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Alzheimer’s and Dementia In Our Community

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It’s a Medical Monday and today an important event coming up shining the spotlight on Alzheimer’s in Prince George’s County.  Did you know that the county ranks 4th in the nation when it comes to the number of adults living with Alzheimer’s?  My guest this morning has details about a conference later this week.

My guest is Walter Kirkland – The Prince George’s County Alzheimers Chair and the Founding President of 100 Black Men of Prince George’s County

Alzheimer’s and Dementia In Prince George’s County, addressing the growing prevalence.  Join a discussion on the issue Thursday, June 27th from 10am to 1pm at the Prince George’s Ballroom – 2411 Pinebrook Avenue – North Englewood, Maryland.  Call to register at 800-272-3900. Also go to : www.alz.org

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Etiquette and Wine Selection: Doing It Right!

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How much do you really know about proper etiquette? Are we seeing less of it in the Black community? What about chosing the right wine for your tastes or events, if you endulge? How do you do it? We have experts on both to help you not make a social faux pas and how to treat your wine palate.

Resources:

https://www.boydcruwines.com/about

https://www.elaineswann.com/

Eddie Murphy Teases His Upcoming Project With Martin Lawrence

Posted by Michael Livingston II
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Recently, Eddie Murphy shared news about his upcoming project with Martin Lawrence, which fans are extremely excited about.

During the premiere of his latest movie, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F , Murphy talked to ET about his friendship with Lawrence and their future plans.

Murphy said, “I got this other idea for something with Martin. I’ve been developing it for years.” He continued, “Did you ever see a movie? It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World? Well, I got a script; it will be delivered any minute now, written by Jez Butterworth and I’m trying to do a remake of that movie.”

He added, “It’s one of my favorite movies of all time and if I do it, if the script turns out right, it’s going to be a cast of all the who’s who of comedians. Anybody who has been funny over the last 30 years is going to be in this movie.”

Celebrating DC’s Musical Legacy

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The Home Rule Music Festival is tomorrow Saturday June 22 at the The Parks at Walter Reed , 1010 Butternut St. NW DC. This family oriented festival kicks off at 1pm – 9pm so bring the family for fun, food and music.

My guest this morning is Charvis Campbell – Executive Director, Home Rule Music and Film Preservation Foundation. For more information call 202-469-9868 or go to: https://www.homerulemusicfestival.com/

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Former Prince George’s Councilman Mel Franklin Charged With Embezzlement

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(Thursday, June 20, 2024) – Less than a week after he abruptly resigned from the Prince George’s County Council, Mel Franklin today was charged with embezzlement.

Prosecutors say Franklin used at least 130,000 from his “Friends of Mel Franklin” campaign to pay for personal loans, credit card debt, his rent, cosmetic procedures, and other things from 2020 through 2023. In announcing the charges, the Maryland Office of State Prosecutors revealed the scheme also included falsifying information on reports filed with the State Board of Elections.

Franklin, a practicing attorney, faces 10 counts of felony theft, embezzlement, and perjury. He resigned from his council seat last Friday without making a statement. Franklin joined the council in 2010 serving two full terms as District 9 council-member until 2018. He went on to become an at-large council-member.

A special election will be held to fill the council’s vacant seat.

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Suspect Arrested In Potomac High School Shooting

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(Thursday, June 20, 2024) – Prince George’s County police announced today they have arrested 29-year-old Dajuon Meniefield of Bowie in the Saturday shooting outside Potomac High School in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

PG suspect in Potomac High School Shooting
PG suspect in Potomac High School Shooting

Meniefield is charged with second degree murder in the killing of 33-year-old Christopher Mozee. Police say the two men knew each other and the shooting resulted from some kind of dispute. A five-year-old girl was also injured in the gunfire.

The shooting outraged many in the community as it occurred during a charity football game.

Police say the department’s fugitive unit, with the help from Hagerstown police, were able to track down Meniefield.

Actor Donald Sutherland Dies At 88

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Legendary actor Donald Sutherland has died. Sutherland’s work includes originating the role of Hawkeye Pierce in the film version of “M.A.S.H.,” as well as roles in “The Hunger Games,” “Kelley’s Heroes,” and “Invasion of the Body Snatchers.”

The actor’s son, Kiefer Sutherland, confirmed the news on X. “I personally think one of the most important actors in the history of film,” Kiefer wrote. “Never daunted by a role, good, bad or ugly. He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more than that.”

Donald Sutherland was 88.

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris Speak At Juneteenth Concert Celebration

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WHUR was invited to the White House for the Juneteenth Concert celebration. Hundreds of guests were on the lawn learning about the history of Juneteenth and enjoying some of your favorite artists, Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight, Kirk Franklin, Anthony Hamilton, Raheem DeVaughn, Charlie Wilson, and many more.

Continue to follow us on social, X , Instagram ,and Facebook. We will capture and highlight more events this summer, stay tuned

Homeownership In DC

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If you’re looking to buy a home in DC, listen up. The DC Housing Finance Agency is hosting it’s Annual Homeownership Fair this Saturday. It’s your chance to meet with all the experts under one roof. My guest this morning is Tikisha Wilson – Director of Single-Family Programs for the DC Housing Finance Agency.

The Fair will take place Saturday June 22nd from 10am-3pm athe Gallaudet University’s Kellogg Conference Hotel. To register to eventbrite at: https://dchfahomeownership.eventbrite.com

Listen to this mornings segment here:

The History of Juneteenth

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Juneteenth is considered by many as an emancipation day for Black Americans.  In this special edition of Insight, we honor the holiday that commemorates the freedom of African Americans. We know that most of you have the day off, so sit back and relax for this conversation on an important part of American history.

Guest:

Steve Williams – President, National Juneteenth Observance Foundation

Reporters Roundtable…

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Governor Wes Moore Pardons regarding cannabis, Angela Alsobrooks a target of racist threats, a presidential executive order on immigration. Those just some of the stories that we’re highlighting at the reporters roundtable that are making the headlines. 

Guests:

Nicki Mayo – Editor-at-Large, Black Women Unmuted

Will Ford – Reporter, Maryland Matters

Reecie Colbert – Host, Reecie Colbert Report, SiriusXM

Biden Issues Immigration Executive Order

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President Biden taking executive action today to provide a pathway to citizenship to some 500-thousand undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens.  Biden’s executive order allows non-citizens who have been in the country for at least ten years and are married to a U.S. citizen to apply for permanent residence without leaving the country.  Biden’s order comes weeks after his administration adopted a crackdown on asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Posted by Andrea Muñoz Posted on 511 articles

Alsobrooks Campaign Sign Vandalized

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Maryland’s U.S. Senate campaign has taken an ugly turn. A campaign sign with the image of Angela Alsobrooks was defaced with a crosshairs placed on Alsobrooks’ photo and the letters KKK written.  The sign was located on Laurel-Bowie Road in Laurel.   Alsobrooks, who is Black and county executive for Prince George’s, is the Demoratic nominee in the senate race against Republican and former Maryland governor Larry Hogan. Crosshairs is a target symbol, while KKK is the acronym for the white supremacy group the Ku Klux Klan. Alsobrooks’ campaign spokesperson says the primary concern is for Alsobrooks’ safety, adding, the “hateful threat will not deter Angela or her campaign.” Larry Hogan issued a statement saying, “Hate, threats of violence, and racism must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. They have no place in Maryland.”

Posted by Andrea Muñoz Posted on 511 articles

What’s Open and Closed on Juneteenth?

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Juneteenth is June 19 and has been a federally-recognized holiday since 2021.

The holiday commemorating the end of slavery has been honored for many years, but with its relatively new federal status, this also means some businesses are closed.

For example, the United States Postal Service will not be delivering regular residential or business mail, and all post offices will be closed. Many major banks will also be closed, including Capital One, Bank of America, PNC, Truist, CitiBank and JPMorgan Chase.

However, UPS and FedEx delivery will run as scheduled, and all UPS Store and FedEx Office locations will be open.

Helping Business Owners Succeed

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Calling all my entrepreneurs in Prince George’s County.  The Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its Annual Members Dinner and this is the place to network and level up your business. My guest is Alexander Austin – President and CEO of the Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce

The Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce Annual Members Dinner is Thursday, June 27th at 6:30pm at Martin’s Crosswinds.  Register at www.pgcoc.org/edf24

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Father’s Day Roundtable: Father’s Sound Off…

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It’s Father’s Day Weekend and what a great way to honor fathers by bringing a few fathers together for a roundtable conversation. Well, actually, more of a sound off a roundtable!   Fathers tell us what’s on the their minds and what they’d like to get off their chests.

Guest:

Mark McKinnon….Actor & Small Business Owner (New to fatherhood, he’s in his early thirties and this is his second time around in marriage)

Eric Smith…Father & Husband (Married for over 40 years with three children)

The Future of Blacks and Entrepreneurship….

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A major conference is set to take place this week as Howard University and PNC Bank are teaming up once again to provide strategies and resources to building wealth and creating entrepreneurs in the African American community.

Guest: Erin Horne-McKinney – National Executive Director, Howard University & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship

Guest: Sally McCrady – Chair & President, PNC Foundation

Link: Link: https://thedig.howard.edu/all-stories/howard-university-pnc-national-center-entrepreneurship-huxpnc-celebrate-juneteenth-future-black

New School Superintendent For Montgomery County

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Montgomery County’s schools has a new leader. Thomas Taylor was introduced today as the county’s new school superintendent.   A graduate of Montgomery’s school system, Taylor said one of his top priorities is to instill trust in the school system and its leaders. Taylor, who replaces Monifa McKnight, formerly led the Stafford County school system as superintendent.  The school board will officially vote on Taylor’s appointment on June 25th.

Posted by Andrea Muñoz Posted on 511 articles

Maryland Governor Pardons Marijuana Convictions

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Calling it “the most sweeping level of pardons statewide anywhere in the nation,” Maryland Governor Wes Moore wiped out 175-thousand low-level marijuana convictions.

The governor says his executive order is a step to “heal decades of social and economic injustice.” Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown says the governor’s order has historic impact. Recreational cannabis was legalized in Maryland last year.

The state decriminalized possession of personal use amounts Jan. 1 of this year. Officials say it will take about two weeks for the pardoned convictions to be notated in the state’s judicial system. Those pardons do not expunge the convictions from a person’s criminal record.

Michael Jackson Remembered By Daughter Paris

‘Happy Father’s Day to All My Homies Out There That Don’t Have One’

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Paris Jackson paid tribute to her late father, Michael Jackson, on Father’s Day by sharing throwback photos on Instagram. 

She posted a picture of her father holding her as a baby and a family photo with her mother and brother.  In a heartfelt message, she wished a happy Father’s Day to those who don’t have one, emphasizing that they are not alone. 

Paris also teased her upcoming music, hinting at personal and emotional lyrics. “I mean, is some of it going to be hard for some people to hear? For sure, yeah, because what I’m talking about is a lot of touchy things,” she shared.

Unfortunately, Michael Jackson’s children and mother cannot access their trust fund due to an ongoing IRS dispute over the late pop star’s estate. 

The IRS claims the estate undervalued its assets and owes $700 million in taxes and penalties, which the estate is disputing. 

The trust fund remains frozen until the estate’s request to re-evaluate Jackson’s music catalog is finalized. 

Despite this, Katherine Jackson has received over $55 million from the estate since Michael Jackson died in 2009.

Child Found Unconscious Inside of Car In NE, DC

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Washington, D.C. (Friday, June 14, 2024) – A four-year-old boy was found unresponsive inside a vehicle Friday at Galloway Street and South Dakota Avenue in NE, DC. Police said someone called 911 shortly after 5pm to report the child inside a Ford SUV. The boy was pronounced dead at short time later.

It is not clear how long the child was inside the vehicle or if the soaring heat played a role in his death. Police are investigating and the medical examiner will rule on the official cause of death.

Police said a guardian was nearby when officers responded to the scene.

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Prince George’s Councilman Mel Franklin Steps Down

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(Friday, June 14, 2024) – At-Large Prince George’s County Councilmember Mel Franklin is stepping down from his post. No reason for his departure was given. But a statement was posted on the council’s website indicating Franklin’s resignation was effective June 14, 2024.

Franklin served on the council for nearly 14 years, joining in December 2010 as the councilman representing District 9 for two-terms before being elected as At-Large Councilmember.

No official comments as yet from Franklin. The council posted the following statement in part on the website. “We thank Council Member Franklin for his years of dedication, hard work, and service. He’s authored numerous pieces of legislation that have significantly shaped Prince George’s County, and his knowledge and expertise have been invaluable in guiding the Council over many years. His presence will be greatly missed. We are committed to a smooth transition for the benefit of our residents. The process to fill the vacancy on the Council will begin promptly with the scheduling of a special election. Further details will be provided soon.”

DC Activates Heat Emergency Plan

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Washington, D.C. (Friday, June 14, 2024) – With temperatures soaring into the 90s Friday, D.C. rolled out a plan to keep its residents safe and cool. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced this morning the city is activating its Heat Emergency Plan.

During a Heat Emergency activation, residents are urged to stay cool, check on seniors and other vulnerable neighbors, and to call the shelter hotline for unsheltered residents in need of free, accessible transportation to a cooling center. To request accessible transportation to a cooling center for yourself or someone else, call the shelter hotline at (202) 399-7093 or dial 311.

Additionally, with more extreme heat forecast for next week, Mayor Bowser and the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will switch spray parks from weekend-only operations to daily operations one week early. Originally scheduled to begin weekday operations on Monday, June 24, spray parks will be operating throughout next week.

Cooling Centers: 

While some cooling centers will open specifically when a Heat Emergency is activated, many of the District’s cooling centers will be available during their regular business hours. Residents may find their closest cooling center using the District’s interactive map, located at heat.dc.gov.

Extreme Heat Safety Precautions: 

Help protect yourself and others from extreme hot weather by: 

  • Staying indoors when possible: find places in the shade or with air conditioning to seek relief from the heat.  Visit heat.dc.gov for a list of cooling centers. 
  • Checking in on your neighbors: young children, older adults, and those with disabilities or other access and functional needs are the most vulnerable in our community.  
  • Drinking plenty of fluids: increase your fluid intake but avoid liquids that contain alcohol, caffeine, or large amounts of sugar.  
  • Keeping pets indoors: walk pets early in the morning, give pets plenty of water and do not leave pets in vehicles, which can reach dangerous temperatures within 10 minutes. For all animal emergencies, including animals left outside in extreme temperatures or in vehicles, please call the Humane Rescue Alliance at (202) 723-5730.  
  • Wearing appropriate clothing and sunscreen: pick lightweight, loose fitting, light-colored clothing, and wide brimmed hats. Using a SPF 15 or higher sunscreen is best. 

Low-Barrier Shelters: 

All low-barrier shelters for individuals experiencing homelessness operate year-round and remain open 24 hours.  

Men 

  • 801 East Shelter at 2722 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE 
  • Adams Place Shelter at 2210 Adams Place NE 
  • New York Avenue Shelter at 1355-57 New York Avenue NE 
  • Emery Shelter at 1725 Lincoln Road NE 

Women 

  • Harriet Tubman Shelter for Women, DC General Building 9 at 1900 Massachusetts Avenue SE 
  • Patricia Handy Place for Women Extension at 1009 11th Street NW 

LGBTQ+ 

  • Living Life Alternatively at 400 50th Street SE 

The Cooling Center at the Downtown Day Services Center located at 1313 New York Avenue NW is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Walk-in services are available to guests with no appointment required. Entry will be permitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Available walk-in services include showers, laundry, medical and mental health treatment, computer access, electronic/mobile device charging, housing case management, employment counseling, harm reduction services, legal counseling and other vital services. Full capacity lunch services will continue Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Spray Parks, Outdoor Pools, and Indoor Pools: 

District spray parks will be open on Saturday and Sunday and then remain open for weekday operations. Spray parks are open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. View a full list of spray parks and locations at dpr.dc.gov/sprayparks. 

Until June 24, DPR outdoor pools are on a Saturday and Sunday only schedule. Starting on Monday, June 24, all DPR outdoor pools will be open six days a week, operating on individual summer schedules. View a full list of outdoor pools and operating schedulesat dpr.dc.gov/outdoorpools. 

DPR operates indoor pools throughout the District, which can be accessed as cooling centers. View a full list of indoor pools and operating schedules at dpr.dc.gov/indoorpools   

Overflow Sites: 

  • Emery Men’s Shelter at 1725 Lincoln Road NE,  7:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m. 
  • Eve’s Place at 2210B Adam’s Place NE, 8:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m. 

Recreation Centers: 

DPR manages and maintains neighborhood recreation and community centers that can be used as cooling centers. These centers operate on individual schedules which are available online at dpr.dc.gov/reccenters. 

Senior Wellness Centers  

For the most up-to-date information about DACL Senior Wellness Centers, visit dacl.dc.gov/service/senior-wellness-centers. For more information about Senior Centers, seniors are advised to call the District Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) at (202) 724-5626 during regular business hours or the District’s Call Center at 311 after hours. 

Fire Hydrant Safety: 

Residents are reminded that the unauthorized use of fire hydrants is unlawful, dangerous, and damaging. To report a fire hydrant that has been tampered with, please call 311. 

Corvette Affair, Fostercare, Golfing for Vets, HIV Testing Day and more Inside Community’s Choice

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Oak Creek Golf Program

Calling all veterans and active-duty service members.  Oak Creek Golf Club is hosting a free day of golf June 29th.  www.invitedclubs.com 

Black Music Month

Celebrate Black Music Month.  Join the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture for their Summer Black Party, June 29th at Banneker Douglass Museum https://bit.ly/BDMblockParty2024

Top Flight Corvette Club

Get ready to party with a purpose.  The Top Flight Corvette Club presents their All-White Affair July 13th at Martin’s Crosswinds in Greenbelt.  www.topflightcorvetteclub.com

Men;s Mental Health Conference

Domestic Violence Wears Many Tags is hosting a region wide Men’s Mental Health Conference June 29th at Bald Eagle Community Center in SE.  www.dvwmts.org

HU Alumni Club of Ghana

Save the date.  The Howard University Alumni Club of Ghana invites HU Alum to a special holiday and New Year’s Celebration December 26th thru January 6th.  www.diasporiaexperience.com

HIV Testing Day

National HIV Testing Day is June 27th.  Join Heart to Hand and learn your status at the Walgreens on Baltimore Avenue in Riverdale.  www.hearttohandinc.org

PG Foster Care Center

Prince George’s County has a new facility to help young adults who have aged out of foster care.  It’s called the Youth Experiencing Success Center.  www.yescenterpgc.org

WHUR Community’s Choice

Do you have a non-profit you want WHUR to highlight?  Email Renee Nash at rnash@whur.com at least three weeks before your event. 

U.S. Supreme Strikes Down Gun Accessory Ban

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Today, the Supreme Court struck down a Trump-era ban on bump stocks, a rapid-fire gun accessory that was used in the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. The high court’s conservative majority found that the Trump administration did not follow federal law when it changed course from previous administrations after a gunman in Las Vegas attacked a country music festival with assault rifles equipped with bump stocks in 2017.   The gunman fired more than 1,000 rounds in the crowd in 11 minutes, wounding hundreds and killing dozens. The 6-3 majority opinion written by Justice Clarence Thomas said a semiautomatic rifle with a bump stock is not an illegal machine gun because it doesn’t make the weapon fire more than one shot with one pull of the trigger.

Posted by Andrea Muñoz Posted on 511 articles

Two Killed In Car Meet-up Shooting

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Two people are dead following a violent night at a car meet-up in Prince George’s County. Police say the victims were shot a little before midnight yesterday in the parking lot of the Manokeek Village shopping center on Berry Road in Accokeek where the meet up took place. The victims identified as 55-year-old Patrick Savoy of Charlotte Hall and 48-year-old Sheldon Proctor, of Waldorf.  A third person was shot, but suffered non-life threatening injuries.  Several months ago, Maryland governor Wes Moore signed into law legislation to stiffen penalties for certain violations associated with “street meetups.”  That law went into effect June 1.

Posted by Andrea Muñoz Posted on 511 articles

Marlon Wayans Shuts Down The “Hate Mongers” After Posting A Photoshoot In Support Of The LGBTQ+ Community

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In a recent post, comedian Marlon Wayans shared a photo wishing everyone a Happy Pride.

The Good Grief headliner posted, “Happy PRIDE to all my LGBTQ+ peoples. Did a photo shoot with the great photographer Parrish Lewis dope pic.”

He added, “P.S. I’m STRAIGHT… well, according to my child CIS-GENDER. I just love and support my peoples.”

Comedian and niece, Chante Wayans comments, “This is dope! Thank you for always supporting & letting me wear your clothes!🏳️‍🌈”

Singer Toddrick Hall added, “As someone who’s a part of the community and has worked with you closely I just want to say thank you for advocating for the community before and after you knew your child was a part of it!”

Hall continued, “We need more black fathers like you! Ppl say they love unconditionally but are willing to kick their own children/family to the curb when they don’t agree with their lifestyle mostly out of embarrassment of what their “friends” and church members will say. Proud of you for posting this with your chest. Love ya and happy pride 🏳️‍🌈”

Despite the encouraging comments, several hateful ones spewed in the White Chicks star’s comments motivating him to create another post.

Wayans says, “Yeah and just for the HATE MONGERS … I’m posting ANOTHER.”

He adds, “As a father of a child in the LGBTQ+ community I show my support. Zero fucks what people think. If i lost you… GOOD! Your hateful ass never loved me in the first place. How can you love anyone when you’re too busy judging. Some of y’all funny. I’m a troll. I’ll post all day.”

“HAPPY PRIDE to all my friends, fam, fans and loved ones. I am happy you’re happy… period”, he said.

50 Cent Faces Death Threats From Former Drug Kingpin Over ‘Power’ Lawsuit

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50 Cent is being sued by Cory ‘Ghost’ Holland over the Power series, which he claims is based on his real-life story, and is suing 50 Cent for $1 billion.

Now, Holland has issued a statement threatening 50 over the lawsuit. He said, “If a m*therf*cker gets killed because your m*therf*cking client threaten me and my family, file a m*therf*cking motion for that.”

He continued, “I ain’t playing with your m*therf*cking client anymore; next time he or anyone he sends pulls up, f*ck the litigation.”

Rihanna Is Not ‘Retired,’ Despite What That Outfit Said: ‘Wait For The I Quit T-Shirt’

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Rihanna debuted a new short hairstyle at the Rihanna x Fenty Hair launch party in L.A. and clarified that she is not retired from music, despite her recent clothing choices suggesting otherwise. 

Riri wore a T-shirt dress that read, “I’m retired; this is as dressed up as I get.”  Riri told ExtraTV, “That was just me looking into the future. I’m not retired. I just like that dress. I got it as a gift and I loved it.… They didn’t read the second line: I’m not retired, I’m just retired from dressing up — it’s a lot of effort.”

The singer then gave fans a heads-up on what to look for when she decides to put  a wrap on her career. She said, “Wait for the ‘I Quit’ T-shirt.”

Crime & Violence: What’s Happening in District Heights, Maryland?

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The latest reports show that, statistically, crime is down in the DMV. The stats may say one thing, but residents may say another. Are we really feeling safer these days following more reports of shootings and carjackings? The issue of crime is especially brewing in District Heights. Tonight, in the latest Take Back Our Community Thursday, we are joined by two of those charged with leading that jurisdiction.

Guests:

Cynthia Miller – Mayor, District Heights, MD

Ronald Tarpley – Chief of Police, District Heights, MD

Alsobrooks Presents Prince George’s State Of The Economy

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The Prince George’s County economic outlook the focus today as Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks delivered her State of the Economy for the County. Alsobrooks focused on the Metro Blue Line, health care, small businesses and the coming of the FBI headquarters to Greenbelt as areas of success.  Alsobrooks is the Democratic nominee for Maryland’s U.S. Senate seat.   Former Maryland governor Larry Hogan is her Republican challenger.

U.S. Supreme Court Affirms Access To Abortion Pill

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The Supreme Court is keeping widely used abortion pill mifepristone available to Americans.  The high court unanimously ruled that a group of anti-abortion doctors who challenged the FDA’s actions to make mifepristone more accessible did not have legal standing to sue and threw out the case.   

The high court’s ruling will allow the pill to be mailed to patients without an in-person doctor’s visit. Abortion is banned at all stages of pregnancy in 14 states, and after about six weeks of pregnancy in three others, often before women realize they’re pregnant.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who was part of the majority to overturn Roe, wrote for the court on Thursday that “federal courts are the wrong forum for addressing the plaintiffs’ concerns about FDA’s actions.”

While praising the decision, President Joe Biden signaled Democrats will continue to campaign heavily on abortion ahead of the November elections. “It does not change the fact that the right for a woman to get the treatment she needs is imperiled if not impossible in many states,” Biden said in a statement.

Wellness Wednesday…Insight on Mental Health and Grief

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Grief can be a debilitating experience.  From the loss of loved one, to losing a job, a home or life savings. Moreover, grief is experienced in the African American community in particular ways. Tonight, as part of Wellness Wednesday, a conversation on dealing with grief.

Guests:

Dr. Jeff Menzise – Lead Consultant with Mind on the Matter & Doctor of Clinical Psychology

Jamarr Wilson – Operations Director, Roberta’s House

Isaac Loyal – Program Coordinator,  All Men’s Grief Group, Roberta’s House

Supreme Court Preserves Access to Mifepristone, Abortion Medication

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Washington, D.C. (Thursday, June 13, 2024) – In a decision that comes right smack in the middle of the presidential race, the U.S. Supreme Court today preserved access to the widely used abortion medication mifepristone.

Justices ruled that anti-abortion opponents lacked the legal right to sue over the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the drug. The decision comes nearly two years after the high court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Mifepristone is used in nearly two thirds of all abortions in the U.S. Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote for the court saying that “federal courts are the wrong forum for addressing the plaintiffs’ concerns about FDA’s actions.”

President Biden praised today’s decision. But added “it does not change the fact that the fight for a woman to get the treatment she needs is imperiled if not impossible in many states.”

Our History and Culture

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Celebrating the history and culture while remembering the past.  This morning I have details of the upcoming Fauquier County Juneteenth African American Cultural Festival. My guest is Karen White – Co-Founder of the Afro-American Historical Association

The Fauquier County’s 4th Annual Juneteenth African American Cultural Festival is Saturday, June 15th from 11am to 8pm on Main Street in Warrenton.  This year’s theme is Community, Unity, and Commitment. For more information go here:  www.fauquierjuneteenth.com 

Listen to this mornings segment here:

National Black Justice Coalition….Out in the Community

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Tonight, a conversation with leaders of the National Black Justice Coalition. The organization is spearheading Equity Weekend, an effort to galvanize community action, bring awareness and promote public policy initiatives. We have two leading members of the organization to provide insight.

Guests:

Dr. David Johns – CEO & Executive Director, National Black Justice Coalition

Dr. Marcus Hunter – Board Member, National Black Justice Coalition

Crowning The Next Ms. Senior DC

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Saluting our Seniors this morning.  The DC Office on Aging and Community Living is gearing up for its Ms. Senior DC Pageant this Saturday June 15th. My guest is Tameka Young – Ms. Senior DC State Pageant Administrator

The Ms. Senior DC Pageant is held each year to select the District woman age 60 or older who will represent the District of Columbia as Ms. Senior DC. Contestants compete for the title in four categories and are judged on their elegance, poise, and style during their interview, philosophy of life and evening gown presentations. The winner will serve as Ms. Senior DC throughout the year and represent the District in the Ms. Senior America Pageant. For more information go here:  www.daci.dc.gov 

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Montgomery County School Board Approves Budget

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The Montgomery County School board approved a 3.3 billion dollar budget today.  The board contends the school system faces a $30-million dollar shortfall. It says tutoring and stem programs will be reduced and the academy for students to take class online will be eliminated.  School superintendent Monique Felder says hard decisions were necessary.  The Board says teacher layoffs are unlikely, but class sizes may be increased next year by one person per class.

Three Shot As Gunfire Erupts In Northwest DC

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A beautiful day outside was marred by gunfire ringing out in Northwest DC Tuesday afternoon.  Three were people shot. Police say two groups of men were shooting at each other.  One bullet grazed the head of woman sitting in a car on Colorado Avenue.  Another victim was shot at 13th and Peabody Street. It is not clear if the two victims were innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire, but they are expected to survive.  Police say around the same time a man was shot in an alley near Kansas Avenue in Northwest.  He is serious condition.   Police are searching for suspects in both cases.

U.S. Department of Labor: The Latest Job Report

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The latest jobs report from the Department of Labor shows employment increases and wages rising. But it also shows a slight uptick in the unemployment rate.  What does it all mean for the U.S. economy and the average citizen?  We’re talking about it tonight.

Guest:

Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor, Julie Su   

Great Summer Movies For The Entire Family

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Grab the popcorn.  It’s movie time.  The Kennedy Center is announcing its line up of Summer Films at the Reach featuring movies for the entire family. My guest is Therese LaGamma – Program Director for Social Impact for the Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center Summer Films at the Reach runs from May 31st thru August 30th featuring a diverse selection of beloved films.  The films run every Friday.  For more information go here: www.kennedy-center.org

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Jackée HarryJackee Harry Reveals Why She Won’t Be Doing A ‘227’

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Reboot Fans of the old-school series ‘227’ aren’t going to see Sandra Clark back in action.

Jackée Harry, who portrayed the popular character on the series from 1985 to 1990, was recently asked about a reboot by US Weekly Magazine. “I ain’t going back that far. I just don’t do that anymore. That character is done.”

Although Harry may not be into the idea of a ‘227’ reboot, she does cherish her continued friendship with fellow cast member, Regina King. “Besides one Emmy for [227], one of my favorite things was meeting Regina King because she’s one of my greatest friends,” she shared with Us. “It’s something that I know to happen, to have a real relationship with a person you work with and having that whole experience of the ’80s: living well, many husbands and a great positive tone.”

The series also starred legends like Marla Gibbs, Hal Williams, Regina King, Kia Goodwin, Helen Martin, and Alaina Reed Hall.

Will Smith Surprised Movie Goers At ‘Bad Boys: Ride Or Die’ Showing

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During the opening weekend for Bad Boys: Ride or Die, Will Smith snuck into a movie theater to watch his movie and surprised fans at the end. 

A fan shared the moment and said, “Surprise. When you walk out of Bad Boys movie and Will Smith walks out with you after having watched the movie with you!! Only at CINEMARK!” In the clip, Will greets fans and said, “Hey, I’m glad y’all enjoyed that. That was a good movie,” which excited fans even more after seeing the film.

Will shared the clip on his social media page and added, “We’re in Baldwin Hills, we’re about to go into the theater. It’s a ritual I have. I do it when I have a movie come out — on Friday, Saturday, there’s usually a matinee on Sunday — I go into theaters.”

What did you think of the new movie?

Man Killed Outside District Heights Store

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Gunshots in District Heights this afternoon has left one man dead and two others injured.    Police say the shooting happened around 3:30 today outside the Fresh Market Store in the 54-hundred block of Marlboro Pike. Police are searching for suspects. The identity of the victims has not been released.

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Summer Programs for DC’s Youth and Families

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The last day of school for DC’s public school students is drawing near.  Now, Mayor Bowser and her administration preparing to keep those kids busy during the summer months.

Throughout the summer, all youth in DC will have access to free meals and snacks at more than 100 city Youth Meals sites across all eight wards. Those sites will open on Wednesday, June 26 and remain open until Sunday, August 25. All District youths 18 and younger can receive free meals at the sites with no application or ID required. On Friday evenings throughout the summer, DC police will host the popular Late Night Hype series.   And, don’t forget about DC’s 22 outdoor pools and 32 spray parks. Starting Monday, June 24, all full-service outdoor pools will operate on individual summer schedules, six days a week, and spray parks will operate daily from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. 

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Usher Shares What It’s Like Raising A Child With Type 1 Diabetes

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Usher recently opened up about his family life and how one of his children has been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes with Parents.

He said, “Life would be different and it would change after that day. This wasn’t something that could easily be remedied—it was a lifestyle; it was a life change.”

He continued, “You would never think that a 6-year-old would have to all of a sudden be conscious of what they ate. Those are the last things that you’re thinking about when you’re that age, and then the idea that normalcy has changed in comparison to other children that my child would be around.”

He added, “If my child ever wanted to go on a trip or do the normal things that kids do to be social, I’m always thinking about it. It’s always lingering in the back of my mind.”

According to the  American Diabetes Association, these are symptoms of type 1 diabetes to know for all ages:

  • Increased thirst
  • Increased urination
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue

Family Fun With WHUT-TV

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With many schools just days away from summer break, the big question for many parents is how to keep their little ones engaged and entertained.  Our sister station WHUT-TV is bringing back its Summer of Adventure at the National Harbor that promises to be a win for both parents and their little ones. My guest is Keisha Nelson – Education and Outreach Manager at WHUT-TV

WHUT’s Summer of Adventure is back.  Join WHUT as they bring PBSKids to the National Harbor every other Tuesday starting June 11th at 11:30am. For more info go here:  www.whut.org

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Sean Combs’ Howard University Honorary Degree Returned And All Agreements Ended

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Cassie Ventura responds to a 2016 assault video as model Crystal McKinney files a lawsuit alleging rapper sexually assaulted her in 2003.

Howard University revokes Sean “Diddy” Combs’ honorary degree following a video showing him assaulting his ex-girlfriend. The university’s decision was based on behavior deemed incompatible with its values.

Rolling Stone article details allegations of abuse by Combs on campus in the late 1980s.

Kim Porter’s father breaks his silence now that the Sean Combs’ attack video is public, Kim Porter’s father is speaking out.   

Jake Porter told Rolling Stone, “You can say I was disgusted with the video, and I wouldn’t treat my enemy like that. It was despicable. I couldn’t believe it.

I was in Vietnam, and I wouldn’t do that to my enemy.” He also said that the video made him question whether Combs abused Kim.  He added, “I didn’t know he could stoop that low. I imagine it surprised a lot of people. I wouldn’t even do a dog like that. My heart goes out to Cassie.” 

A Conversation with Prison Fellowship

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Hope is difficult to measure.  But for those who are incarcerated, often that is a precious thing to cling to.  Hope for a better future. In this edition of Take Back Our Community, we highlight an organization that is working to give those behind bars an opportunity to restore their faith in the possible.

Guest: Heather Rice-Minus – President/CEO, Prison Fellowship

Golf For A Worthy Cause

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The Krimson Achievement Foundation (formerly known as the Ft. Washington Kappa Foundation of Prince George’s County) is hosting the 2024 Golf Klassic on Friday June 14th, 2024 at Oak Creek Golf Course. My guest is Greg Conley.

This is a 4-person scramble, 8:30am Shotgun start. $10,000 Hole in One Contest. Hole Contest Prizes could include a 7-night resort stay, Golf or Spa Day Packages, and more. For more information go here: https://birdease.com/kafgolfklassic

Listen to this mornings segment here: