washington d.c news

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation has approved the bipartisan Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act, which aims to combat fraud in the residential moving industry. The legislation, introduced by D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton and Rep. Mike Ezell, with Senate counterparts Sen. Tammy Duckworth and Sen. Deb Fischer, would strengthen the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's enforcement capabilities against fraudulent moving companies. These companies often collect payments upfront, hold customers' belongings hostage for additional fees, and operate under fake online reviews before shutting down and reopening under new licenses when complaints accumulate. The bill has received support from numerous industry and safety organizations and will now proceed further in the legislative process.

Howard University's Wonder Plaza on Georgia Avenue NW is undergoing significant redevelopment as part of the university's Central Campus Master Plan, forcing several popular restaurants to close indefinitely. The existing space will be transformed into the Fusion Building, a mixed-use development featuring 280 student housing units, retail options, a dining hall, and a wellness center. While establishments like Potbelly and Negril Jamaican Eatery have already closed, others like Chipotle and Subway remain open temporarily but will eventually shut down. Negril, a family-owned Jamaican restaurant that has been a staple near Howard's campus for over 30 years, plans to relocate to the former NuVegan Cafe location up the street, though the reopening date remains uncertain.

The Trump administration is dismantling AmeriCorps, eliminating $400 million in grants and terminating programs that support over 32,000 service members and volunteers nationwide. Final staff layoffs are scheduled for June 24, coinciding with cuts to other social programs like Medicaid and SNAP. This action has prompted a federal lawsuit filed in Maryland by numerous affected organizations, including Elev8 Baltimore and Red Cloud Indian School, alleging violations of federal law and the Constitution. The plaintiffs argue the administration acted without congressional approval or public input, resulting in the early dismissal of participants, halted projects, and elimination of funding to over 1,000 organizations.

of News Article Mayor Muriel Bowser's administration has proposed a Fiscal Year 2025 supplemental budget that implements over $400 billion in cost savings to comply with a continuing resolution imposed by congressional Republicans, while preserving funding for education, public safety, and youth programs. The budget proposal includes a hiring freeze saving $63 million, workforce investment reductions, delayed collective bargaining agreements, and shifting over $200 million in expenditures to future fiscal years. Additionally, Bowser introduced her "Grow DC" plan for Fiscal Year 2026, which focuses on economic development initiatives while making controversial cuts to social programs like baby bonds and child tax credits, prompting mixed reactions from DC Council members who questioned various aspects of both budget proposals.

Charles B. Rangel, the "Lion of Lenox Avenue" who served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 46 years and was the first African American to chair the House Ways and Means Committee, died Monday at age 94. Rangel, a decorated Korean War veteran, rose from Harlem to become one of the most influential legislators in American history, authoring significant legislation including the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and the "Rangel Amendment" that helped dismantle apartheid in South Africa. Tributes are pouring in from lawmakers, clergy, and civil rights leaders who remember him as a champion of civil rights and public service. His death follows that of his wife Alma just months ago, leaving behind children, grandchildren, and a legacy of fighting for social justice and equity.

United Airlines has launched a new direct flight route from Dulles International Airport in Northern Virginia to Dakar, Senegal, marking the airline's fourth African destination. The inaugural flight was celebrated with a festive atmosphere as passengers, including Alexandria resident Shontel Mason, gathered at the international terminal dressed in African attire. United will operate this route three times weekly using a Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, providing the only nonstop connection between the Washington D.C. metropolitan area and Dakar. This new service addresses the needs of the significant Senegalese community in the D.C. area while also supporting tourism and business travel to Senegal, which is noted for its political stability and economic growth.

Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, a Republican gubernatorial candidate, faces significant backlash from within her own party after sending a controversial fundraising email that compared American slavery to modern diversity initiatives. The email, which stated "Slaves did not die in the fields so that we could call ourselves victims now in 2025" and claimed "Democrats think minorities can't succeed without DEI," has intensified existing Republican concerns about her campaign viability. Republican strategists cite her slow fundraising, lack of grassroots support, hard-line social positions, and poor outreach to swing voters as creating a mounting crisis for her candidacy. Meanwhile, Democratic nominee Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA officer and three-term Congresswoman with a moderate record, faces no primary challengers and appears well-positioned for the upcoming gubernatorial race.

Willie Edgar Clark, who passed away on May 15, 2024, at age 94, led a multifaceted life as an athlete, computer pioneer, and dedicated public servant. Recognized by Vice President Nelson Rockefeller as a computer pioneer in 1972, Clark broke barriers in computer science while working at the U.S. Bureau of the Census and establishing computer processing centers at several institutions as the first Black person in these roles. Beyond his professional achievements, Clark devoted five decades to St. Timothy's Episcopal Church and numerous community service initiatives, including helping with housing and clothing for Resurrection City during the Poor People's Campaign. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser honored his contributions, noting his role in launching the careers of countless African American professionals who continue to honor his legacy.