washington d.c news

Long-time U Street corridor resident Gregory Adams and other members of Black Neighbors of 1617 U Street are challenging development plans in their historically Black Northwest D.C. neighborhood, arguing that proposed upzoning and new construction threaten to worsen displacement and fail to guarantee truly affordable housing. The group successfully lobbied to modify a zoning proposal for land near Third District police headquarters, though the compromise resulted in fewer total and affordable units than originally planned. As the D.C. Office of Planning undertakes a comprehensive rewrite of the city's development plan through the DC 2050 process, community advocates are pushing for social housing programs and questioning "gentle density" proposals that would subdivide single-family homes without explicit affordability requirements. Historian Briana Thomas notes that of over 300 Black-owned businesses that once thrived on U Street during its "Black Broadway" era, only three remain today, with newer Black-owned businesses often forced to close within a year due to high costs.

Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland has announced he will boycott President Trump's State of the Union address scheduled for February 24, choosing instead to participate in a counter-event called the "People's State of the Union" on the National Mall. At least a dozen Democratic lawmakers, including several senators and House members, plan to skip the presidential speech and join the protest rally organized by progressive groups MoveOn and MeidasTouch. The boycotting legislators argue that Trump has transformed the traditionally unifying address into a divisive campaign event and cite concerns about constitutional violations and threats to democracy. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has encouraged Democrats to either attend quietly or skip the speech entirely rather than cause disruptions, while the White House has dismissed the boycott as unsurprising. This boycott breaks from longstanding congressional tradition where lawmakers typically attend State of the Union addresses regardless of political disagreements, though Trump's previous addresses have seen symbolic protests like walkouts and Nancy Pelosi's tearing of his speech transcript. # Key Takeaways

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has signed emergency legislation that immediately prohibits state and local law enforcement from participating in federal immigration enforcement programs, specifically ending the state's involvement in the 287(g) program. The new law prevents Maryland jurisdictions from entering agreements that allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement to deputize local officers for civil immigration duties, though it still permits cooperation on criminal investigations and violent offender cases. Supporters argue the legislation protects immigrant communities and maintains trust between residents and police, while opponents, including Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins who had participated in the program since 2008, warn it will compromise public safety. The measure passed as both a Senate and House bill and became effective immediately upon the governor's signature.

Nineteen Buddhist monks and their rescue dog completed a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington, D.C., arriving on February 10-11 to promote mindfulness, unity, and harmony during a time of heightened national division. The monks, organized by the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center, drew thousands of supporters at locations including American University, the Washington National Cathedral, and the Lincoln Memorial, where they delivered messages emphasizing respect without agreement and peaceful coexistence. Witnessing observers from various backgrounds expressed feeling inspired by the simple yet powerful act of walking for peace, with many reflecting on how the demonstration offered an alternative to the anger and conflict dominating current events. The monks emphasized that achieving peace requires daily mindfulness practice by individuals rather than grand gestures, urging people to choose harmony over winning and to start peace work internally before extending it outward. After concluding their visit with stops in Maryland on February 12, the monks returned to Texas, leaving participants committed to practicing greater compassion, intentionality, and mindful living. # Key Takeaways

Marlon Calhoun, an 18-year-old senior point guard at KIPP DC Legacy College Preparatory Public Charter School, is leading his team through the playoffs after breaking the school's scoring record by surpassing 2,000 career points in January. The talented player, who joined the Bulldogs during his freshman year in 2022 after playing AAU basketball, credits his development to his coach Jimmie Jenkins, who has mentored him both on and off the court. Calhoun balances his basketball success with academic responsibilities and fatherhood to his one-year-old son, who motivates him to stay focused and make positive choices. Jenkins views Calhoun as an example of the program's future success, emphasizing the school's commitment to recruiting student-athletes who prioritize academics alongside athletics. # Key Takeaways

Two prominent civil rights leaders, Reverend Jesse Jackson and Reverend Graylan Scott Hagler, both passed away on February 17th, leaving behind profound legacies of social justice advocacy. Jackson, age 84, gained national prominence through his work with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his presidential campaigns, founding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, and serving as Washington D.C.'s first shadow senator. Hagler, age 71, focused his ministry and activism on both local District issues and global justice causes, regularly contributing commentary to The Washington Informer on topics ranging from LGBTQ rights to criminal justice reform. Both men dedicated their lives to fighting for marginalized communities and created blueprints for future generations of activists through their persistent advocacy, mentorship, and calls to action.

The Reverend Jesse Jackson passed away on February 17 at age 84, leaving behind an influential legacy of civil rights activism and political leadership that spanned six decades. Following Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, Jackson continued advocating for social justice through organizations like the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and served as one of Washington D.C.'s first shadow senators from 1991 to 1997, championing the statehood movement. His presidential campaigns in the 1980s challenged the Democratic Party's establishment and transformed its nomination process to be more inclusive and grassroots-oriented. Jackson maintained deep ties to Washington D.C., forging a close friendship with longtime Mayor Marion Barry and becoming a local fixture while maintaining an international profile that included hostage rescue missions abroad. Community leaders and officials remember him as a courageous, fearless leader whose fight for voting rights, civil rights, and D.C. statehood reflected his unwavering commitment to democracy and equality for all people. # Key Takeaways

Rev. Graylan Scott Hagler, a 71-year-old Washington D.C. pastor and social justice advocate, passed away on February 17 after battling cancer, ending a remarkable career of faith-based activism. During his three decades leading Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ, Hagler transformed the congregation into a center for civic engagement while championing causes including affordable housing, workers' rights, racial justice, and Palestinian solidarity. Even while suffering from laryngeal cancer, he continued protesting against Target's rollback of diversity initiatives up until his final months, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to justice work. His bold leadership style, which included challenging traditional Black church theology on Israel-Palestine and advocating for marginalized communities, earned him recognition as both a prophetic voice and mentor to younger activists. Born in Baltimore in 1954, Hagler leaves behind a legacy of connecting spiritual faith with civic action that influenced generations of leaders. # Key Takeaways

The National Newspaper Publishers Association has issued a statement mourning the passing of Reverend Dr. Jesse L. Jackson Sr., praising his transformative leadership in civil and human rights movements worldwide. The author, who was recruited into the Civil Rights Movement at age 14, reflects on working alongside Jackson from major 1960s campaigns through Jackson's presidential runs in the 1980s, which dramatically increased Black voter participation. Jackson is remembered not only as a powerful orator but also as a prolific writer for Black newspapers who gave voice to the oppressed throughout his career. The statement emphasizes that Jackson's spirit must continue inspiring future generations to fight for freedom and justice amid ongoing challenges of racism and inequality.

Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, a towering civil rights leader who emerged from segregated South Carolina to become a national advocate for justice and equality, has passed away at age 84. Throughout his more than five-decade career, Jackson founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, ran two groundbreaking presidential campaigns that expanded possibilities for candidates of color, and served as an unofficial diplomat securing hostage releases abroad. A protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who was present at King's assassination, Jackson continued the civil rights movement's work by pressuring corporations to diversify, fighting economic injustice, and bringing moral urgency from the Black church into politics and boardrooms. Despite facing criticism and later battling illness, he remained active in protests and advocacy until his final years, leaving behind a legacy that family and supporters are calling others to continue.

More than 260 students from 88 schools across Washington, D.C., participated in cluster-level spelling competitions at THEARC, with approximately 30 participants advancing to the citywide finals scheduled for spring. The eventual citywide winner will earn the opportunity to represent the District at the prestigious Scripps National Spelling Bee in May. Competition coordinator Jason Moore and volunteer judges emphasized that the event's true value extends beyond winning, focusing instead on helping students develop confidence, perseverance, and the ability to overcome fear and nervousness. Students prepared by studying thousands of words over several months, and even those eliminated expressed appreciation for the experience and supported their peers' success.

Five candidates are competing for the Ward 1 D.C. Council seat after Councilmember Brianne Nadeau announced she will not seek re-election following three terms. The diverse field includes Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners Rashida Brown (endorsed by Nadeau) and Miguel Trindade Deramo, former Latino Affairs director Jackie Reyes-Yanes, democratic socialist and tenant advocate Aparna Raj, and community leader Terry Lynch. All candidates are focusing on shared priorities including housing affordability, public safety, quality city services, and preventing displacement in one of D.C.'s most racially diverse wards. The Democratic primary is scheduled for June 16, with candidates having raised varying amounts in campaign contributions and public funds, ranging from approximately $60,000 to over $268,000. # Key Takeaways

America's freight rail system significantly impacts urban communities, particularly minorities and low-income populations who bear the burden of pollution and congestion from inefficient shipping networks. The current system requires frequent transfers between rail carriers and terminals, resulting in approximately one million additional truck trips annually in Chicago alone, contributing to traffic congestion and harmful diesel emissions in working-class neighborhoods. A proposed merger between two major rail carriers aims to create unified single-line service that would eliminate many truck transfers and reduce environmental harm. This consolidation could improve air quality, lower consumer prices, and benefit communities along freight corridors, with support from the nation's largest rail labor union recognizing potential improvements for workers and system efficiency.

Maryland Democratic Senator Angela Alsobrooks has introduced legislation in the Senate that would require the Government Accountability Office to examine how mass federal employee terminations have financially impacted state and local governments. The proposed Fiscal Harms of Federal Firings Act addresses concerns about over 317,000 federal workers who have lost their jobs during the past year, with particularly severe effects on the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Representative April McClain Delaney is sponsoring companion legislation in the House, and multiple labor unions have endorsed the measure. The lawmakers argue that these widespread dismissals have disrupted essential government services while creating budget shortfalls for state and community governments that have attempted to absorb the impact. # Key Takeaways

Democratic legislators Senator Angela Alsobrooks and Representative Kweisi Mfume from Maryland have introduced the National Council on African American History and Culture Act of 2026 in response to what they characterize as Republican attempts to diminish Black history education. The proposed legislation would create a 12-member advisory council operating under the National Endowment for the Humanities, comprised of presidential appointees with expertise in African American history and culture who would require Senate confirmation. This council would be responsible for collecting data, evaluating NEH programs, providing policy guidance, and producing yearly reports to strengthen federal initiatives supporting African American historical and cultural preservation. The bill has garnered support from multiple Democratic senators and endorsements from organizations including the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture.

The District of Columbia has filed a major civil racketeering lawsuit against the Razjooyan family, accusing them of running an illegal real estate operation spanning over a decade. The family allegedly controlled more than 70 apartment buildings through a network of shell companies, obtaining fraudulent loans and over $16 million in housing subsidies while subjecting hundreds of tenants to dangerous living conditions including mold, gas leaks, and electrical hazards. Prosecutors claim the family secured excessive loans by promising renovations that never occurred, instead using funds to buy more properties and enrich themselves. Attorney General Brian Schwalb stated the city is abandoning its building-by-building approach in favor of dismantling the entire operation at once. # Key Takeaways

The House of Representatives passed the SAVE America Act on Wednesday along partisan lines, establishing stringent new voter registration and ballot-casting requirements that critics warn could disenfranchise millions of Americans. The legislation mandates documentary proof of citizenship during registration and photo identification for voting, creating potential obstacles for an estimated 69 million women and 4 million men whose current legal names don't match their birth certificates due to marriage, gender identity changes, or other reasons. Republicans claim the bill prevents noncitizen voting, which is already illegal, while opponents argue the bureaucratic requirements would create unnecessary barriers for eligible voters and could be implemented too quickly for proper election administration. The bill faces significant challenges in the Senate, where it would need 60 votes to overcome a filibuster, and some Republican senators have already expressed concerns about federalizing elections.

The Tax Foundation's analysis reveals that President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act will moderately boost economic growth by 0.7% while adding approximately $4.1 trillion to federal deficits over ten years. This federal legislation has created serious complications for Washington, D.C., where local officials previously voted to reject certain federal tax provisions to protect city revenues. Congressional Republicans are now pushing to override the District's decision, which would force D.C. to adopt tax cuts it deliberately declined and strip roughly $658 million from local coffers over five years. District leaders warn this federal intervention would destabilize their budget planning, eliminate funds earmarked for expanding local tax credits for low- and middle-income residents, and create immediate cash-flow problems during the current tax filing season. # Key Takeaways