(Washington, DC) — D.C. Council President Phil Mendelson is turning thumbs down on two appointees to the Arts and Humanities Commission. Mendelson said he would not advance the appointments of former D.C. First Lady Cora Barry and Natalie Hopkinson to the commission. Both were appointees from Mayor Muriel Bowser. Mendelson said the two nominees were controversial figures and he made his decision without consulting with other members of the commission. D.C. Council is expected to take up the appointees at its meeting later today.
Cora Masters-Barry, Former DC First Lady
You’ll be happy to know that the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is coming back this year.
The parade to mark the start of the holiday season will welcome back crowds this year after COVID 19 scrapped the parade route last year.
When it comes back on November 25th there will be 15 giant character balloons, 28 floats, 9 performance groups, 10 marching bands, over 800 clowns, and ole Saint Nick.
This will mark the 95th annual Macy’s Day Parade.
Have you ever been to the actual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? What are your favorite parade balloons?
VH1 is ringing in the holidays with its first-ever “Naughty or Nice” holiday specials. This seasons programming will include Jamie Foxx’s “Hip Hop Family Christmas” and will star Keri Hilson, Ne-Yo, Terrence J, Serayah, MC Lyte, Redman, Valarie Pettiford, Jodi Lyn O’Keefe, Demetrius Shipp Jr, Billy Sorrells, Jonathan Kite, B. Simone, Jess Hilarious, Niatia “Lil Mama” Kirkland, Vena E., Vanessa Simmons, and Tank.
Also scheduled to air is Nick Cannon’s “Miracles Across 125th Street.” The special, written, directed, and starring Cannon will feature appearances by Lil Kim, Chrisette Michele, Tommy Davidson, Bruce Bruce, Luenell, Kierra Sheard-Kelly, Fred Hammond, Karen Clark Sheard, Akon, DC Young Fly, Jim Jones, Rickey Smiley, Teyana Taylor, and more.
Jamie’s Christmas special will air on December 6th and Cannon’s is set for December 20th. Other programming includes holiday specials from Kim Fields who will bring her production, Adventures In Christmasing.
Eva Longoria’s production, “Let’s Get Merried” and RuPaul’s “The Bit_h That Stole Christmas.”
Kevin Hart’s action-comedy “The Man From Toronto” has been pushed back to next summer.
Originally slated for release in January 2022. The movie was to be Hart’s last collaboration with Sony. Kevin now has an exclusive development deal with Netflix.
“The Man From Toronto” finds Hart as a slacker who is forced to team up with an assassin, played by Woody Harrelson, after an Airbnb mixup.
Per Deadline, “The Man From Toronto” is to be released on August 12th.
The new 6 episode limited series Colin in Black and White debuted on Netflix over the weekend. The series, created by former NFL player Colin Kaepernick and filmmaker Ava DuVernay, is causing conversation over a particular scene in which the NFL selection process is compared to a slave auction.
Kaepernick says, “What they don’t want you to understand is what’s being established is a power dynamic… Before they put you on the field, teams poke, prod, and examine you. Searching for any defect that might affect your performance. No boundary respected. No dignity left intact.”
This episode shows a reenactment of the selection process for a team, this includes the team officials examining the players during a combine and as they run drills. The scene then has the players walk off-screen onto an auctioning block in shackles being haggled over and sold to white men.
Colin Kaepernick, in his new Netflix special, compares NFL training camps to slavery. pic.twitter.com/bu5C2alild
Opinions came in all forms as people took to social media to discuss their thoughts. Some found controversy in the message and others felt as though it was powerful and needed.
Kaepernick began his activism journey in 2016 where he took a knee during the national anthem in order to protest the injustices of Black people in this country. His peaceful act started the #takeaknee movement and received backlash from those who deemed it disrespectful.
Colin in Black and White is now streaming on Netflix
The singer wrote, “Today I closed on my first real estate investment project in Atlanta. It’s a 10 million dollar subdivision project and I’m super excited about it. It’s a small upscale private gated community that will have a nature walking trail, fishing pond, basketball court, pool, etc. The homes will start in the low one million and are located 15 mins from Buckhead.”
She gave thanks to her manager Richie Rich who included her in the deal. She goes on to say that this isn’t the last of real estate investments for her, she is looking to create affordable housing in her hometown, Baltimore, Maryland.
She will join a long list of investors in the Atlanta area. As reported last week T.I. and Tiny just shared the progress of the affordable housing investment in Bankhead.
This past Saturday in Cleveland Ohio, Jay-Z was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, making him the first living solo rap artist to be added. The ceremony was full of celebs featuring tributes by comedian Dave Chapelle and Former President of the United States Barack Obama.
The 23-time Grammy award winner is well deserved to be on the shortlist of solo rappers inducted into this Hall of Fame. Others include Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., and fellow 2021 inductee LL Cool J.
The night started out with a tribute video to the father of 3, led by his wife Beyonce and their daughter Blue Ivy. The two went back and forth reciting their favorite Jay-Z lyrics. The star-studded tribute video featured DJ Khaled, Sean Combs, Regina King, Jamie Foxx, Dr. Dre, and many many more.
The rapper began his speech by saying, “Thank you, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, for this incredible honor. And you know, growing up, we didn’t think we could be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. We were told that hip-hop was a fad,” During his speech he thanked many including, his mom Gloria Carter, sister Annie, business partners Tyran “Ty Ty” Smith and Damon Dash, and the late Notorious B.I.G.
According to People, The inductee ended his speech with, “Hopefully, I’m informing the next generation that anything is possible. I don’t know what’s next — In fact, I do know what’s next. I have to go to court Monday. There’s good and bad, life is about balance — But you know, tonight, we’re going to enjoy tonight. I appreciate this honor. Sorry for this long-ass speech, but I had to give it up. We did it, Brooklyn!”
Aside from the tribute video, Obama’s remarks came in a separate recording where he goes into how Jay-Z was an important part of his life.
“I’ve turned to Jay-Z’s words at different points in my life, whether I was brushing dirt off my shoulder on the campaign trail, or sampling his lyrics on the Edmund Pettus Bridge on the 50th anniversary of the Selma march to Montgomery,” said the former President.
This was not the first time that Obama has paid tribute to Jay-Z. Back in 2017 Jay-Z was the first rapper to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and at the time Obama said, “I’m pretty sure I’m still the only President to listen to Jay-Z’s music in the Oval Office,” according to NPR.
While Dave Chappelle, who has been under fire for recent controversy regarding transphobia in his newest special, was able to induct Jay- Z in person.
The comedian started off his speech by saying, “I would like to apologize. I’m just f— with you,” and then he got serious and went on to say, “I’m honored that I got a chance to know you.” Chappelle spoke of Jay-Z as the embodiment of Black excellence.
Jay-Z took to Twitter after the Ceremony showing his appreciation for everyone. Saying, “Thank you to everyone in that video package, I’m definitely gonna cry in the car.”
Thank you to everyone in that video package , I’m definitely gonna cry in the car .
Inspiring youth to look at a possible career in public safety. My guest this morning is opening up the doors to those possibilities. His organization is called the Coalition for Public Safety Training In Schools, Inc. My guest is William Taylor – President, Coalition for Public Safety Training In Schools
The Coalition for Public Safety Training in Schools is a non-profit organization geared toward the advocacy of local students interested in career in the field of public safety. For more information go here:
Tune in to Taking it to the Streets, weekday mornings at 6:15, 7:08 and 8:40 on the Steve Harvey Morning Show on 96.3 WHUR.
Follow me on facebook and twitter at @bobbygailes for updates and to stay connected.
There’s nothing like the smell of a new car. There’s the new leather, bouncy, comfortable seats and the feeling of accomplishment. Getting out of the old hoopty and into a new set of wheels. These days, getting into a new or nearly new car is a serious financial committment. From subcompact, economy cars to big baller luxury automobiles, cars have never been more expensive. If you want one… is now the time to buy? What should you know before you do?
Susan Hogan, Consumer Investigativer Reporter, News4 Washington
Randi Payton, Founder & Publisher, The Decisive Media Network
The 11th city that the Real Housewives franchise will explore will be the wonderful Dubai. This will be the first international location – Dubai, the city of riches, gold, and housewives.
The announcement was made November 1st by Andy Cohen that The Real Housewives of Dubai will be coming to Bravo in 2022.
Executive producer Andy Cohen announced his excitement on the Today show, “this is going to blow the lid off the entire franchise.’ He also referred to Dubai as the “billionaires playground, the city of gold, the desert oasis,” we are sure that RHOD will bring us all of that and more.
Although the cast has not yet been revealed, it is sure to highlight a group of wealthy women navigating their social status and careers.
According to Bravo, the newest addition of the Housewives will have, “‘The City of Gold’ as their backdrop with its desert paradise and stunning modern architecture, The Real Housewives of Dubai is sure to serve up its own unique opulence, drama, and surprising twists.”
The Real Housewives Franchise is forever expanding. The franchise includes The Real Housewives of New York City, The Real Housewives of Orange County, The Real Housewives of Atlanta, The Real Housewives of DC, The Real Housewives of New Jersey, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, The Real Housewives of Miami, The Real Housewives of Potomac, The Real Housewives of Dallas, and The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.
If you love coffee and Howard then this business is perfect for you.
Mia Kennedy Wallace, Howard Alumna class of ‘06, owns the coffee company Blue Bison Coffee. Affectionately named after her alma mater’s mascot. This Charlotte-based coffee company was started by Wallace in 2020. Wallace created this company with thoughts of introducing a safe way to keep people connected during a global pandemic, a mobile coffee shop is a way for people to maintain socially distanced but still social. Being a mother of 3 she felt the need to make something that is COVID-19 safe and family-friendly.
Her menu offers some fall favorites such as a pumpkin spice latte and caramel apple cider. Another ode to her alma matter would be her ‘Georgia Ave Blend’ a special blend of coffee named after the street near Howard University. This blend is a smooth dark roast with notes of dark chocolate, sure to be the pick-me-up you need.
Now in addition to serving great coffee, Blue Bison Coffee now ships coffee and merchandise across the US!
You can shop for Blue Bison Coffee on their website and follow them on Instagram @bluebisoncoffee!
The seemingly overnight Netflix sensation Squid Game keeps breaking record after record.
According to Deadline, this series is now the best performing series in the U.S.’s 2021 rankings, surpassing over three billion minutes viewed in a single week’s time. These rankings are for the week of Sept. 27th. Squid Game is the sixth title to ever hit this milestone.
A letter was sent from Netflix to its investors on Oct. 19th expressing its amazement over the show’s success since its debut in September. “A min-boggling 142m member households globally have chosen to watch the title in its first four weeks… The breadth of Squid Game’s popularity is truly amazing.”
The show cost $21.4 million to make and around Oct. 19th has earned an estimated $900 million in revenue. This show has been Netflix’s biggest series ever. Squid games nine episodes accrued a whopping 3.26 billion minutes of viewing the time frame of Sept. 27th to Oct. 3rd.
You know a show is big when Saturday Night Live makes a skit about it. The night show did just that on Oct. 16th, featuring Pete Davidson and guest host Rami Malek.
The idea for Squid Game stems from the personal financial struggles of the creator Hwang-Dong-hyuk.
DALLAS (AP) — American Airlines is still trying to dig out from under a blizzard of cancelled flights over the last few days. By midday Monday, American had canceled more than 350 flights. It’s the fourth straight day of major disruptions at American, which canceled more than 1,000 flights on Sunday. American hopes to fix its operation by hiring more flight attendants, pilots and reservations agents. The airline encouraged thousands of workers to quit last year when air travel collapsed during the pandemic, then was caught shorthanded when travel bounced back this year.
(Rockville, MD) — A week after its mask mandate ended, Montgomery County is poised to reinstate the restriction. Montgomery County’s acting health officer, Doctor James Bridgers says the move comes as the county has returned to the substantial transmission category of COVID guidelines. Under consideration by the county is a return to mandatory indoor mask wearing starting Wednesday. Doctor Bridgers say the Board of Health may mandate the use of masks unless the board amends the current regulation. Currently the board requires mandatory mask wearing if the county’s rate of transmission increases to the substantial level at any time during or after a seven-day period.
Coronavirus deaths globally hit new milestone with the United States leading in overall deaths worldwide.
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Washington, D.C. (Monday, November 1, 2021) – The worldwide COVID-19 death toll has marked another dubious milestone. More than 5 million people around the globe have now died from the coronavirus. Even with that staggering figure, health experts say the number is still undoubtedly much higher.
The United States accounts for over 745,000 of those deaths. That’s the most of any other country. The global death toll is tallied by Johns Hopkins University and is about equal to the populations of San Francisco and Los Angeles combined.
Globally, COVID is now the third leading cause of death behind heart disease and stroke.
The 5 million death toll is likely an undercount because of limited testing and people dying at home without medical assistance, especially in poor parts of the world, like India.
100 titles are coming to Netflix in November.
That means about 40 titles are leaving the platform.
Here’s what leaving Netflix:
Fruitvale Station
Million Dollar Baby
Pineapple Express
School of Rock
The Lovers
Richard Pryor: Live in Concert
Also leaving are all 6 seasons of Glee.
What’s on your list of things to watch on Netflix?
En Root Travel is the company that we never knew we needed.
Howard Alumnae Tyshana Richard and Nicole Sahbaee co-founded En Root Travel with the mission to “curate high quality, all-inclusive trips that connect HBCU alumni to Black cultures throughout the African Diaspora.” Both Richard and Sahbaee graduated from Howard University, Class of 2018.
“Black-owned businesses are vital in our trip curation process and we make every effort to support them as much as we can in America and in the countries we travel to.” – Nicole and Tshana.
With the three goals of tourism, service, and culture these women spend months planning trips that will give black people access to discover one’s culture. They’ve planned trips to the Bahamas and South Africa. The company also has itineraries for 2022 trips available that you can join, these include Jamaica, South Africa, Mexico, and more!
To learn more about their company and to join in on the travel, you can go to their website www.enroottravel.com and follow them on Instagram @enroottravel!
Can you believe it has been 25 years since Oprah started her Favorite Things list?
It started on her TV show and since her TV show ended she moved the feature online.
This year, in honor of the 25th anniversary of her Favorite Things list Oprah is focusing her list on small businesses and businesses owned by women and people of color.
The list is up now and available for people to purchase the items on Amazon.
Have you ever purchased an item from Oprah’s Favorite Things List?
Longtime news anchor, Jovita Moore, died Thursday after seven months of battling an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Moore was an award-winning news anchor with WSB-TV since 1998, she was 53 years old. Prior to WSB-TV, she worked at WMC-TV in Mephis and KFSM in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Fort Smith Arkansas.
She had an extremely successful career winning many Emmy Awards, coving multiple major events, even the inauguration of former President Barack Obama in 2009.
Her death has led to support and love all throughout social media, mourning the loss of a wonderful mother, daughter, and friend. Mayor of Atlanta Keisha Lance Bottoms shared to Twitter that her family is “deeply saddened by the loss of our friend.” She also went on to say “Even those who did not know her personally felt a deep and personal connection to Jovita.”
There were sentiments shared by Tyler Perry who said, “I will miss your beautiful smile and warm laughter, let alone seeing you in my living room every day.” as well as Rev. Bernice King who said Moore, “was a tremendous blessing to metro Atlanta and the world and many others.
Jovita Moore
We know you fought with all you had! I will miss your beautiful smile and warm laughter, let alone seeing you in my living room everyday. You will be missed greatly my friend.
Many heartfelt prayers to your family. May your soul travel well!
My heart goes out to Jovita’s family. She was a tremendous blessing to metro Atlanta and the world, but her family was most precious to her. Praying for those closest to her, including her beloved @wsbtv community. A well-lived life. #JovitaStrong#JovitaMoorepic.twitter.com/2B03yYmVSp
The reporter was diagnosed with glioblastoma that often does not have a cure but can only be slowed with treatment. “I was really concerned about why all of a sudden I was forgetful, disoriented, and just not feeling myself. Feeling like I was in a fog and really want to get out of that fog,” Moore said earlier this year.
Moore is survived by her mother, her two children, and her stepdaughter.
The hit book Ada Twist, Scientist has been adapted into a Netflix series that both children and parents can enjoy. It also features a Howard Alumna who we are very proud of!
The picture book series was created by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Robert. The bestseller was indeed a hard act to follow but Higher Ground Productions understood the assignment. This production company is run by former US president Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama.
The story follows 8-year-old Ada, a young girl who loves science and wants to figure out how everything in the world works. She does so by asking questions, going on fact-finding missions, and engaging yet informing scientific experiments. With the help of her best friends Iggy Peck and Rosie Revere, her dad, older brother, her cat, and her mom who happens to be the voice of Howard Alumna, Susan Kelechi Watson.
Watson graduated from Howard University’s School of Fine Arts. She is most known for her current role in This is Us, as Beth Pearson. This Howard alum does not miss and we love to see it.
She is now the voice of Ada’s mom on the new Netflix cartoon, Ada Twist, Scientist that is available for streaming now!
As most women know there is a stigma centered around being a single woman, especially for a period of time or at a certain age. Tracee Ellis Ross refuses to live her life feeling pressured by this stigma and the pressures of society.
The 48-year-old actress opened up about living life her way and loving herself as she looked amazing on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar’s November issue. With never being married or having a romantic relationship heavy in the eye of the public people have deemed her “the poster child for being single.” She responds saying, “Great. But what I would prefer is that I’m the poster child for living my life on my terms. And that there’s a version of that for everyone.”
Ross mentioned that there are only examples of women being happy through the lens of how they’re seen by a man. She explains, “ I didn’t see enough examples of different versions of how a woman can find happiness and joy and power and sensuality, sexuality, all of that, without it being through the lens of how I’m seen by a man.”
She is a woman who is comfortable in her skin and doesn’t live her life for anyone but her, which she expressed has been a “really long journey.”
The sitcom star is finding more beauty in her every day, she says “I’m the sexiest I’ve ever been. And when I say that, I mean I feel the most myself.”
Grab your skates and get ready for a roll down memory lane as we feature a look at DMVs love for roller skating and why a NEW film is helping roller skating make a big comeback. My guest is Trenillo “Tree Walters” – Writer, Director and Executive Director of Old School Rollers
Old School Rollers upcoming screening will be Sunday, November 7th @ 4pm at the AMC Magic Johnson Theater 800 Shoppers Way in Largo.
Tune in to Taking it to the Streets, weekday mornings at 6:15, 7:08 and 8:40 on the Steve Harvey Morning Show on 96.3 WHUR.
Follow me on facebook and twitter at @bobbygailes for updates and to stay connected.
This Halloween weekend will bring plenty of ghosts, goblins and witches to your door. You’re probably expecting them. What you’re not expecting and certainly not wanting this weekend or any other weekend, are other scary little creatures. Spiders, waterbugs, centipedes, ants, roaches, fruitflies and mice. Depending on where you live, snakes or lizards are not uncommon. For some of us, no matter how hard we try, we can’t seem to get rid of them. They’re annoying and sometimes scary. What do you do?
Resources:
Van Postell, President/Owner, Blazin’ Pest Control: 301-532-2138
(Washington, DC) — Time is running out for thousands of school employees in the District to get vaccinated against COVID-19. All adults who are regularly inside public, charter, private, and parochial schools as well as child care facilities must roll up their sleeves and take the shot by Monday. Mayor Muriel Bowser stated that bus drivers and regular volunteers are included and there is no test out option. City officials are expecting everyone to do their part and follow suit by Monday.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration has paved the way for children ages 5 to 11 to get Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. The agency authorized the kid-size doses on Friday. But there’s one more regulatory hurdle. Next week, advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will discuss which youngsters should get vaccinated. In the meantime, Pfizer plans to begin shipping millions of vials of the pediatric vaccine to doctor’s offices, pharmacies and other vaccination sites. The kid-size doses are just a third of the amount given to teens and adults.
Cynthia Bailey has revealed why she missed NeNe Leakes’ husband Gregg’s funeral.
Earlier in the week, NeNe did a radio interview and spilled the tea that Cynthia “didn’t even come to the repast.” She did later reveal that Cynthia did “come a week later after everything was done.”
In a sit down with The New York Post, Bailey revealed that she and her husband Mike Hill were out of town at the time of the funeral. Bailey did reveal that she “felt bad” about missing the service.
Gregg Leakes died on September 1 after a battle with colon cancer.
Do you think that Cynthia should’ve come back to be with her friend? Would you have still been upset with Cynthia for missing the funeral?
Hip-Hop Legend Kangol Kid is currently fighting for his life.
Back in February, the pioneer was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer and was admitted to the hospital this week to undergo surgery.
Everyone, please support my brother Kangol Kid from UTFO, said hip-hop promoter Van Sylk who is also battling Stage 4 cancer.
Kangol went into surgery on Thursday. There hasn’t been an update published on his condition.
How has cancer impacted your family? How soon do you think we’ll find a cure for cancer?
Michael Jackson’s oldest son Prince Jackson was a guest on Good Morning Britain when he was asked what his father would think of Britney Spears and her wanting her conservatorship to come to an end.
Prince says he never heard his father mention Britney and her conservatorship but he says, “knowing my father and the compassion that he had for individuals who wanted to remain in control of their own life as it was his goal to be in control of his own life, I would think that he would be very supportive of her cause.”
Prince continues to promote his father’s legacy with philanthropy. He will be hosting “Thriller Nights” on the family’s estate this Halloween.
An autographed Serena Williams rookie card has sold for a record-setting $44,280 at an auction in New Jersey last weekend, according to ESPN.
The previous record for a female athlete was a Mai Hamm rookie card which sold for $34,440.
The executive chairman of Goldin Auctions said there are a lot of people putting together GOAT collections: “They want Pete, Ali, Jordan, Tiger, Brady, and they include Serena. I think that’s the single biggest impact that is lifting her cards above all other women athletes.”
A 2003-04 LeBron James card sold at the same auction for $2.46 million.
Why is there still such a disparity in media coverage and things like sports cards for women athletes compared to men?
Atlanta rapper T.I. and his wife Tiny shared their new development project via Instagram. The ‘Whatever You Like’ rapper is adding this project to others in his repertoire, in 2017 he founded Buy Back the Block, a real estate venture that will reinvent his old neighborhood one building at a time. T.I. posted a video showing the land for his affordable housing development and the progress being made. In which, he states they are about 40% done and they should be done by sometime next year. This development of affordable housing is in Bankhead Atlanta, the neighborhood where T.I. grew up.
In the video, when referring to his new development T.I. says, “This right here used to be the old K-Mart, Giant Foord, and now we have affordable housing. 143 units going up. Big huge community ya dig?” It was also said that there is to be a community center, greenhouse, and garden in this new affordable housing project. The rapper mentions his excitement for the project, “This is our first project as developers [and] we’re proud of it.”
Tiny also posted the property on her story with the caption, “God just keeps blessing us to bless others. @Troubleman31 U da Man!! I love to say our big project is coming along.”
The couple faced criminal allegations earlier this year as 17 of 30 women came forward to press charges against the two. Per their lawyer, the victims have accused them of varying degrees of sexual abuse, drugging, and harassment. According to prosecutors, they did not face charges due to the expired statute of limitations on the incident in question which occurred in 2005.
Chris Brown has two children, seven-year-old Royalty, and one-year-old Aeko, and according to a friend of the singer he goes above and beyond to connect with his children, especially Aeko who lives in Germany with his mother. “Chris and Ammika don’t always see eye to eye, but Chris makes every intention to be in contact with his son and send him funny video messages and singing messages,” a source told HollywoodLife.com. Brown hates to be away from his son and the source says the singer is gearing up for Aeko’s second birthday, “When Chris makes plans to do something, he always goes big. And he also loves surprises so if he has anything planned in the immediate future (as far as traveling to see him or sending pricey gifts) he’s definitely keeping it under wraps.” Do you live apart from your children? How do you connect with them?
Unless you’ve been under a rock you know Adele is back and has dropped her single, “Easy On Me,” and now the singer is getting ready for a star-studded television special and interview with Oprah.
The singer was recently doing an interview with a British radio show when she was asked if she ever let other celebrities give her advice on her music.
Adele revealed that she had played music for Drake last year but she doesn’t send it to various people. “That’s it….just Drake,” she said.
Drake gave her the thumbs up, posting on social media, “One of my best friends in the world just dropped a single… WOIIIIIII.”
Adele’s television special will air on November 14th on CBS and comes days before the release of her album “30” on November 19th. Lizzo, Kris Jenner, Gordon Ramsey, and Ellen DeGeneres were among the 300 people who attended the live taping.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama will be a guest star on the final season of ABC’s Black-ish.
I’ve been a fan of Black-ish’s wit and all-around brilliance, Michelle Obama said on Instagram. It was such a thrill to join in for an episode. I can’t wait for you all to see it.
Creator Kenya Barris announced that the show would be coming to an end with season eight back in May.
The final season is set to premiere next year. The exact date hasn’t been revealed yet.
What’s been your favorite Black-ish episode?
ALL the Ladies were here this week… and we spilled the tea. We laughed and talked about everything trending. From the Alec Baldwin shooting tragedy, Drake’s new boo, and the strains on a relationship while on a reality show.
Fair Fight Action, Stacey Abrams‘ voting rights organization, has donated more than $1 million to help fight medical debts in five states.
This organization created by Abrams, former Georgia gubernatorial candidate, and activist, has donated $1.34 million to the nonprofit organization RIP Medical Debt, according to a press release. This donation will go towards a debt originally totaling $212 million owed by 108,000 people across five states: Georgia, Louisiana, Arizona, Mississippi, and Alabama. This is the third-largest gift in RIP Medical Debt’s history.
RIP Medical Debt Says, “The more than 108,000 individuals will receive a letter in the coming days, contained in a yellow envelop, informing them that their debt has been relieved.” Abrams discusses her first-hand experience with medical costs in one statement, she also says, “For people of color, the working poor and middle-class families facing crushing costs, we hope to relieve the strain on desperate Americans and on hospitals struggling to remain open.”
Fair fight Action decided to focus its effort on the South this time around due to the fact medical debt is 30% higher in the South than in the North. The combined unpaid medical debt in America is now $141 billion – which doubles the estimates from earlier in this year.
The organization would like to promote full Medicaid expansion across the country to decrease the 72% of black households with debt and the 78% of households with a householder of Hispanic origin that carry debt.
Lots of fun, thrills, and scream. Busch Gardens Williamsburg is open serving up safe, fun, and family friendly excitement just in time for Halloween. My guest is Matthew Edwards – Entertainment Manager for Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream is back Williamsburg. For hours and more information go here:
Tune in to Taking it to the Streets, weekday mornings at 6:15, 7:08 and 8:40 on the Steve Harvey Morning Show on 96.3 WHUR.
Follow me on facebook and twitter at @bobbygailes for updates and to stay connected.
What was Chocolate City like with D.C.’s favorite radio station, WHUR, back in the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s? Press play to reminisce with Kojo Nnamdi, Karen Campbell, Mansy Pullen and John Monds, and Candy Shannon. What a night!
Are you a DC roller skating fan? Even if you’re not, you know it’s a culture all its own. A new independent film looks at DC skate culture while weaving family and friendship into a homegrown storyline.
For free passes to the movie, email a request to: promotions@whur.com
Passes are available as long as they last.
Tree Walters, Walters, Writer, Director, Executive Producer, “Old School Rollers”Kenneth “Rollo” Davis, Actor
(Washington, DC) — President Biden is urging Democrats to support his social spending package in an effort to finally get it passed through Congress. In a White House speech, Biden insisted the legislation is “fully paid for” and called it a historic economic deal. The framework expands the social safety net while making a significant investment in the fight against climate change. Biden has little margin for error with a razor thin majority in the House and a 50-50 Senate, though Vice President Harris can act as a tiebreaker in the Senate.
The ‘Sex and the City’ revival entitled ‘And Just Like That’ is set to air December 2021, added its newest addition to the cast, Nicole Ari Parker. She announced that the show will address race this time around.
According to The Jasmine Brand, Parker said “I’m excited to be a part of something that’s different for them. We can talk about the elephant in the room that there were no fully fleshed-out characters of color, but now here’s the four of us.” She went on to say, “We’re real people, and they’ve been great to work with, and some of our [storylines] deal with race and deal with real experiences. It’s New York City!”
Joining Nicole Ari Parker in the reboot will be Sara Ramirez, Sarita Choudry, and Karen Pittman, who are all people of color. Parker will play Carrie Bradshaw’s best friend, a character named Lisa Todd Wexley. It is reported that Kim Cattral, who starred as Samantha Jones in the original, will not be returning to appear in the reboot. This was announced back in August around the same time news broke of Parker joining the cast.
Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, and Cynthia Nixon will reprise their original characters.
For original fans worrying about the new storylines, Parker reassured them saying, “We’re grown a** women, so we know how to keep it sexy. It’s piping hot.”
Catch the reboot ‘And Just Like That’ in December on HBO.
Car rental company Hertz is ordering 100,000 electric vehicles from Tesla. The company says it’s buying the Tesla Model 3s by the end of 2022, and it also will buy electric vehicle chargers. No price was given for the order, but it has to be worth around $4 billion because each Model 3 has a base price of around $40,000. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Singer Chante Moore revealed to her fans earlier this week that she is engaged to former VP of BET Stephen Hill.
The happy couple shared photos of them celebrating Hill’s 60th birthday on their respective Instagram pages. Moore shared an image of the two cozied up on a yacht staring off into the sunset with a gushy caption to her boo.
In this post, Moore said she, “couldn’t think of a better way to say~what love, peace, and joy I feel~ because of you @stephengranthill.” Hill also posted the same photo on his page, captioning it, “This has been my best year ever and the continuation of that best is just beginning.” He ended this post by saying, “Best birthday ever. I love you. #RightOneSavedMyLife.”
This would be Moore’s third marriage. She was previously married to actor Kadeem Hardison, with whom she has a daughter, and singer Kenny Latimore, with whom she shares a son.
After 17 years at BET, Hill left in 2017. Most recently, he has had a helping hand in the American Music Awards, which airs Nov. 21st.
In the post, she also thanked her ‘sisters,’ Taj George and LeLee Lyons, for being there for her through that scary moment. The R&B group stays busy and we hope that they are taking care of themselves as well. We are sending love to Coko, we are happy she’s okay and was able to continue the show.
It’s time to cast your ballots DMV. Voting is underway for the WHUR Community’s Choice Awards and it’s your chance to say who’s the best of the best in our region. My guest is Darlene Jackson – WHUR Promotions Director
Voting now underway October 25th – November 12th for WHUR Community’s Choice Goldie Awards. Help WHUR recognize greatness in our community. www.whur.com
Tune in to Taking it to the Streets, weekday mornings at 6:15, 7:08 and 8:40 on the Steve Harvey Morning Show on 96.3 WHUR.
Follow me on facebook and twitter at @bobbygailes for updates and to stay connected.
Conservation is the word of today and my guest this morning is all about bringing more diversity to the field of wildlife conversation. My guest is Lynn Mento – CEO of Conversation Nation.
Conservation Nation is a passionate team committed to saving species by making the field of wildlife conservation accessible to a broad group of people. For more information go here:
Tune in to Taking it to the Streets, weekday mornings at 6:15, 7:08 and 8:40 on the Steve Harvey Morning Show on 96.3 WHUR.
Follow me on facebook and twitter at @bobbygailes for updates and to stay connected.
(Washington, DC) — D.C. Council is set to consider a vaccine mandate for students. A virtual public hearing on the mandate is scheduled for today. The Council legislation would require all eligible students in D.C. Public Schools, public charter schools, independent, private, and parochial schools to get the vaccine by December 15th. The vaccine mandate would be waived if the student is exempt for religious or medical reasons. Some council members are encouraging the COVID vaccine to be part of the list of immunizations students are required to receive every school year.
By MARK KENNEDY AP Entertainment Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — Minnesota’s Congressional delegation on Monday is introducing a resolution to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to pop superstar Prince, citing his “indelible mark on Minnesota and American culture,” The Associated Press has learned. The medal is one of the nation’s highest civilian honors and past recipients include George Washington, Rosa Parks, Mother Teresa, the Tuskegee Airmen and the Dalai Lama. Prince, whose hits include “Little Red Corvette,” “Let’s Go Crazy” and “When Doves Cry,” died in 2016. The resolution for Prince is led by U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Democrat who represents Minneapolis, and Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who represents the state.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Television shows that reflect the nation’s increasing racial and ethnic diversity are finding favor with industry gatekeepers and viewers. That’s according to a newly released University of California, Los Angeles, study of the 2019-20 TV season. The UCLA study found audience enthusiasm for shows such as creator-star Issa Rae’s “Insecure” proves that inclusion pays business as well as social dividends. One of the study’s authors says the biggest takeaway is “the mounting evidence” of the importance of diversity to today’s TV viewers. For viewers of all races and ethnicities, median ratings were highest for scripted broadcast shows in which people of color represented about a third of the credited writers.
BURBANK, Calif. (AP) — Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy was interviewed by The Associated Press on efforts to make the Grammys more inclusive. He also talked about other happenings in the music industry and cancel culture. Mason addresses the rumors about R. Kelly’s Grammys being rescinded now that the singer has a criminal conviction, and country singer Morgan Wallen’s nominations status following his use of racial slurs. Mason touched on the academy becoming a place to educate musicians who might be misinformed on certain topics such as diversity, inclusion, race relations and LGBTQ issues. He also opened up about why he lowercased “jr.” in his name.
