accepting applications from local neighborhood organizations, churches, educational programs and more to help expand their programs or to take their programming virtually.  My guest is Andrea McNeil – Grants Manager for Humanities DC

Submissions are now open thru July 31st for the HumanitiesDC Soul of the City grant where local neighborhood organizations, churches, educational programs, and more could be awarded up to $30k to work with young people thru the humanities lens. For 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.

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Addressing DC’s Rising Deadly Violence

Posted by Harold Fisher
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DC police are looking for at least three men behind the latest incident of deadly gun violence in the city. Nine people were shot in Columbia Heights in broad daylight, killing one and wounding eight others.

One week ago on July 13th,  27 year old Senquea Whitley was shot to death on Clay place NE around two o’clock in the afternoon.  Last month, home security video caught a shootout between a half a dozen young men in the middle of the afternoon in DC.  It’s scary.  How is the city addressing this issue?

Resources:

2020 DC Crime Data

Yaay Me!

DC Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement

Warees Majeed, Community Activist, Co-Founder, Yaay Me!
Delbert McFadden, Executive Director, DC office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement

 

Details on DC’s Heat Emergency Plan

DC opens cooling centers for those who have no air conditioning

Posted by Harold Fisher
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DC Mayor Muriel Bowser released detailed information about the city’s emergency heat plan.  If you need cooling center information, you can find it on the link below.

DC Heat Emergency & Cooling Centers Information

Replacement Named For Congressman John Lewis

Georgia Dems choose state chair to replace Lewis on ballot

Posted by Harold Fisher
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ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia Democrats have selected state Sen. Nikema Williams, chair of the state party, to replace Rep. John Lewis on the ballot in November. The executive committee of the Democratic Party of Georgia voted overwhelmingly on Monday for Williams to take Lewis’ spot on the ballot for the Atlanta-area 5th Congressional District after the longtime congressman and civil rights leader’s death last week. Williams, 41, was chosen from a list of five finalists as the group works to quickly fill the spot in accordance with state law. She is nearly assured of winning in November in the heavily Democratic district.

Georgia state Senator Nikema Williams with Jim Perez, Chair, Democratic National Committee

How To Grieve During A Pandemic

Hospital visits, funerals, and repasts have been cancelled, delayed, or rescheduled due to this daunting virus. Funerals, sad but true, are considered as family gatherings, and they have now been reduced to 10 people only.

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Contributed by Diamond Sydnor

Living through a pandemic can be really challenging, especially if you unfortunately and unexpectedly lose a loved one. Experiencing loss during the #Covid19 pandemic has completely changed the process of grieving and even the traditions that take place culturally after the loss has taken place. Death is no easy process and there is no right or wrong way to grieve but the question of “How?” remains. How to grieve during a pandemic?

Hospital visits, funerals, and repasts have been cancelled, delayed, or rescheduled due to this daunting virus. Funerals, sad but true, are considered as family gatherings, and they have now been reduced to 10 people only. As if the death isn’t traumatic enough, try choosing which family members can attend and those that must understand the time we’re in and sit it out. You can no longer visit loved ones even in their last moments, a Facetime call will have to suffice. Processing these major changes can be discouraging. All of this can be emotionally challenging and yet the question remains “How?”

Grieving can be very complicated especially when you don’t know how. Losing a loved one or knowing someone who has lost a loved one can be just as complicated. My partner lost his grandfather during this pandemic and he expressed to me “I didn’t get any closure and it’s not fair.” This broke my heart, yet I still had to research and find ways to be supportive to him during this difficult time. WHUR’s Harold Fisher had a show about this topic and Psychologist Dr. Kamirah Ware was featured and offered advice on how to deal with grieving during a pandemic, here are some of the things she mentioned:

1. If you or someone you know is struggling with grieving seek or recommend professional help.

2. Taking care of yourself is the first step in making sure you know how to properly care for others.

3. Seek ways to take care of your mental health by reading credible sources that give certified advice.

4. Do not turn to drugs.

5. Do not increase alcohol usage.

6. Do not put a temporary bandage on your hurt pain or grieving process, get the professional help that’s needed.

7. Be gentle with yourself and do not put yourself on a guilt trip when grieving.

8. Engage in self-care strategies such as mindfulness, praying, virtual connecting etc.

9. Call your insurance to find professional resources, insurance companies are waving copay fees for mental health during this time.

Grieving is hard, but knowing you are not alone and having resources to support is even more important.

Here are some professional resources below that support grieving —

DWW Psychological Services 

Wednt Center for Loss And Healing  

National Alliance On Mental Illness 

Daily Drum Podcast: Covid-19 and Grieving 

Addressing Race Relations in Our Community

Prince George’s Community College host a virtual conversation tonight with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi

Posted by Bobby Gailes
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This morning we highlight an important conversation taking place tonight that will drill down on the issue of race relations in our community.   New York Times bestselling author Ibram X. Kendi is hosting a discussion on his book “How to Be an Antiracist” and Dr. Charlene Dukes – President of Prince George’s Community College will lead the conversation.  My guest is Dr. Charlene Dukes – President of Prince George’s Community College

New York Times Bestselling author Ibram X. Kendi will discuss his renowned book “How to Be An Antiracist” Monday July 20th 7pm with Dr. Charlene Dukes – President of Prince George’s Community College.  Register for this free virtual conversation here:

This special event is presented by a consortium of organizations based in Prince George’s County and Maryland, including Joe’s Movement Emporium, Prince George’s County Memorial Library System and PGCMLS Foundation, Prince George’s County Community College’s Center for Performing Arts, Prince George’s County Human Relations Commission, and Maryland State Library, with generous support from Wells Fargo.

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.

Listen to this mornings segment here:

The Clark Sisters Announce Virtual Tour, Talk Kierra Sheard’s Engagement, Honor WHUR’s Patrick Ellis

The sisters shared their contribution to the hit biopic, Lifetime’s “The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel.”

Posted by Jacquie Gales Webb
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Jacky Clark-Chisolm and Dorinda Clark-Cole spread their Clark Sister sunshine on HUR@Home Inspiration. They talked about the timeliness of the hit song “Victory” that debuted 5 months before the spread of COVID. The sisters shared their contribution to the hit biopic, Lifetime’s “The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel.” Evangelist Dorinda closed out our conversation with a powerful prayer for all the families affected by COVID-19, including the family of Patrick Ellis, and the WHUR family.

Patrick Ellis Tribute

The outpouring of love and support today, in memory of our beloved Patrick Ellis, was awesome. It was a true testament to the incredible man we all knew and loved. Fly high Patrick. Well done…

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96.3 WHUR Fans Honor Patrick Ellis

The outpouring of love and support today, in memory of our beloved Patrick Ellis, was awesome. It was a true testament to the incredible man we all knew and loved. Fly high Patrick. Well done…

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CNN Pays Tribute To Patrick Ellis

The Life and Legacy of WHUR’s Patrick Ellis

Patrick lost his battle with COVID-19 on Thursday, July 16th.

Posted by Harold Fisher
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We remember the rich, melodious, baritone voice and the bottomless giving of one of Patrick Ellis. His life was as impactful on the air as it was off.  Ellis was the host of WHUR’s Sunday Gospel Spirit show. It was a staple in the DMV community.  He reigned supreme over Sunday morning radio for more than four decades. He also was a giant in the community when it came to giving back.

Part 1

Part 2

Georgia Congressman John Lewis Dies

The civil rights icon was battling pancreatic cancer.

Posted by Harold Fisher
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Civil rights icon and long-time Georgia Congressman John Lewis has died. Lewis had been receiving hospice care.  He died at his home in Atlanta after battling pancreatic cancer.  The Democrat was best known for leading hundreds of protestors across the Edmund Pettus Bridge during what was called “Bloody Sunday” in Selma, Alabama in 1965.  He famously was severely injured when hit by a baton, wielded by a state trooper.  He elected to Congress in 1986 and continued the causes born out of the civil rights struggle.  John Lewis was 80 years old.

En Vogue Spills Tea On Why Dawn Really Left The Group

En Vogue celebrates a 30 year milestone this year.

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En Vogue answered many questions from the comment section and even spilled the tea about what really went down with Dawn leaving the group. Apparently, there’s no love lost from either side. The group is doing just fine, as they are.

We talked about life during this pandemic. How they’re staying in shape, and what they hope to do once it ends.

Justice RBG Battling Liver Cancer Again

Justice Ginsburg says cancer has returned, but won’t retire

Posted by Harold Fisher
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WASHINGTON (AP) — Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg says she is receiving chemotherapy for a recurrence of cancer, but has no plans to retire from the Supreme Court. The 87-year-old Ginsburg said her treatment so far has succeeded in reducing lesions on her liver and that she will continue chemotherapy sessions every two weeks “to keep my cancer at bay.” She spent time in the hospital this week for a possible infection, but Ginsburg said it was unrelated to the cancer. Her departure from the court before the election could give President Donald Trump the chance to shift the court more to the right.

Remembering Patrick Ellis

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It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved, colleague, friend, and esteem member of the 96.3 WHUR Family Patrick Ellis.  Patrick died Thursday July 16th due to complications from the coronavirus.  Patrick was part of the backbone of WHUR and the Washington, D.C. community.  He was the longest running host on radio in this region.  Patrick Ellis was 77-years-old.  You can send your condolences by calling the Patrick Ellis Tribute Line at 202-750-4924 or submitting them in the form below.  Rest In Paradise Patrick.  Until we meet again!!!

 

Send your Condolences

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A Virtual S.T.E.A.M Camp for Our Youth

We’re exposing our youth to careers in S.T.E.A.M

Posted by Bobby Gailes
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The Virtual STEAM camp is offering our youth the opportunity to see what types of career choices there are.   “STEAM in the Game” is a free virtual , eSports and Gaming Summer Camp for our youth.  My guest is Dr. Lorretta Cheeks.

This camp runs from July 24- July 26th from 1p-5p (EST).  Registration deadline is July 22nd.  For information and to register go here:  www.steaminthegame.org

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.

 

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Racism and the Central Park Incident

We revisit that incident, the exclusive interview and the issues it raises.

Posted by Harold Fisher
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Earlier this week on HUR@Home we spoke to Christian Cooper, a New York resident and bird enthusiast who had a racist confrontation with a white woman in New York’s Central Park in May. We revisit that incident, the exclusive interview and the issues it raises.

Part 1

Part 2

Janks Morton, Filmmaker, Activist

Washington’s NFL Team Hires Misconduct/Workplace Atty

Washington NFL team hires law firm to review culture.

Posted by Harold Fisher
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Owner Dan Snyder has hired a District of Columbia law firm to review the Washington NFL team’s culture, policies and allegations of workplace misconduct. Beth Wilkinson of Wilkinson Walsh LLP confirmed to The Associated Press that the firm had been retained to conduct an independent review. ESPN was first to report the team hiring the firm. It was not immediately clear what those misconduct allegations were. Within the past week, three members of the front office have left the organization. Director of player personnel Alex Santos, assistant Richard Mann II and longtime broadcaster and senior vice president Larry Michael are no longer with the team.

DC Delays Final Decision on ’20-’21 School Year

 Chancellor Ferebee released several hybrid proposals for school opening for all school age groups.

Posted by Harold Fisher
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The Bowser Administration is delaying a final decision on how public schools will open in the District of Columbia until July 31st.  During a news conference with Chancellor Lewis Ferebee, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that more study of COVID-19 metrics needs to be done before a decision can be made about the 2020-2021 school year.  Chancellor Ferebee released several hybrid proposals for school opening for all school age groups.  The mayor said the hybrid proposal could be changed or adjusted before July 31st.

 

Rapper Kanye West Files For Oklahoma Presidential Ballot

The filing came a day after New York Magazine’s “Intelligencer” quoted West adviser Steve Kramer saying “he’s out” and noting that the staff he had hired were disappointed.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Rap superstar Kanye West has qualified to appear on Oklahoma’s presidential ballot, the first state where he met the requirements before the filing deadline.

But confusion remains over whether he’s actually running.

A representative for West filed the necessary paperwork and paid the $35,000 filing Wednesday afternoon, which was the deadline for a spot on the state’s Nov. 3 presidential ballot, said Oklahoma Board of Elections spokeswoman Misha Mohr. He was one of three independent presidential candidates to pay the filing fee prior to the deadline, she added. The others were concert pianist Jade Simmons and cryptocurrency entrepreneur Brock Pierce.

The filing came a day after New York Magazine’s “Intelligencer” quoted West adviser Steve Kramer saying “he’s out” and noting that the staff he had hired were disappointed.

However, TMZ reported that the West campaign had filed a “Statement of Organization” Wednesday with the Federal Election Commission, stating that a Kanye 2020 committee would serve as principal campaign committee for a West candidacy.

West has already missed the deadline to qualify for the ballot in several states, and it’s unclear if he is willing or able to collect enough signatures required to qualify in others.

West, who is married to reality television star Kim Kardashian West, initially announced his candidacy on July 4. Days later, he told Forbes magazine that he, who once praised President Donald Trump and said the two share “dragon energy,” was “taking the red hat off” — a reference to Trump’s trademark red “Make America Great Again” cap.

West, who said that he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, told the magazine that he planned to model his White House on the fictional land in “Black Panther” if he won the presidency, adding “Let’s get back to Wakanda.”

Nick Cannon Apologizes For ‘Hurtful’ Anti-Semitic Comments

“I extend my deepest and most sincere apologies to my Jewish sisters and brothers for the hurtful and divisive words that came out of my mouth,” Cannon said in a series of tweets addressing his remarks on a podcast that was released last month.

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Nick Cannon apologized late Wednesday for “hurtful and divisive” anti-Semitic comments that led ViacomCBS to cut ties with the TV host and producer.

“I extend my deepest and most sincere apologies to my Jewish sisters and brothers for the hurtful and divisive words that came out of my mouth,” Cannon said in a series of tweets addressing his remarks on a podcast that was released last month.

He issued the apology hours after demanding an apology from ViacomCBS, which late Tuesday condemned him and said it was cutting ties with the host, with whom it had a more than 20-year working relationship.

Cannon said his apology came after discussions with Jewish leaders and he vowed to become more informed. “I am committed to deeper connections, more profound learning and strengthening the bond between our two cultures today and every day going forward,” he said on Twitter.

ViacomCBS cut ties with Cannon in response to his remarks on a podcast in which he and Richard “Professor Griff” Griffin, the former Public Enemy member, discussed racial bias. The podcast was recorded in May 2019 and released on June 30.

The men contended that Black people are the true Hebrews and Jews have usurped that identity. Cannon then argued that lighter-skinned people — “Jewish people, white people, Europeans” — “are a little less” and have a “deficiency” that historically caused them to act out of fear and commit acts of violence to survive.

“They had to be savages,” he said.

Jewish leaders including the Anti-Defamation League and prominent rabbis criticized the remarks.

Cannon said in his apology tweets that his words “reinforced the worst stereotypes of a proud and magnificent people and I feel ashamed of the uninformed and naïve place that these words came from.”

ViacomCBS cited Cannon’s lack of contrition as part of its reason for terminating their working relationship with him.

“While we support ongoing education and dialogue in the fight against bigotry, we are deeply troubled that Nick has failed to acknowledge or apologize for perpetuating anti-Semitism, and we are terminating our relationship with him,” the company said.

Cannon produced “Wild ’n Out,” a comedy improv series for VH1, a ViacomCBS-owned cable channel. He’s been a regular part of TV shows unconnected to the company, including as the former host of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” and host of Fox’s “The Masked Singer.”

The apology seemed to satisfy Fox, which noted it in a statement confirming Cannon will remain host of “The Masked Singer.”

“Nick has sincerely apologized, and quickly taken steps to educate himself and make amends,” the statement said. “On that basis and given a belief that this moment calls for dialogue, we will move forward with Nick and help him advance this important conversation, broadly.”

It is unclear whether the apology will repair Cannon’s relationship with ViacomCBS. Earlier Wednesday he demanded an apology from the company and said he was seeking full ownership of “Wild ’n Out.”

ViacomCBS’ action came as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the basketball great and writer, condemned several sports and entertainment celebrities for anti-Semitic tweets and posts and what he called a “shocking lack of indignation” in response.

Abdul-Jabbar made his comments in a column for The Hollywood Reporter that didn’t refer to Cannon.

Mary Trump Book Already Nearing 1 Million Sales

Simon & Schuster announced Thursday that Mary Trump’s “Too Much and Never Enough” had sold a company record 950,000 copies in combined print, digital and audio editions as of its date of sale, earlier this week.

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NEW YORK (AP) — Mary L. Trump’s scathing memoir about her uncle, President Donald Trump, is nearly a million seller on preorders alone.

Simon & Schuster announced Thursday that Mary Trump’s “Too Much and Never Enough” had sold a company record 950,000 copies in combined print, digital and audio editions as of its date of sale, earlier this week.

Another anti-Trump book from Simon & Schuster, former National Security Advisor John Bolton’s “The Room Where It Happened,” sold nearly 800,000 copies in its first week when released last month.

President Trump and his allies had tried to stop both books from coming out, alleging that Bolton had revealed classified information and that Mary Trump had violated a nondisclosure agreement. Judges in each case denied requests for injunctions.

Review: ‘Fatal Attraction’ In 2020 Is Called ‘Fatal Affair’

“Fatal Affair,” a Netflix release, is rated TV-14 for sex and language. Running time: 89 minutes. One star out of four.

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If you’re of a certain age, much of the new Netflix thriller “Fatal Affair” will be very familiar. That’s because it’s really just a diluted retelling of another, similarly named film — 1987′s “Fatal Attraction.”

Weirdly, that doesn’t mean this one — reuniting Omar Epps and Nia Long — isn’t worth microwaving a bucket of popcorn and connecting to Netflix when the kids are asleep. It’s actually a bit of a romp, even if the filmmakers didn’t intend that. This is a thriller that feels safe the second time around. You can even enjoy it with the sound off.

Both films share similar DNA — a middle-aged and wealthy but slightly bored spouse has a fling and then that lover goes on a full-on psychopathic rampage until one of them has to die. In 1987, Glenn Close was the spurned lover and Michael Douglas was the cheater.

“Fatal Affair” scrambles the deck, but not by much. Long stars as a well-to-do lawyer in a luxurious beachside property outside San Francisco who is stalked by an unstable acquaintance from her college days, played by Epps.

“I do have the perfect life, the perfect husband, the perfect daughter, the perfect home,” Long’s Ellie tells Epp’s character David when they have a few too many drinks after work one night. (Too bad she’s not in a perfect film.)

David, who crushed on Ellie 20 years ago, is still smitten and probes a weakness in his prey. “You deserve to be with a man who appreciates you,” he tells her.

They make out in one of those dimly lit, beautifully appointed empty and clean nightclub bathrooms that only appear in movies. She suddenly pulls away and goes home. That’s it. (“Affair” in the title is kind of a stretch). He starts a slow boil to Crazytown, but thankfully this time there’s no bunny in the pot.

The second half of the film is the familiar chasing down of his obsession — outwitting caller ID, peeping and blackmailing, the nasty unexpected dinner show-up, the turning her best friend against her. But director Peter Sullivan doesn’t have his heart set on a white-knuckle thriller. He is more happy with a Lifetime film.

Sullivan — who also co-wrote the script with Rasheeda Garner — likes surface beauty more than internal strife. He offers lazy, hazy editing you’d come to expect from a daytime movie, filled with pretty people alone, deep in thought, then sighing and turning toward home, a determined expression on their faces. Waves crashing on the shore are a motif. (Drink whenever you see ’em).

This is a world of the insular rich, where very nice kitchen knives in a very nice wood block are going to be used in ways their German makers never intended. It’s a world of big fluffy beds in mansions and where an Audi with Ellie in the diver’s seat slowly follows a Lexus piloted by David through San Francisco.

It has a script where Ellie, gazing off into the ocean at sunset, tells her daughter, “Now I can breathe.” This is where Epps’ David plays a high-level computer hacker but hasn’t yet enabled biometrics on his own cellphone and chooses terrible passwords on his personal laptop.

Twenty-one years after starring as lovers in “In Too Deep,” Long and Epps get few chances to let sparks fly and the script always gets in the way. “You’re a bad influence,” she tells him. “Things don’t have to be awkward between us,” he tells her. (Well, to be fair, they kind of do.)

There are some nice updates to the same old story, especially the addition of cellphones and security footage to make things feel intrusive. And the filmmakers have incorporated some old tech, namely an LP of that disco favorite “Forget Me Nots,” which is now made forever creepy.

If you rejoice when David appears dead with some 20 minutes to go in the film, you are an optimist. Did you expect that final part would be all about Ellie repairing her marriage in a loving montage? Oh, no. This will end in blood.

Just kidding, not a lot — happy landings for all the main nice characters. No one you cared about is ever in real jeopardy and this film will disappear from memory like butter in that popcorn bowl.

“Fatal Affair,” a Netflix release, is rated TV-14 for sex and language. Running time: 89 minutes. One star out of four.

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Online: https://www.netflix.com/title/81068703

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Mark Kennedy is at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits

Megan Thee Stallion Says She Was Shot, Expects To Recover

“I suffered gunshot wounds, as a result of a crime that was committed against me and done with the intention to physically harm me,” the 25-year-old Texan whose legal name is Megan Pete wrote in an Instagram post, without saying who shot her or why.

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Rapper Megan Thee Stallion said Wednesday that she was shot multiple times on Sunday, but expects to fully recover.

“I suffered gunshot wounds, as a result of a crime that was committed against me and done with the intention to physically harm me,” the 25-year-old Texan whose legal name is Megan Pete wrote in an Instagram post, without saying who shot her or why. “I’m incredibly grateful to be alive and that I’m expected to make a full recovery.”

Rapper Tory Lanez, who was with Pete that evening, was arrested on a concealed weapons charge in the Hollywood Hills early Sunday, Officer Jeff Lee said.

He had no comment on Pete’s Instagram post, but said it has been pointed out to the detectives in the case, who are looking into it.

Lanez was released after posting bail later Sunday, Los Angeles County jail records showed.

Police said that officers responded to gunfire in the neighborhood about 4:30 a.m. Sunday, and a woman was treated for a foot injury.

Messages left with representatives for the two rappers seeking more details were not immediately returned.

Pete said she wanted to correct an inaccurate narrative about what happened that evening, apparently referring to a TMZ story on Lanez’s arrest that said she was treated only for broken glass in her foot, and did not mention gunfire.

Pete said on Instagram that “the police officers drove me to the hospital where I underwent surgery to remove the bullets,” adding that “it was important for me to clarify the details about this traumatic night.”

She also said she was not arrested.

Megan Thee Stallion has seen a serious recent rise on the rap and pop music scene, topping the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart this year with her Beyoncé-assisted remix of “Savage,” which had a viral moment on the video-sharing platform TikTok. The song is from her nine-track album “Suga,” which was released in March and helped the performer win best female hip-hop artist at last month’s BET Awards, besting Cardi B, Nicki Minaj and Lizzo.

She’s also scored Top 40 pop hits with “Hot Girl Summer,” “Cash Shit” and the recent single “Girls in the Hood.”

“Suga” comes after the release of the projects “Fever” and “Tina Snow” that helped establish Stallion’s name in music. Last year she made the 2019 TIME 100 Next List, was named one of the AP’s Breakthrough Entertainers of the Year, won prizes at the MTV Video Music Awards and BET Hip-Hop Awards, and was honored by Variety and Billboard magazines.

“I’m currently focused on my recovery,” her Instagram post said, “so I can return back to my life and back to making music as soon as possible.”

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AP Music Writer Mesfin Fekadu contributed from New York.

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Follow AP Entertainment Writer Andrew Dalton on Twitter: https://twitter.com/andyjamesdalton.

Michelle Obama To Host Podcast On Health, Relationships

“My hope is that this series can be a place to explore meaningful topics together and sort through so many of the questions we’re all trying to answer in our own lives,” Obama said in a statement.

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Michelle Obama will let her own voice be heard on a new podcast.

The former first lady will host “The Michelle Obama Podcast” on the streaming service, the Obama’s Higher Ground and Spotify announced Thursday. The podcast will exclusively debut on Spotify on July 29.

“My hope is that this series can be a place to explore meaningful topics together and sort through so many of the questions we’re all trying to answer in our own lives,” Obama said in a statement.

The new podcast is the first title in the ongoing collaboration between Spotify and Higher Ground, a production company founded by Barack and Michelle Obama. Last year, the former president and first lady partnered with Spotify to produce exclusive podcasts for the platform.

Michelle Obama’s new podcast expects to hold candid and personal conversations with a focus on topics concerning relationships and health. She expects to have several guests on the series including talk-show host Conan O’Brien and Valerie Jarrett, business woman and former senior advisor to Barack Obama.

“Perhaps most of all, I hope this podcast will help listeners open up new conversations — and hard conversations —- with the people who matter most to them,” she said. “That’s how we can build more understanding and empathy for one another.”

Obama released her Netflix documentary “Becoming” in May. The project was an extension of her 2018 best-selling memoir of the same name and a kind of authorized filmic portrait of Obama.

Last year, she embarked on a rock-star-style tour of more than 30 cities to promote her book.

Providing Educational Programs and Camps for Our Youth

Living Classrooms is helping to keep our youth engaged during the summer.

Posted by Bobby Gailes
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Keeping the hopes and dreams of inner city youth going.  My guest today has been pushing our youth toward the future with programs and camps even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.  My guest is Doug Siglin – Managing Director for Living Classrooms for DC Programs

Living Classrooms has been around since 1985 and their motto is learning by doing.  They do a hot of outdoor education programs, mostly in Wards 5, 6, 7, and 8.  They also run an overnight camp in Virginia.  Additional, the organization operates youth development and job training programs.  More information 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.

 

 Listen to this mornings segment here:

Getting Your End-of-Life Affairs in Order

Wills, trusts and other information about securing your financial and property affairs before your death.

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More than 138-thousand Americans have died since the COVID-19 pandemic struck the United States.  Arguably the lion’s share of them would still be alive today if it were not for the deadly disease. It’s also likely that the unexpected deaths caught families off guard and unprepared for the sudden deaths.  We talk about getting your end-of-life affairs in order. Are you ready with your exit plan?

Resources:

Exit Plan Symposium at First Baptist Church of Glenarden

Guests:

Muriel Garr, Co-Host, “Beyond the Bling”

Rhonda Green, Founder & Author “My Exit Plan”

Tyra Banks Named New ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Host

In a statement, Banks said she’s a fan of the contest’s approach of “fun mixed with raw emotion, seeing celebrities push past their comfort zones, the sizzling dance performances … it’s always transported me to my days of turning it up 10 notches on the catwalk.”

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Tyra Banks will be showing off her moves as solo host of ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars.”

The supermodel, actor and businesswoman who co-created “America’s Next Top Model” will replace longtime host Tom Bergeron and take on the role of executive producer, ABC said late Tuesday.

In a statement, Banks said she’s a fan of the contest’s approach of “fun mixed with raw emotion, seeing celebrities push past their comfort zones, the sizzling dance performances … it’s always transported me to my days of turning it up 10 notches on the catwalk.”

Banks lauded Bergeron, host of the show since its 2005 debut, as having set “a powerful stage” and said she’s excited to continue the legacy.

Co-host Erin Andrews also is leaving the series, which is getting a “creative refresh” while honoring America’s affection for it, ABC said. Andrews was not expected to be replaced.

When the show will get to unveil its new approach in season No. 29 remains clouded by the pandemic-caused production halt affecting the return of most TV series.

The announcement that Banks is joining the show followed word Monday of Bergeron and Andrews’ exits. In a Twitter post, Bergeron called working on “Dancing With the Stars” an “incredible 15-year run and the most unexpected gift of my career.”

Last year, Bergeron drew attention when he expressed concern over the show’s decision to include former White House press secretary Sean Spicer among the contestants for last fall’s season.

Bergeron tweeted then that he had suggested to producers the new season be a “joyful respite from our exhausting political climate” and urged them to avoid “divisive bookings.”

ABC thanked the departing Bergeron for his “trademark wit and charm” that helped the show succeed and Andrews for her sense of humor.

Andrews originally competed as a contestant back in 2010 and returned as co-host in 2014.

George Floyd Lawsuit

Floyd family sues Minneapolis officers charged in his death.

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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Attorneys for George Floyd’s family have filed a lawsuit against the city of Minneapolis and the four police officers charged in his death. The lawsuit filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Minnesota alleges that the officers violated Floyd’s rights when they restrained him and that the city allowed a culture of excessive force, racism and impunity to flourish in its police force. Floyd, a Black man who was handcuffed, died May 25 after Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, pressed his knee against Floyd’s neck for nearly eight minutes as Floyd said he couldn’t breathe. Chauvin and the three other officers face criminal charges.

How Risky Is Dining Out During The COVID-19 Pandemic?

Ordering takeout or delivery is still the safest option for getting restaurant food, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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How risky is dining out during the COVID-19 pandemic?

There is some risk, but health officials say there are precautions you can take to minimize the chances you’ll be exposed to the virus.

Ordering takeout or delivery is still the safest option for getting restaurant food, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you decide to eat at a restaurant, it’s best to opt for outdoor seating where tables are at least 6 feet apart, the agency says. Dining inside a restaurant that hasn’t reduced its capacity or safely distanced tables poses the most risk, it says.

The coronavirus spreads through droplets that are emitted when people talk, laugh, sing, cough or sneeze. Indoor spaces are more risky than outdoor spaces because it might be harder to keep people apart and there’s less ventilation, the CDC says.

Diners should assess what other safety steps the restaurant is taking.

For example, servers should be wearing masks and the restaurant should have a process to ensure people are not congregating too closely while waiting for a table, says Dr. Susan Casey Bleasdale, an infectious disease expert at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Digital or disposable menus and throwaway utensils are also preferable, according to the CDC. The agency says touchless payment options, like those available on your mobile device, are optimal. Otherwise, restaurants should have procedures for avoiding hand-to-hand contact with cash and credit cards.

If you are gathering at a restaurant with a group, Bleasdale suggests only dining with people you know, and checking if they have been feeling sick or experiencing any symptoms.

People more vulnerable to severe illness from the virus, such as the elderly, might want to avoid eating out at restaurants altogether.

PGCPS Continues Distance Learning For Fall 2020

The first day of school is scheduled for August 31st. 

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Prince George’s County Public Schools CEO, Dr. Monica Goldson has announced that distance learning will continue until at least January 2021. In a statement released this afternoon, Goldson said in part,  “In light of the health disparities in communities that house more than 136,500 students and 20,000 employees, there is a significant public health concern if schools were to reopen this fall for in-person instruction.”  The first day of school is scheduled for August 31st.

Dr. Monica Goldson, CEO, Prince George’s County Public Schools

Statue Of Black Protester Replaces Toppled UK Slave Trader

The toppling of his statue was part of a worldwide reckoning with racism and slavery sparked by the death of a Black American man, George Floyd, at the hands of police in Minneapolis in May.

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LONDON (AP) — An artist has erected a statue of a Black Lives Matter protester atop the plinth in the English city of Bristol formerly occupied by a statue of a slave trader.

Marc Quinn created the life-size resin and steel likeness of Jen Reid, a protester photographed standing on the plinth after demonstrators pulled down the statue of Edward Colston and dumped it in Bristol’s harbor on June 7.

The statue, titled “A Surge of Power (Jen Reid)” was erected before dawn on Wednesday without approval from city officials.

Reid, who came to inspect her likeness, said “it’s something that fills me with pride.”

“I think it’s amazing,” she said. “It looks like it belongs there. It looks like it’s been there forever.”

Colston was a 17th-century trader who made a fortune transporting enslaved Africans across the Atlantic to the Americas on Bristol-based ships. His money funded schools and charities in Bristol, 120 miles (195 kilometers) southwest of London.

The toppling of his statue was part of a worldwide reckoning with racism and slavery sparked by the death of a Black American man, George Floyd, at the hands of police in Minneapolis in May.

Quinn, one of Britain’s best-known sculptors, said Reid had “created the sculpture when she stood on the plinth and raised her arm in the air. Now we’re crystallizing it.”

City authorities fished the Colston statue out of the harbor and say it will be placed in a museum, along with placards from the Black Lives Matter demonstration.

Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees cast doubt on whether the new statue would be allowed to stay, noting that it “was the work and decision of a London-based artist.”

“The future of the plinth and what is installed on it must be decided by the people of Bristol,” he said in a statement.

“This will be critical to building a city that is home to those who are elated at the statue being pulled down, those who sympathize with its removal but are dismayed at how it happened and those who feel that in its removal, they’ve lost a piece of the Bristol they know, and therefore themselves.”

‘Vanity Fair’ Cover Shot By Black Photographer For 1st Time

The publication has “had a problem in the past with putting Black women on the covers,” Davis says in an interview for the magazine.

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The new issue of Vanity Fair featuring a powerful image of Oscar-winning actor Viola Davis marks the first time the publication has featured the work of a Black photographer on its cover.

The historic image of Davis, shot by photographer Dario Calmese, shows the 54-year-old in profile, her back facing the camera. Davis is wearing a blue gown with a deep plunge in the back, hand on hip.

The publication has “had a problem in the past with putting Black women on the covers,” Davis says in an interview for the magazine.

Radhika Jones, the magazine’s editor-in-chief, writes in the issue that 17 Black people have been on the cover in the 35 years between 1983 and 2017, and that she was determined to fix the lack of representation when she took over the job.

She said in publishing Calmese’s photo of Davis on the cover, “we celebrate him and honor his vision at this heightened moment in American history.”

“Calmese describes his cover concept as a re-creation of the Louis Agassiz slave portraits taken in the 1800s — the back, the welts,” she writes. “This image (of Davis) reclaims that narrative, transmuting the white gaze on Black suffering into the Black gaze of grace, elegance and beauty.”

In her Vanity Fair interview, Davis discusses the recent racial justice protests, her upcoming role as Michelle Obama, her impoverished upbringing in Rhode Island, and the challenges of being a Black woman in Hollywood, among other topics. The issue hits newsstands on July 21.

CBS, NAACP Reach Multi-Year Agreement To Develop Content

“An important way to diversify and grow our storytelling is to expand our horizons beyond the traditional studio-producer system,” said George Cheeks, president and CEO of the CBS Entertainment Group.

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — CBS Television and the NAACP have reached an agreement to develop content that tells stories of the African American experience.

The television studio and civil rights organization announced the multi-year agreement in a joint statement Wednesday. The partnership will focus on creating and producing scripted, unscripted and documentary content for the studio’s broadcast, cable and streaming platforms.

CBS will work with the NAACP to form a team to acquire, develop and produce programming to detail inclusive stories.

“In this moment of national awakening, the time has never been better to further tell stories of the African American experience,” said Derrick Johnson, the president and CEO of the NAACP, which stands for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

“An important way to diversify and grow our storytelling is to expand our horizons beyond the traditional studio-producer system,” said George Cheeks, president and CEO of the CBS Entertainment Group.

ViacomCBS Drops Nick Cannon, Cites ‘Anti-Semitic’ Comments

“While we support ongoing education and dialogue in the fight against bigotry, we are deeply troubled that Nick has failed to acknowledge or apologize for perpetuating anti-Semitism, and we are terminating our relationship with him,” the company said.

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Nick Cannon’s “hateful speech” and anti-Semitic theories led ViacomCBS to cut ties with the TV host and producer, the media giant said.

“ViacomCBS condemns bigotry of any kind and we categorically denounce all forms of anti-Semitism,” the company said in a statement Tuesday. It is terminating its relationship with Cannon, ViacomCBS said.

The company’s move was in response to remarks made by Cannon on a podcast in which he and Richard “Professor Griff” Griffith, the former Public Enemy member, discussed racial bias. The podcast reportedly was filmed last year and aired two weeks ago.

“We have spoken with Nick Cannon about an episode of his podcast ‘Cannon’s Class’ on YouTube, which promoted hateful speech and spread anti-Semitic conspiracy theories,” ViacomCBS said.

“While we support ongoing education and dialogue in the fight against bigotry, we are deeply troubled that Nick has failed to acknowledge or apologize for perpetuating anti-Semitism, and we are terminating our relationship with him,” the company said.

Cannon produced “Wild ’n Out,” a comedy improv series for VH1, a ViacomCBS-owned cable channel. He’s been a regular part of TV shows unconnected to the company, including as the former host of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” and host of Fox’s “The Masked Singer.”

There was no immediate response to requests for comment made to a representative for Cannon and to him through his website. Fox also didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

In Cannon’s hour-plus podcast, he and Griffin contend that Black people are the true Hebrews and that Jews have usurped their identity.

Cannon then segues into a discussion of skin color — “And I’m going to say this carefully,” he begins — to allege that people who lack sufficient melanin are “a little less.”

Those without dark skin have a “deficiency” that historically forced them to act out of fear and commit acts of violence to survive, he said.

“They had to be savages,” Cannon said, adding that he was referring to “Jewish people, white people, Europeans,” among others.

ViacomCBS’ action came as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the basketball great and writer, condemned several sports and entertainment celebrities for anti-Semitic tweets and posts and what he called a “shocking lack of indignation” in response.

Abdul-Jabbar made his comments in a column for The Hollywood Reporter that didn’t refer to Cannon.

As controversy over his remarks began to bubble up Monday, Cannon replied in a Facebook post.

“I do not condone hate speech nor the spread of hateful rhetoric … The Black and Jewish communities have both faced enormous hatred, oppression persecution and prejudice for thousands of years and in many ways have and will continue to work together to overcome these obstacles,” he wrote.

In the lengthy post, Cannon also said he welcomed being held accountable for his statement and that he held himself accountable “for this moment and take full responsibility.”

Michael Jackson Channel Launching On SiriusXM

The channel will feature music from Jackson’s albums and from live performances, including his 1988 concerts at London’s Wembley Stadium on his Bad Tour.

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — The King of Pop is joining The Boss and Old Blue Eyes on SiriusXM satellite radio.

The month-long Michael Jackson channel was announced Wednesday by the singer’s estate.

The channel will feature music from Jackson’s albums and from live performances, including his 1988 concerts at London’s Wembley Stadium on his Bad Tour.

Around-the-clock King of Pop programming will begin at noon Eastern. Jackson joins SiriusXM channels devoted to artists like Bruce Springsteen, Frank Sinatra and The Beatles.

Playlists created by singer Akon, Jackson’s brothers and fellow Jackson 5 members Jackie, Marlon and Tito will also be featured.

It will also include music that influenced Jackson from artists including James Brown and Sly & the Family Stone, and artists that Jackson influenced including Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake and Usher.

Journalist and author Steven Ivory, a family friend who interviewed Jackson often, will provide the voice of the channel, telling stories, introducing discussions that chronicle the history and career of Jackson and sharing his own Jackson playlist.

Ivory said the music and message of Jackson, who died in 2009 at age 50, are especially fitting for the world in a moment of trouble and turmoil.

“Michael’s music has always rallied the world to acknowledge historical anguish in songs and videos such as ‘They Don’t Really Care About Us’ and ‘Black or White,‘” Ivory said in a statement. “At the same time, he aspired to unify and lead the world with inspiring anthems like ‘Heal the World’ and ‘Earth Song’ which addressed issues that were important to him such as the care of our planet.”

The channel will be available for 30 days on the SiriusXM app and streaming devices, and on the satellite radio network’s channel 50 for a week.

Body Camera Footage Of Floyd Arrest Could Show More Of Story

The video could also show what Chauvin was saying and doing, and how much Lane and Kueng saw. It could also dispel some discrepancies in the two transcripts that Walker, the media attorney, said raise questions about their accuracy.

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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Video from the body cameras of two officers charged in George Floyd’s death is being made available for public viewing by appointment on Wednesday, but a judge has so far declined to allow news organizations to publish the footage for wider distribution.

Footage from the body cameras of Thomas Lane and J. Kueng was filed with the court last week by Lane’s attorney, but only the written transcripts were made public. A coalition of news media organizations and attorneys for Lane and Kueng have said making the videos public would provide a more complete picture of what happened when Floyd was taken into custody.

Members of the news media and the public are viewing the video Wednesday by appointment at the courthouse. The media coalition, which includes The Associated Press, has said this arrangement is the equivalent of keeping the videos under seal, and the coalition is asking Judge Peter Cahill to allow the media to copy the videos and publish them.

Media attorney Leita Walker said in a court filing that the footage should be made widely available to “all members of the public concerned about the administration of justice in one of the most important, and most-watched, cases this State — perhaps this country — has ever seen.”

She also said allowing journalists to copy the footage, watch it multiple times, transcribe it and compare it to the transcripts and to time stamps from widely seen bystander video will help reporters piece together a more complete story.

“As the days of unrest in the Twin Cities showed, it is vitally important that the public have full confidence in the process and outcome of this criminal prosecution,” she said.

Floyd, a Black man who was handcuffed, died May 25 after Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, pressed his knee against Floyd’s neck for nearly eight minutes as Floyd said he couldn’t breathe. Chauvin is charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter. Tou Thao, Lane and Kueng are charged with aiding and abetting both second-degree murder and manslaughter. All four officers were fired.

The body camera videos and transcripts were filed in court last week by Lane’s attorney, Earl Gray, as part of a motion to have Lane’s case dismissed. Gray said at the time that he wanted the videos to be made public, telling the Star Tribune that they would show the “whole picture.” Gray said the bystander video shows just the last piece of what happened and “is not fair.”

Gray’s motion highlighted portions of the body-camera video that show Floyd “actively resisting and acting erratic” with officers. It also noted Floyd’s “request” to be put on the ground. Gray also argued that Lane didn’t have a clear view of what Chauvin was doing.

Kueng’s attorney, Tom Plunkett, said in a court filing that he also wants the videos made public. He said releasing information in piecemeal fashion has been catastrophic, leading to incomplete reporting by the media and unfairly portraying evidence in favor of the prosecution.

The video footage could provide a more vivid picture of what happened the night Floyd was arrested on suspicion of passing a fake $20 bill. The transcripts show Floyd appearing cooperative at times but becoming agitated as he begged not to be put in a squad car, saying repeatedly he was claustrophobic. The transcripts also detailed Floyd thrashing about in the back of the squad car to the point where he injured himself.

The footage will likely also will show what Lane, Kueng and Floyd did during the struggle, rather than what was merely said. It could also pick up on nonverbal cues that are not captured in the transcripts, such as labored breathing, tone of voice or physical reactions.

The video could also show what Chauvin was saying and doing, and how much Lane and Kueng saw. It could also dispel some discrepancies in the two transcripts that Walker, the media attorney, said raise questions about their accuracy.

Lamman Rucker Chooses Only Quality Roles; Ed Gordon Talks New Book

Lamman Rucker’s Hollywood Meets Ed Gordon’s News = A Great Night @HUR@Home

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Emmy Award-winning journalist, author Ed Gordon, talks about his timely, new book “Conversations In Black.” Later, actor Lamman Rucker joined in to talk about the importance of choosing quality roles. He also talked about his role as Jacob Greenleaf, on OWN TV’s hit show, GREENLEAF. This is the final season of the show.

 

Prince George’s County Tax Proposal

We’re going to hear from both sides of this taxing question.

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Welcome to another edition of HUR@Home. Tonight, I’m talking about a proposal to raise property taxes in Prince George’s County.  Controversial… because this question comes in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.  County executive Angela Alsobrooks is on the record as recently as last week… that she is against it.  We’re going to hear from both sides of this taxing question. We hear from County Councilman Derrick Leon Davis, representing District 6 and County Councilwoman Jolene Ivey, representing District 5.

Preserving Our African Heritage

The Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition needs your help to stop the destruction of the Moses African Cemetery.

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My guest today has been on a crusade in Montgomery County trying to save the only African American cemetery in Bethesda that is the final resting place for enslaved Africans.  Dr. Marsha Coleman-Adebayo – Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition

The Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition is working to stop the destruction of the Moses African Cemetery.  The cemetery is being demolished to make way for new construction in the county.  The coalition has been calling on the county executive to stop the effort because enslaved Africans are still buried on the site.  The location to meet is 5214 River Rd. Bethesda, MD.

More information can be found here:   http://www.bethesdaafricancemetery.org/

 

 

Listen  to this mornings segment here:

Stacey Abrams, 2020 Election Politics and Your Vote

Stacey Abrams sits down for a wide ranging interview.

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She was narrowly defeated for governor of the state of Georgia.  But Stacey Abrams has let no political grass grow under her feet.  She is one of several black women being considered as Vice-President Joe Biden’s 2020 running mate.  We spoke to Abrams about that and other issues in a wide ranging interview.

2020 Census Information

Part 1

Part 2

Guests:

Stacey Abrams, Former Georgia Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate

Dr. Ravi Perry, Chair, Dept. of Political Science, Howard University

Christian Cooper And The NYC Central Park Incident

He’s also the man who’s confrontation with Amy Cooper, no relation, about simply keeping her dog on a leash… turned into a national discussion about racism and black lives matter.

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Welcome to another edition of HUR@Home on WHUR.com and all of our social media platforms. I’m talking to Christian Cooper… a New York resident and bird enthusiast. He’s also the man who’s confrontation with Amy Cooper, no relation, about simply keeping her dog on a leash… turned into a national discussion about racism and black lives matter.

‘Empire’ Actor Arrested In Arizona, Accused Of Abusing Wife

Gray refused to leave his home when police arrived but was arrested after SWAT and crisis negotiators responded, police said.

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GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — “Empire” actor Bryshere Gray has been arrested in Arizona on accusations of abusing his wife, police said.

The Goodyear Police Department said 26-year-old Bryshere Gray was booked into jail Saturday, KPNX-TV reported.

The woman had visible injuries when she flagged someone down to ask for help near Gray’s home in the Phoenix suburb of Goodyear, saying her husband had assaulted her, police said. She told emergency responders that Gray had strangled her, and she was taken to a hospital, authorities said.

Gray refused to leave his home when police arrived but was arrested after SWAT and crisis negotiators responded, police said.

Gray, who played Hakeem Lyon on the Chicago-based TV show, was pulled over in Chicago in 2019 after authorities said a temporary license plate didn’t match the 2014 Rolls Royce he was driving. He was arrested on a misdemeanor registration charge and ticketed.

“Empire,” which ran for six seasons on Fox, aired its series finale in April.

Rockets’ Westbrook Has Virus, As NBA Bubble Faces First Test

“I tested positive for covid-19 prior to my teams departure to Orlando,” Westbrook wrote on his social media channels. “I’m currently feeling well, quarantined, and looking forward to rejoining my teammates when I am cleared.”

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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — Houston’s Russell Westbrook hasn’t made it to the NBA restart yet.

The coronavirus did — but health protocols seemed to work as the league and its players hoped they would.

On a day of troubling news for the league — Westbrook revealing that he has tested positive for the virus and two other players facing 10-day quarantines for leaving the league campus perimeter at Walt Disney World — it was also announced that two players tested positive for the virus after arriving in Central Florida last week.

But neither of those positive players ever made it out of quarantine, so neither entered the so-called bubble and could mingle freely with other players, coaches and staff. The NBA said both players, neither of whom were identified, “have since left the Campus to isolate at home or in isolation housing.” They could rejoin their teams later.

“Our protocols are unbelievable,” said Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry, one of the players who helped craft the restart rules. “I think our protocols and our health and safety measures have been top-notch. I think this thing will work perfectly. … We’re doing everything that we can possibly do to make sure that we’re healthy, we’re safe and we’re in an environment where we can be successful and do our jobs at a high level.”

It’s unclear when Westbrook will arrive. As recently as Sunday, the Rockets believed that Westbrook, NBA scoring leader James Harden and newly re-acquired Luc Mbah a Moute — none of the three traveled with the team to Walt Disney World near Orlando last week — would be with the team in the next few days.

In Westbrook’s case, that now seems most unlikely.

“I tested positive for covid-19 prior to my teams departure to Orlando,” Westbrook wrote on his social media channels. “I’m currently feeling well, quarantined, and looking forward to rejoining my teammates when I am cleared.”

The arrival dates for Harden and Mbah a Moute are murky as well. Neither player has revealed why they aren’t at Disney, and Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni would only say that “these are things that people are dealing with.”

D’Antoni said Westbrook had taken part in individual workouts when they were permitted back in Houston, but declined to elaborate further on the guard’s condition. He also isn’t sure when the missing Rockets will arrive.

“I did have one year of pre-med,” D’Antoni said. “But I don’t know when it’s going to happen. As soon as protocols get out of the way … they’re all anxious to get here and they’re doing what they need to do to stay in shape.

“This is not going to set us back. We’re not going to let it set us back, and we’re going to be ready to roll here in the next two, three weeks.”

Westbrook is averaging 27.5 points, eight rebounds and seven assists per game for the Rockets this season. Houston has clinched a playoff spot and resumes its season with the first of eight seeding games on July 31 against Dallas.

“I’m praying for his safety and the same for his family,” Phoenix guard Devin Booker said. “Hopefully he can get healthy and get down here as soon as possible.”

The league also said Monday that 19 players newly tested positive since July 1 during in-market testing, meaning tests done before teams began arriving at Disney on July 7. Upon arrival at Disney, 322 players were tested with the two positives.

“All we can do is try to stay optimistic about it and positive, and hopefully we can finish this season,” said Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, the reigning NBA Finals MVP.

Inside the NBA bubble, however, there was optimism that the rules established by the league and the players will work — even though some Disney parks reopened to visitors over the weekend and the MLS restart, also at the campus, has seen two teams leave after a spate of positive tests.

“It’s a condition, a virus, that does not discriminate,” Phoenix coach Monty Williams said. “And we’re trying to do everything we can to keep our guys safe.”

Those protocols that Lowry spoke of were designed to be taken seriously, and at least two players inside the NBA bubble have already paid a steep price for violating quarantine upon their teams’ respective arrivals last week.

Sacramento’s Richaun Holmes revealed Monday that he “briefly and accidentally” crossed the NBA campus line to pick up a food delivery. Under the NBA’s rules of the restart, he now has to spend 10 days in quarantine.

Holmes said he had eight days left in quarantine.

“I apologize for my actions and look forward to rejoining my teammates for our playoff push,” Holmes wrote.

Also Monday, a person with knowledge of the situation said that Houston’s Bruno Caboclo was also serving a 10-day quarantine for crossing the campus line. Like Holmes, Caboclo also had eight days remaining Monday, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Rockets have not announced the sanction.

Monday’s developments came on a day where more than 12,000 new cases were confirmed in Florida, now perhaps the hottest of virus hotspots in the U.S. And officials in Houston also called for that city to lock back down as area hospitals strain to accommodate patients sick with COVID-19.

Westbrook also offered a word of caution.

“Please take this virus seriously,” Westbrook wrote. “Be safe. Mask up!”

___

More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Deceased Cat Gets Voter Registration Application In Mail

“There’s a huge push but if they’re trying to register cats, I’m not sure who else they’re trying to register. I’m not sure if they’re trying to register dogs, mice, snakes,” Carol Tims said.

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ATLANTA (AP) — In a presidential election year, there’s always a push to get people registered to vote.

For one Atlanta family, that push got a little interesting.

Ron Tims said he checked his mail Wednesday and found a voter registration application addressed to Cody Tims — his cat, who died 12 years ago.

“A great cat, indoor and outdoor, loved his family, loved his neighborhood. He was 18 and a half when he passed away,” Carol Tims told WAGA-TV.

The Tims were surprised, and a bit amused when they saw what Cody received in the mail.

“There’s a huge push but if they’re trying to register cats, I’m not sure who else they’re trying to register. I’m not sure if they’re trying to register dogs, mice, snakes,” Carol Tims said.

The Secretary of State’s Office said the application did not come from its office and that third-party groups often use mailing lists to get names and addresses.

“Third-party groups all over the country are targeting Georgia to help register qualified individuals,” the Secretary of State’s Office said in a statement. “This group makes you wonder what these out-of-town activists are really doing. Make no mistake about it, this office is dedicated to investigating all types of fraud.”

The Secretary of State’s Office said it’s quite sure that even if Cody were still alive and showed up at the polls, he wouldn’t be allowed to vote since he does not have a license or state ID.

If you’re wondering how Cody would have voted if he could go to the polls. His owner said he was a DemoCAT.

Pandemic Leads 7-Eleven To Forgo Free Slurpees On 7-11

“Gathering nine million of our closest friends in stores on one day just didn’t feel right,” said Marissa Jarratt, 7-Eleven’s chief marketing officer.

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DALLAS (AP) — The coronavirus pandemic has taken away another summertime tradition in the U.S.: There will be no free Slurpees at 7-Elevens on Saturday — July 11 — to hail a date that doubles as an abbreviation of the convenience store chain’s name.

7-Eleven has been giving away its slushy beverage to all customers for nearly 20 years on July 11, but it scrapped the promotion this summer to reduce the risk of people flocking to its stores and risking contracting the coronavirus.

“Gathering nine million of our closest friends in stores on one day just didn’t feel right,” said Marissa Jarratt, 7-Eleven’s chief marketing officer.

The Dallas-based chain instead decided to donate 1 million meals to Feeding America, a hunger relief group. The roughly 33 million people who had 7-Eleven’s membership app installed on their smartphones as of July 1 are also eligible for a free medium Slurpee at any time this month.

Naya Rivera, Who Rose To Fame On TV Show ‘Glee,’ Dies At 33

Viola Davis sent her prayers to Rivera’s family and Kristin Chenoweth said: “Thank you for what you gave the world.” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said that “as a Latina, it’s rare to have a rich, complex characters reflect us in media.”

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NEW YORK (AP) — Naya Rivera, a singer and actor who played a gay cheerleader on the hit TV musical comedy “Glee,” was found dead Monday in a Southern California lake. She was 33.

Rivera’s body was discovered five days after she disappeared on Lake Piru, where her son, Josey, was found July 8 alone on a boat the two had rented, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office said. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the body was Rivera’s.

“Rest sweet, Naya. What a force you were,” wrote “Glee” co-star Jane Lynch on Twitter. Steven Canals, who co-created and produced the FX television show “Pose,” tweeted that he was “heartbroken over all the stories that will remain untold.”

Viola Davis sent her prayers to Rivera’s family and Kristin Chenoweth said: “Thank you for what you gave the world.” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said that “as a Latina, it’s rare to have a rich, complex characters reflect us in media.”

Rivera began acting at a young age, but she rose to national attention playing a lesbian teen on “Glee,” which aired from 2009 until 2015 on Fox. She is survived by her parents, Yolanda and George; a younger brother, Mychal; a sister, Nickayla; and her 4-year-old son.

“Naya Rivera was a fierce talent with so much more to do and this is such a terrible tragedy. We are forever grateful for the indelible contribution she made to ‘Glee,’ from the first episode to the last,” said a statement from 20th Century Fox TV and Fox Entertainment.

A native of Santa Clarita, California, Rivera began acting at 4, appearing in such series as “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “Family Matters” and “The Bernie Mac Show.” As a teen, she struggled with an eating disorder and had breast implants put in at 18 (“a confidence thing, not a sexual thing,” she would later write in her autobiography).

“I had the lowest self esteem in high school possible. I wasn’t popular, I didn’t have friends, but I would say it’s really important that you know who you are and you’re going to win in the end because of that,” Rivera said in a 2011 interview with The Associated Press.

She worked odd jobs as a telemarketer, a nanny, a waitress and an Abercrombie & Fitch greeter before landing the role of Santana Lopez on Ryan Murphy’s “Glee.” She auditioned by singing “Emotion.” The pilot offered her no speaking lines.

Rivera played a secondary character — the mean cheerleader with blistering put-downs — in the show’s first season, but became a show regular in the second season as she struggled to reveal her character’s sexual identity. Many on social media credited her character for making them feel better about their own sexuality.