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Workers Restoring “Green Book” Motel Where MLK Stayed

Opened by the late black businessman A.G. Gaston in 1954 in a city that was infamously segregated, the two-story motel provided top-notch accommodations that included nicely furnished rooms, a restaurant and a lounge that was a gathering spot for the black community.

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — An Alabama motel that was featured in “The Negro Motorist Green Book” and provided a home for Martin Luther King Jr. during civil rights demonstrations in the 1960s is being transformed into the centerpiece of a new national monument.

Long vacant and in disrepair, the 65-year-old A.G. Gaston Motel is being renovated as part of the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument, established by former President Barack Obama in 2017, long before the “Green Book” gained recognition in the Oscar-winning movie of the same name.

Workers performing the refurbishment, which is part of a $10 million downtown project, are shoring up masonry damaged by decades of weather and removing later additions to the motel. Leaves and trash rustle in halls where doors stayed open for who knows how long; windows and electrical outlets are missing elsewhere.

“It’s in terrible shape now, but it’s structurally sound,” said Rogers Hunt, who is overseeing the initial work.

Opened by the late black businessman A.G. Gaston in 1954 in a city that was infamously segregated, the two-story motel provided top-notch accommodations that included nicely furnished rooms, a restaurant and a lounge that was a gathering spot for the black community.

The motel was a haven for African American travelers who used the “Green Book” to find friendly, safe accommodations during the worst days of Jim Crow. Its guests were said to include Aretha Franklin, Duke Ellington and Harry Belafonte.

“This was a state of the art hotel whether you were black or white,” said James Poindexter, 87, who works for Gaston’s construction company and is a superintendent of the current job.

The motel eventually closed and was reconfigured into apartments that make the original rooms difficult to envision.

The large room where King lived in 1963, when authorities used police dogs and fire hoses against black demonstrators seeking equal rights, was later subdivided into two rooms, Hunt said. A bomb went off outside the motel after King and others held a news conference about desegregation efforts that year, but the building survived.

Hunt said workers will restore the Gaston Motel to the way it looked in its “Green Book” prime, down to trying to find new door frames to match original steel ones that had a distinctive groove down the side.

“We have the original plans to go by,” said Hunt. He, like Poindexter, works for A.G. Gaston Construction.

For more on the legacy of the Green Book hotels, check out the AP’s “Get Outta Here” podcast.

 

2,922 Portraits of Barack Obama Make Up Chicago Art Exhibit

“The Obama Paintings” is Rebuild Foundation’s newest exhibit. Pruitt painted Obama’s image for an hour a day while reflecting on his world view.

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CHICAGO (AP) — Rob Pruitt calls it a “monument of a movement.” Visitors to the Stony Island Arts Bank in Chicago will see 2,922 portraits of former President Barack Obama.

“The Obama Paintings” is Rebuild Foundation’s newest exhibit. Pruitt painted Obama’s image for an hour a day while reflecting on his world view.

The New York artist tells the Chicago Tribune that people assume he’s obsessed with the 44th president. He says Obama is simply “the first politician I felt a connection with.”

Each day Pruitt searched online for the previous day’s images of the Democrat who served from 2009 to 2017. He transferred each to a canvas merged with the muted colors of the American flag.

The exhibit runs through Aug. 25.

Delta Sigma Theta’s Hosting Its 17th Annual Youth Step Show “STOMP DAT”

The 17th Annual Youth Step Show “STOMP DAT” is this Saturday.

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We are stepping into a movement to get youth to stay clear of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. The ladies of the Federal City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority are gearing up for their 17thAnnual youth step show.  It’s called STOMP DAT, meaning stomp out drugs, alcohol and tobacco. My guest is Toni McIntosh-Harper – Vice President of Programs – Federal City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority

The Federal City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is hosting its 17thAnnual Youth Step Show “STOMP DAT” April 27thfrom 4pm to 7pm at Dunbar High School in NW.  More information here:

Tune in to Taking it to the Streets, weekday mornings at 6:15, 7:08 and 8:35 on the Steve Harvey Morning Showon 96.3 WHUR.

Follow me on facebook and twitter at @bobbygailes for updates and to stay connected.

Filmmaker Ava DuVernay Shares Her Favorite Classic Films

The new season, which launches Sunday, May 4, will include widely known films like “West Side Story,” ″Dog Day Afternoon” and “Gandhi” as well as films that may not be as familiar, like “Losing Ground.” The Associated Press got a front-row seat to the conversations between DuVernay and TCM host Ben Mankiewicz at the taping last month in Los Angeles.

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — To say filmmaker Ava DuVernay is a busy woman is an understatement, but when Turner Classic Movies called and asked her to curate the channel’s “The Essentials” series, she knew she had to make it work.

Usually “The Essentials” is filmed across two or three days. But the only way it would fit in with DuVernay’s schedule — which included editing her “Central Park Five” Netflix miniseries and prepping the DC film “New Gods,” among other projects — was if she and TCM host Ben Mankiewicz ruminated about 17 films in one marathon day.

The new season, which launches Sunday, May 4, will include widely known films like “West Side Story,” ″Dog Day Afternoon” and “Gandhi” as well as films that may not be as familiar, like “Losing Ground.” The Associated Press got a front-row seat to the conversations between DuVernay and TCM host Ben Mankiewicz at the taping last month in Los Angeles.

It was a film lover’s dream tuning into the in-depth dialogues between the two cinema fiends. Their talking continued even after the cameras stopped rolling, from the pronunciation of actor John Cazale’s name to Queen Latifah’s attempt to make a film about singer Ethel Waters and whether or not it was appropriate to discuss Lena Horne’s personal affairs. The two didn’t shy away from talking about films that may be problematic now but were important at the time either, like Vincent Minnelli’s “Cabin in the Sky,” which was the first musical to feature a cast of all African Americans.

There’s no denying it was a long day, with a wardrobe change and everything, but it was worth it for both.

“It’s like we’re going on a second date,” DuVernay said as she walked onto the iconic living room set — where the fire is fake but the books are real — in her second outfit of the day. “I’ve changed my clothes. You have, too.”

“And I didn’t even wait three days to call you,” Mankiewicz said.

Some of the films Mankiewicz had never seen before DuVernay put them on her list, like Haile Gerima’s “Ashes and Embers,” about a Vietnam veteran returning home, and Kathleen Collins’ semiautobiographical “Losing Ground,” both from 1982. Others he had seen before, but said he appreciates in a different way after his talks with DuVernay, like “Dog Day Afternoon,” ″Harlan County U.S.A.” and “The Battle of Algiers,” which he now counts among his top 10 or 15 favorite films.

Indeed, part of the reason for having a filmmaker like DuVernay collaborate for the series is because of the unique perspective she’d bring as a black woman filmmaker. And she did not disappoint.

DuVernay programmed documentaries, first features and important films by black filmmakers like Julie Dash, who directed and produced the groundbreaking film “Daughters of the Dust.” She also included works from female directors like the late Agnes Varda’s first film “La Point Courte” and Chantal Akerman’s “The Meetings of Anna”; international films that had a profound effect on her, like Satyajit Ray’s debut “Pather Panchali”; and important landmarks in representation, like “Sounder” and “Claudine.”

“People who love movies benefit from thinking globally about film — globally literally and globally figuratively,” Mankiewicz said. “In America, we had a class system that kept more than half the people out of being the leading voice in making this art form, and Ava is proving to be a conduit for helping us unlock that.”

In fact, in making her selections, DuVernay chose a number of films that weren’t in the TCM library at all, including both “Losing Ground” and “Ashes and Embers.”

DuVernay said there wasn’t a deep bench of black filmmakers in the catalog, but that TCM was “really responsive in going out and getting those licenses” in order to air the films for a wide audience.

DuVernay still recalls the first movie that inspired her to her eventual path in filmmaking — “West Side Story.” It was her aunt that introduced it to her, and she can barely contain her infectious giddiness while discussing.

“It was such a seminal moment for me,” DuVernay said.

She’s hoping the films that she chose for “The Essentials” might have that same effect on someone else.

“To think that you could, hopefully, attract new audiences to TCM to watch some of this and to think that it could change people in the way it changed me was really exciting,” she said.

DuVernay is looking forward to audiences discovering 1982′s “Losing Ground” and Kathleen Collins in particular, who she considers on par with any of the white male contemporaries of the time, like, “a Woody Allen, per se.” The film was never released beyond screenings at film festivals and Collins died in 1988 at the young age of 46.

“It was just a slice of life from her perspective and yet because she was a woman and because she was black it went nowhere,” DuVernay said. “And now that film has been forgotten by so many — not even forgotten, it’s never been known.”

She continued, “That’s one that especially as a black woman filmmaker, I feel so connected to wanting to make sure people know her, know that she existed, know what she said and what she put out in the world and to really appreciate that she just was.”

And Mankiewicz was more than happy to sit and listen and learn.

“She was very eager to talk about these movies which were very important to her,” he said. “But the real beneficiaries are TCM fans. We win in this deal.”

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Follow AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ldbahr

Whitney Houston’s Longtime Friend, Robyn Crawford, To Release Memoir This Fall

According to PEOPLE, In “A Song for You,” Crawford, who served as Houston’s longtime confidante and executive assistant, “breaks her silence to share the moving and often complicated story of her life and relationship with Whitney.”

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Contributed by Taylor Ardrey

Whitney Houston‘s lifelong friend, Robyn Crawford, has an upcoming book titled, “A Song for You: My Life with Whitney Houston,” and is set to be released this fall.

The book revolves around the friendship of Houston and Crawford that started in East Orange, New Jersey in the 1980s. It also dives into Houston’s controversial marriage to Bobby Brown, and provide readers with a deeper look at Crawford and Houston’s romantic relationship.

According to PEOPLE, In “A Song for You,” Crawford, who served as Houston’s longtime confidante and executive assistant, “breaks her silence to share the moving and often complicated story of her life and relationship with Whitney.”

The press release for the book revealed:

“Deeply personal and heartfelt, A Song for You is the vital, honest, and previously untold story that provides an understanding of the complex life of Whitney Houston,” reads the press release. “Finally, the person who knew her best sets the record straight.”

The book is set to release on November 5, 2019. You can pre-order it on Amazon here.

DC Officials Respond To 9 Handcuffed By Police

Update in 9-year-old handcuffed in DC…

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There has been a loud and continuous outcry from the public about a video that went viral this week. The cell phone video shows a 9-year-old boy in DC being chased and then handcuffed by Metropolitan Police. You can hear the child yelling stop. Reports the child wet himself during the situation.

Today DC Attorney General Karl Racine says his office is reviewing the police departments policy. He also said he will compare it with best practices from agencies across the country.

The Metropolitan area police department says that the two officers involved are now under investigation. Officials are working to find out why was the child chased and detained. The child was never charged with a crime. In fact, witnesses say that he leaning against a car and the officer told him to get off the vehicle and he refused.

We will be following this story closely for you.

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @taylorthomas963

‘Young And The Restless’ Honors Kristoff St. John, His Work

“He was too humble and grounded to consider himself someone who had broken any ground. He was just an actor who came to work doing something he loved, and he never really approached it any other way,” Griffith said.

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — As “The Young and the Restless” head writer Josh Griffith screened the episode in which Neil Winters’ family learns of his death, the tears began to flow.

Viewers might brace for a similar reaction when the CBS daytime serial says farewell to Neil and to Kristoff St. John, the actor who played the character for nearly three decades. St. John, who died at age 52 in February of heart disease, helped cement the prominence of major African-American characters in the traditionally white soap opera world.

During a four-episode story arc airing Tuesday through Friday, Neil’s friends and family gather in fictional Genoa City to remember the businessman whose full life included complicated relationships and a battle with alcoholism.

People need “to prepare themselves for a very profoundly emotional journey over those four days, and have lots of boxes of Kleenex right by,” Griffith said. “But in the end, as we knew that Kristoff would want it, it goes from being a passing of him to a celebration of his life.”

Shemar Moore, star of CBS’ prime-time series “S.W.A.T.,” returns to what fans know as “Y&R” for two episodes as Malcolm Winters, Neil’s brother. Other returning alumni include Christel Khalil and Eileen Davidson, while Stan Shaw, St. John’s longtime friend and co-star in “Roots: The Next Generations,” appears as the reverend at Neil’s funeral.

A special airing April 29 (12:30 p.m. EDT) will pay tribute to St. John and his nearly 28-year tenure on “Y&R” with clips from the show and current and former cast member sharing memories of him, including Victoria Rowell, who played Neil’s wife Drucilla for a number of years.

It was six years ago that the serial honored another beloved star, Jeanne Cooper, who died at 84 in 2013 after playing Katherine Chancellor for nearly 40 years. “Y&R” owed the same to St. John, said Griffith, co-executive producer of the serial.

“We had to, for his sake, for his legacy. He was so important to the show, so important to daytime television,” he said. “To television, period.”

The actor didn’t trumpet his part in advancing on-screen inclusivity, even if others did.

“He was too humble and grounded to consider himself someone who had broken any ground. He was just an actor who came to work doing something he loved, and he never really approached it any other way,” Griffith said.

Bryton James, who played opposite St. John as Neil’s son, Devon, agreed.

St. John knew he was lucky to be a working actor and always “did the craft and the job with the respect it deserved,” James said.

 

Michelle Obama Elementary, Locally It’s Possible

Montgomery Co. School leaders consider name a school after Michelle Obama

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School leaders in Montgomery County are looking at possibly naming a new school after First Lady Michelle Obama.

Supporters in the county have sent a letter to county leaders in support of naming an elementary school in Clarksburg under construction to be named after Michelle Obama.

The committee of 16 residents looking at what to name the school voted to name the school “Snowden Farm Elementary”. That is the name of one of the first families who settled in that area and the same name as the road that the school will sit on. Second on the list was Michelle Obama Elementary.

Four other names were given to the Board of Education include; Harriet R. Tubman, Mary McLeod Bethune and Ida B. Wells. The final decision will be that of the Board.

The Board of Education in align with their policy are being urged to consider names of women and minorities so there is equal representation among school names.

To date there are 135 elementary schools in the county. 11 schools are named after men. 8 are named after women. There are no elementary schools names after black or minority women.

The board has their next scheduled meeting on April 29th at 6:45 p.m. Residents can send their comments to boe@mcpsmd.org.

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @taylorthomas963

Fire Kills One In S.E.

Apartment fire kills one in S.E….

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One person is dead following a fire this morning in Southeast. Firefighter’s say they were called to a 3 story apartment building around 4:30 this morning.

Once at the building on Oakwood Street they found a fires floor unit burning. When the fire was put out they discovered the body of an adult male. He was rushed to the hospital where he later died of his injuries. The victim has not been identified. No one else was hurt.

The apartment had smoke detectors but they were operational. The cause is still under investigation.

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @taylorthomas963

FBI, IRS Agents Search Baltimore Mayor’s Homes, City Hall

Dave Fitz, an FBI spokesman out of the agency’s Baltimore office, says agents with the FBI and the IRS criminal division in Washington were “executing court-authorized search warrants” at “both residences and City Hall.” He said he couldn’t immediately release more information because the search warrants are sealed.

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BALTIMORE (AP) — Federal agents executed search warrants Thursday morning at two homes belonging to Baltimore’s embattled mayor and at City Hall.

Dave Fitz, an FBI spokesman out of the agency’s Baltimore office, says agents with the FBI and the IRS criminal division in Washington were “executing court-authorized search warrants” at “both residences and City Hall.” He said he couldn’t immediately release more information because the search warrants are sealed.

Mayor Catherine Pugh’s spokesman, James Bentley, said he has no immediate comment. Pugh’s defense attorney, Steve Silverman, did not immediately return calls.

Pugh has been facing mounting calls for her to resign over a scandal that involves the sale of her children’s books to entities that do business with the city. She was already already facing a criminal investigation by the state prosecutor’s office, which began at the request of Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, as well as probes by the Baltimore Inspector General, an ethics board at City Hall and a state insurance commission.

It’s been more than three weeks since Pugh slipped out of sight, citing deteriorating health from a pneumonia bout. Five of her staffers have since joined her on paid leave.

Pugh said she was going on leave on the same day Hogan asked for the investigation of lucrative sales of her “Healthy Holly” books to customers, including a major hospital network she once helped oversee as a state lawmaker and a health plan that does business with the city.

The sales earned about $800,000 for her limited liability company.

Since then, the first-term mayor has been asked to resign by the entire lineup of the current City Council, all Baltimore lawmakers in Maryland’s House of Delegates, the influential Greater Baltimore Committee business group and others. Maryland’s chief accountant called Pugh’s “self-dealing” arrangements to sell her books as “brazen, cartoonish corruption.”

But only a conviction can trigger a Baltimore mayor’s removal from office, according to City Solicitor Andre Davis and the state constitution. Baltimore’s mayor-friendly City Charter currently provides no options for ousting its executive.

“The charter is utterly silent on how long the leave can last, exactly what the reasons are for a leave,” Davis told reporters.

Members of Pugh’s communications staff have said repeatedly that she intends to return to City Hall when she is feeling better, but have declined to provide any timetable.

As multiple investigations into the mayor’s books ramp up, political analysts say Pugh’s biggest bargaining chip at the negotiating table is her refusal to resign in a city accustomed to a high-drama, insular political culture.

Pugh came to office in late 2016 after edging out ex-Mayor Sheila Dixon, who spent much of her tenure fighting corruption charges before being forced to depart office in 2010 as part of a plea deal connected to the misappropriation of about $500 in gift cards meant for needy families.

While the accusations have certainly cast a shadow over Pugh, she has not been indicted for any crime, and it is unclear how long a criminal investigation will take. Earlier this month, Silverman said the mayor looks forward to cooperating with the state prosecutor’s probe and will provide “as much information as possible to put this matter to rest.”

Pugh would certainly face a bruising 2020 Democratic primary if she were to return and run for reelection. Many political observers believe she’ll never again be able to wield power effectively due to the scandal.

A veteran City Council leader, Bernard “Jack” Young, is serving as acting mayor. Young said he would merely be a placeholder when she went on leave, and at a Wednesday news conference, he stressed that the decision is up to her. But given the groundswell of opinion against her, he said “it could be devastating for her” if she tried to return.

Joe Biden Launches 2020 White House Bid

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Vice President Joe Biden formally joined the crowded Democratic presidential contest on Thursday, declaring the “soul of this nation” at stake if President Donald Trump wins re-election.

In a video posted on Twitter , Biden focused on the 2017 deadly clash between white supremacists and counter protesters in Charlottesville, Virginia. Biden noted Trump’s comments that there were some “very fine people” on both sides of the violent encounter, which left one woman dead.

“We are in the battle for the soul of this nation,” Biden said. “If we give Donald Trump eight years in the White House, he will forever and fundamentally alter the character of this nation — who we are. And I cannot stand by and watch that happen.”

The 76-year-old Biden becomes an instant front-runner alongside Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who is leading many polls and has proved to be a successful fundraiser . Among Democrats, Biden has unmatched international and legislative experience, and he is among the best-known faces in U.S. politics. He quickly racked up endorsements on Thursday morning, becoming the first Democrat running for president with the backing of more than one U.S. senator.

Still, Biden must compete in a field that now spans at least 20 Democrats and has been celebrated for its racial and gender diversity. As an older white man with occasionally centrist views, Biden has to prove he’s not out of step with his party.

He’s yet to outline his positions on the issues defining the 2020 Democratic primary, most notably “Medicare for All,” the universal health care plan authored by Sanders that has been adopted by virtually the entire Democratic field.

The native of Scranton, Pennsylvania, is betting that his working-class appeal and ties to Barack Obama’s presidency will help him convince skeptics.

Just minutes after the announcement, the GOP lashed out against Biden’s record in the Obama administration, a line of attack in sharp contrast with recent criticism against other 2020 Democrats that has largely focused on them being too liberal, or even socialists.

“Biden’s fingerprints are all over foreign policy blunders and the weakest economic recovery since World War II,” Republican National Committee spokesman Michael Ahrens said. “We don’t need eight more years of Biden. Just ask President Obama, who isn’t even endorsing his right-hand man.”

While it’s true that Obama hasn’t explicitly endorsed Biden’s bid, the former president took the unusual step of weighing in on Thursday’s announcement through a spokeswoman.

“President Obama has long said that selecting Joe Biden as his running mate in 2008 was one of the best decisions he ever made,” Obama spokeswoman Katie Hill said. “He relied on the vice president’s knowledge, insight, and judgment throughout both campaigns and the entire presidency. The two forged a special bond over the last 10 years and remain close today.”

Privately, Trump allies have warned that Biden might be the biggest re-election threat given the former vice president’s potential appeal among the white working class in the Midwest, the region that gave Trump a path to the presidency.

Biden is paying special attention to his native Pennsylvania, a state that swung to Trump in 2016 after voting for Democratic presidential candidates for decades. While Biden represented Delaware in the Senate for 36 years, he was often referred to as Pennsylvania’s third senator.

The former vice president will be in the state three times within the opening weeks of his campaign. He’ll be in Philadelphia on Thursday evening headlining a fundraiser at the home of David L. Cohen, executive senior vice president of Comcast. Biden is aiming to raise $500,000 at the event.

He will hold his first public event as a 2020 presidential candidate in Pittsburgh on Monday. Then it’s off to Iowa, home of the leadoff nominating caucuses on Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by two days in South Carolina. He’ll visit the other two early-voting states, Nevada and New Hampshire, in early May, before holding a major rally in Philadelphia.

Biden’s first media appearance is set for Friday morning on ABC’s “The View,” a move that may help him make an appeal to women whose support will be crucial to winning the primary.

As he neared his campaign launch, Biden’s challenges have come into greater focus.

He struggled last month to respond to claims that he touched 2014 Nevada lieutenant governor nominee Lucy Flores’ shoulders and kissed the back of her head before a fall campaign event. A handful of other women have made similar claims, though none has alleged sexual misconduct.

Biden, a former U.S. senator from Delaware, pledged in an online video to be “much more mindful” of respecting personal space but joked two days later that he “had permission” to hug a male union leader before addressing the group’s national conference.

Biden also has been repeatedly forced to explain his 1991 decision, as Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, to allow Anita Hill to face difficult questions from an all-male panel about allegations of sexual harassment against Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas, who later was confirmed to the high court.

He has since apologized for his role in the hearing. But in the #MeToo era, particularly after the contentious confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, the episode remains a significant political liability.

Likewise, Biden once played a key role in anti-crime legislation that had a disproportionately negative impact on African Americans. And while several 2020 Democratic contenders have embraced the possibility of reparations to African Americans for slavery in recent weeks, Biden last month struggled to explain comments he made as a freshman senator in 1975 about the school busing debate.

His first White House bid in 1988 ended after a plagiarism scandal. He dropped out of the 2008 race after earning less than 1% of the vote in the Iowa caucuses. Later that year, Obama named Biden as his running mate.

Boyd Brown, a prominent South Carolina Democrat backing Beto O’Rourke, said Biden’s opening salvo stands out.

“This is very strong out of the chute. Well done. Biden just sucked the wind out of the sails for much of the field,” he said.

But he noted that announcement bumps fade and said Biden still has “to campaign the same aggressive way for the next nine months.”

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Beaumont reported from Des Moines, Iowa. Associated Press writer Julie Pace in Washington and Bill Barrow in Atlanta contributed to this report.

DC AirBNBs Offering Room With Marijuana

AirBNB marijuana rooms

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(Washington, DC) — Some Airbnbs in D.C. are offering marijuana with a room. With D.C.’s legalization of recreational marijuana, businesses that offer a service along with marijuana are popping up. The Airbnbs are being advertised as “bud and breakfasts.” Purvis Rollins, who is a massage therapist, says his services can also include massages with marijuana oils and marijuana vapors. The D.C. law currently allows people to possess up to two ounces of marijuana for personal use and allows residents to grow up to six plants.

Hearing for Maryland Terrorism Suspect

Hearing for U.S. Coast Guard officer accused of planning a terrorist attack targeting politicians and journalists.

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Hasson Detention Hearing Thursday

A federal judge will decide whether the U.S. Coast Guard officer accused of planning a terrorist attack targeting politicians and journalists should remain in jail. Christopher Hasson of Maryland was arrested in February on guns and drugs charges. Prosecutors labeled Hasson a “domestic terrorist,” and said he was stockpiling weapons and kept a hit list of prominent Democrats and TV journalists. Hasson’s attorney recently called for his release as prosecutors have yet to officially charge him with any terrorism-related offenses. In a motion filed Tuesday, prosecutors said Hasson continues to pose a serious threat, and claimed he also planned to target two unnamed Supreme Court justices. A judge will decide tomorrow afternoon whether Hasson should stay in jail pending trial.

Diddy Opens Up About The Death Of Soul Mate Kim Porter

“Before this, I was a part-time father, you know? My family was always first, but there are countless times when I chose work over everything else,” he said. “But every day I can hear her telling me to go and spend some time with the kids and make sure everybody’s all right, like she would do. I’m just a lot more present, and, most important, now my kids come before anything else in my life.”

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NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs has opened up about life after the sudden death of his soul mate, former girlfriend Kim Porter.

The music mogul posed with his six children on the cover of Essence magazine’s 49th anniversary May issue. In excerpts posted online, Combs offered his gratitude for the outpouring of love after Porter’s passing on Nov. 15, 2018 from complications from pneumonia.

Porter is the mother of three of his children, 21-year-old Christian and 12-year-old twin girls Jesse and D’Lila. Combs told the magazine he has learned to be a more attentive father in the aftermath of his grief.

“Before this, I was a part-time father, you know? My family was always first, but there are countless times when I chose work over everything else,” he said. “But every day I can hear her telling me to go and spend some time with the kids and make sure everybody’s all right, like she would do. I’m just a lot more present, and, most important, now my kids come before anything else in my life.”

Three days before she died, according to Combs, she was sick with the flu and “sent the kids over to my house so they wouldn’t get sick.” He recalled one night, when he went to check on her, “she was like, ‘Puffy, take care of my babies.’ She actually said that to me before she died.

He said he went into “mommy mode” after Porter’s death, trying desperately to make sure the kids wouldn’t hear about it online or on the news.

“Every time Kim and I talked, it was about the kids,” Combs said. “It was what she cared about the most.

The magazine hits newsstands on Friday.

Brothers Sue Jussie Smollett’s Lawyers, Claiming Defamation

“We have sat back and watched lie after lie being fabricated about us in the media only so one big lie can continue to have life,” they said. “These lies are destroying our character and reputation in our personal and professional lives.”

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CHICAGO (AP) — Two brothers who say they helped Jussie Smollett stage a racist and homophobic attack against himself sued the “Empire” actor’s attorneys on Tuesday, accusing them of defamation by continuing to insist publicly that the brothers carried out a real, bigoted attack on Smollett despite knowing that wasn’t true.

Abimbola “Abel” Osundairo and Olabinjo “Ola” Osundairo said in a joint statement issued after their lawsuit was filed in federal court in Chicago that Smollett’s legal team has spread false accusations that have hurt their reputations and undermined their career prospects.

“We have sat back and watched lie after lie being fabricated about us in the media only so one big lie can continue to have life,” they said. “These lies are destroying our character and reputation in our personal and professional lives.”

In their lawsuit , the Osundairos contend that even after prosecutors dropped the charges against Smollett while simultaneously saying they could prove the attack was a hoax, Smollett’s attorneys kept saying in interviews that the Chicago-born brothers “led a criminally homophobic, racist and violent attack against Mr. Smollett.”

“Mr. Smollett’s attorneys, faced with an outraged public, did not retreat after their success (in getting charges dropped). Instead, they doubled down,” states the lawsuit, which names celebrity attorney Mark Geragos, fellow lawyer Tina Glandian and Geragos’ Los Angeles-based law firm as defendants.

In a joint statement, Geragos and Glandian called the lawsuit “ridiculous” and “a desperate attempt” by the brothers “to stay relevant and further profit from an attack they admit they perpetrated.”

“We look forward to exposing the fraud the Osundairo brothers and their attorneys have committed on the public,” they added.

The odds may be against the brothers prevailing in court.

Legal experts say that, in the U.S. adversarial system, attorneys are accorded broad protections from lawsuits based on things they say while defending their clients — even if what they say is mean-spirited or false.

“If my client informs me he didn’t do it and I say that publicly … that’s part of our job as lawyers,” said Jeffrey Granich, a Chicago attorney not connected to the Smollett case. At the same time, Granich said he understood the brothers’ frustration and desire to show they are telling the truth.

Smollett, who is black and gay, has stood by his account that he was attacked in downtown Chicago early on Jan. 29 by two masked men who beat him, shouted racial and anti-gay slurs, poured bleach on him, and looped a rope around his neck. He said his attackers also shouted slogans supporting President Donald Trump.

At a Tuesday news conference, the brothers’ lawyer, Gloria Schmidt, said the Osundairos regret their involvement with Smollett and decided to tell the truth when confronted by investigators in mid-February.

“We’re going to make sure that the lies and malice attacking our city, our police department and my two clients are met with truth and healing,” she told reporters. The brothers did not attend the news conference.

Prosecutors have said that Smollett’s friendship with Abimbola Osundairo dated back several years and that Osundairo had served as a stand-in for a character named Kai on “Empire.” Ola Osundairo also appeared as an extra on the show, prosecutors said.

In their lawsuit, the Osundairos say the defamation by Smollett’s lawyers has caused the brothers “significant emotional distress” and made them feel unsafe and alienated from the local community. It doesn’t specify an amount of money they are seeking, but says it would be more than $75,000 in compensatory and damages, and other costs.

The Osundairo brothers, who are of Nigerian descent, testified before a grand jury days before Smollett was charged, saying Smollett paid them $3,500 to help stage the attack. They contend in their suit that Smollett took advantage of their aspirations to have TV and movie careers.

“Mr. Smollett used his clout as a wealthy actor to influence Plaintiffs, who were in a subordinate relationship to him and were aspiring to ‘make it’ in Hollywood,” the lawsuit contends.

The lawsuit also states that Glandian “inferred” during an interview on the podcast Reasonable Doubt this month that Abimbola Osundairo “engaged, at least briefly, in homosexual acts” with Smollett. The filing says that’s false, that Osundairo is heterosexual and to say otherwise could put him and his family in danger in Nigeria.

“Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Nigeria, which can result in 14 years of imprisonment,” the lawsuit asserts. “If the accused is married, the punishment is death by stoning.”

In the weeks after the alleged attack, police arrested the Osundairo brothers on suspicion of assaulting Smollett but released them without charges. A police spokesman said the two were no longer considered suspects and that investigators had new evidence after questioning them.

About a week after police questioned the brothers, Smollett was charged with felony disorderly conduct and accused of making a false police report about the attack. The Cook County state’s attorney’s office abruptly dropped the charges in March, angering the police and Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who said Smollett had dragged Chicago’s name “through the mud” and that the decision to drop the charges was “a whitewash of justice.”

The city has since sued Smollett , seeking repayment for the costs of investigating the case.

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Associated Press writer Don Babwin contributed to this report.

Mathew Knowles To Produce A Destiny’s Child Musical

“I want to pull back the curtain…I feel it’s time to give the world an opportunity to hear, see and feel the victories and failures that I’ve had as a husband, father and manager who risked everything in pursuit of fulfilling dreams.”

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The former manager of Destiny’s Child manager and Beyonce’s father, Mathew Knowles, is looking to produce a musical showcasing the creation of the multi-platinum selling group Destiny’s Child. Knowles made the announcement on Tuesday.

According to CNN, Knowles is producing the musical about the former girl group entitled “Survivor: The Destiny’s Child Musical” and will kick off in Houston. His goal is to take the musical on the road and tour nationally, to Broadway, and to London’s West End.

On Knowles’ website, he released a statement —

“I want to pull back the curtain…I feel it’s time to give the world an opportunity to hear, see and feel the victories and failures that I’ve had as a husband, father and manager who risked everything in pursuit of fulfilling dreams.”

Since the early 1990s, the groundbreaking former girl group has sold more than 150 million records worldwide, won multiple Grammy Awards, and garnered generations of fans. This musical will give background on the achievements, obstacles, and the impact each of the group’s members had on the music industry.

Knowles is trusting the Houston native, Je’Caryous Johnson, to bring this musical to life. Johnson is a writer, producer, director, and storyteller. He recently produced the bio-musical entitled “Redemption of a Dogg,” chronicling Snoop Dogg’s life and music.

“I am ecstatic to be working with Mr. Knowles on the development of Survivor: The Destiny’s Child Musical,” says Johnson. “It is a unique and inspiring story that will fearlessly tackle hard truths, while bringing both vindication and healing to all who lived it. It’s fair, it’s real and it’s an absolute honor to know that Mr. Knowles trusts me to pen and produce such an iconic piece of American history.”

Casting for the musical is currently underway. We’ll keep you informed on developments as they become available.

 

Have You Seen This Missing 15-Year-Old DC Boy?

Police search for missing teens from DC…

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DC Metropolitan Police are trying to find a 15 year old who has been missing now for a month. His name is Cameron Gottschalk.

He was last seen in the 3900 block of Benning Road on Saturday, March 23rd. Gottschalk is described as a black male, with a light complexion. He has brown eyes and black hair. He is 5’10” and weighs about 120 pounds. Anyone with information about his whereabouts should call police.

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @taylorthomas963

Report: Wendy Williams Allegedly Poisoned By Husband

“One of the officers asked Kevin to leave the bedroom so they could talk to Wendy alone, but he didn’t want to leave her side. An officer eventually asked her if there was any truth to the anonymous tip she was being poisoned, and Wendy responded with something like … ‘Well, I’m very popular.’ When the cop repeated the question, the report says she became tearful, but denied there was any truth to it.”

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Police reportedly conducted a welfare check on Wendy Williams back in January. According to reports, an anonymous caller tipped police off about the TV personality allegedly being poisoned by her estranged husband, Kevin Hunter.

According to TMZ,  the caller believed Hunter was slipping Wendy something harmful and they wanted cops to check on her. As the officers went to check on her, the police report indicates Hunter answered the door and started acting very suspicious. Hesitating to let the police into the home, Hunter was apparently stalling by saying his wife was recovering from an illness. Williams was recovering from a broken shoulder.

“One of the officers asked Kevin to leave the bedroom so they could talk to Wendy alone, but he didn’t want to leave her side. An officer eventually asked her if there was any truth to the anonymous tip she was being poisoned, and Wendy responded with something like … ‘Well, I’m very popular.’ When the cop repeated the question, the report says she became tearful, but denied there was any truth to it.”

Williams filed for divorce from Hunter earlier this month, due to cheating allegations and Hunter having a child outside of the marriage. Williams is still living in a sober house but is planning on leaving the facility soon.

Williams fired Hunter last week from his executive producer role on her show. It’s reported Hunter received a $10 million payout to leave.

 

Hogan For President?

Gov. Larry Hogan considers White House run…

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Maryland Governor Larry Hogan is seriously considering taking on President Donald Trump for a bid for the White House in 2020.

Tuesday he attended a Politics and Eggs breakfast in St. Anselm College in New Hampshire. He told attendees he is no rush to decide and he will look at all the factors before making such a big decision. This event is where candidates go to test the waters so to speak before announcing their candidacy.

Hogan told reports that since the first of the year supporters and people have been asking him to run and he says he owes it to them to at least look into it. He has already visited 14 states and sources say he has another 16 on his list in the coming months.

One Republican has entered the race he is former Massachusetts governor William Weld. Polls, however, show most in the party still stand behind Trump.

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @taylorthomas963

Staying Focused Behind The Wheel

The “Drive Focused, Sober, and Safe” Campaign kicks off this Saturday.

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Prince George’s County officials want drivers to take driving seriously and they are kicking of a new campaign to commuters focused behind the wheel.

State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County – Aisha Braveboy is kicking off her “Drive Focused, Sober, and Safe Campaign this Saturday, April 27th9:30am to 1pm at Southern Regional Technology and Recreation Complex at 7007 Bock Road – Oxon Hill MD 20744.  More information at:  www.sao.mypgc.us

Tune in to Taking it to the Streets, weekday mornings at 6:15, 7:08 and 8:35 on the Steve Harvey Morning Showon 96.3 WHUR.

Follow me on facebook and twitter at @bobbygailes for updates and to stay connected.

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Part 1:

 

Part 2:

 

The Real Career Work of Administrative Professionals

Understand the challenges of the modern administrative assistant career.

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They are some of the most important people in the office.  They are the gatekeepers at the front desk, the Girl or Guy Friday for the boss.  They have titles like administrative or executive assistant… sometimes even chief of staff.  We know how important their titles are, but are they treated in the same way?  April 24th is Administrative Professionals’ Day.   We’re talking about the challenges and struggles they experience on the job.

Resources:

The Corporate Alley Cat

Guests:

Deborah Owens, Founder & CEO, The Corporate Alley Cat

Mieya Crosby, Administrative Professional

April Miller, Special Assistant to the President, DC Chamber of Commerce

Woman Indicted in Deadly Bowie Crash

Dominique Taylor indicted for deadly Bowie car crash.

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A Prince George’s County grand jury has indicted 32-year-old Dominique Taylor in the crash that killed six people including five children.  Taylor is facing six charges of vehicular manslaughter and six charges of vehicular homicide for the February 2nd accident on Route 301 in Bowie.  Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy says Taylor had a blood alcohol level of 1.6… more than twice the legal limit in Maryland.  Two of the children killed were Taylor’s.  The other three were related.  23-year-old Cornell Simon, a friend of Taylor’s was critically injured and died weeks later.

NTSB Releases Deadly Apartment Fire Cause

NTSB Says Failed Gas Vent Responsible For 2016 Silver Spring Blast

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(Silver Spring, MD) — The National Transportation Safety Board says a failed gas vent caused the August 2016 explosion that destroyed two apartment buildings and killed seven people in Silver Spring, Maryland. NTSB officials said today that the failure allowed gas to build up inside a basement meter room until it encountered an ignition source that sparked the blast at the Flower Branch Apartments. Investigators say the vent was owned by Washington Gas and was its responsibility. Residents at the garden-style apartment complex had reported smelling natural gas in the weeks before the explosion. Dozens were injured in the incident.

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Rep. Cummings Unhappy After Ex-Trump Official Defies Subpoena

Former WH security chief says no to House subpoena.

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The chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee says the White House is now in “open defiance” of his panel after lawyers advised a former official to defy a subpoena related to the committee’s investigation of White House security clearances.
Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings says he is consulting with members and staff about scheduling a vote on contempt after former White House personnel security director Carl Kline did not show up for a scheduled deposition on Tuesday.
The committee had subpoenaed Kline after one of his former subordinates told the panel that dozens of people in President Donald Trump’s administration were granted security clearances despite “disqualifying issues” in their backgrounds.
The fight over Kline’s appearance comes as the White House has stonewalled the panel in several different investigations.

Russell Wilson Gifts Team With Amazon Stock

“When I sat down to think of ways to honor your dedication a dozen different ideas came to mind. Some were flashy, some were cool, but I wanted to give you something that had a lasting impact. Something that would affect the lives of you, your family, and your children,” said Wilson.”You have invested in my life … this is my investment into yours.”

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Contributed by Taylor Ardrey

Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson is spreading the love after signing a deal making him the highest-paid player in the NFL. Wilson gifted his Seahawks offensive line with $12,000 in Amazon stock each. That’s a grand total of $156,000 for 13 offensive linemen.

According to TMZ, each player got a letter with the stock with an explanation on why they are receiving the gift. Russell’s mission was to show his gratitude and help his teammates for life after football.

RELATED: Seahawks QB Wilson Sticking Around: ‘Seattle, We Got A Deal’

“When I sat down to think of ways to honor your dedication a dozen different ideas came to mind. Some were flashy, some were cool, but I wanted to give you something that had a lasting impact. Something that would affect the lives of you, your family, and your children,” said Wilson.”You have invested in my life … this is my investment into yours.”

Last week Wilson agreed to a $140 million, 4 year contract with the Seahawks. This deal includes a $65 million signing bonus and $107 million in guaranteed money.

The Seahawks seasons is set to start on September 8, 2019.

T.I. and Jamal Bryant Team Up To Bail First-Time Offenders Out Of Jail

“It’s almost like finally meeting the good Samaritan – somebody who you don’t know that you didn’t see coming,” said Bryant. “They’re appreciative to be able to press the refresh button.”

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T.I ‘Tip’ Harris joined an Atlanta church, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, to raise money to bail first-time offenders out of jail just in time for Easter. 23 inmates were released.

According to Rap-Up, the church was able to allow 7 women and 16 men to be brought home in time for Easter Sunday. Every individual released through the “Bail Out” program will be assigned a mentor for weekly check-in meetings. A portion of the money will also be granted towards the recipients children for college expenses.

Dr. Jamal Bryant, senior pastor at New Birth, applauded the efforts of the “Bail Out” program.

“It’s almost like finally meeting the good Samaritan – somebody who you don’t know that you didn’t see coming,” said Bryant. “They’re appreciative to be able to press the refresh button.”

T.I. is no stranger to activism. He uses his platform to call for action on issues in the Black community. He called for the Gucci boycott following the release of their blackface jumper and Fox News’ Laura Ingraham for her comments on the late Nipsey Hussle‘s death.

 

Beyonce ‘Lemonade’ Album Finally Available On All Streaming Services

Three years later, Beyonce made her album “Lemonade” available on all streaming services, including Apple Music and Spotify.

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On April 23, 2016 Beyonce made lemons into Lemonade with her sixth studio album. Three years later, Beyonce made her album available on all streaming services, including Apple Music and Spotify.

Following its initial release, Lemonade was only available on Jay-Z’s streaming service TIDAL. Since 2016, TIDAL has been the hub for all things from The Carters. It has been the platform for exclusive releases including their 2018 joint album “Everything Is Love” which was available on other streaming services two days later.

The re-release of the album includes a demo version of one of the album’s hit single, “Sorry.” Fans seem to be receptive to the new song.

https://twitter.com/Fergyonce/status/1120541191978848260

RELATED: Beyonce’s ‘Homecoming’ Documentary Leave Fans Amazed

The relaunch of Lemonade follows the release of her Netflix documentary “Homecoming” which became available on Netflix on April 17. The film was accompanied by a live album which was an audio version of the documentary. Fans were raving over Beyonce’s cover of “Before I Let Go” by Frank Beverly. The song inspired a dance challenge called #BeforeILetGoChallenge in which Beyonce reposts her favorite videos on IG.

 

 

Phylicia Rashad To Make Broadway Directing Debut Next Spring

“I am happy to be directing this play that brought me so much joy,” Rashad said in a statement.

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Phylicia Rashad will be making her Broadway directorial debut next spring. She will be directing with Charles Randolph-Wright’s play Blue.

“I am happy to be directing this play that brought me so much joy,” Rashad said in a statement. “It affirms the importance of theater and its power to touch the human heart.”

Blue touches on the Clarks family, a prominent family that struggles with the legacy of their own good fortune. According to the announcement, “The production will be “Infused with a searing jazz and soul score” and “celebrates the love and spirit of a family coming to terms with itself.”

Rashad has some directing credits on numerous August Wlson plays including Gem of The Ocean, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone and Fences. In 2018, she acclaimed Signature Theatre mounting of Our Lady of 121st Street.

According to Deadline, Blue will be produced on Broadway by Moreland, Eric Falkenstein, and Ron Simons. Other details on the specifics of the play are in the works.

 

 

 

Beyonce Reportedly Signed A Three-Project Deal With Netflix

“The price tag on this installment, for which Beyonce Knowles-Carter is credited as executive producer, writer, and director, hovers around $20 million,” Variety reports.

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We can expect more projects from Beyonce and Netflix. Beyonce’s Homecoming made the Beyhive go crazy and there’s even more on the horizon. Beyonce landed a three-project deal with Netflix worth $60 million.

With fans still in awe with Beyonce’s Homecoming documentary which followed her journey to the stage of Coachella, reports have been made that we will receive more content from Queen Bey. Beyonce will be partnering with Netflix to deliver her music through visuals. It will make Beyoncé even more accessible to fans across the world.

Reports show that Beyonce previously talked with HBO about the project deal, however Netflix ended up outbidding HBO. HBO does have former projects with the pop star by airing the 2016 Lemonade the visual album, the 2014 On The Run Tour, and Beyonce and Jay-Z’s documentary “Life Is But A Dream.” Netflix reportedly offered Bey $60 million.

According to Variety, the streaming network landed a three-project deal with Beyonce. Homecoming was the first project of the deal, which dropped earlier last week.

“The price tag on this installment, for which Beyonce Knowles-Carter is credited as executive producer, writer, and director, hovers around $20 million,” Variety reports.

Beyonce dropped more surprises alongside her documentary. Not only did the living icon drop a live album from her Coachella performance, she is also releasing her visual album Lemonade on all major music streaming platform. While Lemonade was only able to be streamed on Tidal, Beyonce will release it on April 23rd to all platforms. Next week will be the three-year anniversary of the project.

 

Georgetown University Honors Norton

Norton is honored today in DC …

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One of the District’s beloved lawmakers is being honored today. The Georgetown University Law Center is planning to commemorate DC Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton’s hard work and dedication to others with a proposed installation of her near the well-known clock tower.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, Georgetown University Law Center Dean William Treanor, and Georgetown University President John DeGioia will take part in the ceremonial groundbreaking.

The event is set for 4 pm at the Georgetown University Law Center, 600 New Jersey Avenue in Northwest.

Before Holmes-Norton was elected to office she was a full-time tenured professor at the university’s law school. After winning her first race she began teaching seminar’s entitled Law Making and Statutory Construction. She is being recognized for also being a pioneer for women in the workforce.

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @taylorthomas963

Former Middle School Teacher’s Aid Charged With Raping A Student

Teacher’s aid in Charles Co. charged with raping a middle schooler

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Parents with children who attend Charles County Mattawoman Middle School were sent letters home yesterday regarding the arrest and termination of a teachers aid. 23-year-old Anthony Williams Jr is charged with raping a student and inappropriate comments he made to another.

Williams worked as an instructional assistant for the school detention program in September of 2018. He actually lives across the street from the school. He was terminated after the first allegation was made of him making inappropriate comments to an under age student . During that investigation the Sheriff Department says they discovered a second victim who he allegedly had sexual contact with. School officials wasted no time in notifying police in January and the investigation began.

Williams was arrested on Friday and charged with rape, staking and other sexual offenses involving the two middle school girls. He has posted a $25,000 bond and he is due back in court on May 14.

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @taylorthomas963

3 Hurt In Fire In Landover Hills

2 alarm fire in landover hills leaves dozens homeless…

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Dozens of families are now displaced after a 2 alarm fire at an apartment complex in Landover, Hills.

Three people, one resident and two firefighters were injured but not serious.

First responders were called around 3:30 this morning to the Verona in the 3900 block of Warner Avenue. Officials and residents say the fire moved quickly and that they only had seconds to get out. A family of four first unaccounted for is believed to be safe. The Red Cross is on hand to help those families affected.

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @taylorthomas963

Will Smith, NASA, Fortnite Among 2019 Webby Award Winners

Smith’s The Jump won a Webby for events and live stream video while Disney was chosen the WebbyMedia Company of the Year for earning the most honors across all Webby categories with 32 wins overall.

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NEW YORK (AP) — Actor Will Smith, NASA, Fortnite and Disney are among the 2019 Webby Award winners for internet excellence.

The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences announced the winners Tuesday.

Smith’s The Jump won a Webby for events and live stream video while Disney was chosen the WebbyMedia Company of the Year for earning the most honors across all Webby categories with 32 wins overall. Fortnite is recognized in the game category, and NASA won for best overall social presence.

Actress Issa Rae is the Webby video person of the year for using the internet to showcase breakthrough content from diverse creators. Activist Greta Thunberg scored a Webby for social movement of the year for igniting the #FridaysForFuture global movement for climate justice.

The 23rd annual Webby Awards will be presented in New York City on May 13.

Helping Our Young Girls Live Their Best Life

A Bigger Picture Inc is hosting a special conference for girls in grades 6 through 12.

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Helping young girls to live their best life.  A Bigger Picture, Inc. has been on a mission to guide girls on the right path for nearly a decade with their “Unleashed:  Defining Your Power, Purpose and Passion” conference.   And they have another big event is coming up.  My guest this morning is Toya Evans – Board President of  “A Bigger Picture, Inc.

 A Bigger Picture, Inc. is hosting a one-day conference Saturday, May 4thfrom 8am to 2pm at The Catholic University of America targeting young girls in grades 6th– 12thfor its annual “Unleashed:  Defining Your Power, Purpose, and Passion Conference.”.  For more information go here:

Tune in to Taking it to the Streets, weekday mornings at 6:15, 7:08 and 8:35 on the Steve Harvey Morning Showon 96.3 WHUR.

Follow me on facebook and twitter at @bobbygailes for updates and to stay connected.

Listen to this mornings segment here:

 

 

 

Warm Weather Skin Care Grooming Tips for Men and Women

Cleaning, grooming, make-up and care for your skin as you transition from cold weather to warmer months.

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Now that your cold-weather clothes are tucked away… it’s time to put your best face forward for Spring and Summer.  Grooming changes with the weather for men and women.  For women, your make up regimen also changes as the weather warms up.  Some of those changes my surprise you.  What do you need to know?  Our experts to share the dos and don’ts.

Resources:

Wink & Pout by Kym Lee

 G Natural Alpha Club 4 Men

Guests:

Kym Lee, Celebrity Make-Up Artist

Roger Gore, CEO & Founder, G Natural Alpha Club 4 Men

Sidwell Friends Student Killed In Sri Lanka,

DC-Area Student Killed In Sri Lanka Attack

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DC-Area Student Killed In Sri Lanka Attack

(Washington, DC) — A fifth-grade student who attended a private school in Washington, DC is dead following the Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka. CNN reports a child killed in the attack was a student at the Sidwell Friends school in DC. The school emailed parents of students with the news that Kieran Shafritz de Zoysa died in the blasts. He was on a leave of absence from Sidwell, and was living and studying in Sri Lanka. Kieran was supposed to return to the private school for middle school next year. Nearly 300 people died and more than 500 were injured in a series of bombings at churches and hotels across the country.

A Conversation with 13-Year Old Author and Filmmaker, Miguel Coppedge

Local 13-year-old author & filmmaker inspires kids

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Today we talked to 13-year old Miguel Coppedge, a bestselling author of 3 books and a honors student who by age of 10 published two books and became a filmmaker, speaker, philanthropist, an app developer, and recognized as an Everyday Young Hero by Youth Service America for being a leader and empowering youth to make positive changes in the world. His motto is, “You’re never too young to do anything.” In addition, to these accomplishments Miguel has recently won a $10,000 scholarship and is waiting a decision from 13 other national scholarship funds. His mother, Yolanda Coppedge, has taken the initiative and pushed her son to go after his dreams understanding that he can do whatever he wants to do. She advises parents to do all that they can to support their children and take the time to find out what they are interested in.

Kidpreneur Miguel has a Gofundme account to raise money to buy his books for kids without access. He’s also partnered with DC Metropolitan Police Department to build relationships between them and the communities and bring back community policing through his Best Seller “Friendly Officers”.  A portion of his book sales go to St. Ann’s Children’s Youth and Families Center. He was a foster child before he was adopted. Miguel speaks and reads his books at schools, clubs, camps, childcare centers, and other events. He will be in Texas next month speaking at the Boys and Girls Club. For more information about Miguel Coppedge you can visit him online at www.miguelcoppedge.com.

If you missed today’s show click here

Join us each and every Monday live on WHUR FB at 12:30 for another edition of “Around the DMV in 15 with Taylor Thomas”. Hey, we are always looking for interesting guests and topics. If you have something email me at tthomas@whur.com. Please in the subject line put “Around the DMV in 15 w/ TT”.

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @taylorthomas963

‘The Jeffersons’ Will Be Returning For A One-Night Only Special

Jaime Foxx and Wanda Sykes will be taking the roles of George and Weezy in the upcoming special. These roles were previously enacted by Sherman Hemsley and Isabel Sanford.

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For one-night only,  the long running sitcom The Jeffersons will be returning for a tribute to TV classics.  All in the Family will also appear. The Jeffersons is one of the longest running sitcoms and the second longest running American series with a predominantly African American cast. It first aired on January 18, 1975.

Jimmy Kimmel will honor the iconic sitcoms, The Jeffersons and All in the Family in a new TV Special that will air in May. This one-night special will feature a live broadcast with new stars in the roles we loved watching.

The famous 70s sitcom, a spin-off of All in the Family, followed a Black couple “who moved on up” to the East Side of Manhattan from Queens after the success of George’s dry cleaning chain. The show broke many barriers in mainstream TV in the 70s. This show was the first to feature a married interracial couple on screen.

Jaime Foxx and Wanda Sykes will be taking the roles of George and Weezy in the upcoming special. These roles were previously enacted by Sherman Hemsley and Isabel Sanford.

The live, 90-minute special will air May 22 on ABC. Kimmel will co-host, with Brent Miller, Will Ferrell, Adam McKay and Justin Theroux as executive producers. This event will highlight the pioneers in television and show how far we’ve come in the TV industry.

 

 

Looking For a Few Good Men and Women

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue is now recruiting for firefighters and EMT’s

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Are you looking for a career where you are helping and giving back to the community? Fairfax County Fire and Rescue is looking for a few good men and women to join their team.  My guest is Capt. Francis Mensah – Recruitment Section Supervisor for Fairfax County Fire and Rescue

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue is recruitment for firefighters and EMTs.  The starting salary is over $55,000.00.  Applications will be accepted online.  You must be 18 years or old.  Have a high school diploma or GED, be drug free for the last 12 months, have a valid driver’s license, and no more than one moving violation in the past 12 months.  For more details, visit here: 

Tune in to Taking it to the Streets, weekday mornings at 6:15, 7:08 and 8:35 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:

 

‘Today’ Co-Anchor Jenna Bush Hager Expecting 3rd Child

Hager, and her husband, Henry, are the parents of daughters 6-year-old Mila and 3-year-old Poppy.

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NEW YORK (AP) — “Today” show co-anchor Jenna Bush Hager is pregnant with her third child.

The 37-year-old journalist shared the news with colleagues during Monday morning’s show. The announcement comes less than a week after her co-anchor, Hoda Kotb, announced she had adopted her second child. She joined the fourth hour of the “Today” show as co-host earlier this month when Kathie Lee Gifford stepped down from her role .

Hager, and her husband, Henry, are the parents of daughters 6-year-old Mila and 3-year-old Poppy.

The children’s grandparents are former President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura.

Six Hurt In A Crash In Southeast

Six hurt in DC car crash…

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There’s been another serious vehicle accident in the Metropolitan area. Sunday afternoon police were called to a car accident at 16th and V Streets in Southeast.

Six people were involved. A pedestrian was also injured. The victims include two underage occupants. At last check, three people remain in critical condition. DC Fire officials say one of the vehicles rolled over and two people had to be extracted from one of the cars. There is no word yet on what caused the accident.

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A Rapist Is On The Loose

Woman is chased and raped on Saturday…

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The search is on this morning for a rapist on the loose in Montgomery County. The victim said that happened on Saturday night around 10:15.

She had that she got off of a ride on bus at Watkins Mill Road in Montgomery Village. She said she began to notice that a man was following her, so she started to run and he ran after her. Tackling her in the 19300 block of Watkins Mill Road and dragging her into a wood area and sexually assaulted her.

The victim managed to escape from her attacker and walk home. She then to the hospital for treatment. Police are working on a composite sketch of the suspect. Anyone with information should call police at 240-773-5400.

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Prince Memoir ‘The Beautiful Ones’ Coming Out In The Fall

″‘The Beautiful Ones’ is the deeply personal account of how Prince Rogers Nelson became the Prince we know: the real-time story of a kid absorbing the world around him and creating a persona, an artistic vision, and a life, before the hits and the fame that would come to define him,” Random House announced.

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NEW YORK (AP) — The memoir Prince was working on at the time of his death is coming out Oct. 29.

Random House confirmed Monday to The Associated Press that “The Beautiful Ones” will combine Prince unfinished manuscript with rare photos, scrapbooks and lyrics. First announced just weeks before his 2016 death, the 288-page book will include an introduction by New Yorker writer Dan Piepenbring, whom Prince had chosen as a collaborator. The memoir is an exclusive partnership with the Prince Estate.

″‘The Beautiful Ones’ is the deeply personal account of how Prince Rogers Nelson became the Prince we know: the real-time story of a kid absorbing the world around him and creating a persona, an artistic vision, and a life, before the hits and the fame that would come to define him,” Random House announced.

The book will span from Prince’s childhood to his early years as a musician to the cusp of international stardom, using Prince’s own writings, a scrapbook of his personal photos, and the original handwritten lyric sheets for many of his most iconic songs, which he kept at Paisley Park. The book depicts Prince’s evolution through deeply revealing, never-before-shared images and memories and culminates with his original handwritten treatment for his masterwork, ‘Purple Rain.’”

Piepenbring’s introduction will touch upon Prince’s final days, “a time when Prince was thinking deeply about how to reveal more of himself and his ideas to the world, while retaining the mystery and mystique he’d so carefully cultivated.”

Prince died three years ago, on April 21, from an accidental overdose of fentanyl at the age of 57.

In 2018, literary agent Esther Newberg told Variety that Prince had completed more than 50 handwritten pages.

The book’s editor, Chris Jackson, said in a statement “The Beautiful Ones” was “a beautiful tribute to his life.”

“It’s also much more than that: it’s a genuinely moving and energizing literary work, full of Prince’s ideas and vision, his voice and image,” said Jackson, whose other authors have included comedian Trevor Noah and journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates. “It’s a treasure not just for Prince fans but for anyone who wants to see one of our greatest creative artists and original minds at work on his greatest creation: himself.”

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This story has been corrected to show the New Yorker writer’s last name is Piepenbring, not Piepenberg.

11-Year-Old Girl Killed In Go Cart Accident

Tragic go cart accident kills an 11-year-old

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A go-cart accident in has claimed the life of an 11-year-old girl in Dunkirk, Maryland. The girl was driving the motorized cart with a 7-year-old and 12-year-old passengers when the crashed happened.

According to the sheriff’s office, the 11-year-old made a right turn while on Golf Club Drive and the car overturned. She was rushed to the hospital by helicopter where she later was pronounced dead. The 7 and 12-year-olds were also injured but not seriously. The victims’ names have not been released.

The accident is still under investigation.

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Parents Who Starved And Shackled Children Sentenced To Life

“I cannot describe in words what we went through growing up,” said the oldest son, now 27. “Sometimes I still have nightmares of things that have happened, such as my siblings being chained up or getting beaten. But that is the past and this is now. I love my parents and have forgiven them for a lot of the things that they did to us.”

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RIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) — The eldest son and daughter of a couple who starved and shackled 12 of their children spoke publicly for the first time Friday, alternately condemning and forgiving their parents before a judge sentenced the pair to up to life in prison.

Since being freed from their prison-like home more than a year ago, the two adult children of David and Louise Turpin described how they had gained control of their lives and, despite receiving little education at home, were now enrolled in college and learning simple things, including how to ride a bike, swim and prepare a meal. They are still thin from years of malnutrition.

“I cannot describe in words what we went through growing up,” said the oldest son, now 27. “Sometimes I still have nightmares of things that have happened, such as my siblings being chained up or getting beaten. But that is the past and this is now. I love my parents and have forgiven them for a lot of the things that they did to us.”

The hearing put an end to a shocking case that had gone unnoticed until a 17-year-old girl escaped from the home in January 2018 and called 911. Investigators discovered a house of horrors hidden behind a veneer of suburban normalcy.

The children — ages 2 to 29 — had been chained to beds, forced to live in squalor, fed only once a day, allowed to shower only once a year and deprived of toys and games. They slept during the day and were active a few hours at night.

As her children spoke from a lectern, 50-year-old Louise Turpin sobbed and dabbed her eyes with tissues.

“I’m sorry for everything I’ve done to hurt my children,” she said. “I love my children so much.”

Her husband, who was shaking and could not initially read from a written statement, let his lawyer speak for him until he regained his composure. He did not apologize for the abuse but wished his children well in with their educations and future careers and hoped they would visit him. He then began sobbing.

Jack Osborn, a lawyer representing the seven adult Turpin children, said they understand the consequences of their parents’ actions and are working hard toward forgiving them. Some plan to talk with their parents eventually, but others want no contact with them for 10 years.

The one who called police was a hero for liberating her siblings, Osborn said.

“Maybe but for that we wouldn’t be here today,” he said.

The sentence of life with no chance of parole for 25 years was no surprise. It had been agreed to when the couple pleaded guilty in February to 14 counts each that included torture, cruelty and false imprisonment.

The courtroom fell hushed as the oldest daughter, now 30, entered wearing a blue cardigan over a white shirt, her dark hair in a ponytail. Her eyes were already red from crying when she began to speak in the voice of a little girl.

“My parents took my whole life from me, but now I’m taking my life back,” she said, as her mother’s lower lip quivered trying to hold back the tears. “Life may have been bad but it made me strong. I fought to become the person I am. I saw my dad change my mom. They almost changed me, but I realized what was happening. I immediately did what I could to not become like them.”

There was no explanation from the parents or lawyers about why the abuse occurred, but a letter from one of the children read by an attorney hinted at a home life that veered from birthday celebrations and trips to Disneyland and Las Vegas to severe punishment and disarray.

“Through the years, things became more and more overwhelming, but they kept trusting in God,” the girl wrote “I remember our mother sitting in her recliner and crying, saying she don’t know what to do.”

She said her parents did not know the children were malnourished because they thought the children inherited a gene from their mother, who was small.

From the outside, the home in a middle-class section of Perris, a small city about 60 miles (96 kilometers) southeast of Los Angeles, appeared to be neatly kept, and neighbors rarely saw the kids outside, but nothing triggered suspicion.

But when deputies arrived, they were shocked to find a 22-year-old son chained to a bed and two girls who had just been set free from shackles. All but one of the 13 children were severely underweight and had not bathed for months. The house was filled with the stench of human waste.

The children said they were beaten, caged and shackled if they did not obey their parents. Investigators concluded that the couple’s youngest child, a toddler, was the only one who was not abused.

David Turpin, 57, had been an engineer for Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. Louise Turpin was listed as a housewife in a 2011 bankruptcy filing.

The teenage daughter who escaped jumped from a window. After a lifetime in isolation, the 17-year-old did not know her address, the month of the year or what the word “medication” meant.

But she knew enough to punch 911 into a barely workable cellphone and began describing years of abuse to a police dispatcher.

Although the couple filed paperwork with the state to homeschool their children, learning was limited. The oldest daughter only completed third grade.

Referring to the restraints, the oldest daughter’s statement said her mother “didn’t want to use rope or chain but she was afraid her children were taking in too much sugar and caffeine.”

Life got more difficult after her mother’s parents died in 2016.

Her parents tried their best, “and they wanted to give us a good life,” she said. “They believed everything they did was to protect us.”

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Associated Press writers Amanda Lee Myers and Michael R. Blood in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

News Groups Fight To Keep Harvey Weinstein’s Hearing Open

Prosecutors say a Friday hearing should be closed to protect Weinstein’s right to a fair trial and for the privacy of women whose allegations against him are not part of the underlying criminal case.

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NEW YORK (AP) — Both sides in Harvey Weinstein’s sexual assault case want the media and the public barred from the disgraced movie mogul’s next court appearance.

News organizations including Thee Associated Press are fighting to keep the hearing open plan to file a petition Monday with the court.

Prosecutors say a Friday hearing should be closed to protect Weinstein’s right to a fair trial and for the privacy of women whose allegations against him are not part of the underlying criminal case.

Prosecutors want the women to testify at Weinstein’s June 3 trial to show he has had a pattern of violating women. They also expect to discuss evidence that could be used against Weinstein if he testifies.

Weinstein denies all allegations of nonconsensual sex.

THE JOURNEY: “Dr. James Taylor – Finding a Cure for Sickle Cell at Howard U”

Dr. Wayne Frederick chats with Dr. James Taylor, Director of Howard University’s Center for Sickle Cell Disease.

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ABOUT

It was not until being on his own, in college, that he realized he was not where he needed to be academically.  Tests revealed that he read on a third grade-level.  His Dyslexia diagnosis proved to be the driving force behind his diligence. Today, he is a professor of medicine in the department of Hematology and Oncology.  On this episode of “The Journey,” Dr. Wayne Frederick chats with Dr. James Taylor, Director of Howard University’s Center for Sickle Cell Disease.

Air Date: April 21, 2019

 

 

Good Friday Segment: How To Live The Good Life?

Tonight’s guest giving us some insight about the key to finding happiness. What’s the bright side out of a bad situation? Our guest tonight, Chianti Lomax-Founder of The Happy Pop & Chief Happiness Curator and George Barnes-Pastor of Empowerment Temple AME in Baltimore, Maryland

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Happy Friday! As you’re preparing for your holiday weekend, we want to celebrate the great things in life. Tonight, we want to ask you what’s a good about life? What’s good when you’re a bad situation? How to find the good in the bad?  Our guest will enlighten us about the key to being positive.

-Its important to have a joy journal

-Try to find your happiness, when you’re stress out about finances

-Its important to teach your children about living a happy life.

Chianti Lomax-Founder of The Happy Pop & Chief Happiness Curator

GJ Barnes Pastor of Empowerment Temple AME Church in Baltimore, Maryland-

 

A Fourth Measles Case In Maryland

A fourth case of measles has been discovered in Maryland. Health officials say Pikesville the place of the breakout. The areas where the four cases have been located are in three Maryland zip code regions.

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Maryland health officials have confirmed a fourth case of measles in the state.
In the most recent case, health officials say anyone who visited 4000 Old Court Road in Pikesville Tuesday from 9:15 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. may have been exposed to measles. Officials say measles cases in Maryland have been found in zip code areas: 21208, 21209 and 21215.

Weekend Festivites Honoring Marvin Gaye

National Postal Museum & Charles Sumner School Museum Archives will be hosting a day of celebration entitled “Make Me Wanna Holler.” This is the second stamp release, Marivn Gaye. This is a musical icon tribute series.

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If you love Marvin Gaye, you’re going to enjoy this upcoming event. National Postal Museum and Charles Sumner School Museum & Archives will be hosting a day of celebration entitled“Make Me Wanna Holler.” There will be a celebration at both locations. Earlier this month, US Postal Services released a new stamp honoring the music icon. The stamps were created by the artist DC’s own Kandir Nelson. This free event will include fun interactive activities for children, discussions, musical performance and live DJ.

Sage Morgan-Hubbard, Public Programs Manager at the National Postal Museum and Ryan Taylor Visitor Services Assistant with National Postal Museum

Location: Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives

Time: 10:00am-3:00pm

sumnermuseumdc.org

1201 Seventeenth Street NW (near M)

Metered Street parking available on adjacent streets

Closet metro: Farragut, North, McPherson Square

Location: National Postal Museum

Time: 3:30 to 5:30pm

2 Massachusettes Ave. NE

website: postamuseum.si.edu

metered street parking available on adjacent streets

Closet Metro: Union Station