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Remembering 9/11 Twenty Years Later

We revisit that day with our guests and our listeners as try to put it into perspective.

Twenty years ago tomorrow, America and the world changed.  The way we lived, the way we viewed out place in the world, endured a frightening, seismic shift… after terrorist hijacked four passenger jets.  Two of them crashing into the World Trade Center towers in New York City.  One of them crashing into The Pentagon, the very heart of American military power and one diving in a lonely field in southwestern Pennsylvania.  We all remember where we were, what we were doing on that bright and beautiful, tuesday morning two decades ago.  We revisit that day with our guests and our listeners as try to put it into perspective.

Resources:
Andrea Raynor

Black Women Unmuted

Rev. Andrea Raynor, Chaplin, Author

Sonya Ross, Founder, Editor-In-Chief, Black Women Unmuted

Survey: Avoid ‘Gruesome Details’ when Teaching about 9/11

While the generation born after the events of September 11th, 2001 thinks it’s important to remember the day and honor the people who died, they don’t want to be bothered with the “gruesome details.”
That’s according to a survey by Campus Reform, which asked students at the University of Florida how they think details of 9/11 should be taught. While a majority of them suggested steering away from graphic accounts of the tragic deaths that occurred, another — perhaps more surprising — common suggestion was to avoid blaming anyone for the attacks, Campus Reform reports. A number of the students pointed to American exceptionalism — the idea that the U.S. is more unique and better than any other country — as one of the causes for the attack, according to the surveyor.
Saturday marks the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which were reportedly masterminded by militant Islamist group al-Qaeda. An estimated 2,996 Americans were killed.
Do people who weren’t around to witness the attacks truly understand what that day was like? What were you doing when you first heard the country was under attack?

Witness Says R. Kelly Locked Up Before Sex Assault

Trial is now more than three weeks long.

NEW YORK (AP) — A former radio station intern says R&B singer R. Kelly kept her locked in a darkened room for days before sexually assaulting her while she was unconscious in 2003. The woman recounted the episode for the first time in public on Thursday at Kelly’s New York City sex trafficking trial. She was the latest in a string of accusers to take the witness stand against Kelly since the trial began on Aug. 18. The 54-year-old Kelly has repeatedly denied accusations that he preyed on several alleged victims during a 30-year career.

Nicki Minaj’s Husband Kenneth Pleads Guilty to Sex Offender Registry Issue

Nicki Minaj’s husband, Kenneth Petty, has pleaded guilty for not registering as a sex offender in California, according to PEOPLE.

Petty appeared at a virtual hearing on Thursday (September 10). He now faces up to ten years in prison and a lifetime of supervision. His sentencing is set for January 24th, 2022.

Kenneth nor Nicki have made a comment about the plea. Petty was arrested back in March for not registering as a sex offender when the couple moved from New York to Los Angeles.

Back in 1995 Kenneth Petty was convicted for the first-degree attempted rape of a 16-year-old girl and had to register as a sex offender. He spent four years in jail.

Do you think Kenneth Petty is good for Nicki’s image?

WFT Preparing for Chargers

Washington and Los Angeles will hit the field Sunday afternoon at 1 o’clock.

(Ashburn, VA) — Football is back in the nation’s capital. The Washington Football Team will take on the Los Angeles Chargers this Sunday at FedEx Field. Washington is coming off of a season that included a playoff berth in the first year under head coach Ron Rivera. The offense is hoping to feed off of the stout defensive line and put up lots of points. Washington and Los Angeles will hit the field Sunday afternoon at 1 o’clock.

R&B Singer Jaheim Arrested & Charged With 3rd-Degree Animal Cruelty

Jaheim was arrested on Monday (September 9) after calls to authorities were made due to concerns over a dog in distress.

When police arrived at his home in Hillsborough, New Jersey they found 15 dogs, 12 mixed breed Pitbull Terriers, two American Staffordshire Terriers, and one mixed breed Boxer.

Six dogs were found in the driveway in crates that were partly filled with feces and inches of water. One of the dogs was unresponsive and had to be euthanized.

Jaheim, whose real name is Jaheim H. Hoagland was arrested on unrelated charges from probation and court warrants. He was additionally charged with third-degree animal cruelty.

What do you remember Jahiem most for?

The Ways Travel has Changed Since 9/11

As we look to the 20-year anniversary of the attacks on 9/11 there is a whole generation who has no idea how travel changed after the attack on the World Trade Center towers in New York.

The biggest change was the creation of the TSA or Transportation Security Administration which appeared at airports across the nation two months after September 11, 2001.

Three months after the attacks, Richard Reid attempted to board a plane with explosives in his shoes, this ushered in the no shoes are belts as you enter security. Liquids of more than 3.4 ounces also couldn’t go through airport security.

Of course, all the new additions for security have resulted in longer lives, no gate send-offs, airline consolidations, and a greater appreciation of air travel.

What has been the biggest change about travel for you since the 9/11 attacks?

50 Cent Calling Holyfield, Belfort Fight

50 Cent is adding boxing commentator to his portfolio.
It’s just been announced that Fiddy will join Triller’s coverage of the fight between Holyfield and Belfort.
According to sources, Fif is replacing Snoop Dogg for color commentary.
The fight happens at the Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood, FL.
How do you think 50 will be as a commentator? Do you watch the Triller boxing matches?

Special: “Ali… Bigger than Boxing”

https://youtu.be/ZeZJC_Kx8bQ

His life went well beyond the boxing ring. Muhammad Ali was a champion who used his skills to press the nation forward on an array of issues ranging from race, religion, politics, entertainment, and so much more. Join 96.3 WHUR and WHUT-TV Wednesday, September 22nd that 7pm for a special edition of the Daily Drum entitled “Ali.. Bigger Than Boxing.” We’ll take a look at the man known at “The Greatest” and why his legacy still resonates today with so many in the DMV.

SPECIAL – “What’s It Gonna Take: Tackling the Violence Together”

https://youtu.be/SYnBUMYq8oc

Kids and grandmothers killed by stray bullets.  Pregnant women shot and young boys accused of armed kidnappings and robberies.  These are just a few of the stories that have shocked and unnerved our community in recent weeks.  While the headlines may fade; the pain, fear, and anger linger. How do we stop the madness?  96.3 WHUR and WHUT-TV are stopping the music and commercial to talk about it.  Join us Wednesday, September 15th from 6pm to 8pm for a candid, no holding back conversation on “What’s It Gonna Take.”  Let’s talk about it and address the violence together.

Drake’s ‘Certified Lover Boy’ Out-Streams Kanye West’s ‘DONDA’

Drake seems to be the “certified” winner of the imagined battle between himself and Kanye West. According to Chart Data “Certified Lover Boy” has sold 500,000 units in the U.S. in just the past week.

Drake’s album is the first to achieve such a mark in 2021. It was recently revealed that Drake’s album out streamed Kanye’s “DONDA” album, earning 430 million streams during its first three days to “DONDA” earning 423 streams in eight days.

Which album did you like best, Drake’s “CLB” or Kanye’s “DONDA?”

Katt Williams Is Going on Tour

Get your money right, Katt Williams is coming back.
Today the comedian posted that he’s hitting the road on his World War III comedy tour.
Katt will do some spot dates in Florida and then he’ll be officially on the road on September 17 in Raleigh, NC.
Does Katt Williams get all the comedy credit he deserves? How many times have you seen Katt Williams perform live?

Ground Zero Rebuilding Still Unfinished, 20 Years Later

By KAREN MATTHEWS Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — Even after two decades, the work to rebuild the World Trade Center complex after its destruction in the Sept. 11 attacks is still incomplete. While the memorial plaza and several towers at the site have been finished for years, construction is ongoing at a planned performing arts center and at a church being built to replace the only house of worship destroyed on Sept. 11, 2001. Work has barely begun on two planned skyscrapers, including one that will be among the city’s tallest buildings.

Tamar’s Ex Hit With $113K Judgement for Unpaid Taxes

Tamar Braxton’s ex-husband Vincent Herbert has just been hit with a judgment for unpaid taxes.
According to court docs, papers were filed against Vincent in New York, but the case was filed in L.A. so that they could possibly get the money they’re owed too.
Right now, the judgment stands at $113,261.51 because of fees and interest and it’s still growing as you read this.
What’s the longest you’ve gone without paying a debt?

Judge Judy Returning To TV In November

By DAVID BAUDER AP Media Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — Judge Judy Sheindlin will return to television on on November 1 with “Judy Justice,” a new show where she will arbitrate cases on the little-known IMDb TV, a free streaming service offered by Amazon. It will put the tart-talking judge in competition with herself, since CBS Media Ventures is still selling syndication rights to reruns of the old ‘Judge Judy’ show. That court show’s success made  Sheindlin widely considered the highest paid star in television but her ending with CBS after 25 years was rocky. Based on a picture, she’ll have a new red robe on ‘Judy Justice.’ Her law clerk granddaughter, Sarah Rose, will be an analyst on the new show.

3K Chicago Students Ordered to Quarantine following Outbreak

At least 3,000 Chicago students have been ordered to quarantine as the city’s number of juvenile COVID-19 cases continues to climb.
Among the schools with students who have been ordered to self-isolate is Roscoe Village High, where 408 students have been sent home for two weeks after coming into contact with two infected students, a Chicago Public Schools official reports. Another, Washington High School, has ordered 168 students to quarantine after two cases were reported, officials say.
District-wide, there are currently 160 confirmed cases, which involve 89 students and 71 staff members, according to the CPS online COVID dashboard.
Was it a bad idea to reopen schools?

Federal Mandate Takes Vaccine Decision Off Employers’ Hands

By BARBARA ORTUTAY Associated Press
Larger U.S. businesses won’t have to decide whether to require their employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19 — it’s now federal policy, although some important details remain to be worked out. President Joe Biden announced sweeping new orders Thursday requiring employers with more than 100 workers to mandate immunizations or offer weekly testing. Large swaths of the private sector have already stepped in to mandate vaccinations for at least some of their employees. But the U.S. is still struggling to curb the surging delta variant that is killing thousands each week and jeopardizing the nation’s economic recovery.

Witness Says R. Kelly Kept Her Locked Up Before Sex Assault

By TOM HAYS Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — A former radio station intern says R&B singer R. Kelly kept her locked in a darkened room for days before sexually assaulting her while she was unconscious in 2003. The woman recounted the episode for the first time in public on Thursday at Kelly’s New York City sex trafficking trial. She was the latest in a string of accusers to take the witness stand against Kelly since the trial began on Aug. 18. The 54-year-old Kelly has repeatedly denied accusations that he preyed on several alleged victims during a 30-year career.

Post-Ida Recovery In New Orleans: Beer And Beignets Are Back

By STACEY PLAISANCE and JAY REEVES Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans is showing signs of making a comeback nearly two weeks after Hurricane Ida blasted coastal Louisiana. Supply trucks are once again delivering beer on Bourbon Street. And the landmark Cafe Du Monde is serving fried pastries covered with white sugar even though not many people are around to eat them. Nearly all of the power is back on, and gasoline is easier to find. Other parts of Louisiana are still struggling with massive power outages. A state agency says more than 270,000 homes and businesses remain without electricity. But only a few thousand power customers with severe damage remain in the dark in New Orleans.

Supporting Black Businesses

Today kicks of the Virginia Black Business Expo

The 2021 Virginia Black Business Expo gets underway this weekend.  I have the details of this amazing weekend celebrating black excellence.  My guest is  Tracey Hall – Founder and Vice President of Virginia Black Business Directory.  The  2021 Virginia Black Business Expo is September 10th – 12th hosted by the Virginia Black Business Director which is designed to bridge the gap in wealth by connecting black owned businesses to consumers. 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:

Singer Mahalia: Can Your Pain Actually Be An Asset?

https://youtu.be/EDo5VIaVypE

Talking to Mahalia is like having the best pep talk to get your day started. Press play to hear how she learned valuable lessons about love, forgiveness, and staying vulnerable.You’ll hear what I’m talking about in her newest single “Whenever You’re Ready!”

 

Black Women and Pregnancy Deaths

Why are the numbers for black women remaining so high?

This is a difficult but very necessary conversation for black women in the District who are pregnant or who may become pregnant.  The statistics for pregnancy-related deaths remain heartbreakingly high.  Black women make up 95% of them.  The lion’s share, 60%, are in wards 7 and 8, east of the Anacostia river.  These are not new numbers. But what is new is that the numbers are not changing, not improving.  Why is that and what can be done about it?  Ahead of DC Mayor Muriel Bower’s Maternal & Infant Health Summit… we’re discussing this topic.

DC Maternal & Infant Health Summit

Mahmee Prenatal & Postpartum Care Platform

Pregnancy Pearls w/Dr. Nicole Plenty

Melissa Hanna, CEO/Co-Founder, Mahmee

Dr. Nicole Plenty, MD, Double Board Certified OB/GYN

Venus Williams Insists She’s ‘Not Desperate’ to Settle Down

Venus Williams is in no hurry to settle down and start a family.
She recently said, “I have a lot of friends who don’t believe me when I say that I like my life, and I don’t want to change it for any reason. I’m not desperate, and they don’t believe me.”
She added, “They say things like, ‘You’re going to miss your window.’ I’m like, ‘Please, relax. You might feel this way, but I don’t. I promise you I don’t.'”
Who is the best female tennis star currently playing?

Black Killings Prompt DOJ Review of Columbus, OH Police

The review is not about a single incident, but about reforming the entire police department.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The mayor of Columbus, Ohio, says the U.S. Justice Department will review some practices of the city’s police department following years of negative publicity that included a series of recent police killings of Black people. Democrat Andrew Ginther on Thursday announced the review by the Justice Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. Ginther says the review is not about a single incident, but about reforming the entire police department. New Police Chief Elaine Bryant says the review could focus on areas such as training, recruitment, technology and creating an early intervention system for officers.

Columbus, Ohio Mayor Andrew Ginther announced the review by the Justice Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.

Justice Dept Suing Texas Over Abortion Law

Garland ripped a provision of the law, offering rewards for information about possible abortions. He likened it to a system of “bounty hunters.”

(Washington, DC) — The Justice Department is suing Texas over a controversial new abortion law. Attorney General Merrick Garland said the law is “clearly unconstitutional” under longstanding U.S. Supreme Court precedent. The high court recently declined to block implementation of the Texas law, which bans abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. It offers no exceptions for rape or incest. Garland ripped a provision of the law, offering rewards for information about possible abortions. He likened it to a system of “bounty hunters.”

Stevie Wonder to Headline Global Citizen Live in Los Angeles

The final lineup has been announced for the Global Citizen Live event set to take place in several locations throughout the world including Los Angeles and London.

The L.A. show is set for the Greek Theatre and will feature Stevie Wonder as the headliner with support from H.E.R., Demi Lovato, Adam Lambert, Chloe x Halle, OneRepublic, the Lumineers, Ozuna, and 5 Seconds of Summer.

In London, Duran Duran will headline and be joined by Kylie Minogue, Maneskin, Nile Rodgers & Chic, and Rag’n’Bone Man at a yet-to-be-disclosed “spectacular location.”

The three goals of Global Citizen are to get a billion COVID-19 vaccines to developing countries by the end of Summer, the hunger crisis, and a breakthrough climate negotiation to get Fortune 500 companies to commit to reducing their carbon emissions. You can watch Global Citizen Live on September 25th on ABC, BBC, iHeartRadio, YouTube, Hulu, FX, and Twitter.

Of the three focuses that Global Citizen has committed to, which one is the most important to you? Covid vaccines to developing countries, the hunger crisis, or global warming?

Tidal Enters “Dinner With Jay-Z” Chat & Gives Its Choice

There has been a trending topic on Twitter that has the Twitterverse divided, which would you rather have, dinner with JAY-Z or half a million dollars?

JAY-Z’s streaming platform Tidal decided to weigh in on the debate on its official Twitter page, but before their choice was revealed they re-tweeted several memes including one that shows Jay eating with his daughter, Blue Ivy. The caption read: “So why you ain’t take the $500K?”

After a few laughs from users, Tidal gave its two cents, “Take the $500K.” Many users were still divided after Tidal’s comment as some feel you could gain universal wisdom from the businessman and music mogul.

Others felt that the $500K would be enough to propel them on their way to a billion-dollar lifestyle that would afford them the chance to meet JAY-Z.

What would you take? Dinner with JAY-Z or $500K?

Notorious B.I.G.’s N.Y.C. Apartment Hits Market For $1.7M

Notorious B.I.G.’s N.Y.C. Apartment Hits Market For $1.7M

Notorious B.I.G.’s Brooklyn apartment has hit the market for a cool $1.7 million.

The two-bedroom, two-bath home is where the iconic rapper lived while recording his debut album, “Ready To Die.”

Notorious B.I.G, otherwise known as Christopher Wallace, owned the apartment in 1994 and lived there with his wife, Faith Evans, and her daughter, Chyna Tahjere Griffin, until his death in 1997.

The current owner of the unit, Carolina Duncan, who also was a costume designer for the award-winning docu-series, When They See Us, renovated the apartment in 2011 adding walk-through closets, a custom library, a chef’s kitchen, and a wood-burning brick fireplace.

Would you want to live in a place where a famous person once lived?

Nicki Minaj Has Been Recording New Music, Calls on R&B Artists to Work With Her

Nicki Minaj is back working on music. The new mommy shared a snippet of a harmony that she had working inside her head on her Instagram Story on Tuesday (September 7).

Minaj sang a series of “Yeahs” and called out Tamar Braxton, Brandy, and Keke Wyatt to hop on the melody with their harmonies. “Barbz: ask Keke, Tamar & Brandy to redo this. That’s what I sound like in my head,” Nicki captioned the video.

“Summer, Jhené & Kehlani can be good in the blend as well with their harmonies,” Minaj added. The rapper/singer said once she can get the ladies vocals she’ll “put Smthn special together with it.” Kehlani responded to Nicki’s request with the response, “What is happenING HEY,” she wrote with a crying emoji. “I’d love that,” Summer Walker commented.

Nicki also promised her 22.5 million Twitter followers that she would work with female rappers but clarified that would be “for a different night.”

Which R&B singer would you like to see Nicki work with?

Your Health and Dietary Supplements

Join a free seminar on your health and dietary supplements

Another healthy discussion this morning, this time we are focusing on dietary supplements.  Many of us take them, but my guest this morning says those supplements cannot replace a well-balanced diet.  My guest is Anelise Antunes – Health Director for Capitol Hill Counseling and Resource Center

Capitol Hill Counseling and Resources Center is hosting a free Seminar on Dietary Supplements Monday, September 13th from 6:30pm to 7:15pm.  It’s free and open to the public, but registration is required.  Register on eventbrite.com search seminar dietary supplements.

 

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:

Prince George’s County School Board Members Discuss New School Year

School bus driver shortage, COVID safety, and school board issues

This was the first day of school for in-person learning in Prince George’s County.  It could have been an almost perfect day… were it not for the school bus driver shortage.  That’s just one of the issues we’re going to discuss tonight with Dr. Juanita miller, Chair of the Prince George’s County School Board.

Dr. Juanita Miller, Chair, Prince George’s County School Board

 

Shayla Adams-Stafford, Prince George’s County School Board, Dist. 4.

MD Loosens Restrictions For COVID Booster Shots

Marylanders 65 years or older living in congregate care settings will now qualify for COVID booster shots.

(Annapolis, MD) — Marylanders 65 years or older living in congregate care settings will now qualify for COVID booster shots. Governor Larry Hogan says after a testing program found waning immunity in state nursing homes, the administration made the decision to loosen booster shot restrictions. In addition, all pharmacies and vaccine providers will be administering booster shoots to anyone who considers themselves immunocompromised, no prescription or doctor’s note required.

BMW Tupac Was Shot & Killed In For Sale At Nearly $2 Million

It’s been 25 years since Tupac was shot while riding passenger with Suge Knight in Las Vegas, which he later succumbed to his injuries.
The 1996 BMW 750IL that he was in is up for grabs at $1.7 million.
Sources say that the bullet holes from the shooting have been repaired and the car is like new again.
Would it be kinda creepy to own the car that Tupac was shot in? If you owned this car, would you ever drive it or keep it only as a collectors item?

Drake Curating Monday Night Football

Drake has officially collaborated with ESPN for Monday Night Football.
He will curate the music for the 2021-2022 season.
According to the press release Drake will, select music that encapsulates both the energy and mood.
He will play music from his own catalog-past and present as well as music from some of his favorite artists.
Drake will curate the music that plays during the evening game, promotional spots, live telecast and pregame shows.
When playing sports or working out, what affect does music have on your performance?

Zebras Roaming Free In PG Co. Maryland

As many as 6 Zebras have escaped from a local farm in Prince George’s County. Sightings have been reported by several residents in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

(Wednesday, September 8, 2021) – Lions, tigers, bears.  Nope.  This time, Zebras.  They are apparently roaming free in Prince George’s County, Maryland and many residents are stunned to see them.

The zebras, as many as 6, escaped from a private farm last week at the corner of Bellefield and Duley Station Roads in Upper Marlboro.  According to numerous reports, the striped animals are legally owned.  Prince George’s County Animal Control is said to be setting up a feeding station in an attempt to corral the zebras safely.

Layla Curling and her mother Alexis Reed Curling told NBC4 they saw three of the zebras in their backyard in Upper Marlboro.  “I called 311 and she thought I was crazy.  Ma’am, I am not drinking.  I have Zebras in my backyard walking on the train tracks,” Reed Curling told NBC4.

Several additional sightings have been reported today in Upper Marlboro.  So far the animals appear to be just roaming around and enjoying their freedom in Prince George’s County.

Wingstop Launches Thighs Nationwide

Wingstop tested a new idea due to a chicken wing shortage in 2020. It was Thighstop.
Looks like Thighstop took off because thighs have officially been placed on the menu.
To celebrate the new addition, Wingstop is introducing, Thigh Thursdays.
When you order online or through the app on Thursdays you can add regular Thigh Bites to any order for $4.49 or enjoy a Thigh Bites meal 2 for $13.99.
Thighs, wings or drumsticks, which one are you?

Mary J. Blige Posed Her Nude And Flawless 50-Year-Old Body On The Gram

Mary J. Blige is stopping hearts as she posted a couple of nude photos on her Instagram feed.
The rapper, who turned 50 earlier this year, is posed on a beach with jewelry around her neck and down to her waist.
Blige captioned one of the pics with a quote by Jay-Z, “Whole world’s in awe. I crash through glass ceilings, I break through closed doors – Jay-Z”.
What is your favorite song by Mary J. Blige? Do you think 50 is the new 40?

Amazon To Open 2 Cashier-Less Whole Foods Stores Next Year

By JOSEPH PISANI AP Retail Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — There will be something missing at two Whole Foods stores opening next year: the rows of cashiers. Amazon, which owns the grocery chain, said Wednesday that it will bring its cashier-less technology to two Whole Foods stores for the first time, letting shoppers grab what they need and leave without having to open their wallets. Cameras and sensors track what’s taken off shelves. Items are charged to an Amazon account after customers leave the store with them. But there will be an option for those who want to shop the old-fashioned way: Self-checkout lanes will be available that take cash, gift cards and other types of payment. One of the new stores will be in Washington, D.C., the other in Sherman Oaks, California.

Why You Should Start Saving for Christmas in September

Halloween hasn’t arrived yet but here we are talking about Christmas.
But for a good reason-to help you save money.
The National Retail Federation found that consumers spent a total of $798.4 billion during the 2020 season. Up from 8.3% the year before.
Waiting until November or December to make your purchases means you will most likely use a credit card which will accrue interest on your purchases.
Instead establish a Christmas savings plan now to avoid debt and overspending.
How far in advance do you start financially planning for Christmas?

Study: Young Adult Weed Smokers are Twice as Likely to Suffer Heart Attacks

Stoners under the age of 45 are twice as likely to suffer heart attacks than people who don’t indulge.
That’s according to a new study conducted by the World Health Organization, which found adults under 45 who smoked weed in the past 30 days suffered twice as many heart attacks as those who didn’t. While researchers didn’t look into why cannabis increases the chances of a heart attack, a previous study found marijuana can increase a user’s heart rate, according to data published in Tuesday’s edition of the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
Robert Page, chairman of the American Heart Association, says he believes the problem stems from the fact that today’s marijuana is more potent than ever before. “This isn’t what your granddaddy used to smoke at Woodstock; this is highly potent,” Page says.
Have you started using cannabis products since several states legalized them?

US Largest Confederate Statue Removed

Robert E. Lee statue removed from Richmond

(Wednesday, September 8, 2021) – After a year of lawsuits and a reckoning of racial justice, the monument of the Confederate general in Virginia is now gone.  The 60-foot statue of Robert E. Lee was removed this morning in Richmond, ending its 131-year reign.

Hundreds cheered and began singing, “Hey, hey, hey, goodbye! as a worker gave the countdown for the crane to lift the statue from its base.

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam and other state officials were on hand for the removal.

Kenya Moore, Iman Shumpert, Jimmie Allen Join DWTS Season 30

Dancing With The Stars will return for its 30th season on September 20th.
Tyra Banks will host and the judges are Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough.
The lineup of contestants are:
The Talk’s Amanda Kloots
Brian Austin Green
Bling Empire’s Christine Chiu
Peleton Instructor Cody Rigsby
Former NBA’er Iman Shumpert
Jimmie Allen
JoJo Siwa
Real Housewives of Atlanta Kenya Moore
The Bachelor’s Matt James
The Spice Girls Mel C
From WWE Mike The Miz Mizanin
Olivia Jade
Olympic gymnast Suni Lee
Who is your early favorite to win?

Adult Bike Riding Classes

Montgomery County Department of Transportation is offering adult bike classes

If you ever wanted to learn how to ride a bike, but thought it was too late; I have details on adult biking classes in Montgomery County.  My guest is Ruthann Eiser – Community Services Outreach Specialist for the Montgomery County Department of Transportation

Montgomery County Department of Transportation is sponsoring six learning opportunities for resident to take an adult learn to ride bike classes.  It’s led by the Washington Area Bicyclist Association.  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:

The Legacy of Brown v. Board, 67 Years Later

A new book examines the long-term impact of that decision

It’s been 67 years since the landmark Brown vs Board of Education decision. It established that racial segregaton in public schools is unconstitutional.  A new book examines the long-term impact of that decision and where we are today.

https://youtu.be/7U0UhPj9-YI

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich

The county executive discusses all critical issues concerning the county.

There was heartbreak in montgomery county last week as the remnants of Hurricane Ida swept through our region, creating flooding and taking the life of a young man in rockville.  It was just one of the critical issues coming out of the county over the past several weeks including the return to school, the resignation of Dr. Travis Gayles and COVID concerns.

 

Fmr Washington RB Clinton Portis Pleads Guilty to Fraud

The 40-year-old now faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison along with major fines.

(Denver, CO) — Former NFL running back Clinton Portis is pleading guilty to fraud. Portis admitted his guilt to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. The 40-year-old now faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison along with major fines. Portis was hit with multiple charges in 2019 when authorities said him and other ex-NFL players created a scheme to get money from the Gene Upshaw NFL Player Plan. Portis went to trial over the allegations last week, but jurors were unable to reach a verdict. Instead of a re-trial, Portis reached a deal with prosecutors and will be sentenced in January.

More U.S. First Responders Are Dying Of COVID-19

By The Associated Press
The resurgence of COVID-19 this summer and the national debate over vaccine requirements have created a fraught situation for the United States’ first responders, who are dying in larger numbers but pushing back against mandates.
It’s a stark contrast from the beginning of the vaccine rollout when first responders were prioritized for shots.
The mandates affect tens of thousands of police officers, firefighters and others on the front lines across the country, many of whom are spurning the vaccine. That is happening despite mandates’ consequences that range from weekly testing to suspension to termination — even though the virus is now the leading cause of U.S. law enforcement line-of-duty deaths.
According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, 132 members of law enforcement agencies are known to have died of COVID-19 in 2021. In Florida alone last month, six people affiliated with law enforcement died over a 10-day period.
Despite the deaths, police officers and other first responders are among those most hesitant to get the vaccine and their cases continue to grow. No national statistics show the vaccination rate for America’s entire population of first responders but individual police and fire departments across the country report figures far below the national rate of 74% of adults who have had at least one dose.

Willard Scott, Weatherman On NBC’s ‘Today’ Show, Dies At 87

NEW YORK (AP) — Willard Scott, the beloved weatherman who charmed viewers of NBC’s “Today” show with his self-deprecating humor and cheerful personality, has died. He was 87. Al Roker, his successor on the morning news show, announced that Scott died peacefully Saturday morning, surrounded by family. No further details were released. Roker called Scott “a man of his times, the ultimate broadcaster.” Scott began his 65-year career at NBC as an entry-level page and rose to become the weather forecaster on the “Today” show for more than three decades. His trademark was giving on-air birthday greetings to viewers who turned 100 years old and delivering weather updates in zany costumes.

Shock and Sadness Expressed Over Passing of Michael K. Williams

Emmy nominated actor Michael K. Williams dead at the age of 54.

(Tuesday, September 7, 2021) – Condolences are pouring from Hollywood and fans as news spreads about the passing of Emmy nominated actor Michael K. Williams.  Williams, best known for his role as Omar Little in the HBO hit series “The Wire,” was found dead Monday inside his Brooklyn apartment.

His death is being investigated as a possible drug overdose, according to the New York police department.

Williams appeared in all five seasons of “The Wire” from 2002 to 2008.  His career also included characters in HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire” and “Lovecraft Country.”  He also appeared in the films “12 Years A Slave” and “Assassin’s Creed.” Michael K. Williams was 54.

Actor Michael K. Williams, Omar On ‘The Wire,’ Dead At 54

By MICHAEL R. SISAK and ANDREW DALTON
NEW YORK (AP) — Actor Michael K. Williams, who played the beloved character Omar Little on “The Wire,” has died. New York City police say Williams was found dead Monday afternoon at his apartment in Brooklyn. He was 54. Williams created one of the most memorable characters in TV history on the HBO series that ran from 2002 to 2008. Little was a robber of drug dealers who lived by a strict moral code and delivered some of the show’s most famous quotes, including, “All in the game.” The Brooklyn-born Williams also appeared in the HBO series “Boardwalk Empire” and “Lovecraft Country.”

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