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Grand Jury Subpoena’s Documents Involving A DC Council Member, Loudoun Co. Student Arrested For Assaulting A School Resource Officer,

In the News @ 10
Loudoun Co. student arrested for assaulting a school resource officer…

Grand jury subpoena’s documents involving A DC Council member …

A federal grand jury has issued a subpoena for information involving DC Council member Jack Evans, a 2016 bill he proposed and Digi Outdoor, which paid him $50,000.Digi Outdoors is a digital sign company that had started a multimillion dollar effort to start doing business in the city.

In 2016 Evans introduced a bill that if approved would have benefited Digi Outdoor. Evans who created NSE Consulting in July of that year was given the check in the amount of $50,000 from Digi Outdoor’s CEO, was given to him three weeks before the consulting firm was formed. It has since raised eyebrows.

Evans says the check was returned. He claims the payment was a retainer for future work. Then two months later Evans received 200,000 shares of Digi Outdoor stock. Evans says that too has been returned.

The quest is also for documents regarding legislation that would have permitted digital signage at National Parks and around the baseball stadium. The measure was being pushed by a lobbyist with ties to Evans. In fact, William Jarvis, the lobbyist is the same person who helped Evans set up his Consulting firm. Council member David Grosso in December called for a special committee to be created to further look into the matter.

Loudoun Co. student arrested for assaulting an officer…

A student from Loudoun County Dominion High School has been arrested for assault. The unidentified male student is accused of assaulting an administrator and then a resource officer that stepped in.

The incident which was caught on cell phone video and went viral happened yesterday inside the school. School officials say the student was first asked by an administrator to leave the cafeteria. The student then turned on the staffer. The school’s resource officer stepped in to arrest him for the assault and that when the suspect started hitting the office.

The very disturbing video is circulation on social media. It has also resulted in the student facing felony charges of obstruction of justice by force and assault on a law enforcement office. The officer who was hit repeatedly in the face was taken to the hospital but he was not seriously hurt.

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @taylorthomas963

Conversation with the Chair of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, Phyllis Randal

The Chair of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors talks about politics, race and other issues impacting the county and the state.

We sit down and talk about politics, race and other issues with Phyllis Randall, the first black woman elected to chair of the board of supervisors in Loudoun County, Virginia.  She is also the first black woman to hold the title of chief executive in any county in the Virginia Commonwealth.

Guest:

Phyllis Randall, Chair, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors

Community’s Choice for the Week of March 3rd 2019

Opioid Treatment, Movies at Asbury, and the Links youth talent show. Details on these events and more inside of this week’s Community’s Choice. To get your non-profit on the air and web, email me at rnash@whur.com at least three weeks prior to your event.

 

Job Fair

Are you interested in a job in education in Maryland? The 11th Annual Maryland Education Recruitment Consortium is March 16th at the University of Maryland Baltimore County University Center. teachmaryland@gmail.com


Kidney Disease

Kidney disease has many symptoms. Get in the know. The GW Ron and Joy Paul Kidney Center can help. www.gwkidney.org


Building Futures

Building Futures helps to put women in non-traditional occupations. Find out about their free pre-apprenticeship program for women. www.dclabor.org



The Right Fit

The Right Fit Inc. is hosting its 3rd Annual Once Upon A Gown and The Suite Prom Fair March 16th at the Seat Pleasant Activity Center. www.therightfitinc.org.


The Links

The Reston Virginia Chapter of the Links is sponsoring an evening of performances featuring talented youth from the DMV March 16th at the Kennedy Center. www.restonlinks@gmailcom


Movies at Asbury

Movies at Asbury invites you to a free screening of the Black Panther March 9th at Asbury United Methodist Church in DC. www.asburyumcdc.org


Delta Sigma Theta Sorority

The Fort Washington Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is hosting its 10th Annual No More Hurth Youth Summit March 23rd at Friendly High School. www.dstfwac,org


Howard University Opioid Treatment

Did you know there is a new treatment for opioid addiction? Howard University Urban Health Initiative offers a new form of therapy. 202-806-7707.

 

 

MD. Del. Lisanti Facing Censure Vote, Kraft Pleads Not Guilty To Solicitation Charges,

MD. Del. Lisanti Facing Censure Vote. Metro Board Votes To Keep Adjusted Metro Hours Until 2020. Kraft Pleads Not Guilty To Solicitation Charges.

MD. Del. Lisanti Facing Censure Vote

The Maryland House of Delegates plans a censure vote late this afternoon against Harford County Democrat Mary Ann Lisanti.  Calls for her to resign continue to pile up after she used the n-word to describe residents of Prince George’s County. Lisanti apologized Tuesday morning to the House Democratic Caucus for the slur. She reportedly used the word during an after-hours gathering at an Annapolis cigar bar while talking with a colleague. On the list calling for her resignation are the Democratic Party of Maryland and Governor Larry Hogan. The censure vote will proceed if Lisanti doesn’t resign.

Metro Board Votes To Keep Adjusted Metro Hours Until 2020

(Washington, DC) — Late-night Metro rail service will be making a come back but not until 2020. The Metro board voted seven-to-one today to keep limited operating hours for Metro rail repairs until July of next year. Metro Board Chairman and DC Councilmember Jack Evans says the measure gives Metro time for much needed maintenance. Rail service currently stops at 11:30 p.m. on weeknights and 1:00 a.m. on the weekends. Starting next year trains will run until midnight on weekdays and until 3:00 a.m. on weekends. Adjusted service hours were put in place in 2016 for repair work.

Kraft Pleads Not Guilty To Solicitation Charges

(West Palm Beach, FL) — New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft is pleading not guilty to charges of soliciting prostitution at a Florida day spa. USA Today reports Kraft’s attorney filed the plea to Florida’s 15th Judicial Circuit Court. By filing the plea before a March 27th hearing, Kraft will avoid having to appear in person at the arraignment. The 77-year-old Kraft is charged in connection with two visits to the Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Jupiter, where investigators say they seized video of Kraft and other customers engaging in sexual acts. Kraft has denied the claims.

Oprah Winfrey To Host ‘After Neverland’ Special

Oprah Winfrey will host a special following the upcoming HBO documentary, “Leaving Neverland.”

Contributed by Taylor Ardrey

Oprah Winfrey will host a Q&A special after special for the upcoming HBO documentary,“Leaving Neverland.”  The special, Oprah Winfrey Presents: After Neverland, will feature Michael Jackson’s accusers —Wade Robson and James Safechuck— and the film’s director, Dan Reed. The special is set to air on OWN and HBO at 10 p.m. on March 4 following the conclusion of the documentary.

Since the premiere of this documentary, Michael Jackson’s family and estate have spoke out against the allegations. Jackie, Marlon, Tito and his nephew Taj sat down with CBS This Morning to defend Michael.

Watch interview here: Michael Jackson’s Family on “Leaving Neverland”

Jackson’s estate filed a $100 million lawsuit against HBO for violating a non-disparagement clause from a 1992 contract which prohibited HBO from airing information after the singer in the future.

Leaving Neverland is a two-part, four hour film about the sexual allegations against Michael Jackson from the experience of Wade Robson and James Safechuck. The documentary is set to air on Sunday, March 3 at 8:00p.m. ET.

 

Helping Students Get Suits and Gowns for Prom and Graduation

The Right Fit Inc. is hosting a free day of shopping for students in need of formal wear.

Prom and graduation season is right around the corner.  My guest this morning helps to make things easier for parents who need a little help getting all the right gear.  My guest is Alesha Wilson – CEO of The Right Fit, Inc.

The Right Fit Inc. is hosting its 3rdAnnual Once Upon A Gown and The Suit Suite, Saturday, March 16that the Seat Pleasant Activity Center.  The event is a free day of shopping for students who are in need for formal wear.  The organization is also in need of clothing donations. 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 Show on 96.3 WHUR.

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

Listen to this mornings segment here:

 

Michael Jackson’s Brothers Say Accusers’ Film Neglects Facts

“Oh, we definitely would have come and talked to them about the situation … to protect our brother,” Tito Jackson said. “He’s not here no more. He’s passed, and, we’re his brothers, we’re supposed to do this.”

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The family of Michael Jackson had a feeling the years-old child molestation allegations against the pop superstar would resurface at some point. So they say they weren’t entirely surprised to learn that a forthcoming HBO documentary would feature two of his accusers.

“I thought, ‘Oh here we go again,’” Jackson’s oldest brother Jackie Jackson said Tuesday of the moment he learned of “Leaving Neverland” while on tour in Australia. “That’s the first thing we said,” Jackie Jackson said during an interview with The Associated Press seated next to his brothers Tito, Marlon and his nephew, Taj.

The documentary, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to a standing ovation , will starting Sunday air the abuse allegations of two men , Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who had previously denied Jackson molested them and supported him to authorities and in Robson’s case, very publicly.

“It was going to be the 10-year anniversary,” Taj Jackson said, referring to his uncle’s June 2009 death. “I remember a year ago I was like, ’This is too appetizing for the media. They’re going to do something. This is the time when everyone comes out of the woodwork, the same cast, the same characters that have been discredited throughout the years. They have a platform now to talk about Michael Jackson.”

It was the latest and most public pushback from the family and Jackson estate, which have repeatedly denounced the documentary in recent weeks through written statements, a lawsuit , and letters to HBO and Britain’s Channel 4, which plan to air the film. HBO announced Wednesday that it will air a special on Monday night in which Oprah Winfrey also interviews Robson and Safechuck .

Their central criticism has been the film’s failure to talk to family members or other defenders of Jackson, whom they insist never molested a child.

The brothers said they would have answered the allegations had the filmmakers asked them.

“Oh, we definitely would have come and talked to them about the situation … to protect our brother,” Tito Jackson said. “He’s not here no more. He’s passed, and, we’re his brothers, we’re supposed to do this.”

Marlon Jackson added, “I look at it as yes, you’re protecting your brother, but you’re telling the truth, and we want people to understand the truth. And I do not understand how a filmmaker can make a documentary and not want to speak to myself or some of the other families that were at Neverland.”

The documentary’s director Dan Reed has repeatedly defended his film, which uses only the voices of Robson, Safechuck and their families.

“It’s the story of these two families and not of all the other people who were or weren’t abused by Michael Jackson,” Reed told the AP the day after the film’s premiere. “People who spent time with him can go, ‘he couldn’t possibly be a pedophile.’ How do they know? It’s absurd.”

Robson, 36, and Safechuck, 40, both came forward as adults, first via 2013 lawsuits and later in the documentary, to talk about the alleged abuse, which Robson says started when he was 7, Safechuck when he was 10.

Both had previously told authorities there had been no abuse, with Robson testifying in Jackson’s defense at the 2005 molestation trial that ended with the superstar’s acquittal.

Jackson family members say they were especially stunned to first hear such allegations coming from Robson, a noted choreographer who has worked with Britney Spears and ’N Sync. Many Jacksons, including Taj, had known Robson and his family since he was a child. Robson had dated Jackie Jackson’s daughter for over seven years.

“I was like ’No that can’t be Wade Robson not the same guy that I knew, They must have got the names wrong,” Taj Jackson said. “Wade was the most adamant person when it came to 2005 and the trial. He was their first defense witness. He was the star witness. He was adamant that nothing ever happened.”

Taj Jackson said he remembers thanking Robson the day he testified, and Robson responding that it was the least he could do for Michael.

“To see that 180, it feels like the biggest backstab that you could possibly feel,” he said.

The film acknowledges and discusses the men’s initial denials of abuse. Both say they experienced trauma that emerged as adults when they started to accept what happened to them.

No one in the Jackson family has any memory of meeting Safechuck. They have focused their criticism on Robson, whose allegations, they say, have coincided with financial problems.

They say in particular that being denied a job with a Jackson-themed Cirque du Soleil show prompted him to change his story.

Robson has said it had no bearing on the allegations, and that he actually removed himself from the Cirque du Soleil show because he was having nervous breakdowns. Those prompted him to talk to his therapist for the first time about the abuse.

Robson’s attorney Vince Finaldi said Wednesday that it was in fact the trauma from reliving the sexual abuse that caused Robson’s financial problems, because he stopped working to deal with it.

“One of the keys to his healing was stepping away from the entertainment industry,” Finaldi said.

The men’s lawsuits have been thrown out on technical grounds, but their attorneys are appealing the rulings. Finaldi said they will pursue all available means whether via the law or media to tell their stories.

“They’re never going to stop speaking their truth,” he said.

The Jackson estate’s lawsuit , filed last week, alleges “Leaving Neverland” violates a 1992 contract agreeing the channel would not disparage Jackson in the future. HBO called the lawsuit a desperate attempt to undermine the film.

Jackson’s family urged those inclined to watch “Leaving Neverland” to look deeper into the situation.

“That’s all we’re worried about is just facts,” Marlon Jackson said. “The facts, which are public record, tell a totally different story than what this documentary talks about.”

After Game-Winning Shot, Wade’s Thoughts Turn To Kobe

“Thank you for showing me the way, Mamba Mentality,” Wade said in the on-court interview, referring to Bryant by one of his nicknames.

MIAMI (AP) — It’s been more than nine years, and Dwyane Wade still wonders from time to time how Kobe Bryant hit a straightaway 3-pointer off the glass to beat him.

Finally, he has his answer.

Down by two, at home, last possession. That was the scenario when Bryant made his 3-pointer over Wade on Dec. 4, 2009, to give the Los Angeles Lakers a one-point win over the Miami Heat.

Down by two, at home, last possession. Same scenario for Wade, this time against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night.

Same result, too.

A banked-in 3-pointer by Wade gave the Heat — whose playoff hopes have taken hit after hit in recent weeks — a much-needed 126-125 victory. And even in the din of the incredibly jubilant on-court celebration, the likes of which perhaps only compared to Miami’s two championship-clinching wins at home in 2012 and 2013, Wade went back to that moment with Bryant.

“Thank you for showing me the way, Mamba Mentality,” Wade said in the on-court interview, referring to Bryant by one of his nicknames.

Not long afterward, Bryant responded on Twitter: “My man,” he wrote to Wade, adding the hashtag “last dance” — a nod to the “One Last Dance” theme Wade has used throughout this, his 16th and final season in the NBA before retirement.

Even the Warriors tipped their caps afterward at Wade, who finished with 25 points and made two 3-pointers in the final 16 seconds.

“For him to finish the way he did, it was incredible,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said.

The Heat remained 10th in the Eastern Conference, a half-game behind No. 8 Charlotte and only percentage points behind No. 9 Orlando. A loss would have set them back a bit in the standings, and who-knows-how-much more emotionally — since had the Warriors won, it would have been a win where Miami blew a 24-point lead.

Instead, Wade engineered a miracle in Miami — exactly one year to the day after he hit a game-winner to beat Philadelphia at home.

“He deserved to win this game,” Golden State’s Kevin Durant said.

Wade’s winner even caught the attention of LeBron James, who watched it out on the West Coast. James replied in his own fashion a few hours later, hitting a dramatic one-legged, fall-away 3-pointer with 31 seconds left to seal the Lakers’ 125-119 win over New Orleans.

Afterward, James was asked to compare the degree of difficulty in the two big shots by the former Heat teammates.

“Mine was a little bit more difficult than his,” James said with a smile. “His was weird. I don’t know if that was even a shot. It was like he had … you know when you play Pop-a-Shot? He had to, I mean, because he had no time. But yeah, I think my shot was more difficult.”

Barring a matchup in the NBA Finals, this was Wade’s last time facing the Warriors. And that realization was not lost upon the two-time defending champions afterward.

“It’s a crazy feeling,” Durant said. “He’s done so much for the game. He’s such an amazing player and person. I’ve been watching him since middle school and this is one crazy way to go out.”

Kerr said he’s enjoyed watching this season become a celebration of Wade.

“The video tributes, the jersey exchange, the applause from the fans. It all shows you what Dwyane has meant to this league,” Kerr said. “When you see all the younger players in this league, how much they revere him, you realize and you remember.”

And when Wade hits shots like he did Wednesday, you don’t forget, either.

DC Records Their 28th Homicide, Former DHS Worker Admits To Stealing Thousands From DC’s Welfare Program

In the News @ 10
DC records 28th homicide…
Former DHS worker admits to stealing Thousands from DC’s welfare program…
Parents BEWARE of the Mo Mo challenge…

DC records their 28th homicide…

The District of Columbia has recorded it’s 28th homicide of the year. It is a nearly 60% increase from this time last year. The victim is a young person. He is one of three people shot in an alley on Monroe Street in NW.

At Noon, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser is planning to take part in a luncheon with faith leaders at Riverside Baptist Church. Bowser will discuss her efforts to decrease gun violence. She is also expected to talk with the clergy members and discuss how together they can help stop the bloodshed.

Former DHS worker admits to stealing thousands from DC’s welfare program…

A former Policy Analyst for the Department of Human Services is going to jail. 49-year-old Gary Holliday of Fort Washington, Maryland has admitted to siphoning more than $400,000 from the District’s Food Stamp Program.

Prosecutors say he knew the system and he chose to set up a fake application and take money from the SNAP and TANF benefits program. Holliday has agreed to repay the city. He will be sentenced in June and faces up to 41 months in prison.

Parents BEWARE of the Mo Mo challenge…

Parents, teachers and or caregivers there is a new online challenge that could have deadly outcomes that you need to be aware of. It’s called the Mo Mo Challenge.

Basically, this latest internet challenge targets young children. Many are seeing it while watching Kids YouTube. The message encourages kids to text a number on WhatsApp. Then it will send them a series of in ceasing possibly dangerous tasks. Reports say the challenges can go from watching a scary move to telling them to take their own lives. It is unclear who is behind the internet challenge.

Some of the victims are shown a scary bug-eyed girl with tangled hair and scrawny arms. Officials suggest parent talk to their kids and make them aware if they see the image pop up on their smart devices they should tell them right away and not do anything that it says.

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @taylorthomas963

Janet Jackson Set To Start Las Vegas Residency In May

Legendary icon Janet Jackson will be launching her Las Vegas residency show, “Metamorphosis”, on May 17 at place at Park Theater at Park MGM resort.

Contributed by Taylor Ardrey

Legendary icon Janet Jackson will be launching her Las Vegas residency show, “Metamorphosis”,  on May 17 at place at Park Theater at Park MGM resort.

Janet Jackson took to twitter to make her announcement:

“Hey u guys, I’m so excited to announce my new Vegas residency, “Metamorphosis”! A celebration of my journey and the 30th anniversary of ! I’ll be at the in May, July & August. Link in bio. 

Citi presale starts Wed., 2/27 at 12PM PT!” @janetjackson

MGM Resort’s M life Rewards loyalty members, Live Nation and Ticketmaster customers will also have access to the presale on 2/27.

Janet Jackson Metamorphosis Las Vegas Residency

May 2019: 17, 18, 21, 22, 25, 26
July 2019: 24, 26, 27, 31
August 2019: 2, 3, 7, 9, 10

Who else is about spend their next check to purchase tickets?

 

Big Boi To Play Berry Gordy In ‘Debarge’ Biopic

Big Boi lands role as Berry Gordy in upcoming Bobby Debarge biopic which will air on TV One called The Bobby Debarge Story.

Contributed by Taylor Ardrey

Big Boi landed the role as Berry Gordy in the upcoming Bobby Debarge biopic which will air on TV One called The Bobby Debarge Story. Berry Gordy was the founder of Motown Records and a prominent contributor to legendary acts like The Jackson 5, Diana Ross & The Supremes and Bobby Debarge’s band, Switch.

Big Boi announced his role in the movie via Instagram:

“Just finished playing Berry Gordy in the “Debarge” movie @swirlfilmsig 🎬🎥🔥 coming Soon!” @bigboi

The biopic is about the life of Bobby Debarge and how he emerged and changed the sound of the landscape of music.” A falsetto master, Bobby DeBarge was a musical genius who battled demons of his own for many years. The Bobby Degarge Story is the quintessential story of sex, drugs and rock and roll,” stated Karen Peterkin, Director of Scripted Original Programming and Production, who serves as Executive in Charge of Production for TV One.

Lloyd, Roshon Fegan, Tyra Ferrell and Adrian Marcel are also apart of the cast of this biopic.

 

 

Racism and Politics

From the Maryland State House to The White House, how does racism impact politics?

There are more calls for a democratic Maryland State Delegate to step down after she  used a racial slur to step down.   The Maryland Democratic Party, The Black Legislative Caucus… even Governor Larry Hogan are all calling on Harford County Delegate Mary Ann Lisanti to resign.  Last month at a cigar bar in Annapolis the democrat was heard using the N-word to describe residents of Prince George’s County. We discuss the incident, the fallout and racism in politics.

Guests:

Maryland State Delegate Darryl Barnes, (D) District 25, Chair, Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland

Dru Ealons, Political Analyst

Cohen Rips Trump, MD Dems Call For Lisanti Resignation

Cohen Rips Trump. Republican Accuses Cohen Of Sour Grapes. MD Dems Call For Lisanti Resignation. Supreme Court Hears Peace Cross Arguments.

Cohen Rips Trump

(Washington, DC) — Michael Cohen is ripping his former boss. In explosive testimony before the House Oversight Committee today, Cohen called Donald Trump a racist, a conman and a cheat. Trump’s former personal lawyer and fixer said he is ashamed of taking part in Trump’s “illicit acts.” He also called himself ashamed of his own “weakness and misplaced loyalty.” Cohen said Trump was aware that longtime ally Roger Stone was talking to WikiLeaks about hacked Democratic emails.
Cohen is headed to prison for lying to Congress, tax fraud, bank fraud and campaign finance violations.

Republican Accuses Cohen Of Sour Grapes

(Washington, DC) — Ohio Republican Jim Jordan is accusing Michael Cohen of sour grapes. During a House hearing today, Jordan suggested Cohen was unhappy that he wasn’t offered a job in the White House after Donald Trump was elected President. Cohen rejected Jordan’s accusation, saying he was very happy as the President’s personal attorney. Cohen worked for Trump for about 10-years and sometimes referred to himself as Trump’s fixer.

MD Dems Call For Lisanti Resignation

(Annapolis, MD) — The Maryland Democratic Party is calling on Harford County Delegate Mary Ann Lisanti to step down after she used the n-word to describe Prince George’s County. Party Chair Maya Rockeymore Cummings said in a statement she supports calls for Lisanti to resign from her position following the comment. Lisanti apologized yesterday morning to the House Democratic Caucus for the slur. She reportedly used the word during an after-hours gathering at an Annapolis cigar bar while talking with a colleague.

Supreme Court Hears Peace Cross Arguments

(Washington, DC) — The Supreme Court seems inclined to rule that a 40-foot-tall cross that stands on public land in Maryland is constitutional, but shy away from a sweeping ruling.  The high court on Wednesday heard over an hour of arguments in the case about the World War I memorial sometimes referred to as the “Peace Cross.” Conservative justices as well as at least two liberal justices seemed to suggest that the nearly 100-year-old memorial doesn’t run afoul of the First Amendment’s establishment clause, which prohibits the government from favoring one religion over others. The justices seemed inclined to find that the age of the monument and the cross’ special connection to World War I as a symbol associated with war dead made it acceptable.  The memorial stands on a grassy highway median in Bladensburg, Maryland, just outside Washington.

The Tony Award Winning Musical That Takes You Back In Time……Harlem in the 1930’s

Ain’t Misbehavin’ is playing at the Signature Theatre through March 10th.

Get ready for a hand clapping and foot stomping good time.  We are headed to the theatre this morning on Taking It to the Streets to preview the hit musical Ain’t Misbehavin’, playing now at the Signature Theatre.  My guest is Mark Meadows – Musical Director and On-Stage Pianist (plays the part of Fats Waller)

Tony Award Winning Musical “Ain’t Misbehavin,’ a Fats Wall Musical Show playing now thru March 10that the Signature Theatre. For more information go to: www.sigtheatre.org

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, instagram and twitter at @bobbygailes for updates and to stay connected.

Listen to this mornings interview here:

 

Howard University Charter Day 2019

Hollywood film producer, and proud son of Howard, Charles D. King, will serve as the 2019 Charter Day Convocation orator during the 152nd Charter Day Convocation on Friday, March 1, 2019. King is an alumnus of the Howard University School of Law and founder of MACRO. In 2009, King received the Alumni Award for Distinguished Postgraduate Achievement in the fields of Government and Public Service. Howard University will confer upon Mr. King an honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, the University’s highest honor.

Hollywood film producer, and proud son of Howard, Charles D. King, will serve as the 2019 Charter Day Convocation orator during the 152nd Charter Day Convocation on Friday, March 1, 2019. King is an alumnus of the Howard University School of Law and founder of MACRO. In 2009, King received the Alumni Award for Distinguished Postgraduate Achievement in the fields of Government and Public Service. Howard University will confer upon Mr. King an honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, the University’s highest honor.

Founded in January 2015, King’s MACRO is a leading media company representing the voice and perspectives of people of color. King oversees the company’s focus on creating, developing, producing and financing film, television, digital content, tech companies and brands driven by people of color that encompass universal themes to which all people can connect and relate.

MACRO’s film projects have received nine Oscar nominations. The company’s first major studio film, Fences, received four nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for director/star Denzel Washington, and one win for Best Supporting Actress for Viola Davis. King was an executive producer on the film. Dee Rees’ Mudbound, was the highest sale at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress and Best Cinematography. King was a producer on the film. Roman J. Israel, Esq. also received an Oscar nomination for Washington and was executive produced by King. MACRO’s most recent film, Boots Riley’s Sorry To Bother You, is nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature. King’s MACRO has a first look co-finance deal with Warner Bros. Pictures and just signed on as a co-financier and King as an executive producer for Just Mercy, starring Michael B. Jordan with Jamie Foxx and Brie Larson as well as a film based on revolutionary Black Panther and historic figure Fred Hampton starring Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield. On the TV side, King will executive produce “Raising Dion,” a 10-episode hour-long, sci-fi, family drama along with Dennis Liu and Michael B. Jordan.

Please join us on March 1 at 11 a.m. in Cramton Auditorium Charter Day Convocation as we celebrate Howard past, Howard present, and Howard forward.

What to Expect When You File Income Taxes This Year

You might be unpleasantly surprised by your income tax refund or lack of it this year. Are you eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit?

It’s tax season.  But it’s a tax season filled with uncertainty.  This is the first filing season since sweeping tax reform was passed in December of 2017.  What does that mean for you?  We’re answering that question and giving you information about the Earned Income Tax Credit. (EITC)

Resources:

IRS YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/user/irsvideos

Capital Area Asset Builders: 877-728-3515

 http://www.caab.org/en

TSC Enterprises: https://www.tsccpas.com/

Guests:

Chris Tinker, CPA, Partner, TSC Enterprises

Joseph Leitmann Santa-Cruz, Deputy Director, Capital Area Asset Builders

Howard University Students Get A Lesson In Starpower

Actors LaLa Anthony and Lance Gross speak to students about their careers in television and film.

Washington, D.C. (Tuesday, February 26, 2019) – Imagine coming to your journalism or fine arts class and two mega stars are front and center leading the lesson plan.  That was indeed the case today at Howard University  as actors La La Anthony and Lance Gross shared their career paths with some 50 HU students.    Gross who is an alum talked about the role Howard played in paving his way to a successful acting career while Anthony stressed the importance of making sure “you have a plan.”  The two celebrities took part in what’s called a  “Master Class,” where students have an opportunity to learn from the best in a variety of professions.  Students were eager to pepper Anthony and Gross with a slew of questions. 

Having celebrities show up for classes, is almost part of the day at Howard, which has a lengthy list of star power graduates, including Debbie Allen, Phylicia Rashad, Laz Alonso, Taraji P. Henson, Chadwick Boseman just to name a few.  IMG_8553.MOV

Cohen Grilling Ongoing In Closed Senate Meeting, Florida Officer Using ‘Stand Your Ground’ Defense in Trial for Killing Black Motorist

Cohen Grilling Ongoing In Closed Senate Meeting. Florida Officer Using ‘Stand Your Ground’ Defense in Trial for Killing Black Motorist. Virginia’s State Superintendent Urges Elimination Of Racism.

Cohen Grilling Ongoing In Closed Senate Meeting

(Washington, DC) — The grilling of former Trump lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen is ongoing in the Senate Intelligence Committee. It’s a closed meeting and Maine Republican Susan Collins emerged briefly and told reporters the grilling is “extensive.” She was asked if anything has surprised her and she called Cohen a “different guy.” Cohen will testify in an open House hearing tomorrow.

Florida Officer Using ‘Stand Your Ground’ Defense in Trial for Killing Black Motorist

(West Palm Beach, FL) — A former Florida police officer plans to use the “stand your ground” defense in trial for killing a black motorist while on duty back in 2015. The Florida statute allows anyone with a legitimate fear of imminent danger can use lethal force, but this is the first time a cop is using it in 26 years. African-American musician Corey Jones got out of his broken-down SUV when he was confronted by Officer Nouman Raja. Prosecutors say Raja never identified himself and that prompted Jones, who had a concealed-weapons permit, to pull a handgun because he feared he was being robbed. The trial of fired Palm Beach Gardens officer Nouman Raja begins with jury selection Thursday.

Virginia’s State Superintendent Urges Elimination Of Racism

(Richmond, VA) — Virginia State Superintendent James Lanes is urging school systems to eliminate racism. Lane is encouraging educators to teach lessons with racial sensitivity in a renewed commitment to equity in public schools. Lane was appointed as the superintendent of public instruction last year by Governor Ralph Northam, who admitted this month that he once wore blackface.

WATCH: The Peoples House with Nancy Pelosi

“We are pleased to host Speaker Nancy Pelosi for what will be a historic visit to Howard University,” says President Wayne A. I. Frederick. “The King Lecture Series traditionally offers a wealth of opportunities for our students to hear from leaders of the political arena and Howard is known for standing at the epicenter of thoughtful dialogue around national discourse. Hosting Speaker Pelosi at this time in our country’s history will be an incredible educational experience for everyone involved.”

– Ramzey SmithWASHINGTON (February 25, 2019) – The 2018-2019 Gwendolyn S. and Colbert I. King Endowed Chair in Public Policy Lecture Series, chaired by political strategist and author Donna Brazile, continues this week with The People’s House with Speaker Nancy Pelosi, on Wednesday, Feb. 27, at the Howard University School of Business Auditorium, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi will join Brazile for a conversation on opportunity, leadership and the state of our democracy.

“We are pleased to host Speaker Nancy Pelosi for what will be a historic visit to Howard University,” says President Wayne A. I. Frederick. “The King Lecture Series traditionally offers a wealth of opportunities for our students to hear from leaders of the political arena and Howard is known for standing at the epicenter of thoughtful dialogue around national discourse.  Hosting Speaker Pelosi at this time in our country’s history will be an incredible educational experience for everyone involved.”

Speaker Pelosi joins the King Lecture Series as the 52ndSpeaker of the House of Representatives, having made history in 2007 when she was elected as the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House. Now, in her third term as Speaker, Pelosi made history again in January 2019 when she regained her position second-in-line to the presidency, the first person to do so in more than 60 years.  As Speaker, Pelosi is fighting for the people, working to lower health care costs, increase workers’ pay through strong economic growth and rebuilding America, and cleaning up corruption for make Washington work for all.  For 31 years, Speaker Pelosi has represented San Francisco, California’s 12th Congressional District, in Congress. She has led House Democrats for 16 years, having previously served as House Democratic Whip.

“Speaker Pelosi is heading up the most diverse House of Representatives in history—one that she helped to get elected. As the first, and still only woman to helm a house of Congress, she’s already an historic figure,” Brazile explains. “This will truly be a memorable moment that Howard University students should not miss.”

Among the topics expected to be discussed, are the importance of the youth vote, campaign finance reform and the 116thCongress. Howard University students are encouraged to attend and take advantage of a question and answer period that will be offered exclusively to students, following the conversation.

The People’s House with Speaker Nancy Pelosi is the latest installation of the 2018-2019 Gwendolyn S. and Colbert I. King Endowed Chair in Public Policy Lecture Series, which provides students access to experienced, senior public service executives who have developed and advanced public policy initiatives. Since 2008, six prominent public leaders have engaged students on issues related to the public interest.

This event is free and open to the Howard community via RSVP to KingLectureSeries@Howard.edu. Due to limited seating, guests are asked to arrive early. All bags will be subject to search.

Helping Our Youth Learn Important Life Lessons Through Basketball

The Lead by Example Foundation Inc, is sponsoring free trips for youth in grades 6th – 8th to this years Unity Games in New York

The Lead by Example Foundation is using the game of basketball to teach youth some valuable skills on and off the court. That’s the key mission of an upcoming series of games taking place in New York in a few weeks and I have the details of how you can get your youngsters involved for free.  It’s the 17thAnnual Unity Games.  My guest is Antonio Beard, Co-Founder of the Lead by Example Foundation, Inc.

The 17thAnnual Unity Games is March 22nd– 24thin New York City.  Lead by Example, Inc. is sponsoring the trip for free for some youth in the DMV in grades 6th– 8th. The trip is for boys and girls. dcunitygames@gmail.comThe Unity Games combine basketball and educational workshops to foster relationships among young people of different backgrounds through a shared experience.  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 Show on 96.3 WHUR.

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

Listent to this mornings segment here:

Red Table Talk Discusses “What Men Really Think About Love”

On the latest Red Table Talk titled, “What Men Really Think About Love,” award-winning rapper Wale and Jane the Virgin star Justin Baldoni joined the ladies to have a open dialogue about what men go through in the search for love.

Contributed by Taylor Ardrey

On the latest Red Table Talk titled, “What Men Really Think About Love,” award-winning rapper Wale and Jane the Virgin star Justin Baldoni joined the ladies to have a open dialogue about what men go through in the search for love.

Wale opened up about his struggle with getting into a relationship growing up as a rapper in the music industry and how being in the industry exposed him to the complexities of maintaining a healthy relationship as a celebrity.

” I got famous young in D.C and I seen how women were acting around me and I think it shaped how I view women moving forward,” said Wale. You got to understand that you are talking to a rapper. All I see is promiscuous behavior… I fell head over heels for somebody in this industry and I can see how vicious it could be and how gutted I was. I was never really the same.”

Justin Baldoni explained how he had to do some soul searching before he meant his wife. When they eventually came together figuring out how they fit into each other’s lives was not an easy process.

“It was not easy. The dating process was at times painfully horrific. My wife and I we went deep; it was uncomfortable, we realized we wanted different things at times, we weren’t sure that if we were spiritually aligned, we were from totally different countries”, said Baldoni.

Baldoni opened up about the ups and downs of his marriage and how he had to put work into himself in order to be ready to settle down with his wife.

“But I jumped in and said this is me. These are my flaws, these are my insecurities. This is all of the things that are wrong with me. And she wanted to walk away and I kept chasing her. There was a balance. She needed space. I didn’t understand what space meant which because we worked through it ended up being the foundation of a beautiful healthy marriage,” he added

Watch to see what else these men think about love: Red Table Talk-What Men Really Think About Love.

 

Serena Williams Tells Women To ‘Dream Crazier’ In New Nike Ad

Tennis all-star Serena Williams collaborated with Nike for their latest advertisement titled, “Dream Crazier” to highlight the double standards women face as athletes.

Contributed By Taylor Ardrey

“Show them what crazy dreams can do. #JustDoIt”

Tennis all-star Serena Williams collaborated with Nike for their latest advertisement titled, “Dream Crazier” to highlight the double standards women face as athletes. Women are often deemed as emotional, dramatic and “crazy” in the workplace, a struggle in which Williams can relate to after making headlines last year after a dispute at the US Open final with an umpire.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whpJ19RJ4JY&feature=youtu.be

The ad was showcased during the 2019 Academy Awards ceremony and sparked a debate about sexism and the difference of perception between men and women. Many appreciated Williams for being apart of an influential ad and for bringing major issues to the forefront for open discussion.

 

A Teen Is Struck And Killed By A MARC Train, A MD White Lawmaker Calls Prince George’s Co. the “N- district”

In the News @ 10
A teen is struck and killed by a MARC train…
A Md lawmaker calls Prince George’s Co. the N-district…
A new study shows multi-billion dollar funding difference for white school systems vs nonwhite…
Body found in a bag near Metro bus stop…

A teen is struck and killed by a MARC train…

One day after a person was hit and killed by a MARC Train in Prince George’s County comes word of a teen killed by another train Bowie.

Officials say the incident happened last night in Laurel in the 8400 block of Holly Street. The only description given to the media by Montgomery County Fire Department Spokesman Mark Brady is that the victim is believed to be a teenager and male.

The victim was in critical condition when he was rushed to the hospital. His identity has not been released. It is also unclear if he was on the tracks or near them at the time of impact.

A MD white lawmaker calls Prince George’s County the N-district…

Another lawmaker is apologizing to African American’s and Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland for using a racial slur when talking about Prince George’s County.

Delegate Mary Ann Lisanti a Democrat is responding to allegations that during a discussion with a white colleague she talked about helping with a candidate campaign in Prince George’s County and that last fall she was door-knocking in a “N-district”.

Delegate Lisanti has apologized but says she really doesn’t remember saying it. Delegate Darryl Barnes of Prince George’s County who also chairs the Black Caucus said Lisanti seemed contrite during her meeting with them.

Lisanti, is serving her second term in office. She is a member of the House Economic Matters Committee. She also chairs the unemployment insurance subcommittee.

Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrook who learned of the incident said it was “disturbing and offensive. Alsobrooks said she would love to have her come to see the true Prince George’s County

A new study shows multi-billion dollar funding difference for white school systems vs nonwhite…

For more, it is no surprise. A new report by EdBuild, a research and advocacy company based out of New Jersey focuses on school funding.

EdBuild found that white school systems received $23 billion more dollars in funding that nonwhite school systems. The report points to property taxes being higher in the white communities versus the others and that more money goes to schools. Researchers, however, blame state leaders and budgets for not helping to bring the financial gap that could level the educational learning field.

13,000 traditional public schools were examined and of them, 7,600 had a 75% population of white students and about 1,200 more than 75% of the population were nonwhite.

In 2016 White school systems took in more than $77 billion dollars in local tax dollars or about $7,000 per student. Nonwhite systems took in close to $54 billion, which is equal to about $4,500 per pupil.

It is important to note that most states added on average about $6,900 dollars per pupil for white school systems and about $7,200 for nonwhite systems. This report did not include federal funding.

In the state of Maryland, 880,000 students were supported by only 24 districts compared a place like New Jersey, where over 1 million students were supported by over 500 districts.

Body found in a bag near Metro bus stop…

A passerby made a gruesome discovery last night. The body of a person in a bag near a Metro bus stop in Bethesda.

The body has been sent to the medical examiner’s officer. Detectives did not release the gender or race of the victim. There’s no word on the possible cause of death.

The body was discovered in the 10,000 block of Old Georgetown Road.

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @taylorthomas963

Mary J. Blige, NAS, Pharrell On Tap For 2019 Essence Fest

“When the ESSENCE Festival was founded 25 years ago, it marked a pivotal moment of vision and reverence — a critical acknowledgement of and investment in the power of our culture,” said Michelle Ebanks, chief executive officer of ESSENCE Communications, in a news release. She said it has set a standard that other festivals aspire to, and has become an annual homecoming for black artists from around the world.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The 2019 Essence Festival will feature headlining performances by Mary J. Blige and rappers NAS, Pharrell, Jermaine Dupri and Missy Elliott as Essence Magazine’s “party with a purpose” turns 25 this year.

Festival producers announced a partial lineup Monday, listing more than 80 artists for the event held during the July Fourth weekend in New Orleans, hosted by comedienne and talk show host Loni Love. Also on the lineup are Anthony Hamilton, H.E.R., Ledisi, MC Lyte, Morris Day, Musiq Soulchild, Sheila E., Teddy Riley, Teyana Taylor, Queen Naija, Timbaland, Luke James, Big Freedia and Grammy winning New Orleans native PJ Morton.

Producers said there also will be a special mainstage moment honoring Frankie Beverly for his lifetime contribution to music and special performance highlights spotlighting Blige’s “My Life” and NAS’ “Illmatic” — seminal albums marking 25-year anniversaries in 2019.

Others scheduled to participate are 702, Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie, Brownstone, El Debarge, Elle Varner, Force MDs, Ginuwine, Jacquees, Mase, Normani, Rakim, Scarface, City Girls and more performers who will be announced later.

“When the ESSENCE Festival was founded 25 years ago, it marked a pivotal moment of vision and reverence — a critical acknowledgement of and investment in the power of our culture,” said Michelle Ebanks, chief executive officer of ESSENCE Communications, in a news release. She said it has set a standard that other festivals aspire to, and has become an annual homecoming for black artists from around the world.

The festival is scheduled July 4-7, with the three-night concert series in the Superdome and free workshops and opportunities to interact with artists in the city’s convention center.

Ticket packages are now on sale. Visit www.essence.com/festival for more details.

WWE’s Roman Reigns Announces Leukemia In Remission

He thanked fans for their support and thanked his family in a video on Instagram.

ATLANTA (AP) — The Big Dog is back.

Professional wrestler Roman Reigns says his leukemia is in remission and he’ll be returning to the WWE ring.

The 33-year-old, whose real name is Leati Joseph Anoai, made the announcement Monday at a WWE Raw event in Atlanta. Reigns told the crowd he was terrified and scared before disclosing in October that the disease had returned.

Reigns was 22 years old when he was first diagnosed with leukemia.

He thanked fans for their support and thanked his family in a video on Instagram .

Dental Care For Your Children

Dental health tips for very young children. What you need to know as a parent.

Are you taking care of your teeth?  What about your children’s teeth?  It’s a question you’re likely to get from your dentist… whether you’re going every six months or not.  Your dental health is much more than brushing regularly and it has an impact on your health beyond your mouth.  That’s also the case for your child.  This is National Children’s Dental Health Month.

Guest:

Dr. LaToya Barham, , Board Certified Pediatric Dentist, Associate Professor, Howard University College of Dentistry

About Tooth Decay (CDC.gov) (https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/about/costs/index.htm)

Cavities (also called tooth decay) are one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States. One in five children aged 6 to 11 years and one in four adults have untreated cavities. Untreated cavities can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems eating, speaking and learning. On average, over 34 million school hours are lost and over $45 billion is lost in productivity each year due to unplanned (emergency) dental care.

 

Our Best Defenses Against An Incurable Disease (thefamilydentalcenter.com)

The Power of Brushing Twice A Day: As true as water is wet and the sun is hot, brushing thoroughly for two minutes twice a day coupled with regular flossing keeps your teeth healthy and ahead of cavities.

Trust The Dental Force: Remember, your dentist is your best friend in the fight against tooth decay. Schedule twice annual cleanings and checkups so your dentist can give you a full report on your oral health, and the measures you need to take to maintain and improve your oral health. But, Dr. Rosie Roldan, director of pediatric dentistry at Miami’s Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, stresses “what happens in between (cleanings) is even more important.”

The Food Factor: Foods high in sugar give the bacteria in your mouth food to chew on. Avoiding candy, soda, juice and cookies reduces the risk of developing tooth decay. Increased sugar consumption naturally increases the risk of decay.

Fluoride Fortitude: While there is no miracle cure, fluoride, teamed with regular brushing, allows enamel to repair itself. Enamel uses the minerals from saliva and toothpaste fluoride to heal. Strong anti-cavity fluoride toothpaste and am electric toothbrush are powerful tools in the fight against tooth decay.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is inflammation and infection of the gums and supporting bone structure, which if left untreated, can cause permanent jaw bone destruction and possible tooth loss. Untreated periodontal disease has been linked to increased risk for conditions such as heart disease, stroke, low birth weight babies, pre-term delivery, respiratory disease, and prostate cancer. An advanced stage of periodontal disease exhibits inflamed gums pulling away from your bone and teeth. Other signs of periodontal disease include:

  • Bad breath
  • Red or swollen gums
  • Loose teeth or teeth that have moved
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Pus coming from around the teeth
  • Pain when chewing
  • Tender gums
  • Bleeding gums

Treatment of early periodontal disease can be performed in-office. However, advanced stages may require surgery. Periodontal disease can be prevented and treated successfully by seeing your dentist and dental hygienist regularly and following recommended care plans.

R. Kelly (UPDATE), Trump Campaign Staffer Says Trump Tried To Kiss Her

R. Kelly update. Prosecutor Talks About Kraft Charges. Trump Campaign Staffer Says Trump Tried To Kiss Her.

R. Kelly (UPDATE)

(Chicago, IL) — The evidence is piling up against R&B singer R. Kelly. A second videotape has apparently been turned over to prosecutors by defense attorney Michael Avenatti. It allegedly shows R. Kelly sexually assaulting an underage girl. At a courthouse in Chicago, Avenatti says the video leaves “no question as to Mr. Kelly’s guilt” on the tape that is approximately 55-minutes long. Avenatti says his team has been meeting with additional witnesses who recall a “decades-long system of abuse” from Kelly. Avenatti says this conduct is “outrageous” and his team has been investigating the matter since April of last year. Kelly pleaded not guilty in court today to 10 counts of aggravated sexual abuse involving four victims, three of whom were minors.

Prosecutor Talks About Kraft Charges

(West Palm Beach, FL) — Florida officials are giving more details on the prostitution charges against New England Patriots Owner Robert Kraft. Palm Beach state attorney Dave Aronberg said Kraft could either surrender to police in person or his attorney may make other arrangements with the state. An arrest warrant for soliciting a prostitute was issued for Kraft last week as part of a human trafficking investigation. Kraft is charged with two misdemeanor offenses, which will likely result in minimal or no punishment in court.

Trump Campaign Staffer Says Trump Tried To Kiss Her

A former campaign staffer is accusing Donald Trump of inappropriate contact during the 2016 presidential campaign. Alva Johnson claims Trump kissed her on the side of her mouth without her consent in August of 2016. She has filed a lawsuit in Florida and is seeking unspecified damages for emotional pain and suffering. The White House rejects the allegations.

Oscar So White or Oscar So Black?

Could we see more actors and film workers of color receive Academy Awards on Sunday?

We sit down with a film critic and producer to look at the Oscar contenders for the 91st Academy Awards.

Guests:

Dolly Turner, Documentary Film Producer
Tim Gordon, Film Critic

Academy Awards Categories and Nominees

Best Picture:

“Black Panther”
“BlacKkKlansman”
“Bohemian Rhapsody”
“The Favourite”
“Green Book”
“Roma”
“A Star Is Born”
“Vice”

Lead Actor:

Christian Bale, “Vice”
Bradley Cooper, “A Star Is Born”
Willem Dafoe, “At Eternity’s Gate”
Rami Malek, “Bohemian Rhapsody”
Viggo Mortensen, “Green Book”

Lead Actress:

Yalitza Aparicio, “Roma”
Glenn Close, “The Wife”
Olivia Colman, “The Favourite”
Lady Gaga, “A Star Is Born”
Melissa McCarthy, “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”

Supporting Actor:

Mahershala Ali, “Green Book”
Adam Driver, “BlacKkKlansman”
Sam Elliott, “A Star Is Born”
Richard E. Grant, “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”
Sam Rockwell, “Vice”

Supporting Actress:
Amy Adams, “Vice”
Marina de Tavira, “Roma”
Regina King, “If Beale Street Could Talk”
Emma Stone, “The Favourite”
Rachel Weisz, “The Favourite”

Director:

Spike Lee, “BlacKkKlansman”
Pawel Pawlikowski, “Cold War”
Yorgos Lanthimos, “The Favourite”
Alfonso Cuarón, “Roma”
Adam McKay, “Vice”

Animated Feature:

“Incredibles 2,” Brad Bird
“Isle of Dogs,” Wes Anderson
“Mirai,” Mamoru Hosoda
“Ralph Breaks the Internet,” Rich Moore, Phil Johnston
“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman

Animated Short:

“Animal Behaviour,” Alison Snowden, David Fine
“Bao,” Domee Shi
“Late Afternoon,” Louise Bagnall
“One Small Step,” Andrew Chesworth, Bobby Pontillas
“Weekends,” Trevor Jimenez

Adapted Screenplay:

“The Ballad of Buster Scruggs,” Joel Coen , Ethan Coen
“BlacKkKlansman,” Charlie Wachtel, David Rabinowitz, Kevin Willmott, Spike Lee
“Can You Ever Forgive Me?,” Nicole Holofcener and Jeff Whitty
“If Beale Street Could Talk,” Barry Jenkins
“A Star Is Born,” Eric Roth, Bradley Cooper, Will Fetters

COSTUME DESIGN (oscars.com)

NOMINEES

 

THE BALLAD OF BUSTER SCRUGGS

Mary Zophres

BLACK PANTHER

Ruth Carter

THE FAVOURITE

Sandy Powell

MARY POPPINS RETURNS

Sandy Powell

MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS

Alexandra Byrne

 

MUSIC (ORIGINAL SCORE)

NOMINEES

BLACK PANTHER

Ludwig Goransson

BLACKKKLANSMAN

Terence Blanchard

IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK

Nicholas Britell

ISLE OF DOGS

Alexandre Desplat

MARY POPPINS RETURNS

Marc Shaiman

 

PRODUCTION DESIGN

NOMINEES

BLACK PANTHER

Production Design: Hannah Beachler; Set Decoration: Jay Hart

THE FAVOURITE

Production Design: Fiona Crombie; Set Decoration: Alice Felton

FIRST MAN

Production Design: Nathan Crowley; Set Decoration: Kathy Lucas

MARY POPPINS RETURNS

Production Design: John Myhre; Set Decoration: Gordon Sim

ROMA

Production Design: Eugenio Caballero; Set Decoration: Bárbara Enríquez

 

Honoring Those Who Have Shown Courage Under Fire

The Greater Washington Urban League hosts it’s Whitney M. Young Jr. Memorial Gala.

The Greater Washington Urban League is gearing up for its largest fundraising event.  It’s the 2019 Whitney M. Young Jr. Memorial Gala.  My guest is George Lambert – President and CEO of the Greater Washington Urban League

Greater Washington Urban League 2019 Whitney Young Memorial Gala is Friday, March 15th@ Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.  The theme this year is Honoring those with Courage Under Fire. 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 Show on 96.3 WHUR.

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

Listen to this mornings segment here:

BEWARE! We Are Under “A High Wind Warning”, The Search Continues For Missing Teen

In the News @ 10
BEWARE! We are under “A High Wind Warning”…
The search continues for missing teen…
Metro’s Board prepares to vote on returning to extended hours …

BEWARE! We are under “A High Wind Warning”…

If you live in the Metropolitan area beware we are in for some dangerous weather. The national weather service has issued “A High Wind Warning” for the entire WHUR listening area. We could see wind gust in excess of 70 mph.

Today’s strong winds could knock down trees and power lines. In fact, North Virginia has been affected. This morning Dominion Virginia had some 9,000 customers without power. The numbers were a lot lower in Prince George’s County. To the tune of just over 2,000 customers. There could be additional reports of power outages as the day goes on.

The search continues for missing teen…

Prince George’s County Police are still searching for missing 13-year-old Otto Campbell.

The teen male was last seen on February 15th in Landover. Reports indicate he was driving a car near FedEx Field. The car is described as a 2007 blue Ford Focus with NC tag number DLM-9941. It has damage to the rear bumper.

Campbell went missing Friday morning from the 1100 block of Ivy Club Lane in Landover. Investigators say they are not sure how he obtained the car. It is also unclear where he may have been headed.

Anyone who may have seen him or have information about his whereabouts should call 301-772-4911. Click here to see an image of Campbell. http://pgpolice.blogspot.com/2019/02/pgpd-searches-for-missing-teen_19.html

Metro’s Board prepares to vote on returning to extended hours …

Metro’s Board is preparing to hold a very important vote this week. On Thursday, leaders will cast their ballots either for or against a plan to resume to late night service.

The plan would return the transit system to running until 3 am on the weekends and Midnight on the weekdays. Something DC Mayor Muriel Bowser believes district residents and visitors need.

The Federal Transit Administration, however, is threatening to withhold $1.6 (billion) dollars in funding to the region if maintenance hours are cut for longer service hours. Metro leaders fear returning to the late-night hours will affect maintenance and service reliability.

Metro’s Board of Directors vote will begin at 10 am on Thursday, February, 28th.

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @taylorthomas963

Lawyer: Arrangements Being Made To Pay R. Kelly’s $100K Bail

“He has to rely on others acting on his behalf,” Greenberg said. “And it’s just not that easy — because Kelly’s in jail.”

CHICAGO (AP) — R. Kelly, one of the best-selling music artists of all time, remained jailed over the weekend as confidants make arrangements to pay the $100,000 bail needed to free him as he awaits trial for aggravated sexual abuse, his lawyer said.

The 52-year-old R&B star had hoped to walk out of the 7,000-inmate Chicago jail, but defense attorney Steve Greenberg told The Associated Press in a phone interview Sunday that coordination of the payment is complicated. He added that Kelly could be released as early as Monday or Tuesday.

“He has to rely on others acting on his behalf,” Greenberg said. “And it’s just not that easy — because Kelly’s in jail.”

A judge on Saturday set bond at $1 million, requiring the Grammy Award-winning singer to pay 10 percent. Among the conditions of release is that Kelly have no contact with females younger than 18.

In arguing for bail within the singer’s ability to pay, Greenberg told the judge that Kelly wasn’t wealthy despite decades of success creating hit songs. The lawyer blamed mismanagement, bad contracts and other issues for his client’s financial woes.

Greenberg said he had braced for the possibility that bail could be higher than $1 million, but was pleased when Judge John Fitzgerald Lyke Jr. arrived at the amount he did.

There are multiple logistical issues that could have thwarted Kelly’s efforts to pay over the weekend, said Joseph Lopez, a criminal defense attorney in Chicago not connected to the Kelly case.

Bond can be paid by credit card, cash or check. Court officials must be able to talk to bank officials directly to confirm that an amount written on a check is covered, and that’s not possible when banks are closed, Lopez said.

Records on the Cook County sheriff’s website say Kelly is in Division 8 of the county jail, where the medical unit is located but also where inmates considered at risk from the general inmate population are held, Lopez said.

Kelly was charged in a grand jury indictment unsealed Friday with 10 counts of aggravated sexual abuse involving four victims, three of whom were minors.

Greenberg said a judge will assign a trial judge to the case at a brief Monday morning court session that Kelly is expected to attend.

Disturbing details of the allegations against Kelly emerged Saturday when the prosecution released four detailed documents — one for each accuser — outlining the basis for the charges. The allegations date back as far as 1998 and span more than a decade.

A 16-year-old girl who attended Kelly’s child pornography trial in 2008 got his autograph after a court session. He later invited her to his home in the Chicago suburb of Olympia Fields, where they had sex multiple times, according to the documents, which said he also slapped, choked and spit on her.

In 1998, another girl reported meeting Kelly at a restaurant where she was having a 16th birthday party. Kelly’s manager gave her the singer’s business card and suggested she call Kelly. The girl’s mother heard the exchange, took the card and told the manager her daughter was 16.

But her daughter later retrieved the card from her purse. She contacted Kelly, who gave her instructions and money that she assumed was for the taxi fare to his studio, where they had sex periodically for a year, the documents said.

In early 2003, a Chicago hairdresser told prosecutors that she thought she was going to braid Kelly’s hair, but he pulled down his pants and instead tried to force her to give him oral sex. The woman, who was 24, was able to pull away, but Kelly ejaculated on her and spit in her face, the documents said.

Prosecutors also described a witness who had access to videotapes showing Kelly having sex with a 14-year-old girl. The witness turned a tape over to authorities and identified the girl, who repeatedly stated her age on the footage, according to the documents.

Kelly’s DNA was found in semen on one of the accuser’s shirts, and semen found on a shirt worn by another was submitted for DNA testing, Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx said. It was not clear when the accusers turned the shirts over to authorities — whether it was shortly after the abuse or more recently.

At the bond hearing, Greenberg said his client is not a flight risk. He told the judge, “Contrary to the song, Mr. Kelly doesn’t like to fly.” One of Kelly’s best-known hits is “I Believe I Can Fly.”

After the hearing, Greenberg told reporters that Kelly did not force anyone to have sex.

“He’s a rock star. He doesn’t have to have nonconsensual sex,” Greenberg said.

The judge ordered Kelly to surrender his passport, ending his hopes of doing a tour of Europe in April. Kelly defiantly scheduled concerts in Germany and the Netherlands despite the cloud of legal issues looming over him. Greenberg denied that any tour was planned.

The recording artist, whose legal name is Robert Kelly, has been trailed for decades by allegations that he violated underage girls and women and held some as virtual slaves.

Kelly has consistently denied any sexual misconduct. He broke into the R&B scene in 1993 with his first solo album, “12 Play,” which produced such popular sex-themed songs as “Your Body’s Callin’” and “Bump N’ Grind.”

He rose from poverty on Chicago’s South Side and has retained a sizable following. Kelly has written numerous hits for himself and other artists, including Celine Dion, Michael Jackson and Lady Gaga.

In 2008, the jury acquitted Kelly of child pornography charges that centered on a graphic video that prosecutors said showed him having sex with a girl as young as 13. He and the young woman allegedly seen with him denied they were in the 27-minute video, even though the picture quality was good and witnesses testified it was them, and she did not take the stand. Kelly could have been sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Charging Kelly now for actions that occurred in the same time frame as the allegations from the 2008 trial suggests the accusers are cooperating this time and willing to testify.

Because the alleged victim 10 years ago denied that she was on the video and did not testify, the state’s attorney’s office had little recourse except to charge the lesser offense under Illinois law, child pornography, which required a lower standard of evidence.

Each count of the new charges carries up to seven years in prison, and the sentences could be served consecutively, making it possible for him to receive up to 70 years. Probation is also an option.

The walls began closing in on Kelly after the release of a BBC documentary about him last year and the multipart Lifetime documentary “Surviving R. Kelly,” which aired last month. Together they detailed allegations that he held women against their will and ran a “sex cult.”

The Final List Of Winners At The 91st Academy Awards

The final list of the winners at the 91st Academy Awards…

The final list of the winners at the 91st Academy Awards:

Best picture: “Green Book”

Best actress: Olivia Colman, “The Favourite”

Best actor: Rami Malek, “Bohemian Rhapsody”

Best director: Alfonso Cuaron, “Roma”

Best supporting actress: Regina King, “If Beale Street Could Talk”

Best supporting actor: Mahershala Ali, “Green Book”

Foreign language film: Mexico’s “Roma”

Original screenplay: “Green Book,” Nick Vallelonga, Brian Currie and Peter Farrelly

Adapted screenplay: “BlacKkKlansman,” Charlie Wachtel, David Rabinowitz, Kevin Willmott and Spike Lee

Original Song: “Shallow” from “A Star Is Born,” music and lyrics by Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson, Anthony Rossomando and Andrew Wyatt.

Cinematography: Alfonso Cuaron, “Roma”

Best animated film: “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”

Original Score: “Black Panther,” Ludwig Goransson

Costume design: Ruth Carter, “Black Panther”

Production design: “Black Panther”

Sound Editing: “Bohemian Rhapsody”

Sound Mixing: “Bohemian Rhapsody”

Film Editing: John Ottman, “Bohemian Rhapsody”

Animated short film: “Bao”

Documentary short subject: “Period. End of Sentence”

Visual effects: “First Man”

Live action short film: “Skin”

Documentary feature: “Free Solo”

Makeup and hairstyling: “Vice”

5 Things Entrepreneurs Should Know Before Taking The Leap

Author, life coach, and entrepreneur Ari Squires shares five things entrepreneurs should know before taking the BIG leap to become their own boss with WHUR 96.3’s Candice Adkins. This is some good stuff! Take a listen…

https://youtu.be/bcBQtfnEQck

Author, life coach, and entrepreneur Ari Squires shares five things entrepreneurs should know before taking the BIG leap to become their own boss with WHUR 96.3’s Candice Adkins. This is some good stuff! Take a listen…

R Kelly Charged with 10 Counts of Sexual Abuse

R. Kelly Indicted

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago prosecutors have charged R&B star R. Kelly with 10 counts of aggravated sexual abuse, according to media reports citing court records.  Friday’s charges come after years of allegations directed at Kelly, accusing the now 52-year-old of sexual misconduct involving women and underage girls. Through his lawyers, he has consistently denied them.
Kelly, whose legal name is Robert Kelly, is one of the top-selling recording artists of all time. He has won multiple Grammys, including for his hit-song, “I Believe I Can Fly.”  Jurors acquitted Kelly of child pornography charges at a 2008 trial. Those charges stemmed from a video prosecutors alleged showed Kelly having sex with a girl as young as 13.  Attorney Michael Avenatti said last week that he recently gave Chicago prosecutors new video evidence of Kelly having sex with an underage girl.

School Kids Portray Runaway Slaves, Smollett Suspended, New Smoking Ban In Virginia

School kids as runaway slaves
Smollett done for the season
Smoking ban in Virginia

Slavery misstep at local school

Slavery is not a game. That’s been made clear to officials at a local school. With Black History Month in mind, 3rd, 4th & 5th graders, some black, at Madison Trust Elementary in Ashburn, were told to pretend to be runaway slaves as they advanced through an obstacle course that represented the Underground Railroad. The school’s principal has apologized saying the exercise was intended to stress team building, adding that a committee of parents and school staff will be established to help avoid similar incidents.

Empire star out, for now

Jussie Smollett is out at Empire, at least for the rest of the season. The Fox Network issued a statement saying it is “placing its trust in the legal process,” adding”we are also aware of the effects of this process on the cast and crew members who work on our show and to avoid further disruption on set, we have decided to remove the role of Jamal from the final two episodes of the season.”   Smollett was on the set yesterday, reportedly addressing cast members and pronouncing his innocence. He appeared in court yesterday and released on bond,  charged with filing a false report. Chicago police say Smollett staged an attack to get attention because he was unhappy with his Empire salary.


A new law in Virginia bans people from under 21 from buying tobacco and nicotine products. Active members of the military are exempt.

 

Jussie Smollett’s Character Off ‘Empire’ For End Of Season

“Empire” Executive Producers Lee Daniels, Danny Strong, Brett Mahoney, Brian Grazer, Sanaa Hamri, Francie Calfo and Dennis Hammer released a statement saying Smollett’s character, Jamal, was being removed from the final two episodes of the season “to avoid further disruption on set.”

CHICAGO (AP) — The producers of the TV show “Empire” say Jussie Smollett’s character will be removed from the final two episodes of this season.

The announcement Friday comes after Smollett was charged with felony disorderly conduct for filing a false police report. Police say he faked a racist and homophobic attack in Chicago because he was unhappy with his salary and wanted to promote his career.

“Empire” Executive Producers Lee Daniels, Danny Strong, Brett Mahoney, Brian Grazer, Sanaa Hamri, Francie Calfo and Dennis Hammer released a statement saying Smollett’s character, Jamal, was being removed from the final two episodes of the season “to avoid further disruption on set.”

“Empire” is filmed in Chicago.

Meghan Markle’s Royal Baby Shower In NYC

Meghan Markle had a royal baby shower with the help of her friends. Serena Williams and Amal Clooney hosted and paid for the Duchess of Sussex first baby shower at an upscale penthouse in New York City.

Contributed by Taylor Ardrey

Meghan Markle had a royal baby shower with the help of her friends. Serena Williams and Amal Clooney hosted and foot the bill for the Duchess of Sussex first baby shower at an upscale penthouse in New York City. The fancy shower took place at the Mark Hotel on the Upper East Side of Manhattan which costs $75,000 a night.

The shower was decorated with an abundance of expensive flowers including peonies and roses. The friend duo hired harpist, Erin Hill as entertainment for the event. The guests enjoyed cotton candy while receiving gifts that is rumored to be trendy travel away luggages.

 

According to EOnline, excluding gifts, the total of $83,665.50.

Some of the exclusive guests included , Gayle KingMisha NonooMarkus AndersonDaniel MartinTaryn ToomeyJessica Mulroney.

Octavia Spencer and Gabrielle Union Team Up For Book Adaptation

Get your popcorn ready! Octavia Spencer and Gabrielle Union are set to star in the new movie based on April Sinclair’s novel, Coffee Will Make You Black. 

Contributed by Taylor Ardrey

Get your popcorn ready! Octavia Spencer and Gabrielle Union are set to star in the new movie based on April Sinclair’s novel, Coffee Will Make You Black.

According to Deadline, the two actresses are not only expected to be in front of the camera, but are orchestrating the production behind the scenes as well.  Union’s production company I’ll Have Another will team up with Spencer’s production umbrella, Orit, to bring the film to life. Wyolah Films’ Tate Taylor and John Norris will also have their hands deep in this project.

There are so many unheard stories and voices in the African American community that speak to universal themes and the humanity in all of us. I wanted to use my platform to create more opportunities for directors and writers of color to tell these stories. This project has women of color in lead roles in front of and behind the camera,” said Spencer.

Written and directed by Deborah Riley Draper, Coffee Will Make You Black, showcases the struggles and life experience of a young Black teenage girl through her relationships, racism, colorist and sexism in the 1960s.

 

“A smart, funny, poignant coming-of-age film with a young black female protagonist is important to see. And it is equally important to see the complicated relationship between a black mother and her daughter as they try to succeed and assimilate in a change-resistant America,” said Union.

 

 

Lawyer Likens R. Kelly To Beethoven To Explain Studio Move

R. Kelly is moving out of his Chicago recording studio because a judge has stymied his creativity by barring him from working there overnight due to building-code violations, his lawyer said Wednesday.

CHICAGO (AP) — R&B singer R. Kelly is moving out of his Chicago recording studio because a judge has stymied his creativity by barring him from working there overnight due to building-code violations, his lawyer said Wednesday.

Cook County Judge Patrice Ball-Reed has effectively ordered the Grammy Award-winning artist “not to be creative between 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m.,” attorney Steve Greenberg said.

“R. Kelly can never be creative and do his job under these circumstances,” he said in a statement .

He compared Kelly to Ludwig van Beethoven, Winston Churchill, Sigmund Freud and one of the Beatles, who he said did some of their best work overnight, too.

“John Lennon,” Greenberg said, “spent 24 hours a day in bed while recording.”

Among the violations cited by inspectors was evidence the industrial space was used as a residence.

The judge recently refused a request by Kelly to let him work longer into the night at the studio, which is part of a warehouse building on the city’s West Side.

The dispute over studio access comes amid allegations of sexual misconduct by Kelly, all of which he has denied. A recent Lifetime documentary series, “Surviving R. Kelly,” looked at old allegations against Kelly and made some new ones.

Greenberg, in his statement, called the judge’s order a “vindictive and baseless reaction to unsubstantiated claims of decades old misconduct.” He added that some people are reaching conclusions about the allegations prematurely.

“There are three countries that presume an accused to be guilty and require him to prove his innocence — North Korea, China and Myanmar,” the attorney said. “The public should not rush to judgment.”

___

 

Jada Pinkett-Smith Graces Essence Cover With Willow Smith and Adrienne Norris

Jada Pinkett-Smith along with daughter Willow Smith and mom Adrienne Norris grace the cover of ESSENCE’s March 2019 issue. The issue, titled Talk Is Chic, showcases the excellence and power the Smith’s have in new age media. 

Contributed by Taylor Ardrey

Ever since it started, Jada Pinkett-Smith along with Willow Smith and Adrienne Norris have been inviting viewers to a seat at the red table. Smith’s “Red Table Talk” has quickly become a must watch on Facebook and gives viewers personal insight into the three women’s lives as well as issues relating to women.

The show not only includes Jada Pinkett-Smith’s expertise, but introduced the audience to her wise mother, Banfield-Norris, also known as Gammy. Norris has used the platform at Red Table Talk to discuss her personal experiences with domestic violence and sobriety. The show also includes Willow Smith, Pinkett’s daughter, whom despite her young age, adds deep insight to the show’s content.

The three women had the opportunity to grace the cover of ESSENCE’s March 2019 issue. The issue, titled Talk Is Chic, showcases the excellence and power the Smiths have in new age media.

“Everybody has a place at the table because there’s not just one perspective,” Pinkett tells Essence, “that’s what makes the show awesome to me.”

ESSENCE is using their March issue to highlight Black women who are setting the standard for excellence and admiring their magic.

See the stunning cover here.

 

The Jussie Smollett Case

Examining the social justice and political impact of the Jussie Smollett case.

Actor Jussie Smollett is out on bond after appearing before a judge for the first time. Chicago police accuse him of filing a false report when he told authorities he was attacked and beaten in a racist and homophobic attack. Investigators say Smollett staged the entire incident to promote his career.   We examine the political and social justice implications of the case.

 Guests:

Donald Temple, Civil Rights Attorney

Duvalier Malone, Political Columnist, Race Relations Expert

Jussie Smollett Bond Hearing (UPDATE), Wendy Williams To Return To TV

Jussie Smollett Bond Hearing. MD Lawmakers Considering Gender-Neutral IDs. Embattled Republican Congressional Candidate Testifies. Wendy Williams To Return To TV.

Jussie Smollett Bond Hearing

A judge has set a $100,000 bond for “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett, who is accused of staging an attack against himself in downtown Chicago last month.

The 36-year-old actor said little other than giving his name at the beginning of Thursday’s hearing.

Smollett’s attorney asked Cook County Judge John Fitzgerald Lyke Jr. to release Smollett on his own recognizance. However, the judge said that would be inappropriate.

Police allege that Smollett hired two brothers to help stage an attack on him late last month in downtown Chicago. He told police that two masked men beat him and hurled racist and homophobic slurs during the attack.

MD Lawmakers Considering Gender-Neutral IDs

(Annapolis, MD) — Maryland lawmakers are considering giving drivers the option to choose gender-neutral driver’s licenses. The state Senate gave preliminary approval yesterday to a bill that allows applicants to identify as either male, female, or unspecified on their ID cards. The law would require the Motor Vehicle Administration to issue IDs that show an “X” instead of an “M” for male or an “F” for female if requested. Several states and the District of Columbia have allowed the designation of an unspecified gender on licenses. DC issued its first gender-neutral ID in 2017.

Embattled Republican Congressional Candidate Testifies

(Raleigh, NC) — Embattled Republican congressional candidate Mark Harris says he did not believe that one of his political operatives was tampering with mail-in ballots in November. Harris is at the heart of a contested House race in North Carolina. In sworn testimony today, Harris said he had a comfort level with operative Leslie McCrae Dowless. Harris’ son testified earlier that he warned his dad about Dowless, who is a convicted felon. Harris led Democrat Dan McCready by 905 votes after the contested race in the state’s 9th Congressional District. The State Board of Elections is trying to decide what to do with the results as Democrats have alleged voter fraud.

Wendy Williams To Return To TV

(New York, NY) — Wendy Williams is returning to her show. The 54-year-old TV host has been missing since December, but according to her production company, she’ll be returning on Monday, March 4th. The New Jersey native took a hiatus from the program to treat her Graves’ disease, but rumors circulated about troubles in her marriage. Williams also broke her silence today thanking her staff for tirelessly holding it down while she was gone.

Chicago Police Denounce Smollett, Coast Guard Officer Accused Of Terrorist Threats, DC Teacher On The Mend

Smollet Arrested
Coast Guard fficer threats
Teacher shot on New York Avenue

Jussie Smollett arrested and charged

Jussie Smollett has turned himself into police. He faces a felony charge of filing a false report. All for money…according to Chicago authorities.  Smollett claimed he was attacked on January 29th by two men on a Chicago street, who Smollett said yelled racist and homophobic slurs, tied a rope around his neck and poured an unknown substance on him. The two men, who are brothers, say Smollet paid them $3,500 to stage the attack. Police agree, saying Smollet’s “stunt” was put forth because the actor was not happy with his salary on Empire.  And that Smollett mailed to himself the threatening letter that the actor said was sent to him by an unidentified person.  Chicago police superintendent Eddie  Johnson said the bruises and scratches on Smollett’s face were self-inflicted.  A bond hearing for Smollett is scheduled for 2:30 central time.

Coast Guard official arrested

Authorities say a local U.S. Coast Guard officer who identified as a white nationalist threatened “to murder innocent civilians on a scale rarely seen in this country” is due in federal court in Greenbelt today.  Chrispher Hasson’s Silver Spring home was raided by FBI Agents last Friday where a stockpile of weapons and ammunition were seized.

Teacher recovering

A District school teacher is recovering after being shot in the face, hit by a stray bullet Monday afternoon while on New York Avenue.  The fourth grade math teacher had just moved to DC a few weeks ago.  The teacher lost the tip of his pinky finger and needs surgery to remove the bullet from his face.  Police have not released any information on possible suspects.

Google’s Nest Hub Has A Microphone It Forgot To Mention

Google said in a statement that the omission was a mistake. “The on-device microphone was never intended to be a secret and should have been listed in the tech specs,” it said.

Google said Wednesday it forgot to mention that it included a microphone in its Nest Secure home alarm system, the latest privacy flub by one of the tech industry’s leading collectors of personal information.

The company said earlier this month that its voice assistant feature would be available on the system’s Nest Guard, which controls home alarm sensors.

But Google hadn’t told consumers about the device’s built-in microphone when it began selling the hubs in the fall of 2017. As recently as January , the product specs for the device made no mention of a microphone.

Google said in a statement that the omission was a mistake. “The on-device microphone was never intended to be a secret and should have been listed in the tech specs,” it said.

The microphone hasn’t been active since launch, and people have to specifically enable it going forward, Google said. Business Insider first reported the microphone had been missing from the product’s description.

Google and other Internet companies are facing increasing scrutiny over their data collection practices. The forgotten microphone is not Google’s first run-in with user privacy concerns.

An AP investigation last year found the company was tracking users’ location information through its apps and search services, even if users turned the feature off.

And in 2010, Google admitted it had accidentally collected some internet activity from open Wi-Fi networks using its Street View cars.

Working To Improve The Lives of Teenage Young Boys

The Gateway Second Chance Foundation’s 4th Annual Prayer Breakfast features Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks

The Gateway Second Chance Foundation works to improve the plight of teen males in Prince George’s County.  The Foundation is embarking on a mission to establish a boarding academy for these youth and they are hosting a fundraiser coming up next month to generate much needed dollars. My guest is Clarence Carter – Co-Founder of the Gateway Second Chance Foundation.

The Gateway Second Chance Foundation is hosting its 4thAnnual Prayer Breakfast March 2ndat 9am at The Hotel in College Park.  The Keynote speaker will be Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. For more information go to:  www.gatewaysecondchance.org

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, instagram and twitter at @bobbygailes for updates and to stay connected.

 

 

Samsung Folding Phone Is Different – But Also Almost $2,000

The Galaxy Fold, announced Wednesday in San Francisco, will sell for $1,980 when it is released April 26.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Samsung unveiled a highly anticipated smartphone with a foldable screen in an attempt to break the innovation funk that has beset the smartphone market.

But it’s far from clear that consumers will embrace a device that retails for almost $2,000, or that it will provide the creative catalyst the smartphone market needs.

The Galaxy Fold, announced Wednesday in San Francisco, will sell for $1,980 when it is released April 26.

Consumers willing to pay that hefty price will get a device that can unfold like a wallet. It can work like a traditional smartphone with a 4.6 inch screen or morph into something more like a mini-tablet with a 7.3 inch screen.

When fully unfolded, the device will be able to simultaneously run three different apps on the screen. The Galaxy Fold will also boast six cameras: three in the back, two on the inside and one on the front.

After spending nearly five years developing the technology underlying its foldable-screen phone, Samsung is clearly hoping for a big payoff.

“Get ready for the dawn of a new era,” declared DJ Koh, who oversees Samsung’s smartphone division. The new phone, he said, “answers skeptics who said everything has already been done.”

If Samsung is right, the Galaxy Fold will spur more people to upgrade their phones. Overall smartphones sales peaked in 2017 ; Samsung saw its smartphone sales fall 8 percent last year, based on estimates from the research firm International Data Corp. Worldwide, smartphone sales dropped 4 percent in 2018, according to IDC.

But most analysts see a limited market for foldable-screen phones, at least in the early going. Phones like the Galaxy Fold “are likely to sell to a very limited market of technology aficionados who like big screens and have big wallets,” said IDC analyst Ramon Llamas.

Although he also believes the Galaxy Fold is more a “status symbol” than mainstream product, Moor Insights & Strategy analyst Patrick Moorhead said the device is symbolically important for Samsung, the top seller of smartphones in the world. “The Fold was icing on the cake showing that Samsung is the company driving new innovations and excitement to the market,” Moorhead said.

There’s no doubt that the Galaxy Fold is “luxury technology,” conceded Justin Denison, a Samsung senior vice president during an interview. But he also predicted that the advent of foldable screens will unleash new uses for mobile devices. “It’s a technological marvel,” Denison said. “The first time you see a flexible screen, it sort of bends your mind.”

Samsung also released new Galaxy S10 phones that echo the features in other recent models. Each device in the S10 lineup boast fancy cameras, sleek screens covering the entire front of the devices and at least 128 gigabytes of storage — important features to consumers shopping for phones.

The new phones are able take wider-angle shots than previous models and can charge other devices, including wireless headphones and smartwatches. A fourth S10 model, due out this spring, will have faster wireless speeds through the emerging 5G cellular network.

But those improvements aren’t a big leap from the smartphones released during the past few years by Samsung, Apple and other top manufacturers.

“These phones are all variations on a theme we have already seen,” Llamas said. “It’s the same song with a slightly different verse.”

With the pace of smartphone innovation seemingly locked in baby steps, consumers are holding on to their existing devices for longer periods than they have in the past. Compounding that reluctance to upgrade is smartphone sticker shock, which the Galaxy Fold seems unlikely to alleviate. Prices for some existing phones models have soared above $1,000 .

Samsung is offering a slightly smaller S10 model for $750 in an attempt to make smartphones more affordable, but the higher-end models sell for $900 and $1,000. It’s the second time in the past five months that a leading smartphone maker has positioned a $750 phone as a frugal option. Apple also priced its cheapest new phone, the iPhone XR, released last fall at $750. Other smartphone makers gaining market share, including China’s Huawei and Xiaomi, make smartphones that sell for $500 or less, as well as high-end models.

Two of Samsung’s new models, the S10 and the S10 Plus, are largely incremental upgrades of last year’s S9 and S9 Plus, although they are designed differently. They are about the same size as last year’s models, but will have more display space, as Samsung found additional ways to eliminate waste around the edges. As a byproduct, the top right of the display has a circle or oval cut out for the front-facing cameras.

The lowest-priced “essentials” model, the S10e, has most of the same features, but is 5 percent smaller than the S10 in volume. The S10e also lacks curved edges, a signature feature for many Samsung phones.

All three S10 models will come out March 8, with pre-orders starting Thursday.

Samsung trumpeted its 10th anniversary lineup ahead of a major mobile device conference in Barcelona next week. Huawei, which is threatening to overtake Apple as the world’s second biggest seller of smartphones, has promised to use the Spain showcase to preview its own device with a foldable screen and the ability to connect to 5G networks as they become operational during the next few years.

Met Opera To Hire All-Black Chorus For ‘Porgy and Bess’

“I think the Met is regarded as an institution that is colorblind when it comes to casting,” Gelb said. “We have many African-Americans and other black artists who are appearing on our stage in major roles.”

NEW YORK (AP) — The Metropolitan Opera will hire an all-black outside chorus next season for its first presentation in nearly three decades of the Gershwins’ “Porgy and Bess,” which opens the season on Sept. 23.

Performances of “Porgy and Bess,” which premiered in 1935, are licensed by the Gershwin family, which specifies an all-black cast.

“Certainly it’s more complicated, but it’s worth the complications because it’s such a great piece,” Met general manager Peter Gelb.

“Porgy,” by George and Ira Gershwin, and DuBose and Dorothy Heyward, depicts a beggar in a poor African-American community of Charleston, South Carolina.

When the Met presented “Porgy” for the first time in 1985, it also hired an outside chorus — at the time, there were three black members of the Met’s regular chorus of 81. That has increased to six in a group of approximately the same total now, the Met said.

“I think the Met is regarded as an institution that is colorblind when it comes to casting,” Gelb said. “We have many African-Americans and other black artists who are appearing on our stage in major roles.”

The Hungarian State Opera created controversy last year when it presented an unauthorized production with a largely white cast.

Donald Palumbo, the Met chorus master, said about 400 people had auditioned for the “Porgy” chorus since November and 68 would be chosen for rehearsals that start Aug. 5.

“We will have two existing choruses at the same time in the building,” he said. “It’s going to be interesting but it’s going to be a lot of fun. I’m hoping that they will interact as much as possible.”

Eric Owens and Angel Blue head the opening-night cast, which is conducted by David Robertson and includes Denyce Graves, Latonia Moore, Golda Schultz and Ryan Speedo Green.

Then-Met music director James Levine insisted on an uncut version for the 1985 Nathaniel Merrill production. That staging, which appeared 54 times through 1990, was presented in three acts with 3 hours of music and two intermissions for a total of 4 hours.

This production is trimmed to about 2 1/2 hours of music plus a single intermission. The staging by James Robinson debuted at London’s English National Opera last year and was seen this year at the Dutch National Opera in Amsterdam.

“It doesn’t feel excessively long,” Robinson said. “The original version just really goes on and on and on.”

The last of the 13 performances on Feb. 1 will be broadcast to movie theaters around the world. A revival already is scheduled in an upcoming season.

“Porgy” is among five new-to-the Met stagings next season that all will have appeared elsewhere previously.

Handel’s “Agrippina” has its Met premiere on Feb. 6 and stars Joyce DiDonato in a David McVicar production adapted from one he created for Brussels’ Theatre Royal de la Monnaie in 2000. The Met premiere of Philip Glass’s “Akhnaten” on Nov. 8 is in a Phelim McDermott staging seen at the ENO and LA Opera in 2016.

Yannick Nezet-Seguin, starting his second season as the Met’s music director, leads Berg’s “Wozzeck” opening Dec. 27 in a William Kentridge production first seen at the 2017 Salzburg Festival in Austria. He also conducts revivals of Massenet’s “Werther” and Puccini’s “Turandot,” which will mark the Met’s first regular Sunday performance on Oct. 6. There will be 16 Sunday matinees next season, and the Met plans 23 in 1920-21 and 27 in 2021-22.

Nezet-Seguin plans to conduct as many as six productions in 2020-21.

Wagner’s “Die Fliegende Hollaender (The Flying Dutchman)” is an intermission-less Francois Girard staging that opens March 2 with Valery Gergiev conducting Bryn Terfel, a co-production that debuts at Canada’s L’Opera de Quebec on July 28.

Simon Rattle leads a revival of Strauss’ “Der Rosenkavalier” starting Dec. 13. Placido Domingo adds another new role a few months before his 79th birthday when he sings Sharpless in Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly” starting Nov. 6.

‘Empire’ Star Jussie Smollett Has Been Arrested And Charged

Smollett turned himself in at central booking, Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said. Chicago police Superintendent Eddie Johnson was scheduled to hold a Thursday morning news conference to announce Smollett’s arrest and Smollett was expected to appear in court later in the day.

CHICAGO (AP) — “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett turned himself in early Thursday to face accusations that he filed a police report when he told authorities he was attacked in Chicago by two men who hurled racist and anti-gay slurs and looped a rope around his neck, police said.

Smollett turned himself in at central booking, Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said. Chicago police Superintendent Eddie Johnson was scheduled to hold a Thursday morning news conference to announce Smollett’s arrest and Smollett was expected to appear in court later in the day.

The whispers about Smollett started with reports that he had not fully cooperated with police after telling authorities he was attacked. Then detectives in a city bristling with surveillance cameras could not find video of the beating. Later, two brothers were taken into custody for questioning but were released after two days, with police saying they were no longer suspects.

Following three weeks of mounting suspicions, Smollett was charged Wednesday with making a false police report, a charge that could bring up to three years in prison and force the actor, who is black and gay, to pay for the cost of the investigation into his report of a Jan. 29 beating.

In less than a month, the 36-year-old changed from being the seemingly sympathetic victim of a hate crime to being accused of fabricating the entire thing.

The felony disorderly conduct charge emerged on the same day detectives and the two brothers testified before a grand jury. Smollett’s attorneys met with prosecutors and police, but it was unknown what they discussed or whether Smollett attended the meeting.

In a statement, attorneys Todd Pugh and Victor Henderson said Smollett “enjoys the presumption of innocence, particularly when there has been an investigation like this one where information, both true and false, has been repeatedly leaked.”

The announcement of the charges followed a flurry of activity in recent days, including lengthy police interviews of the brothers, a search of their home and their release after officers cleared them.

Investigators have not said what the brothers told detectives or what evidence detectives collected. But it became increasingly clear that serious questions had arisen about Smollett’s account — something police signaled Friday when they announced a “significant shift in the trajectory” of the probe after the brothers were freed.

Smollett, who plays a gay character on the hit Fox television show “Empire,” said he was attacked Jan. 29 as he was walking home from a downtown Subway sandwich shop. He said the masked men beat him, made derogatory comments and yelled “This is MAGA country” — an apparent reference to President Donald Trump’s campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again” — before fleeing.

Earlier Wednesday, Fox Entertainment and 20th Century Fox Television issued a statement saying Smollett “continues to be a consummate professional on set” and that his character is not being written off the show. The series is shot in Chicago and follows a black family as they navigate the ups and downs of the recording industry.

The studio’s statement followed reports that Smollett’s role was being slashed amid the police investigation.

After reviewing hundreds of hours of video, detectives did find and release images of two people they said they wanted to question and last week picked up the brothers at O’Hare Airport as they returned from Nigeria. Police questioned the men and searched their apartment.

The brothers, who were identified by their attorney as Abimbola “Abel” and Olabinjo “Ola” Osundairo, were held for nearly 48 hours on suspicion of assaulting Smollett.

The day after they were released, police said the men provided information that had ”shifted the trajectory of the investigation,” and detectives requested another interview with Smollett.

Police said one of the men had appeared on “Empire,” and Smollett’s attorneys said one of the men is the actor’s personal trainer, whom he hired to help get him physically ready for a music video. The actor released his debut album, “Sum of My Music,” last year.

Smollett was charged by prosecutors, not the grand jury. The police spokesman said the brothers appeared before the panel to “lock in their testimony.”

Speaking outside the courthouse where the grand jury met, the brothers’ attorney said the two men testified for about two and a half hours.

“There was a point where this story needed to be told, and they manned up and they said we’re going to correct this,” Gloria Schmidt said.

She said her clients did not care about a plea deal or immunity. “You don’t need immunity when you have the truth,” she said.

She also said her clients received money from Smollett, but she did not elaborate.

Smollett has been active in LBGTQ issues, and initial reports of the assault drew outrage and support for him on social media, including from Sen. Kamala Harris of California and TV talk show host Ellen DeGeneres.

Referring to a published account of the attack, President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House that “it doesn’t get worse, as far as I’m concerned.”

But several hours after Smollett was declared a suspect and the charges announced, there was little reaction from celebrities online.

Former Cook County prosecutor Andrew Weisberg said judges rarely throw defendants in prison for making false reports, opting instead to place them on probation, particularly if they have no prior criminal record.

Smollett has a record — one that concerns giving false information to police when he was pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence. According to records, he was also charged with false impersonation and driving without a license. He later pleaded no contest to a reduced charge and took an alcohol education and treatment program.

Another prospective problem is the bill someone might receive after falsely reporting a crime that prompted a nearly monthlong investigation, including the collection and review of hundreds of hours of surveillance video.

The size of the tab is anyone’s guess, but given how much time the police have invested, the cost could be huge.

Weisberg recently represented a client who was charged with making a false report after surveillance video discredited her account of being robbed by three men at O’Hare Airport.

For an investigation that took a single day, his client had to split restitution of $8,400, Weisberg said. In Smollett’s case, “I can imagine that this would be easily into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.”

Winter Weather Safety Tips For Road Warriors

Winter weather driving and survival tips.

The first big snow of the 2019 winter season was a doozy!  Northern Virginia saw more than 100 crashes and even more abandoned cars.  Maryland also saw more than 100 crashes on state roads.  If you have to drive in severe winter weather, how can you be prepared in the event of a breakdown or accident?

Guest:

John Townsend, Manager, Public Affairs, AAA Mid-Atlantic (not pictured)

Resources:

AAA recommends the following tips while driving in snowy and icy conditions:

Cold Weather Driving Tips

  • Keep a bundle of cold-weather gear in your car, such as extra food and water, warm clothing, a flashlight, a glass scraper, blankets, medications, and more.
  • Make certain your tires are properly inflated and have plenty of tread.
  • Keep at least half a tank of fuel in your vehicle at all times.
  • Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
  • Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface, such as on ice and snow.

Tips for Driving in the Snow

  • Stay home. Only go out if necessary. Even if you can drive well in bad weather, it’s better to avoid taking unnecessary risks by venturing out.
  • Drive slowly. Always adjust your speed down to account for lower traction when driving on snow or ice.
  • Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Apply the gas slowly to regain traction and avoid skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry and take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
  • Increase your following distance to five to six seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
  • Know your brakes. Whether you have anti-lock brakes or not, keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
  • Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
  • Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads will just make your wheels spin. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill slowly.
  • Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.

Tips for Long-Distance Winter Trips

  • Be Prepared: Have your vehicle checked by a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility before hitting the road.
  • Check the Weather: Check the weather along your route and when possible, delay your trip if bad weather is expected.
  • Stay Connected: Before hitting the road, notify others and let them know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival.
  • If you get stuck in the snow:
    • Stay with your vehicle: Your vehicle provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Do not try to walk in a severe storm. It is easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.
    • Don’t over exert yourself: When digging out your vehicle, listen to your body and stop if you become tired.
    • Be Visible: Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna of your vehicle or place a cloth at the top of a rolled up window to signal distress. At night, keep the dome light on if possible. It only uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
    • Clear the Exhaust Pipe: Make sure the exhaust pipe is not clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust pipe can cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment of the vehicle while the engine is running.
    • Stay Warm: Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold. This could include floor mats, newspapers or paper maps. Pre-pack blankets and heavy clothing to use in case of an emergency.
    • Conserve Fuel: If possible, only run the engine and heater long enough to remove the chill. This will help to conserve fuel.