Washington, D.C. (Tuesday, January 9, 2024) – It’s a grab your heavy coat and umbrella kind of day in the DMV. Today’s expected torrential rain with strong gusty winds mean some DMV youth will have the day off or at least get to head home early from school. Here’s a quick glance at the early dismal and closures.
In Maryland:
Anne Arundel County Schools will dismiss two hours early.
Charles County Public Schools closing two hours early
Howard County Schools will close 3 hours early.
Montgomery County Public Schools are closing 2 hours early
Prince George’s County schools are closing two hours early
St. Mary’s County Public Schools will close two hours early
Here’s a look at upcoming philanthropic and other community events happening across the DMV
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America reminds you memory screening should be a part of your health and wellness routine. The Foundation offers fee screenings daily. www.alzfdn.org
Party with a purpose. Join the Top Flight Corvette Club for its Sweet Affair February 10th at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Greenbelt. The fundraiser helps to support local charities. www.topflightcorvetteclub.com
Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Join Top Ladies of Distinction of Prince George’s County for their 12th Annual Prayer Breakfast January 13th at Martins Crosswinds in Greenbelt. www.tlodpgcc.org
Mark your calendar for the 16th Annual DMV Links Red Dress Event on Facebook Live. It’s February 2nd on National Wear Red Day. www.washingtondclinksinc.org
The Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland has launched a new and improved Mobile Career Center for college students looking for potential job opportunities. www.tccsmd.org
Do you have a community event or non-profit you want the DMV to know about. Email Renee Nash at rnash@whur.com at least three weeks prior to your event.
DC residents don’t get caught out in the cold. The DC Public Service Commission is handing out free home weatherization items at participating public libraries thru January 17th. www.dcpsc.org
Join faith leaders from the DMV in celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. January 13th at Matthews Memorial Baptist Church in SE. www.mmbcdc.org
This is the first full work week of 2024. Like most places of business or government, you can expect you managers to schedule meetings that are designed to set the tone for the new year. With that in mind, is it time for reset how meetings are conducted? In other words, can we plan meetings that don’t have to last for hours and that are constructive and productive? The short answer is yes!
Washington, D.C. (Monday, January 8, 2024) – The American Red Cross is sounding the alarm about a critical blood shortage that is impacting the DMV and the rest of the country. The Red Cross says it is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in two decades.
The Red Cross is urging blood and platelet donors to make a donation appointment to help alleviate the shortages thereby ensuring lifesaving medical procedures are not put on hold. “Small changes in blood donor turnout can have a huge impact on the availability or blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of an emergency blood transfusion,” said Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross.
January is National Blood Donor Month. To make an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS
Washington, D.C. – (Monday, January 8, 2024) – D.C. police and the U.S. Secret Service are working to determine what caused a driver to crash today into an exterior gate on the east side of the White House complex.
The crash happened about 6 p.m. forcing authorities to shutdown streets from the 100 through the 600 blocks of 15th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W. The driver, whose name has not yet been released, was taken into custody.
Fire and EMS were also called to the scene. There are no reports of any injuries.
The Washington Commanders are firing head coach Ron Rivera. Rivera coached the team for four seasons and made the playoffs once. The Commanders finished the season with a record of four-and-13 and hold the second pick in the NFL Draft. Meanwhile, Washington is hiring former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers and former Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman to assist in the search for a new head coach and new head of football operations. Myers helped the Warriors win four NBA titles in his time with the team and Speilman has been an NFL front office executive for 30 years.
During his first interview since his guilty verdict, Jonathan Majors opens up about his assault conviction and shares how he feels following the verdict.
Majors said, “I was absolutely shocked and afraid. I’m standing there and the verdict comes down. I say, ‘How is that possible based off the evidence, based off the prosecution’s evidence, let alone our evidence? How is that possible?'”
He continued on his ex’s injuries, “That did not happen. I wish to God I knew. That would give clarity. That would give me some type of peace about it.” He added, “If you watch those videos and you reverse that and you saw a Black man chasing a young white girl down the street screaming and crying, that man is going to be shot and killed in the streets of New York City.”
Majors adds, “A lot has happened in my personal life, in my career, and the culture. It’s about responsibility and coming forward and being brave and giving my part of the story.”
The Creed III star expresses to Good Morning America how actress Meagan Good has made him feel “an angel. She’s held me down like a Coretta [Scott King]. I’m so blessed to have her.”
Regarding his career, Majors explains he’d love to return to the screen but reveals, “it’s God’s plan and God’s timing.”
The 1984 Prince movie Purple Rain is being made into a Broadway musical.
Like the movie, it will follow a young artist known as ‘The Kid’ played by Prince as he the Kid navigates the club scene and a rocky relationship with singer, Apollonia. He fights to rise to stardom while dealing with abusive parents and feuding with rival musicians. Naturally, the play will be packed with classic Prince songs like “Darling Nikki”, “I Would Die 4 U”, and the title track.
“It’s been almost 40 years since Prince’s legendary film, Purple Rain, took the world by storm and we can’t think of a more fitting tribute than to honor Prince and the Purple Rain legacy with this stage adaptation of the beloved story,” NorthStar Group Chairman L Londell McMillan and Primary Wave Music Founder and CEO Larry Mestel said in a statement to Playbill.
No timeline for the show’s debut has been announced.
Helping you to stay green this holiday season This morning some holiday recycling tips as you prepare to wrap those boxes and send out your holiday cards. My guest says there are some do’s and don’ts you need to keep in mind. My guest is Brian Hawkinson – Executive Director of Recovered Fiber at the American Forest and Paper Association
Proper recycling practices is critical especially during the holiday season that relies so heavily on paper and paper packaging. The American Forest & Paper Association is offering some holiday tips. For more information go here: www.afandpa.org
The Little Mermaid actress Halle Bailey reveals on Instagram that she gave birth to her first child.
For months, rumors existed that rapper DDG and singer Halle Bailey could be expecting a baby. Days earlier, DDG fueled social, “introducing his baby” with a baby doll.
Saturday, Bailey posted a photo of what appears to be her hand holding a baby hand, wearing a bracelet engraved with the name Halo. She says, “Even though we’re a few days into the new year, the greatest thing that 2023 could have done for me, was bring me my son.. welcome to the world my halo 🥰👼🏽 ✨.” She added, “The world is desperate to know you.”
Fans and friends flooded her post with comments, one saying, “Right on YOUR TIME , when you’re READY! I love that for you don’t ever let the internet bully you.” Another added, “Your terms is the only way anyone needed to know anything, and I’m glad you did it just like that!”
We congratulate Halle Bailey and DDG for the birth of their son Halo; welcome to the world.
(Washington, DC) — A former Capitol police officer who testified before a House Committee investigating the Capitol riot is now running for Congress. Harry Dunn is seeking Maryland’s 3rd District seat, which is being vacated by retiring Democrat John Sarbanes. The district covers parts of Anne Arundel and Carroll counties as well as all of Howard County. Dunn says he’s running to make sure a similar attack by extremists never happens again.
FILE – U.S. Capitol Police Sgt. Harry Dunn, right, consoles Sandra Garza, the long-time partner of fallen Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, center, as a video of the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol is played during a public hearing of the House select committee investigating the attack is held on Capitol Hill, June 9, 2022, in Washington. Serena Liebengood, widow of Capitol Police officer Howie Liebengood, reacts at left.
An animal shelter in Prince George’s County has implemented a quarantine due to an outbreak of a disease that affects dogs. The county’s Animals Services Facility and Adoption Center will be closed until further notice due to the outbreak. Dogs that are ill will be treated and testing will be conducted throughout the shelter. Dogs will only be allowed to leave the facility if they show no sign of illness or they are being returned to their owner.
Repairing homes, revitalizing communities and rebuilding lives. My guest this morning runs a non-profit organization in Montgomery County providing free assistants to eligible residents in need of critical home repairs. My guest is Maury Peterson – Executive Directorof Rebuilding Together Montgomery County
Rebuilding Together Montgomery County is a nonprofit that provides free critical home repairs and accessibility modifications for income eligible homeowners across the county. For more information go here: www.rebuildingtogethermc.org
The legendary icon Virginia Ali, the co-founder of Ben’s Chili Bowl, has been honored with her bobblehead figurine by the Washington Wizards.
The bobblehead was presented to her during her 90th birthday celebration at the Lincoln Theatre. The team also surprised her by donating $10,000 to the Ben’s Chili Bowl Foundation, which provides services to the neighborhood.
The Wizards’ “For the District” campaign will also feature bobbleheads of tennis star Hyattsville native Frances Tiafoe and hip-hop artist Virginia Beach native Pusha T later in the season.
Fans will have the opportunity to receive their own Virginia Ali bobblehead at the Wizards’ game against Detroit on Martin Luther King Jr. Day while supplies last.
Former President Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew, and magician David Copperfield are among the names that appear in newly unsealed court documents pertaining to accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
More than 200 names total are revealed in the documents, which were released Wednesday night. Clinton has previously acknowledged flying on Epstein’s private plane but says he did not know about his “terrible crimes.”
Andrew’s involvement with Epstein is also well-known; he reached an out-of-court settlement with Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre in 2022. Copperfield’s appearance surprises many – he’s listed as a friend of Epstein’s who “did some magic tricks” at dinner, according to a deposition by Epstein victim Johanna Sjoberg.
False claims that comedian Jimmy Kimmel is on the list of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s associates, despite no evidence to support this.
The theory gained traction after New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers mentioned Kimmel’s name in an interview. Kimmel has threatened to sue Rodgers over the false claim.
Meanwhile, the first series of documents related to Epstein has been released, naming a wide range of politicians, academics, and celebrities, including former President Donald Trump, former Victoria’s Secret CEO Lex Wexner, former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, billionaire Glenn Dubin, and French modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel.
Multiple people were shot at Perry High School in Perry, Iowa, on Thursday morning around 7:30 am local time.
Two gunshot victims were taken to a nearby hospital, and the suspect in the shooting has been identified but died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The shooting occurred before school was set to start, so there were few students and faculty present.
The incident took place near where Republican presidential candidates were campaigning for the Iowa caucuses.
Dallas County Sheriff Adam Infante mentioned, “There is no further danger to the public. The community is safe.” He added in his briefing, “We’re just now working backwards, trying to figure out everything that happened.”
Student Ava Augustus tells NBC News, “People were calling their parents and friends when they heard, “He’s down, you can go out.”
According to the UnityPoint Health system, two patients suffered gunshot wounds but no further details of their condition.
Carrie Bernans, an actor known for her role in “Black Panther,” was injured when she was pinned under a food truck during a police chase in Manhattan.
Bernans’ mother shared updates on her daughter’s condition, revealing that she suffered broken bones, fractures, and chipped teeth. Bernans posted a video on Instagram saying that she is in a lot of pain and still unable to walk properly.
The incident also injured several other people, including a police officer. The driver responsible for the crash is in critical condition and is expected to face charges.
Van’s father has encouraged her career and passion for making music and added, “I just throw on a beat. I just throw a subject out there and I just want to see what her vocabulary looks like. And that’s one reason why I started doing it: I just wanted to see what her vocabulary was, how good she could put stuff in a sentence…in a fun way.”
Looks like Van Van plans on making her mark into the next 50 years of Hip Hip with these skills.
Washington, D.C. – (Wednesday, January 3, 2024) – If you like being alone, living in Washington, DC, is the place for you. DC has been ranked the loneliest city in the United States. According to a report by the Chamber of Commerce, among DC’s 326,970 households, nearly half are occupied by one person.
The annual report called “Loneliest Cities In America” is based on Census Bureau data for one-person households across more than 170 cities. That same study also found that DC ranks #2 for cities with the most women living alone at 30%. Alexandria, Va., ranked #1. Atlanta was #3. DC ranked in 3rd place for the most men home alone at just under 28%. St. Louis, Missouri was #1, followed by Cleveland, Ohio at #2.
Nationwide, more than 37 million Americans live alone, representing nearly 30% of all households.
Important information this morning about DC’s SNAP program and changes that could impact families struggling to keep food on the table. My guest is LaMonika Jones – Director of DC Hunger Solutions
DC Hunger Solutions is pushing efforts to ensure SNAP participants have adequate benefits and is calling for additional investments to end hunger in dc. www.dchunger.org
Did you have a pretty productive week with all of the holiday festivities? Have you been mindful of your eating habits? You have partaken into so many of your favorite unhealthy dishes, but how to make sure you’re eating healthy. Our guest will share with us how to get back on track.
AUDIO:
Our guest:
Dr. Rovenia Brock – Author, Nutritionist, Health & Wellness Coach
An earthquake in Montgomery County has caught the attention of many in the DMV. That is just the latest happening in Maryland’s most populous county. Tonight, we sit down for a an in-depth conversation with Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich to discuss the top issues in the county.
Kick off the New Year with a new career. The YWCA is enrolling DC women interested in a career in the trades. Applications are now being accepted. www.ywcanca.org
Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. Join Top Ladies of Distinction of Prince George’s County for their 12th Annual Prayer Breakfast January 13th at Martins Crosswinds in Greenbelt. www.tlodpgcc.org
Prince George’s County is reminding residents that retail stores no longer provide plastic carryout bags to shoppers. Bring your own reusable bag when you shop. www.mypgc.us/bagitright
Mark your calendar for the 16th Annual DMV Links Red Dress Event on Facebook Live. It’s February 2nd on National Wear Red Day. www.arlingtonlinksinc.org
The Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland has launched a new and improved Mobile Career Center for college students looking for potential job opportunities. www.tccsmd.org
Do you have a community event or non-profit you want the DMV to know about. Email Renee Nash at rnash@whur.com at least three weeks prior to your event.
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
In his Netflix special, The Dreamer, Dave Chappelle has a compelling full-circle moment of his stand-up career. Mentioning that in 2000, he filmed his first-hour special ‘Killin’ Them Softly’ at the Lincoln Theater in the exact location in Washington, DC.
Chappelle’s reputation for addressing multiple topics is like any other comedian’s. He covered Chris Rock and Will Smith’s altercation at the Oscars, the man who attacked him live on stage, trans and disabled people.
Being good friends with Chris Rock, he said he called Rock after the Oscars. Confessing that he couldn’t believe that it wasn’t a joke, because Smith went back to “enjoying his evening”.
Then he goes on to tell about his attacker, Isaiah Lee, who attacked him during his show because he felt “triggered” by Chappelle’s homeless and LGBTQ+ jokes.
He included a story about visiting actor Jim Carrey on location while filming Man on the Moon, where he played comedian Andy Kaufman. Chappelle says he was “very disappointed” to spend the day talking to Carrey as Kaufman, adding, “That’s how trans people make me feel.”
After a few jokes about not joking about the trans community, Chappelle then joked about maybe using more jokes about disabled people “not being as organized as the gays, and I love punching down.”
Chappelle works with transgender comedians, like Flame Monroe and the late Daphne Dorman, both of whom received threats for their work with Dave.
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.
