The Capital News DC - November 2024

NOVEMBER 2024, Volume 72, Issue 55

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Mayor Bowser announces Capital One public-private partnership By: Ashleigh Fields D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser proposed legislation to purchase Capital One Arena from Monumental Sports for $87.5 million in an effort to revitalize the downtown area. The new bill would enable the city to build upon the approved $515 million investment geared towards renovating the arena over the next three years.

“We’re keeping Washington’s teams where they belong – here in the Sports Capital, and we’re doubling down on having a world-class destination and entertainment district in the center of DC,” Mayor Bowser released in a statement. “We know that when our Downtown does well, our city does well. This catalytic investment is an investment in our residents and businesses in all eight wards.”

Under the agreement, The District would become owner of the arena while Monumental Sports leased the site. Bowser’s bill gives the company an option to stay in Washington, DC through 2050, with five renewal options of four years each, for a potential additional twenty years beyond 2050, if exercised.

“This arena transformation marks the next significant investment Monumental Sports is making in the revitalization of Downtown DC, and we will build a best-in-class

Community News Safety precautions in place for U.S. Capitol amid inauguration Read More on P3

(Pictured: Capital One Arena 601 F St NW, Washington, DC)

experience for fans, a world-class destination facility for athletes and continue to serve as a downtown anchor for economic vitality,” said Ted Leonsis. “Our vision for a wholly re-imagined sports and entertainment destination will be ambitious, reflective of our community, and designed to ‘wow’ our most ardent supporters as well as casual fans. We want to capture the magic that comes from providing continued on P4

Local Education News Washington Teachers’ Union Reaches Tentative Contract Agreement Read More on P9

National News Harris gives Closing Argument speechRead More on P6

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Safety precautions in place for U.S. Capitol amid inauguration

Photo courtesy of the Associated Press [Getty Images]

By: Ashleigh Fields City officials are preparing for an influx of people in lieu of the 2024 presidential inauguration with a wide array of security plans for the special event. The U.S. Capitol will attract thousands for the monumental occasion.

D.C. first Black female Police Chief Pamela A. Smith will direct law enforcement in efforts to protect citizens and dignitaries in attendance.

Police will work to reinstall fences around the government building as they did in 2021 after the Capitol insurrection known as “J6.”

Former President Trump’s supporters stormed the Capitol in an effort to overturn the election and thus prevent President Joe Biden from serving in office. This year Capitol police say the fence will be in place “out of an abundance of caution.”

She told reporters on Tuesday that up to 4,000 officers will be deployed to D.C. between Jan. 6 and Inauguration Day with groups from the National Guard in addition to Capitol and local police.

“The issue is probably a million people will be here who are celebrating and who are in good spirits, and that also presents its challenges to make sure everybody can do it safely,” Mayor Muriel Bowser said in a statement acknowledging the potential outcome if Vice President Harris wins. “I think that the United States Capitol Police are prepared to ensure a peaceful transfer of power at the Capitol, regardless of the victor.”

Protective fencing erected around construction of the Capitol Building for the 2025 inauguration platform on the West Front on Capitol Hill on Sept. 17, 2024 in Washington, D.C. [Getty Images]

“We will not tolerate any violence of any kind.” said D.C. Police Chief Pamela A. Smith.

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City Council Chairman Phil Mendelson spoke out in support of the legislation and assured the most entertaining experience – which ev- Washingtonians he would work to get the bill ery guest deserves.” passed “expeditiously.”

Bowser Capital One partnership from pg. 1

The UnTold Stories Monthly Contributors: Ashleigh Fields Donald Isaac Phinis Jones Kristal Knight Shelley Rice Jacqueline Walker Content Design & Editor: Sincerely Planned, LLC

Please email the editor with any comments, questions or concerns: thecapitalnewsteam@gmail.com and visit the website: https://www.thecapitalnewsdc.com/

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This project is estimated to create 4,900 construction jobs and offer career pathways and training for D.C. residents. Monumental Sports was asked to meet a minimum of 35% Certified Business Enterprises (CBE) participation, with a goal of achieving 50% CBE participation.

“I’m happy we got the bill done. The Council is going to move expeditiously to make sure that this bill has a public hearing, that the public gets to fully see the transaction, and that we will get this done by the end of this year,” said Chairman Mendelson.

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Former Commanders player Darrell Green receives key to the District By: Ashleigh Fields Former NFL quarterback Darrell Green became the sixth person to receive a key to the city under the Bowser administration on Oct. 19. Green spent the entirety of his two decade career playing for the Washington Commanders before being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008.

“Darrell Green truly embodies the spirit of the city of Washington, DC, and I am proud to present him with the Key to the City,” said Mayor Bowser.

“As a two-time Super Bowl Champion who spent his entire career here and continues to support our youth through the Green Family Foundation, he is a star on and off the field. We are honored to celebrate an honorary Washingtonian and a Washington Legend with a key to the Sports Capital.”

Jared Green and Brian Mitchell and other stakeholders presented Green with the award in front of his family members and friends. The last round 1983 draft pick reflected on his athletic success with gratitude.

“I am deeply honored to receive the key to this great city, Washington, DC, a place that has given me so much throughout my life and career,” said Darrell Green. “To the community, fans, and leaders who have supported me over the years, thank you from the bottom of my heart. This city is more than just a place to me—it’s home. I am grateful for the opportunity to give back and be part of this incredible legacy.”

Green was selected as the1996 NFL Man of the Year, won two Super Bowl championships in addition to four NFL’s Fastest Man competition titles during his time in the league. He still holds the league record for most consecutive seasons with an interception – 19 seasons according to Bowser’s release.

(Photo courtesy of the Associated Press)

“Darrell and his family have been cornerstones here since he joined the organization in 1983, and it has been an honor to have a front row seat to all that Darrell has accomplished throughout his career on and off the field,” said Mitch Rales, Limited Partner, Commanders. “We look forward to continuing the celebrations as we retire his jersey number at Northwest Stadium tomorrow.”

(Photo courtesy of the Washington Commanders)

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Harris to deliver final speech on National Mall By: Ashleigh Fields Vice President Kamala Harris is working overtime to capitalize on voters’ attention before they cast their ballots in the 2024 general election. According to a permit issued by the National Park Service, Harris will host up to 7,500 people on the mall Oct. 29 for a final address.

Harris is expected to make comments about her Republican competitor, former President Donald Trump who will also host a string of events next week. Harris has been leading Trump in national polls in the weeks leading up to Nov. 5.

Analysts predict the winner will overtake the race by a razor thin margin once officials conclude ballot tallies.

“We’ve got two weeks to go, and I’m very much grounded in the present, in terms of the task at hand,” Harris said in an interview with NBC News. “And we will deal with election night and the days after as they come, and we have the resources and the expertise and the focus on that as well.”

Harris is the first Black woman to earn a major party nomination while her race has challenged the typical norm for American politics. Her opponent, Trump has been labeled a “white supremacist” and aspiring “fascist,” reports have also claimed he complimented Adolf Hitler which his campaign avidly denies.

“The bottom line is this, we know what Donald Trump wants, he wants unchecked power.

The question in 13 days will be what do the American people want,” Harris said in response to the alleged statement.

(Photo courtesy of The White House)

Harris gives Closing Argument speech Kamala Harris assured Americans on Tuesday October 29th that her Republican competitor’s efforts to sow division and fear are “not who we are” as she reinforced her campaign’s closing argument by delivering it from the same site where the former president fomented the Capitol insurrection in 2021.

Attendees spilled from the grassy Ellipse near the White House to the Washington Monument. Supporters traveled from around the country to attend the DC rally. The first in line at 7:20am to gain entrance was a determined young woman from Brooklyn New York, Ms. Tracee Loran. Ms. Loran traveled by bus to be present at what she called a “moment in history”. As fate would have it, she was afforded an opportunity to meet with Vice President Harris. There, Kamala Harris thanked her and even engaged in a heartwarming phone call to Ms. Loran’s mother.

Tracee Loran, while handing the cell phone to Vice President Harris, said “Mom, someone wants to talk to you” and VP following with “It’s Kamala Harris!”

“I will always listen to you, even if you don’t vote for me,” she said, speaking before an enormous crowd that After the space inside the fence of the Ellipse was filled to capacity, thousands spilled out onto the grounds of the Washington Monument. Although most decided to take public transportation, the speech was one of several big events in D.C. that caused traffic and street closures.

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Barack Obama campaigns for Vice President Harris By: Ashleigh Fields Former President Barack Obama has been rallying support for Vice President Kamala Harris in the weeks following the Democratic National Convention. The 44th leader participated in videos requesting donations, hosted a fundraiser for Harris in California and spoke to voters in Pittsburgh, Pa. to boost Black male’s awareness of the candidate.

“Kamala is as prepared for the job as any nominee for president has ever been,” he said at the Pennsylvania event. “With Kamala you’ve got actual plans. Trump - concepts of a plan.”

Barack and Michelle had mostly retreated from their life in the spotlight after the president’s term concluded in 2012. However he returned to bolster Biden’s first successful campaign and stood behind him in his second race for commander-in chief.

When Biden suspended his campaign in July, Obama quietly applauded the historic work of his administration. Hope set in when the vice president announced her campaign and Obama slowly began to play a more vocal role in promoting the Harris ticket that includes Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

Obama continues to build on a lasting impression he left alongside his wife in their hometown of Chicago.

The former president reasoned with the overwhelmingly excited audience by stating, “A Harris-Walz administration can help us move past some of the tired old debates that keep stifling progress, because at their core, Kamala and Tim understand that when everybody gets a fair shot, we’re all better off.”

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Celebrating the Centennial: Howard’s 100th Homecoming Special to the Capital News 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of Howard University Homecoming and was richly celebrated this past October. Largely attended festivities were held October 13-20, 2024, including the Howard University Bison vs.

Tennessee State University Tigers football game on Saturday, October 19 at Howard’s Greene Stadium.

The Homecoming 100 theme, “Yard of Fame” paid homage to the leaders and trendsetters who walked the campus as Howard students and faculty before gaining international fame and prominence in almost every area of human endeavor.

The week of student, alumni, and community events fostered connection and inspiration while honoring the University’s ongoing leadership. Events included: A Call to Chapel, Royal Court Coronation, Homecoming Parade, Young Alumni Day Party Brunch, and Alumni Jazz Brunch, Student Fashion Show, Greek Step Show, the Lavender Reception and legendary Yardfest.

In a surprising turn of events, Howard University announced the cancellation of the highly anticipated Tailgate Party, a highlight of the annual Homecoming celebrations.

The Tailgate Party, known for its vibrant atmosphere, traditionally held at the Howard Center parking lot, has been a staple of the Homecoming festivities for years drawing thousands of students, alumni, and community members eager to celebrate Howard’s rich traditions and spirit. According to an official statement, “the University is planning special activities to commemorate the centennial celebration and will not have the Tailgate Party to create a more unique and family-friendly experience.”

History of Homecoming

Lincoln University’s Lions and Howard University’s “Bulldogs,” as the football team was formerly known then, began their historic

(Photo courtesy of the Associated Press)

football rivalry as a Thanksgiving Day competition in 1893. (The year, Hattie McDaniel was born, who would go on to be the first Black person to win an Oscar, which she bequeathed to Howard.) The first game was organized by the students themselves, and 2,000 spectators stood around a field sans stadium.

By 1924, the Howard-Lincoln game had been transformed into one of the first HBCU classics that sparked a national phenomenon, and since that time, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Homecomings have become a tradition and treasure.

event.

HBCU homecomings have a permanent place in American culture for their wonder, majesty, and mystery, but you must attend one to experience and understand them. Recap the highlights read more here.

Multi-Generational Legacy of Homecoming

Many proud alumni have passed the torch in sharing the legacy of the HBCU. The Dig features the journey of Charles and Dioone Dickerson. Charles and Dionne Dickerson have been part of Howard’s fabric since the 1980s.

According to The Dig, a central hub for camNow, with their daughter Cassidy attending, pus news and stories created by the Office of the 100th Homecoming anniversary takes a University Communications (OUC), Howcompletely different meaning on the imporard’s Homecoming has been featured everytance of the familial legacies. Read more where. It has been called a “vibe,” a “rite of passage,” an “epic piece of HBCU identity” and “a pilgrimage.” In the Grammy Award-winning Netflix documentary Beyonce paid tribute to HBCU homecomings in her titular film which was watched by more than a million viewers on its first day. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture released a digital experience in 2022 to chronicle the HBCU Homecoming phenomenon, prominently featuring the Howard

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Washington Teachers’ Union Reaches Tentative Contract Agreement Special to the Capital News The Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU) finally reached a tentative agreement with the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) on a five-year contract in October 2024.

WTU President Jacqueline Pogue Lyons highlighted the importance of the contract, emphasizing that while the agreement includes fair pay raises, the improvements in working conditions are equally significant.

“Educators will be able to work under better conditions that should help address the recruitment and retention challenges DCPS has faced,” Pogue Lyons said.

Some of the key provisions of the agreement include: • Pay raises The deal includes a 4% bonus for the 2023– 2024 school year, plus annual raises through 2028. Starting salaries for teachers will be around $63,000, and will increase based on years of service and education level.

• Improved working conditions The agreement includes more structured breaks, more time for lesson planning, and provisions to ensure fair workloads.

• Professional development Professional development will be designed to improve student performance and meet the needs of teachers.

The agreement was the result of a year of negotiations between the WTU and DCPS. Union members voted to ratify the contract on October 22, 2024. The agreement will now be sent to the Council of the District of Columbia for final approval.

Mayor Muriel Bowser and DCPS Chancellor Lewis D. Ferebee also released a joint statement expressing their appreciation for the hard work of D.C.’s 5,000 educators. They emphasized that the agreement reinforces the District’s commitment to making the city the best place for teachers, with a focus on putting students first and investing in education.

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(August 23 to September 22) Affirm:“ I am on a road that leads to self-discovery.”

The sun is shining in your sign this month, filled with plenty of opportunities for growth—plus a chance to start rewriting a few storylines completely. Expect to feel especially on top of your mental game. You’re sharper, wittier, and quicker than ever, so get out and impress people with your brilliance. Get real about relationships. Face the facts while also honoring your heart.

LIBRA

(September 23 to October 22)) Affirm:“ I am at peace with my past and I look forward to my future.”

Make sure you cleanse away everything that isn’t serving you in order to make space for some birthday blessings. Get introspective, so taking a break from your busy social life to spend some time in solitude is a good idea. You’re quickly realizing that whatever you’ve had to let go of recently wasn’t something you wanted anyway.

Better things are yet to come.

SCORPIO

(October 23 to November 21) Affirm:“ I am open to making new friends who enrich my life.”

Plenty of opportunities to vibe with your crew. connect with your community in a more meaningful way—whether that’s through volunteer work or simply attending a local event to meet more like-minded people. Light up your desire to learn new things and have some new experiences. A little risk pays off sometimes!

SAGITTARIUS

(November 22 to December 21) Affirmation:“ I am organized, disciplined, and using my time wisely.”

Your professional life is ramping up—this month kicks off with some big career opportunities. This is a great time to make a detailed five-year-plan that gives you some direction when it comes to work. You’ll have even more clarity on how to move forward and what projects to tackle first.

And work and no play for a Sagittarius is a nogo, tap into some romantic magic, and flirt your heart out!

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November Horoscopes S o u r c e : h t t p s : / / s t y l e c a s t e r. c o m /

TAURUS

CAPRICORN

(December 22 to January 19) Affirm:“ I am in tune with my purpose and I’m passionately pursuing it..”

It’s a great time to discerningly analyze everything you’ve been learning, sift through it to find the gems, and then expand your worldview accordingly. Stand up for what you want in love. Don’t sit around waiting for someone else to make the first move.

AQUARIUS

(January 20 to February 18) Affirm: “I am protecting my energy by setting firm boundaries.”

You’re in a sensitive place, so while you’re usually cool as a cucumber, spend these final weeks of summer moving a little more gently with your feelings. the perfect time to check in with your personal boundaries and make sure you’re protecting your energy sufficiently. Shift your focus onto your material resources, letting go of things that aren’t adding value to your life and making space for things that’ll make you feel safe—as well as things you can enjoy!

PISCES

(February 19 to March 20) Affirmation:“ I am enough just as I am.”

This month is the perfect time to start thinking about commitment—whether that means leveling up with a current partner or making things official with a crush. You can also channel this adrenaline rush into a creative project, but whatever you do, don’t let this burst of inspiration go to waste—especially mid-month. Romance is flowing, and so are your artistic visions.

ARIES

(March 21 to April 19) Affirmation:“ I have the power to create a life that is filled with adventure.”

If you’re ready to get your act together for autumn, you’re in luck! Focus and productivity you need to get down to business. It’s a great time to consider what habits you should add to your routine in order to live a healthier lifestyle. Listen to your heart.

(April 20 to May 20) Affirm:“ My dreams are coming true right before my very eyes.”

Virgo season lighting up your chart’s passion sector, so open your heart to some new creative and romantic sparks. You’re undergoing a long term period of upheaval, and the next few months give you some time to process any sudden changes that have gone down since the year began. The perfect time to hatch a plan to bring more joy into your life, you may find yourself looking at your friendships in a new light. Find a healthy balance between work time and free time.

GEMINI

(May 21 to June 20) Affirm:“ I have faith that everything happens for a reason.”

Feeling inspired to take care of business in your home life, but still plenty of flirtatious fun in store. A great time to take care of chores or house repairs, or if you’re feeling more intense, perhaps reach out to some family members to tackle some unfinished business. Plan a date night, or just channel all this sparkly energy into a creative project instead. Tap into your heart and get real about what trajectory you’d like to be on career-wise.

CANCER

(June 21 to July 22) Affirm:“ I leave everyone better than they were before.”

Words are coming with a lot more clarity now than they have in a while, and it’ll be even easier to express yourself. A boost of willpower and motivation will help you slay your goals through the month. Let go of outdated beliefs and open your heart to higher aspirations. Right now, hard work pays off.

LEO

(July 23 to August 22) Affirm:“ I attract opportunities that bring me financial prosperity.”

Money is on your mind this season lighting up your finance sector, that might have you craving the good life. a good time to consider some longterm investments, whether those have to do with your bank account, relationships, or personal growth. If you need to start a post-birthday-season savings plan, this is a helpful energy for that, too.

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