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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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A post shared by DESTREE (@destree)

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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A post shared by Queen Latifah (@queenlatifah)

“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.

“Men Take Ten”: Prostate Health Event

Free prostate exam vouchers for first 50 men over 40 to register.

How long does a digital rectal prostate examination take? About ten seconds.  That’s all it takes to find out if a doctor needs to do more tests or send you home until the next time. This Saturday The Howard University Cancer Center’s “Men Take Ten” program is offering free prostate testing vouchers for the first 50 men over the age of 40 to register for the event. We’re talking about why this is so important.

Resources:

“The Black Walnut” Film and Prostate Health Event at Howard University Hospital

Dr. Adam Metwalli, MD, Chief of Urology & Director of Urology/Oncology, Howard University Cancer Center
Clinton Burnside, Senior Outreach Coordinator, Howard University Cancer Center

 

Parkland Shooter’s Jury Search restarts, Judge’s Error

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — The judge overseeing jury selection for a man who murdered 17 people at a Florida high school declared that the process will start over Monday, after prosecutors and defense attorneys argued that she erred when she didn’t question 11 potential jurors who said they would not follow the law before she dismissed them.

In granting the motion filed by Nikolas Cruz ’s prosecutors over the strong objection of his attorneys, Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer nullified two weeks of work by prosecution and defense lawyers, forcing them to begin the entire process anew Monday.

As a result, almost 250 potential jurors who had said they could sit for a four-month trial will not be called back next month for further questioning over whether they could fairly judge Cruz, who pleaded guilty in October to murdering 14 students and three staff members at Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Feb. 14, 2018. More than 1,200 candidates had been screened.

Elon Musk Buys Twitter 

Twitter will no longer be a publicly traded company once Elon Musk becomes the owner.

(San Francisco, CA) — Twitter will no longer be a publicly traded company once Elon Musk becomes the owner of the social media site. Twitter said shareholders will get just over 54-dollars a share as part of the transaction. That means the deal involving the Tesla CEO is worth about 44-billion dollars. Musk has previously said Twitter needs to go private to become a genuine free speech platform and reach its true potential. Prior to the deal being announced, Musk tweeted he wants his harshest critics to stay on the site. He said, “that is what free speech means.”

Chris Rock’s Mom Has Words For Will Smith Over Oscars’ Slap

Chris Rock’s mom has recently addressed the infamous Oscars slap that had everyone talking for the past several weeks.
Chris Rock’s mom said, “[Will] started using obscenities. When he slapped Chris, he slapped all of us. He really slapped me.”
Rose Rock continued, “No one even heard his speech. No one was able to just be in the moment because everyone was sitting there like, ‘What just happened?'”
She added, “I feel really bad that he never apologized. I mean his people wrote up a piece saying I apologize to Chris Rock, but you see something like that is personal, you reach out.”
Do you think Chris Rock or Kevin Hart is a better comedian?

Former MTV ‘Making The Band’ Star Chopper Arrested for Sex Trafficking

Eventually, the investigation was able to gather enough information to arrest Chopper. He is being extradited to Las Vegas to face sex trafficking charges in Sin City.

MTV’s “Making The Band,” star Chopper has been arrested for sex trafficking. According to TMZ, an undercover officer posing as a sex worker monitored Chopper’s Instagram where there were several posts that flaunted his wealth.

Chopper sent a DM to the undercover officer asking them to join his “stable” and to make money from sex work. An investigation on Chopper revealed he was aggressive over the phone with females demanding them to come to Charlotte, N.C.

 

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A post shared by $o$ (@chopperyoungcity)

When they told him they were scared to leave home he demanded a $2,000 fee. Eventually, the investigation was able to gather enough information to arrest Chopper. He is being extradited to Las Vegas to face sex trafficking charges in Sin City.

Have you ever received a DM from a potential sex trafficker?

Robin Roberts: I Was Afraid of Being Outed Over 2012 Obama Interview

Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts is celebrating 20 years of being on the network morning show.
She recently sat down with Ellen and talked about a time she was afraid of being ‘outed’ if she did a 2012 interview with then President Obama.
She recalls the conversation being about the possibility that Obama would change his stance on marriage equality.
I had not been public yet about being gay and I was afraid that I might be outed, that people might wonder, ‘why is she the one interviewing the president when he’s making this change in his stance?’
She did do the interview and she said, it was at that moment I said, ‘I’m gonna stop letting fear keep me from the things that I want to do.
When was the last time fear kept you from doing something you really wanted to do?

Tennessee Bill Would Require Drunk Drivers To Pay Child Support To Victim’s Families

The bill now heads to the governors desk.

Tennessee lawmakers have passed a bill that would put drunk drivers on the hook for financial support. The bill would force drunk drivers that are convicted of vehicular homicide to pay child support to the victim’s families. The bill passed the state House and Senate unanimously, and is now headed to the governor’s desk. What are your feelings about this idea?  What should be done if the driver can’t pay or is in prison?

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

Inside DJ Kay Slay’s Memorial

DJ Kay Slay’s memorial was held on Sunday (April 24th) with many friends and family attending. Notable names such as LL Cool J, Fat Joe, Kool DJ Red Alert, Melle Mel, and more came to pay tribute to the legendary DJ.  The memorial was held at the Apollo Theater in Kay Slay’s native Harlem. As many of Kay Slay’s mentors, friends and associates took the stage to tell the story of his life, a rose-covered photo of Kay Slay and a gold casket lay behind them.  “Kay Slay was more than DJ, he was one of the greatest cultural ambassadors of Hip Hop,” stated Rocky Bucano, the Executive Director of the Universal Hip Hop Museum. Kay Slay passed away on April 18th after a lengthy battle with COVID-19.  Thoughts and prayers go out to DJ Kay Slay’s family, friends, and fans.

Average U.S. Gas Price Drops 3 Cents

It’s not as much as everyone wants, but the average cost per gallon of gas in the U.S. has gone down. According to the latest report from the Lundberg Survey, the average national cost per gallon now sits at $4.24. This is a 3-cent drop from two weeks ago. There has been a 19-cent drop over the last six weeks, though the current cost is still $1.27 higher than it was a year ago.

Do you think the cost of gas will eventually lower back to where it was a year ago? How much are you paying in gas each month?

Megan Thee Stallion Opens Up About Shooting To Gayle King

A clip from an interview that Megan Thee Stallion had with Gayle King was released, and Megan revealed more details about that night. Megan said, “It was an argument because I was ready to go, and everybody else wasn’t ready to go. But that’s like normal friend stuff like we fuss about silly stuff all the time. But I never put my hands on anybody. I never raised my voice too loud. Like this was one of them times where it was like it shouldn’t have got this crazy.”

She continued, “He started shooting, and I’m just like, ‘oh my God.’ He shot a couple of times. And I didn’t even want to move. I don’t want to move too quick like ’cause I’m like ‘oh my God’ if I take the wrong step, I don’t know if he can shoot something that’s like super important.’ I don’t know if he could shoot me and kill me. I was really scared because I had never been shot at before.”

Tory Lanez will have to appear in court in September for the trial, and he faces up to 22 years behind bars.

Do you think Tory Lanez will face jail time as a result of what happened with Meg?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtjzVI5bFao

‘Red Table Talk’ Addresses Will Smith’s Oscar Slap In Season Premiere

The ladies of The ‘Red Table Talk’ are making audiences wait for them to address the infamous Oscar’s slap that took place between Will Smith and Chris Rock. 

By Brooks Welch

The ladies of The ‘Red Table Talk’ are making audiences wait for them to address the infamous Oscar’s slap that took place between Will Smith and Chris Rock.

According to The Root, the Facebook Watch talk show returned for Season 5 on Wednesday and welcomed guest Janelle Monae. Right at the beginning of the episode, words flashed on the screen.

“Considering all that has happened in the last few weeks, the Smith family has been focused on deep healing. Some of the discoveries around our healing will be shared at the table when the time calls,” the message revealed. “Until then the table will continue offering itself to powerful, inspiring and healing testimonies like that of our incredibly impressive first guest.”

As revealed by Shadow and Act, the season 5 premiere was taped prior to the Oscars.

Further reported by the Root, as a result of Smith’s altercation, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences shared its decision to ban Will Smith from attending the Oscars for the next 10 years.

“The Board has decided, for a period of 10 years from April 8, 2022, Mr. Smith shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards,” The Academy president David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson explained in a statement.

Instead of addressing the Oscar’s slap head on, the ‘Red Table Talk’ episode focused on Janelle Monae, who while a guest on the show, came out as non-binary and shared intimate details about her family, including her father’s drug addiction.

The ‘Red Table Talk’ season 5 premiere is now available to stream on Facebook Watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-bbL4Qx088

So You Want To Be An Actor/Director In Hollywood

We talk to those who have done it and guided those who desire it.

Lights, camera, action!  The lure of Hollywood stardom is intoxicating.  The journey to get there can be a long one. But it can be done.  We talk to those who have done it and guided those who desire it.

Isaiah Washington, Actor, Director, Producer (not pictured)

Vera Katz, Professor Emeritus, Howard University, Author

Van Ness Street, Connecticut Avenue Shooting

Two men and a girl were shot.

Police have evacuated dozens of  people near the scene of a shooting in northwest Washington. Police say at least three people were injured in a shooting and city officials are warning people in the area to stay inside because of an “active threat.” Dozens of law enforcement officers responded to the scene near Connecticut Avenue and Van Ness St. in the Van Ness neighborhood of Washington.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs To Host 2022 Billboard Music Awards

Music executive, rapper, and businessman Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs will host the 2022 Billboard Music Awards, airing May 15. 

By Brooks Welch

Music executive, rapper, and businessman Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs will host the 2022 Billboard Music Awards, airing May 15.

According to Billboard, the legendary music mogul/producer/rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs will host and executive produced the 2022 Billboard Music Awards. The hosting duties for the Bad Boy boss comes exactly 25 years after Combs took home his first BBMA in 1997 for his multi-platinum ‘No Way Out’ album.

“This will be unlike any awards show – I’m bringing the love and setting the frequency at an all-time high,” said two-time BBMA winner Combs in a statement. “The Billboard Music Awards truly represent the artists and where music is today, so I’m excited to curate the biggest live performances and surprises. The world has to tune in to see.”

As reported by People, the multi-hyphenate announced the big news an Instagram post on Friday.

“BIG ANNOUNCEMENT, BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!!” Diddy wrote alongside a video.

In the clip, Diddy loudly announced to his neighbors, “I’m the host with the most, I’m the executive producer that calls all the shots, that means I’m the ringmaster, P.T. Barnum style.”

“Ain’t no party like a Diddy party,” he added. “We’re gonna come through with one of the most disruptive lineups in music history with one of the most controversial hosts in musical history — Me!”

Last year’s host for the BBMAs was Nick Jonas, hosting from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. And in 2020, Kelly Clarkson returned to host the award show for the third time in a row, E! reports.

The May 15 event that will air live coast-to-coast from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas at 8 p.m. ET on NBC; it will also stream on the Peacock service.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgreEHJ5EQ0

Al Sharpton, Ben Crump Speak At Lyoya’s Funeral 

Patrick Lyoya was pulled over by a Grand Rapids police officer earlier this month. He was shot during a struggle with the officer.

(Grand Rapids, MI) — Reverend Al Sharpton says the death of a Black man killed by a white police officer in Michigan doesn’t end today. Speaking at Patrick Lyoya’s funeral, Sharpton said it’s a disgrace that the Grand Rapids Police Officer has not been identified yet by the department. He added it will not stand and called for the release of the officer’s name. Sharpton said every time a Black person commits a crime, their name is broadcast immediately. He asked if it was 2022 in Michigan or Mississippi in 1952. Sharpton said just like people are standing up for those victimized in Ukraine, people need to stand for Patrick who was also victimized. The Reverend said Congress needs to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and added this election year should be a test to see who stands for people of color.

Lyoya was pulled over by a Grand Rapids police officer earlier this month because his license plate didn’t match his car, and was shot during a struggle with the officer. An independent autopsy concluded that Lyoya, whose family came to America to escape violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was shot in the back of the head.

Sasha Obama And Clifton Powell’s Son Are Dating

Puppy love is in the air! Sasha Obama and actor Clifton Powell’s son Clifton Powell Jr. 

By Brooks Welch

Puppy love is in the air! Sasha Obama and actor Clifton Powell’s son Clifton Powell Jr are a rumored couple.

According to The Cut, last August, the former first daughter moved to L.A. after transferring to USC, and now, she reportedly has a boyfriend. The Daily Mail claims she’s dating Clifton Powell Jr., a commercial director and the son of actor Clifton Powell.

Powell Jr, who goes by the nicknames ‘Cliff’ and ‘CP3’, attended Village Christian High School in the San Fernando Valley. The 24-year-old never made any secret of his ambition for a life outside of sport, writing in his basketball bio that he hoped for a career as a broadcaster.

His mom, Kimberly Powell, reportedly runs a few businesses including an interior design company called ‘whateverUneed Designs’ and a catering company called Chef Kim. Powell Jr. also has a 29-year-old sister, May Powell, who also an entrepreneur and runs her own beauty business called Suga Honey Glam Incorporated

The outlet also reported that both Sasha and her sister Malia, 23, are now based on the West Coast with the older Obama sibling taking a job as a script writer for Donald Glover’s new Amazon project after graduating from Harvard last year. Sasha’s older sister Malia has been dating Brit Rory Farquharson since meeting him at Harvard in 2017.

On Tuesday, former First Lady Michelle gave an update on her daughters during an appearance on the Ellen Show.

She told the host, “They loved the Jonas Brothers. Now they are bringing grown men home.”

“Before it was just, like, pop bands. Now they have boyfriends and real lives,” she continued.

Anthony Anderson Didn’t Expect To Be So Emotional On Set Of ‘black-Ish’ Finale

Emotions are running high for actor Anthony Anderson as ‘black-ish” wrapped the series after an astonishing 8-year run. 

By Brooks Welch

Emotions are running high for actor Anthony Anderson as ‘black-ish” wrapped the series after an astonishing 8-year run.

As reported by People, during a recent appearance on ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show,’ the actor, 51, opened up about filming the final episode of the hit ABC series, revealing that he wasn’t able to hold back the tears.

“I did [cry]. I didn’t cry as much as Tracee Ellis Ross, though. She cried every day,” Anderson said. “Actually the last day, I think I cried a little bit more than [Ross] did, and I didn’t think it was going to hit me the way that it did.”

Anderson said he thought he was emotionally prepared to wrap the series — but he was quickly proven wrong.

“We knew what the last day was,” he said. “I had been prepping myself for it, and in the last scene on the last day is when I lost it, and it was unexpected for me. I didn’t expect to lose it the way that I did, but that just goes to show how much I love what I do [and] love doing it with the people that I did it with for the last eight years.”

The series was nominated for Best Comedy series four times during its run, reports Shadow And Act.

‘Black-ish,’ premiering back in 2014 with two spinoffs, ‘Grown-ish’ and ‘Mixed-ish,’ follows Andre Johnson (Anderson) the father of an upper class Black family who struggles to ensure his children remember their heritage despite growing up privileged in a predominantly white neighborhood (via Screen Rant).

During the interview with DeGeneres, Anderson said the series was the product of a conversation about what television was missing in terms of representation.

“When Kenya [Barris] and I sat down almost 10 years ago now, we looked at what was missing from the landscape of television for us — he and I as viewers — and we wanted to make an important show that had an impact,” he said.

“We took a page from Norman Lear’s book with ‘The Jeffersons,’ ‘Good Times,’ ‘All in the Family,’ and we wanted to do a show like that — a show that had social commentary, with unapologetic lead characters — and I believe we were successful.”

The final episode of “black-Ish” is available for streaming on Hulu.

Alicia Keys Heading On A World Tour

Singer and performer, Alicia Keys, is heading on a world tour.

She will perform in the UK, Spain, France and more. The tour will end in the United States.

In a post shared to Instagram, Keys promised the tour would be “crazzzyyyy” and said that she “Can’t wait to see your beautiful faces again soon!”

Keys will be in Baltimore August 3rd and Washington D.C. August 5th.

Tickets are already on sale.

 

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Snoop Dogg Reveals He Charges $250K for a Guest Verse

& That’ll only get you 16 bars.

Snoop appeared on the Full Send Podcast. He shared how much he charges for a guest verse. 16 bars will cost you $250,000 You want more than 16 bars? Then you will pay more. Oh, you want him in the music video too? That is an additional $250,000 and you only get him for one hour so you better get to filming and quickly.

Do you think Snoop’s price is fair?

 

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