washington d.c news

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 This change has sparked opposition from archivists and advocates who argue that the decision endangers irreplaceable historical documents and fails to properly value DC's history.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.

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 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.

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.

A 70-year-old Egyptian national, Hamed Ramadan Bayoumy Aly Marie, has pleaded guilty to kicking a US Customs and Border Protection beagle named Freddie at Washington Dulles International Airport. The incident occurred after the dog detected over 100 pounds of prohibited agricultural products in Marie's luggage arriving from Cairo. Marie kicked the 25-pound dog so forcefully that Freddie became airborne, resulting in contusions to his right rib area. Following his guilty plea to harming an animal used in law enforcement, Marie was sentenced to time served, ordered to pay $840 in veterinary bills, and was deported back to Egypt.

Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton has introduced legislation to rename a Northeast D.C. post office after Chuck Brown, the late "Godfather of Go-Go" music who died in 2012. The bill would designate the facility at 3401 12th Street NE as the "Chuck Brown Post Office" to honor his cultural impact on D.C. and his support for D.C. statehood, including his performance at a 2010 statehood rally. Norton praised Brown for giving D.C. its own musical identity through go-go music and for his love of the District, suggesting the post office naming is a fitting tribute to his legacy. The article also notes questions surrounding Norton's political future, despite her having twice publicly stated her intention to seek reelection.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced plans to relocate its national headquarters from Washington D.C.'s deteriorating Weaver Building to Alexandria, Virginia, making it the first federal cabinet-level agency to establish its base in Virginia. HUD Secretary Scott Turner, alongside Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and GSA officials, emphasized that the move addresses serious infrastructure problems at the current headquarters while providing employees with a safer, healthier workspace. The relocation to the building currently occupied by the National Science Foundation is expected to save over $500 million in deferred maintenance and $56 million annually in operational costs. While Governor Youngkin celebrated the move as a significant achievement for Virginia that will bring 2,700 employees to the state, the decision has sparked controversy, particularly among National Science Foundation employees who learned about being displaced without prior union consultation.

The U.S. State Department has issued a worldwide travel advisory warning American citizens to exercise extreme caution abroad following President Trump's airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer. The strikes have triggered global backlash, protests across multiple countries, and fears of retaliatory attacks against Americans. The State Department warns of potential demonstrations targeting U.S. citizens and advises travelers to monitor local media, prepare for rapidly changing conditions, and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This advisory comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, with Iran vowing retaliation and Yemen officially declaring its entrance into the war alongside Iran.

A Washington D.C. jury has found Jan. 6 Capitol riot participant David Walls-Kaufman liable for assaulting Metropolitan Police Officer Jeffrey Smith and ordered him to pay $500,000 in damages. The civil lawsuit was brought by Officer Smith's widow, Erin Smith, who claimed her husband suffered a traumatic brain injury during the assault that led to his suicide nine days later. While the jury found Walls-Kaufman responsible for the assault with a metal tactical cane, Judge Ana Reyes ruled that jurors would not determine whether the assault directly caused Smith's subsequent suicide. Walls-Kaufman had previously pleaded guilty to charges related to the insurrection, served two months in prison, and later received a pardon from Donald Trump.

Dr. Calvin Rolark, founder of The Washington Informer newspaper, was honored with a commemorative plaque unveiling ceremony at The Clara at MLK complex in Washington D.C. on June 24. Despite record heat, approximately 40 people gathered to celebrate Rolark's legacy as a civil rights activist, community leader, and founder of multiple influential organizations including The Washington Informer (now celebrating its 60th anniversary) and the United Black Fund. Speakers recalled Rolark's significant contributions to Ward 8 and African Americans in the District, including his advocacy for teaching Black history in schools and establishing The Informer as the only Black newspaper to serve as an official Spelling Bee outlet for the national competition. The ceremony included a libation ritual, blessing, and drumming performance to honor Rolark's memory and lasting impact on the community.

A D.C. grandmother has expressed serious concerns about her grandson's safety in the D.C. Department of Corrections facility, where he has experienced violence from both other residents and correctional officers while awaiting trial for nearly three years. Her testimony comes as the D.C. Council moves toward permanently expanding pretrial detention through the Peace DC Omnibus Amendment Act, despite a recent report showing jail death rates at 3.5 times the national average and documented incidents of staff misconduct. The legislation has sparked debate among council members, with some opposing the pretrial detention provision due to lack of data proving its effectiveness in reducing crime, while supporters like Councilmember Pinto and Mayor Bowser argue it contributes to recent crime reduction as part of a broader strategy.