washington d.c news

The 40th annual Mayor's Arts Awards, scheduled for September 25 at the National Theatre in D.C., celebrates local artistic achievements while highlighting the District's commitment to supporting its creative culture. Originally established by former Mayor Marion Barry and continued by current Mayor Muriel Bowser, the awards coincide with 202Creates Month, which recognizes D.C.'s $15 billion creative economy. This free, black-tie event will feature performances by notable artists including Grammy-nominated Eric Roberson and go-go band Black Alley, with special appearances by broadcaster Donnie Simpson and other surprise guests. The ceremony represents an opportunity to showcase D.C.'s artistic talent to visitors in town for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference.

On September 18, leaders from various DMV area chambers of commerce gathered at Gallery O in Northeast D.C. for an event hosted by The Washington Informer to discuss the state of Black business. The panel discussion, moderated by WI Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes, featured chamber leaders from D.C., Charles County, Prince George's County, Greater Washington D.C., and Northern Virginia Black chambers of commerce. The event, which included an exhibition highlighting 60 years of Washington Informer photography, emphasized challenges facing Black entrepreneurs including gatekeeping, dismantling of supportive systems, and the need for greater collaboration. Chamber leaders encouraged Black businesses to stay focused, consider local government contracts instead of federal ones, embrace technology, and look for partnership opportunities with larger companies.

The Washington Informer celebrated its 60th anniversary with the opening of a Visual Legacy Exhibit at Gallery O on H in Northeast D.C., displaying six decades of community history through archival images. The event featured a regional Chamber of Commerce leadership forum that brought together business leaders from various chambers across the D.C. metropolitan area. Attendees networked and engaged in discussions throughout the gallery and courtyard spaces during this milestone celebration. The newspaper's publisher, Denise Rolark-Barnes, reflected on her father Dr. Calvin W. Rolark's founding vision for the paper as a platform to uplift the community through stories of triumph and resilience.

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed two controversial bills impacting Washington, D.C.'s local governance: one eliminating the District's Judicial Nomination Commission and transferring judge nomination power directly to the president, and another expanding police discretion for vehicle pursuits beyond the current limitation of violent felony cases only. Both measures passed primarily along party lines, with Republicans arguing the changes are necessary to fill judicial vacancies and improve law enforcement effectiveness, while Democrats warned about potential dangers and defended D.C.'s home rule. These bills join two other recently passed GOP-backed crime measures targeting D.C., collectively representing one of the most significant congressional interventions in the District's governance in years, though their fate in the Senate remains uncertain.

The D.C. Council has approved a $3.7 billion development package that will bring the Washington Commanders football team back to the District with a new 65,000-seat stadium at the former RFK Stadium site. Mayor Muriel Bowser described this as "the largest economic development project in D.C. history," which includes over $1 billion in taxpayer funding for infrastructure and amenities. The comprehensive plan extends beyond a stadium to include 6,000 new homes, environmental protections, and community benefits such as rental assistance and small business grants for low-income neighborhoods. Despite some opposition and last-minute tensions, the measure passed with an 11-2 vote, prompting celebration from team officials and long-time fans.

Representative Glenn Ivey has reintroduced the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which aims to improve police accountability through measures including racial bias training, banning chokeholds and no-knock warrants, expanding body camera usage, and reforming qualified immunity. Although the bill previously passed the House in 2021, Senate Republicans have blocked its progress, while President Biden enacted some aspects via executive order that were subsequently reversed by President Trump in February 2024. The Floyd family expressed gratitude for the reintroduction, viewing it as a crucial step toward preventing similar tragedies nearly five years after George Floyd's death. Attorney Ben Crump also commended the effort, describing it as a critical measure to address systemic injustice in law enforcement.

of "The Collins Council Report" The D.C. Council recently reconvened after recess to address several significant legislative matters, including passing the RENTAL Act and the Robert F. Kennedy Campus Redevelopment Act. During their September 17 legislative meeting, council members debated numerous amendments to both acts, with the RENTAL Act passing 10-3 and the RFK Campus Redevelopment Act passing 11-2. Simultaneously, the council has been contending with federal intrusion, as President Trump federalized the Metropolitan Police Department and congressional Republicans advanced legislation threatening D.C.'s local autonomy. The council also approved increased compensation for police officers and began discussions about extending the District's emergency juvenile curfew.

The federal government will cease issuing paper checks for Social Security, veterans' benefits, tax refunds, and other programs starting September 30, 2023, as mandated by Executive Order 14247. Approximately 5 million Americans, including seniors and people with disabilities, will need to transition to electronic payments through either direct deposit or the Direct Express debit card system. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that this transition will reduce fraud, theft, and payment delays, while critics warn the deadline could create challenges for vulnerable populations. Limited waivers will be available for people over 90, those in remote areas, or individuals with certain disabilities.

Washington, D.C.'s deteriorating sidewalks pose significant safety hazards for residents and visitors, with complaints about uneven surfaces, cracked pavement, and tree-root damage across the city's 1,500 miles of walkways. Despite the D.C. Department of Transportation's (DDOT) official repair timeline of 270 days, many sidewalk hazards remain unfixed for over a year, leading to community-led initiatives like Sidewalk Palooza where residents collectively submit repair requests through the 311 system. Critics note that sidewalk maintenance receives less priority than road repairs, disproportionately affecting seniors, disabled residents, and lower-income communities, with noticeable quality disparities between neighborhoods despite a $5 million funding increase approved by the D.C. Council in 2023.

Cynthia Miller-Idriss, founding director of American University's Polarization and Extremism Research & Innovation Lab (PERIL), argues that gender-based bigotry is a significant predictor of violent extremism that security officials consistently overlook. In her new book "Man Up," Miller-Idriss presents research showing how misogyny frequently appears in the history of violent extremism, noting that over half of mass shooters target partners. Despite clear evidence connecting domestic violence to mass shootings, national security models fail to account for misogyny, with various institutional barriers preventing effective monitoring of gender-based violence as a precursor to extremist acts. Miller-Idriss advocates for integrating misogyny into threat assessment models and encourages communities to address hostile sexism through conversations with young people about harmful online content. # Who is affected - People targeted by gender-based violence and extremism, including women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and progressive politicians - Victims of mass shootings connected to domestic violence - Black communities (referenced in examples of extremist violence in Buffalo and Charleston) - Young people vulnerable to online radicalization through misogynistic content - Communities experiencing political and extremist violence # What action is being taken - Miller-Idriss is researching the connection between gender-based bigotry and violent extremism - PERIL is partnering with educators, pastors, and parents to prevent online radicalization - Miller-Idriss's lab is creating resource kits for parents, educators, coaches and faith leaders to combat radicalization and gender-based bigotry among youth - Miller-Idriss is publishing her research in a new book called "Man Up: The New Misogyny and the Rise of Violent Extremism" # Why it matters - Studies show 59 percent of fatal mass shootings from 2014-2019 were connected to domestic violence - In 68 percent of mass shooting cases, the shooter had a history of domestic violence - Fewer victims survive mass shootings tied to domestic violence - Current threat models completely omit misogyny as a warning sign, despite it being potentially "the biggest predictor" of trajectories leading to mass violence - The siloed approach to domestic violence (Department of Justice) versus mass violence (Department of Homeland Security) prevents effective intervention - The lack of data collection on gender-based crimes makes the problem invisible in national security contexts # What's next - Miller-Idriss wants misogyny integrated into threat models used in national security - She advocates for state attorneys general to create sex trafficking enhancement charges for extremist groups involved in gender-based violence - Miller-Idriss suggests communities can help by addressing hostile sexism and talking with young people about harmful online content - PERIL will continue developing resources to help adults guide youth in recognizing and rejecting radicalization and gender-based bigotry

Lon Walls, the 75-year-old president of Walls & Associates Inc. and former president of the Capital Press Club, has combined his successful public relations career with his passion for Bando, a martial art from Myanmar. Walls began studying Bando in 1970 at Ohio University under Dr. U. Maung Gyi, who introduced the martial art to the United States, and now holds a sixth-degree black belt after competing in over 200 freestyle fights and 30 kickboxing bouts from the 1970s-1990s. He currently teaches Bando classes at Gold's Gym in Northwest D.C., viewing his instruction as both an income source and an opportunity to mentor students, particularly helping women feel more secure through self-defense. Walls credits Bando's disciplinary fundamentals for his professional accomplishments, describing it as "a way of life" that has become increasingly relevant in today's environment where personal safety concerns are growing.

At the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's 2025 Innovative Housing Showcase, Secretary Scott Turner emphasized his commitment to making homeownership accessible to all Americans but declined to establish specific programs for African Americans despite the significant homeownership gap between Black Americans (43.9%) and non-Hispanic whites (74%). Turner indicated his administration will focus on reducing regulations to encourage housing development across demographics, highlighting the showcase theme "The American Home is the American Dream." The event featured displays from companies like Aevolve Green Solutions, which develops environmentally sensitive housing for homeless and low-income individuals, and included discussion of bipartisan legislation aimed at addressing the nationwide housing shortage of approximately 7 million units.

The Trump administration has ordered federal agencies to remove exhibits emphasizing slavery and racial injustice by September 17, including potential removal of Philadelphia's President's House memorial that documents George Washington's enslavement of nine people. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum's directive has sparked protests, with community leaders and historians condemning it as an attempt to erase Black history and sanitize America's past. This follows earlier administration actions targeting the Smithsonian Institution, particularly the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which were criticized as promoting "anti-American propaganda." Community activists in Philadelphia and nationwide are organizing to resist these changes through legal action, committee formation, and public protests to preserve historical truths about slavery and racial injustice.

President Donald Trump has threatened to federalize Washington D.C.'s police department again after Mayor Muriel Bowser declared that local officers would not assist federal immigration enforcement operations. This confrontation follows the recent expiration of Trump's 30-day emergency takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that had placed city police under federal control and required them to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. Bowser has maintained that immigration enforcement is not the responsibility of local police, stating "Immigration enforcement is not what MPD does." The situation highlights ongoing tensions between Trump's administration and D.C. leadership, with Bowser balancing cooperation on some issues while resisting federal overreach.

National Voter Registration Day on September 16 is prompting local organizers across Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia to follow updated voter registration drive guidelines. Each jurisdiction has distinct requirements: D.C. requires applications 21 days before Election Day with no mandatory training, Maryland requires forms returned within five days and mandatory training for larger drives, and Virginia requires applications 11 days before election with annual training and criminal penalties for non-compliance. Fair Elections Center and Nonprofit VOTE have released updated guides to help organizations navigate these jurisdiction-specific regulations, emphasizing that voter registration support should be a nonpartisan effort focused on increasing democratic participation.

Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb has issued a Consumer Alert warning District residents about predatory practices in the home solar sales industry as federal tax credits are set to expire in 2025. The alert highlights how aggressive sales tactics target vulnerable populations, particularly in Wards 4, 5, 7, and 8, with misleading claims about "free" systems or guaranteed savings. Solar installations typically cost around $3,000 per kilowatt (approximately $30,000 for a 10-kilowatt system), but predatory companies often pressure consumers into signing expensive long-term contracts that can lead to financial hardship or even foreclosure. The Attorney General's Office advises residents to thoroughly review contracts, verify contractors through the District's SCOUT licensing database, and report deceptive practices to the Consumer Protection Hotline.

U.S. House Republicans are advancing multiple bills that would undermine D.C.'s home rule, including legislation to nullify the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act (IRAA), which allows those convicted as juveniles to petition for early release after serving 15 years. The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform approved over a dozen measures that would give the federal government greater control over D.C.'s public safety system, including making the D.C. attorney general a presidential appointee and allowing 14-year-olds to be charged as adults for certain crimes. D.C. residents, activists, and returning citizens who benefited from IRAA are advocating against these measures, arguing they undermine local autonomy and ignore the rehabilitation and community contributions of former offenders. While these bills are likely to pass the House, their fate in the Senate remains uncertain.

Art All Night, a citywide celebration of arts and local creatives, was held across all eight wards of Washington, D.C. on September 12-13, presented by Mayor Muriel Bowser. The event, which began in 2011 as Art All Night: Nuit Blanche D.C., has expanded to feature more than 150 artists across 28 neighborhoods, showcasing music, visual arts, literary works, and performing arts. This year's festival introduced a new mobile app to help attendees navigate the extensive programming while supporting small businesses and local artists. The celebration served as a unifying event for the community as the city continues to adjust after the recent surge of federal officers and National Guard presence.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has announced his intention to seek reelection, explicitly stating he will not run for president of the United States. Moore highlighted his administration's accomplishments, including historic reductions in Baltimore's violent crime, securing funding to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge, and passing a balanced budget that makes Maryland's tax structure fairer for working families. In his reelection announcement, Moore emphasized his goals to improve public schools, end childhood poverty, and make Maryland more affordable, while also criticizing former President Trump's policies. Moore identified his potential challengers, including John Myrick, Ed Hale, and possibly former Governor Larry Hogan, who has hinted at running in the 2026 election cycle.

The article reports on the identification of 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, a white man from Salt Lake City, as the suspect in the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. Despite initial speculation that the killer might be from "the radical left" or an immigrant, Robinson reportedly comes from a conservative background and his father, a law enforcement officer, helped convince him to surrender. Investigators recovered a rifle with cryptically engraved bullet casings, and Utah Governor Spencer Cox described the killing as "an attack on the American experiment." The assassination has raised concerns about security at political events and sparked discussions about political violence, with various politicians speaking out against violence regardless of political differences.

A proposed $5 billion data center campus called Brightseat Tech Park at the former Landover Mall site in Prince George's County has sparked significant community opposition due to potential environmental and health concerns. The hyperscale project by Lerner Enterprises would include five facilities spanning 4.1 million square feet and consuming up to 820 megawatts of power. Residents and organizers held a rally outside the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission on September 10 to voice their objections, citing concerns about increased energy consumption, air pollution, and water usage. Critics argue that while such facilities may offer economic benefits, the environmental and community impacts, particularly on marginalized populations, are too severe to justify the project.

Charlie Kirk was fatally shot by a sniper at Utah Valley University, with the assassin still at large despite initial confusion about an arrest. Critics attribute the unsuccessful manhunt to President Trump's administration changes, including appointing Kash Patel to FBI leadership, removing experienced agents like the Pakistani American field chief in Salt Lake City, and redirecting FBI resources from counterterrorism to immigration enforcement. NBC correspondent Ken Dilanian highlighted how miscommunication and resource diversion have hampered the investigation, noting that many FBI agents previously focused on domestic terrorism have been reassigned to immigration duties despite rising political violence. Critics ultimately hold Trump responsible for weakening the FBI's ability to respond effectively to this assassination.

The presence of National Guard troops at Union Station and throughout Washington D.C. has created mixed reactions among local business owners. While some merchants like Samarah Lee Banks of Lee's Flowers and Marc Barnes of The Park at 14th welcome the additional security, others report significant business downturns with D.C. Council member Charles Allen noting some businesses have seen sales decline by up to 50%. D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb has filed a lawsuit to suspend National Guard activity, arguing it's "unnecessary and unwanted" while the Downtown BID President Gerren Price reported approximately 12,000 fewer people on the streets compared to the same period last year. Despite these concerns, business organizations like the D.C. Chamber of Commerce continue to emphasize that the city remains "safe, open for business, thriving and ready to welcome visitors."

The Reverend Willie Wilson and community leaders announced the 30th Anniversary Million Man March and revival of Unifest, to be held October 16-18 in Washington D.C., during a press conference at Union Temple Baptist Church. The events aim to bring the community together during a challenging time as D.C. faces federal troop presence in civilian areas until November 30. Wilson emphasized that the programming will offer spirituality, strength, and empowerment for Black people across the District and beyond, with supporting events beginning September 22. The initiative has received blessing from Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan, who convened the original 1995 Million Man March, and similar commemorative events are being organized in cities nationwide and internationally.