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National Teacher’s Appreciation Week…

We hear from educators on the first day of National Teachers Appreciation Week.

What comes with Teacher Appreciation Week for educators is often discounts at stores, free dinners, coffee, donuts and a multitude of gifts and surprises from students and parents.  But during all other weeks throughout the school year, teachers are also dealing with the challenges of a lack of resources, low pay and inconsistent support from school administrators.  Tonight, we hear from teachers about the work that they do and the support that they need to be their best.

LINK:

Guest:

Giani Clarkson – Teacher, Paul Charter School, Washington, DC

Paul Charter School Events

Children’s Hospital Mobile Station

Time: 10-4pm

Adress:

Address: 5800 Street NW

Washington DC 20011

Health & Wellness Fair

Date: May 21st

Time: 12-3pm

Free Admission:

Address: 5800 Street NW

Washington DC 20011

Sheila Carr-Spence – 40 years as a Mathematics Teacher

Black-Owned, DC-Based Nonprofit Celebrates Decade of Service

To commemorate, Washington Wizards’ Bradley Beal is partnering with Hoop For All to refurbish Banneker Recreation Center’s outdoor basketball courts where the nonprofit held its first sporting event in 2012. The new court will reopen with an Opening Day Celebration on Saturday, June 18, 2022.

Hoop For All Foundation is a Black-owned DC-based nonprofit that uses sports programming to provide communities with access to healthcare resources; namely, health care professionals, educational material, testing, and in-patient assistance.

To commemorate, Washington Wizards’ Bradley Beal is partnering with Hoop For All to refurbish Banneker Recreation Center’s outdoor basketball courts where the nonprofit held its first sporting event in 2012. The new court will reopen with an Opening Day Celebration on Saturday, June 18, 2022.

“Thanks to Beal, we have an opportunity to remodel a court that has gradually deteriorated in quality over the years,” shared Vice President Kiera “KB” Thomas. “With this partnership, DC residents – particularly those in Ward 1 – can have a revamped outdoor space to socialize and stay active. Beal is the first of many athletes we plan to partner with. While the start of our journey is in DC, we plan to expand to other cities as well.”

Outside of basketball, Beal is sponsoring Hoop For All for a variety of other reasons. Founded by Howard University alumni, Beal’s brothers and parents went to HBCUs. As a former biology major at the University of Florida, he is highly interested in health and finds ways to support Black-owned businesses. Additionally, the basketball star was drafted the same year Hoop For All was founded and evidently, both parties have continued to leave an imprint on the city.

During the grand reopening, Hoop For All will provide free healthcare screenings and present scholarships to high school seniors attending HBCUs in the Fall. Most recently, Beal took 50 RBHS students on a college tour of Howard University in February 2020 and won the 2018-19 NBA Cares Community Assist Award primarily for his work with RBHS.

Additionally, Hoop For All will host their 10th annual Hoop For Hope Basketball Tournament at Banneker on September 10th, 2022 to support in-need cancer patients and increase awareness around prevention and treatment. Last year’s tournament featured a special guest appearance by three-time NBA All-Star Steven Francis.

Since its inception, Hoop For All has given away over $17,000 towards patient assistance and scholarships. The organization has hosted roughly 17 programs and events and has provided health education resources to over 5,000 DC residents.

“We started Hoop For All in 2012 as Sophomores in our dorms at Howard University and have seen tremendous growth since then,” said President Ayokunle “Ayo” Amoo. “It’s been such a privilege to rally the community together around both sport and health. And to see our impact on patients and their families has been nothing short of amazing.”

The 10-year-old organization has also dedicated its efforts toward mentoring students, athletes, and youth on the importance of health education, physical activity, community outreach, and entrepreneurship.

The donation link for the 10th Annual Hoop for Hope can be found below:

https://fundly.com/hoopforhope

Follow Hoop For All on social media at @hoopforall.

*Images courtesy of photographer Davonte Douglas. Follow him on IG @shotbydavonte.

Busta Rhymes & Dave Chappelle Going On Tour

A play off of the popular restaurant chain, Dave and Buster’s.

Dave Chappelle and Busta Rhymes are teaming up for a tour. The title of the tour is perfect-Dave & Busta Tour. A play off of the popular restaurant chain, Dave and Buster’s. Busta Rhymes posted a video clip of himself, Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle. In the clip Chris Rock says, there is nobody better than Busta Rhymes. Dave Chappelle interjects and says, oh I gotta tell you. Me and Busta are gonna start doing a tour together. It’s not even a show-it’s more like a party. It’s called Dave & Busta’s What do you think of the idea?

 

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Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 14 Premiere Recap

The Real Housewives of Atlanta premiered Season 14 on Bravo Sunday night.

It was a fun light-hearted intro episode and it was nice to have our favorite Georgia peaches back on screen.

Sheree is back and still with Tyrone.
Ms. Whitfield is back! She is still dating Tyrone and he is out of jail!

Marlo has new edges and a new business!
Marlo’s new business certainly caught a lot of shade in the season premiere

Kenya’s daughter is adorable!
Kenya’s daughter, Brooklyn, with estranged-husband Marc Daly is growing up right before our eyes and it is the cutest thing.

Drew’s husband is still wilding?!
New season, but Drew Sidora’s husband is up to the same antics — this time around Drew revealed that she packed her kids up and left at one point after discovering troubling texts between him and his assistant.

 Couple Finds Half-Eaten, ‘Very Well-Preserved’ McDonald’s Fries From the 1950s Inside a Bathroom Wall

They also found burger wrappers that look like they are from the 1950’s or 60’s.

A couple in Illinois were making renovations on their home when they found a half eaten, well preserved McDonald’s fries in their bathroom wall. They also found burger wrappers that look like they are from the 1950’s or 60’s. It was bundled up in a towel and when they found it they feared the worst–they thought it was some sort of ‘cold case.’ The couple is saving their treasure in the hopes of selling it.

If you found decades old fries in the wall of your home are you keeping it or throwing it out?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bg60VukBJs

Kelly Rowland Speaks on Rumors of a Destiny’s Child Reunion

In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight Kelly Rowland spoke about the rumors of a Destiny’s Child reunion.

She said, “We love everybody so much that we wouldn’t toy with it but I do think that you deserve a surprise. I feel like everything is just so planned so we see it before it happens and we see the process right after it happens. We deserve spontaneity.”

Is Kelly alluding to something being in the works?

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Mother’s Day is right around the corner and some people still haven’t gotten gifts yet. Not to worry though, because you can still enter the WHUR 96.3 $2k for Mom’s Day Giveaway by clicking here.

In addition to entering to win $2k, there are still some pretty cool and nice gifts you can get your mom to show her how special she is.

Perfume
Custom Drink Thermos
Books
Spa Day
Gift-card to her favorite restaurant
Edible Arrangement 
Flowers 

Alicia Keys Is Launching a Makeup Collection

Alicia Keys is resuming her use of color cosmetics after a long hiatus.

Keys’ company, Keys Soulcare, is introducing its first color cosmetics collection in collaboration with E.l.f. Beauty.

On Monday (May 2), Keys will debut the collection by wearing it at the Met Gala.

Lip balm, cheek tints, and brow gel are among them.

What is your favorite beauty products or brand?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raTHUtPYf3Y

May 2 Has Officially Been Declared Megan Thee Stallion Day In Houston

Megan Thee Stallion took to social media to show off the honor she received on Sunday (May 1).

Megan received the key to her hometown of Houston, Texas with May 2 being named “Megan Thee Stallion” day.

The day is significant as May 2nd is also the birthday of Megan’s late mother and grandmother.

“Megan Thee Stallion has an extraordinary entertainment career, but we wanted to honor her for what she does offstage to lift people’s lives in underserved communities,” Houston mayor Sylvester Turner said while presenting Megan with the key to the city.  Among other things, she was lauded for founding the Pete and Thomas Foundation in 2021.

The charity was founded in memory of her father, Joseph Pete Jr., and mother, Holly Thomas.

Megan spoke about the inspiration and influence her mother and grandmother have had on her life. “I don’t know what kind of lady I would be if granny didn’t raise me to be so kind and so giving,” said Megan.

What do you think Megan Thee Stallion should do to commemorate her day in Houston?

 

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Understanding the Effects of Covid

Howard University Hospital is conducting a Covid study and are looking for volunteers

Howard University Hospital is conducting a study to help health officials better understand the long term effects of COVID and officials are asking for your help.  My guest is Dr. Adeyinka Laiyemo – Associate Professor of Medicine Howard University College of Medicine

If you or someone in your family has had COVID or are feeling the long term effects of COVID,  you might be able to help health officials better understand more about long COVID and how to treat it.  Learn how by participating in a study .  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:

Bishop Leonard Scott Performs Hymns From His New Album

Bishop Leonard Scott performed hymns from his 16th album, “Keep Hymns Alive”  that features traditional hymns also featuring Rance Allen, Ruth La’Ontra, Kelontae Gavin, Sherwin Gardner, and others.

https://youtu.be/m4uddnq-SdI

Conversation with Actor Courtney B. Vance

His career, his marriage and so much more.

He maybe best known as A.D.A Carver on the police drama “Law and Order: Criminal Intent”,as well as the husband of the amazing actor Angela Bassett.
We talk to Courtney B. Vance about this new drama series, “61st Street”, his career, his marriage and so much more.

Courtney B. Vance, Actor

WH Comms Director Tests Positive For COVID

Biden Not Close Contact

(Washington, DC) — The White House communications director has tested positive for COVID-19. Kate Bedingfield tweeted she has mild symptoms and President Biden is not considered to be a close contact. She last saw Biden on Wednesday while wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing. Bedingfield is the latest top White House official to come down with COVID. Vice President Harris tested positive earlier this week.

James Corden Leaving ‘Late Late Show’ Next Year

“It’s been it’s a really hard decision to leave because I’m so immensely proud of the show,” said Corden.

 

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In life all good things must come to an end, and James Corden has reached that point.
He’s leaving as host of The Late Late Show next summer after serving as host of the show for nine years.
“It’s been it’s a really hard decision to leave because I’m so immensely proud of the show,” said Corden.
Corden went on to say that his original plan was to host the show for five years and then move on, but things didn’t work out that way.
He didn’t mention what’s next after his time on the show is over.
Who do you think would be a good replacement for Corden?

Rihanna Drops Fenty’s First Face Mask

Ri-Ri’s new mask can be yours right now at FentySkin.com.

 

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A post shared by FENTY SKIN (@fentyskin)

Rihanna’s Fenty Skin brand has just dropped its first face mask.
The mask is called Cookies N Clean, and is inspired by, you guessed it, cookies and cream ice cream.
This new mask claims it will eliminate dirt, oil, and other impurities from your skin.
Ri-Ri’s new mask can be yours right now at FentySkin.com.
Are you a fan of Fenty products?

Mary J Blige Planning an All-Women Music Festival

Performers for the festival include XScape, Chaka Khan, Ella Mai, City Girls, and many more.

https://youtu.be/38hsdeeDzW4

Mary J Blige is changing the game by planning an all women music festival.
The Strength Of A Woman Festival and Summit is set for May 6-8 in the ATL and will feature all-women performers.
According to Mary, the festival is all about “uplifting and building and strenghthening women.”
Performers for the festival include XScape, Chaka Khan, Ella Mai, City Girls, and many more.
What are your top three Mary J. Blige albums?

Boston Breaks Ground On MLK Memorial

https://youtu.be/D-gXDZcsgdY

A memorial honoring Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife Coretta Scott King is under construction in Boston.
The 22-foot tall bronze sculpture is titled ‘The Embrace’, and will portray the couple’s arms intertwined. Groundbreaking for the memorial was held earlier this week.
Boston is where King met his future wife in 1952, when both were college students.
The memorial is scheduled to be unveiled on MLK Day of 2023.
Should Boston already have an MLK memorial, considering the city plays such an important role in his life?

Wes Moore Endorsed By Top MD Democrat

Steny Hoyer backs Wes Moore for governor of Maryland.

Wes Moore, Democratic candidate for governor of Maryland has received a high profile endorsement. Maryland congressman and U.S. House Majority Whip Steny Hoyer is backing Moore.  Hoyer says Moore is “a visionary and innovative generational leader for our state.”  Moore has also been endorsed by Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks.

Moore is vying for the Democratic nomination with prominent candidates that include Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot, former Prince George’s County Executive Rashern Baker, former Maryland state attorney general Doug Gansler and former Democratic National Committee chair Tom Perez.   Ralph Jaffe, Ashwani Jain, Jon Baron, Jerry Segal and former U.S. Education Secretary John B. King Jr. other Democrats seeking the party’s gubernatorial nomination.

Commanders Top Pick In NFL Draft

Commanders take a wide receiver with its top pick in the NFL draft.

The NFL Draft taking place last night in Las Vegas and the Washington Commanders get a new wide receiver with its top pick.  The Commanders moved down from 11 to 16 in the first round to select Penn State’s Jahan Dotson.  The Commanders traded their number 11 pick to the Saints for third and fourth round picks in this year’s draft.   At Penn State, Dotson caught a total of of 183 passes for 2,757 yards and 25 touchdowns.  He ranks second all-time for career catches and touchdowns for the Nittany Lions.  The NFL offered a moment of silence during the draft for former Commanders quarterback Dwayne Haskins. Haskins died on April 9th after being struck by a dump truck while trying to cross a Florida highway on foot.

Free Home-Buying Workshop

Home Free USA is hosting a free workshop, April 30th

It’s all about moving from renting to owning.  My guest today is providing the home-buying secrets and has details about a free workshop coming up to give you the tools to build wealth for you and your family.  My guest is Milan Griffin – Home Free USA

Home Free USA is hosting a free HomeBuying Secrets Workshops on how to move from renting to owning this Saturday, April 30that 11am.  Register today here:

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

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

 

Listen to this mornings segment here:

New Voices of the LGBTQIA+ Community

Self-empowerment, mentorship and health awareness.

For many, many decades, members of the LGBTQIA+ community have labored in obscurity and have been challenged to express themselves on the issue of public identity.  That is changing, inside the community and outside of it.  Although there are new social and political challenges.
We talk about a new organization, Speakout Inc.”, created to make sure their voices are heard.

Resources:

Speakout Inc.

Antonio Driver, Founder, Speakout, Inc.

Derick Cox, Outreach Coordinator, Speakout, Inc.

Arrest Made in Stabbing Murder

Father of the victim’s deceased child in custody.

(Washington, DC) — Metropolitan Police say a suspect in the case of a dead baby has been found stabbed to death in Northeast D.C. Officers found a woman, identified as 39-year-old Ladonia Boggs, suffering from a stab wound in the 1500 block of Benning Road early Wednesday morning. Police identify Boggs as the mother of a two-month-old who went missing and whose remains were discovered in a landfill in Richmond. Police have taken a suspect into custody in connection with Boggs’ stabbing. Officials say 44-year-old Carl Jones of Northeast D.C. was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed.

Study: Single Americans Say Dating Is Harder During Pandemic

7 out of 10 Americans say their dating life is not going well as the pandemic enters a third year, according a new Pew Research Center study.

63% of those surveyed say dating is harder during the pandemic and 32% said it is about the same and only 3% said dating has gotten easier.

“For the most part, the pandemic hasn’t changed what single adults are looking for: About six-in-ten single adults (59%) say they are no more or less interested in finding a committed relationship now than they were before the coronavirus outbreak began (an additional 20% say the question doesn’t apply to them),” Pew Research Center says. “The remaining singles are about evenly split between saying it has made them more interested and saying it has made them less interested in finding a committed relationship.”

Although, folks said the pandemic made their love life harder, interestingly enough a majority said that coronavirus vaccination status isn’t important. Nearly 4 in 10 of those surveyed said they would only go out with someone vaccinated.

Additionally, about 3 out of 10 folks who are single and not looking for a relationship say Covid-19 is at least a minor contributing factor as to why.

Data was collected from Feb. 7-13, 2022, just ahead of Valentine’s Day!

There is a plus or minus 1.6 margin of error in the study’s results and the poll was taken.

What do you think? Has coronavirus made your dating life harder, easier, or no change at all?

Beyonce And Rihanna Investing In Paris-Based Fashion Company

Beyonce and Rihanna are two of the many investors that will be behind a Paris-based fashion company.  According to one blog, Destree is a French ready-to-wear and accessories brand. The brand first launched in 2016.  The company’s website describes itself by saying, “Destree tells the story of a colorful and singular passion, of a Parisian yet different style, drawing its beauty from the visual dissonances it evokes and which it translates through a graphic and structured aesthetic.” Who would you rather work with, Beyonce or Rihanna?

 

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Rihanna & ASAP Rocky Have Rave-Themed Baby Shower in Hollywood

According to HipHollywood Rihanna and ASAP Rocky had a rave-themed baby shower in Hollywood last Friday (April 22).

The super-exclusive party included Rihanna and Rocky’s close friends. No one was allowed to record or take pictures during the event.

Partygoers wore bright neon attire and received party favors including a t-shirt that said, “I Went To Rih & Rocky’s Rave Shower And All I Got Was This Amazing Shirt.”

Photos of the shirt surfaced on Twitter. Baby showers normally happen around the seven-month mark, so it seems that Rihanna could be delivering a baby as soon as June.

Are you going to miss pregnant Rihanna? What do you think Rihanna is having a girl or a boy?

 

Uplifting and Empowering Our Young Women

Sisters4Sisters is hosting their Ladies Tea and Fashion Show Saturday May 7th

Ladies grab your fancy hats and gloves and get ready for Sisters4Sisters Inc.  Annual PossibiliTEAS Ladies Tea, Fashion Show, and Fundraiser.  My guest is Carolyn Washington – Founder and CEO of Sisters4Sisters Inc.

 Sisters4Sisters Inc. is hosting its PossibiliTEAS  Ladies Tea, Fashion Show and Fundraiser Saturday May 7thfrom 11am to 3pm at the Camelot by Martins in Upper Marlboro.  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

Top stories of the week.

Violence… especially robberies of every kind are happening everywhere in DC.  That’s just one of several stories on deck  at the Reporters’ Roundtable.  Also on deck… Pharrell’s “Something In The Water”, music festival, coming to DC.
DC Council member Kenyan McDuffie’s Attorney General campaign.  Politics on the Prince George’s County Council, doubling fines on nuance neighbors in the county.  And Vice President Kamala Harris has COVID.

Byron Scott, Reporter, Prince George’s Community Television
Keith Alexander, Reporter, Washington Post

Sam Ford, WJLA-TV, DC Bureau Chief

Minneapolis PD Slammed In Human Rights Report

Post-Floyd probe finds discrimination by Minneapolis police

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minneapolis Police Department has engaged in a pattern of race discrimination for at least a decade, including stopping and arresting Black people at a higher rate than white people, using force more often on people of color and maintaining a culture where racist language is tolerated, a state investigation launched after George Floyd’s killing found.

The report released Wednesday by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights following a nearly two-year investigation said the agency and the city would negotiate a court-enforceable agreement to address the long list of problems identified in the report, with input from residents, officers, city staff and others.

The report said police department data “demonstrates significant racial disparities with respect to officers’ use of force, traffic stops, searches, citations, and arrests.” And it said officers “used covert social media to surveil Black individuals and Black organizations, unrelated to criminal activity, and maintain an organizational culture where some officers and supervisors use racist, misogynistic, and disrespectful language with impunity.”

Apple To Allow iPhone Users To Repair Their Own Phone

Stuck with a broken iPhone? You don’t have to lug it to the Apple Store anymore.
Apple has finally launched its Self Service Repair program in the U.S. – allowing users to buy their own parts, manuals and tools to handle repairs themselves. Toolkits can even be rented for a week for $49.
Why is Apple launching this program now? Pressure from state and federal governments over ‘Right to Repair’ policies. The program will expand to Europe and other parts of the world later this year.
Would you trust yourself to repair something as complicated as an iPhone? Are you a ‘do it yourself’ type when it comes to repairs or maintenance?

Kandi Burruss Wants Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith To Join RHOA

Real Housewives of Atlanta returns this Sunday, May 1 at 8pm on Bravo.

In a recent interview preparing for the premiere, Kandi Burruss was asked, who in Hollywood would you like to join the ladies in Atlanta.

She chose Will and Jada.

She was asked who from another Housewives franchise would she like to join the Atlanta franchise.

She chose Gizelle Bryant from Potomac, Erika Jayne from Beverly Hills and Candiace Dillard from Potomac. She said they could add more heat to the South.

Who from another franchise would you like to see in Atlanta?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZ8eL3enorg

Powerball Jackpot Grows To $454M

Monday marked the 30th drawing in a row in which nobody won the Powerball jackpot.

That means the prize for Wednesday’s drawing has grown to $454 million, lottery officials say.

However, before you start making plans for the money, consider this: The odds of winning the Powerball are 1 in 292 million. How much money have you spent on lottery tickets over the years?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAXAT2nD1Ao

Queen Latifah Breaks Ground On Newark Affordable Housing Development

“This land should be about life, not dilapidation,” Queen Latifah said.

Queen Latifah is giving back. The rapper, actress and business woman always had aspirations to give back to the neighborhood where she was born and raised and officially broke ground on the project Tuesday. The project includes 16 affordable housing units with amenities such as keyless entry and charging stations for electric cars.

“Queen Latifah should be able to live in the city that she was born in,” she said Tuesday at a groundbreaking for a new housing complex named Rise Living.

Queen teamed up with local officials to make this dream a reality. Construction is expected to be completed later this year.

 

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“The affordable housing units are going to be beautiful – just as beautiful as market rate housing,” Queen Latifah said. “We can’t price everyone out of Newark, who have grown here and lived here all of out lives.”

Queen tells NBC4 New York it was her personal mission to redevelop on that corner of Springfield Avenue. In 2014, 15-year-old Al-Shakeen Woodson was shot and killed following a Mother’s Day motorcycle event.

“This land should be about life, not dilapidation,” Queen Latifah said.

Interested in moving in? You can begin to apply in July.

SWV To Receive a Biopic on Lifetime

According to an entertainment blog, Lifetime is doing a biopic on the R&B group, SWV.

Lifetime is said to be working on a script. According to a source, the project has been in the works since 2019. Coko alluded to it saying Sevyn Streeter has to play her.

In an old Instagram photo of Coko and Sevyn, Coko captioned it she has to play me in the SWV biopic! She looks so much like me.

Do you think Sevyn is a good person to play Coko in a biopic?

Who else do you think deserves a biopic?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=976b8TPPFJU

Monica Addresses Commentator Criticizing Black Talent At CMT Awards

Monica got wind of far-right reporter Patrick Howley’s comments regarding Black talent at the recent CMT Awards.

Howley criticized the CMT Awards for having Anthony Mackie host and other Black talent perform during the ceremony. “I don’t know who this Black guy who’s hosting it. It’s supposed to be Country music. No offense. I mean, y’all have Hip Hop and basketball,” said Patrick Howley. “Just fly with your flock, bro.” “No disrespect to the funky brothers of music. I love Earth, Wind & Fire, Run DMC, etc. But Country music’s different. Country music’s different, it’s not Wakanda,” Howly added.

Monica who performed “Pray” with Little Big Town and Jimmie Allen tagged Howley in a post that read: “​​I’ve never been more motivated.. Patrick Howley, although your feelings are likely shared by some, it’s NOT by the masses! I have an all-star LEGENDARY team of true country [artists] that are currently working with me that would beg to differ! Because of the genuine hearts of @lesliefram1 & @cmt… I shared the stage w/ @jimmieallen & @littlebigtown… This was the first of many times that you will see me! I see You caught that my skin is melanated, but you missed that it was tough! I’m rooted in the word & built to last! See you soon, or should I say “Welcome to Wakanda” gracefully bows w/ @anthonymackie “OPEN ROADS COMING SOON” MDA. Should music be categorized? In your opinion, do music genres help or hurt the music’s message?

 

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Music Festivals Coming To The DMV This Summer

If you’re a big festival fan then the DMV is the place to be this summer.

As things slowly but surely return back to some sense of normal in this post coronavirus world — music festivals are making a comeback.  If you’re a big festival fan then the DMV is the place to be this summer. Three music festivals have already been announced for the months to come.

Broccoli City Festival – will take place May 7th and May 8th. Performers include Summer Walker, Ari Lennox, Wale, Lil Durk, and more.  Tickets are already on sale.

Summer Spirit Festival – will take place at Merriweather Post Pavillion in Columbia, Maryland on Sunday August 7th. As the festival celebrates its 15th anniversary,  performers include Erykah BaduAnthony Hamilton, Marsha Ambrosius, and more. Check out WHUR’s previous reporting.

Something In the Water – the brainchild of Pharell Williams, has moved to Washington D.C. this year instead of it’s previous location in Virginia Beach. The lineup includes Ashanti and Ja Rule, Chloe and Halle, Lil Baby, Lucky Daye, Syd, Roddy Rich and too many more to list. It will take place June 17th-19th. Check out the full line up. 

Dave Chapelle Performances Coming To Live Casino!

The performances are Saturday June 18th and Sunday June 19th.

Comedian and DC native, Dave Chapelle, is set to perform two shows at Maryland Live Casino and Hotel to celebrate the casino’s 10th anniversary.

The performances are Saturday June 18th and Sunday June 19th.

The event is 21 and older and the venue states that “no photos, video or audio recording devices allowed.”

Chapelle’s comedy specials have been known to cause controversy due to his comments on the LGBTQIA community. Do you think these performances will stir up issues? Do you plan to go?

Tickets go on pre-sale Thursday, April 28th.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvc_XDDrwgc

The Production of Marys Seacole at The Mosaic Theater

The Mosaic Theater is presenting Marys Seacole from May 4th – May 29th

Lights.  Camera Action.  We are headed to the theater this morning on Taking It to the Streets.  Another award winning production is coming to theMosaic Theater.  My guest is Tina Fabrique – Actress in Marys Seacole

  Marys Seacole is playing at the Mosaic Theater from May 4ththru May 29th.  It’s based on the autobiography of Mary Seacole, and charts one woman’s extraordinary journey thru space and time from mid-1800s Jamaica to the frontlines of the Crimean War, to a modern-day nursing home. For ticket 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:

Kenyan McDuffie and the DC AG’s Race

We discuss the rules and the politics of this race.

DC Ward 5 Council member Kenyan McDuffie was disqualified as a candidate for DC Attorney General by the DC Board Of Elections.  The campaign for candidate Bruce Spiva challenged McDuffie’s eligibility. Activists are raising questions about the board’s decision.  McDuffie’s campaign will be in the DC Court of Appeals to challenge the board’s ruling. We discuss the rules and the politics of this race.

Tony Lewis, Jr., DC Community Activist (not pictured)

William Lightfoot, former DC Council member, Attorney

VP Harris Positive For COVID-19

The Vice President hasn’t been in close contact with the President or First Lady.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, the White House announced, underscoring the persistence of the highly contagious virus even as the U.S. eases restrictions in a bid to return to pre-pandemic normalcy.

Harris press secretary Kirsten Allen said neither President Joe Biden nor first lady Jill Biden was considered a “close contact” of Harris in recent days. Harris had been scheduled to attend Biden’s Tuesday morning Presidential Daily Brief but was not present, the White House said. Because of their travel schedules, the last time Harris saw Biden was Monday, April 18.

The vice president returned on Monday from a week-long trip to the West Coast.

Harris tested positive on both rapid and PCR tests but “has exhibited no symptoms,” the White House said. She will isolate at her residence but continue to work remotely, and will return to the White House only when she tests negative for the virus.

Survey: Half of U.S. Parents Still Financially Support Adult Children

Adulthood can cost a lot. 

Adulthood can cost a lot. And many U.S. adults still depend on their parents.

According to a recent survey from Savings.com, half of U.S. parents are still financially supporting their adult children.

The top categories where assistance has been needed are groceries, rent and mortgage, cell phones, car payments, tuition, health insurance, and vacations.

The survey consisted of 977 parents who have children ages 18 and up.

If you are a parent, do you still help out your adult children? Should parents still financially support their grown children?

‘General Hospital’ Star Maurice Benard Says He’ll Be Retiring ‘Soon Enough’

He said he is happy acting now but that is not always the case.

Maurice Benard aka Sonny Corinthos on ABC’s General Hospital is talking about the inevitable-retirement.

On his YouTube channel he took fan questions and one was about his future on the soap opera.

He said he is happy acting now but that is not always the case. Acting goes in waves for him. Sometimes it’s up and sometimes it’s down.

He said he doesn’t know when but that soon enough I’ll be done with it. Sorry. I hate to say that, but it’s the truth.

When he is done with acting he wants to continue with his YouTube series where he says there is less pressure and he can continue his work with mental health.

What was/is your favorite soap opera? Who was/is your favorite character?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieLRj-4xVlY

Judge Mathis Is Getting a New Reality Show

TV Judge Mathis is getting a new reality show, but this time he won’t be behind the bench. 

Emmy-award winning TV Judge Mathis is getting a new reality show, but this time he won’t be behind the bench. Mathis is coming to screens on E! News with a family based reality show.

The show is described by E! as depicting “unfiltered lives of the legendary and honorable Judge Greg Mathis Sr. and his family!”

The show which features Mathis’  four children is set to air on E! on Monday June, 19th.

“For the first time in 15 years the kids are all back in the same city,” Mathis’s wife says in the trailer.

 

Grilling Hack: Recycle That Empty Egg Carton

Experts have lighting a grill down to a science but for a novice like me, it takes a little more time to get the grill going. Then add being hangry to the mix – it’s not a pretty scene. 

If you’ve been tossing that empty egg carton in the trash, you’re doing it all wrong. Grilling season is right around the corner so I’m here for all the hacks!

Data shows that between April 2020 and February 2021, 14 million grills and smokers were sold and almost two-thirds were gas and charcoal grills. Experts have lighting a grill down to a science but for a novice like me, it takes a little more time to get the grill going. Then add being hangry to the mix – it’s not a pretty scene.

Did you know that empty cardboard egg carton is the best kept secret on how to perfectly light your grill? All you have to do is douse the carton with olive oil and then fill it with coals, one per slot. Then light the carton completely on fire in your grill. Personally, I’m a fan of Match Light charcoal and voila, you’ve taken the dreadful headache out of lighting your grill this summer.

This hack cuts down on the amount of charcoal you’re accustomed to using. There’s also no need for lighter fluid honestly. Simply add more coals once you start to see the embers from the egg carton.

Don’t believe me? Just WATCH!

https://youtu.be/XFNOcEi9qwg

Chris Brown Launches “The Auracles” NFT Collection  

Brown’s NFT and streetwear collection will be released on May 10.

Chris Brown is stepping into the NFT world with a new launch called, “The Auracles.”

Brown’s first venture into the space will see him teaming up with John Dean, founder of L.A.-based label Renowned.

The collection will center around “The Auracle” a black shape-shifting superhero that travels through space and time influencing the world. The Renowned x Chris Brown collection will feature gear that will include avatars redeemable for physical pieces.

The purpose is for black creators to own what they have created says, Dean.

Brown’s NFT and streetwear collection will be released on May 10. Do you own any NFTs?

Republican Says Beyoncé & Cardi B Are In League With The Devil

Conspiracy theories are as American as apple pie. There has always been someone who thinks there are ulterior motives when it comes to high-profile deaths and uber-popular celebrities.

Rolling Stone and Media Matters cited a podcast endorsed by Michigan Republican candidate for Secretary of State, Kristina Karamo, who has ties to QAnon and some questionable opinions of the world’s biggest artists.

Among Karamo’s opinions is that Ariana Grande and Billie Eilish put children “under a satanic delusion,” specifically referring to Grande’s 2019 MTV Music Awards performance of “God Is A Woman” and Eilish’s video for “Good Girls Go To Hell.”

Karamo has said Beyoncé uses paganism as a form of “American Spirituality” and thinks JAY-Z is a Satanist but says she has “no hard proof.” Finally, Karamo thinks Cardi B is a “tool for Lucifer” and calls her song “WAP” “very obscene” Karamo also ranted that people doing yoga were practicing a satanic ritual.

What is the strangest conspiracy theory you have heard? Do you have a conspiracy theory you believe?

Cheap Travel Hacks For Summer Vacation

Use these tips to plan your next vaca!

The prices of flights are rising to astronomical prices as airlines attempt to recoup funds lost during the pandemic.

When coronavirus was at its’ peak and travel was limited, flight prices were super affordable. Now, one can only hope to find an affordable flights as summer vacations quickly approach. Here are a few tips and platforms you can utilize to plan your next vacation.

1. Be flexible with your travel dates: Changing your departure or arrival dates can alter the price of your flight tremendously.

2. Try flying out of neighboring airports: You may be accustomed to flying out of Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), but flights may be a lot cheaper if you fly out of Dulles or BWI.

3. Limit the amount of bags you travel with: Try packing light and fitting your items in your carry on item to cut costs at the airport. Some users on tik tok have even stuffed their neck pillow with clothes!

Platforms to use:

Hopper is an app that tracks flights and will advise you on the best time to book depending on your location and departure dates.

Google flights allows you to compare and see how prices change depending on dates you may choose.

Scotts Cheap Flights sends subscriber emails with roundtrip prices for the low and it is specifically tailored to your preferences.

Snoop Dogg Said Taylor Swift Almost Inspired Him To Remaster ‘Doggystyle’

Snoop says it works for Taylor, but it wasn’t something that would work for him because he wouldn’t be able to remake the magic of the tracks.

 Snoop Dogg revealed during a recent “Full Send” podcast that Taylor Swift almost inspired him to remaster his debut album, “Doggystyle.” Snoop says that although it works for Taylor, it wasn’t something that would work for him because he wouldn’t be able to remake the magic of the tracks.  “That s–t was a feeling, that s–t was a moment,” he said. Instead, the Doggfather decided to get his music back by buying Death Row Records. Snoop explained that most artists can remaster their music after seven years to reclaim ownership. Once Snoop acquired Death Row he removed his work from streaming platforms.  Those platforms get millions and millions and millions of streams, and nobody gets paid other than the record labels,” said Snoop who has decided to put his music out on a “Death Row,” app.

Would you stream music off of an app full of Death Row music?

Viola Davis Sits Down With Oprah

The interview is 48 minutes long and Viola touches on a range of personal issues from hygiene, marriage, and her relationship with God. 

Actress, Viola Davis, is sitting down with Oprah in a new Netflix special.

The special interview which is already available on Netflix centers around Viola Davis’ new memoir titled, “Finding Me.”

The interview is 48 minutes long and Viola touches on a range of personal issues from hygiene, marriage, and her relationship with God.

A post shared to Instagram says that Oprah knew she wanted to share the book with the world “after reading the first paragraph.”

Will you be watching or reading Viola’s new memoir?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clxER6VpbiE

Ne-Yo Gets Married Again to Wife Crystal Renay in Vegas

Two years ago Ne-Yo filed for divorce from his wife, Crystal Renay, however, he quickly withdrew the filing in an effort to give the marriage another go.

Now two years later the couple tied the know again in Las Vegas. The two renewed their vows on Sunday evening on the rooftop of Resorts World.

The all-red affair included over 10,000 roses and an eight-foot-tall cake that included four flavors. The couple’s celebrity friends were on hand to celebrate.

‘RHOA’s Nene Leakes, Tammy Rivera from “Love & Hip Hop” and Melody Holt from “Love & Marriage: Huntsville” all made the guest list. Ne-Yo and Crystal got married originally in 2016. He proposed again in 2020 and the couple say being in quarantine caused them to get closer.

Did being in quarantine help or hurt your relationship?

Hyattsville PD investigate after shooting causes school lockdown

No injuries were reported in the shooting took place on Monday morning

The police in Hyattsville, Maryland are investigating after a shooting caused a local school to go on lockdown.

No injuries were reported in the shooting took place on Monday morning, but Northwestern High School was subsequently locked down “out of an abundance of caution,” according to Hyattsville police.

“At about 10:40 am officers responded to the football field at Northwestern High School for the report of gunshots. Evidence of shots fired but no injuries/damage reported. We have reason to believe shots were fired due to a dispute between 2 groups,” Hyattsville PD said in a post on Twitter.

The department said on Twitter that they will not release any additional details at the time due to the the fact that there is an ongoing investigation.