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Drake Curating Monday Night Football

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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.

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(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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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(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.

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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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(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

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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

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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.

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(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.

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

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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.”

https://youtu.be/lVQ7hlu39kE

Business Networking Conference

The Annual Synergy BWI Networking Event is this Thursday September 9th

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We’re talking jobs and contracts on this Labor Day.  The Synergy BWI is coming up this week.  It’s a virtual conference and business networking event to connect businesses with decision makers and resources at BWI Marshall and Martin State Airports.  My guest is Ricky Smith – Executive Director and CEO of Maryland Aviation Administration BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport

Synergy BWI is a virtual conference and business networking event Thursday, September 9th from 9am to 3pm.  The event is free. 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 JOURNEY: “A Safe Return To Campus for Howard University”

On this episode of “The Journey,” President Frederick talks with Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Cynthia Evers, and the chair of pathology at Howard University College of Medicine, Dr. Rodger Mitchell about their efforts to maintain the campus’ “Safety First” and “Bison SAFE” mindset for the new school year.

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ABOUT

Since the Coronavirus pandemic compelled Howard University to transition to online learning in March of 2020, Howard University faculty and staff have been working diligently to prepare for students eventual return to campus.   While COVID-19 continues to spread across the country, the time has finally arrived where we can bring more of our students back to Howard while ensuring their health and safety.  On this episode of “The Journey,” President Frederick talks with Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Cynthia Evers, and the chair of pathology at Howard University College of Medicine, Dr. Rodger Mitchell. They will discuss their efforts to maintain the campus’ “Safety First” and “Bison SAFE” mindset for the new school year.

Air Date: September 5, 2021

Adult Biking Classes, Virtual Sewing Conference. Inside Community’s Choice

Check out the free community events happening across the DMV. All inside WHUR’s Community’s Choice

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Adult Biking Classes

Learn the right techniques for riding a bike. The Montgomery County Department of Transportation is sponsoring adult biking classes. www.waba.org

Sew Much Soul

Check out the diverse makers, designers, and creatives in the sewing industry. Sew Much Soul is hosting a virtual sewing conference September 11th and 12th. www.sewcreativelounge.com

HU Diplomatic Service Fellowship

Are you interested in a career in the U-S diplomatic Service? Applications are now being accepted for the Rangel and Pickering International Fellowship Programs administered by Howard University. www.pickeringfellowship.org www.rangelprogram.org

DC Homicide Rememberance Day

DC Homicide Survivors will host a special Day of Rememberance September 25th at St. Luke Catholic Church in SE. pastorpsaunders@gmail.

Alpha Phi Alpha Academy

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity is accepting application for its KEL Alpha Academy. It’s open to boys in grades 7th thru 12th. www.aphiakel.org

Hoop for Hope Basketball

Hoop for Al is hosting its Hoop for Hope Basketball Tournament September 18th at Banneker Recreation Center. Proceeds go to fund medical expenses for cancer patients. www.hoopforall.com

Suicide Prevention

Did you know suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US? Join the #CallTextLive campaign and help erase the stigma during Suicide Prevention Month in September. www.prsinc.org

WHUR’s Community’s Choice

To get your non profit on the air and web, email Renee Nash at rnash@whur.com at least three weeks prior to your event.

Conya Doss Success Is Not Just Wishful Thinking

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https://youtu.be/gu_mI7zD9EQ

Songbird, Conya Doss, proves once again why she deserves a seat at the table.

Not only is she a gifted, independent artist. She is giving back in such a significant way.

Press play to find out her heartfelt gift to the world!

Date Rape & College-Age Men

What they need to know before things go too far.

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As college students return to campuses this fall… it is expected that they will interact.  They will flirt.  They will date.  They may even become intimate.  But these are young people.  Most of them are new to sexual intimacy.  How fine is the line between consent and refusal when it comes to sex?  For college-age men, not knowing the answer to that critical question could be life-altering.  We take a examine the complexities of what young men should look for and listen for when they find themselves in those situations.  This is also a cautionary tale for young women.

Resources:

A.S.K. Assalt Services Knowledge

Power To Decide

Break The Cycle

One in Six

Teaira Garnett, Advocate Specialist, Office of Interpersonal Violence Prevention, Howard University (not pictured)

Neil Irvin, Executive Director, Men Can Stop Rape

Richmond’s Robert E. Lee Statue to Come Down

VA Supreme Court Paves Way For Lee Monument Removal

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(Richmond, VA) — The path is clear for the removal of the Robert E. Lee Monument in Richmond, Virginia. The state Supreme Court denied challenges to the monument’s removal in two opinions. The court found a group of neighbors had no viable reason to sue. Also, the 1890s deed restriction that would require the state maintenance of the monument was found to be unenforceable. Governor Ralph Northam first announced plans to take the statue down over a year ago. However, those lawsuits stood in the way until now.

COVID Testing And Vaccine Sites Reopen

DC officials were forced to close down operations yesterday due to the inclement weather.

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(Washington, DC) — All District coronavirus testing sites will be back up and running this morning. City officials were forced to close down operations yesterday due to the inclement weather. Vaccination sites will also operate as normal today. D.C. has several ‘Test Yourself’ sites at various libraries and rec centers across the city.

 

Pharrell Williams Proclaims “Charlie Wilson Is The GOAT”

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Pharrell Williams is extending flowers to the G.O.A.T. Charlie Wilson. The producer spoke with Variety about the former leader of The Gap Band saying, “My parents used to play that music, and it’s always been an honor to work with Uncle Charlie.”

Pharrell has collaborated with “Uncle Charlie” many times. The masterminds came together for Pharrell’s 2006 song, “That Girl,” which was featured on his debut solo album, “In My Mind.”

They released five collaborations with Snoop Dogg, including the hit “Beautiful” and in 2013 Pharrell and Snoop hit the BET Awards stage to pay tribute to the iconic singer.

“Seeing him get his flowers so many times with Kanye and Tyler, the Creator,” says Pharrell, “and just continuing to be out there, still doing it and sounding amazing.”

What is your favorite Charlie Wilson song?

Kandi Burruss Reveals She Wanted To Commit Suicide as a Kid

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Kandi Burruss revealed something personal on her YouTube series, Speak On It.
Kandi has been sharing her process with plastic surgery.
She has been very open about what she’s had done.
She said when she was a kid she considered suicide but she couldn’t find her mom’s gun.
She said her depression started after the death of her brother.
I understand depression cause I dealt with stuff like that at a younger age. I actually wanted to commit suicide. But praise te Lord, I wasn’t able to find my mom’s gun when I wanted to do it.
Have you ever dealt with depression?

Van Jones Shuts Down Rumors of Dating Kim Kardashian

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Rumors have been circulating of a possible relationship between Van Jones and Kim Kardashian.
The rumors started when the two started working on criminal justice reform together and while she has been working on obtaining her law degree.


Van said, I never made any comments about the rumors of me and Kim Kardashian dating as it found it absurd…it was flattering for me but probably not for her.
Do you think Van should have spoken up as soon as the rumor started?

Wait! Did Somebody Compare R. Kelly To The Apostle Paul?

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https://youtu.be/wKS5dPQGsCc

Wooooooo! This conversation got h-e-a-t-e-d!!!

Of course, we talked about everything trending! Press play to hear what we think about what

recently came out in the R Kelly trial.

The Ellen DeGeneres Show Returns for Final Season With Vaccinated Audience

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September 13th kicks off the 19th and last season of the Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Confirmed for her final season are Jennifer Aniston, Kim Kardashian, Jimmy Kimmel, Tiffany Haddish, Melissa McCarthy, Diddy and more.
Jennifer Aniston was Ellen’s very first guest 19 years ago.
The show will air in front of a live, fully vaccinated, studio audience.
What do you think of Ellen’s show ending? Who do you think should be on her last and final show?

Celebs Grieve The Death Of Nene Leakes’ Husband

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Upon news of Nene Leakes’ husband, Greg, losing his battle with colon cancer, many celebrities have taken to social media to share their thoughts and prayers.

Andy Cohen was the first to send his condolences writing, “I am heartbroken over the passing of Gregg Leakes, a wonderful man. I jokingly called him “Pastor Leakes” but in truth, he was a strong voice of reason & commanded great respect among the entire #RHOA team.”

Nicki Minaj sent a heartfelt message to Nene writing, ‘I know nothing can stop the pain you must be feeling right now, I’m sending you love & strength. May God cover your family now & forever—forever & equipped you with what your heart needs to move on.’

Other tributes came in from Cynthia Bailey, Marlo Hampton, Real Housewives of New York’s Ramona Singer, and former friend enemy, Kim Zolciak-Biermann.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Nene and her family, friends, and fans.

Beware Of Scammers

AARP is out with a list on how to protect yourself from scammers.

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Have you been the victim of scammers?  AARP says 41% of African Americans have been targeted by a scam and 21% have lost money.  This morning I have details to help protect you.  My guest is Shani Hosten – AARP’s Vice President of African American Audience Strategy, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion .

AARP Fraud Watch is a free resource for all that equips consumers with up to date knowledge to spot and avoid scams. For information go here:  or call 877-908-3360

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:

Social-Emotional Learning for Children of Color

Could it be what they need to help them catch up and keep up?

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As children head back to the classroom this fall, there are all kinds of concerns.  There are concerns about COVID, of course, and what children have lost because they were forced to learn from home instead of in the classroom.  Now there’s the new normal that will require them to do a lot of catching up.  Does that mean that children of color may need addition help or teaching focus from educators?  What about social-emotional learning?  What is that?  Could it be the special sauce to help them catch up and keep up?

Resources:

Dr. Marilyn Simmons-Bowe

Institute of Education Sciences

 

Dr. Marilyn Simmons-Bowe, Educator, Social-Emotional Learning Coach

Mother and Toddler Shot In SE

DC police asking for the public’s help in locating a gunman who shot a two-year-old and his mother in SE.

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Washington, D.C. (September 1, 2021) – D.C. police continue to search for suspects in the shooting Tuesday night of a mother and her two-year-old son.  Police say the pair was shot along with another man while sitting in a car on Howard Road in SE.

All three victims are expected to survive their injuries.  Police have not indicated a motive or if the victims were the intended targets or struck by stray bullets.

Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Hit By Tornado

The most severe damage is on West Street near the Annapolis Mall. 

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The National Weather Services has confirmed a tornado via radar in Anne Arundel Count this afternoon. The twister was brought to the region because of Tropical Depression Ida sweeping through Maryland.  Several news outlets in Baltimore show video of damage in and around Annapolis.  The most severe damage is on West Street near the Annapolis Mall.   A dark funnel cloud was seen moving through the area around 2:15 p.m. Debris was sent flying into the sky. Images emerged from the area of tree limbs and power lines down on a roadway.

Officers, Paramedics Charged in Elijah McClain’s 2019 Death

The 23-year-old Black man was put in a chokehold and injected with a sedative in suburban Denver.

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DENVER (AP) — Colorado’s attorney general says three officers and two paramedics have been indicted on manslaughter and other charges in the death of Elijah McClain. The announcement Wednesday comes two years after the 23-year-old Black man was put in a chokehold and injected with a sedative in suburban Denver. McClain’s death gained widespread attention during last year’s protests against racial injustice and police brutality. The governor had ordered Attorney General Phil Weiser to open a new criminal investigation. The officers weren’t charged in 2019 after a prosecutor said an autopsy couldn’t determine how McClain died. The officers stopped him in the city of Aurora after a 911 caller reported that he looked suspicious.

Alicia Keys Adapts ‘Girl On Fire’ Into Young Adult Novel

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NEW YORK (AP) — For Alicia Keys, “Girl On Fire” isn’t just a million-selling single, but the title and inspiration for a young adult graphic novel scheduled for next year. HarperCollins Publishers announced Tuesday that “Girl On Fire,” the story of 14-year-old Lolo Wright and her telekinetic powers, will come out March 1. The book is cowritten by Andrew Weiner and illustrated by Brittney Williams. Keys is a 15-time Grammy winner and has also written the books “Tears for Water: Poetry & Lyrics” and the memoir “More Myself: A Journey.”

UK Regulator Clears Piers Morgan Over Comments On Meghan

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LONDON (AP) — Britain’s media regulator has cleared TV personality and journalist Piers Morgan of any violations for making comments about Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, that drew more than 50,000 viewer complaints. The Office of Communications says Morgan didn’t breach the broadcasting code when he said on “Good Morning Britain” that he didn’t believe what Meghan said during an interview with Oprah Winfrey. During the March interview, the duchess said she had suicidal thoughts while struggling to fit in with the monarchy. Morgan called Wednesday’s decision “a resounding victory for free speech and a resounding defeat for Princess Pinocchios.”

Lil Nas X Honored By Anti-Suicide Group The Trevor Project

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By MARK KENNEDY AP Entertainment Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — Lil Nas X has been awarded the inaugural Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year Award from the advocacy group The Trevor Project. The Trevor Project is a nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention and crisis intervention for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning young people. The group cited Lil Nas X’s “openness about struggling with his sexuality and suicidal ideation, his continued advocacy around mental health issues, and his unapologetic celebration of his queer identity.” The Trevor Project’s national survey on LGBTQ youth mental health in 2021 found that 42% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year.

White House Details Plans To Improve Housing Affordability

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By JOSH BOAK Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — White House officials are outlining plans to build and restore more than 2 million homes. It’s a response to the volcanic rise in housing prices over the past year. Millions of Americans are getting priced out of ownership or stuck spending the bulk of their income on rent. The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller 20-city home price index climbed a record 19.1% in June from a year ago. Too few homes are available to buy, and low interest rates have enabled affluent buyers and real estate investors to pay more for homes. The White House Council of Economic Advisers said Wednesday housing supply has fallen short of population growth for four decades.

DMV Rainstorm Leaves 1 Dead and 1 Missing

Montgomery County officials say one man was killed and another person is missing following overnight storms that swept through the Washington area.

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Rockville, Maryland (Wednesday, September 1, 2021) – The overnight rain, remnants of Tropical Ida,  that slammed the DMV has turned deadly.  Reports indicate that one person is dead and another is unaccounted for after flood waters swept through an apartment complex in Rockville.

Residents on the lower level of the Rock Creek Woods Apartments report water reaching near the ceiling and they were literally swept out of their beds.  Officials say 150 residents have been displaced.

Meantime, just miles away, several people had to be rescued this morning as waters rushed through the Congressional Towers Building.  No injuries reported there.

Witness: R. Kelly Also Targeted Boys

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NEW YORK (AP) — Prosecutors in the R. Kelly sex-trafficking case are making good on a pretrial claim to show jurors the musician wasn’t just into young girls and women. A man has testified that R. Kelly exploited him for sex as a teen. The man says Kelly invited him over to help him break into music. He says Kelly asked what he was “willing to do for music” and he replied, “anything you need.” Kelly then asked if he ever fantasized about having sex with men, then got on his knees and gave him oral sex. He says another time, Kelly snapped his fingers and a naked girl came into the room and had oral sex with them both. The man says he still kept seeing Kelly because he wanted to get into the music biz.

Jam & Lewis Are Back For The First Time With ‘Volume One’

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By GARY GERARD HAMILTON Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — After nearly four decades in the music business helping craft hits for icons like Michael and Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige and more, songwriting and producing duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis recently released their debut album, “Jam & Lewis, Volume One.” The 10-song project features a who’s who collection of R&B singers, including Carey, Blige and Boyz II Men, along with new partnerships with Toni Braxton, Babyface and The Roots. The project comes 35 years after their work on Janet Jackson’s “Control” jumpstarted their careers, and the duo say they still have musical goals they want to achieve, like working solo with H.E.R. and performing the songs live with instruments.

Sickle Cell Awareness

Howard University’s Center of Sickle Cell Disease kicks off events that bring awareness to Sickle Cell

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We are kicking off Sickle Cell Awareness Month with information you need to know.  I’m talking this morning with the Howard University Center for Sickle Cell Disease and they have a host of activities coming up to shine the spotlight on this issue that continues to disproportionately impact the African American community.  My guest is  Barbara Harrison – Assistant Director of Community Outreach and Education for the Howard University Center for Sickle Cell Disease.

Howard University Center for Sickle Cell Disease will be hosting a Cure Sickle Cell Now event during the entire month of September.  Email sicklecell@howard.edu

 

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:

 

Opioid Addiction and Overdose, Problems and Solutions

Today is International Overdose Awareness Day.

Posted by Harold Fisher
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The COVID-19 pandemic continues to overshadow so many other public health issues in our community that are bubbling just beneath the surface. You may remember, before the the pandemic, one of the biggest issues was the opioid epidemic.  That has not gone away.  It remains a problem for the addicted and the fallout from it is impacting those who need pain management… even temporarily.  Today is International Overdose Awareness Day.  We’re discussing the evolving problem and some possible solutions.

Resources:

The Urban Health Initiative: 202-524-0326

Pyschiatry & Behavioral Science Department, Howard U. Hospital: 202-865-6688

Dr. Beverly Settles-Reaves, Care Manager, The Urban Health Initiative, Howard University

Dr. Walter Bland, Vice-Chair, Clinical Services, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science Howard University Hospital

 

Winning the Fight for Voting Rights in Florida

Behind the movement that restored voting rights to convicted felons in Florida.

Posted by Harold Fisher
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He is one of the most formidable voices for criminal justice reform in America. Desmond Meade is president of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition.  A former returning citizen… Meade is behind the movement that restored voting rights to convicted felons in Florida.

https://youtu.be/gfPfQ7olFrc

D.C. To Crack Down On Expired Licenses

The Department of Motor Vehicles says it will step up enforcement of expired licenses starting September 9th.

Posted by Harold Fisher
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(Washington, DC) — The District is announcing plans to crack down on expired driver’s licenses and identification cards. The Department of Motor Vehicles says it will step up enforcement of expired licenses starting September 9th. Many residents have been driving around with expired identification cards due to the inability to get them renewed due to COVID-19. If your driver’s license has been expired for more than a year, you must take and pass the knowledge test or take D.C.’s online traffic school course for a waiver. Those with expired licenses exceeding 545 days will have to take and pass the knowledge test and the road skills test before securing a new permit.

 

Biden Marks End Of U.S. War In Afghanistan

U.S. will work with the Taliban and other international partners to get other Americans out.

Posted by Harold Fisher
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(Washington, DC) — President Biden is marking the end of the 20 year U.S. war in Afghanistan.
Addressing the nation from the White House, Biden called it the longest war in American history. Biden cheered the successful evacuation of more than 124-thousand people from the Kabul Airport. He called it unprecedented. The numbers of those who were evacuated included several thousand Americans. An uncertain number of Americans were unable to get out of the war-torn country during the evacuation. Biden heaped praise on those who handled the massive evacuation. He also lamented the deaths of 13 U.S. service members in a terrorist bombing at the Kabul Airport.

President Biden says Americans in Afghanistan were warned 19 times to leave since March. Speaking from the White House, Biden said the U.S. is committed to get out the couple hundred Americans who still wish to leave. The President said 90-percent of Americans who wanted to leave Afghanistan already left. He said the U.S. will work with the Taliban and other international partners to get them out.

It’s Movie Night!

Bring the entire family out for Movies on the Lawn.

Posted by Bobby Gailes
Posted on
Grab your blankets and get ready for Movies on the Lawn.  Home Rule Music and Film Preservation Foundation is hosting a series of movie nights with music at the Parks.  My guest is Charvis Campbell – President of Home Rule Music and Film Preservation Fund

Movies On the Lawn will be held at The Great Lawn at 16th Street, NW Saturday September 11th and Saturday, October 2nd. 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:

 

Reporters’ Roundtable

Hurricane Ida, back to school in the DMV, recapping the March On Washington, and gun violence in our communities.

Posted by Harold Fisher
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We’re at the Reporters’ Roundtable with a look at the top stories of the week.  As always… there’s a lot to talk about.  Hurricane Ida, back to school in the DMV, recapping the March On Washington, and gun violence in our communities.  We start with the end of the war in Afghanistan.

April Ryan, White House Correspondent/Washington Bureau Chief, The Grio
Mary C. Curtis, Columnist, Roll Call

Jamila Bey, Political Editor, Viacom

Afghan Refugees To Live At Quantico

The base says it can support up to fifty-thousand evacuees.

Posted by Harold Fisher
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(Triangle, VA) — Marines are preparing the Marine Corps Base Quantico to house Afghan refugees. Marines are cleaning the facility before welcoming the refugees upon their arrival at Dulles International Airport. The housing at Quantico is part of Operation Allies Refuge, a joint effort of the Department of Defense, the U.S. Northern Command, the Department of State and Homeland Security. The base says it can support up to fifty-thousand evacuees with transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support.