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President Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" proposes significant changes to American social programs and immigration enforcement. The legislation would cut $1 trillion from Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act over ten years while allocating $150 billion to expand ICE operations, including increasing its detention budget from $3.4 billion to $45 billion by 2029. The bill also authorizes a federal citizenship registry combining Social Security and immigration data, which critics view as an unprecedented surveillance system implemented without proper debate. Despite public opposition to key aspects of Trump's immigration agenda, the bill continues to advance with strong Republican support but faces significant Democratic resistance.

MAGA influencers who had long demanded the unsealing of Jeffrey Epstein's files are now expressing outrage after the Justice Department announced there is no Epstein client list and promised "no further disclosure." Pro-Trump media personalities who championed transparency are questioning why they were promised information that apparently doesn't exist. The backlash has been particularly fierce from figures like Chad Prather, who received a binder of Epstein evidence from Attorney General Pam Bondi at the White House in February, along with others including Jack Posobiec, Savanah Hernandez, Paul Syzpula, and Robby Starbuck who have publicly expressed their disbelief and frustration with the DOJ's conclusion.

The House Republicans have passed a controversial "One Big Beautiful Bill," which critics say will eliminate healthcare for 17 million Americans, reduce food assistance, and cut social programs while providing tax benefits to wealthy individuals and corporations. The legislation passed largely along party lines with only two Republicans joining Democrats in opposition. Critics, including Representative Summer Lee and several advocacy organizations, argue the bill will devastate working families by cutting nearly $1 trillion from health programs like Medicaid, ACA, and CHIP over the next decade, while also slashing $200 billion from nutrition assistance programs and reducing funding for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau by almost half.

Ward 7 residents in Washington, D.C. are campaigning against the closure of a CVS pharmacy on Pennsylvania Avenue SE scheduled for July 9, which serves as a critical healthcare resource for over 40,000 residents across multiple neighborhoods. The closure would force many residents, especially those without cars, to travel nearly a mile to the next nearest pharmacy on Marion Barry Avenue SE, requiring multiple bus transfers for those reliant on public transportation. On July 2, residents held a protest at the location where speakers highlighted how the pharmacy's closure would exacerbate existing health inequities in a community already facing limited access to healthcare resources. Despite community outcry, including a petition with over 1,400 signatures, CVS has cited "local market dynamics" and "population shifts" as reasons for the closure, while promising to transfer prescriptions to their Good Hope Road location.

As of July 1, numerous new laws have taken effect across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, impacting wages, technology regulations, and public safety measures. D.C. has increased its minimum wage from $17.50 to $17.95 per hour, while Maryland implemented over 300 new laws including a 3% tech tax on services like cloud computing and cryptocurrency mining expected to generate $500 million in revenue. Virginia's new legislation focuses on health care accessibility, child protection, and traffic safety, requiring all adults to wear seatbelts in vehicles and mandating public schools to limit student cell phone use during school hours. These regional changes represent significant shifts in policy that affect businesses, workers, technology users, and public institutions across the DMV area.

The "One Big Beautiful Bill," which recently passed the Senate, threatens to remove health insurance from approximately 11.8 million Americans by targeting Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and the Children's Health Insurance Program with nearly $1 trillion in cuts over the next decade. Critics, including D.C.'s shadow representative Oye Owelowa, condemn the legislation as an attack on vulnerable populations while pointing out that President Trump has simultaneously authorized $72-92 million in taxpayer expenses for personal indulgences like his birthday military parade and frequent golf trips. The District of Columbia would be particularly impacted with a potential five percentage point increase in uninsured rates, affecting a jurisdiction where nearly 40% of residents currently rely on Medicaid and CHIP coverage. The bill represents what critics call the largest rollback of federally funded health insurance in a generation, primarily benefiting wealthy households and corporations through tax breaks.

Mayors Brandon Scott of Baltimore and Randall Woodfin of Birmingham have achieved significant reductions in violent crime in their respective cities through evidence-based public safety strategies. Baltimore has seen a 22% drop in homicides, 19% reduction in nonfatal shootings, and 71% decrease in juvenile homicide victims compared to the same period last year. Similarly, Birmingham's homicide rate has fallen 52% while achieving a remarkable 79% clearance rate for homicides. Both mayors credit their success to comprehensive approaches combining targeted enforcement, community engagement, technology utilization, and social service offerings, while emphasizing that despite progress, their work to reduce violence continues.

Mayor Muriel Bowser's fiscal year 2026 budget proposal has redirected $50 million originally intended for a new District of Columbia Archives building at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) campus. Instead of the planned archives facility, the mayor proposes using the funding and space for student housing, while relocating archives to the Charles Sumner School and a warehouse. This change has sparked opposition from archivists and advocates who argue that the decision endangers irreplaceable historical documents and fails to properly value DC's history. The DC Council will vote on the budget proposal during its first reading on July 11, with the Committee on Executive Administration and Labor recommending a feasibility study for alternative locations.

The Trump administration plans to relocate the FBI headquarters from the deteriorating J. Edgar Hoover Building to the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center on Pennsylvania Avenue. The move, which could begin as early as Labor Day, has sparked regional tensions with Maryland and Virginia officials who were expecting the headquarters to relocate to their areas, while D.C. leaders welcomed keeping the federal agency in the city. According to the General Services Administration (GSA), this decision will avoid $300 million in deferred maintenance costs and "billions" in construction expenses for a previously planned suburban campus. The Reagan Building is intended to become the FBI's permanent headquarters, housing 3,500-4,000 personnel near the Justice Department.

Paramount has agreed to pay $16 million to settle President Donald Trump's claims that CBS News' "60 Minutes" edited an interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 campaign. This settlement follows ABC News' $15 million settlement with Trump over a defamation lawsuit regarding George Stephanopoulos' incorrect statement that Trump had been found civilly liable for rape. Paramount's settlement includes Trump's legal fees and costs, with the remaining funds going to Trump's future presidential library, and commits to releasing written transcripts of future "60 Minutes" interviews with presidential candidates. The New York Times characterized Paramount's settlement as "an extraordinary concession to a sitting president by a major media organization."

of the News Article The D.C. Council is preparing for its first vote on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget on July 14, just one day before Ward 8's special election following Trayon White's expulsion. In their recent meeting, the Council approved several pieces of legislation including the Peace D.C. initiative, a ban on in-school smartphone use, and emergency juvenile curfew measures proposed by Councilmember Brooke Pinto and Mayor Muriel Bowser. Additionally, the Council considered but ultimately modified a controversial rule change initially proposed by Chairman Phil Mendelson that would have impacted the potential return of expelled council members, with Mendelson denying any intent to influence the upcoming Ward 8 election.

of News Article on Mike Austin's Ward 8 D.C. Council Candidacy Mike Austin, an attorney and fourth-generation Washingtonian, is running for the Ward 8 D.C. Council seat in the July 15 special election triggered by former Councilmember Trayon White's expulsion. Austin brings experience from previous roles including legislative director in former Councilmember LaRuby May's office and work with the Office of Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Development. His campaign platform focuses on economic development, displacement prevention, workforce development, equitable school investments, and data-informed violence prevention strategies. Austin has secured several endorsements, including from former D.C. Councilmembers Sandy Allen and Eydie Whittington, and recently won the Ward 8 Democrats candidate forum and straw poll.

Dr. Calvin W. Rolark founded a newspaper over 60 years ago with a vision to create a platform that would uplift the community through stories of triumph and resilience. The publication's mission, shaped by Dr. Rolark's dedication to service, continues to focus on serving, informing, and empowering the community. According to Publisher Denise Rolark-Barnes, while providing free, fact-based local journalism has become increasingly challenging in today's environment, the need for such reporting has only grown. The newspaper is seeking community support to sustain its legacy of service.

The District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency hosted a Homeownership Fair at the R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center, attracting prospective homebuyers like DeWayne Ellis and his wife who are looking for affordable housing options in the city. Currently, homeownership rates in DC stand at 40.2% overall, with a significant racial disparity as only 31.7% of African Americans own homes compared to 49% of white households. Housing affordability remains a major challenge in the District, where the median price for a single-family home is $708,000, substantially higher than the national median of $418,000. Despite these challenges, housing professionals at the fair emphasized that numerous resources exist to help District residents achieve homeownership.

The House-passed "One Big Beautiful Bill," supported by President Trump and House Republicans, offers significant tax benefits to high-income earners while reducing support for safety net programs. According to simulations from the Penn Wharton Budget Model, wealthy Washington D.C. residents could receive tax savings of nearly $10,000-$12,000, while lower-income families gain minimal benefits or suffer net losses when factoring in program cuts. The legislation would slash Medicaid by over $900 billion and SNAP by nearly $300 billion over a decade, disproportionately impacting low-income communities. Overall, the bill adds $2.8 trillion to the national deficit while effectively redistributing wealth from poor to rich Americans through tax policy changes.

Amazonia, a Peruvian bar and restaurant in Northwest Washington, has been nominated for a 2025 RAMMYS award in the Cocktail Program of the Year category by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington. The establishment has gained popularity for its authentic Peruvian cocktails, particularly the Pisco Sour, which features Peruvian brandy, lime juice, syrup, egg white, angostura bitters, and ice. Lead bartender Drew Furlough and general manager Nicolas Arriagada emphasize creating balanced, interesting cocktails that tell stories and incorporate authentic Peruvian ingredients like huacatay (Peruvian marigold). Amazonia is located above its sibling restaurant Causa, allowing customers to experience both coastal Peruvian and Andean cuisine and spirits in an authentic atmosphere with Peruvian décor and music.

In the wake of Trayon White's expulsion from the D.C. Council in February, Ward 8 voters must select their next representative in a special election running until July 15. Four candidates are vying for the seat, including White himself, alongside Salim Adofo, Mike Austin, and Sheila Bunn, each bringing different qualifications and priorities to the race. Since White's expulsion, Ward 8 has lacked ward-level council representation during important budget discussions concerning schools, Medicaid, and housing initiatives. The candidates have participated in forums where they've outlined their visions for addressing issues like community violence, environmental concerns, and economic development in Ward 8.

Ward 8 voters in Washington D.C. are being encouraged to vote for their next council member in a special election running until July 15, following the expulsion of former council member Trayon White in February. Candidates include Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Salim Adofo, Mike Austin, Sheila Bunn, and former council member Trayon White, along with write-in candidates Mary Roach, Oliver Roy, and Delonte Ford Singh. The election is significant not only for Ward 8's predominantly Black population of over 73,000 residents facing various socioeconomic challenges but for all District residents, as council members make decisions affecting the entire city. The Washington Informer, headquartered in Ward 8 since 1980, has a special connection to this election, given its historical ties to former Ward 8 Councilmember Wilhelmina Rolark, who was the wife of the publication's founder.

The Senate narrowly passed the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (referred to as the "Big Ugly Bill" by critics) with a 51-50 vote, with Vice President J.D. Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. The legislation preserves Trump-era tax cuts for wealthy Americans while making substantial cuts to social programs including Medicaid and SNAP benefits. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the bill would eliminate $793 billion in Medicaid funding, leaving nearly 11 million fewer Americans insured by 2034, and reduce SNAP spending by over $1 trillion. Critics, including civil rights advocates and Democratic senators, argue the bill prioritizes the wealthy and corporations at the expense of working Americans, with Black communities expected to be disproportionately affected.

The Senate voted 99-1 to remove a provision that would have banned states from regulating artificial intelligence for at least five years, a move widely considered a victory for child safety advocates. Originally proposed by Republican Senator Ted Cruz and later modified by Senator Marsha Blackburn, the provision faced significant opposition from parent advocates, tech policy groups, and state legislators who argued it prioritized corporate interests over public welfare. State legislatures have been leading efforts to address AI-related concerns such as deepfake abuse and risks from AI chatbots. The provision had support from the Trump administration and companies like OpenAI, whose proponents argued that varied state regulations hinder innovation. # Who is affected - Children and families growing up in an "AI-powered world" - Parents concerned about their children's safety online - State legislators who maintain their ability to regulate AI - Marginalized people online - Victims of deepfake abuse and AI-related harm - Tech companies and venture capital firms like Andreessen Horowitz and OpenAI # What action is being taken - The Senate is voting to remove the AI regulation moratorium from the president's policy agenda bill - Senator Marsha Blackburn is brokering deals and introducing amendments to strike the clause completely - State legislatures are enacting policies to address deepfake abuse and AI chatbot risks - California is considering SB 234, a bill proposing safeguards for AI chatbots # Why it matters - The removal of the moratorium allows states to continue creating and enforcing AI regulations to protect citizens - State legislatures can respond more quickly to evolving AI threats than the federal government - The provision would have potentially jeopardized important state legislation like California's SB 234 - The issue has created unusual bipartisan agreement, with groups across the political spectrum opposing federal pre-emption - The regulation of AI chatbots is particularly important for child safety after an incident where a Florida teen died by suicide following interactions with a chatbot # What's next - The unchanged bill must return to the House for final approval

The Greater Washington Black Chamber of Commerce (GWBCC) hosted its "The Art of Black Business 2025 Juneteenth Awards Ceremony" on June 20 to honor notable Black business leaders and advocates in the D.C. metropolitan area. The annual event recognized several individuals for their contributions, including Kristina Noell, the first African American woman to serve as a Business Improvement District executive director in D.C., and Amanda Stephenson, founder of Fresh Food Factory addressing food deserts in Ward 8. Legacy Awards were presented to B. Doyle Mitchell Jr. of Industrial Bank and Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes, with the ceremony attended by various local officials and community leaders. The event celebrated both the achievements of Black entrepreneurs and the significance of the Juneteenth federal holiday.

Open Streets DC celebrated its first Capitol Hill event on June 28, transforming Southeast corridors including North Carolina Avenue, East Capitol Street, and Massachusetts Avenue into a car-free cultural hub. Organized by Mayor Muriel Bowser's office and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), the festival featured dozens of vendors and activities across more than a mile of open roadway. The event emphasized sustainability, economic empowerment, community wellness, and alternative transportation methods with its "No Cars. Just People!" theme. Since its 2019 inauguration, Open Streets has provided District residents opportunities to explore local businesses, engage with community organizations, and enjoy entertainment while promoting environmental and health benefits.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has announced a series of budget-cutting measures including eliminating vacant state positions, implementing a hiring freeze, and offering buyouts to some current employees, aiming to save $121 million amid budget constraints. The plan, effective July 1, prioritizes transparency and seeks to avoid layoffs of current state employees, according to Moore's announcement letter. State officials have been exploring various cost-cutting options in recent weeks, with specific positions to be eliminated being presented to the Board of Public Works in September. Despite Moore's campaign pledge to fill some of the approximately 4,800 vacant state positions left by the previous administration, the current fiscal situation has necessitated these budget-saving measures instead.

The Senate is scheduled to vote on the "One Big, Beautiful Bill," also called the "Big Ugly Bill," a controversial budget-and-tax package supported by President Trump and Senate Republicans. Critics view this legislation as part of Project 2025, which they characterize as an attempt to expand executive power while reducing civil rights protections. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the bill would maintain tax cuts for wealthy Americans while significantly cutting Medicaid funding ($793 billion), SNAP benefits (over $1 trillion), and Affordable Care Act benefits, with Black Americans expected to be disproportionately affected. Civil rights advocates, including National Urban League President Marc Morial, have condemned the bill as an economic attack on Black communities and a threat to democratic principles.