D.C. residents are continuing to speak out against the 47th U.S. president’s decision to bring National Guard troops to the streets of D.C.
Tag: Muriel Bowser
Lewis Ferebee shares priorities for D.C. schools in new academic year, beginning Aug. 25
As D.C. Public Schools students return to class on Aug. 25, Chancellor Lewis D. Ferebee outlines new initiatives to boost academic success, address chronic absenteeism, and modernize school facilities. In an interview with the AFRO, Ferebee highlighted gains since the pandemic, strategies to strengthen attendance, and DCPS’s approach to AI in classrooms, while reaffirming Mayor Muriel Bowser’s $180 million commitment to school modernization.
DC sues to halt White House’s unprecedented police takeover amid federal troop surge
Washington, D.C., sued Aug. 15 to block President Trump’s takeover of its police department, calling it illegal and dangerous. The move installs DEA chief Terry Cole as emergency head, displacing Police Chief Pamela Smith, and comes amid a surge of federal agents and National Guard troops in the city.
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.
Mayor Bowser kicks off 46th annual Marion Barry Youth Employment Program
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) kicks off the 46th annual Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program, alongside District youths on June 23. The program will connect around 13,000 young people with paid summer jobs, mentorship and career exploration opportunities.
Reactions mixed after D.C. Council votes to pause tipped worker minimum wage
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and the City Council have paused a scheduled minimum wage increase for tipped workers under Initiative 82, citing concerns about economic strain on local businesses and the city’s reliance on federal funding. While business advocates argue the law accelerates restaurant closures, many tipped workers and supporters believe the voter-approved measure is essential for fair compensation and should be upheld.
D.C. officials celebrate Caribbean Heritage Month celebrations
The Mayor’s Office of Caribbean Community Affairs will host several events throughout the month of June in observance of Caribbean Heritage Month
Critics decry 47th president’s Army parade as ‘Dictator Theater’ amid national unrest
The White House is staging a lavish military parade on June 14 to mark the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and 47th president’s birthday, drawing fierce criticism from political leaders who liken the event to authoritarian displays of power. As thousands of troops prepare to march through Washington, D.C., more than 1,600 protests are planned nationwide in response.
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.
Bowser announces $570k in grants to support small businesses in D.C.
Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) and the D.C. Department of Small and Local Business Development announced a $570,000 investment to support 60 small businesses through the 2025 Robust Retail Grant Program. Grants up to $10,000 will cover key operational expenses.
DC to host historic 50th anniversary Pride and WorldPride 2025 amid rising challenges
Washington, D.C. will celebrate 50 years of Pride with an unprecedented three-week event, coinciding with WorldPride 2025 and themed “The Fabric of Freedom,” highlighting the LGBTQ+ community’s resilience and global solidarity. Despite political setbacks and funding withdrawals, organizers remain steadfast in their mission to celebrate progress, amplify visibility, and defend hard-won rights at a pivotal moment for the community.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser agrees to remove Black Lives Matter mural in nation’s capital
Washington, D.C. leaders will remove the “Black Lives Matter” mural near the White House to avoid funding cuts threatened by White House leadership, after Mayor Muriel Bowser struggled to fend off threats of encroachment from both President Donald Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress.

