Washington, D.C. transparency laws governing the Metropolitan Police Department’s interactions with federal officers have been extended through November, amid ongoing federal immigration enforcement activity and debate over accountability, oversight and public trust in policing throughout the District.
Category: District of Columbia Government
Washington DC — The Nation’s Capital
Posted inWashington D.C. News
District to freeze Child Care Subsidy Program for new enrollees on May 12Â
By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to the AFRO In early March, parents and childcare advocates met on the steps of the John A. Wilson Building, which serves as the seat of the District of Columbia housing, hoping to convince the mayor and city council to reconsider their decision to implement a freeze on the DC Child […]
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Securing statehood dominates 2026 Emancipation Day conversation in D.C.
By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to The AFRO Washingtonians of all ages, some even in strollers and wheelchairs, filled city sidewalks and streets, enjoyed a liberty-themed luncheon as guests of the mayor, and frolicked on the fields at RFK Campus, April 16 – 19, for a four-day celebration that marked 2026 DC Emancipation Day. Event planners […]
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DC voters fill the seats at ‘Ask a D.C. Candidate Mayoral Forum’
Hundreds of Washington, D.C., residents filled the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library for a mayoral forum where six candidates addressed key issues like housing, child care, public safety and the city’s budget. The largely civil event highlighted differing approaches to economic growth and governance while encouraging voters to prepare for the upcoming primary and new ranked-choice voting system.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
District leaders, residents and visitors celebrate Emancipation Day
By Patricia McDougallSpecial to the AFRO More than 100 years ago, on April 16, 1862, the Compensated Emancipation Act was signed by President Abraham Lincoln. On that day, slaves in the District of Columbia gained their freedom. More than a century later, the residents of D.C. gather on an annual basis to honor and celebrate […]
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Tempers flare between District’s mayoral frontrunners Kenyan McDuffie and Janeese Lewis George during Free D.C. candidate forum
A Free D.C. candidate forum turned contentious when mayoral frontrunners Kenyan McDuffie and Janeese Lewis George clashed on stage, highlighting growing tensions in a competitive race as voters weigh leadership and trust ahead of the primary election.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Eleanor Holmes Norton speaks on retirement after 35 years on Capitol Hill
By Victoria MejicanosAFRO Staff Writervmejicanos@afro.com Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, 88, has officially announced her retirement. After 35 years representing the District, Norton has filed paperwork to end her reelection campaign. In a Jan. 27 letter speaking on her retirement, Norton reflected on her career and its impact on the city. “I’ve had the privilege of […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Longtime DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton is ending her reelection campaign for Congress
Eleanor Holmes Norton, the District of Columbia’s longtime nonvoting delegate to Congress and a Civil Rights Movement veteran, has filed paperwork to end her reelection campaign, signaling the close of her 35-year tenure on Capitol Hill. Her retirement opens a competitive Democratic primary in the overwhelmingly Democratic city as questions had mounted about her effectiveness amid heightened federal intervention in Washington.
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D.C., 34 states reach settlement with Kia, Hyundai over anti-theft failures
D.C., along with 34 other states, has reached a settlement with Hyundai and Kia after the automakers sold millions of vehicles without industry-standard anti-theft technology. Under the agreement, nearly 8,200 vehicles in the District are now eligible for free anti-theft hardware, and affected drivers may receive restitution for theft-related damages.
Posted inDistrict of Columbia Government
D.C. law changes in 2026 impact workers, youth and healthcare
As 2026 begins, Washington, D.C. residents face new laws, including Medicaid eligibility changes, an extended youth curfew, inflation‑linked minimum wage increases and automatic expungements for certain misdemeanor cases, with some exceptions for violent offenses.
Posted inDistrict of Columbia Government
D.C. delegate seat draws crowded field ahead of 2026 midterms
The crowded 2026 race for Washington, D.C.’s nonvoting House delegate seat in U.S. Congress reflects growing concerns over federal interference and the city’s future. Multiple candidates say the moment demands new leadership to protect local autonomy and representation.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Smith gives impassioned farewell speech, challenges ‘haters’ as interim MPD chief steps upÂ
By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to the AFRO D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser Bowser announced Dec. 17 the appointment of Jeffery Carroll as interim police chief in the District. According to a news release from Bowser’s office, Carroll currently serves as Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) executive assistant chief of specialized operations, a position to which he was appointed by […]