Carjackings carried out by adolescents, youth victims, and a lack of supportive programs for youth in some portions of our region. Those are just some of the challenges for youth in the DMV this year, as well as the institution, groups and mentors whose mission is to provide support for the youngest in our community. That mission of support will continue in 2024 and tonight we are joing by two community leaders who will share their and their organizations vision for lending a helping hand to local youth in the new year.
Guest:
Darius Baxter – CEO, Good Projects
Website: goodprojects.org
George Hodge – Youth Activist & Founder, Community Kinship Coalition, Inc.
(Tuesday, January 2, 2024) – A little rattling overnight for those who lived in parts of the DMV Tuesday. The U.S. Geological Survey says a 2.3 magnitude earthquake was reported in Rockville, Maryland at 12:51 a.m. While officials say such small tremors are not uncommon, the quake was enough to have lots of folks talking. The USGS says it received over 1,000 reports to its “Did You Feel It” page online from locations across the region.
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue spokesperson Pete Piringer says there were no reports of any injuries or damages. Residents in Prince George’s County and Northern Virginia also reported feeling the small quake.
Chris Rock and Amber Rose were spotted together in New York City, sparking speculation about a possible romance.
Social media users immediately began recalling the lyrics to Kanye West’s song “Blame Game” from his album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, which features Rock and references Rose.
The lyrics now seem like a prophecy, as Rose has accused West of bullying her for years since their breakup.
Rose has previously stated that she loved her ex-husband Wiz Khalifa more than West and that her relationship with West is not relevant to her personal life.
Kevin Hart has filed a lawsuit against YouTuber Tasha K and his ex-assistant.
According to The Daily Beast, they tried to extort him out of $250,000 not to air an unsavory interview about his personal life.
The outlet states, “Latasha Kebe, who goes by Tasha K online, reached out to Hart and demanded the six-figure payday or else she’d air the ‘damaging’ interview about his personal life she conducted with his former assistant, Miesha Shakes.”
Hart’s lawsuit says that the interview was full of false and defamatory statements regarding his personal relationships.
Kebe recently has been under fire for her lawsuit battle with Cardi B, which ended up her awarding the rapper more than $2.5 million in damages and another $1.3 million in legal fees.
Recently, fans warned Tasha K to watch out while she congratulated Ice Cube and his wife on their 31-year marriage anniversary.
She was really in the hot seat when she promoted an interview with someone that allegedly claimed being a former friend and assistant to actor Will Smith and witnessed him in a compromising position.
Kwanzaa is a cultural and reflective holiday that begins today December 26th, and lasts until January 1st.
Created in the 1960s by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa is a celebration of African heritage and aims to bring the African-American community together in pride and unity.
Kwanzaa is symbolized by a wooden candlestick called the Kinara, which holds seven candles representing different principles. Time is taken to decorate homes and celebrate the holiday with enthusiasm.
The holiday is based on an ancient African Swahili harvest celebration with seven principles: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), Imani (faith).
Three colors represent Kwanzaa; red, black, and green. The symbolism of the colors stands for the blood, the people, and the future.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, & X to see how we celebrate. Tag us in your post to show us how you and your family celebrate!
Ho-ho-ho! It’s that time of year. Time to get ready for the excitement of Christmas morning. Yes, your children will definitely have a gift or two under the tree, but you may expect a little something special. As we always do, we’re asking you to take us back to the worst gift you’ve ever received and given on Christmas day. We also want to know what you don’t want to see under the tree this year.
Earn while you learn. The YWCA is enrolling women in the trades for DC residents 18 years and older. Register now at www.ywca.org
The Prince George’s County Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction is gearing up for its 12th Annual Dr. King Prayer Breakfast January 13th at Martin’s Crosswinds in Greenbelt. www.tlodpgcc.org
The Law Offices of Greenberg and Bederman reminds you that drunk driving is against the law. You can cause an accident, get fined, lose your license or go to jail. Designate a safe driver. www.gblawyers.com
DC residents don’t get caught out in the cold. The DC Public Service Commission is handing out free home weatherization items at public libraries thru January 17th. www.dcpsc.org
Grab your sneakers and join Girl Trek for their weekly walks. There are meet-ups across the DMV. www.girltrek.org
Housing discrimination on the basis of national origin is against the law. If you have been a victim, contact Housing Counseling Services. www.housingtc.org
Help shelter pets enjoy the holidays. The Prince George’s County Animal Shelter is in need of stuffed animals and other toys that cats and dogs enjoy. www.princegeorgescountymd.gov
To get your non-profit on the air and web, email Renee Nash at rnash@whur.com at least three weeks before your event.
Co-parenting is never really easy. During the holidays, it can become even more difficult when minor children are involved. Sometimes the best laid plans can be upended. Logistics and distance can get in the way. And what about the emotional part of it all? That… above all else… can really make for an unhappy holiday. So what do you do about it? How can you make co-parenting work for everyone during the holiday season, and what are your rights?
Michelle C. Thomas, Esq., Founder, M.C. Thomas & Associates, PCDr. Robert Evans III, Licensed Psychotherapist, Empowerment Counseling & Training Services
(Washington, DC) — Employers in Washington, D.C. will need to start including salary ranges and benefit schedules in their postings for job openings. The D.C. Council passed a measure yesterday called the Wage Transparency Omnibus Amendment Act. Supporters of the bill said it would promote honesty in employee recruitment by requiring minimum and maximum pay information in all job posts. Employers will also be barred from asking about a potential employee’s past wage history. The new law is scheduled to go into effect on June 30th.
Ari Lennox is finishing off 2023 with a huge bang by celebrating one year of being sober, which she is extremely excited about.
Ari said, “You see, drinking was my ritual to combat my immense fear of flying. ‘Just alcohol’ could’ve killed me. I had many guardian angels watching over me that day. Thank God there was nobody filming (I pray and hope [crying emoji, side-eye emoji]) it was pretty divine.”
She continued, “I decided December 18th 2022, would be the day I got clean. You know what I realized after 1 year of many sober flights? I never needed alcohol to get through the flight. I thought I needed alcohol to escape my reality and to cope. I needed an excuse to drink and not feel the pain of everyday life and trauma. It was my numbing vacation to avoid my purpose and my truth.”
She added, “Thank you to my fans. I love when yall share with me your sober dreams and fetes. It makes me so emotional. I’m so proud of you and I love you all so much. We can do this.”
It’s holiday party time and you’ve probably already been to one or two. But there are still more to come. What to wear, what to wear? Women and men are probably struggling a bit to figure out what looks best and what is an absolute… don’t do it! We have some of the best experts in the region when it comes to helping you look your best.
Ivory Twyman, Owner, Cloved In Ivy
Sharonda Irving, Image ConsultantMichael Johnson, Jr., Clothing Designer, Member, The Silver Fox Squad
(Washington, DC) — Maryland Senator Ben Cardin is speaking out after one of his staffers was reportedly fired over a sex tape filmed in a Senate hearing room. Cardin told reporters this week he was “angry” and “disappointed” when he found out about the scandal. He called it a “breach of trust.” Capitol Police are investigating the incident. Parts of the video were published by The Daily Caller last week.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., left, and Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., arrive for a procedural vote as the Senate moves to pass legislation that would roll back some of the safeguards Congress put into place after a financial crisis rocked the nation’s economy ten years ago, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, March 6, 2018. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
(New York, NY) — Actor Jonathan Majors has been found guility in his domestic violence trial in New York City. A jury found the Marvel star guilty of one count of assault and one count of harassment. Meanwhile, he was found not guilty on another count of assault and one of aggravated harassment. It took the jury almost four hours of deliberations, which was done over three days, to reach the verdict. The 34-year-old was accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari.
According to NBC News, actor Jonathan Majors, 34, was “found guilty on Monday of two of the four counts against him.”
Majors was found guilty of a misdemeanor assault against ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari, 30 from an incident on March 25, 2023.
During the trial Majors did not testify, but in Jabbari’s several testimonies, she stated, she looked at the actor’s phone and saw another woman’s name. The text said, “Wish I was kissing you right now,” according to prosecutors. When she was going to grab his phone, he allegedly responded by pulling her finger, twisting her arm behind her back, and hitting her in an attempt to get his phone back.
She also testified that she was afraid of Majors and believed he’d harm himself if she broke up with him.
As a result of the verdict, a new restraining order was set. The ruling is set for February 6th. If he is found guilty, it is a possibility he’d get up to a year in jail for Major.
The end of the year is just about two weeks away. While you’re finishing up your holiday shopping, now is also the time of year to start taking care of end-of-the-year tax business. What do you need to do to now, that will lessen your tax burden when you file next year?
Resources:
Howard University is offering FREE tax preparation for income-eligible filers.
***NOTE*** The income for 2024 filing has increased to $63,000. To schedule an appointment or for questions, call 202-838-7798.
Stephanie Fauntleroy, Director, Baker’s Tax and Accounting ServicesDr. Jean Wells, CPA, Tax Attorney, Associate Professor, Howard University School of Business
WASHINGTON (AP) — A jury awarded $148 million in damages on Friday to two former Georgia election workers who sued Rudy Giuliani for defamation over lies he spread about them in 2020 that upended their lives with racist threats and harassment.
The damages verdict follows emotional testimony from Wandrea “Shaye” Moss and her mother, Ruby Freeman, who tearfully described becoming the target of a false conspiracy theory pushed by Giuliani and other Republicans as they tried to keep then-President Donald Trump in power after he lost the 2020 election.
FILE – Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, a former Georgia election worker, is comforted by her mother Ruby Freeman, right, as the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol continues to reveal its findings of a year-long investigation, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, June 21, 2022.
Giuliani didn’t appear to show any emotion as the verdict was read in Washington’s federal courthouse after about 10 hours of deliberations. Moss and Freeman hugged their attorneys after the jury left the courtroom and didn’t look at Giuliani as he left with his lawyer.
Giuliani had already been found liable in the case and previously conceded in court documents that he falsely accused the women of ballot fraud. Even so, the former New York City mayor continued to repeat his baseless allegations about the women in comments to reporters outside the Washington, D.C., courthouse this week.
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (AP) — The mother of a 6-year-old who shot his teacher in Virginia was sentenced Friday to two years in prison for felony child neglect, nearly a year after her son used her gun to critically wound the educator.
Friday’s sentencing was the second time Deja Taylor was held to account for the classroom shooting, which stunned the nation and shook the military shipbuilding city of Newport News.
The state sentence she received Friday from Circuit Court Judge Christopher Papile was stiffer than what is called for in state sentencing guidelines and harsher than a joint sentencing recommendation of six months prosecutors and Taylor’s lawyers had agreed to in a plea deal.
Join us as we say farewell to our beloved friend David A. Dickinson, join us as the service begins streaming at 12:30 pm
Dave Dickinson, affectionately known as “Super Dave”, passed away Saturday, October 28th after a brief battle with cancer.
Dave had a stellar radio career, having worked at several stations up and down the East Coast, including here at 96.3 WHUR.
While at 96.3 WHUR, he led the station to several Crystal Awards, a Marconi Award from the National Association of Broadcasters, and a Stellar Award.
Dave became WHUR’s Program Director, a position he held until 2010. The recipient of numerous industry awards, Dave loved music and radio.
He loved WHUR, and we loved him back. It is with profound sadness that we mourn his passing. But we take joy in the great memories of a well-lived life and his tremendous impact on this radio station and many others.
WHUR sends our heartfelt condolences to Dave’s family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.
Rest in power, Super Dave. Keep the music playing!!!
It’s another shop til you drop weekend coming up. It’s the 31st Annual “Busy Bee” Black Gift and Art Show. It’s literally the largest African American Department Store on the East Coast. My guest is Juanita “Busy Bee” Britton – Founder and CEO of BZB International
The 31st Annual BZB Black Gift and Art Show is at Shiloh Baptist Church 1510 9th Street, NW 20001www.bzbinternational.com
It’s a big deal, a monumental deal. A two-billion dollar proposal to bring the Washington Capitals and the Washington Wizards to Potomac Yards in Alexandria, Virginia. If it happens, five years from now, it could be a huge blow to DC’s downtown business district.
Part 1
Part 2
Corey Griffin, Chair, Greater Washington Black Chamber of CommerceMicha Green, Managing Editor, The Washington InformerKeith Alexander, Reporter, The Washington Post
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and Ted Leonsis, the owner of the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards, have announced a proposed $2 billion entertainment district in Alexandria.
The plan includes a new arena to relocate both teams to the Potomac Yard neighborhood. The project, which still needs approval at the local and state level, would require the creation of a stadium authority. Governor Youngkin called it a “once-in-a-generation and historic development” that would bring 30,000 new jobs to the area.
Monumental chairman and CEO Ted Leonsis expressed a commitment to providing world-class fan experiences and being leaders in sports and technology.
Are you ready to make major career moves? Are you looking for a new job or perhaps you’re already in the interviewing pipeline? What are the make or break interview strategies you need to plan to nail the new gig? We have advice from the experts.
Tracy Washington-Craig, Career Strategist & Strategic Communications ExpertKim Wells, Executive Director, Executive Education and The Center For Career Excellence, Howard University School of Business
(Washington, DC) — Metro GM Randy Clarke is painting a bleak picture for the transit system if a massive budget gap isn’t filled. Metro is facing a 750-million-dollar shortfall for the fiscal year that begins in July. Clarke said at today’s budget reveal that if DMV leaders don’t step up to help, ten Metro stations would have to close and 67 of 135 Metrobus routes would be eliminated. In addition, nearly 23-hundred Metro employees would have to be laid off and riders would be hit with fare increases of 20 percent. Clarke remains hopeful that area partners won’t let things get to the point.
Hillcrest Heights, Maryland – (Tuesday, December 12, 2023) – In what seemed like Santa’s warehouse in the making, WHUR listeners gave “Jolly Old Saint Nick” a helping hand Saturday to make the Christmas wish list for hundreds of needy youth across the DMV come true. It was all part of the 21st Annual WHUR Children’s Toy Drive at the Shops at Iverson, powered by FedEx and Macy’s Downtown Metro Center.
WHUR’s Coka Lani took her popular Saturday show on the road encouraging listeners to drop off new unwrapped toys or gifts at the Shops of Iverson. They responded in a big way!!! More than 4,000 items were donated by dozens of listeners and groups. Everything from basketballs, dolls, bicycles, board games, sleds, scooters, remote control cars, gift cards, video games and even a life sized teddy bear; helped to turn the center court of the Mall into Santa’s Toyland. “It was literally a sea of toys and gifts like a Christmas wonderland. Those presents will go a long way to make holiday wishes of needy youth come true this year,” said WHUR General Manger Sean Plater.
WHUR got plenty of help to make the Toy Drive a victory with many groups working ahead of Saturday to get the job done. The Fort Washington Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Top Flight Corvette Club, Phaze 2 Corvette, Club Bill Lawrence Salon in NW, DC, Forestville Rehabilitation Center, and the John Hanson Montessori School in Oxon Hill all did their own in-house collections and dropped off their donations just in time for the WHUR event.
The success of the Toy Drive was made possible by the generous sponsorship of FedEx who donationed $2,000 to help purchase gifts and Macy’s Downtown Metro Center who provided $5,000 in $25 gift cards.
The toys and gift cards were distributed equally between non-profit organizations that service children and families across the DMV. The organizations were on site at the Mall to take the gifts Saturday. They are: SE Tennis and Learning Center, Mission of Love Charities, Stella Girls, Inc., Beyond the Classroom, Prince George’s County Family Justice Center, and Action In the Community Through Service. “We are so thankful to WHUR, FedEx, Macy’s, and the many WHUR listeners for this overwhelming display of caring and giving.” As a non-profit, we don’t always know how we are going to meet the needs of our children each year, I can tell you this year; we are going to have lots of smiling face,” said Lisa Ambers – Founder and CEO of Beyond the Classroom.
“Our goal this year was to really try to crisscross the DMV and spread some holiday cheer. With the help of our listeners, sponsors, and the many groups, we were able to do just that. We hope this holiday season will be a little bit brighter for our youth in need,” added Plater.
This morning it’s all about Football…..Bison Football. The Howard University Bison Football team will be taking on Florida A&M University in the Cricket Celebration Bowl in Atlanta this Saturday, December 16th. It pits Howard, the MEAC Champions against the SWAC Champions for the Black College National Football Championship. The game will air on ABC at 12noon. My guest is Coach Larry Scott – Head Coach of the Howard University Bison Football team.
The terrible, frightening and unpredictable days of the pandemic are behind us. What is not behind us is COVID. It is still very much around and people are still dying from it. On this Medical Monday, we’re telling you where we are with COVID, what’s ahead and what you can do to stay safe.
Get connected and involved. Check out what non-profits are doing in this week’s Community’s Choice
Kick the New Year off the healthy way. Registration is now open for Mayor Bowser’s Fit DC Fresh Start 5k Walk January 1st. www.fitdcfreshstart5k.com
Did you know that Black Men are the most likely Americans to die from lung cancer? Get the facts and know where to go for a screening. The American College of Radiology has tips. www.acr.org
Grab your sneakers and join Girl Trek for their weekly walks. There are meet-ups across the DMV. www.girltrek.org
With reading scores at an all time low, Reading Is Fundamental says the holidays will be a good time to give the gift of reading. www.rallytoread.org
Help shelter pets enjoy the holidays. The Prince George’s County Animal Shelter is in need of stuffed animals and other toys cats and dogs enjoy. www.princegeorgespets4us.com
DC residents don’t get caught out in the cold. The DC Public Service Commission is handing out free home weatherization items at public libraries thru January 17th. www.dcpsc.org
Housing discrimination on the basis of national origin is against the law. If you have been a victim, contact Housing Counseling Services. www.housingetc.org
To get your non-profit on the air and web, email Renee Nash at rnash@whur.com at least three weeks before your event.
(Washington, DC) — Former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani’s defamation case heads to court today in D.C. to find out how much he owes for spreading lies about two Georgia election workers. The former New York City mayor has already been found liable for defamation for comments about Ruby Freeman and her daughter Shaye Moss after the 2020 presidential election. He accused them of manipulating ballots, leading to threats against the two and Freeman to move from her home.
(Upper Marlboro, MD) — Two people, including a child are dead in what Prince George’s County police believe was a domestic-related incident Sunday. Officials were called to a medical center in the 12-hundred block of Mercantile Lane at around 1 pm for a welfare check. They reportedly found a man and a child in the car, dead of gunshot wounds; both were declared dead at the scene. Authorities say the two were related and that the incident appears to have been a murder-suicide.
My guest this morning has launched an initiative calling for a moratorium on Black On Black Crime for the first 3 days of December.While the initial moratorium has passed, he’s now looking to spread the message and initiative. My guest is Keith Turner – Founder and Organizer of the No Black On Black Crime Movement
The No Black On Black Crime Movement is an effort to get the Black community to come together and put a halt to the crime and violence plaguing the region. Programs and services are being put in place to assist youth and others to help make communities safer. For more information go here: www.noblackcrime.com
Tis the season for holiday office parties. Big company or small, they can be fun and festive. But they’re also much more than that. They can be strategic opportunities for your career.
Deborah Owens, Founder, The Corporate Alley CatCrystal Bailey, Director, Etiquette Institute of Washington
(Fairfax, VA) — The school board in Fairfax County says it will take about 100-thousand dollars to rename a high school before the start of the next school year. School members voted to change the name of W.T. Woodson High School last month after learning that former superintendent Wilbert Tucker Woodson opposed desegregation. The school will be renamed for Carter G. Woodson, a historian who helped originate the study of Black history in the United States. A school name change would usually cost around 300-thousand dollars, but the school district says it will cost less since some items at the high school simply say “Woodson” and won’t need to be replaced.
Making the holiday wishes of needy youth come true. WHUR is gearing up for our Annual Toy Drive and our goal is to bring smiles to the faces of needy youth across the DMV. Joining me this morning is a group always in the giving spirit to help us with the Toy Drive. My guest is Michael Summers – President of Top Flight Corvette Club
21st Annual WHUR Toy Drive is Saturday, December 9th from 12pm to 4pm at the Shops at Iverson -3737 Branch Avenue in Hillcrest Heights, Maryland. Bring a new unwrapped toy to make this holiday season a joyous one for a needy youth. For more information go here: www.whur.com
We’re at the Reporters’ Roundtable to discuss some of the top stories of the week. We also talk to a local news-maker. Prince George’s County Councilmember Ingrid Watson joins the discussion.
Part 1
Part 2
Ingrid Watson, District 4, Prince George’s County CouncilTracee Wilkins, NBC4 Washington, I-Team Investigative Reporter Jennifer Thomas, Associate Professor, Howard University School of CommunicationsHamil Harris, Reporter, The Washington Informer
A gunman opened fire at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) on Wednesday, killing three people and leaving another critically injured.
This incident comes just six years after the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history occurred in Las Vegas. Since the start of this year, over 630 mass shootings have claimed lives across the U.S.
UNLV students and staff were urged to “RUN-HIDE-FIGHT” during the shooting, and many expressed a sense of inevitability about mass shootings in America.
Some survivors of previous shootings in Las Vegas expressed frustration that they have had to hide from active shooters multiple times.
ORIGINAL:
(Las Vegas, NV) — Police are ordering students and faculty of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas to remain sheltered in place, even after an active shooter was declared dead.
The Metropolitan Police Department confirmed the shooter was deceased, but did add there “appears to be multiple victims at this time.”
Officers are clearing every building one at a time. There is a ground-stop at the city’s airport. There will be a police news conference soon.
(Washington, DC) — There were a lot of empty desks in DCPS classrooms last year. Stats released this week by the Office of the DC State Superintendent of Education show that 40-percent of students were absent for at least ten percent of school days, which equates to 18-plus days of classes. The issue affected low-income areas the most, where some schools reported that 90-percent of students missed more than ten days.
Recently, Andre 3000 shared with CBS News more about his new album and why this project represents his departure from rap music.
Andre said, “We’re the loudest that we’ve ever been. At one point, the album was called Everything Is Too Loud. But then I just felt like that’s a negative title.” He continued, “You know? I didn’t want to put negative energy out. So I was like, ‘What’s a positive way to say the same thing?’ So New Blue Sun is introducing a new kind of volume, you know? It’s looking past the complaint and trying to figure out, well, what can we do about it?”
He added, “Like I’m 48 now. I think like the older you get, you kind of get this skin or this…protective layer that’s like…things kind of roll off or you better because you have a better understanding of the rollercoaster in a way.”
Andre continued, “I don’t sit and try to rap every day like when I was younger, and that’s all I did when I was younger. I miss those times a lot, but it’s like life changes, life moves on.”
Legendary TV producer Norman Lear has died at the age of 101.
According to Variety, it was confirmed by his publicist, “he died at his home in Los Angeles of natural causes. A private service for immediate family will be held in the coming days.”
Lear created a string of groundbreaking sitcoms in the 1970s and 80s, including All In The Family, The Jeffersons, Maude, and One Day At A Time.
His shows were famous for combining humor with social commentary, touching on hot-button issues like racism and women’s liberation. His production company Act III Communications also produced movies like The Princess Bride, Stand By Me, and Fried Green Tomatoes.
The Lear family said, “Norman lived a life of creativity, tenacity, and empathy. He deeply loved our country and spent a lifetime helping to preserve its founding ideals of justice and equality for all. Knowing and loving him has been the greatest of gifts. We ask for your understanding as we mourn privately in celebration of this remarkable human being.”
Something this morning to help you get into the holiday spirit. It’s the Annual Community Sing-Along Concert of Handel’s Messiah. It’s happening December 13th a Bowie State University. My guest is Professor Brandon Felder – Conductor, Music Director at Bowie State University
The Annual community Sing-along Concert of Handel’s Messiah is Wednesday December 13th at 7:30pm at Bowie State University Fine and Performing Arts Center. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information go here: www.bowiestate.edu
This parenting discussion is just perfect for the holidays. How do you tell your children “no” during the season of giving and not feel guilty about it?
Danae Aicher, National Director, Advocacy and Public Policy, Mocha MomsDr. Jonathan Shepard, Board Certified Child and Adult Psychiatrist
(Arlington, VA) — Several streets remain closed in the Arlington neighborhood where a house exploded last night. Video of the violent blast that leveled a brick home about a half-mile west of the Ballston-MU Metro station has gone viral. Federal investigators are working with local officials to determine the cause. Police were called to the home Monday afternoon after the man who lived there fired off a flare gun about three dozen times. Hours later, officers heard rounds from a firearm being discharged inside the house just as they were preparing to execute a search warrant and the explosion occurred shortly thereafter. Authorities still don’t know what happened to the man, who neighbors describe as a little bizarre.
A member of the Arlington County Police Department looks towards the remains of a house explosion on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, in Arlington, Va.
Officials are investigating a massive explosion that destroyed a duplex in Arlington, Virginia, a suburb located across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.
According to Arlington County police, a statement released says, “They were first called to the 800 block of N. Burlington Street around 4:45 p.m. ET after receiving a report of possible gunshots.”
The explosion occurred while officers were trying to serve a search warrant at the residence. The suspect fired several shots inside the home before the explosion happened. The explosion destroyed a duplex and shook the suburb.
The Arlington County Fire Department responded to the explosion.A ladder truck sprayed water on the remains of the building
Arlington County Police Department is leading the investigation. NPR reported, that three officers were injured, but not taken to the hospital and the status of the suspect in unclear. At this moment, no further details have been released at this time.
Cultivating Christian leadership skills for youth. That’s the primary goal of my guest this morning who is on a mission to help get youth center and focus on understanding their lives matter. She’s part of a conference coming up targeting youth ages 10-18. My guest is Tonya Miles – President of Ezra Youth Seminary
Registration is now open for Ezra Youth Seminary’s 5th Annual Leadership Conference. The conference will be held on January 27th at the Museum of the Bible. For more information go here: www.ezrasomebodiness.eventbrite.com
This is supposed to be the season of good tidings and joy. But some people just are not feeling it. They have what we commonly call the holiday blues. What is it and how can we get rid of them?
Dr. Janice M. Davis Director, Clinical Education Howard University School of Social WorkDr. Frederica Brooks-Davis, Clinical Psychologist, Executive Director, The Reid Temple Restoration Center, Inc.
(Washington, DC) — A jury will decide how much Rudy Giuliani will have to pay for defaming two Georgia election workers in 2020. Giuliani earlier this year was found liable of defaming poll workers by claiming the two women were helping steal the election from former President Trump. A federal judge in Washington, DC on Sunday denied Giuliani’s request to hold a bench trial instead of a jury trial. The jury trial will begin December 11th. Giuliani accused poll workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss of committing election fraud in Atlanta, claims that were ultimately found to be untrue.
According to the St.Louis American this weekend Nelly’s Black White Ball returned to the city!
During the ball, Nelly, is caught on video rubbing Ashanti’s belly was posted online, which triggered fans to believe that Ashanti, could be pregnant with Nelly’s baby. The two were on stage
The couple didn’t say anything on stage about expecting, but the two of them have been spending a lot of time together since they reconciled their relationship which was confirmed in September.
Earlier, a fan commented on a picture of Ashanti and Nelly and told Nelly to get Ashanti pregnant as soon as possible, and Nelly confirmed that this was the plan.
Reportedly, Michael B. Jordan is doing okay after it was reported that he was in a car crash in Hollywood.
According to reports, the Creed 3 actor collided his blue Ferrari with a parked car at the intersection of North Beachwood Drive and Sunset Boulevard.
A close source said, “Jordan is OK and unharmed following the vehicle accident.” Out of prudence, he did not attend Sunday night’s Academy Museum Gala.
The Black Panther star hasn’t made any remarks in regards to the accident.
It was recently confirmed by Will Smith that Jordan will co-produce and star in the I Am Legend sequel. Currently, there is no official release date for the I Am Legend 2.
NBC reports that Derek Chauvin has been returned to prison custody after the former Minneapolis police officer was attacked by a fellow inmate. On November 24, Chauvin was stabbed 22 times with an “improvised knife” while he was in the Federal Correctional Institution of Tucson, Arizona’s law library. According to a criminal complaint, Chauvin was attacked by fellow inmate John Turscak.
Chavin’s attorney released a statement on December 3 saying that Chauvin’s , “medical condition has improved to the extent that he has been removed from the trauma care facility at a local Tucson hospital and returned to prison custody for his follow up care.”
His family is very concerned about the facility’s capacity to protect Derek from further harm. They remain unassured that any changes have been made to the faulty procedures that allowed Derek’s attack to occur in the first place, Gregory M. Erickson, Derek Chauvin’s attorney, via NBC.
NBC reports that the 52-year-old Turscak has been charged with attempted murder, assault with intent to commit murder, and assault with a dangerous weapon. Federal prosecutors said that Turscak has also been charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury in connection with the stabbing.
According to prosecutors, Turscak said he chose “Black Friday” to attack Chauvin as a symbol for the Black Lives Matter movement. NBC reports that Chauvin is serving a sentence of over 22 years for the killing of George Floyd.
The former Minneapolis police officer is also simultaneously serving a 21-year federal sentence for violating Floyd’s civil rights. Chauvin is also serving a 22-and-a-half-year sentence for second-degree murder.
An excellent opportunity this morning for parents looking for something positive for your son to do this weekend. I have details about a free program focused on sexual health and awareness, empowerment and self-care, and dress for success. It’s called Project Alpha. My guest is Gene Carson, Sr. – Chair of Project Alpha, a National Program lead by the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
The Kappa Epsilon Lambda Education Foundation and the Maryland National Capital Parks and Planning Commission are hosting Project Alpha December 9th at the Southern Regional Technology ad Recreation complex at 7007 Bock Road, Fort Washington Maryland. The program is for young males attending middle and high school. The program begins at 8:30a and ends at 4:30pm. For more information go here: www.kelef1906.org/project-alpha/
