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Beyoncé Crowd Scanned For Potential Paedophiles And Terrorists

Facial recognition was used to screen Beyoncé concertgoers for pedophiles and terrorists earlier this year.

After the 2017 Manchester terrorist attack killed 22 people, South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Alun Michael told the BBC that crowd scanning had become the standard in the UK. The technology was deployed at a Beyoncé concert in Cardiff on May 17th.

The police commissioner said employing cameras to scan crowd faces was ‘absolutely sensible’ for the Cardiff concert because ‘there would be very big numbers of young females attending that concert.’ So how does the technology catch pedophiles and terrorists? Live recognition cameras match faces to police watch lists. CCTV footage is recorded for 31 days to identify potential threats.

Some say the device ‘violates our rights and undermines our liberties.’ But the commissioner says, “There’s been a lot of misunderstanding thinking that images are captured and kept – they’re not, only an image of a person you’re looking for is remembered.”

Shredding Your Old Papers and Helping Families in Need

It’s time to clear those old unwanted documents out of your home… and I have the details of how to get those papers shredded safely for free.  Plus you can do a little something to help your neighbors in need.  It’s the WHUR Community Shred Day in partnership with Briar Patch Shredding coming up this Saturday to help support Food2Feed. My guest is Sharifa Freeman – Owner of Briar Patch Shredding and Recycling

WHUR Community Shred Day is Saturday, November 11th from 9am to 12noon at Briar Patch Shredding and Recycling at 4501 Forbes Blvd Lanham, Maryland.   Bring up to 3 boxes of documents and get them shredded for free.  Plus drop off some canned goods to support Food2Feed 2023.  For more information go here: www.whur.com

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Ask The Lawyers

We’re talking to lawyers tonight. Addressing pressing legal issues that impact your lives and other issues in the headlines.

Resources:

https://www.probatelawdc.com/

https://www.glgdc.com/

https://henrylegalfirm.com/

Part 1

Part 2

Deborah D. Boddie, Principal Attorney, Law Office of Deborah D. Boddie
Marlon Griffith, Owner/Principal Litigator Attorney, The Griffith Law Group
Bobby Henry, Henry Legal Firm

45th Annual Food2Feed 2023

45 Years and counting!!! 96.3 WHUR has been helping to provide holiday meals to families and individuals in need in the DMV.  This year, we are amplifying our efforts as the number of persons struggling to make ends meet grows.  Give today to Food2Feed 2023 and help make this holiday season special for our neighbors in need.  100% of your tax-deductible donations benefit the Capital Area Food Bank and Shabach Ministries, Inc.  You still have time to donate!

DC Repeals COVID Vaccine Mandate For School Students

(Washington, DC) — It looks like the COVID vaccine mandate for District schools is almost over. The D.C. Council voted to end it last night, saying they don’t think it’s necessary any more and fear too many students may miss class because they don’t have the required immunizations. Enforcement began two years ago and as of June, health officials say only about half of children over 12 had received both shots. The mayor is expected to sign the bill into law

Empowering Our Young Girls

It’s a Wellness Wednesday and that means it’s time to get moving.  Mark your calendar for the upcoming Girls On the Run DC Community 5k. My guest is Keisha Smith – Communications Director for Girls On the Run DC

Girls On the Run DC has fun evidence based programs that inspire all girls to build their confidence, kindness, and decision making skills.  Their upcoming DC Community 5k is @ 8am Sunday, November 19th at Anacostia Park. For more information go here: www.gotrdc.org

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Timbaland Apologizes For ‘Muzzle’ Comments Made About Britney Spears

When the subject of Britney Spears‘ best-selling biography “The Women In Me” came up, Timbaland gladly defended Justin Timberlake—but his comments have led Britney’s ardent supporters to declare war on him.

The subtle comment Tim made during his live interview with 9th Wonder on October 29 at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts was discovered by fans on Tuesday. Timbaland said in response to Britney’s confession of being pregnant while dating the “Cry Me A River” singer and later having an abortion, “He should have put a muzzle on that girl.”

Additionally, he stated that he doesn’t hold it against Britney for confessing to all these juicy details because going viral is the goal in the social media-driven show business of today. He adds, “I’ve got to do something to keep the people’s attention.”

Many of Britney’s fans demanded Timbaland apologize to Britney Spears due to the distastefulness of the comment.

Election 2023 Political Roundtable

It’s election night 2023. No midterm congressional voting or presidential primaries. But there are big issues and party considerations in play tonight. Virginia’s legislature is obviously one of the big political prizes… But there are others that could foreshadow the presidential race next year. We’re talking about it all tonight at the political roundtable.

Dr. Ravi Perry,
Political Science Professor, Howard University
Dr. Christopher Metzler, Political Analyst
Dr. Michael Fauntroy, Political Analyst

Maryland Voters to Decide Mayoral, City Council Races

(Rockville, MD) – Mayoral and City Council races will be decided today across Maryland. Mayoral elections are on the ballot in Bowie and Laurel, and those cities, along with Gaithersburg will choose who sits on the City Council. In Rockville, voters will decide between Council members Monique Ashton and Mark Pierzchala to become the next mayor. Also before the voters: whether non-citizens and residents as young as age 16 will receive the right to vote in local elections.

Meta Launched AI Character Chatbots Played By Celebrities And Influencers

Meta, the owners of Facebook, Instagram & WhatsApp, recently launched AI character chatbots played by celebrities & influencers. It is rumored that some of the contracts are worth up to 5 million dollars.

Some people participating in the partnership are Kendall Jenner, Snoop Dogg, Tom Brady, Dwayne Wade and Naomi Osaka. They each act as the face of AI chatbots with unique personalities and backgrounds developed by the Meta team.

The AI chatbots even go by different names than their celebrity counterparts. For example, Kendall Jenner’s bot is Billie, a supportive big sister, while Paris Hilton’s character, Amber, is a detective. Social media users are questioning the ethics of the bots and how it could negatively impact parasocial relationships.

One person who talked with Billie detailed how the AI chatbot told them to come over and even sent them an address. 123 Main St, New Jersey. Before messaging the AI chatbots Instagram makes a disclaimer that AI generates, “Messages Some may be inaccurate or inappropriate.”

You can now message these AI chatbots via Instagram DMs.

Mariah Carey Reveals the Christmas Tradition She Shares With Her Twins

Mariah Carey loves this time of year. The “All I Want For Christmas Is You” singer plans to spend Christmas with her 12-year-old twins, Moroccan and Monroe, whom she co-parents with ex-husband Nick Cannon.

Her yearly Christmas ritual involves a delectable family dish. Carey told “Entertainment Tonight” that they and some friends will spend the holiday in Aspen, Colorado. 

The singer told ET, “Santa’s coming over as well. You think I’m lying, but it’s true! That is my homie and so he’s gonna be coming over.” Carey is excited to make her late father’s clam linguini. Despite her kids’ inability to prepare it, Mariah makes it every year.

“They haven’t learned the recipe yet, but they know about it and it’s really special to me because it’s my father’s recipe for my favorite dish that he used to make when I was little,” she shared.

The Grammy winner’s tour will start November 15th and end December 27th at Madison Square Gardens.

A Special Baby Shower For Mothers in Prince George’s County

The Maryland Multicultural Youth Center is hosting a community baby item gift giving every Friday and they are in need of donations to help low income moms in Prince George’s County.  I have the details this morning on how you can help. My guest is Emila Luna – Maryland Multi Cultural Youth Center

The Maryland Multicultural Youth Center is hosting a community baby item gift giving event every Friday.  They are in need of donations to help low income moms in Prince George’s County. For more information go here: www.layc-dc.org

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Medical Monday: Urinary Incontinence

Are you finding that you’re have some difficulty controlling your bladder? Are you leaking a little when you laugh, cough or even just sitting still? You may have what’s called urinary incontinence. November is National Bladder Health Awareness Month. Yes, this is a delicate topic, but one we feel should be discussed on this Medical Monday.

Dr. Tatiana Sanses, Chief of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Howard University Hospital.

MPD Acting Chief Faces Confirmation Vote

(Washington, DC) – A vote to confirm Pamela Smith as the next Metropolitan Police Department Chief could come as early as Tuesday. The DC Council Public Safety Committee voted unanimously to approve Smith’s nomination in October. Smith has served as acting chief for the past several months. If confirmed, she would be the first Black woman to lead the agency in its 230-year history.

Metropolitan Acting Police Chief Pamela Smith

Brandy & Ray J’s Mom Was Hospitalized Following Home IV Treatment

A new report says Brandy Norwood and Ray J‘s mother needed medical attention. 

Sonja Norwood reportedly had an emergency, according to TMZ; after an in-home IV, she felt lightheaded and had fast breathing. Ray J and family members called an ambulance after the reaction.

Ms. Norwood has been released from the hospital; medical personnel said Sonja Norwood was “okay” after entering the hospital.

The IV Therapy consisted of vitamins B and C, magnesium, and calcium. This latest trend is supposed to be an immune booster, but in 2018, Kendell Jenner reacted similarly to the similar IV therapy. Using the old-fashioned daily vitamin with these side effects may be best.

Sonja Norwood has been instrumental in her children’s careers, acting as stage mom to Brandy at the beginning of her singing career.

Report: Monumental Requests $600M From D.C. For Capital One Arena Upgrades

According to The Washington Post, the owner of the Washington Wizards and Washington Capitals, which play at Capital One Arena, has requested millions in funding from the District to renovate the venue.

Monumental Sports Network, owned by the same company, has launched a direct-to-consumer subscription service. The network has also debuted a new show hosted by Rachel Nichols.

Aerosmith has postponed their September concert at Capital One Arena and rescheduled it for February. Plans for a $900 million water park resort in Virginia called Kalahari are also being discussed.

A statement was made by the representative of D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser, “The District and Monumental Sports are proud to have had a longstanding and positive relationship that has contributed greatly to the vibrancy of this city,” the spokesperson wrote. “ … The District recognizes that Capital One Arena serves as an important economic anchor as we continue to reimagine and reinvigorate our Downtown.”

SAG-AFTRA Reviewing Studios’ “Final Offer”; No Meetings Set As Hollywood Waits

As the actors’ guild strike entered its 115th day, SAG-AFTRA Guild representatives reviewed the studios’ “last, best, and final offer” on Sunday (November 5) after a brief virtual conference with CEOs on Saturday (November 4).

Studio executives are calling the offer “historic.” The parties have no official meetings scheduled for Monday or later this week. As usual, since the guild went on strike in mid-July, SAG-AFTRA will picket studio lots and offices in Los Angeles and New York on Monday.

For weeks, the studios have quietly stressed the need for an agreement by October/November to rescue a TV season and advance a 2024 movie slate. The studios’ proposal includes the greatest wage boost for actors in 40 years and a 100 percent performance reward bonus for high-budget streaming shows and films.

The offer included “full” AI protections, which went “a long way to what SAG wanted,” according to an industry source on Saturday.

National Veterans Day Parade

Veterans Day is this weekend and I have information about a huge parade you can attend to help recognize and honor our men and women who serve.  It’s being hosted by the National Veterans Foundation. My guest is Francis Ventura – Executive Director of the National Veterans Foundation

The Inaugural National Veterans Parade is Sunday, November 12th at 12pm.  Parade will start at the National Archives and proceed down Constitution Avenue. For more information go here:  www.nationalveteransparade.org

Listen to this mornings segment here:

‘You Can Tell He Been Hurt’: Jeezy Forgives Everyone Except Estranged Wife Jeannie Mai

In New Post According to a press release, Jeezy’s upcoming double album, “I Might Forgive…But I Don’t Forget,” will explore his emotional growth and dealing with trauma.

This is relevant since people are still considering his divorce from Jeannie Mai. After divorcing his ex-wife on September 14, he struggled. Both parties sought to move on while living with their daughter, Monaco, despite the news of their breakup.

Many wondered if Jeezy would discuss their marriage or relationship on the double album. Fans thought song titles like “They Don’t Love Me,” “Trust No One,” “Don’t Deserve Me,” and “Don’t Cheat” proved Mai was cheating.

The project rollout continued as Jeezy published two names of people he “might forgive” this week. One list includes his mother, past, and self. He had issues with Shawty Redd, Carbon 15, Blood Raw, [Dread], Ralphie Simms, [Bleu DaVinci], Clem, and Kinky B. He left out his father, Gucci Mane, and Mai.

Take Back Our Community Thursday

We’re back for another edition of take back our community Thursday. It’s a chance to have important conversations with activists and organizations that are doing their best to make our community better.

Resources:

https://thetriggerproject.org/

https://noblackcrime.com/

ayana.osborne@LAYC-DC.org

Tia Bell, Founder, The T.R.I.G.G.E.R. Project

Ayana Osborne, Case Manager, Hope For Housing
Keith Turner, Founder, No Black On Black Crime Movement

Lauren London Given $5 Million From Nipsey Hussle’s Estate

After four years since the tragic murder of Nipsey Hussle, it been reported that, Lauren London, in the interest of their son, will receive over $5 million and 50% of The Marathon Clothing line from Nipsey Hussle‘s estate, which is being controlled by his brother.

The mother of Nipsey Hussle’s 7-year-old kid, Kross, is supposedly going to get half of the remaining sum left in Nip’s many bank accounts. The other half will go to his other child, Emani.

Along with getting funding from Nipsey Hussle’s estate, Blacc Sam, Nipsey’s brother, disclosed in March that Puma continues to contribute funds to a trust fund designated for the rapper’s offspring.

March 31, 2019 Nipsey was murdered in front of his South Los Angeles location of The Marathon Clothing Store, but Eric Holder Jr. Since then Holder was found guilty in July 2022 and sentenced February 2023 to 60 years in prison.

Reporters’ Roundtable

We’re at the Reporters’ Roundtable with the top stories of the week. On deck tonight… overdoses at a Loudoun County, Virginia high school. Carjackings in the DMV. Dangerous driving in D.C. A new law in Prince George’s County mandating surveillance cameras for apartments and senior housing, and a new D.C. sexual harassment policy signed by the mayor.

Part 1

Part 2

Sonya Ross, Editor-in-Chief, Black Women Unmuted
Micha Green, Managing Editor, The Washington Informer

Keith Lee Says His Family Faced Threats After Critical Reviews Of Atlanta Restaurants

Keith Lee, a popular food critic on TikTok with over 14 million followers, has faced threats after being critical of several restaurants in Atlanta.

In a recent social media post, Lee expressed concern for his and his family’s safety, stating, “Nobody’s safety should be on the line. Not mine, not my family, not the restaurants that we go to relax. Like relax, bro. Like I understand, I get it. I get it. But at the end of the day, what you want me to do, you want me to lie? I can’t do that. I’ll walk away from everything before I lie. I’m telling you that right now. On 10 toes, everything. God bless me.”

The controversy began when Lee posted videos about his dining experiences in Atlanta, including encounters with restaurants such as Atlanta Breakfast Club, The Real Milk & Honey, and Old Lady Gang.

Some restaurant owners faced backlash for their responses to Lee’s reviews. The owner of The Real Milk & Honey claimed to state they didn’t know who Keith Lee was after his review expressed a problematic experience.

The owner of Old Lady Gang, Kandi Burruss, addressed the reasons for not creating carry-out orders on the weekend but did not address the reason for Keith Lee’s family being told it would be an hour to an hour and a half to be seated, but when he walked in the time changed to a five-minute wait.

96.3 WHUR Community Shred 

96.3 WHUR is helping you to get ready for the holidays.  Grab all those old documents cluttering up your home and bring them to the WHUR Community Shred Saturday, November 11thfrom 9am to 12 noon at Briar Patch Shredding and Recycling – 4501 Forbes Blvd. Lanham, MD 20706.  

We’ll shred up to 3 boxes of your unwanted documents.  But we need something from you. Donate some canned goods to help support Food2Feed 2023. We’ll take care of the shredding and you can help feed the needy.  

The WHUR Community Shred – Supporting Food2Feed 2023.   

Phobias: What Are You Afraid Of?

This is perfect conversation for Halloween night. What are you afraid of? Are you afraid of the dark, maybe it’s spiders, afraid of heights, what about your sister-in-law’s holiday casserole. Just kidding. But phobias are a real thing for a lot of people.

Resources:

https://www.ceandersonlive.com/about

Ce Anderson, Licensed Psychotherapist

DC Leaf Collection Begins With Changes

(Washington, DC) — Time to sweep up those leaves. The D.C. Department of Public Works is starting to collect them all, but in a new way. Instead of crews using a fixed schedule, residents will now be notified two weeks in advance by way of door hangars. They’ll be asked to rake leaves into the tree boxes or edge of the curb. They can even check the status of streets that have or haven’t been cleared using a real-time, interactive map.

Prince George’s Boxer Heading To Olympics

(Oxon Hill, MD) — A Prince George’s County native is heading to the 2024 Olympic Summer Games. Twenty-year-old Jahmal Harvey of Oxon Hill just punched his ticket to Paris by winning gold at the Pan-Am Games in Santiago, Chile in boxing’s featherweight division. The Potomac High grad is on the same path as another longtime PG County resident, boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard, who won gold as a light welterweight at the 1975 Pan Am Games before going on to win the gold medal at the `76 Olympics in Montreal. Harvey has plenty of time to train as the Paris Olympics don’t start until the end of July.

Jahmal Harvey of the United States celebrates defeating Cuba’s Saidel Horta in a men’s boxing 57kg final bout at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, Friday, Oct. 27, 2023.

DC Musician Aaron Spears, Drummer For Ariana Grande, Passes Away At 47

Aaron Spears, a Grammy-nominated D.C. producer and drummer who worked with Ariana Grande, Usher, and Britney Spears, has died at 47. 

Spears’ wife announced his death on Facebook Monday morning,” Aaron was not only an incredibly accomplished drummer admired by many for his unparalleled talent and passion for music.” She continues, “We appreciate all the thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Please remember Aaron for the incredible person he was and the amazing music he brought into our world.”

Spears played on the 2004 “Confessions” album by Usher, which earned him a Grammy nomination.  Season 3 of The Masked Singer included him as a music coordinator and percussionist. 

“I can’t wrap my head around this,” said Ariana Grande in an Instagram Story post. “We were all so incredibly lucky to know Aaron. The absolute brightest light of a human being. Always the kindest, always smiling. I am so honored and thankful that our paths crossed and to have spent so much very special time together.” 

The nature of his death hasn’t been released. 

Medical Monday: Food Addiction

We all love a good meal. A home-cooked dish, piled high with our favorite soul food. What about a thick, juicy steak, with mashed potatoes and a side broccoli. How about warm peach cobbler with a small, or large scope of vanilla ice cream? Sound good? For some, it sounds too good. Many Americans are struggling with overeating and food addiction. But how do you know? Once you figure it out, what can you do about it?

Udo Erasmus, Author/Health Advocate
Michelle Petties, Author/Health Advocate

Elrich Backs Alsobrooks For Senate

(Largo, MD) — Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks is receiving another high-profile endorsement in her bid to win the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by the retiring Ben Cardin. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich made the announcement over the weekend, saying Alsobrooks is the best candidate to represent Maryland in the upper chamber of Congress. More than 100 Maryland leaders have endorsed Alsobrooks for the job. Her main opponent in the May Democratic primary is Maryland Congressman David Trone.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich

Dave Dickinson, Affectionately Known As “Super Dave” Passed Away

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.  Dave was a beloved member of the WHUR family, starting as the Music Director in 1995,  where he helped to cement WHUR’s unique sound of the Adult Mix. 

He was also responsible for launching the careers of numerous artists like Jill Scott, Maxwell, and many more. 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!!!

‘Friends’ Star Matthew Perry Passes Away At 54 After Apparent Drowning

Matthew Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the popular sitcom “Friends” for 10 seasons has been found dead at his home at the age of 54.

Law enforcement sources reported that Perry was found unconscious in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home. There were no signs of foul play.

Perry had a history of battling addiction to painkillers and alcohol, he wrote of his struggles with addiction in a memoir about his experiences. During a recent “Friends” reunion, Perry revealed that he had suffered from severe anxiety during the show’s filming.

“There has to be some reason why I’m still here, having done all of this crazy stuff, and I came to the conclusion it’s to write a book that will help people who are going through the same thing that I am, or did,” Perry said. 

Earlier this week, he had posted a photo of himself on social media.

STD Transmission is On the Rise Nationwide

A sudden loss in state and local health department funding has resulted in the rise of sexually transmitted disease (STD) transmission across the United States.

In June, health departments found out the final two years of a $1 billion investment to track and prevent STDs was being canceled. This funding was canceled as part of the national debt ceiling deal passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden.

In Nevada alone, congenital syphilis transmission increased by 44% from 2021 to 2022. Mississippi and Texas are other stations that have seen similar increases. Syphilis transmission reached a low point in 2000 but has increased almost every year since.

Money and Marriage: A Success Story

Just behind infidelity, money problems in a marriage is the number two reason why they fail.
We’re talking to a couple that may have the secret for success when it comes to making the money game work.

Resources:

https://www.theovenue.com/

Estado and Chanel Outlaw, Co-Authors, “Merging Finances, An Interactive Couples Guide: 5 Essential Keys To Merging Your Finances Successfully”

Thousands To Run Sunday In Marine Corps Marathon

(Washington, DC) — More than 23-thousand runners from DC, all 50 states and 63 countries will be taking part in Sunday’s Marine Corps Marathon. The 48th edition opens with the 50K race at 7:15, followed by the wheelchair division at 7:50 and the marathon starts at 7:55. The 26-point-two-mile race starts in Arlington and meanders through DC before wrapping up at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Rosslyn. Dozens of road closures will be in effect in Arlington County and DC, but Metrorail is opening two hours early to help get everyone in and out easily.

Fans React To Kirk Franklin Being Picked Up By His Security Guard: “Imagine Being Picked Up Like A Toddler As A 50-Year-Old Man”

Kirk Franklin, is currently on “The Reunion Tour” with The Clark Sisters, Tye Tribbett, Israel Houghton ,and David and Tamela Mann.

During a recent tour stop in Washington, D.C., Franklin got off the stage and was lifted back up by his security guard, which left fans crying laughing. The moment was captured on video and went viral, with fans joking about Franklin being picked up like a toddler.

Watch the video here of Franklins reaction. Fans reacted with the funniest comments. One said, “He thought God grabbed him”.

Another referred to the movie Toy Story saying, “Picked him up like he was Woody.”

Others mocked how this situation played out, ” Kirk: (imma step up here) Security: “I AINT GOT TIME”.

This isn’t the first time Franklin has become a meme, as fans have long joked about his resemblance to rapper Plies. Franklin recently acknowledged the resemblance and said that he and Plies have discussed collaborating on a project for the community.

Russell Wilson Rented Out A Waffle House For Ciara’s 38th Birthday

While too many people are worried about whether Waffle House is suitable for a first date, Russell Wilson recently celebrated his wife Ciara‘s 38th birthday by renting out a Waffle House. So, Travis Kelce isn’t the only NFL player who’ll rent out an entire restaurant for his famous sweetheart.

Wilson even had the restaurant decorated with balloons, tablecloths, and a red carpet for the occasion – and capped things off with a big plate of birthday donuts. Ciara was loving it, telling her hubby it was “for sure one of the most epic things you’ve ever done.” She added, “My honey knows how much I love Waffle House!”

In a beautiful note to his wife, Wilson says, “You truly are Heaven sent, the perfect mother to our children, and God’s blessing to me as we get to do life together as Husband and wife. We are all truly BLESSED!! I’m so grateful that God put you into my life and we’ve been able to create an amazing (growing) family. God has so much in store for you this year of life and I can’t wait to see how much good will come from your presence and joy!!! I Thank Jesus for you every day! I Love You, Mrs. Wilson.”

Just beautiful.

“Take Back Our Community Thursday”

Crime in the DMV continues to rise. A lot of us are wondering if anything really being done to get things under control. Police and elected leaders say it’s going to take the entire community.
At WHUR we are also concerned. We want to look for solutions. We are launching “Take Back Our Community Thursday”. Every Thursday on The Daily Drum, we are going to speak with community groups and activists who are the boots on the ground soldiers, working to make our neighborhoods better.

Resources:

https://fast-dc.org/

https://code3.org/

https://www.vscdc.org/

Pastor Dale Sutherland, Chair, Code 3
Andrea Counts, Founder, F.A.S.T. DC
Paula Thompson, Executive Director, Voices For A Second Chance

Take Back Our Community Thursday

Crime in the DMV continues to rise with many asking will things ever get better. Police and elected leaders say it’s going to take the entire community. 

Here at WHUR we too are concerned and want to look for solutions.  That’s why we are launching “Take Back Our Community Thursday.” 

 Every Thursday on the Daily Drum with Harold Fisher, we’ll speak with community groups, activists, and more who are the boots-on-the-ground soldiers working to make our neighborhoods safer places to live, work, and visit. 

Take Back Our Community Thursday

Dwayne Johnson’s Wax Figure Gets an Update After Museum’s “Honest Mistake”

Dwayne Johnson’s new wax figure has been updated days after it debuted and was criticized for its lighter appearance at The Grévin Museum in Paris. In an Instagram video, the museum’s managing director said, “A week ago, we unveiled the Dwayne Johnson waxwork and we got a surprise when we put him under the lights. His skin tone seemed too pale. And suddenly we realized, we might have got it wrong.”

He continued, “It’s been a major task for the sculptor. We’re going to keep improving it! Long live Dwayne Johnson, who’s going to stop in and have a drink with us in Paris soon.”

Beyoncé Unveils Name And Look Of New ‘Cé Noir’ Fragrance

Beyoncé revealed the name and appearance of her highly anticipated new fragrance. “Beyoncé Parfums presents CÉ NOIR,” the 32-time Grammy Award winner shared underneath her 360-degree Instagram video of the perfume bottle. 

The bottle has a reflective chrome tone, similar to the motif and dress code of her recent Renaissance World Tour.  In French, “Cé Noir” can be loosely translated as “this black.”

The fragrance will sell for $160 and is said to feature a combination of clementine and golden honey as its top notes, followed by rose absolute and jasmine sambac as its heart notes, and finally, golden amber and Namibian myrrh as its base notes. 

It’s available to pre-order in hopes of arriving by November, just in time for the Holidays.

Mass Shooting Leaves At Least 16 Dead, Dozens Injured

UPDATE OCTOBER 26,2023 2:49PM

According to the Maine Police Department, the to of people dead is 18, and 13 others were injured in Wednesday night’s mass shooting. Currently, the search continues for the identified gunman Robert Card, a military-trained firearms instructor recently released from a mental facility. Police say is armed and dangerous.

While the search continues, all schools in Lewiston, Maine are canceled and resident are asked to remain inside.

ORIGINAL POST

Multiple people have been killed and dozens injured in an active shooter situation in Lewiston, Maine.

The incident took place at Spare Time Bowling Alley and Schmeges Pool Hall, about 4 miles apart. At least 20 people have died, according to ABC News, while CNN reports at least 22 deaths.

Law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the FBI, are responding to the incident.

The number of casualties is expected to change as the investigation continues.

This story is developing.

Ask The Lawyers

Whether it’s a brush with the law, action taken against your business or getting your affairs in order… often you need a lawyer. We have our “Ask The Lawyer” segment. We’re talking to some of the best and brightest legal minds in studio.

Part 1

Part 2

William Lightfoot, Esq.,
Lightfoot Law, PLLC
Marlon Griffith, Esq., The Griffith Law Group, PLLC
Prince Williams, Esq., Avid Law Firm, LLC

House GOP Elects Speaker Of The House

(Washington, DC) — There’s a new Speaker of the House after the chamber was without a leader for more than three weeks. Louisiana Republican Mike Johnson received enough votes to win the Speaker-ship this afternoon following failed attempts from three of his fellow Republicans. Johnson was first elected to Congress in 2016 and sits on the House Judiciary Committee. He is replacing California Republican Kevin McCarthy who was recently voted out of his position by a handful of conservatives and Democrats. This comes as Congress is facing a long list of pressing issues, including passing legislation to fund the government before mid-November and providing aid to Ukraine and Israel.

Eminem Fans Demand New LP Amid Mom’s Spaghetti Sauce Announcement

Rapper Eminem has recently announced a new release; however, fans were expecting something different, and they are expressing their disappointment with the rap legend. In an Instagram post on Tuesday (October 24), Slim Shady revealed his latest creation: Mom’s Spaghetti Sauce.

He excitedly announced that it would be hitting the shelves later this week. Despite the anticipation from fans for the brilliant collaboration that pays tribute to his 2002 smash hit “Lose Yourself,” “His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy. There’s vomit on his sweater already, mom’s spaghetti. He’s nervous, but on the surface, he looks calm and ready.”

Many were disappointed that it wasn’t a new album. “Marshall, the sauce we really want is the album,” one person commented, while another wrote: “Drop the bomb tracks tho Marshall.” Eminem hasn’t released an album since “Music To Be Murdered By” in 2020. 

Richard Roundtree Has Passed Away

Actor Richard Roundtree has died after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. 

Known for his role in the film Shaft, the New Rochelle, NY native would be known as the first Black action hero.

Richard appeared in countless other films like Moving On, George of the Jungle, Se7en, Amityville: A New Generation, and What Women Want. On-screen daughter, Taraji P. Henson posted, “Rest in paradise #RichardRoundtree the original Shaft“.

 His television career was just as decorated with roles in Roots, Generations, Desperate Housewives, and most recently, Ava DuVernay’s OWN series, Cherish the Day

News of his passing was released by his agency and his longtime manager, Patrick McMinn. Richard Roundtree was 81. 

Girls and the Challenges of Social Media

Straight from the headlines, 42 Attorneys General are suing META, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. They claim the social media platforms are contributing to a mental health crisis for young people. Earlier this month Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy heard from young people about the impact of social media. We take a deeper dive, focusing on what effect social media has on our girls and how you can protect them.

Resources:

https://www.mommassafehaven.org/

 
Beverly Smith, Founder/Executive Director, Momma’s Safe Haven
Latasha Blackmond, Author,
“Be You, No Filter: How to Love Yourself and Stay #SocialMedia Strong”
Kadence Johnson, Sophomore,
Archbishop Carroll High School

Student Loans, Home-Ownership and the Challenge of Black Generational Wealth

Is generational wealth in the black community becoming a pipe dream? Is affording a college education getting in the way? What about home-ownership? Historically, it’s been one of the major factors in passing Black wealth to the next generation. We’re looking at this issue and what can be done about it.

Resources:

https://housingetc.org/

Ronald Clarkson, Communications and Outreach Director, Housing Counseling Services, Inc.
Dr. Gerald Daniels, Associate Professor, Economics, Howard University.