The weekend is never quite long enough, and it seems as though there’s always too much to do. With so many things happening, who can keep up? Don’t sweat it, we’ve got you covered; here are a some of the things that happened this past weekend – in case you missed it.
[Related: Jay Z Calls Tidal Users, Thanks Them for Listening]
News: President Obama Addresses Police Militarization
Last year in Ferguson, Missouri – following the death of Michael Brown at the hands of police officer Darren Wilson, protests sparked around the nation. Particularly in Ferguson, coverage of the protests highlighted the local police force and their use and deployment of military grade weapons and armor. The footage of the police response started a conversation around the country mostly centered around the need, or lack thereof, for such heavy duty artillery – like tracked armored vehicles, high-powered firearms and camouflage – in a local police forces control. Today, it’s reported that President Obama has announced plans to ban the federal government from providing some military-style equipment to local police departments and place stricter controls on other weapons and gear distributed to law enforcement. Responding to questions about the police response in Ferguson last year, Obama said “There is a big difference between our military and our local law enforcement and we don’t want those lines blurredâ€. Citing the need to build trust between communities, particularly ‘of color’ communities, and law enforcement – the President ordered a review of federal agencies, and using the results of that review as well as additional reporting, the President is prepared to ” highlight steps all cities can take to maintain trust between the brave law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line, and the communities they’re sworn to serve and protectâ€.
Sports: Houston Rockets Join A Short List & Advance to Conference Finals
The NBA Playoffs are heating up as the field narrows down. Following Sunday’s game 7 win over the Los Angeles Clippers, the
Houston Rockets became only the 9th team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 deficit and comeback to win the series. Powered by their stars – the 2nd place MVP candidate James Harden, and former Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard – the Rockets advance to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 1997, according to ESPN. The Golden State Warriors, which boast current regular season MVP Steph Curry and his ‘splash brother’ Klay Thompson – defeated the Rockets all four times they met during the regular season. Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals is Tuesday at 9:00 pm on ESPN. The Eastern Conference Finals, which will feature Lebron James and his ailing Cleveland Cavaliers, taking on the conference leading Atlanta Hawks, begins Wednesday at 8:30 pm on TNT.The WNBA Season Is Fast Approaching
As we look forward to the WNBA tip-off on June 5th, the season will unfortunately begin without two of it’s biggest stars. The recently married Britney Griner
and Glory Johnson, have each been handed a 7 game suspension stemming from an April 22 domestic violence arrest. In a statement from WNBA President Laurel Richie, she says “Brittney and Glory’s conduct is detrimental to the best interests of the WNBA and violates applicable law… We also understand that people make mistakes, and that education and training are as important as imposing discipline… It is our strong belief that violence has absolutely no place in society, in sports or in this league… As president, it is my responsibility to protect the league and uphold its values.”Continue reading on the next page…
Music: Janet Jackson Announces New Music & New World Tour
In a very surprise move, Janet Jackson tweeted a link to a video announcing a new tour and new music. Her first new release in seven years, Jackson says during the video “I promised you’d hear it from my lips, and now you will. This year, new music, new world tour, a new movement. I’ve been listening. Let’s keep the conversation going.”
Jay-Z Performs “B-Sides Concert†in NYC Hosted by Tidal
[Below: Watch Video]
As Jay-Z continues to carve out a space for his music streaming service Tidal, this weekend he held a promotional concert in his hometown of New York City. Instead of running through his lengthy catalog of hits, he performed his lesser known but still widely celebrated album cuts, or ‘B sides’. Always the showman, he brought out rappers Beanie Sigel, Memphis Bleek, Jay Electronica and Young Jeezy, to perform various songs, and also gave the crowd the treat of a very rare freestyle. Per a report from The Fader, the freestyle found him ‘taking aim firmly at his Tidal rivals YouTube and Spotify’ as well as Apple and their forthcoming Beats streaming service. ‘He also pays respects to Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown and Freddie Gray, and during the concert held a moment of silence for B.B. King, who passed away earlier this week.’