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Trial Date Set for Officers Charged In George Floyd Murder

Former police officers set to go on trial March 8th for killing George Floyd

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(Monday, June 29, 2020) – The four ex- Minneapolis police officers accused in the killing of George Floyd were back in a Minneapolis courtroom today where a judge has set a trial date.  The trial date will be March 8th.  Derek Chauvin, Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Kiernan Lane face a variety of charges.  Chauvin faces the most serious as he is the officer seen on video kneeling on Floyd’s neck as he gasped for air and repeatedly said “I can’t breathe.”

Mississippi to Remove Confederate Emblem from State Flag

State flag in Mississippi is getting a new design without the Confederate emblem

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(Monday, June 29, 2020) – Mississippi lawmakers have voted to retire the confederate battle emblem from the state flag.  The move comes after more than a century and makes Mississippi the last U.S. state to do so.  The vote came yesterday with a broad coalition of lawmakers supporting the move.  It comes as the state has faced increasing pressure amid nationwide protests against racial injustice.

A commission will design a new flag that  will not include the confederate symbol and must have the words “In God We Trust.”  Voters will get a chance to weigh-in on November 3rd. 

 

Mike Henry To Stop Voicing Black Character On ‘Family Guy’

Henry had also voiced the Latin maid named Consuela on the series.

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — “Family Guy” voice actor Mike Henry said Friday he is stepping down from the role of Cleveland Brown on the Fox animated series.

Henry wrote on Twitter that he will stop playing the show’s main African American character because “persons of color should play characters of color.” The 54-year-old voice actor, who is a white man, has voiced the character since the series’ debut in 1999.

Henry had also voiced the Latin maid named Consuela on the series.

His decision comes after voice actors Jenny Slate and Kristen Bell — who are white — pulled out of their roles to recast their biracial characters with someone of color. Slate played the mixed-raced Missy on Netflix’s “Big Mouth” and Bell was voiced as Molly on Apple TV Plus’s “Central Park.”

Slate said she initially reasoned that she could play her character, because Molly’s mother is Jewish and white, just like her mom. But now, she understands that her initial thoughts were wrong.

“I acknowledge how my original reasoning was flawed,” Slate said. “That it existed as an example of white privilege and unjust allowances made within a system of societal white supremacy, and that in me playing Missy, I was engaging in an act of erasure of Black people.”

 

Daytime Emmys: ‘The Young and the Restless’ Wins Best Drama

CBS’ “The Young and the Restless,” whose co-creator Lee Philip Bell died in February at age 91, earned four other trophies in technical categories.

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — “The Young and the Restless” won best drama at the first virtual Daytime Emmys along with three acting trophies on Friday night, with some winners speaking out about racial injustice.

Ellen DeGeneres accepted the trophy for best entertainment talk show for her self-titled program.

“I intend to use the next two years of my show as a platform for change, to amplify voices of Black people and people of color and to educate my audience,” she said from home. “More than ever, I feel like this is a responsibility to effect change.”

CBS’ “The Young and the Restless,” whose co-creator Lee Philip Bell died in February at age 91, earned four other trophies in technical categories.

Jason Thompson, who plays Billy Abbott on “The Young and the Restless,” won his first Daytime Emmy for lead actor in a drama series. He becomes the third actor who has played the part to win. David Tom did so in 2000, and Billy Miller won in 2010, 2013 and 2014. Thompson had been nominated five previous times for his stint on “General Hospital,” but didn’t win.

Bryton James of “Y&R” earned supporting actor honors, while Eva LaRue won for guest performer on the show.

“The world is fighting against racial injustice and it’s our responsibility as the human race to educate ourselves and take action, because until we all can acknowledge and empathize with the problem there will always be a problem,” James said from his sofa.

Alex Trebek won best game show host for the second straight year and “Jeopardy!” claimed game show honors.

At 79, Trebek continues to preside over the popular quiz show while battling pancreatic cancer. In March, he announced he had survived one year of treatment. Taping of the show has since been suspended during the coronavirus pandemic, which has affected talk shows and daytime dramas.

“I’ll be honest with you, this one is a shock, very surprising to me,” Trebek said. “Speaking as one who has now been nominated 32 times and won seven times, I think I can say with some degree of authority that winning is nicer.”

Heather Tom of “The Bold and the Beautiful” earned lead dramatic actress honors for her longtime role of Katie Logan. Tamara Braun of “General Hospital” won as supporting actress.

Singer Kelly Clarkson won best entertainment talk show host for the first season of her eponymous show.

“Watch out @johnlegend I’m comin’ for that EGOT status,” Clarkson tweeted, referring to her fellow singer’s victories at the Emmys, Grammys, Oscars and Tony awards.

The team from “General Hospital” won directing honors, while best writing went to the team from “The Bold and the Beautiful.”

Other winners included ABC’s “The View” for informative talk show and NBC’s “Today” for morning show.

Olivia Rose Keegan of “Days of Our Lives” won for younger actor or actress in a drama series.

The women of “The Talk” — Sharon Osbourne, Sheryl Underwood, Eve, Carrie Ann Inaba and Marie Osmond — presided over the two-hour telecast on CBS. The 47th annual awards were back on a broadcast network for the first time since 2011 after being relegated to cable or streaming in recent years.

Nominees, presenters and hosts checked in remotely instead of gathering at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, where the show was to be held June 12.

T.I. To Teach ‘Business of Trap Music’ At Clark Atlanta

T.I., also known as Clifford Harris, said he’s excited to work with Atlanta’s historically Black colleges and universities, and their “innovative approach” to providing an education “beyond the traditional textbook curriculum.”

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ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta rapper T.I. will soon be adding educator to his resume.

T.I will join hip-hop scholar Dr. Melva K. Williams at Clark Atlanta University this fall to teach the “Business of Trap Music,” news outlets reported.

The course will focus on the origin, culture and business of trap music, according to the university.

T.I., also known as Clifford Harris, said he’s excited to work with Atlanta’s historically Black colleges and universities, and their “innovative approach” to providing an education “beyond the traditional textbook curriculum.”

These schools have been vital in the community “and have managed to withstand even while being some of the most under-resourced institutions,” he added.

Trap music is a down South staple. The sub-genre of hip hop is cemented in Atlanta culture and can be seen at T.I.’s “Trap Music Museum,” which has become a popular destination for tourists and fans alike, news outlets reported.

Winners At The 2020 BET Awards

A list of winners at the 2020 BET Awards, which aired virtually Sunday because of the coronavirus pandemic.

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A list of winners at the 2020 BET Awards, which aired virtually Sunday because of the coronavirus pandemic.

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— Video of the year: DJ Khaled featuring Nipsey Hussle and John Legend, “Higher”

— Best female R&B/pop artist: Lizzo

— Best male R&B/pop artist: Chris Brown

— Best female hip-hop artist: Megan Thee Stallion

— Best male hip-hop artist: DaBaby

— Best new artist: Roddy Ricch

— Best group: Migos

— Best collaboration: Chris Brown featuring Drake, “No Guidance”

— Album of the year: Roddy Ricch, “Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial”

— Humanitarian award: Beyoncé

— Dr. Bobby Jones best gospel/inspirational award: Kirk Franklin, “Just for Me”

— Best actress: Issa Rae

— Best actor: Michael B. Jordan

— Best movie: “Queen & Slim”

— Youngstars award: Marsai Martin

— Sportswoman of the year: Simone Biles

— Sportsman of the year: LeBron James

— BET HER award: Beyoncé featuring Blue Ivy Carter, Wizkid and Saint JHN, “Brown Skin Girl”

— Video director of the year: Teyana Taylor

— Best international act: Burna Boy (Nigeria)

— Viewer’s choice: Best new international act: Sha Sha (Zimbabwe)

 

BET Awards Highlight Black Voices As Artists Turn Political

Michelle Obama highlighted Beyoncé’s commitment to the Black community before presenting her with the humanitarian award, saying: “You can see it in everything she does, from her music that gives voice to Black joy and Black pain, to her activism that demands justice for Black lives.”

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NEW YORK (AP) — The BET Awards served as an extension of the voices of Black people protesting in the streets about the inequalities Black people face daily, as artists used their performances to highlight the Black Lives Matter movement, civil rights and the lives of those lost because of police officers, including George Floyd.

DaBaby, with his face pressed against the ground as an officer’s knee crippled his neck — replicating the last moments of Floyd’s life — rapped a verse from the Black Lives Matter remix of his hit song “Rockstar.” His performance also featured images from protests, a reflection of the current world in the wake of Floyd’s death and the death of others, including Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery.

Sunday’s show, a virtual event because of the coronavirus pandemic, featured a number of highly produced, well-crafted and pre-taped performances. The BET Awards kicked off with Black artists rapping and singing anthems about the Black experience and fighting for equal rights.

The 12-year-old sensation Keedron Bryant, who turned heads on social media with his passionate performance about being a young Black man in today’s world, started the show with an a cappella performance of his poignant song “I Just Wanna Live,” which earned him a record deal. That was followed by an all-star performance of Public Enemy’s 1989 anthem “Fight the Power,” featuring Nas, Black Thought, Rapsody and YG adding new lyrics to the song, even namedropping Taylor and others.

Michelle Obama highlighted Beyoncé’s commitment to the Black community before presenting her with the humanitarian award, saying: “You can see it in everything she does, from her music that gives voice to Black joy and Black pain, to her activism that demands justice for Black lives.”

Beyoncé used her speech to encourage viewers to vote “like our life depends on it” in the upcoming election.

“I want to dedicate this award to all of my brothers out there, all of my sisters out there inspiring me, marching and fighting for change. Your voices are being heard and you’re proving to our ancestors that their struggles were not in vain. Now we have one more thing we need to do to walk in our true power, and that is to vote,” she said. “There are people banking on us staying at home during local elections and primaries happening in states across the country. We have to vote like our life depends on it, because it does.”

Sunday’s show celebrated BET’s 20th awards show and BET’s 40th year as a network. The three-hour event, which aired on CBS for the first time, was hosted by comedian, actress and TV personality Amanda Seales, who starred in several skits, including one about women who identify as “Karen,” a common stereotype and term for racist and privileged white women.

Other artists were political during their performances, including Roddy Ricch, who wore a Black Lives Matter shirt while he rapped, Alicia Keys, Anderson Paak and Jay Rock, as well as brothers SiR and D Smoke, who performed with their mother Jackie Gouché.

Lil Wayne paid tribute to NBA icon Kobe Bryant, who died in January, with a performance of his 2009 song “Kobe Bryant,” weaving in new lyrics. Wayne Brady, in a glittery suit, rolled around on top of a piano as he sang a medley of Little Richard hits.

Nipsey Hussle, who was named best male hip-hop artist and earned the humanitarian award at last year’s BET Awards, won video of the year for “Higher,” a clip he filmed with DJ Khaled and John Legend shortly before he died .

“This is for Nipsey Hussle and hip-hop,” Khaled said in a taped video. “Nipsey Hussle, thank you for working with me on this ‘Higher’ record. I appreciate you. Nipsey’s family, we love you.”

The BET Awards, one of the first awards shows to air virtually, featured performances that were sharp with artsy stage production, giving extra life to the songs being performed. It was a welcome break from the “living room” and homebound performances hundreds of artists have shared on social media since the pandemic hit in March.

Chloe x Halle, who have successfully performed for various TV shows and events during the pandemic while promoting their new album, gave an epic performance of their songs “Do It” and “Forgive Me.” R&B star Summer Walker, who played guitar and sang, was also impressive during her performance, which featured Usher.

Megan Thee Stallion went to the desert with background dancers as she twerked and rapped her No. 1 hit “Savage.” She won best female hip-hop artist, beating out Cardi B and Nicki Minaj.

“Oh my God, I probably recorded this video like 10 times. It feels so crazy doing this from my house,” she said. “I used to watch the BET Awards all the time thinking, ‘One day that’s going to be me going up there accepting my award’ — and now it is.”

Though the BET Awards are technically about handing out trophies, the awards were an afterthought. During the live telecast, Richh won album of the year for his debut “Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial”; Lizzo was named best female R&B/pop artist; and Burna Boy won best international act. Overall, Chris Brown, Beyoncé and Ricch were the night’s big winners, taking home two honors each. Beyoncé won the BET HER award for “Brown Skin Girl,” shared with daughter Blue Ivy Carter as well as Wizkid and Saint JHN. The song also won Beyoncé and Blue Ivy a Soul Train Music Award last year.

 

HUR@HOME Inspiration Pastor Mia K. Wright and Ricky Dillard

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On the June 28th edition of HUR@HOME Inspiration we talked with Pastor Mia K. Wright of the Fountain of Praise Church in Houston, Texas, and Gospel artist Dr. Ricky Dillard. Pastor Wright co-pastors Fountain of Praise with her husband Remus E. Wright.

Fountain of Praise has over 24,000 members was where the funeral of George Floyd, who was killed by police in Minneapolis, was held. Pastor Wright said when they worked with the church member who was a member of George Floyd family to prepare for the funeral at the Fountain of Praise they had no idea that the event and the church would the focus of eyes worldwide. She said the Floyd family is still recovering from the loss of their loved one.

Pastor Wright and her family are also recovering from a tragic loss. A member of her family whose mother was murdered in a Black on Black crime incident was recently murdered in a similar incident. Through his grief because of the loss of the family member, her son preached his first sermon at the church today. Pastor Wright’s book, “Unthinkable” speaks to the season of change we find ourselves in today and how we should not let outdated thoughts hold us back from what God wants for us.

Ricky Dillard talked to us from Atlanta. He is in the music ministry of the Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, MD. Ricky talked about how he recorded his previous album Ebenezer AME in Fort Washington on the day of Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration and screened Ava DuVernay’s documentary “13th” before the recording to make a statement. Ricky let us know that his new album, “The Choir Master” is available and contains music just right for what the world is going through today.

Empowering Our Young Girls

We’re not only building confidence, but cultural pride as well.

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It’s all about empowering our girls to be their very best in this new world of virtual reality.  My guest is Janice Ferebee – Speaker, Social Influencer,  and author of the book “Got It Goin’ On”

#BlackGirlsMatterToo: Being WOKE is not enough! As a result, now more than ever, parents, teachers, practitioners, girl-serving organizations, and mentors need to empower Black girls not only to build confidence, but cultural pride as well.  More information go here:

 

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Young, Gifted and Frisked

Young, Gifted and Frisked is an examination of what appears to be a resurgence of stop and frisk policies by police across the nation. 

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Young, Gifted and Frisked is an examination of what appears to be a resurgence of stop and frisk policies by police across the nation.  This was last part of a national conversation when former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg ran for president.  Now the issue is back in the form of uncomfortable interactions with police and young black men and teenagers.

Just last week the DC ACLU released a report saying stop and frisk tactics used by the Metropolitan Police Department are racially biased.  More than 70% of stops made by DC Police between July and December of last year were of black people.  But African-Americans make up only 47% of the population.

Video (CLICK HERE)

PART 1

PART 2

 

Guests

Dr. Robert Wingfield, Chief Psychologist and Clinic Director, Boys Town Washington, DC

Kichelle Coleman, Executive Director, Boys Town Washington, DC

Jualow Lloyd, 25-year-old Security Guard

Ayize Sabater, 24-year-old Student, Morgan State University

 

DIY HOME PROJECTS, GETTING IT RIGHT ON THE CHEAP

We’re helping you with your next project.  How you can do it smartly and cheaply.

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When the pandemic shutdown forced many of us to work from home… a lot of us were prompted to work on our homes.  We got a chance to take long looks at work that needed to be done, inside and out.  Do it yourself projects have seen a surge over the past several months.  We’re helping you with your next project.  How you can do it smartly and cheaply.

Resources:

Ace Hardware DC

Danielle Kelly Interior Artist

Lumens

Modern Masters

Guests:

Aisha Bryant, General Manager, Ace Hardware DC (not pictured)

Danielle Kelly, Interior Artist

 

 

 

House Passes DC Statehood Bill

House approves DC statehood; Senate GOP opposes

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The Democratic-controlled House has approved a bill to make the District of Columbia the 51st state in a partisan, party-line vote. Democratic lawmakers say Congress has both the moral obligation and constitutional authority to ensure that the city’s 700,000 residents are allowed full voting rights, no longer subject to “taxation without representation.” Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, the district’s non-voting representative in Congress, sponsored the bill, saying it has both the facts and Constitution on its side. D.C.’s population is larger than those of Wyoming and Vermont, and its budget is larger than 12 states. Action on the bill in the GOP-controlled Senate is unlikely.

House Approves George Floyd Police Reform Bill

George Floyd Policing Act has cleared the House

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Washington, DC (Friday, June 26, 2020) – The House passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.  The measure was approved by a vote of 236 to 181 Thursday night along party lines. The legislation is viewed as the first-ever bold to hold police accountable, change the culture of law enforcement, empower our communities, and build trust between law enforcement and communities by addressing systemic racism and bias to help save lives. Congressional Black Caucus Chair Karen Bass (D-CA), Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Kamala Harris (D-CA), and House Judiciary Committee Chair Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) on June 8, 2020. The legislation has 231 cosponsors in the House and 36 cosponsors in the Senate.

Under the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, for the first time ever federal law would: 1) ban chokeholds; 2) end racial and religious profiling; 3) eliminate qualified immunity for law enforcement; 4) establish national standard for the operation of police departments; 5) mandate data collection on police encounters; 6) reprogram existing funds to invest in transformative community-based policing programs; and 7) streamline federal law to prosecute excessive force and establish independent prosecutors for police investigations.

The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020:

  1. Prohibits federal, state, and local law enforcement from racial, religious and discriminatory profiling, and mandates training on racial, religious, and discriminatory profiling for all law enforcement.
  • Bans chokeholds, carotid holds and no-knock warrants at the federal level and limits the transfer of military-grade equipment to state and local law enforcement.
  • Mandates the use of dashboard cameras and body cameras for federal offices and requires state and local law enforcement to use existing federal funds to ensure the use of police body cameras.
  • Establishes a National Police Misconduct Registry to prevent problematic officers who are fired or leave on agency from moving to another jurisdiction without any accountability.
  • Amends federal criminal statute from “willfulness” to a “recklessness” standard to successfully identify and prosecute police misconduct.
  • Reforms qualified immunity so that individuals are not barred from recovering damages when police violate their constitutional rights.
  • Establishes public safety innovation grants for community-based organizations to create local commissions and task forces to help communities to re-imagine and develop concrete, just and equitable public safety approaches.
  • Creates law enforcement development and training programs to develop best practices and requires the creation of law enforcement accreditation standard recommendations based on President Obama’s Taskforce on 21st Century policing.
  • Requires state and local law enforcement agencies to report use of force data, disaggregated by race, sex, disability, religion, age.
  • Improves the use of pattern and practice investigations at the federal level by granting the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division subpoena power and creates a grant program for state attorneys general to develop authority to conduct independent investigations into problematic police departments.
  • Establishes a Department of Justice task force to coordinate the investigation, prosecution and enforcement efforts of federal, state and local governments in cases related to law enforcement misconduct.

Kevin Durant Won’t Play in 2020 Season

Durant ruptured an Achilles tendon a year ago for Golden State in Game 5 of the NBA Finals against Toronto.

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NEW YORK (AP) — Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant says he won’t play if the season resumes, telling The Undefeated, “My season is over.” Durant ruptured an Achilles tendon a year ago for Golden State in Game 5 of the NBA Finals against Toronto. He says it was decided after the injury that he would wait until the following season to return to action. He also had COVID-19 this year. The Nets currently hold the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference.

Charlie Wilson on The Steve Harvey Morning Show

Charlie Wilson promotes his new single and also talks about Tulsa, Ok. and the Covid-19 Pandemic

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Charlie Wilson will join the show this morning to promote his new single, “One I Got” and his upcoming album. Charlie is a Tulsa, OK native and will also address Tulsa’s legacy as the “Black Wall Street,” and efforts to bring further awareness about the Covid-19 Pandemic.

 

Financial Help for Those Who Are Unemployed

The Tree of Life Christian Ministries and Employ Prince George’s are teaming for a gift card giveaway

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The Tree of Life Christian Ministries are teaming up wth Employ Prince George’s to give gift cards to those who have been impacted and are struggling financially by the Covid-19 pandemic. My guest this morning is Dr. Marcia Robinson with the Tree of Life Christian Ministries.

To apply for the gift cards you must go to: www.employpgedge.com

 

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Surge Forcing Some Governors to Reverse COVID-19 Policies

US virus cases near an all-time high as governors backtrack.

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NEW YORK (AP) — The coronavirus crisis is deepening rapidly in Arizona, and the governor of Texas is beginning to backtrack after making one of the most aggressive pushes in the nation to reopen his state. The daily count of confirmed cases across the U.S. stands near the peak reached during the dark days of late April. According to a count kept by Johns Hopkins University, the 34,500 COVID-19 cases reported Wednesday were slightly fewer than the day before, but still close to the U.S. daily high of 36,400 from April.

$1 Million+ COVID-19 Relief Payments Sent to Deceased

Audit: US sent $1.4B in virus relief payments to dead people.

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WASHINGTON (AP) — A government watchdog says nearly 1.1 million relief payments totaling some $1.4 billion went to dead people in the government’s coronavirus aid program. More than 130 million so-called economic impact payments were sent to taxpayers as part of the $2.4 trillion coronavirus relief package enacted in March. The Government Accountability Office, Congress’ auditing arm, cites the number of erroneous payments to deceased taxpayers in a new report on the government programs. The IRS asked in May for the money back from the deceased taxpayers’ survivors. Some legal experts have said the government may not have the legal authority to require that it be returned.

Malls Reopen In Prince George’s County June 29th

Prince George’s County will move to a full phase 2 June 29th @ 5pm

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Largo, Maryland – (Thursday, June 29, 2020) – Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks announced today that the County will move from a modified phase two to a full phase two reopening on June 29, 2020 at 5:00 PM. This decision was made under the advice of public health officials and the data that the County has been monitoring, including continued downward trends in the number of COVID-19 cases, deaths, and hospitalizations.

“We remain cautiously optimistic as we move forward with our phased reopening and recovery of Prince George’s County,” said Alsobrooks. “I am encouraged by the progress that we have made together as a community to slow the spread of this virus, and I know that if we all continue to take certain precautions, we can continue to contain the spread of COVID-19 in this next phase of our reopening.”

As part of the full phase two reopening, residents are still encouraged to exercise caution and limit non-essential trips. A number of non-essential businesses and services will be able to reopen with modifications that protect the health and safety of employees and residents, including the following:

  • Gyms, fitness centers and other indoor physical activities may reopen with 1 patron per 200 square feet of fitness space, not to exceed 50% capacity. All CDC guidelines and safety precautions must be adhered to.
  • Some recreational establishments may now reopen with capacity limits, CDC guidelines and other requirements in place. Casinos, bingo halls, bowling alleys, pool halls, indoor skating rinks and miniature golf may reopen at 50% capacity. Amusement parks may reopen at 40% capacity.
  • Social and fraternal clubs may reopen at 50% capacity, with safeguards in place.
  • Retail stores will be able to expand to 1 person per 100 square feet allowed in store, not to exceed 50% percent capacity.
  • Shopping malls may reopen up to 50% capacity, with safeguards and physical distancing in place.
  • All personal services, including barbershops, hair salons, nail salons, tattoo parlors, massage parlors, and spas, are allowed at 50% capacity and by appointment only. The same safety and health guidelines remain in place from the modified phase two reopening for these businesses.
  • Houses of worship may expand indoor services to 50% capacity, with safeguards and physical distancing requirements in place.
  • Childcare facilities can reopen for all children with health and safety precautions. In addition to the use of masks and gloves for all employees and having appropriate social distancing and disinfecting in place, they must also have a schedule for staggered drop offs and pickups, conduct daily symptom checks and have a strict dismissal policy in the event of positive cases.
  • Outdoor community pools, both public and private, may now expand to 50% capacity, but must practice proper social distancing guidelines. Indoor pools will remain closed.
  • Car washes are now allowed to perform internal cleaning, with all employees wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other safeguards in place.
  • Outdoor youth sports may expand to no more than 100 people in any area, still in small groups with no more than 9 children and 1 coach per group.

Finally, large gatherings may resume with capacity limits, one person/family unit per 200 square feet up to a maximum of 100 persons. Venues for large gatherings must adhere to physical distancing requirements and CDC guidelines.

For County Government, buildings will remain closed to the public. The County Government is still open and operational, adding a number of virtual services in our agencies to ensure that we can still serve our residents.

 

Based on the County’s data, the County Health Department believes it is safe to move to a full phase two. For the week ending June 13, there were 27 deaths with an average of 3.9 deaths per day. Deaths per week have decreased by 64% from our high of 74 deaths per week in April.

The County hospitalization rate is also declining. In early May, County hospitals had 244 COVID-19 inpatients, on average, per day. That has since decreased for seven consecutive weeks to 80 patients so far this week. That is a 67% decrease from the highest average. The County has also experienced a decrease in med/surgery bed use, as well as the number of patients with COVID-19 in hospital ICUs, which is now almost half what it was in early June. We have 58.8% of med/surgery beds available and 48.1% of ICU beds available, the County’s target is to maintain at least 30% available bed capacity.

The County has also increased its testing capacity, now operating four Health Department sponsored testing sites. The City of Hyattsville is operating a fifth testing site with supplies from the Prince George’s County Health Department. Countywide, more than 9,000 residents are tested per week, with the capacity to test more residents, as needed. The positivity rate, a marker for how effective our testing efforts are, among Prince Georgians has declined from a high of 43.1% in April, down to 7.8%. The Health Department is now offering free testing without appointments at all of its testing locations.

All of the data used to make decisions on reopening is available to the public through the County’s COVID-19 dashboard, available online here. For the latest COVID-19 updates and resources in Prince George’s County, please visit mypgc.us.

 

DC Mayor Wants City Residents to Stay Home July 4th

DC residents are being urged not to head downtown for fireworks display on National Mall on July 4th.

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Washington, D.C. (Thursday, June 25, 2020) – DC Mayor Muriel Bowser says COVID-19 remains a real risk and she wants city residents to take heed by avoiding any big 4th of July festivities.

Bowser today called on city residents to stay home July 4th.  “Our strong recommendation is that DC residents celebrate the 4th of July at home or near their home in small gatherings,” said Bowser.  The mayor’s recommendations come as 23 other states are seeing a dramatic increase in coronavirus cases.  Wednesday the US marked its biggest spike in cases with 45k infections reported.

Bowser says while the White House is moving ahead with plans for the big 4th of July celebration on the National Mall, she wants residents to resist the urge to attend.  At the same time, the mayor says her administration will provide the usual support for that activity.  But she’s hoping the large crowds will stay away.

DC continues to see a slow in its number of COVID-19 cases.  As of today, there are 10,159 overall positive cases and 543 fatalities.

DC’s Gathering Spot And Keyboardist Marcus Johnson

Two Dynamic Entrepreneurs

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Tonight, I had the chance to chat with two dynamic entrepreneurs. It just happens that they both received their law degrees from Georgetown University.

First up, owner of The Gathering Spot, Ryan Wilson. It didn’t take us long to realize that Ryan has  a sincere passion for making a difference in the African American community. The Gathering Spot is a private membership club. Deeply rooted in community and culture. The flagship store is in Atlanta, GA, and the next one will open in the fall in Washington, DC. There are already plans to open the third location in Los Angeles, CA.

Next, I had a chance to connect with longtime friend, keyboardist, Marcus Johnson. Marcus has been a celebrated darling of the DMV since he was a student at Georgetown, U. Where he received his law degree and MBA simultaneously. Marcus is using that MBA knowledge in the music business, along with marketing his own wine brand, FLO! I hear it’s delicious. As the world is slowly opening back up, Marcus talks about getting back out there performing this weekend. It’s going to look a little different, but music heals, and he’s here to do just that for us. Press play to get inpired by these two leaders.

@angelastribling @thegatheringspots @marcusjohnson360

NASA Renames Headquarters After 1st Black Female Engineer

Mary W. Jackson will now be the new name of NASA’s DC headquarters.

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Washington, D.C. (June 25, 2020) – The Washington, DC headquarters of NASA is getting a new name.  It will now be called Mary W. Jackson.  She was the first female African American engineer at the space agency.

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine made the announcement Wednesday.  Jackson, who began her career in the 1950s in a segregated computing unit at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., overcame racial discrimination and gender bias to help propel the agency at the dawn of the Space Age.

Jackson’s story was profiled in the 2016 movie “Hidden Figures,” based on a book by the same name.  Last year, a portion of the street in front of NASA’s headquarters was renamed “Hidden Figures Way.”

COVID-19 Update

What has happened since the first cases hit Washington state in January? 

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The number of new coronavirus infections reach a new record today.  More than 36,000 were reported by state health departments. that eclipses the previous single-day record of 34,203 set on April 25th. Texas, Florida and California had the most. Each state reporting more than 5,000 new cases. What has happened since the first cases hit Washington state in January?  What have we learned?  What don’t we know about this deadly virus?  We try to answer those questions and more with a COVID-19 information update.

Resources:

Black Coalition Against COVID

Guests:

Ambrose Lane, Chair, Health Alliance Network, Co-Founder, The Black Coalition Against COVID (not pictured)

Dr. Ronald Wilcox, Chief of Infectious Diseases, Howard University Hospital

 

 

Grand Jury Indicts Suspects In Ahmaud Arbery Case

A grand jury has handed up indictments against all three men charged in the killing of Ahmaud Arbery.

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(Wednesday, June 24, 2020) – Three men accused in the killing of Ahmaud Arbery have been indicted by a grand jury.  Travis McMichael, Greg McMichael, and William Bryan  face charges of malice and felony murder in Glynn County Georgia.

Prosecutors say Arbery, an African-American man,  was jogging through a Brunwsick neighborhood on February 23rd when he was chased down by the trio.  The suspects, all white, claim they believed Arbery was a burglar and that’s why they pursued him.  One of the suspects is accused of calling Arbery the N-word after fatally shooting him.

Three Men Indicted in the Ahmaud Arbery Case

A Glynn County, Georgia grand jury has indicted Travis McMichael, Greg McMichael and William “Roddie” Bryan Jr.

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ATLANTA (AP) — A prosecutor has announced that three men have been indicted on murder charges in the killing of a Black man in coastal Georgia, Ahmaud Arbery. Prosecutor Joyette Holmes said Wednesday that a Glynn County grand jury has indicted Travis McMichael, Greg McMichael and William “Roddie” Bryan Jr. on malice and felony murder charges in Arbery’s death. Arbery was slain Feb. 23 when the Greg and Travis McMichael, a white father and son, armed themselves and pursued the 25-year-old black man running in their neighborhood. Greg McMichael told police he suspected Arbery was a burglar and that Arbery attacked his son before being shot.

Tri-State Area to Enforce Quarantine for Some Out-of State Visitors

Travelers to NY, New Jersey, Connecticut are told to isolate.

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NEW YORK (AP) — Officials say New York, Connecticut and New Jersey will require visitors from states with high infection rates to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival, beginning Thursday. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday that “we also have to make sure the virus doesn’t come on a plane again.” Cuomo announced what was called a “travel advisory” at a joint video briefing with fellow Democratic Govs. Phil Murphy of New Jersey and Ned Lamont of Connecticut. As of Wednesday, the advisory affects travelers from Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, Utah and Texas.

DC National Guard to Protect Monuments

As protesters continue to target confederate statues across DC, the National Guard has been called in to protect the monuments.

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Washington, D.C. (Wednesday, June 24, 2020) – Hundreds of  DC National Guard are being mobilized to protect monuments around the city.  The move comes as protesters continue to take aim at confederate statues and monuments across the country.

Reports indicate Interior Secretary David Bernhardt made the request earlier this week.  Protesters have clashed with police all week across from the White House in Lafayette Park, which is the site of the Andrew Jackson.  Demonstrators tried to topple that statue Monday night but they were pushed back by police.  The statue was defaced with the phrase “killer scum.”

Berhardt said after he visited Lafayette Square and witnessed the destruction, he knew action was necessary.  “The country will not bow to anarchists and that law and order will prevail and justice will be served.”

President Trump has warned that anyone caught vandalizing monuments or any federal property would be subject to arrest and face up to 10 years in prison under federal law.

Protesters have said they will not be deterred by threats of arrests as they seek to take down what they have called symbols of racism across the U.S.

Rushion McDonald With Money-Making Conversations

He created the Hoodie Awards for Steve Harvey and built Harvey’s brand. He manages ESPN’s Steven A. Smith… he’s the host of money-making conversations and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

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Tonight, we’re talking to Rushion McDonald. You may not know the name, but you know his work. He created the Hoodie Awards for Steve Harvey and built Harvey’s brand. He manages ESPN’s Steven A. Smith… he’s the host of money-making conversations and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Protection For Renters In Prince George’s County

The Prince George’s County Council pass legislation to assist renters during the coronavirus pandemic

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It’s no secret how tough the coronavirus has been on the DMV from the shutdowns, to the layoffs, and persons becoming ill and even dying from COVID-19.  The financial hardships is becoming increasingly real for persons trying to pay their rents.  The Prince George’s County Council has passed legistlation to protect renters in the midst of the pandemic.  My guest is  Jolene Ivey – Prince George’s County Council Member representing District 5

The County Council has approved legislation to protect renters during the coronavirus crisis.  It bans evictions by prohibiting rent increases, suspends penalties and late fees for any renter in arrears.  Eviction protection is in place until August 31st.

For more information email:  jolene@joleneivey.com or go to: www.pgccouncil.us

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:

Political Roundtable

Analysis of the top political stories of the week.

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The past week has been filled with political highlights and low lights. As always… it promised not to disappoint.  We’re talking about President Trump’s campaign rally in Oklahoma, the continuing Black Lives Matter protests and voting as November draws near.

Dr. Avis Jones-DeWeaver, Political Analyst

 

Dr. Sherice Nelson, Political Analyst & Diversity Consultant

 

HUR@HOME with The Prince of Sophisticated Soul, Will Downing

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Grammy nominated, Will Downing, has a career that spans over 30 years, and 23 albums. He remains one of the most versatile and beloved voices of our time. It was a fun night on HUR@Home, as we laughed about many things, including the challenges of staying home during the COVID-19. Well, staying home might prove challenging to some. However, many of us prefer to stay home and chill. That is the case with Will and his beautiful family. He’s using it as an opportunity to continue working on his craft, and connect with fellow musicians. Will is a proud parent of three beautiful children, and said with all that’s going on in the world with Black Lives Matters, he’s especially prayerful for the fathers in the world. He sent loving prayers and a Happy Father’s Day to all.

Will has new music out, Romantique, which is available where all music is sold. Not one to let any grass grow under his feet, he’s already working on the next EP. From what we heard, it’s another winner. In fact, press play to hear a little taste of it.

@angelastribling @willdowning3  www.willdowning.com

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FBI Says Bubba Wallace Was Not Target of Hate Crime

Investigators say noose found at Talladega had been there for months.

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Washington, D.C. (Tuesday, June 23, 2020) – The FBI has released new details in its investigation of that noose found Sunday in the garage stall of NASCAR Driver Bubba Wallace.  Investigators say the noose had been there for months long before Wallace was assigned to the area.  That’s according to a statement released by the FBI.

“The investigation revealed evidence, including authentic video confirmed by NASCAR, that the noose found in garage number 4 was in that garage as early as October 2019.  Although the noose is now known to have been in garage number 4 in 2019, nobody could have known Mr. Wallace would be assigned to garage number 4 last week.”

The 26-year-old Wallace is NASCAR’s only African-American driver and has been a vocal voice to ban the Confederate flag at NASCAR races.  The move had angered some fans.

It was thought the noose was targeted at Wallace.  NASCAR drivers and crew rallied around Wallace as a show of support.

Phase 3 Coming for Virginia Next Week

Northam expects to further relax restrictions next week.

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RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam says he plans to further relax restrictions on businesses and public gatherings next week, saying trends related to cases of COVID-19, hospitalizations and other health metrics were moving in the right direction. Northam said at a news conference Tuesday that he’s planning for the state to enter Phase 3 of reopening July 1. Under Phase 3, restaurants and nonessential retail stores would no longer have to limit indoor capacity to 50% of what their space can hold. Social gatherings of up to 250 people would be allowed. Recreation and entertainment venues at may operate at 50% occupancy, or a maximum of 1,000 people.

‘Twin Talk’ With Brandi And Karli, HUR@HOME w/ Paul Wharton Style

Hit play to catch the fun.

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Style Expert, Author, Entrepreneur, Paul Wharton gave us a glimpse of what life can be like post COVID-19. Along with his take on what it was like living in the heart of the protests. We talked about his longtime friendship with Hollywood’s favorite mother, Jenifer Lewis, and other celebrities who will be featured in his daily broadcast: The Paul Wharton Show on HUR Voices, Sirius/XM Channel 141.

Icon, Steve Harvey has a very talented set of twins, Brandi and Karli. They host a weekly “Twin Talk” on Instagram and tonight, it seemed like this was a spin off of that. We were all entertained by their quick wit and charm. As we all talked candidly about current affairs, living and prospering through this COVID-19 pandemic, and how they do their part to help others find love. Hit play to catch the fun.

@angelastribling @paulwhartonstyle @iambrandiharvey @iamkarliraymond

Angela Stribling Is A 2020 BWIR Influencer

Angela has traveled the world with other renowned musicians and entertainers. She recorded two CD’s including “Live At The Blue Note”, and “Tokyo Sundays.”

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ANGELA STRIBLING IS A 2020 BWIR INFLUENCER 💎 We are celebrating Angela for many reasons. She’s at the center of historic Black music culture as a prominent radio and TV icon who hosted BET’s “Screen Scene,” Co-Hosted alongside Donnie Simpson on “Video Soul and became a significant trendsetter of the Quiet Storm with the late Melvin Lindsey. Angela Stribling helped launch the 24-hour jazz network called BET JAZZ which included Jazz Central, Jazz Scene, and Jazz Discovery. We choose the month of June to feature Ms. Stribling during National Black Music Month for her contributions in addition to her growing fame as a global recording artist. Her distinctive sultry voice that is magical in her latest single “Pillow Talk” which is produced by multiple Grammy award winner, #MarcusMiller featuring #WillDowning and #GeraldAlbright. Angela has traveled the world with other renowned musicians and entertainers. She recorded two CD’s including “Live At The Blue Note”, and “Tokyo Sundays.” Other music collaborations include the legendary Stevie Wonder, saxophonist Kim Waters, and pianist Marcus Johnson, NAJEE #VanMorrison #HoraceSilver Angela is often compared with artists Phyliss Hyman, Erykah Badu, and Sade. Thank you @angelastribling for becoming a 2020 BWIR INFLUENCER #BlackWomenInRadio #BWIR

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We are celebrating Angela for many reasons. She’s at the center of historic Black music culture as a prominent radio and TV icon who hosted BET’s “Screen Scene,” Co-Hosted alongside Donnie Simpson on “Video Soul and became a significant trendsetter of the Quiet Storm with the late Melvin Lindsey.
Angela Stribling helped launch the 24-hour jazz network called BET JAZZ which included Jazz Central, Jazz Scene, and Jazz Discovery. We choose the month of June to feature Ms. Stribling during National Black Music Month for her contributions in addition to her growing fame as a global recording artist.
Her distinctive sultry voice that is magical in her latest single “Pillow Talk” which is produced by multiple Grammy award winner, #MarcusMiller featuring #WillDowning and #GeraldAlbright.
Angela has traveled the world with other renowned musicians and entertainers. She recorded two CD’s including “Live At The Blue Note”, and “Tokyo Sundays.” Other music collaborations include the legendary Stevie Wonder, saxophonist Kim Waters, and pianist Marcus Johnson, NAJEE #VanMorrison #HoraceSilver Angela is often compared with artists Phyliss Hyman, Erykah Badu, and Sade.
Thank you @angelastribling for becoming a 2020 BWIR INFLUENCER

Jacquie Gales Webb Named CPB Vice President, Radio

“Jacquie has been instrumental in CPB’s work developing and implementing policies that support and strengthen local public radio stations and programming,” said CPB Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Michael Levy.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 22, 2020) — The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) has named Jacquie Gales Webb as Vice President, Radio, effective immediately. She is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to strengthen the ability of public radio stations to create high-quality, multiplatform content and to grow their audiences.

“Jacquie has been instrumental in CPB’s work developing and implementing policies that support and strengthen local public radio stations and programming,” said CPB Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Michael Levy. “Her experience as an award-winning producer, together with her years at CPB, will be an asset as we evaluate strategic efforts to strengthen public media’s role in building a civil society and reaching underserved audiences.”

Gales Webb, most recently a CPB director of content, joined the CPB Radio department in 2005 as a project manager. Since then, she has managed grants that have touched the lives of many Americans, including StoryCorps’ Mobile Booth and One Small Step projects, WGBH’s WORLD Channel, the Urban Alternative music format, radio station engagement around Ken Burns’ PBS docuseries “Country Music” and NPR’s international coverage. She has been integral to the development of projects to help minority and rural stations increase content production, community engagement and revenue capacity. She helped shape the Texas Station Collaborative, which is now the NPR Texas Hub, and managed several other journalism collaborations.

Prior to her work at CPB, Gales Webb was a producer in radio and TV, winning six local Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award, a DuPont Silver Baton, and a Gracie Award. She serves on the advisory boards of both the Kennedy Center and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. She also has been the host of a gospel music show on WHUR for nearly 30 years. She is recognized as a national authority on gospel music, and the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses presented Jacquie with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 for continuous service and support of gospel music.

Gales Webb graduated cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in speech and communication from Emerson College in Boston.

MGM National Harbor Set to Reopen June 29th

New rules and regulations in place as MGM prepares to reopen next Monday at 6pm

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(Prince George’s County, Md. – June 23, 2020) – MGM National Harbor will reopen to the general public at 6:00am on Monday, June 29 following its closure earlier this year amidst the coronavirus crisis. A hosted, invitation-only event will take place ahead of the public reopening.  MGM National Harbor’s amenity offerings initially will be limited with plans to open additional venues in the coming weeks and months.

“The last several months have been challenging for the entire world, including our employees and the surrounding DMV community. As we enter this next phase, we are proud and excited to begin getting our employees back to work and to continue working with our local business partners,” said Jorge Perez, MGM Resorts Regional Portfolio President and President of MGM National Harbor. “The health and safety of our guests and employees is our top priority as we plan for our reopening, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back for some much-needed entertainment.”

Health & Safety

In May, MGM Resorts released its comprehensive “Seven-Point Safety Plan,” a multi-layered set of protocols and procedures designed in conjunction with medical and scientific experts to mitigate the spread of the virus, protect customers and employees and rapidly respond to potential new cases. As time passes, the company will continue to evaluate and evolve its safety protocols. Key initiatives from the MGM Resorts plan as well as specific to MGM National Harbor include:

  • Employee screening, temperature checks and COVID-19 specific training
  • Employees and guests will be required to wear masks in public areas. Masks will be provided free of charge
  • Guest temperature checks at casino floor entrances and hotel front desk
  • A physical distancing policy will be implemented, with floor guides serving as reminders
  • For areas where physical distancing presents challenges, plexiglass barriers will be installed, or other measures will be used to reduce risks
  • Standalone handwashing stations designed by MGM Resorts conveniently located on the casino floor
  • Contactless Check-In through the MGM Resorts App will allow hotel guests to go through the check-in process on their personal devices, minimizing interactions
  • Guestroom Attendants will wear masks and gloves while cleaning each room and will change gloves between guestrooms
  • In addition to increased and enhanced routine cleaning of guestrooms and public spaces based on CDC guidance, electrostatic sprayers will be utilized in many large public spaces so that disinfectant is applied efficiently
  • Digital menus will be available to view on personal mobile devices via QR codes in the resort’s food and beverage outlets
  • To minimize groups congregating while they wait, restaurant guests will receive text message notification when their tables are ready
  • MGM has compiled its own internal team and processes to respond if a guest or employee tests positive for COVID-19. We ask that if a guest tests positive after visiting one of our properties, they alert us through a special email address (covid19@mgmresorts.com). We will immediately report any positive test results to the local health department and assist with contact tracing to support the health department investigators.

Per the Governor’s guidelines, the property will adhere to a 50% capacity limit.

A glimpse at what guests can expect:

  • ROOMS & SUITES – Relax in one of MGM National Harbor’s rooms and suites, featuring panoramic views of the Potomac River and the Capital Region. Digital innovations will allow guests to utilize contactless check-in and digital key features. Guests will have their temperature checked at the hotel front desk.
  • CONSERVATORY & POTOMAC PLAZA – Explore MGM National Harbor’s Conservatory, which will present “Blossoms and Butterflies,” paying homage to the world-famous cherry blossom trees. Potomac Plaza, offering panoramic views of the DMV, will also be accessible. For guest safety, new traffic patterns and physical distancing protocols will be in place.
  • GAMING – Place your bets in MGM National Harbor’s 160,000-square-foot casino, including slots and table games. To promote physical distancing, every other slot machine will be disabled, and plexiglass barriers have been installed at many of the table games. At security checkpoints to enter the casino floor, guests will have their temperature checked via thermal scanner. Poker will not be available in this first phase of reopening.
  • DINING – Enjoy a selection of MGM National Harbor’s dining venues, including Voltaggio Brothers Steak House, Ginger, the food hall at National Market, and Bellagio Patisserie. Guests will utilize digital innovations such as QR codes for menus and text messaging for reservations.
  • BEVERAGE – A number of the resort’s lounges will be available, including Blossom Felt Bar & Lounge and the Lobby Bar.
  • ART – Immerse yourself in MGM National Harbor’s Heritage Art Collection, including stunning pieces by more than 70 local and national artists.
  • RETAIL – Sundries, snacks and souvenirs will be available at MGM & Co.

Days and hours of operation at all venues will vary. Complimentary self-parking will be available for guests; valet parking will not be operational at this time. For a full list of offerings, and to make reservations, please visit mgmnationalharbor.com.

Virtual Voter Cookout, Free COVID-19 Testing, and Mortgage Help

Check out a full listing of free events and services inside WHUR’s Community’s Choice

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Free Coronavirus Testing

Open My Heart Foundation is providing free COVID-19 testing June 30th and July 1st at United Communities Against Poverty in Capitol Heights. www.mcicovid.com

Mortgage Help

Keep your home during the coronavirus pandemic. Housing Counseling Services, Inc. is hosting webinars every Wednesday to provide information for homeowners having difficulty paying their mortgage. www.housingetc.org

HU COVID-19 Testing

Free coronavirus testing is provided daily at the Howard University Faculty Practice Plan East of the River Medical Center. No appointment needed. 202-865-2119 press 3.

Financial Workshop

Get financially fit. The Mayor’s Office on African American Affairs is hosting a free workshop series on Black Generational Wealth July 21st. www.dc.gov

Voter Cookout

HBCU Alumni Alliance and the League of Women Voters invite you to their July 4th Fire Up the Vote Virtual Cookout. www.lwv.org

PG Summer Event

There’s still time to get in on the fun. The Prince George’s Office of Community Relations is hosting 100 events this summer to engage and connect with residents. www.princegeorgescountymaryland.gov.

WHUR PSAs

Get your non-profit on the air and web. Email Renee Nash at rnash@whur.com at least three weeks prior to your event.

Camp Arena Stage is going online. Sign up your youth to an unforgettable summer experience of theater, music, dance, media and virtual arts.. www.arenastage.org

Black Men’s Health

Prompting black men to be more proactive about their health issues.

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We all know that we are in the midst of the covid-19 pandemic.  We also know that African-Americans continue to be disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus. This is men’s health month… landing squarely in the midst of the global pandemic. It’s a perfect time to prompt black men to be more proactive about their health issues.

Guests:

Mark S. Johnson, MD, Associate Professor & Chair, Community & Family Medicine, Howard University (not pictured)

Dr. Ahmed Ali, MD, Oncologist, Howard University Hospital

 

 

 

‘Black Panther’ And More Coming Back To The Drive-In

There will be themed nights dedicated to sports (“Space Jam” and “Love & Basketball”), music (“Selena” and “Straight Outta Compton”), kids’ favorites (“Inside Out” and “The Lego Movie”), James Bond (“Goldfinger” and “Casino Royale”) and high school (“Mean Girls” and “Superbad”).

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“Jaws,” “Black Panther” and “Back to the Future” are just a few of the modern popcorn classics coming to the drive-in this summer.

Tribeca Enterprises, IMAX and AT&T on Monday announced the initial lineup for its summer series of films, comedy and football, running every weekend from July 2 through Aug. 2 in cities like Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Miami and Seattle.

There will be themed nights dedicated to sports (“Space Jam” and “Love & Basketball”), music (“Selena” and “Straight Outta Compton”), kids’ favorites (“Inside Out” and “The Lego Movie”), James Bond (“Goldfinger” and “Casino Royale”) and high school (“Mean Girls” and “Superbad”).

A July 4 celebration will include screenings of “Field of Dreams,” “The Wizard of Oz,” and “Apollo 13.” Other films include “The Dark Knight,” “BeetleJuice,” “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure” and “Do The Right Thing.” Kid-friendly content will be shown during matinee times with more mature fare in the evenings.

“It’s in Tribeca’s DNA to bring people together in times of need,” said Jane Rosenthal, Tribeca Enterprises and Tribeca Film Festival co-founder and CEO. “The car provides that perfect vehicle that takes us back to another time — a time that some of us might not even remember! But it was a way to bring our industry and audiences together to have some summer fun.”

Rosenthal and Robert De Niro founded the organization in the aftermath of September 11, 2001. Drive-ins have been part of their mission since the beginning and when the pandemic interrupted traditional moviegoing, they started planning.

“We love going to the movies. We don’t want to lose going to the movies,” Tribeca CCO Paula Weinstein added. “This is an alternative to bring people together to remind them, even if you’re six feet apart in a car, how great the collective experience is watching movies together.”

Most indoor theaters have been closed across the country since mid-March because of the pandemic and many are gearing up to open by mid-July. It’s made the drive-in freshly relevant, given some indie films a chance to break through the noise and even provided a unique space for a movie premiere. Other forms of mass entertainment have been jumping on the drive-in bandwagon too: Live Nation on Monday announced its first-ever drive-in concerts series in the U.S. for July.

The Tribeca Drive-In series is not exclusively for movies either. There will also be live stand-up comedy and even some NFL-hosted events, the details of which will be announced later. Venues will include beaches (Nickerson Beach in Nassau County, New York, and Orchard Beach in the Bronx), stadiums (AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas and the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California) as well as conventional drive-in locations.

Tickets, which are free for essential workers, are currently on sale. A percentage of proceeds will be donated to Black Lives Matter.

Missy Elliott, Salt-N-Pepa, Don Cheadle To Get Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star

With ceremonies on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic, however, even some 2020 honorees are still awaiting their Hollywood moment.

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PITTSBURGH (AP) — August Wilson is going Hollywood, after a fashion.

The famed playwright from Pittsburgh will be honored with a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in Los Angeles.

Wilson was among the Hollywood Walk of Fame’s 2021 honorees announced last week. Also announced as honorees in the Live Theatre/Live Performance category were Sarah Brightman and Luciano Pavarotti.

Also getting stars will be performers including Kelly Clarkson, Missy Elliott, Salt-N-Pepa and Jefferson Airplane and actors including Josh Brolin, Don Cheadle, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jimmy Smits “and a double star for Ali MacGraw and Ryan O’Neal.”

With ceremonies on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic, however, even some 2020 honorees are still awaiting their Hollywood moment.

August Wilson wrote mostly about the 20th-century African-American experience from growing up in Pittsburgh’s historically black Hill District.

He was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for “Fences” in 1987 and “The Piano Lesson” in 1990. The film version of “Fences” gained Oscar nominations for Wilson for adapted screenplay and for star Denzel Washington and a best supporting actress Oscar win for Viola Davis.

 

The ESPYS Focus On Honors, Pandemic And Racial Justice

NFL quarterback Russell Wilson, along with soccer star Megan Rapinoe and WNBA star Sue Bird, hosted the pre-produced show remotely from their respective homes in Seattle. Each wore Black Lives Matter T-shirts to open the show, and touched on the lives of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, who were killed by police, as well as the life of Ahmaud Arbery. Three men, including a former police officer, are charged in Arbery’s death.

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No red carpet, no nattily dressed athletes, no house band or monologue poking fun at the past year’s top athletes and moments.

This was a different version of The ESPYS.

The focus of Sunday night’s show on ESPN was hope and inspiration in the time of coronavirus.

NFL quarterback Russell Wilson, along with soccer star Megan Rapinoe and WNBA star Sue Bird, hosted the pre-produced show remotely from their respective homes in Seattle. Each wore Black Lives Matter T-shirts to open the show, and touched on the lives of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, who were killed by police, as well as the life of Ahmaud Arbery. Three men, including a former police officer, are charged in Arbery’s death.

Rapinoe and Bird urged their fellow white athletes to “don’t just listen. Help.”

“This is the time we’ve got to have their backs,” Rapinoe said of Black athletes. Later in the show, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and Olympic gold-medal skier Lindsey Vonn were among those calling on white athletes to listen, learn and act.

Wilson, who is Black, added, “Our country’s work is not anywhere close to being done.”

Kevin Love of the Cleveland Cavaliers received the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage for sparking a national conversation about mental health. Two years ago, he wrote an online essay detailing his struggles with mental health, including having a panic attack during a game. As a result, other athletes and fans began sharing details of their own mental health challenges and sharing resources on how to get help.

Love created the Kevin Love Fund and has continued speaking out. During the COVID-19 crisis, he’s shared tips on how to cope with the stress and isolation caused by the pandemic.

At home, Love opened a box with the trophy inside, proclaiming, “It’s nice and shiny.”

“In light of all that’s going on in our country today, I accept this award as both an honor and a challenge,” he said, looking into the camera. “A challenge to not only continue on my path, but to push beyond it and stay vocal even when silence feels safer.”

Minnesota Twins outfielder Nelson Cruz received the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award in a videotaped piece introduced by the late boxer’s daughter, Laila. Cruz has helped his hometown of Las Matas de Santa Cruz in the Dominican Republic build a police station, a medical clinic and acquire a fire truck and firefighting gear, as well as an ambulance.

Cruz cried and put his head in his hands before composing himself and saying, “From the bottom of my heart, my family, my foundation and my hometown, thank you.”

Snoop Dogg rapped a tribute to NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, tracing his life from high school to a career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others were killed in a helicopter crash in January.

Taquarius “TQ” Wair, who as a 4-year-old survived a house fire in 2005 that killed his 6-year-old sister, was honored with the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance. Wair was burned all over his body and given just a 20% chance to live. He lost fingers on his left hand. Wair began playing football at age 7 and is now playing at a junior college in Minnesota, with a goal of playing at a four-year school and in the NFL.

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Shaquem Griffin informed Wair via laptop that he was being honored. Wair was handed a box with the trophy inside. He pulled it out and said, “Oh my goodness. Thank you.”

“This is humbling for me,” Wair said. “My family won’t let me give up. Let’s see where I can go from here. Stay tuned.”

Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry introduced Kim Clavel as winner of the Pat Tillman Award for Service. The boxer from Montreal was preparing for her first main event bout on March 21 after winning the North American Boxing Federation female flyweight title last year. But the coronavirus pandemic meant the fight was canceled.

Clavel wasn’t idle for long. She had previous experience as a nurse in a maternity ward before focusing on boxing, so she began working in care units across Montreal over the last three months.

Via laptop, Clavel listened as her grandmother told her she was being honored with the award named after the player who left the NFL to join the Army after the 9/11 attacks. Tillman was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan in 2004.

“When I need motivation, I will look at this trophy,” Clavel said.

From her living room, Billie Jean King announced the winners of her namesake Youth Leadership Award, given to those tackling issues in their communities. Joel Apudo, Batouly Camara, Ally Friedman, Jaronn Islar, Chelsea Quito, Elijah Murphy and Niah Woods will receive either a $10,000 academic scholarship or a donation to the charity of their choice.

The Los Angeles Dodgers were named the Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year for their foundation that works to improve education, health care, homelessness and social justice in the city. The foundation will use the $100,000 award to continue its programs.

Actor-comedian Keegan-Michael Key hosted an Olympic reunion via Zoom, checking in with enough athletes to represent 150 medals, and a Michael Phelps impersonator.

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In a story June 21, 2020, about the Espys, The Associated Press erroneously reported that Ahmaud Arbery was killed by police. Three men, including a former police officer, are charged in Arbery’s death.

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More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Amid Pandemic, Live Nation Announces Drive-In Concert Series

The entertainment company on Monday announced “Live from the Drive-In” — a set of nine shows to take place July 10-12 in Nashville, Tennessee; Maryland Heights, Missouri; and Noblesville, Indiana.

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NEW YORK (AP) — Tour promoter Live Nation has announced its first-ever drive-in concerts series in the U.S. for July, months after the live music industry has been on lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The entertainment company on Monday announced “Live from the Drive-In” — a set of nine shows to take place July 10-12 in Nashville, Tennessee; Maryland Heights, Missouri; and Noblesville, Indiana.

Grammy-winning singer Brad Paisley will headline shows in all three cities, while fellow country artists Darius Rucker and Jon Pardi will also perform in Nashville at Nissan Stadium. Nelly will perform in Maryland Heights, near St. Louis.

Concertgoers will be able to drive into the parking lots of the amphitheaters — a maximum of four people per car — and will have two empty parking lot spaces in between each vehicle so fans can watch and party from their designated individual tailgating zones. Attendees are encouraged to bring food, drinks and chairs, setting up around their cars to view the performers from the stage and also from the large LED screens.

All venue staff are required to wear masks, and Live Nation requests that attendees wear masks upon arrival, where there will be contact-less ticket scanning through their windows. Masks are not required once fans are in their designated tailgate areas, and Live Nation is not requiring that fans wear gloves.

Tom See, president of Live Nation Venues-US Concerts, said the company spent months working to find a safe, enjoyable way to put on live shows during the pandemic.

“We’re really dialed in with partnerships with (the) local jurisdictions (and) we’ve been meeting with them for months, just talking about how we can provide a great, comfortable experience to fans with social distancing at the forefront in whatever phase they’re about to enter. Because of those relationships and that communication going back and forth, we’ve been successful in getting that green light,” See said in an interview with The Associated Press.

“It was really important to us not to just do one and be done. It wouldn’t be Live Nation. It wouldn’t be the concert industry leader. We wanted to make a bigger statement.”

Nelly, who is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his debut album “Country Grammar,” and Pink Floyd tribute band El Monstero are both from St. Louis and will perform at The Hollywood Casino Amphitheater. Pardi and rock band Yacht Rock Revue will headline at the Ruoff Music Center near Indianapolis.

Tickets will go on sale for the general public on Friday. See said ticket prices will fluctuate by market, but they can be as low as $125, which is roughly $31 per person if the maximum number of four attendees per car attend.

“I’m very excited to do this because I wanted to make sure, if we were going to do anything like this, that they had the important stuff worked out,” Paisley said in an interview with the AP. “My goal would be not to spread this virus to one person. There should be no spread from this. That’s key. I just don’t think it’s worth doing shows if we’re putting people at risk.”

“The idea that we’re outdoors is a great thing,” Paisley added. “I just think it’s a fun way to watch a concert anyway. It’d be fun if there wasn’t a virus.”

For the Missouri show, See said they have a capacity to fit 1,000 cars while incorporating social distancing guidelines. Grills and BBQ pits are not permitted, but concertgoers can bring pre-cooked food and drinks, including alcohol. Live Nation encourages that groups assign a designated driver.

A menu of hot food items and nonalcoholic will be available for purchase, Live Nation said. People can place orders online and the items will be delivered to their designated tailgate zone.

Fans will only be able to leave their pods to access single restrooms, which See said will be cleaned regularly throughout the show. Attendees are encouraged to wear masks when leaving for restrooms.

“They don’t have to walk too far to be able to use the facility,” he said.

“The traditional drive in, I get it, you’re stuck in your car, and you’re going to get it through an FM transmitter. That’s not happening with these shows,” See said.

“We’re giving you what’s about the size of a double-car garage to where you’re going to be able to park your car, get out of your car, and have a great tailgating hang for you and your friends, and listen to music through proper professional PA and amazing audio and video display. It’s really a different aspect of drive-in and live. It’s highly experiential.”

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Online:

http://www.livenation.com/drivein/

Medical Workers in Prince George’s Speak Up

Maryland ICU workers urge caution as states begin to reopen.

Posted by Harold Fisher
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FORT WASHINGTON, Md. (AP) — Medical workers at a Maryland intensive care center say they’re not ready to let down their guard against the coronvirus and the public shouldn’t be either. The workers at the Fort Washington Medical Center in Prince George’s County spoke as states are gradually reopening after months of shutdown because of the pandemic. Respiratory therapist Kevin Cole sees patients dying from COVID-19 every day and has trouble comprehending the sudden return of crowded public places where it’s tough to social distance. He and his colleagues in the ICU caution that the pandemic isn’t over and people need to continue taking it seriously.

Noose Found At NASCAR’s Black Driver Garage Stall

Bubba Wallace target of racist incident. Justice Department is investigating.

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(Monday, June 22, 2020) – Racism has reared its ugly head again.  This time at NASCAR where a noose was found yesterday at Talladega Speedway in the garage of Bubba Wallace.  Wallace is NASCAR’s only African American driver.  Wallace has been very vocal about racial injustice and has helped to lead the way pushing NASCAR to ban the use of confederate flags at its races.

NASCAR is promising a thorough investigation to find the person or persons behind the noose.  Wallace took to social media following the incident saying it part he’s saddened by the incident, but will not allow it to break him.

The Department of Justice is also looking into the noose.  “The U.S. Attorney’s office for the Northern District of Alabama, FBI, and the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division are viewing the situation surrounding the noose to determine whether there are violations of federal law,”  US Attorney Jay E. Town said in a statement.

Bebe Winans Cuts Up With Pastor John K. Jenkins

Posted by Jacquie Gales Webb
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The Father’s Day edition of HUR@HOME Inspiration featured Pastor John K. Jenkins, Sr. Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Prince George’s County, Maryland, a church of 10,000 members that develops dynamic disciples, and Grammy award-winning artist, producer and author, Bebe Winans.

Pastor Jenkins talked about his sons Jim and Joshua, who directed the movie, “Sinners Wanted” that aired on TV One. He advised fathers raising a Black man in America today to be Godly role models to their children. He talked about his role to bring unity and to represent the voices of people of color as the Chairman of the Board Directors of the National Association of Evangelicals and the positive changes taking place in the Prince George’s County Police Department.

Bebe Winans talked about recovering from COVID-19 and his many experiences on his career journey. Bebe with his sister Cece Winans gained popularity through appearances on Tim and Tammy Bakker’s PTL Club television show where they experienced racist attitudes from staff and audience members. “Born For This,” a musical based on those experiences may become a movie.

Bebe shared hilarious memories of his father, Pop Winans and of his 22-year-old son, and Pastor Jenkins shared a hilarious memory of Bebe Winans at Pastor’s birthday celebration attempting to sing Temptation songs but not knowing any of the words.

Honoring DC’s #1 Dad

“Father’s Incorporated” announced their winner of the 2020 “DC Father of the Year Award”

Posted by Bobby Gailes
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We are still celebrating our dads this morning.  Fathers Incorporated has announced its winner of its 2020 DC Father of the Year Award.  We’ll talk with the President of that organization and the amazing dad.  Ernest Woodson – President and Founder of Fathers Incorporated  and Hakeem Hut – Winner of the 2020 DC Father of the Year Award

Fathers Incorporated earlier this year launched a campaign to highlight the great works dads in DC are doing and who go beyond the call of duty with sometimes many challenges ahead of them.  More information here:

 

 

Listen  to this mornings segment here:

Men’s Roundtable on Fatherhood

 We talk about fatherhood as we head into this Father’s Day weekend.

Posted by Harold Fisher
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It’s seems now… more than ever… we need strong, engaged fathers… active in the lives of their children. A sense of humor can’t hurt either.  We talk about fatherhood as we head into this Father’s Day weekend.  We also talk about the racial justice revolution now taking place.

Resources:

Janks Morton

David A. Arnold

David A. Arnold, Comedian
Janks Morton, Filmmaker, Black Advocate

 

Officer Involved in Breonna Taylor Shooting to be Fired

Taylor was gunned down by officers who burst into her Louisville home using a no-knock warrant.

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Louisville’s mayor says one of three police officers involved in the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor will be fired. Mayor Greg Fisher said Friday that interim Louisville police Chief Robert Schroeder has started termination proceedings for Officer Brett Hankison. Two other officers remain on administrative reassignment while the shooting is investigated. Fischer said officials could not answer questions about the firing because of state law. He referred all questions to the Jefferson County attorney’s office. Taylor was gunned down by officers who burst into her Louisville home using a no-knock warrant. She was shot eight times by officers conducting a narcotics investigation. No drugs were found at her home.