As 2025 ended, the District of Columbia saw a second consecutive year of significant declines in violent crime. While reported numbers show progress, federal and local officials remain at odds over the accuracy of the data and what it means for public safety.
Tag: District of Columbia
Reframing autism in D.C. schools: From label to understanding
By Nicole A. Wynn In a busy Washington, D.C. classroom, a student rocks gently in his chair, hands over his ears. The teacher assumes he’s being defiant and calls his name sharply. In reality, the fluorescent lights and echoing voices have overwhelmed his senses. This scene plays out daily in schools across the District not […]
New RENTAL Act amendment reduces tenant protectionsÂ
The D.C. Council recently refined the Rebalancing Expectations for Neighbors, Tenants, and Landlords (RENTAL) Act, clarifying Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) rules for small landlords. Councilmember Anita Bond’s (D-At Large) amendment allowing clear titles and exempting two- to four-unit homes from TOPA was approved amid debate over tenant protections.
Attorney General Schwalb sues to end illegal National Guard deployment in D.C.
D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb has filed a lawsuit challenging the President’s deployment of nearly 2,300 National Guard troops to the District, arguing the move violates federal law and undermines local self-governance. The suit contends that deputizing out-of-state troops for policing duties endangers residents, erodes public trust, and exceeds presidential authority.
BGE announces Tamla Olivier as new chief executive officer
Tamla Olivier has been named the next president and CEO of BGE, effective May 1. A seasoned utility executive with deep ties to the company, Olivier returns to BGE after leading operations at Pepco Holdings, bringing a track record of customer-focused leadership and infrastructure innovation. She will succeed Carim Khouzami, who transitions to a senior executive role at Exelon.
Senate panel approves measure aimed at luring Washington Commanders from Maryland back to D.C.
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee voted to advance a bill that would transfer control of the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium land from the federal government to the District of Columbia, potentially allowing the NFL’s Washington Commanders to return to the nation’s capital.
ACA Marketplace enrollment opens with expanded options and subsidies
The Affordable Care Act Marketplace opens its 2025 enrollment season, offering millions the opportunity to secure or adjust health insurance plans, and millions of individuals with pre-existing conditions would lose health insurance if Donald Trump is re-elected.
Fans, business owners, city officials celebrate as Wizards, Caps decide to remain in D.C.
Monumental Sports & Entertainment has reached an agreement with the District of Columbia to keep the Wizards and Capitals in downtown D.C. until 2050, with financial support from the District totaling $515 million over the next three years to modernize Capital One Arena and expand its business and hospitality operations.
Kelvin Brown speaks on his run for Ward 7’s D.C. Council seat
Kelvin Brown, a veteran and former educator, is running for the Ward 7 D.C. Council seat, promising to be a voice for the people of Ward 7 and to use his experience in housing to bring about systematic changes and improve conditions for small business owners.
 Experts say solutions needed for D.C.’s child care crisis
A recent report by Under 3 DC warns of the lack of affordable child care in D.C., which is costing parents $250 million per year due to damaging impacts on productivity, negative actions by employers, and an inability to advance in careers.
Super Tuesday victories set stage for presidential rematch
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire President Joe Biden and his twice-impeached and four-times indicted predecessor, Donald Trump, emerged victorious on Super Tuesday, wrapping up their respective party nominations and setting up a rematch of the volatile 2020 election. More than a dozen states participated in primaries and caucuses on March 5, constituting the most […]
Secure D.C. Omnibus crime bill raises tension with residents
By Chrisleen Herard, Special to the AFRO By the end of 2023, the District of Columbia had seen 274 reported homicides—the most homicides recorded in 26 years—while being flooded by a wave of carjackings, armed robberies and other violent crimes. This prompted Councilmember Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2) to introduce the Secure D.C. Omnibus crime bill, […]

