After all of the celebrating over the holidays and indulging in a lot of adult beverages, some of you are opting to participate in Dry January. That is, no alcohol for the entire month. We’re talking about how to do it, what it means for your body and we’re also going to get ideas about “mocktails”.
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When it comes to money, do women see things differently when compared to men? Some may say yes, others may say no. But apparently, there are some common myths about women and money. In one of her latest writings, Washington Post “Color Of Money” columnist Michelle Singletary takes a look at those myths and we’re taking a look too.
According to The Source André 3000 announced the ‘New Blue Sun Live’ Tour.
André 3000 is ready to perform his new album, New Blue Sun, on a live tour with the rest of his band.
André’s band includes Carlos Niño, Nate Mercereau, Surya Botofasina, Deantoni Parks, Diego Gaeta, Matthewdavid, V.C.R., Diego Gaeta, Jesse Peterson, and Mia Doi Todd.
Tickets will be available Wednesday, January 24th at 10 am. The tour will start in NYC and end in Los Angeles, with some venues hosting multiple shows on multiple dates. Based on the size of the venues will introduce a close, inmost experience with fans.
(Rockville, MD) — The superintendent of the Montgomery County Public Schools says she’s been asked to resign. Superintendent Monifa McKnight says school board members asked her to step away from her position last week. McKnight said she was not given a reason and that the board has never shown any previous concern about her performance. She also said she plans to fight any attempt to oust her. The Montgomery County Education Association released a statement yesterday saying it has serious concerns about McKnight’s leadership based on her response to sexual harassment allegations against a district principal. The school board declined to comment last night, saying only that members were aware of McKnight’s statement.
(Greenbelt, MD) — Federal prosecutors are leveling charges against five people from Maryland who allegedly stole at least five-million dollars in checks from the U.S. Postal Service. An indictment unsealed late last week accuses Tianna Cosby and Marche Sisco of stealing more than 600 business and personal checks, mainly through Sisco’s employment at the Washington Network Distribution Center. Cosby and three others are accused of recruiting people to deposit altered checks into banks so the money could be shared by those involved. Charges against the group include conspiracy to commit bank fraud and mail fraud.
Honoring our seniors this morning on Taking It to the Streets. The DC Department of Aging and Community Living is preparing for its Annual Senior DC Pageant and they are looking for the next Ms. Senior DC. The application process is open and joining me to share the details is Charron Hines – Director of DC Department of Aging and Community Living
The DC Department of Aging and Community Living is now accepting applications for its next Ms. Senior DC. The deadline is fast approaching. For more information, log on to www.dacl.dc.gov
Listen to this mornings segment here:
We are one day away from the New Hampshire primary. In the Republican race there are only two, former President Donald Trump and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. That’s just one of the topics we’re talking about at the Political Roundtable.
A vigorous search recovered 65 Stanley products.
Reported by the Roseville Police Department, a 23-year-old woman in Roseville, California, has been arrested and charged with grand theft after allegedly stealing $2,500 worth of Stanley drinkware.
The incident occurred when the woman attempted to steal a shopping cart full of Stanley water bottles without paying for them. Roseville Police stated, “The suspect refused to stop for staff and stuffed her car with the stolen merchandise.”
TikTok and limited-edition colored tumblers have fueled the popularity of the Stanley tumblers.
Police responded to a call about the shoplifting incident and later found the stolen merchandise in the suspect’s car when a traffic stop was initiated once she was spotted entering Highway 65 from Galleria Blvd.
The suspect has been charged with grand theft and DUI. The Stanley brand’s popular 40 oz. “Quencher” model has gained popularity among women and younger customers, leading to high demand and reselling at inflated prices.
Police advise against turning to crime to obtain Stanley tumblers in a post saying, “While Stanley Quenchers are all the rage, we strongly advise against turning to crime to fulfill your hydration habits. The Roseville Police Department remains committed to stopping retail theft.”
(Monday, January 22, 2024) – Dexter King, the youngest son of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King has died at the age of 62.
The announcement came today from the King Center in Atlanta, which reported that Dexter King died peacefully in his sleep at his Malibu home. The statement from his wife, Leah Weber King, said Dexter King had been battling prostate cancer.
Dexter King was the 3rd of the King’s four children. He was Chair of the King Center in Atlanta. Reaction to his death has been pouring in. His sister, the Reverend Bernice A. King, said in a statement, “words cannot express the heart break I feel from losing another sibling. Brother Martin Luther King III, said “the sudden shock is devastating. It is hard to have the right words at a moment like this. We ask for your prayers at this time for the entire King family.”
Calling all minority women business owners in DC. The Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development is accepting applications thru for its executive leadership training program. The program is free. But the deadline is fast approaching. My guest Evette Banfield – Chief Economic Development Officer at the Coalition for Non-profit Housing and Economic Development
Calling all minority women business owners in DC. The Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development is accepting applications thru January 23rd for its executive leadership training program. The program is free. For more information go here: www.cnhed.org
Listen to this mornings segment here:
According to FOX5, A boil water advisory has been issued for residents in part of Northwest, D.C. after several customers experienced low water pressure.
DC Water officials are still investigating the cause of the issue and working to restore system pressure for those that reside in wards 3 and 4.
The advisory will remain in place until testing shows that the water is safe to drink. Customers in the impacted area are advised to boil water used for drinking and cooking.
The advisory is expected to be lifted on Sunday.
Listed below are the areas that are strongly affected by the advisory:
We’ve got a tough, Relationship Friday topic to tackle. We’re talking about the end of your relationship, specifically divorce. If you’re headed towards divorce, hear from the experts who can help you get through the emotional and the legal rough spots.
Resources:
https://www.thomaslawdc.com/michelle-c-thomas.html
https://pensight.com/x/drrozakerblack
(Sterling, VA) — The morning rush hour could be a bit of a challenge on Friday as the region braces for another round of winter weather. The National Weather Service says the quick-moving low pressure system will bring snow to Western Maryland between 1 and 3 a.m., before spreading east toward the Baltimore and DC metro areas between 4 and 7 a.m. With below-freezing temps expected, drivers are being warned about slick travel conditions for the morning commute.
The NFL announced that Andra Day, Reba McEntire, and Post Malone, will perform during the pre-game for Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium.
Usher will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show. McEntire will sing the national anthem, Malone will sing “America the Beautiful,” and Andra Day will sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
DPS will produce the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show, with Roc Nation and Jesse Collins as executive producers and Hamish Hamilton and Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter as directors.
As of right now, we don’t know what teams will play the big game, but we do know it will be one exciting show.
Reportedly, Snoop Dogg’s 24-year-old daughter, Cori, opened up about having a severe stroke and shared a photo of herself in a hospital.
Cori said, “I had a severe stroke this a.m. I started breaking down crying when they told me. Like I’m only 24, what did I do in my past to deserve all of this.” This isn’t the first time she has opened up about her health.
She has also revealed that she was diagnosed with Lupus at a very young age, but she didn’t reveal if the stroke was connected with her Lupus.
She continued at the time, “It’s continuously a learning process because there’s so much more I could be doing.”
“It’s just having confidence, no matter what your situation is. Sometimes I get sad about the cards I’ve been dealt with, but hey, this is my journey,” She adds. “It’s up to me to decide what I’m going to do with it. So just living in your truth and finding the beauty in it.”
It’s a party with a purpose to address Domestic Violence and give back to the community. The Top Flight Corvette Club is gearing up for its Sweet Affair and they want everyone in the house to be a part of raising dollars to tackle some critical issues in our community. My guest is Michael Summers – President of Top Flight Corvette Club
The Top Flight Corvette Club is holding its Annual Sweet Affair Gala February 10th at the Crowne Blaza Hotel in Greenbelt. It’s a fundraiser to help support needy youth and women cross the DMV.
Listen to this mornings segment here:
We’re at the reporters’ roundtable with the top stories of week. As always we have a lot to talk about including… this weeks’ disrespectfully cold weather and everything that has come with it. Anti-smoking activists plan a mock funeral at Black Lives Matter Plaza for menthol cigarettes. A Baltimore County high school principal allegedly making racists remarks. You’ll going to hear that recording. A couple of stories from the criminal justice files. Quinta Brunson wins again for the sitcom “Abbott Elementary”.
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(Washington, DC) — Homeowners are being reminded about D.C.’s requirements for clearing snow from sidewalks bordering their property. The Winter Sidewalk Safety Act requires snow and ice to be removed during the first eight hours of daylight after a snowstorm ends. Fines can be assessed if sidewalks aren’t cleared after 24 hours. The Department of Public Works does provide exemptions for residents who are disabled as well as those 65-years-old and older, though online registration for that program is currently closed.
Get ready for another Wellness Wednesday. We are focused on heart health, as the DMV Links gears up for their Annual Red Dress Event. My guest is Catherine Hogan – President of the Reston Virginia Chapter of the Links Inc.
The DMV links is hosting its 16th Annual Red Dress Event Friday, February 2nd on Facebook Live. It’s a free online community heart health and wellness event targeting Black women. Foir more information go here: www.arlingtonlinksinc.org
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (Wednesday, January 17, 2024) – It’s another day of delayed openings and closings for some school systems across the DMV, courtesy of Old Man Winter. Today’s frigid temperatures are causing slick conditions on the roadways. Here’s a look at the latest:
Alexandria City Schools will open 2 hours later
Arlington Public Schools are on a two hour delay
Calvert County Schools will open two hours late
Charles County Public Schools have a two hour delay
DC Public Schools are on a 2 hour delay
Fairfax County Public Schools will open 2 hours late
Federal Government is open on time
Frederick County (Md) will open two hours late
Frederick County (Va.) will be closed today
Howard County Public Schools Closed
Loudoun County Public Schools are now closed
Manassas City and Manassas Park City Schools will open two hours late
Montgomery County Public Schools are now closed
Prince George’s County Government will open on time
Prince George’s County Public Schools have a two hour delay
Prince William County Schools have a two hour delay
Stafford County Schools will be closed
St. Mary’s County Public Schools are on a 2 hour delay
(Undated) — Winter weather continues to cause headaches at airports across the country today. So far nearly 14-hundred flights within, into or out of the U.S. have been canceled and more than 21-hundred have been delayed. This comes a day after more than ten-thousand were delayed and just over 33-hundred were scrapped. Among the airports heavily impacted are Chicago O’Hare, Reagan National, Houston Bush and LaGuardia.
(Washington, DC) — Congress is announcing a bipartisan deal to expand the child tax credit and create a series of tax breaks for businesses. The deal is between Missouri Republican Jason Smith and Oregon Democrat Ron Wyden and ends months of negotiating.
It will enhance refundable child tax credits to try to provide relief to struggling families and those with multiple children. It’ll also raise the tax credit’s refundable cap and adjust it for inflation.
In a statement, Smith said American families will benefit from this agreement that provides greater tax relief and creates jobs. Wyden said fifteen million kids from low-income families will now be better off because of this deal.
Annapolis, Maryland (Tuesday, January 16, 2024) – The Maryland Insurance Administration is hosting a free virtual event today to assist homeowners with insurance related issues or damage related to the recent storms. Fallen gutters, siding ripped away from high winds, or a tree crashing into your home. These are just some of the realities homeowners are tackling in the wake of the recent storms moving across the DMV. But getting relief and answers from your insurance company could be daunting.
The Maryland Virtual Disaster Center is up and running today from 12-2 p.m. and again from 5 to 7 p.m. to help guide residents through the insurance process. Officials say there will be a general session followed by one-on-one breakout rooms. There is no registration necessary.
The Zoom registration information is https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1603802898 and the dial-in number is (646) 828-7666. Meeting ID: 160 380 2898
Bridging the divide within our community. Today is devoted to doing just that. It’s National Day of Racial Healing. My guest this morning has all the details about today’s call to action and how you can be a part of the solution. My guest is Dr. Alandra Washington – Vice President for Transformation and Organizational Effectiveness at WK Kellogg Foundation
The 8th Annual National Day of Racial Healing hosted by the WK Kellogg Foundation will be Tuesday, January 16th. This year’s theme is “Connect. Build Relationships. Bridge Divides. It’s a time to acknowledge the values we share as people, build trust, develop relationships, and inspire action. For more information go here: www.dayofracialhealing.org
Listen to this mornings segment here:
Tonight we take a different look at the man behind the MLK holiday. We look beyond the dream of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther king, Jr. We talk about the things you didn’t know about the iconic civil rights leader. We will also hear excerpts of speeches that you may not be familiar with.
Upper Marlboro, Maryland – (Monday, January 15, 2024) – The doors of the The Prince George’s County Animals Services Facility and Adoption Center (ASFAC) in Upper Marlboro remain closed to the public because of a virus spreading in the facility among dogs. Officials have identified the virus as Streptococcus Zooepemicus. The bacterial respiratory infection also known as Strep Zoo is said to be highly contagious and mostly fatal in dogs if not caught early.
According to a press release, the outbreak forced the facility to close its doors for services last week when signs of severe illness were first exhibited in dogs within the shelter. Under the direction of its facility veterinarians, Dr. Yusef Abdullah and Dr. Sabrina Owens, and Associate Director David Fisher, the staff began immediate isolation, testing, and treatment of animals showing signs of illness. It also engaged in deep cleaning protocols and policies for all staff.
Operations continue to be driven by veterinary medical professionals and best practices in shelter medicine. ASFAC continues to identify any animals showing signs of illness to provide immediate treatment protocols. The facility remains closed to the public until further notice to contain the outbreak. The facility’s reopening to the public will be based ten days from the last reported new symptomatic animal.
“Our staff was fortunate to catch this illness early, which allowed us to put immediate actions in place to stop the spread and help save lives in our shelter dog population,” says David Fisher, Associate Director of the Department of Animal Services.
The outbreak has been reported across the country and is most dangerous in animal shelters where close contact and high levels of stress are usually apparent.
Officials said the virus has not impacted cats or other animals at the shelter. The facility will remain closed while a deep cleaning is done. No word on how long that will take. But in a statement, officials said “reopening to the public will be based 10 days from the last reported new symptomatic animal.”
According to the Animal Foundation, signs of Strep Zoo include coughing, nasal discharge, fever, lethargy, labored breathing, vomiting, and coughing blood. Officials say contact your veterinarian for immediate care.
Washington, D.C. (Monday, January 15, 2024) – After a two-week stay, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was released from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Monday. The 70-year-old issued a statement saying he will continue to recuperate and perform his duties from home.
Austin’s hospitalization was not immediately reported although he underwent surgery for prostate cancer December 22nd. The White House did not learn of Austin’s illness until January 4th and Congress and the American public did not get word until January 5th.
Pentagon officials have been criticized by some congressional leaders for what they call a lack of transparency. The matter is now under review by the Defense Department inspector general.
It is not clear when Austin will return to the Pentagon. But he did say he anticipates to make a full recovery and return on the job as quickly as possible.
Monday, January 15, 2024 – The DM’s first winter storm in two years is taking a toll on school systems across the region. That means an extra day out of school for thousands of youngsters tomorrow. Here’s a list of school closings and delays for Tuesday.
Arlington County Public Schools closed
Charles County Public Schools will open two-hours late
Culpeper County Public Schools closed
DC Government to open on time
DC Public Schools closed
Fairfax County Public Schools closed
Falls Church City Public Schools closed
Fauquier County Public Schools closed
Federal offices in the DMV closed Tuesday. Emergency and telework ready employees must follow their agency’s policies
Howard County Public schools will have a two hour delay
Howard University main and west campuses are now closed. In person classes scheduled to bein at 11am or later are being moved to virtual instruction.
Loudoun County Public Schools closed
Montgomery County Public Schools closed today
Prince George’s County Government will open at 10:00am
Prince George’s County Public Schools closed
Shenandoah County Public Schools closed
Warren County Public Schools closed
Winchester City Public Schools will open 2-hours late
This morning we are committed to provide you with information to help further the King Dream of racial Harmony. I have information about a very important forum set to take place later this month on how to engage law enforcement, elected leaders and the community on how to report and address bias incidents in Maryland. My guest is Cleveland Horton – Deputy Director of the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights
The Hate Bias Reporting Forum will be held January 31st. It provides community leaders and members of law enforcement with important information on sharing methods to facilitate more effective reporting as well as responding to bias incidents Maryland. For more information go to: www.mccr.maryland.gov
Listen to this mornings segment here:
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation is accepting applications for its Summer Internship Program. The deadline to apply is March 31st. www.cbcfinc.academicworks.ocom
Mark your calendar for the 20th Annual World of Possibilities Expo April 22nd in College Park. There will be a host of resources and information. www.cringcommunities.org
Calling all minority women business owners in DC. The Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development is accepting applications thru January 23rd for its executive leadership training program. The program is free. www.cnhed.org
Do you need help with a legal issue? The DC Bar Pro Bono Center is hosting its next free Advice and Referral Clinic January 27th at the DC Bar in NW. www.dcbar.org/pro-bono
Show your love to our veterans. Access Housing is hosting a free veterans health and information event February 14th in SE DC. There will be a range of free resources for veterans.
The DC Department of Aging and Community Living is gearing up for its Annual Ms. Senior DC Pageant. If you know a senior who would like to be crowned the next Ms. Senior, applications are now being accepted. www.dacl.dc.gov
The 5th Annual Ezra Youth Leadership Conference is January 24th at the Museum of the Bible. This year’s theme is “I am Somebody Whose life Matters. www.ezrayouthseminary.org
To get your non-profit on the air and web, email Renee Nash at rnash@whur.com at least three weeks prior to your event.
We’ve already had a lot of rain this winter season and more is on the way. That, along with snowy winter weather expected to hit us soon… is a perfect combination for creepy, crawly critters to try to get out of the cold and into your home. You don’t want that. We speak to an expert about to get rid of them and keep them out.
Blazin’ Pest Control https://blazinpestcontrol.com/
Friday, Ben’s Chili Bowl announced the passing of Bernadette “Peaches” Halton.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Bernadette “Peaches” Halton, who began working at Ben’s at age 17 and stayed with us for 44 years. Six days a week, she stirred every pot of chili by hand, using the recipe handed down to her by none other than Ben Ali himself. Although she stepped away from the day-to-day operations a few years ago, Peaches remained like a sister to our family and a daughter to Virginia,” said the statement.
The statement continued, ” “Ben’s means a lot to the community – all ages, shades, and where they come from,” Peaches once shared. “And Ben’s means the world to me because, for over 40 years, it’s been not just a job but a family.” It was our privilege to work with you, Peaches, and you will be terribly missed. Rest in peace.”
Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
(Buffalo, NY) — The Justice Department will seek the death penalty for the New York Tops Supermarket mass shooter. The then-18-year-old killed ten people in the racially-motivated shooting in May 2022. In a court filing Friday, the DOJ said it believes a death sentence is justified in the event of a conviction. His lawyers have said he would plead guilty to the more than two dozen federal charges he faces if the death penalty was taken off the table. The shooter was previously sentenced to life in prison without parole after pleading guilty to more than a dozen state charges last year.
(Washington, DC) — The list of road closures is out for Monday’s 15th Annual MLK Peace Walk and Parade in Southeast DC.
Martin Luther King Junior Avenue will be shut down from Marion Barry Avenue all the way down to Malcolm X Avenue. Drivers can use I-295 as an alternate.
Marion Barry Avenue will be closed from Anacostia Drive to MLK and Anacostia Drive will also be shut down from the U.S. Park Police facility to the Anacostia Rec Center.
The street closures will be active from 9:45 Monday morning until about 2:30.
(Washington, DC) — A member of the D.C. Council wants to change the way the city’s traffic ticket and parking laws are enforced. Ward Eight Councilmember Trayon White, Senior wants to keep the D.C. government from doubling parking fines after 30 days. He feels a ten or 15-dollar penalty should be imposed for fines that are unpaid after 90 days. White also wants to offer a six-month grace period on unpaid fines and allow those with unpaid parking debts the opportunity to register one of their vehicles with the city. White says the city’s “harsh penalties” for unpaid tickets are disproportionately affecting Black and lower-income residents.
(Beltsville, MD) — PG County police are hoping an autopsy by the state medical examiner will shed some light on a man’s death in Beltsville. A 911 call came in around 8:45 Tuesday night during the height of the storm from a man who said his friend was soaking wet and acting erratically in the commercial stretch of Baltimore Avenue. Cops didn’t find him, but a second call came in around 9:30 and this time officers found the guy dead, described as being pulled from floodwaters. There is a drainage field near the shopping center where he was found, but no nearby creeks or streams.
During a recent interview with GMA, Michael Strahan and his daughter, Isabella, opened up about Isabella’s battle with brain cancer.
Strahan said, “She’s always been strong, and this is something that is so personal. I’m extremely proud.” He continued, “Let people see there is hope, and you have to go into every day with the best attitude, which is what she does.”
He added, “In a lot of ways, I’m the luckiest man in the world because I’ve got an amazing daughter, and I know she’s going through it, but I know we’re never given more than we can handle, and that she’s going to crush this.”
Isabella said about her twin sister’s advice, “She said, ‘You have to keep living,’ [don’t stop] just because this is happening.'”
You’ll be able to follow Isabella Strahan’s journey on her YouTube channel as she tells her story about discovering she has Medulloblastoma and having to undergo surgery to remove a brain tumor.
Honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King. Top Ladies of Distinction Prince George’s County Chapter is gearing up for its 12th Annual Dr. King Prayer Breakfast. The event is also a premier fundraiser for the organization. My guest is Lady Dawna Dilworth – Chapter President of Prince George’s Top Ladies of Distinction
Top Ladies of Distinction Prince George’s County Chapter is gearing up for its 12th Annual Dr. King Prayer Breakfast January 13th from 9am to 12pm at Martin’s Crosswinds in Greenbelt. For more information go to: www.tlodpgcc.org
Listen to this mornings segment here:
Virginia’s legislative session opens with an historic first. Maryland also opening the General Assembly today. DC’S government telework policy says come back to work four days a week.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s lack of transparency about his health causes a political dust up and the controversy surrounding comedian Kat Williams.
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Prince George’s County, Maryland (Tuesday, January 10, 2024) – Prince George’s County police are investigating another murder. The latest violence happened around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday in the 2800 block of Berrywood Lane in Springdale. Police say an adult male was found inside a home suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead one the scene. Authorities have not released the victim’s name or any information surrounding a suspect.
That violence comes on the heels of another fatal shooting Tuesday night in Fairmont Heights. Police say 18-year-old Olamide Olakanye of Upper Marlboro was found around 11:20 p.m. in a car suffering from gunshot wounds in the 5300 block of Sheriff Road. He was transported to a local hospital where he later died. Authorities believe Olakanye was actually shot in the 1200 block of Dunbar Oaks Drive and drove himself to Sheriff Road where crashed into a wooded area. No arrests in either of those cases.
There have been four homicides in the county this year. Police are asking anyone with information on the cases to call 866-411-TIPS.
Richmond, Va. – (Wednesday, January 10, 2024) – History was made in Virginia today. Don L. Scott was sworn-in as the first African American to serve as Virginia’s Speaker of the House. The Portsmouth Democrat took the oath of office shortly before 12 p.m. in front of a packed chamber of persons who wanted to be on had to witness the historic occasion.
Wiping away tears, Scott made his way through a crowd of well-wishers, including his mother and other family members. He was elected to the position by a vote of 99 to 0. “The historic nature of my speakership is not lost on me. Think of all the people who never got their rights heard by people right here in this chamber. Thank God the Commonwealth has turned the page. Thank God.”
Scott’s swearing him came as Virginia’s General Assembly, with both the House and Senate controlled by Democrats, convenes for its 60-day legislative session. Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin will go before both Chambers at 4 p.m. as he delivers his State of the Commonwealth speech.
On January 9, Angela Bassett was given an honorary Academy Award at the Governors Awards ceremony in recognition for her illustrious and lengthy career in the entertainment industry.
Angela was presented with her Academy Award by Regina King, who was also there. Angela then took the stage to express how honored she was to receive this accolade.
She said, “I have considered acting my calling and not just my career… to be recognized in this way for what I love doing is truly wonderful, and I am beyond grateful.”
She continued, “I have had to let it sink in that I am the second Black actress to receive an honorary Academy Award [after Cicely Tyson], and I hope that she is smiling from the heavens that I’m able to join her in that circle of recognition.”
She added, “To all my fellow Black actresses, fill your hearts with courage and strength because, regardless of what you may think, see, or feel, our contributions do matter.”
During a recent appearance on Kerry Washington’s podcast, Jane Fonda shared a story of when her father slapped her for using the ‘n-word.’
Fonda said, “She (Blanchard) had African-American friends, and for the first time I got to know Geoffrey Holder, who I now realize—I always thought of him as a dancer—but someone just gave me a book… of his artwork. He was a great artist.”
She continued, “I didn’t know racism until I went to Greenwich. That was the first time I ever heard the N-word, and I repeated the N-word once, and [it was] the only time in his life that my dad whacked me across the face. He said, ‘Don’t you ever, ever say that word again.'”
She added, “He cared about justice and he hated racism, and, you know, with that slap taught me to pay attention.”
This morning we are shining the spotlight on reading and the unfortunate News that many of our youth are not reading at grade level. My guest this morning has some tips, tools, and a campaign to help get our youngsters on the right path to reading success. My guest is Jodi Rubin – Senior Vice President of Marketing and Partnerships for Reading Is Fundamental
Reading Is Fundamental is the nation’s leading children’s literacy non-profit. RIF has launched the 3rd year of an annual six-month campaign called Rally to Read. It’s a pledge to read 100 books by March. For more information go here: www.rallytoread.org
Listen to this mornings segment here:
There’s new leadership on the Prince George’s County Council. District 5 Councilmember Jolene Ivey was elected as chair by her Council peers last month. She takes over at a critical time as the county faces tough public safety, quality of life, and education issues, among others. We talk to her about all of those Prince George’s County issues and more.
(Washington, DC) — A federal appeals court is considering whether Donald Trump is immune from prosecution on charges he illegally tried to overturn the 2020 election. During a hearing today, appeals court judge Florence Pan asked a Trump lawyer whether a president would be immune for having taken a bribe or ordering SEAL TEAM 6 to murder a political rival. Trump lawyer D. John Sauer said a president would need to be impeached and convicted first. Sauer argued Trump has immunity in the case because he was acting in his capacity as president. Prosecutors urged the court to reject Trump’s effort to dismiss the case.
(Arlington, VA) — The Pentagon says Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was admitted to the ICU with complications from a treatment for prostate cancer. Austin was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December and underwent a minimally invasive procedure to treat and cure it. Days later he was admitted to Walter Reed on January 1st with complications from the procedure, including nausea and severe abdominal pain. Officials said he’s still in the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. This comes as Austin is facing criticism as his hospitalization was not reported to top Defense officials or the White House until days later.
Washington, D.C. (Tuesday, January 9, 2024) – A health alert for parents. Pediatricians say that children under the age of 3 should not be allowed screen time. A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that screen time for babies and toddlers can lead to developmental delays associated with disorders like autism and ADHD.
Researchers at Drexel University analyzed data on the television and movie habits of nearly 1,500 kids younger than 2. The findings showed that 1-year-olds who had screen time had a 105% higher likelihood of experiencing sensory processing issues at 33 months old.
The findings concluded that children younger than 3 should not be allowed screen time and those between the ages of 3 to 5 should be limited to just one hour a day.
Upper Marlboro, Maryland (Tuesday, January 9, 2024) – The Prince George’s County Police Department is looking for a few good men and women. But the job is not for police officers. The department is in need of school crossing guards to help get youth safely to and from school. Prince George’s County District 4 Councilmember Ingrid Watson says the need is great.
The county has been dealing with a serious crossing guard shortage in recent years. Officials say the need has been driven mainly by recent retirements. Two children were killed in the county last November while crossing the street headed to Riverdale Elementary School. No crossing guard was on duty at the time. Officials have said a crossing guard would have also likely been seriously injured or killed in that tragedy.
Applicants can apply on line at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pgc.jobs. The position pays up to $26.93 an hour with full-time benefits.
For more information, call 301.780.8175 or email Police_Recruiting@co.pg.md.us
Knowing your rights when it comes to housing discrimination. My guest this morning helps to educate the community on housing issues and provides direction on what actions to take if you have been a victim. My guest is Ronald Clarkson – Director of Communications and Outreach for Housing Counseling Services
Housing discrimination on the basis of the national origin of a household member is against the law. If you believe a landlord or management company is discriminating against you, contact Housing Counseling Services at 202-681-8386. For more information go here: www.housingetc.org
Listen to this mornings segment here: