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.
Tag: Washington, D.C.
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 inArts & Culture
Dance Institute of Washington’s Spirit of Kwanzaa – standing for the culture and community
The Dance Institute of Washington will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its “Spirit of Kwanzaa” production with a performance featuring the Washington area’s best young dance artists, honoring the principles of Kwanzaa and the legacy of its founder, Fabian Barnes.
Posted inCommentary
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 […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
‘Busy Bee’ Britton celebrates 35 years of holiday shopping tradition in D.C.
By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to the AFROkmcneir@afro.com Juanita “Busy Bee” Britton, founder of Washington, D.C.-based BZB International, will mark her 35th anniversary as host of a holiday tradition, dubbed “the largest African American Department store on the East Coast,” beginning Black Friday, Nov. 28. Busy Bee, a nickname she earned during her childhood and to […]
Posted inBUSINESS
District opens new revolving fund to boost small business growth
Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser announced new funding for local entrepreneurs through the District Capitalized Revolving Fund Program, offering micro-loans and credit lines to help small businesses expand, hire and strengthen their operations.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Christopher Albert named D.C. Teacher of the Year
By Chianti MarksAFRO Interns D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser recently announced Christopher Albert as the District’s 2026 Teacher of the Year. Bowser called it one of her favorite annual celebrations. “It is an incredible experience to hear an auditorium of students erupt in cheers when their teacher is announced and to see the other educators just […]
Posted inBUSINESS
Marylanders weigh in on their favorite local gems
Maryland ranks second in the U.S. for its share of Black-owned businesses, with 10 percent of companies owned by African Americans, according to a 2025 Pew Research Center report. To celebrate this entrepreneurial spirit, the AFRO spoke with residents about their favorite Black-owned businesses, highlighting local gems from bookstores to restaurants.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Wellpoint DC President Adrian Jordan redefines healthcare through his own lived experience
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Growing up in Washington, D.C., Adrian Jordan knew what it meant to live without health insurance. Now, as president of WellPoint DC, he’s determined to make sure no child in the District feels that same gap in care.
Posted inBaltimore News
The AFRO Named Among the Nation’s Top Black News Outlets on Two Feedspot Lists
The AFRO-American Newspapers, the nation’s oldest continuously published Black-owned newspaper still owned by its founding family, has been named to Feedspot’s list of the “45 Best Black News Websites of 2025.” The recognition honors The AFRO’s legacy of trusted journalism and its continued innovation in digital media, storytelling, and community engagement.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Addressing family toxicity: How to move forward after trauma
Healing from family trauma starts with breaking cycles of secrecy, shame and emotional suppression. Life coach Nijiama Smalls urges open conversations, setting boundaries, and—even when needed—creating distance to protect peace and begin true healing.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
H Street Festival returns with full display of D.C. culture
Thousands of people attended the H Street Festival in Washington, D.C. to enjoy music, food, art, fashion shows, and health resources.