Posted inWashington D.C. News

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.

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

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.

Posted inU.S. Government

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.

Posted inWashington D.C. News

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.

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