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The Beauty of Autumn is on Display

MGM National Harbor debuts it’s new seasonal conservatory display of beautiful florals

Posted by Bobby Gailes
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Fall is here and I have just the spot for you to take in all the beauty and colors of Autumn.  MGM National Harbor’s Conservatory has a new display to help you Fall in love with the season.  My guest is Ernest Lewis – Vice President of Facilities and Horticulture for MGM National Harbor

MGM National Harbor marks fall with the debut of its new seasonal Conservatory display, featuring vibrant florals, giant cascading leaves and whimsical elements celebrating the beauty of autumn.   The display will be in place thru November 8th.  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.

 

 

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Fall Fashion Tips

Our fashion experts are here to help with head to toe tips. 

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Have you been outside lately?  Gone are the days of the oppressive heat and humidity.  Time for cool breezes and cool looks for Fall.  Are you ready to look your Fall fashion best this year?  Our fashion experts are here to help with head to toe tips.  Lauren Evette is a DC fashion blogger and Tinea Porter is a creative and life stylist.  These are the ladies in the know!

Tinea Porter, Creative & Life Stylist

Lauren Evette, DC Fashion Blogger

WFT On The Road Again Sunday

The Washington Football Team will take on the Atlanta Falcons

Posted by Harold Fisher
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(Ashburn, VA) — The Washington Football Team will take on the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday in a battle of 1-and-2 teams. Washington has hopes to turn the page after a beatdown last Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. The Washington offense looks to take some pressure off of the defense by getting on the board early compared to last week where they found themselves in a 21-to-nothing hole in the second-quarter. All of the action goes down Sunday at 1 o’clock from Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

 

Why Climate Change Is Making It Harder To Chase Fall Foliage

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By PATRICK WHITTLE Associated Press
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Recent leaf-peeping seasons have been disrupted by weather conditions in New England, New York and elsewhere. Arborists and ecologists say the trend is likely to continue as the planet warms. The leaves have been subjected to droughts that cause leaves to turn brown and wither before they can reach peak color. There have also been heat waves prompting leaves to fall before autumn even arrives, and extreme weather events that strip trees of their leaves altogether. The warming is also pushing back the start of the foliage season in some parts of the country.

Dre, Snoop, Eminem, Blige, Lamar To Perform At Super Bowl

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By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr. AP Entertainment Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar will perform for the first time together on stage at the 2022 Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show. The NFL, Pepsi and Roc Nation announced Thursday that the five music icons will perform on Feb. 13 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Lamar are Southern California natives. It’s the third year of collaboration between the NFL, Pepsi and Roc Nation. Roc Nation founder Jay-Z said in a statement that their show will be “history in the making.” The 2022 game will be the first time the Super Bowl has been played in the Los Angeles area since 1993.

A Star Studded Weekend to Benefit HBCU’s

The 100 Black Men of America is hosting weekend events to benefit HBCU’s

Posted by Bobby Gailes
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The 100 Black Men of America are hosting a series of charity events this weekend to benefit HBCU’s.  My guest this morning is Walter Kirkland – Board member 100 Black Men of America

It all kicks off Saturday evening at SoBe restaurant and lounge, then on Sunday, an HBCU roundtable discussion with Washington Football Great Doug Williams and the members of the Howard University Golf Team.  Then on Monday, it’s their Golf Tournament with Clinics, raffles, food, artwork and more.   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.

 

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Common Says Authenticity Is The Key To Everything!

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Multiple Grammy Award, Emmy Award, Academy Award winner Common is an adored artist, author, actor, and activist. But, now let me add “charming” to that list. What a great conversation.

Listen to what he says about being able to communicate a positive message without being preachy… God forbid: corny. I’m pretty sure you’ll not only agree with him, but you’ll love what he has to say.

He’s got a lot to be happy about. Common just dropped his new album: “A BEAUTIFUL REVOLUTION PT. 2!”

Press play to hear all about it.

Caring for Aging Parents and Relatives

Resources for aging loved ones.

Posted by Harold Fisher
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They took care of you were you were growing up.  They raised you. Now things have changed.  Your parents or other loved ones are getting older, vulnerable and they need a little help or a lot. How do you go about that?  September is Healthy Aging Month and we have experts to walk us through this delicate issue.

Resources:

AARP Caregiving

Alzheimer’s Association

Caregiver Resources AARP Hotline: 877-333-5885

DC Department of Aging and Community Living: 202-724-5626

Rita Choula, Director of Caregiving, The AARP Public Policy Institute

Laura Newland, Director, DC Department of Aging and Community Living

Eminem Opens Up His Own Restaurant, ‘Mom’s Spaghetti’

Eminem opens his own restaurant in his hometown, serving spaghetti.

Posted by WHUR Contributor
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Eminem is not only a rapper, actor, and producer but he opened up his own restaurant Wednesday so he can now add restauranteur to his resume. This Italian eatery is named, ‘Mom’s Spaghetti’ in downtown Detroit. And if you haven’t recognized it yet, ‘Mom’s Spaghetti is from his single that featured in the movie ‘8 Mile’ titled ‘Lose Yourself.’

The restaurant first started as pop-ups to see if the crowd would really be interested, and continue to dine there all year round. So, with the success of the pop-up shops, Eminem decided to open up a permanent place, which features all things pasta fixings. As well as the upstairs of the restaurant is a store for merchandise and memorabilia of his character B-Rabbit, from ‘8 Mile.’

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Marshall Mathers (@eminem)

For his grand opening of ‘Mom’s Spaghetti’, located at 2131 Woodward Ave.,  Eminem served customers himself creating an even more surreal experience for his fans/customers.

Youtube Banning All Anti-Vaccine Content

Youtube bans all content that’s contributing to the anti-vaccine narrative.

Posted by WHUR Contributor
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Contributed by Lauren Taylor 

Originally, YouTube would only take down videos that stated the coronavirus vaccine isn’t trustworthy and dangerous. According to the Washington Post, now any and all videos discrediting vaccines no matter the disease it’s meant to prevent will get removed from the site.

The Google-owned company has been trying to sustain against the backlash of lawmakers and regulators, they’ve always stood on the values of their platform being open for free speech. Fearing that policing their content or content creators would take away from that. YouTube conceded in changing their policies once the company took the blame for this pool of misinformation.

Hany Farid’s thoughts on YouTube’s policies, “You create this breeding ground and when you deplatform it doesn’t go away, they just migrate”, Farid is a computer science professor and misinformation researcher at the University of California at Berkeley. He believes that these policies should’ve been enacted prior to the launch of the vaccine. On the other hand, Matt Halprin, YouTube’s vice president of global trust and safety, says things like that take time.

The controversy between censoring content too much and not censoring enough is an ongoing battle, especially for YouTube.

Porsha Williams Isn’t Returning to RHOA

Porsha Williams confirmed is leaving RHOA after 10 years.

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Contributed by Lauren Taylor

Porsha Williams has been on Real Housewives of Atlanta for an entire decade. But much like her former co-star Cynthia Bailey she announces her decision not to return for the next season via Instagram.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by #PorshaWilliams 🧿 (@porsha4real)

She hints that she’ll be back on TV very soon with a wink, do we see a possible spin-off in her future? She also mentioned her memoir, ‘The Pursuit of Porsha,’ which will be hitting shelves on November 16th.

Both Porsha and Cynthia will be missed on the show and we are excited to see who will be the new members next season.

Final Season Trailer for ‘Insecure’ Just Dropped

Insecure’s final season trailer is here! Filled with glimpses of what this last season will be all about.

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Contributed by Lauren Taylor

The beloved show ‘Insecure’ created by Issa Rae, comes to an end. HBO just released the trailer for its fifth and final season, a bittersweet moment for us all. Issa tweeted “Can’t believe this is the last #InsecureHBO trailer I’ll ever share. See you October 24th!” I’m not crying, you are!

In this trailer, we see that Molly and Issa are still having their ups and downs, Issa is still trying to figure out her life and if she’s where she’s supposed to be, and more.

Congressional Members Share Abortion Stories

Rep. Cori Bush of Missouri said Thursday she became pregnant soon after high school graduation when she was raped on a church trip.

Posted by Harold Fisher
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Three Democratic members of Congress have offered deeply personal testimony about their own abortions as a congressional committee looks at how to respond to conservative states that are passing laws limiting abortion access. Rep. Cori Bush of Missouri said Thursday she became pregnant soon after high school graduation when she was raped on a church trip. Rep. Barbara Lee of California says she received a “back-alley” abortion in Mexico after a teenage pregnancy. Rep. Pramila Jayapal says she chose an abortion after being told her pregnancy would be high risk for her and the baby. Republican Rep. Kat Cammack of Florida says her mother was urged by doctors to have an abortion but “chose life.”

Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., testifies about her experience being raped and a subsequent abortion, Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021, during a House Committee on Oversight and Reform hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington.

Big Drop in US Teen Vaping

COVID school closures a factor

Posted by Harold Fisher
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WASHINGTON (AP) — Government researchers reported a big drop in teen vaping this year as many U.S. students stayed home from school during the pandemic. Survey results released Thursday give the first indication of how COVID-19 disruptions may have slowed the underage use of electronic cigarettes. Government officials urged caution in comparing the latest survey numbers to prior years, because of differences in how the results were gathered. But outside researchers said the drop is likely real and makes sense given that young people often vape socially. In the survey 11% percent of high school students said they regularly vape, down from nearly 20% last year.

Netflix Shares Teaser For New Dave Chappelle Special ‘The Closer’

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https://youtu.be/T59ij-vlNAE

The trailer for Dave Chappelle’s sixth and final Netflix special, The Closer, is out.
In the teaser, they flashback and show clips of the other five specials, and Dave says, “Comedians have a responsibility to speak recklessly.”
Visually, the special looks similar to his previous ones.
The Closer will be out on October 5th.
Which Dave Chappelle project has been your favorite?

Shaquille O’Neal is Done Being a Celebrity

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Shaquille O’Neal says he is throwing in the towel when it comes to being a celebrity.
He said, “Celebrities are crazy. They really are. Don’t call me that anymore. These people are out of their freaking mind with how they treat people, what they do, what they say. That’s never been me. I never want to be looked at like that.”
He added, “All my life, everyone probably gets stereotyped but us celebrities, we get stereotyped because most of these celebrities are out of their mind. I don’t do that. I’m a regular person that listened, followed his dreams, and made it.”
He also said he doesn’t think he’s better than anyone because he has money.
Do you consider Shaq to be a celebrity?

Nicki Minaj’s Son Turns 1 Today

‘Papa Bear’ turns 1! Barbs, Nicki’s fans, celebrate him all over social media.

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Contributed by Lauren Taylor

Nicki Minaj gave birth to her son with her husband, Kenneth Petty, on Sept. 30th of last year. She has not yet revealed his name to the media. In the few times she posted her son, she called him ‘Papa Bear’ and her fans loved it.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Barbie (@nickiminaj)

Although today is his birthday she has not made a post about it on social media. Nonetheless, her fans are extremely excited and celebrate him all over social media making ‘Papa Bear’ a trending topic on Twitter.

Nene Leakes Shares What Gregg’s Last Word Were To Her

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Nene Leakes is sharing what her late husband Gregg Leakes’ last words were to her before he died.
She said that he told her, “I’m not going to leave you. God is going to bless you,” before dying.
She adds that his final days were really special. “All of his children were there. His best friends were there. Our closest friends were there. We all sat with him around the clock. We talked a lot, and we made peace with what was happening,” she added.
Gregg died on September 1.
What is the saddest death you’ve experienced?

Ashanti Reveals She Owns Her Masters and Will Re-Record Her Debut

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https://youtu.be/SbVXT8Eyi3Q

On the Tamron Hall show, Ashanti revealed that she would re-record her debut album.
She talked about now owning her Masters and said, “It’s surreal. I have an amazing legal team, and I got my first record deal when I was 14 years old, so understanding and seeing how things have changed so much from then to now and conceptually understanding what you’re singing is so imperative. It’s so important nowadays. The fact that I’ll be able to re-record my first album and put everything together.”
She also said, “It’s such a blessing, you know, the fact that we are still here, we’re living through a pandemic, and these blessings are still coming in, it just makes me so happy again, so humbled, and such a believer.”
Online, some fans were confused as to why she needs to re-record her first album if she owns it.
Do you think recording an album is exhausting to artists or fun?

Bill Cosby Thinks R. Kelly Was ‘Railroaded’ At Sex-Trafficking Trial

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Bill Cosby is giving his two cents about R. Kelly’s sex-trafficking trial.
Cosby’s reps said the former actor feels R. Kelly was “railroaded.”
He also says he “was screwed” and “wasn’t going to catch a break.”
Of course, the memes started circling as fans on social media got wind of what Cosby said.
Do you think Cosby should speak on this topic?

Dollar Tree is Raising Prices

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Say goodbye to the low prices at Dollar Tree. The company has announced they are raising prices to cope with shipping costs and inflation.
The CEO said in a statement, “Our brand promise is that customers get great value for what they spend at Dollar Tree. We will continue to be fiercely protective of that promise, regardless of the price point, whether it is $1.00, $1.25, $1.50.”
They will also bring higher-priced items in the store to sell.
The CEO added, “We believe testing additional price points above $1 for Dollar Tree product will enable us over time to expand our assortments, introduce new products and meet more of our customers’ everyday needs.”
Do you shop at the Dollar Store? If so, does it anger you that prices are increasing?

Tragedy in Beyoncé’s Life Made Her Become a Mom First to Herself

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Beyoncé has lived a life that only one can dream of, her career is monumental, she’s been in a relationship with her husband JAY-Z for almost 20 years and she has three adorable children.

But it’s been tragedy, pain, and loss that has made her into the woman she is today. In her “Elle” interview Beyoncé talked about having miscarriages before the birth of their oldest daughter, Blue Ivy.

“I learned that all pain and loss is in fact a gift. Having miscarriages taught me that I had to mother myself before I could be a mother to someone else,” said Beyoncé.

What have you learned from the tragedies in your life?

Stop The Gun Violence!

The anti-violence event is taking place October 7th .

Posted by Bobby Gailes
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 It’s all about stopping the violence in our communities.  WHUR is teaming up again with the State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County for another public safety and anti-gun violence event.  My guest is Aisha Braveboy – Prince George’s County State’s Attorney

Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy will be hosting another anti-violence event October 7th from 5:30pm to 7pm at the Bladensburg Water Park – 4601 Annapolis Road.   It’s called Our Streets Our Future and will be hosted by WHUR’s very own EZ Street.  More information can be found on social media platforms @fpsaonews.

 

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.

 

Listen to this mornings segment here:

Women and the Business of Comedy

They’re breaking the glass ceiling in the entertainment world. 

Posted by Harold Fisher
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They’re breaking the glass ceiling in the entertainment world.  Women comediennes have been making us laugh for decades.  But the chuckles, guffaws, chortles and side splitters have come at a tremendous cost for many ladies in the laugh business.  Sometimes… the stories are not always funny.  We’re talking to one of the best in the business… Luenell about the tickles of the funny bone and the tragedies.

 

Luenell, Comedienne

Queen Aishah, Comedienne

Two Stabbed At Annapolis High School

Seven students have been arrested

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(Annapolis, MD) — Two Annapolis High students are in the hospital after a stabbing at the school this morning. Their wounds are described as non-life threatening. School officials report several fights broke out this morning before 9 a.m. The fight is believed to have originated off campus. So far, seven students have been arrested, but more potential arrests are possible with an ongoing investigation. Officials report there is no longer an active threat, however, the school remains on lockdown with a strong police presence. School officials also ask at this time parents do not come to pick up their students.

Annapolis High School

MD Four-Year-Old Accidentally Given COVID Vaccine

Family is not planning to ask Maryland regulators to investigate.

Posted by Harold Fisher
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(Undated) — A four-year-old Baltimore area girl is not showing adverse effects after she accidentally received an adult dose of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine. The mix-up happened September 18 when child and her family went to a Walgreens for flu shots and the pharmacist mistakenly vaccinated her against COVID. The Pfizer vaccine is not approved for children under 12, but the company is seeking clearance from federal regulators. According to the Baltimore Sun the family is not planning to ask Maryland regulators to investigate. Walgreens has apologized to the family.

Whitney Houston & MAC Makeup Collection

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MAC cosmetics is partnering with the Whitney Houston Estate to create a makeup collection that celebrates her life.
The collection will be used to support her biopic, I Wanna Dance With Somebody.
The collection will drop in 2022.
Pat Houston, Whitney’s sister-in-law said in a statement, we’ve spent a lot of time with the team at MAC looking at Whitney photos and videos helping them understand the true essence of her.
What do you think of the collaboration?

Walk To Fight Breast Cancer

The Howard University Cancer Center is participating in a virtual walk this Saturday.

Posted by Bobby Gailes
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We are getting you ready to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month in a few days.  Howard University Cancer Center is participating in a Virtual Walk coming up this weekend.  My guest is Cherie Spencer – Howard University Cancer Center

The Georgian Thomas Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star is hosting the Howard University 5k Breast Cancer Walk Saturday October 2nd from 8am to 9:30pm.  The suggested donation is $25.00.  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.

 

Listen to this mornings segment here:

News Media and Missing Persons of Color

Blanket news coverage of the Gabby Petito case has raised the ire in many black communities where people of color who go missing rarely get the same kind of attention. 

Posted by Harold Fisher
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It has been in the news for weeks.  The search for Gabby Petito.  The 22-year-old woman from long island vanished on a cross-country trip with her boyfriend Brian Laundrie.  Her body was found last week in Wyoming.  She had been murdered.  The whereabouts of her boyfriend remain a mystery. But the blanket news coverage raised the ire in many black communities where people of color who go missing rarely get the same kind of attention.  Ironically… Petito’s family has implored the public and news media to put the same energy into helping find other missing people as they did Petito.

Ivan Singleton, Former DC Police Officer/Relative of Missing Daniel Robinson (not pictured)

Nicky Mayo, President, Baltimore Association of Black Journalists
Jennifer Thomas, Associate Professor of Journalism, Dept. of Media, Journalism and film, Howard University Cathy Hughes School of Communications

Sickle Cell Awareness Month

Challenges facing those with the disease during the pandemic

Posted by Harold Fisher
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We’re wrapping up Sickle Cell Awareness Month with a discussion about some of the challenges facing those with the disease during the pandemic and other issues.  My guest is Barbara Harrison… Director for Community Outreach and Education for the Howard University Center for Sickle Cell Disease.

https://youtu.be/7dgOogI9bZs

‘Raising Kanan’ Showrunner calls out Mainstream Media

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Sascha Penn, ‘Raising Kanan’ showrunner, is upset that ‘mainstream media’ is ignoring black crime dramas such as ‘Raising Kanan’.
According to Starz, ‘Raising Kanan’ is the network’s biggest streamed show.
He said in an IG post, “As Raising Kanan’s first season ends and BMF’s season begins, I feel compelled to point out that, other than NY Post and New York Magazine, not a single mainstream media publication has reviewed either series.”
Penn continued, “And to be clear, I’m not asking for positive reviews. If you don’t like the show, s**t all over it. That’s fine. But to ignore them altogether is to say that these stories, this work, these actors, THIS AUDIENCE doesn’t matter. And that’s… We all know what that is.”
Do you like ‘Raising Kanan’? Are you planning on watching ‘BMF’?

COVID Shuts School Down

The quarantine will last through Friday.

Posted by Harold Fisher
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(Washington, DC) — Nearly 100 students at one D.C. school are learning from home after one person tested positive for COVID-19. Middle school students at Leckie Education Campus recently transitioned into virtual learning. It turns out that a second person tested positive, and all 95 middle school students were considered as close contacts. The quarantine will last through Friday.

Maryland Newspaper Gunman Gets More Than 5 Life Prison Terms

Ramos had pleaded guilty but not criminally responsible to all 23 counts against him in 2019

Posted by Harold Fisher
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By BRIAN WITTE Associated Press
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — A judge has sentenced a man who killed five people at a newspaper to more than five life sentences without the possibility of parole. Anne Arundel County Judge Michael Wachs ordered the sentence for Jarrod Ramos on Tuesday. In July, a jury found Ramos criminally responsible for killing Wendi Winters, John McNamara, Gerald Fischman, Rob Hiaasen and Rebecca Smith with a shotgun at the Capital Gazette’s office in June 2018. Ramos had pleaded guilty but not criminally responsible to all 23 counts against him in 2019, using Maryland’s version of an insanity defense. The case was delayed several times before and during the coronavirus pandemic.

 

Yo Gotti Officially Co-Owner of D.C. United Soccer Franchise

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It has been rumored but now it is official-Yo Gotti is a co-owner of the DC United.
The DC United is Major League Soccer’s most decorated franchise.
They have won the MLS Cup four times-96, 97, 99 and 04 in addition to a host of other awards.
The ownership group consists of Houston Texan Mark Ingram II, billionaires Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan as well as Washington DC mogul Joe Mamo,
Yo Gotti says he was introduced to the game of soccer by his son.
What sports are you into?

Chris Webber Breaks Ground On $50 Million Cannabis Facility

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Chris Webber is getting into the legal cannabis business.
The former Michigan and NBA star broke ground this week on a $50 million, 68,000-square-foot cannabis facility in Detroit.
Weber’s company, Players Only Holdings, will grow, process, and sell marijuana products and create hundreds of jobs in the Detroit area.
Michigan legalized recreational marijuana in 2018. Webber promised his company would be “the shining jewel of Michigan”.
How long do you think it will be before marijuana is legalized nationwide?

Andrea Martin, R&B Singer-Songwriter, Reportedly Passes Away

Andrea Martin Passes away at age 49. She will truly be missed and always in our hearts.

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A true R&B great, Andrea Martin, passes away at the age of 49. The news of her passing was posted via her Instagram story. Although no details of how she passed were revealed in the story post her family asked for time and privacy while arrangements are finalized.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by theGrio (@thegrio)

Essence added her to ‘Rest in Power: Remembering the Stars We’ve Lost in 2021‘ giving her the recognition she truly deserves. Her family signed the post “Forever a Legend”, which couldn’t be a better sentiment. She delivered us many timeless hits and will be known as a legend in the industry forever. Her talent brought us our favorites such as Monica’s hit “Before You Walk Out My Life” and SWV’s “You’re the One.” She will truly be missed and always in our hearts.

2 Wrongfully Convicted Brothers Released After 31 Years; Receiving $75 Million

2 Brothers, 31 years in prison, and $75 Million. This wrongful conviction was exonerated after these 2 brothers spent a little over 3 decades in Prison.

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Contributed by Lauren Taylor 

In 1983, Leon Brown (15) and his brother Henry McCollum (19) were arrested on charges of raping and murdering 11-year-old Sabrina Buie. The two spent 31 years in prison after the police coerced them into a confession.

Not only did the police coerce them but they blatantly ignored their innocence and fabricated evidence against them. Sadly enough due to racial discrimination in this country, cases like this aren’t far and few between. In 2014, new DNA results exonerated them and implicated Roscoe Artis, a convict who committed a similar crime previously.

Due to the egregious police misconduct, on May 14th, 2021, Brown and McCollum were awarded $31 million, one million for every year they spent in prison as well as $13 million in damages.

 

Porsha Williams Buys Simon Guobadia A Ring And Gets Emotional

Porsha and Simon show their love on Instagram, Porsha buys him a new ring and cries in the process.

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Contributed by Lauren Taylor

In a series of three Instagram posts late last night, Porsha Williams professes her love for fiance Simon Guobadia.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by #PorshaWilliams 🧿 (@porsha4real)

It is safe to say that she letting the whole world know she is head over heels. Especially since she got emotional and cried while presenting him with the ring.

The two have been engaged since earlier this year but Porsha thought she would give him a nice rock to have for the time being. They will officially tie the knot in 2022.

Will Smith’s Side To The “Entanglement”; Unconventional Marriage

Will Smith’s New memoir, Will, releases this November. Discussing Jada, his early years, and more.

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Contributed by Lauren Taylor

Will Smith is set to release his first book Will, a memoir dedicated to his life story. In the memoir, he goes into detail about his hunger to be a superstar and how that, in turn, has affected his relationships.

 

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A post shared by Will Smith (@willsmith)

In an interview with GQ Magazine, he mentions an unconventional marriage between him and his wife, Jada. Will states, “Jada never believed in conventional marriage… Jada had family members that had an unconventional marriage.”

His book discusses how they found themselves at that point in their relationship. The state of their marriage being open is no secret to us as we witnessed the “entanglement” unfold through the eyes of social media.

Although Smith told GQ that he won’t be including more details on the who and what of their open marriage in Will, this memoir will give us an insight into his life that we’ve never seen. Will is set to hit bookshelves this November, you don’t want to miss out. 

R. Kelly Verdict and the Myths of Sex Trafficking

We look at the details of the R. Kelly verdict.

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A New York jury found R&B singer R. Kelly guilty of racketeering and sex trafficking charges.  Victims said Kelly manipulated and controlled them in addition to forcing them to have sex with him and others.  We look at the verdict and dispell the myths of child sex trafficking.

Resources:

Courtney’s House

The Amara Legal Center

Tina Frundt, Founder & Executive Director, Courtney’s House
A. Scott Bolder, Trial Lawyer, Legal Analyst

Christine Greene, Legal Program Director, The Amara Legal Center

Cynthia Bailey Leaving ‘RHOA’ After 11 Years

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Contributed by Lauren Taylor

Real Housewives of Atlanta star Cynthia Bailey announced that she will be ending her time on the show with a heartfelt Instagram post.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Cynthia Bailey (@cynthiabailey)

Bailey stated, “Thank you to my Real Housewives of Atlanta castmates for eleven of the most unbelievable years of my life; and the most incredible & UNFORGETTABLE memories!”

Along with thanking her castmates she thanked her fans, NBC Universal, Bravo, and Truly Original. Bailey mentioned that she’s excited for what’s next in her life and after a little over a decade on RHOA, we look forward to seeing what she does too.

The former model married sportscaster Mike Hill last October.

 

R&B Superstar R. Kelly Convicted In Sex Trafficking Trial

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By TOM HAYS Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — R. Kelly has been convicted in a sex trafficking trial after several accusers testified in lurid detail how he subjected them to perverse and sadistic whims when they were underage. A New York City jury of seven men and five women found Kelly guilty Monday on a racketeering charge. Kelly was accused of running a Chicago-based criminal enterprise that recruited his accusers for unwanted sex and mental torment. The R&B star has denied any wrongdoing.

Nick Cannon Teases Possibility Of Having More Children

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Nick Cannon is trying to take his therapist’s advice and try celibacy for a change. The “Masked Singer” host says that after having four of his seven children in the past year it’s time to stop reproducing for a while.

“I come from a big family, I have several siblings, and being raised in an unorthodox family by my grandparents at times, I’ve experienced such a wide range of upbringing that I have such a love and passion for kids and family,” says Cannon.

Cannon is looking to have a big family, currently, he’s the father to DJ Abby De La Rosa’s twins, Zion Mixolydian and Zillion Heir. He has a son, Zen, with Alyssa Scott and two kids with Brittany Bell as well as his twins, Moroccan and Monroe with ex-wife, Mariah Carey.

Being the executive producer for The Masked Singer, Wild ‘N Out and his new daytime talk show, “The Nick Cannon Show,” Cannon says he stays out of trouble. “It’s either work or playing with my kids.”

How many kids are too many kids?

Facebook Hitting The Brakes On ‘Instagram Kids’ App

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Facebook is hitting the pause button on its controversial ‘Instagram Kids’ app.
It was designed to be a platform used by kids under the age of 13 – but has been met with criticism by parents and lawmakers over concerns it could be harmful, or exploited by predators.
Instagram head Adam Mosseri said the company is “pausing the work” and will “use this time to work with parents, experts and policymakers to demonstrate the value and need for this product.”
Can something like ‘Instagram Kids’ be done safely? Do you monitor your childrens’ online activity?

DC Ticket Amnesty Extended thru Dec. 31st

DC is giving motorists more time to pay up on their tickets without additional penalties. The ticket amnesty program has been extended through the end of the year.

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Washington, D.C. (Monday, September 27, 2021) – Motorists with outstanding tickets are getting more time to pay up without penalty.  Mayor Muriel Bowser today announced  the Ticket Amnesty Program deadline has been extended from September 30 until December 31, 2021. 

Since the program launched on June 1, 2021, more than 32,000 drivers have already participated in the program, collectively settling $44 million worth of tickets. Now, District and non-District drivers have until the end of the year to take advantage of the District’s amnesty program that provides the opportunity to pay, without the doubling penalty, outstanding tickets for parking, photo enforcement, and minor moving violations.

“As the District continues to recover from the pandemic, we know this is a program that is helping residents – many who have had to make difficult financial decisions – get a fresh start and get back on track,” said Mayor Bowser.

Under the program, eligible drivers only have to pay their original ticket amounts; any penalties are waived. Beginning in 2022, the penalties for late payment will be reinstated.  

Below is a summary of the ticket amnesty program: 

Who is eligible? 

District and non-District drivers with outstanding tickets, including District residents who are having trouble obtaining a REAL ID credential because of outstanding tickets. 

What tickets are eligible? 

Tickets issued before December 31, 2021. 

 What types of tickets are eligible? 

Parking, photo enforcement (including speed, red-light, and stop sign) and minor moving violations issued by law enforcement. 

 What will I have to pay? 

You will pay the original ticket amount. Any penalties will be waived. Department of Public Works tow and storage fees, if any, will not be waived. 

Residents and non-residents facing financial hardship should contact the Office of the Chief Financial Officer’s Central Collection Unit (OCFO CCU) for hardship options.  

More information can be found at ticketamnesty.dc.gov. 

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Disability Expo, Health Fair. In Community’s Choice

Are you looking for ways to engage with the community? Check out what’s inside of this week’s WHUR’s Community’s Choice.

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Stop the Violence Event

Time to reclaim our communities. Come out October 7th for the Our Streets Our Future anti-violence event at the Bladensburg Water Park.

Health Fair

Take a step toward good health. Join Northeastern Presbyterian Church for its Health Fair October 16th. There will be cooking demonstration, exercises, and more. 202-590-2332.

Disability Expo

Do you have a disability or special healthcare need? Caring Communities is hosting the World of Possibilities Disabilities Expo October 23rd at the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center in College Park. www.worldofpossibilities.org

Scholarship Fair

Get your youngster college ready. The Prince George’s County Chapter of SCLC is hosting a free Scholarship Fair October 10th at First Baptist Church of Highland Park. www.pgregsclc.org

Colorectal Cancer Tips

Did you know that colorectal cancer is the 2nd most common cause of cancer death… yet with screening it’s highly preventable? Get the facts. www.standuptocancer.org

Montgomery County Energy

Keep money in your pocket. Lower your energy usage. Montgomery County has created a website to show residents how. www.montgomeryenergyconnection.org.

Breast Cancer Fashion Show

Join the fight against Breast Cancer. Pink Carpet Event Charity invites you to its Fashion Show October 9th at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts in Fredericksburg. www.thepinkcarpetevent.com

WHUR’s Community’s Choice

Get your non-profit on the air and the web. Email Renee Nash at rnash@hur.com at least three weeks before your event.

Matching Donors

22 people died every day in the US waiting for a kidney transplant.  The team at MatchingDonors.com is working to turn those numbers around.  Find out how you can help.  www.matchingdonors.com

Community Car Wash

Get your car washed for free October 9th and give back to the community October 2nd from 9am to 12pm at Excel Academy in Landover.  Bring a PPE and come Out and Meet the Prince George’s County Police Academy Class Session 146.

Toni Braxton Had Considered Retirement Before ’The Masked Singer’

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Toni Braxton considered retirement from the music business.
One legend stepped in and changed her mind.
It was the late great Prince.
Toni said Prince called her and said, you can not retire. It’s too early and you’re gifted.
She said when she had her second bankruptcy Prince called her and offered her a spot on his tour.
She couldn’t go because she had just received her Lupus diagnosis..
He was like an older brother who always swooped in to save the day during my most difficult times.
What is your favorite Toni Braxton album? Have you ever thought about quitting? Who was the ‘Prince’ in your life?

Kelly Price Details Battle With COVID-19: “I Died”

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Kelly Price has finally spoken out about her disappearance during her battle with COVID-19.

Price spoke with TMZ and said she had been isolated and was avoiding her family. The singer also explained that she had died while in the hospital being treated.

“At some point, they lost me,” she admitted. “I woke up some days later– a couple of days later and the first thing I remember is the team of doctors standing around me and asking me if I knew what year it was.”

Both Kelly and her lawyer, Monica Ewing, confirmed her safety on social media Friday (September 25th).

Are you avoiding your family right now? Why?

Ted Winn And Sheri Jones Moffett Share How God Can Heal At All Times

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https://youtu.be/sSojuRVDfjQ

Ted Winn and Sheri Jones Moffett celebrate the 20th Anniversary of their first release with “God Can Heal It”, an innovative a re-do of Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway’s “Come Ye Disconsolate.”  In addition to performing as Ted and Sheri, the duo continue to perform separately.

The World’s 10 Sexiest Destinations To Travel

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As travel begins to get back to normal, many people are booking bucket-list trips or vacations to get the much-needed relaxation they’ve been avoiding over the years due to work or other obligations.

A new report from “My Favourite Voucher Codes” has ranked the top 10 sexiest destinations to travel based on how open-minded residents are towards new sexual experiences and how active their sex lives are, as well as rights for the LGBTQ+ community, and attitudes towards sex education.

Here are the top 10 sex-positive destinations in the world listed from first to last:

Netherlands

Canada

UK

Iceland

USA

Belgium

New Zealand

Norway

France

Sweden

How many of these sex-positive destinations have you visited? Are you planning a vacation to any of these destinations?