The D.C. Council voted 9-3 to approve the Washington Commanders stadium deal, which is expected to create 2,000 permanent jobs, 14,000 construction positions, and generate $26.6 billion in redevelopment tax revenue, with a second and final vote expected on September 17.
Category: District of Columbia Government
Washington DC — The Nation’s Capital
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Local officials respond to 47th president’s federal takeover of D.C. police department
The 47th president has declared a national crime emergency in Washington, D.C., placing the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) under federal control amid concerns over rising violent crime. However, local leaders, including Mayor Muriel Bowser, argue that crime is actually declining and criticize the move as an unprecedented overreach of federal authority.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Supporting D.C. youth after incarceration: A second chance at success
By DaQuan LawrenceAFRO International WriterDLawrence@afro.com Although there was a 75 percent decline in national youth incarceration between 2000-2022, at the end of 2022 there were approximately 27,587 youth offenders held at 1,277 juvenile facilities across the United States, including detention centers, residential treatment centers, group homes and youth prisons, according to the Office of Juvenile […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
D.C. wants to stop kids from gathering at night
By Martin Austermuhle, The 51st At some point before this weekend, large yellow signs are likely to pop up in a “hot spot” D.C. neighborhood warning kids to, well, stay away – at least after 8 p.m. The extended curfew is part of a new policy pushed by Mayor Muriel Bowser and adopted by the […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
D.C. Council adopts ranked choice voting, affirming November ballots
The D.C. Council voted 8-4 to approve funding for ranked choice voting as part of its budget process, advancing Initiative 83, which was supported by over 70 percent of voters in the November election. The measure would allow open primaries and enable voters to rank candidates, with an instant runoff process determining a majority winner if no candidate surpasses 50 percent of first-choice votes.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Bowser moves to formally repeal D.C.’s ‘sanctuary city’ status
By Martin Austermuhle It was five years ago that Mayor Muriel Bowser called D.C. a “proud sanctuary city,” but now she’s trying to scrub the designation and protections it offers some immigrants. As part of her proposed budget for 2026, Bowser is pushing to repeal a 2019 law that limits how and when city agencies […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Report identifies need for new jail in the District of Columbia
By DaQuan LawrenceSpecial to the AFROdlawrence@afro.com According to a recent report issued by the Office of the District of Columbia Auditor (ODCA), the nation’s capital is overdue for a new jail. The extensive report, titled “Urgent Need for New D.C. Jail,” outlines deteriorating conditions at the current jail facility. Authors of the report say the […]
Posted inEducation
DCPS rolls out districtwide phone ban to cut distractions
D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee gives information on the districtwide ban on personal cell phones and electronic devices for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
House passes several ‘anti-D.C. Home Rule’ bills
The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed three bills aiming to override D.C.’s local laws, reigniting debates over Home Rule and statehood. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.-At-Large) condemned the measures as undemocratic and harmful.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
D.C. sees record visitation, fueling local economy
Washington, D.C. welcomed a record 27.2 million visitors in 2024, generating $11.4 billion in spending, $2.3 billion in tax revenue and supporting 111,500 jobs. The surge in tourism follows increased investment in Destination DC’s marketing efforts, delivering a strong return on investment for the city.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Ward 5 residents invited to help shape the future of RFK Stadium site at May 14 community meeting
By Councilman Zackary Parker (D-Ward 5) Dear Ward 5 neighbors, There’s been a lot of buzz this week around a proposal for the future of the RFK Stadium site. Mayor Muriel Bowser joined Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on May 5 to announce a deal to bring the Commanders back […]
Posted inDistrict of Columbia Government
Open meetings no more? D.C. Council reshapes transparency rules in emergency vote
By Martin AustermuhleThe 51st In early April the D.C. Council passed emergency legislation that significantly expands lawmakers’ ability to meet behind closed doors and away from the prying ears and eyes of the press and public. Ironically, an unrelated bill was introduced called the “Transparency is Accountability Act.” Proponents of the emergency measure – the […]