Blog

Amtrak Canceling All Long Distance Service Ahead of Strike

it would be the first national railroad strike in 30 years

(Undated)  —  Amtrak is ditching all long-distance routes over concerns about the impact of a possible railroad strike.  If it does happen it would be the first national railroad strike in 30 years and could start as soon as Friday.  Although the potential strike involves freight rail workers, not Amtrak or its workers, the freight tracks Amtrak uses would not be available if the strike takes place.

VA Votes To Rename Confederate Highways

Lee Highway will be called Route 29, while Lee-Jackson Memorial Highway will become Route 50. 

(Fairfax County, VA)  —  Two Virginia highways are one step closer to being renamed.  The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted yesterday to drop Confederate general names.  Lee Highway will be called Route 29, while Lee-Jackson Memorial Highway will become Route 50.  The Commonwealth Transportation Board will have the final say and then the county would need to agree to pay the cost to update signs for both corridors.

 

Black Women, Business, Challenges and Success

How can women of color keep their businesses afloat and successful?

When it comes to women-owned businesses in the U.S., the growth is exponential. More and more of them are taking risks to stake their claim in the business world. That includes women of color. With those risks also come layers of stuggle.  How can women of color keep their businesses afloat and successful?

Resources:

Women Elevating Women Conference (Conference closed/resource information available)

DC Startup Week/Innovation Equity Impact Fund

Betty Hines, Founder/CEO, Women Elevating Women

 

 

Phyllis Newhouse, CEO/Director, Athena Technology Acquisition Corporation

Jury gets R. Kelly’s child porn/trial-fixing case

CHICAGO (AP) — R. Kelly’s federal trial on charges accusing him of making child pornography and rigging his 2008 child porn trial went to the jury on Tuesday after prosecutors and the defense wrapped up their cases.

A day after prosecutors delivered their closing argument, Kelly’s lead attorney made hers. Standing at a podium a few feet in front of the jurors, Jennifer Bonjean noted that many key government witnesses, including some of the women who accused Kelly of sexually abusing them, testified with immunity to ensure they wouldn’t be charged with previously lying to authorities.

Bonjean said they hadn’t come to the courthouse in Chicago, Kelly’s hometown, to tell the unvarnished truth. “They came in here,” she said, “to tell the government’s version of the truth.”

Among others, she cited Kelly ex-girlfriend Lisa Van Allen, who testified about how she stole a sex tape from a Kelly gym bag in the early 2000s. Bonjean also pointed to the testimony of Kelly’s former merchandizing agent Charles Freeman, who told jurors that he asked the singer for $1 million in exchange for returning another sex tape that could potentially incriminate the singer. Both testified with immunity.

White House Working Intently To Avert National Rail Strike

The secretaries of labor, agriculture and transportation are also involved.

(Washington, DC) — The White House is working intently to avert a national rail strike by week’s end. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said it would have broad and profound impacts on the shipment of food and products across the U.S. She told reporters President Biden has been personally involved in efforts to encourage rail companies and workers to settle their differences. The secretaries of labor, agriculture and transportation are also involved.

On The Golf Course For College Scholarships

The Northern Virginia Delta Education and Community Service Foundation is hosting their 4th Golf Tournament September 19th

A day on the green all in an effort to provide college scholarships to HBCU students.  The Northern Virginia Delta Education and Community Service Foundation is hosting their 4thAnnual Golf Tournament.  My guest is Kim Peart – President of Northern Virginia Delta Education and Community Service Foundation

The Northern Virginia Delta Education and Community Service Foundation is hosting their 4thAnnual Golf Tournament Monday, September 19that the Laurel Hill Golf Club of Northern Virginia from 8am to 2pm. Proceeds go towards future scholarships and more. For more information go here:

Tune in each morning 6:15, 7:08 and 8:40 to get the latest on what’s going on around the DMV

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube  and Instagram @bobbygailes. 

 

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich

County Executive Marc Elrich talks politics and public safety in Montgomery County

We’re talking to Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich.  He discusses his razor-thin win in the Democratic primary, youth crime and the curfew in Prince George’s County, rent control and so much more.

Marc Elrich, County Executive, (D) Montgomery County

Biden To Talk About Cancer Initiative

Biden is also expected to deliver remarks at an event touting the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

President Biden will be in Boston today to speak about his Cancer Moonshot Initiative. The program aims to cut the cancer death rate in half over the next 25 years and provide support to caregivers and survivors.  The President will speak at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, on the 60th anniversary of Kennedy’s famous moonshot speech, which informed the public of a plan to get humans to the moon.  Biden is also expected to deliver remarks at an event touting the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Stabbings At Hyattsville Festival

Violence breaks out at local festival over the weekend.

A festival in Hyattsville that turned violent over the weekend has put one man in the hospital.  Police say five men were stabbed at the Catracho Fest Sunday night near the Langley Park Boys and Girls Club.  Four victims suffered minor injuries, a fifth required surgery after being stabbed in the back.  No reports on suspects or a motive.

Connecting Businesses With BWI Marshall Airport

The Synergy BWI 2022 Business Conference is Tuesday September 20th.

We are getting your Monday started off with some great information about a business networking conference coming up designed to connect your business with decision makers and resources at BWI Marshall Airport.  It’s the Synergy BWI 2022 Conference and I have all the details for you to attend this free event.  My guest is Ricky Smith – CEO and Executive Director of  BWI Marshall

Synergy BWI 2022 Business Networking Conference is Tuesday, September 20thfrom 8am to 4pm at Live Casino and Hotel Maryland.

Synergy BWI 2022 Business Networking Conference is Tuesday, September 20th from 8am to 4pm at Live Casino and Hotel Maryland.  For more information go here:

 

Tune in each morning 6:15, 7:08 and 8:40 to get the latest on what’s going on around the DMV

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube  and Instagram @bobbygailes. 

 

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Choirmaster Ricky Dillard Highlights His Stellar Award Exceptance

Choirmaster Ricky Dillard explains the importance of the recognition of choirs and all traditional Gospel music platforms as the foundation of today’s Gospel music and the inspiration for his latest single, “Making Room.”

https://youtu.be/KgTI90F9kZw

Dealing with Nuisance Neighbors

What do you do to keep the peace?

The poet Robert Frost said “Good fences make good neighbors.”  That may be true… sometimes.  Other times, a fence just isn’t enough when dealing with nuisance neighbors.  You may have a neighbor who just refuses to pick up trash they’ve left behind or their party music is just a little too loud… and you weren’t invited to party.  There can be many more severe conflicts.  So what do you do to keep the peace?

Resources:

DC Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services 

(202) 442-8150

Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (District of Columbia)

Prince George’s County Community Relations

(301) 952-4752

Julia Irving, Director, DC Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services

 

UCF Professor Allowed To Challenge “Stop Woke” Act

The legislation in question restricts the way race-related concepts are taught in classrooms. 

(Tallahassee, FL)  —  A University of Central Florida professor is getting the green light in his legal battle against the governor’s “Stop WOKE Act.”  A federal judge yesterday rejected the state’s arguments claiming professor Robert Cassanello had no legal standing.  The legislation in question restricts the way race-related concepts are taught in classrooms.  The lawsuit was filed to block the law that took effect earlier this year.  No ruling on that was issued as of yet.

 

Alpha Youth Academy, Scholarship Fair, Film Festival

Get connected to the community. Find out about free events and volunteer opportunities in your neighborhood inside of WHUR’s Community’s Choice.

March On Washington Film Festival

The March on Washington Film Festival is September 28th to October 1st. This year’s theme is Story, Stage and Screen. www.marchonwashingtonfilmfestival.org

Alpha Academy

Connect your middle or high school son to positive role models. The 2022/23 Alpha Academy Mentoring Program starts October first www.aphiakel.org

SCLC Scholarship Fair

Are you looking for scholarship dollars? The Southern Christian Leadership Conference Prince George’s County Chapter is hosting a free scholarship fair October 8th at the First Baptist Church of Highland Park. www.infinitescholar.org

Game Genius District Hunt

Get ready for a real challenge. Game Genius is hosting its 4th Annual District Hunt, an outdoor adventure challenge October 1st thru 10th. The fun is open to everyone. www.gamegenius.org

Bryte Legacy Foundation

Help raise awareness about lymphoma. Join the Bryte Legacy Foundation for their fundraiser September 29th at the Woodmore Country Club in Mitchellville. www.brytelegacyfoundation.org

Business Network Conference

Learn the tricks of the trade to owning a business. The Maryland Reentry Resource Center is hosting an Entrepreneurship and Networking Conference October 1st at the Maritime Conference Center in Linthincum Heights. www.mdrrc.org

Thanksgiving Parade

Applications are now being accepted to participate in the 2022 Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade. The deadline is fast approaching. www.springdowntown.com

DV Fundraiser

Raise your voice against domestic violence. Come out October 1st for a car, truck, and bike meet up in Fort Washington. Proceeds benefit Sisters4Sisters Network, Inc.   240-765-4396

Lovepreneurs: Mixing Business and Marriage

How do you create success when you’re in business with your spouse? 

Finding happiness with your job or career can be challenging at times.  Maintaining marital bliss also requires a lot of work.  How do you create success with both when you work with your spouse? Can you blend business with your Boo? We’re talking to a couple that has done it and are going to share how you can too. We’re hearing from The Lovepreneurs.

Resources:

The Lovepreneurs

Demitrius and Dhayany Walker, The Lovepreneurs

Comedian David A. Arnold Dies

His family said he died peacefully on Wednesday in his home.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — David A. Arnold, a comedian who was a producer of the “Fuller House” reboot and the creator and showrunner of Nickelodeon’s “That Girl Lay Lay,” has died. He was 54.

Arnold’s family said in a statement Thursday that the doctors “ruled the cause of death due to natural causes.” His family said he died peacefully on Wednesday in his home.

“It is with great sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of our husband, father, brother and friend, David A. Arnold,” the statement read. “Please keep our family in prayer and respect our privacy at this time as we are all shocked and devastated by this loss.”

Arnold was a stand-up comedian who gained appeal through his perspective about fatherhood. He headlined two Netflix comedy specials “Fat Ballerina” in 2019 and the Kevin Hart-produced “It Ain’t for the Weak,” which debuted in July. He was also featured in the Netflix is a Joke comedy festival in late April.

Arnold was three shows into his four-month comedy tour called “Pace Ya Self.”

He also wrote episodes for “Meet the Browns,” “The Ricky Smiley Show” and “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne.”

Former CNN Anchor Bernard Shaw Dies

He was 82.

NEW YORK (AP) — Bernard Shaw, former CNN anchor and a pioneering Black journalist remembered for his blunt question at a presidential debate and calmly reporting the beginning of the Gulf War in 1991 from Baghdad as it was under attack, has died. He was 82.

He died of pneumonia, unrelated to COVID-19, on Wednesday at a hospital in Washington, according to Tom Johnson, CNN’s former chief executive.

A former CBS and ABC newsman, Shaw took a chance and accepted an offer to become CNN’s chief anchor at its launch in 1980. He later reported before a camera hurriedly set up in a newsroom after the 1981 assassination attempt on President Ronald Regan.

He retired at age 61 in 2001.

As moderator of a 1988 presidential debate between George H. W. Bush and Michael Dukakis, he asked the Democrat — a death penalty opponent — whether he would support that penalty for someone found guilty of raping and murdering Dukakis’ wife Kitty.

Dukakis’ coolly technocratic response was widely seen as damaging to his campaign, and Shaw said later he got a flood of hate mail for asking it.

“Since when did a question hurt a politician?” Shaw said in an interview aired by CSPAN in 2001. “It wasn’t the question. It was the answer.”

Shaw memorably reported, with correspondents Peter Arnett and John Holliman, from a hotel room in Baghdad as CNN aired stunning footage of airstrikes and anti-aircraft fire at the beginning of U.S. invasion to liberate Kuwait.

“I’ve never been there,” he said that night, “but this feels like we’re in the center of hell.”

The reports were crucial in establishing CNN when it was the only cable news network and broadcasters ABC, CBS and NBC dominated television news. “He put CNN on the map,” said Frank Sesno, a former CNN Washington bureau chief and now a professor at George Washington University.

“In all of the years of preparing to being anchor, one of the things I strove for was to be able to control my emotions in the midst of hell breaking out,” Shaw said in a 2014 interview with NPR. “And I personally feel that I passed my stringent test for that in Baghdad.”

Shaw covered the uprising in China’s Tiananmen Square in 1989, signing off as authorities told CNN to stop its telecast. While at ABC, he was one of the first reporters on the scene of the 1978 Jonestown massacre.

 Shaw, who grew up in Chicago wanting to be a journalist and admiring legendary CBS newsmen Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite, recognized it as a key moment.

On Twitter, CNN’s John King paid tribute to Shaw’s “soft-spoken yet booming voice” and said he was a mentor and role model to many.

“Bernard Shaw exemplified excellence in his life,” Johnson said. “He will be remembered as a fierce advocate of responsible journalism.”

Queen Elizabeth II Dies

Her 73-year-old son Prince Charles automatically became king upon her death and will be known as King Charles III, his office announced.

LONDON (AP) — Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and a rock of stability across much of a turbulent century, died Thursday after 70 years on the throne. She was 96.

The palace announced she died at Balmoral Castle, her summer residence in Scotland, where members of the royal family had rushed to her side after her health took a turn for the worse.

A link to the almost-vanished generation that fought World War II, she was the only monarch most Britons have ever known.

Her 73-year-old son Prince Charles automatically became king upon her death and will be known as King Charles III, his office announced. Charles’ second wife, Camilla, will be known as the Queen Consort.

The impact of her loss will be huge and unpredictable, both for the nation and for the monarchy, an institution she helped stabilize and modernize across decades of huge social change and family scandals.

In a statement, Charles called the death of his mother “a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family,” adding: “I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.”

Listeners React to Prince Georges County Youth Curfew….

Prince George’s County to institute a curfew for youth 17 and under.

The uptick in crime in Prince George’s County has caused county officials to make a drastic decision.  Carjacking have skyrocketed, with teens committing many of the crime.  With that, a county curfew will go into effect on Friday for youth 17 and under.  What will it mean for county youth and their parents, and will the curfew help reduce crime?

AUDIO:

Guests:

George Hodge – Youth advocate and founder of Community Kinship Coalition, Inc.

 

Patrick Washington – Executive Director, Dialect of Prince George’s County

Official White House Portraits Of Obamas Unveiled

Obamas White House portrait ceremony.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, returned to the White House Wednesday, unveiling official portraits with a modern vibe in an event that set humor and nostalgia over his presidency against the current harsh political talk about the survival of democracy.

While her husband cracked a few jokes about his gray hair, big ears and clothes in his portrait, Mrs. Obama, a descendant of slaves, said the occasion for her was more about the promise of America for people like herself.

“Barack and Michelle, welcome home,” declared President Joe Biden as the gathering cheered.

Biden, who was Obama’s vice president, praised his former boss’ leadership on health care, the economy and immigration and said nothing could have prepared him any better for being president than serving with Obama for those eight years.

“It was always about doing what was right,” he said.

The portrait of Obama, America’s 44th and first Black president, doesn’t look like any of his predecessors, nor does Michelle Obama’s look like any of the women who filled the role before her.

Obama stands expressionless against a white background, wearing a black suit and gray tie in the portrait by Robert McCurdy that looks more like a large photograph than an oil-on-canvas portrait. The former first lady, her lips pursed, is seated on a sofa in the Red Room in a strapless, light blue dress. She chose artist Sharon Sprung for her portrait.

Scores of former members of Obama’s administration were on hand for the big reveal.

Obama noted that some of them in the East Room audience had started families in the intervening years and feigned disappointment “that I haven’t heard of anyone naming a kid Barack or Michelle.”

He thanked McCurdy for his work, joking that the artist, who is known for his paintings of public figures from Nelson Mandela to the Dalai Lama, had ignored his pleas for fewer gray hairs and smaller ears. “He also talked me out of wearing a tan suit, by the way,” Obama quipped, referring to a widely panned appearance as president in the unflattering suit.

Obama went on to say his wife was the “best thing about living in the White House,” and he thanked Sprung for “capturing everything I love about Michelle, her grace, her intelligence — and the fact that she’s fine.”

Michelle Obama, when it was her turn, laughingly opened by saying she had to thank her husband for “such spicy remarks.” To which he retorted, by way of explanation, “I’m not running again.”

Then the former first lady turned serious, drawing a connection between unveiling the portraits and America’s promise for people with backgrounds like her own, a daughter of working-class parents from the South Side of Chicago.

“For me this day is not just about what has happened,” she said. “It’s also about what could happen, because a girl like me, she was never supposed to be up there next to Jacqueline Kennedy and Dolley Madison. She wasn’t supposed to live in this house, and she wasn’t supposed to serve as first lady.”

Mrs. Obama said the portraits are a “reminder that there’s a place for everyone in this country.”

Tradition holds that the sitting president invites his immediate predecessor back to the White House to unveil his portrait, but Donald Trump broke with that custom and did not host Obama. So, Biden scheduled a ceremony for his former boss.

Mrs. Obama said the tradition matters “not just for those of us who hold these positions but for everyone participating in and watching our democracy.”

In remarks that never mentioned Trump but made a point as he continues to challenge his 2020 reelection loss, she added: “You see the people, they make their voices heard with their vote, we hold an inauguration to ensure a peaceful transition of power … and once our time is up, we move on.”

McCurdy, meanwhile, said his “stripped down” style of portraiture helps create an “encounter” between the person in the painting and the person looking at it.

“They have plain white backgrounds, nobody gestures, nobody — there are no props because we’re not here to tell the story of the person that’s sitting for them,” McCurdy told the White House Historical Association during an interview for its “1600 Sessions” podcast.

“We’re here to create an encounter between the viewer and the sitter,” he said. “We’re telling as little about the sitter as possible so that the viewer can project onto them.”

He works from a photograph of his subject, selected from about 100 images, and spends at least a year on each portrait. Subjects have no say in how the painting looks. McCurdy said he knows he’s done “when it stops irritating me.”

Obama’s portrait is destined for display in the Grand Foyer of the White House, the traditional showcase for paintings of the two most recent presidents. Bill Clinton’s and George W. Bush’s portraits currently hang there.

Mrs. Obama’s portrait likely will be placed with her predecessors along the hallway on the Ground Floor of the White House, joining Barbara Bush, Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush.

Two spokespeople for Trump did not respond to emailed requests for comment on whether artists have begun work on White House portraits for Trump and former first lady Melania Trump. Work, however, is underway on a separate pair of Trump portraits bound for the collection held by the National Portrait Gallery, a Smithsonian museum.

The White House Historical Association, a nonprofit organization founded in 1961 by first lady Jacqueline Kennedy and funded through private donations and sales of books and an annual Christmas ornament, helps manage the White House portrait process. Since the 1960s, the association has paid for most of the portraits in the collection.

Congress bought the first painting in the collection, of George Washington. Other portraits of early presidents and first ladies often came to the White House as gifts.

Jehovah’s Witnesses Resume Their Door-to-Door Ministry

Jehovah’s Witnesses are hitting the community again with their signature ministry going door-to-door. The practice had been halted because of the COVID pandemic.


(Tuesday, September 7, 2022) – Don’t be surprise if you get an unexpected knock at the door in the coming days.  Jehovah’s Witnesses have resumed their trademark door-to-door ministry.  After a more than two-year hiatus because of the pandemic, Jehovah’s Witnesses began fanning out across the country again going into neighborhoods to knock on doors September 1st.  

The decision to resume their door-to-door ministry marks the complete restoration of all pre-pandemic in-person activities for the 1.3 million Jehovah’s Witnesses in the 13,000 congregations in the United States. Houses of worship (called Kingdom Halls) were reopened April 1, witnessing in public places resumed May 31 and in-person conventions are once again being planned for 2023. “I’m very excited to be able to go back out in the door-to-door ministry,” said Chynna Cole, who will be heading out to the Northwest D.C. neighborhood in the coming weeks.


“Although we never stopped preaching during the pandemic, meeting face-to-face is the best way to familiarize ourselves with the needs of the community and offer practical assistance from the Bible.”

The suspension of the public ministry was a proactive response by the organization to keep communities and congregants safe.

The move was also unprecedented. Jehovah’s Witnesses had been preaching from house to house without interruption for more than 100 years through an economic depression, two world wars and global unrest. But COVID-19 demanded a different response. “We believe that the early decision to shut down all in-person activities for more than two years has saved many lives,” said Robert Hendriks, U.S. spokesperson for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “We’re now ready and eager to reconnect with our neighbors once again –person to person, face to face. It’s not the only way that we preach, but it has historically been the most effective way to deliver our message of comfort and hope.”The move coincides with a global campaign to distribute a new interactive Bible study program available in hundreds of languages at no cost.

The program comes in the form of a book, online publication or as an embedded feature within the organization’s free mobile application, JW Library. Released in late 2020, the interactive study platform
combines text, video, illustrations and digital worksheets to help learners of all ages.

Suicide and the Black Community

We’re taking a closer look at this difficult but very important issue.

Suicide and the Black community. It is a very real issue.  Long-gone are the days when we would hear the phrase, “Black people don’t do that”. According  to The Suicide Prevention Resource Center, the suicide rates for African-Americans have seen a steady increase since 2011.  This is National Suicide Prevention Week.  We’re taking a closer look at this difficult but very important issue.

Resources:

National Alliance on Mental Illness

Mental Health America

Dr. Danielle Hairston, Psychiatrist, Residency Training Director, Howard University Hospital

 

Jade Mathis, Attorney, Mental Health Advocate, Reality TV Star

Metro Stations Reopen

Metro says this marks the completion of a four-year project to modernize 20 stations.

(Washington, DC)  —  Summer improvements are complete at a handful of Metro stations.  WMATA  reopened the Cheverly, Deanwood, Landover, New Carrollton, and Minnesota Avenue stations this morning.  Each of the Orange Line stations were closed for platform reconstruction and safety repairs.  Metro says this marks the completion of a four-year project to modernize 20 stations.

PG Moving to Enforce Youth Curfew to Curb Crime

Prince George’s County moving to fine parents or guardians who allow their children to break curfew.

Landover, Maryland (Monday, September 5, 2022) – Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks announced today the county will begin actively enforcing a curfew beginning this weekend for youth 17-years-old and under.  While this is not a new initiative, the county has not clamped down on violators in recent years.  That will start this weekend with first time offenders getting a warning and then being taken home to their parents or guardians.  For the second and third offenses, parents and guardians can face fines ranging from $50 to $200.  The curfew will last initially for 30 days.

The move comes as the county ended August as one of its most violent on record with 24 murders.  Flanked by the police chief, several council-members, and church leaders at police headquarters; Alsobrooks declared there’s an accountability problem in the county and called on the entire community to join together to help curb crime and violence in Prince George’s.

Youth violence has been particularly troubling in the county in recent weeks with youth being both the victims and in some cases the perpetrators as well.  Alsobrooks and Chief Malik Aziz ran down the county’s crime stats calling them troubling and unacceptable.  So far this year, more than 430 youth have been arrested, 84 have been taken into custody for carjacking, and eight have been charged with murder.  “Somebody has got to take responsibility for these armed and dangerous children and it is not just the police and not just the government,” said Alsobrooks.

Much of today’s press conference was focused on youth crime.  But overall, the county’s crime picture is bleak.  There have been 88 murders so far this year, 211 shooting victims where the persons have survived, and 350 carjackings.  Additionally, police have recovered 1,169 and have made 833 gun related arrests.

“We are making the arrests and I think the public has to understand that.  But it has to be an all system solution.  It has to be a case where the police have to be at the table, the state’s attorney’s office has to be at the table, the department of juvenile services has to be at the table, the court system has to be at the table… in order for this to be resolved,” said Alsobrooks.

While Alsobrooks was critical of the judicial branch, she stopped short of calling any specific names.  That was not the case for Council Chairman Calvin Hawkins who did not hold back when it was his turn to give remarks.  He pointed the finger of blame at State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy and at the county’s judges.  “To some of you judges who are letting these individuals out, you are going to have to deal with this county council because we don’t want you presiding over those kind of cases that are putting perpetrators on the streets that are increasing the crime in our community.” said Hawkins.

Chief Aziz says a sense of fear has taken over for some residents because of the violence.  “I hear from people that they are afraid to go to the gas station to even pump gas out of fear of being carjacked.  So if you ask me has the pendulum swung too far (when it comes to the violence) , I believe it has,” added Chief Aziz.

 

THE JOURNEY: “Dr. Hugh Mighty – Howard University Hospital and College of Medicine Changing Lives”

On this episode of “The Journey,” President Frederick talks with Dr. Hugh Mighty, Howard University’s new Senior Vice President of Health Affairs and outgoing Dean of the College of Medicine and Vice President of Clinical Affairs.

ABOUT

Howard University Hospital and the College of Medicine have a long history of serving the community and transforming the way health care is delivered to African Americans by educating, training and developing Black physicians.  This legacy has been strengthened throughout the COVID-19 pandemic where the hospital and college continue to provide vital services during a delicate state and crisis and challenging circumstances. On this episode of “The Journey,” President Frederick talks with Dr. Hugh Mighty, Howard University’s new Senior Vice President of Health Affairs and outgoing Dean of the College of Medicine and Vice President of Clinical Affairs.

Air Date: January 30, 2022

 

50 Years of The Caribbean Experience

WHUR is the home of The Caribbean Experience.  It’s one of the most celebrated radio programs in America, focusing on the sounds, history, events and life of Caribbean people.  This week The Caribbean Experience celebrates 50 years on the radio. We hear the host, John blake. He’s been there since the beginning and still going strong.  We also hear from audio engineer and one the first producers of the program, Bobby Adams.

John Blake, Host, The Caribbean Experience

Bobby Adams, Audio Engineer, Former Producer of The Caribbean Experience

White House Asks Congress For Big New COVID Funding Package

The White House is also seeking more money for monkeypox, Ukraine and natural disasters in the U.S.

(Washington, DC) — The White House is asking Congress for more than 22-billion dollars in additional COVID funding. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said it’ll tackle pressing, ongoing needs. That includes vaccines, testing and treatments. Jean-Pierre said it’ll also cover research aimed at confronting future pandemics. Additionally, the White House is seeking more money for monkeypox, Ukraine and natural disasters in the U.S.

Serena Williams Plays In U.S. Open Third Round

Williams is looking to extend her stay at the tournament.

(Flushing, NY)  —  The U.S. Open is the place to be this evening.  Serena Williams is looking to extend her stay at the tournament after winning her second-round singles match on Wednesday.   However, last night she and her sister Venus Williams fell in straight sets to a pair from the Czech Republic, who apologized to the crowd knowing it wasn’t what fans wanted to see.

Metro Shooter Identified

L’Enfant Plaza shooter who injured a bystander identified.

Police have identified the person responsible for the shooting that took place on the platform at the L’Enfant Plaza Metro station Thursday afternoon and that left a bystander injured.    That shooter is 40-year-old Demarvzia Caston.  Police say Caston, following an argument, was aiming at someone else when a stray shot struck a woman.  Police say that victim was not hospitalized.

Biden Rebukes Trump And Extremists

President Joe Biden delivers national speech condemning former president Donald Trump and his far right supporters.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — President Joe Biden charged in a prime-time address that the “extreme ideology” of Donald Trump and his adherents “threatens the very foundation of our republic,” as he summoned Americans of all stripes to help counter what he sketched as dark forces within the Republican Party trying to subvert democracy.

In his speech Thursday at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, Biden unleashed the trappings of the presidency in an unusually strong and sweeping indictment of Trump and what he said has become the dominant strain of the opposition party. His broadside came barely two months before Americans head to the polls in bitterly contested midterm elections that Biden calls a crossroads for the nation.

“Too much of what’s happening in our country today is not normal,” he said before an audience of hundreds, raising his voice over pro-Trump hecklers outside the building where the nation’s founding was debated. He said he wasn’t condemning the 74 million people who voted for Trump in 2020, but added, “There’s no question that the Republican Party today is dominated by Donald Trump and the MAGA Republicans,” using the acronym for Trump’s “Make America Great Again” campaign slogan.

The explicit effort by Biden to marginalize Trump and his followers marks a sharp recent turn for the president, who preached his desire to bring about national unity in his Inaugural address.

Biden, who largely avoided even referring to “the former guy” by name during his first year in office, has grown increasingly vocal in calling out Trump personally. Now, emboldened by his party’s summertime legislative wins and wary of Trump’s return to the headlines, he has sharpened his attacks, last week likening the “MAGA philosophy” to “semi-fascism.”

Wading into risky political terrain, Biden strained to balance his criticism with an appeal to more traditional Republicans to make their voices heard. Meanwhile, GOP leaders swiftly accused him of only furthering political divisions.

Delivering a preemptive rebuttal from Scranton, Pennsylvania, where Biden was born, House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy said it is the Democratic president, not Republicans, trying to divide Americans.

“In the past two years, Joe Biden has launched an assault on the soul of America, on its people, on its laws, on its most sacred values,” McCarthy said. “He has launched an assault on our democracy. His policies have severely wounded America’s soul, diminished America’s spirit and betrayed America’s trust.”

Asked about McCarthy’s criticism, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said earlier Thursday that “we understand we hit a nerve” with the GOP leader, and quoted the Republican’s prior statements saying Trump bore responsibility for the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Trump plans a rally this weekend in the Scranton area.

White House officials said the sharp tenor of Biden’s remarks reflected his mounting concern about Trump allies’ ideological proposals and relentless denial of the nation’s 2020 election results.

“Equality and democracy are under assault” in the U.S., Biden charged, casting Trump and his backers in the GOP as a menace to the nation’s system of government, its standing abroad and its citizens’ way of life.

Trump and the MAGA Republicans “promote authoritarian leaders and they fan the flames of political violence,” he said. They “are determined to take this country backwards.”

“Backwards to an America where there is no right to choose, no right to privacy, no right to contraception, no right to marry who you love,” he said, referencing the social issues that Democrats have looked to place front-and-center for voters this fall.

Biden’s appearance was promoted as an official, taxpayer-funded event, a mark of how the president views defeating the Trump agenda as a policy aim as much as a political one. Red and blue lights illuminated the brick of Independence Hall, as the Marine Band played “Hail to the Chief” and a pair of Marine sentries stood at parade rest in the backdrop. Still, the major broadcast television networks did not carry the address live.

The president appealed for citizens to “vote, vote, vote” to protect their democracy. “For a long time, we’ve reassured ourselves that American democracy is guaranteed. But it is not.”

Biden harked back to the 2017 white supremacist protest in Charlottesville, Virginia, which he said brought him out of political retirement to challenge Trump. Biden argued that the country faces a similar crossroads in the coming months, and he cast defending the “soul of the nation” as “the work of my presidency — a mission I believe in with my whole soul.”

But Iowa GOP chair Jeff Kaufman said in a statement that Biden was using the tactics of an authoritarian regime, “trying to turn his political opponents into an enemy of the state.”

Larry Diamond, an expert on democracy and senior fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, said calling Trump out for attacks on democracy “can be manipulated or framed as being partisan. And if you don’t call it out, you are shrinking from an important challenge in the defense of democracy.”

The White House has tried to keep Biden removed from the legal and political maelstrom surrounding the Department of Justice’s discovery of classified documents in Trump’s Florida home. Still, Biden has pointed to some Republicans’ quick condemnation of federal law enforcement, to argue “you can’t be pro-insurrectionist and pro-American.”

His trip to Philadelphia was just one of his three to the state within a week, a sign of Pennsylvania’s importance in the midterms, with competitive Senate and governor’s races. However, neither Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, the Democrats’ Senate nominee, nor Attorney General Josh Shapiro, their pick for governor, attended Thursday night.

The White House intended the speech to unite familiar themes: holding out bipartisan legislative wins on guns and infrastructure as evidence that democracies “can deliver,” pushing back on GOP policies on guns and abortion that Biden says are out of step with most people’s views.

The challenges have only increased since the tumult surrounding the 2020 election and the Capitol attack.

Lies surrounding that presidential race have triggered harassment and death threats against state and local election officials and new restrictions on mail voting in Republican-dominated states. County election officials have faced pressure to ban the use of voting equipment, efforts generated by conspiracy theories that voting machines were somehow manipulated to steal the election.

Candidates who dispute Trump’s loss have been inspired to run for state and local election posts, promising to restore integrity to a system that has been undermined by false claims.

There is no evidence of any widespread fraud or manipulation of voting machines. Judges, including ones appointed by Trump, dismissed dozens of lawsuits filed after the election, and Trump’s own attorney general called the claims bogus. Yet Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research polling has shown about two-thirds of Republicans say they do not think Biden was legitimately elected president.

Emergency Preparedness in Communities of Color

Are you ready in the event of a disaster?

Jackson, Mississippi is still struggling under the pressure of massive flooding and the failure of the city’s water treatment plant.  The 180-thousand residents of the majority-black city have been caught off guard and largely-unprepared for this national disaster.  This is national emergency preparedness month.  If your community gets hit with severe weather or other kind of disaster… are you ready?

Ariel Triplett, Director, Emergency Management, Howard University

Marcus Coleman, Jr., Director, Center For Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, Department of Homeland Security (FEMA)

Serena, Venus To Play Doubles In U.S. Open Tonight

The Williams sisters have won 14 women’s doubles Grand Slams as partners.

(New York, NY)  —  Serena and Venus Williams are set to play doubles together in the U.S. Open tonight.  The sisters will take on a duo from the Czech Republic at 7 p.m. Eastern.  The Williams sisters have won 14 women’s doubles Grand Slams as partners and have also brought home three Olympic gold medals.  Serena advanced to the third round last night in the single’s tournament and will play again tomorrow.

 

Preparing Our Communities In The Event of An Emergency

FEMA and Howard University are teaming up to help make sure the African American community is prepared for disasters.

September is National Preparedness Month and Howard University is teaming up with FEMA  to help make sure the African American community is ready for the next emergency or disaster that could be around the corner.  My guest is

Ariel Triplett – Howard University’s Director of Emergency Management

FEMA is teaming up with Historically Black Colleges and Universities just in time for National Preparedness Month to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. For more information go here:

 

Tune in each morning 6:15, 7:08 and 8:40 to get the latest on what’s going on around the DMV

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube  and Instagram @bobbygailes. 

 

Listen to this mornings segment here:

 

Reporters’ Roundtable

Analysis of the top stories of the week.

Another of day of gun violence in The District.  It’s just one of several stories we’ll analyze at The Reporters’ Roundtable.  Also on deck, gun arrests at a Prince George’s County high school. More than a dozen county police officers indicted. The late, former mayor of Hyattsville accused of stealing millions for the school he worked for. Major water problems in Jackson, Mississippi, and no more grazing in the grass for some parts of Prince George’s County.

Tracee Wilkins, Prince George’s County Bureau Chief, NBC4 Washington
Troy Johnson, Anchor/Reporter, WAPT-TV, Jackson, Mississippi

 

Serena To Face World No. 2 At U.S. Open Tonight

On Thursday, she’s set to play doubles with her sister Venus, who lost in the singles bracket.

(Queens, NY)  —  Serena Williams is set to resume her farewell tour at the U.S. Open today.  She has a second round singles matchup with the number two women’s tennis player in the world.  The 23-time Grand Slam champion cruised to victory in the first round Monday night.  The tournament in New York figures to be the last for the 40-year-old Williams, who’s expected to retire afterwards.  On Thursday, she’s set to play doubles with her sister Venus, who lost in the singles bracket.

DOJ: Trump Team Likely Concealed Classified Documents At Mar-a-Lago

Trump has until Wednesday evening to respond to the government’s filing.

(West Palm Beach, FL)  —  The Justice Department is revealing why prosecutors applied for a search warrant for former President Donald Trump’s Florida home.  They did so after receiving evidence of a “likely” effort to hide classified documents in defiance of a grand jury subpoena.  The DOJ made that argument in a Tuesday night filing in its response to Trump’s request for an independent third party, or a so-called special master.  That individual would review documents and papers FBI agents seized when they executed a search warrant earlier this month.  Trump has until Wednesday evening to respond to the government’s filing.

Careers in Foreign Affairs

Applications are now open for two fellowship programs for those seeking careers with the U.S. State Department

It’s all about making a positive change in the world and a career with the U-S. State Department can help you get  there.  Heads up for my college Seniors interested international and foreign affairs.  I have the details about two fellowship programs now accepting applications.  My guest is Patricia Scroggs – Director of Diplomatic Fellowships at Howard University

90 fellowships are being offered this year for the Charles Rangel International Affairs Graduate Program and the Thomas Pickering Fellowship Program.  Each fellowship funds a graduate degree, internships, and professional development.   For more information for the Charles Rangel Program, go here:   and for the Pickering Program, go here:

 

Tune in each morning 6:15, 7:08 and 8:40 to get the latest on what’s going on around the DMV

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube  and Instagram @bobbygailes. 

 

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Gun Violence and Community Activism

 We’ve brought in community activists to share their thoughts.

In the DMV there has been at least one shooting everyday this summer…many of them deadly.  Even as politicians and law enforcement scramble to curb the rising tide of gun violence. It appears that it has had little effect.  What needs to be done?  What can be done?   We’ve brought in community activists to share their thoughts.

Resources:

THE T.R.I.G.G.E.R PROJECT

Yaay Me! Inc.

Tia Bell, Founder/CEO, The Trigger Project
Dr. Warees Majeed, Founder, Yaay Me! Inc.

 

Commanders RB Returns To Team Facility

Rivera has said it’s possible Robinson could still play later in the season.

(Ashburn, VA) — Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson, Jr., is back in the team’s facility after being shot. The Commanders posted video on Twitter of him greeting team personnel including head coach Ron Rivera. Police say Robinson was shot twice in his lower body during a robbery or carjacking Sunday and suffered non-life threatening injuries. Rivera has said it’s possible Robinson could still play later in the season.

Back to School Conversations: Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt

Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt, the new interim superintendent, will officially take over as chief of the school district on September 1st.

Today is the first day of school for nine school systems in the DMV, but Alexandria City Public Schools already has a week under its belt. Next week, Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt, the new interim superintendent, will officially take over as chief of the school district.  As part of our series “Back to School Conversations with the Superintendents”, she joins us to talk about the job and the school year ahead.

Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt, Interim Superintendent, Alexandria City Public Schools

 

Washington Commanders’ RB Recovers After Shooting

Robinson was expected to start when the Commanders take on the Jaguars on September 11th.

(Ashburn, VA)  —  The head coach of the Washington Commanders says a running back who was shot is “in a really good place.”  That update came from Ron Rivera after Brian Robinson was shot during an attempted carjacking or robbery in Washington, DC.  Rivera added it’s only “a matter of time” before Robinson gets out of the hospital.  Robinson posted on Instagram that surgery went well and he’s thankful for all the prayers.  Rivera also didn’t put a timeline on Robinson returning to the team.  The Commanders host the Jacksonville Jaguars in week one on September 11th.

Artemis I Launch Delayed

The next launch window won’t open before Friday.

(Cape Canaveral, FL)  —  NASA is scrubbing today’s launch of its Artemis I moon rocket.  Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson made the announcement this morning following issues with the temperature of one of the engines.  The space agency pushed back liftoff after delays in fueling earlier this morning.  This test launch is designed to be the first step in returning human beings to the surface of the moon by 2025.  The next launch window won’t open before Friday.

Biking For Our Students Education

The Bowie Metropolitan Alumni Chapter is hosting it’s 2022 BSU Bike Tour September 10th

Biking for a better future.  The Bowie Metropolitan Alumni Chapter is hosting its 2022 BSU Bike Tour to help provide scholarships for Bowie students.  My guest is Dan White – Bowie Metro Alumni Chapter

The Bowie Metropolitan Alumni Chapter presents BSU Bike Tour 2022 September 10th  Registration takes place at Vista Gardens Marketplace in Bowie.  Proceeds provide scholarships for BSU students.  For more information go here: 

 

Tune in each morning 6:15, 7:08 and 8:40 to get the latest on what’s going on around the DMV

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube  and Instagram @bobbygailes. 

 

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Back to School Conversations: Dr. Monifa McKnight Part 3

Dr. McKnight discusses priorities for the new school year.

For the past several days, we’ve been sitting down with school superintendents in the DMV as they prepare for the new school year.
As part of our “Back to School Conversations with the Superintendents”,  We talk to the new head of the Montgomery County Public School system, Dr. Monifa McKnight.

Dr. Monifa McKnight, Superintendent, Montgomery County Public Schools

Boxing Legend George Foreman Accused Of Sexual Abuse

Foreman has denied the allegations since they became public.

(Los Angeles, CA) — Boxing legend George Foreman is denying accusations of sexual abuse and rape dating back to the 1970s. Two women have filed lawsuits in a Los Angeles Court claiming the former heavyweight champion abused them as children. The women claim they met the former heavyweight champ as children because their fathers were boxing associates. Foreman has denied the allegations since they became public and said the two women are trying to extort millions of dollars from him and his family.

Back to School Conversations: Dr. Lewis Ferebee

Dr. Lewis Ferebee discusses teacher hiring, COVID mandates, and safety and security for the new school year.

The first day of school is just days away for the DC Public School system.  Like so many school systems in the DMV, hiring teachers, COVID, and safety, top the list of priorities to be addressed.
We’re continuing our “Back to School Conversations with the Superintendents”.

Dr. Lewis Ferebee, Chancellor, DC Public Schools

Redacted Mar-A-Lago Affidavit To Be Released Tomorrow

The judge said the government has proved parts of the affidavit should be kept under wraps.

(West Palm Beach, FL)  —  A federal judge is deciding to release a redacted affidavit in regards to a search that was conducted at former President Trump’s Florida home.  The decision came after the Justice Department submitted its proposed redactions.  Despite his decision, the judge said the government has proved parts of the affidavit should be kept under wraps.

 

Breaking The Stigma of Mental Illness

Rock for Life Foundation is hosting “The FunTastic Voyage” day September 3rd

Conversations with the Superintendents: Dr. Monica Goldson

Talking to the chiefs of some of the regions biggest school systems.

For many parents and children… this is the last week of summer vacation before it’s back to school.  Is your school district ready? We’re beginning a three-part series, talking to the chiefs of some of the regions biggest school systems.  “Back to School Conversations with School Superintendents” starts with Dr. Monica Goldson, CEO of the Prince George’s County Public Schools.

Dr. Monica Goldson, CEO, Prince George’s County Public Schools

Midday Shooting In NW DC

Five people have been shot and two killed in a shooting in Northwest DC. 

Five people have been shot and two killed in a shooting in Northwest DC.  The shooting happened just minutes before one o’clock infront of a senior living facility near the intersection of O and North Capitol Streets.  DC Police believe the an SUV stopped at a known, open-air drug market in the Truxton Circle community.  Two men got out and sprayed the area with gunfire, then got back into the SUV and sped away.  Police are looking for suspects.