BlackBone Business Center Opening in SE D.C
The Capital News
Gene A. Lambey
The Congress Heights Community Training and Development Corporation (CHCTDC) celebrated the opening of the BlackBone Business Center on May 9. The BlackBone Project, a program which started in March 2023 by the CHCTDC, was created to empower Black women entrepreneurs and Black women-owned businesses within the southeast D.C. community.
Monica T. Ray, president of CHCTDC, her staff, the Congress Heights community, JP Morgan Chase, Pepco and Epsilon helped in funding this program, leading into the development of the center.
The Capital News reached out to Stephanie Campbell, the executive director of the BlackBone Business Center.
Campbell told The Capital News that this center is meant to be a hub for it, “to be a one stop shop to support all businesses east of the river,” predominately on the main street of Congress Heights where a number of businesses are located.
“We took the community feedback of what was missing and that’s how we came up with
A CENTER FOR EMPOWERING BLACK WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES AND ENTREPRENEURS
this business center,” said Campbell.
The BlackBone Business Center provides services such as printing, shipping, mailing and notary services. Rental room space for conferences, offices and training are available for these businesses to use as they operate.
Campbell spoke highly of the maker’s room,
consisting of a sewing machine, heat press machines, cricket machines, and printing machines.
According to Campbell, these resources were not as accessible for local businesses in Ward 8 due to the lack of space, specifically for shipping hubs and training spaces. The goal was to
(A photo of the BlackBone Business Center banner and front of the building; courtesy of Jewel Gorham)
Mayor Bowser says Medicaid would cut $2.1 billion in District funding
By Ashleigh Fields
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) urged Congress not to cut nationwide funding for Medicaid citing a potential deficit in the city’s Federal Medical Assistance Percentage.
House Republicans have suggested a new spending package that is slated to increase defense spending, bolster border security by reducing available Medicaid coverage and shrinking financial support for medical research.
“We’re not just talking about percentages and formulas – we are talking about people’s real ability to go to the doctor, to access life-saving care,” Bowser said in a statement.
“A cut of the District’s Medicaid FMAP rates to 50 percent would result in a staggering $2.1 billion loss in funding for our hospitals, universities, and community providers. A loss of that magnitude will be felt by everyone who accesses care in D.C.,” she added.
Bowser said the proposed cut would “devastate” the District. Under House Republicans’ spending bill, $67 million would be lost in Medicaid reimbursements for DC Fire and EMS, $10 million struck from the Special Education Transportation Department in addition to slashes in spending for hospitals, clinics, schools, and long-term care providers.
D.C. is expected to weather a $175 million Medicaid shortfall in fiscal year 2026 and a $1.01 billion drop in projected revenue due to federal layoffs and firings as reported by city officials.
“The Medicaid cuts that have been proposed would put essential health care services for children at risk,” said Michelle Riley-Brown, president and CEO of Children’s National Hospital.
“As an independent, top ten children’s hospital nationally, Children’s National cares for more than 250,000 children every year from all 50 states, DC and Puerto Rico. Medicaid covers more than half of our patients and is a critical foundation for all the high-quality and highly specialized services that we provide.”
Upon hearing concerns, President Trump urged fellow Republicans in Congress not to touch Medicaid during a closed door meeting.
(Photo Mayor Muriel Bowser courtesy of the Federal Times)
A Bible and a book from the National Museum of African-American History and Culture were removed
The Capital News
Gene A. Lambey
On April 15th, artifacts from the Segregation section at the The National Museum of African-American History and Culture (NMAAHC) were removed.
A Bible held by Civil Rights activist and San Francisco pastor, Rev. Dr. Amos Brown, during the Civil Rights Movement and his copy of “The History of the Negro Race in America from 1619 to 1880” written by Rev. George Washington Williams, one of the first books documenting Black Americans during and after slavery were removed from their displays.
“I’m not surprised. And it is unfortunate that people don’t realize that if you don’t know history you are doomed to repeat history’s horrors,” stated Rev. Brown in an interview.
On March 27th, an executive order from the Trump administration issued Vice President JD Vance to remove “improper ideology” from Smithsonian museums.
“Museums in our Nation’s capital should be places where individuals go to learn — not to be subjected to ideological indoctrination or divisive narratives that distort our shared history,” the order said.
This took place two weeks after director of NMAAHC, Kevin Young, stepped down on March 14th.
The reverend’s artifacts were being returned to him, despite a loan agreement the Smithsonian made in 2016. The institution told Rev. Brown the books were “under too much light,” therefore removing the display.
The 1960 Greensboro, NC lunch counter where five Black college students sat in protest during the Civil Rights Movement while being harassed was in discussion of being removed.
The Smithsonian denied this action and stated, “recent claims that objects have been removed for reasons other than adherence to standard loan agreements or museum practices are false.”
Rev. Brown’s artifacts are being reviewed by the museum as of this reporting.
(Photo: Courtesy of AP by Susan Walsh) www.thecsmi.com
The UnTold Stories
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Trump administration charges Rep. LaMonice McIver for visiting ICE facility
By Ashleigh Fields
Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) was charged with assaulting, impeding and interfering with law enforcement after a May 9 visit to the Delaney Hall detention facility in Newark.
Alina Habba, the acting U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey, said she would prosecute the first term Congress member after a slew of media coverage regarding the incident outside the Newark ICE facility.
McIver toured the facility with the state’s delegation of Democratic representatives to include Bonnie Watson Coleman (N.J.) and Robert Menendez Jr. (N.J.) for congressional oversight purposes.
The three used their legal jurisdiction to conduct a tour of the premises following reports of invalid permits, issues with plumbing and electricity and fi re code violations. Watson-Coleman said she has twice toured facilities earlier this year without outrage of commotion. However, during their early May visit, Congress members were accompanied by protestors and the city’s Mayor Ras Baraka (D).
Baraka waited outside while McIver, Watson Coleman and Menendez conducted oversight.
“We will be your eyes and your ears and report back to you mayor,” Watson Coleman said before entering.
Upon their exit, a scuffle ensued with ICE agents who were attempting to block protestors from entering the gates. Recorded footage shows people shoving and pushing
one another as law enforcement officials detained the city’s mayor, Ras Baraka (D-N.J.), for trespassing.
“That conduct cannot be overlooked by the chief federal law enforcement official in the State of New Jersey, and it is my Constitutional obligation to ensure that our federal law enforcement is protected when executing their duties,” Habba wrote in a Monday post on X, after accusing McIVer of shoving officials.
“I have persistently made efforts to address these issues without bringing criminal charges and have given Representative McIver every opportunity to come to a resolution, but she has unfortunately declined.”
Video footage shows McIver sideswiping officials attempting to restrain her.
“ICE agents created an unnecessary and unsafe confrontation when they chose to arrest Mayor Baraka. The charges against me are purely political—they mischaracterize and distort my actions, and are meant to criminalize and deter legislative oversight,” McIver, who’s in her first term, wrote in a Monday statement on X.
“This administration will never stop me from working for the people in our district and standing up for what is right. I am thankful for the outpouring of support I have received and I look forward to the truth being laid out clearly in court,” she continued.
Democratic leadership and several corresponding organizations have expressed their support for McIver.
(Photo courtesy of Rep. LaMonica McIver’s office)
House Speaker Mike Johnson recognizes 6888 Black battalion
By Ashleigh Fields
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) recognized members of the all Black, female 6888 battalion that served during the heart of World War II during a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony on April 30.
The servicemembers were formerly led by Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams Earley who was portrayed in Tyler Perry’s rendition of the group in the Six Triple Eight film. Adams led the group of 855 women with strict precision as documented by narratives from soldiers.
“The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor this body can bestow. It’s reserved for those whose courage and service shaped our country and our nation’s story. It’s in this spirit that we gather to award this medal to the 6888, the Central Postal Directory. It’s 6888, but we call it the six triple eight,” John-
son said during ceremony remarks given at Emancipation Hall.
“This battalion was the first and the only unit of African American women to serve overseas during World War II. As tens of thousands of Allied forces made their final push across Europe, the mail system was stretched thin from scarce resources. It was crippling under the weight of wartime logistics,” Johnson added.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Colonel Edna Cummings who championed the Six Triple Eight story were in attendance.
Cummings helped describe the 6888 battalion’s large task to clear 65,000 pieces of mail per shift triggering the clearance of a 17 million mail backlog in no less than three months.
“They got the job done, even in the face of inadequate supplies and even in the face of discrimination, both for women within the Army and back home. These women were valiant members of our Greatest Generation, artists, academics, athletes, women who wanted went on to pursue higher education, to build families, to buy homes, and shape the very foundation of the American middle class,” Johnson said.
“This remarkable story has rightly captured imaginations, it has now inspired books and movies, stirred the conscience of millions of Americans who are just now hearing and sharing this incredible story. Today here in the people’s house, we add to that story. So, thank you all for being here. We are honored to host you and to celebrate these exceptional women. God bless you,” he later added.
(Pictured Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Colonel Edna Cummings credit: Getty images)
Mayor Bowser announces Safe and Secure DC grant recipients
By Ashleigh Fields
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) announced 11 organizations selected to receive the city’s Safe and Secure DC grant in early May. The group of entities were awarded from a $500,000 fund with expectations to help reduce the District’s violent crime.
The Safe and Secure DC Grant awardees for FY25 include: Chabad East DC Jewish Center; CHV Tenants Association; Edlavitch Jewish Community Center of Washington, DC; Empowerment Enterprise II; Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum; Metropolitan AME Church; Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School of the Nation’s Capital; Sixth & I; The Georgetown Synagogue - Kesher Israel Congregation; Thurgood Marshall Center Trust Student Programs and Washington Hebrew Congregation.
“We are committed to helping nonprofit organizations that serve our communities by equipping them with funding to invest in equipment, personnel, and training, strengthening their ability to protect staff and the res-
idents and visitors they serve,” Deputy Mayor Lindsey Appiah said of the local initiative.
The effort was first sponsored by D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2) who passed the Secure DC omnibus in March.
The legislative package outlines a targeted approach towards creating a safer city through the District-wide grant programs, adding “blue light” cameras in transit stations to deter crime, establishing police drug-free zones, developing task forces to increase diversion, train those detained at DC Jail in hospitality and set minimum nutrition standards for healthy food served at DC Jail.
Pinto’s bill also pushed for increased pretrial detention and permitting officers to review body-worn-camera footage in cases. Black residents have argued the methods will unfairly boost the arrest rate for people of color.
“It’s clear that the proponents of this bill really want individuals to sacrifice the safety of some for the safety of all,” April Goggans, an organizer for Black Lives Matter DC, previously
told the Washington Informer in a statement.
Some of the city’s violence interruption efforts have been questioned by residents after Councilmember Trayon White (D-Ward 8) came under federal investigation due to alleged bribery.
Investigators say White received tens of thousands of dollars to influence the District to extend violence intervention contracts valued at $5.2 million.
However, White has long argued that D.C. officials need to do more to uplift communities rather than patrol them.
“We haven’t done enough to address public safety in this city. I introduced [legislation] for returning citizens and it’s sitting on the shelf,” White said. “I introduced record sealing and it’s sitting on the shelf. I introduced a 30-page public safety document and it’s sitting on the shelf. I introduced a number of measures, including new recreation centers, and we haven’t done enough.”
(Photo courtesy of Brooke Pinto’s Office)
continued from P1
The BlackBone Business Center faced some challenges during the process. Campbell mentioned funding was an issue at one point as the economy shifted. However the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) helped to grow it.
The other challenge that Campbell mentioned was how fast the demand was growing as businesses began to flock around the center.
Campbell told The Capital News the center serves 92 businesses from the start of the BlackBone Project. She expects numbers to grow past 250.
“100 percent of the growth will be transferred into the community. We already have 72 businesses on the main street,” said Campbell. “I know we’re gonna add an additional 25 to 30 businesses on the main street just from our partnership and the center alone.”
The BlackBone Business Center is located in Ward 8 on the Congress Heights main street at 20806 Martin Luther King Jr. SE.
“Built for dreamers, powered by doers and backed by deal makers,” said Campbell.
The importance of the Summer Youth Employment Program for DC teens and young adults
The Capital News Gene A. Lambey
As summer 2025 approaches, D.C. teens and young adults have the opportunity to gain job skills and learn work ethics during their summer break. The Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP) gives local D.C. students the opportunities outside of school to gain work, life and budgeting skills they will need later down the road as they enter their adult years. The importance of this program is not only to keep students engaged and active during the summer but it also decreases the likelihood of juvenile crime.
The Capital News reached out to D.C. Department of Employment Services (DOES) Office of Youth Programs, Melvin Robinson, director of DOES on how MBSYEP continues to be an important program for D.C. teens and young adults.
The first version of SYEP was originally called Pride Inc, which the former Mayor Marion Barry founded in his earlier years along with his first wife, Mary Treadwell in D.C. before he ran for his first term in 1979. Over the years since the founding of this program, Robinson shared how SYEP offers youths vital skills in the workforce such as workplace readiness, time management, professional conduct, accountability, job-specific training, communication, teamwork, problem solving, career exploration, financial literacy and digital skills.
Could you talk briefly about SYEP’s history and some of the improvements that have been made to the program?
A. SYEP is a cornerstone of youth development in D.C., offering young residents meaningful work experience, work readiness skills, and an opportunity to earn while learning. Over the years, SYEP has evolved to meet the changing needs of the community. In 2015, under Mayor Bowser, the program was
expanded to include young adults aged 22-24, addressing the employment challenges faced by older youth. In 2017, the Mayor’s Opportunity Scholarship (MOS) originated, providing financial support to SYEP participants pursuing post-secondary education, or military service. Lastly, in 2024 SYEP launched the Pathways to Healthcare initiative, where youth interested in healthcare were able to work hands-on training with healthcare professionals, information sessions, and attend a college tour to HBCUs with premier healthcare programs. Through this initiative five SYEP participants studying healthcare in a post-secondary education received a scholarship of $20,000. In SYEP 2025, the pathway initiative will continue.
The late Mayor Marion Barry truly cared about empowering the youth in D.C., giving them a chance to get job experience and opportunities that will impact their future.
(Photo courtesy of D.C. Department of Employment Services (DOES))
What are some plans that Mayor Bowser and the D.C. Council have for this year’s SYEP?
A. Under the leadership of Mayor Bowser, the DOES plans to provide participants a variety of opportunities and work experience to 11,000+ youth in the district. DOES has launched a new theme “Banking on the Future” where all year, youth have been exposed to the importance of financial literacy and banking.
Will there be new local companies and organizations working alongside SYEP this summer?
A. SYEP continues to collaborate with hundreds of employers across Washington, D.C., spanning both government agencies and private sector businesses. Each summer, new organizations come on board as host employers, offering structured job opportunities to local youth. To expand employer participation, SYEP actively seeks engagement in newly developed areas, ensuring broader accessibility for participants. As the program ramps up, new grant initiatives such as Youth Explorers and Literacy Tutoring have been introduced to further enhance opportunities for SYEP participants. For summer 2025, the focus is on career exploration in finance, with the Pathways to Finance Grant providing students aged 16 to 18 with hands-on experience in fields like accounting, economics, and risk management.
Over the last couple of years there has been absenteeism, a lack of community and social isolation among teens and young adults in D.C. Has SYEP been helpful for teens and young adults who are still experiencing these issues? Which Wards have seen the most improvements?
A. SYEP has been a key initiative in D.C., aimed at providing young people aged 14 to 24 with paid summer job placements in government, CBOs and private sectors. While SYEP has helped thousands of D.C. teens and young adults gain in-person professional experiences, that can mitigate social isolation, and improve community engagement. The program
does emphasize networking, mentorship, and exposure to various career industries, which can contribute to a stronger sense of community and belonging. Regarding improvements across different Wards, there is no publicly available breakdown of which areas have seen the most progress due to SYEP. However, given that the program is citywide, it likely benefits youth across all Wards, particularly those in underserved communities such as Wards 7 and 8 where employment opportunities may be more limited
The Final Four: Latest on the Ward 8 Member of the D.C. Council Special Election
Special to The Capital News
By Shelley Rice
The candidates list for the Special Election of the Ward 8 Member to the D.C. Council has come down to the final four according to the current list published by the DC Board of Elections.
1. Salim Adofo, Democrat, 2. Mike Austin, Democrat,
Sheila Bunn, Democrat,
Trayon White, Sr. , Democrat
Three write-in candidates are also listed.
1. Mary Roach, Democrat
2. Oliver Roy, Democrat
3. Delonte Ford Singh, Republican
The following displays the current List of Candidates for the July 15, 2025 - Ward 8 Council - Special Election:
Challengers or nominees had until Thursday, May 22 to appeal to D.C. Court of Appeals for review of the Board’s determination regarding the validity of nominating petition challenge.
I reported twenty-three candidates last month, in the running to have their names included on the 2025 Special Election ballot. Ten submitted petitions; Three withdrew earlier, and ten did not submit petitions.
As of May 16, 2025, following the Board Hearing for Republican candidate Doc Adams, which resulted in ballot access denied by Administrative Order 25-011, the list is final for those who met the deadline to submit petitions that contained 500 D.C. registered voters and have their name on the special election ballot.
Monday, May 19 was the last day for the Board to determine the validity of challenges to nominating petitions.
May 22 was also the last day for candidates to submit affidavits withdrawing their nominations so that their names are not printed on the official election ballot.
The D.C. Board of Elections conducted a public lottery to determine ballot positions. Trayon White Sr will have the top slot, with Mike Austin at 2nd, Sheila Bunn at 3rd and Salim Adofo at 4th.
Following display the released Ballot Control Form lottery results:
Mail Ballot Drop Box Locations
• Parklands-Turner Library 1547 Alabama Avenue, SE
• Bellevue (William O. Lockridge) Library 115 Atlantic Street, SW
• Department of Human Services
2100 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE
• Navy Yard-Ballpark Metro (WMATA) SE Corner of M & Half Street SE, (Entrance/ Exit Location)
Continued on page 13
(Photos credit to D.C. Board of Elections)
(Photo: Ballot Control Form lottery results)
(Photo current List of Candidates)
MEET THE FINAL FOUR
• Gun Violence & Public Safety
• Empowering Our Youth
• Stronger DC Schools
• Quality and Affordable Housing
• Business & Economic Development
• Improving Maternal Health Outcomes
• Access to Healthy Food
• Cleaner Neighborhoods
• Support for LGBTQ+ Communities salimforward8.com/
• Attracting Responsible Development
• Strengthening Our Workforce
• Quality Education
• Fixing Our Public Safety Crisis
• Ending Food Apartheid
• Improving Educational Outcomes
• Supporting our Small Businesses
• Fostering Safe Communities
• Enhancing Housing Sustainability
• Affordable Housing and Homeownership
• Youth and Community Development
• Economic Empowerment and Opportunity
• Public Safety and Addressing Violence
The campaign website of Trayon White does not explicitly list his 2025 priorities. They can be inferred from news reports and his past actions as a D.C. Councilmember.
www.mikeaustin8.com/
Registered voters should receive mailed ballots after June 9 when the Board begins mailing. Voters may drop mail-in-ballots in ANY Ballot Drop Box at ANY time beginning Friday, June 13 at 10:00 am until 8:00 pm on Election Day, Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
June 24th is the deadline for qualified electors to change party affiliation status and the for receipt of all voter registration applications, federal write in absentee ballots and updates except for those submitted in person at the Board or at voter registration agencies.
www.bunnforward8.com/issues
Election Workers If you’re interested in serving as an Election Worker June 26 is the Deadline to petition for poll watcher and election observer credentials at Vote Centers and counting places; the Board may accept additional petitions after this date based upon available space.
If you are not yet registered or need to update your registration, you can do so online or in person. Same-day registration is available during early voting and on Election Day with appropriate identification.
www.trayonwhite8.com/
Voter Eligibility
To vote in this special election, you must:
• Be a registered voter in Ward 8 of Washington, D.C.
• Be at least 18 years old by Election Day
• Be a U.S. citizen
For more information:
• Visit the D.C. Board of Elections website
• Call the D.C. Board of Elections at (202) 727-2525
• Check out the Ward 8 Democrats for local election events and candidate forums.
Salim Adofo
Trayon White, Sr.
Sheila Bunn
Mike Austin
Local Food Banks Pop Ups supporting federal layoffs in DC region
Special to The Capital News
By Shelley Rice
The people in line at food bank distribution sites give a glimpse of the ripple effects of changes at the federal level.
Former federal employees are among those turning to food banks in the D.C. region following sweeping cuts to the federal workforce.
On April 5, 2025 Capital Area Food Bank began hosting pop-ups outside of grocery stores with Free food distributions for affected workers.
The Capital Area Food Bank boasts a commitment to providing food for our neighbors in need, throughout the year and in unexpected moments of economic hardship.
The Maryland Food Bank (MFB) has been a crucial partner in supporting Maryland residents during government shutdowns, according to their website.
These new food distributions offer boxes of shelf-stable pantry items and fresh produce. To receive food, visitors just need to answer some basic questions via a brief verbal questionnaire. They will not be asked for their names or other personal identifying information.
Beginning on Saturday, May 31st, these popup food distributions will be operating on a new schedule and set of locations in order to best reach affected workers. Distributions will occur once a week — Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. — at the parking lots of the following retail locations: D.C.
• Safeway at 322 40th Street NE Maryland
• Giant at 7546 Annapolis Rd, Lanham
• Giant at 7074 Allentown Rd, Camp Springs
• Giant at 5500 Silver Hill Road, District Heights
Virginia
• Giant: 6364a Springfield Plaza, Springfield
The goal is to get shelf-stable pantry items and fresh produce into the hands of those who are not used to navigating the Emergency Food Assistance Network— as well as information about resources in their neighborhoods to get help.
The Capital Area Food Bank distributes food to nonprofit partners around the D.C. area, helping to provide 60 million meals every year, according to its website.
Data suggests that some federal employees who lost their jobs may be running low on funds. Federal workers and contractors in the D.C. who make less than $70,000 a year, typically have a month’s worth of savings. This is potentially another 15,000 people turning to area food banks.
Federal workers aren’t the only ones looking for help. Housekeepers who cleaned the homes of former federal employees who chopped back on services as they look to reduce expenses after losing their jobs.
As people are spending less on discretionary types of activities, others who are indirectly affected include pricey Starbucks cafes, hair and nail salons as well as real estate agents. With new tariffs on imports and rising prices, many fear savings aren’t enough to sustain them and to be able to put food on the table.
Individuals are starting to come forward now for help, but they’ll need more help when these furloughs turn into layoffs; and they actually don’t have a paycheck that continues to come in.
Thousands of people who accepted offers from Trump’s deferred resignation program will no longer get a paycheck from the government come this fall.
(Photo Credit: Ian Stewart/NPR)
By Shelley Rice
DC celebration of summer 2025 Outdoor Pools Season
Mayor Muriel Bowser and the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) carried on the tradition of launching outdoor pool season in the District with the annual Jump In, DC event on Friday, May 23. This lively celebration featured free food, music, swimming, and other fun activities for community members and children, marking the official start of the 2025 outdoor pool season.
Local radio celebrity DJ Flexx helped to host the event. He sang along with his national hit song “Get In the Water” as he counted down while Mayor Bowser and others plunged into the water. Local DC temperatures were below average with a high of 68 degrees.
The 10th grade Salutatorian at Dunbar Highschool, Khalil Veney, opened announcing his new job as lifeguard for the 2025 season. DPR also celebrated for the fifth consecutive year, being recognized as the top park system in the United States by the Trust for Public Land. “DC residents and tax payers have invested so much to make sure we have the best park systems in this region.” said Mayor Bowser.
DPR also celebrated for the fifth consecutive year, being recognized as the top park system in the United States by the Trust for Public Land.
“We’re proud to offer safe, free, and fun spaces for everyone to stay active, connect with neighbors, and beat the heat. With our fifth consecutive #1 ranking as the best park system in the country, we’re showing the nation what it looks like when you invest in worldclass public spaces.” said Mayor Bowser.
DPR has open 21 outdoor pools and 34 spray parks throughout the District. Outdoor pools and spray parks will be open in June and operate on a weekend-only schedule through Sunday, June 22. Starting Monday, June 23, all full-service outdoor pools will operate six
days a week. Starting Monday, June 23, spray parks will operate daily from 10 am to 6 pm, with the exception of weekly service for certain spray parks with recirculating water systems. For more information on DPR’s outdoor pools and spray parks, visit dpr.dc.gov/outdoorpools or dpr.dc.gov/sprayparks.
DPR will operate a webpage this season, as it did last year, that provides real-time updates about emergency closures and outdoor pools that have reached capacity, at which time a one-in, one-out rule is implemented. Residents can view real-time outdoor pool and splash park information at DPRsplash. splashthat.com.
“Just as we are excited about being recognized as having the #1 park system in the nation for the fifth year in a row, we are also excited for another season of providing safe, vibrant spaces where families can make memorable moments and enjoy all the joy that summer has to offer.” said DPR Director Thennie Freeman.
As a 5 time awardee being the number-oneranked park system, The Trust for Public Land (TPL), found that 21% of land in the D.C. is reserved for parks, which is among the highest in the United States. The District also scored well on TPL’s park access metric, as more than 99 percent of District residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park.
Improvements coming to DPR facilities will impact pool and splash park operations at the following locations and dates:
• Douglass Pool (1921 Frederick Douglass Court, SE) – Closed for summer 2025
Currently closed while a capital project is underway to build a new facility and park.
• Kelly Miller Pool (4900 Brooks Street, NE)
– Closed until June 23, 2025
Open for the summer on Monday, June 23, 2025, while upgrades to the driveway and sidewalk continue to bring the site into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Fort Davis Splash Park (1400 41st Street, SE) – Closed for summer 2025
Site will close starting on June 2, 2025, for demolition and rebuilding, including the splash park. The splash park will not open in 2025.
Indoor aquatic center operations for the summer will also be adjusted:
• After the close of the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) school year, beginning on June 23, Marie Reed Aquatic Center will be open during the day, from 6 am to 9 pm, Monday through Friday.
The following DCPS schools will close for the summer with the final day of operations on Wednesday, June 18: Roosevelt Aquatic Center, Dunbar Aquatic Center, and Ballou Aquatic Center
(Credit: DC Mayor’s Office Youtube)
https://www.purewow.com/wellness/month
AQUARIUS
(January 20 to February 18)
Aquarius - ‘I know’
Affirmation: I know I am capable. Humanitarian, independent, and intellectual are a few of the best ways to describe an Aquarius.
PISCES
(February 19 to March 20)
Pisces - ‘I believe’
Affirmation: I believe I have the power to do anything.
Pisces are artistic and compassionate. They easily emphasise with others and do things out of kindness. Due to the purity of their hearts.
ARIES
(March 21 to April 19)
Aries - ‘I am’
Affirmation: I am successful, I am loved, I am allowed to feel good, I am living with abundance. Aries are known for being naturally confident and assertive. If you are an Aries, the most powerful affirmation type for you is “I am.” You can easily manifest your goals since you have this bold and courageous side.
TAURUS
(April 20 to May 20)
Taurus - ‘I have’
Affirmation: I have enough goodness in life, and I have the power to achieve my dreams, suit you the best. Loyal, reliable, tenacious, and resilient are some of the best traits of a Taurus.
GEMINI
(May 21 to June 20)
Gemini - ‘I think’
Affirmation: I think I am one step closer to my dreams; I think it’s time to work hard to achieve my goals. Gemini is often the smartest person in the room. Due to their high levels of intellect.
CANCER
(June 21 to July 22)
Cancer - ‘I feel’
Affirmation: I feel happy, I feel loved, and I feel blessed.
People under the sign of Cancer are loving, emotional, and nurturing. As they naturally flow with their emotions
LEO
(July 23 to August 22)
Leo - ‘I will’
Affirmation: I will do whatever is best for me, I will put myself first, I will not accept the things I don’t deserve.
Famed for their bold and determined personality, Leo is ambitious and focused on their goals.
VIRGO
(August 23 to September 22)
Virgo - ‘I analyse’
Affirmation: I analyse my negative thoughts to make room for positivity.
If you are a Virgo, you probably can’t take a break until everything is perfect according to your standards.
LIBRA
(September 23 to October 22)
Libra - ‘I balance’
Affirmation: I balance work and play. Libras are known for seeking harmony and balance in almost all aspects of their lives.
SCORPIO
(October 23 to November 21)
‘Scorpio - ‘I create’
Affirmation: I create the life of my dreams and I create my happiness. Famed for their intense personalities, Scorpios are driven and passionate. They are naturally brave, intuitive, and creative.
SAGITTARIUS
(November 22 to December 21)
Sagittarius - ‘I see’
Affirmation: I see my true self, I see myself living the life of my dreams, and more. Sagittarius are carefree, creative, and adventurous. They often love to explore the unexplored and enjoy freedom. Their open-minded nature easily draws.
CAPRICORN
(December 22 to January 19)
Capricorn - ‘I use’
Affirmation: I use my mind to manifest my dreams.
People with Capricorn as their zodiac sign are naturally hard-working and persistent. Their loyalty makes them excellent partners in relationships and friendships.
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READERSHIP - 20, 000 (Email subscribers) (pass-along rate of 4 readers per issue)
The Capital News is delivered monthly to high impact and heavity frequented public areas in Ward 5, 7 and 8. Our distribution includes churches, bus stops, post offices, community centers, clinics, coffee shops, barbershops, beauty salons, IHOP and oth er restaurants.
Metro’s New Bus Network Launching in June
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (METRO) is planning major impacts for local riders, where All Metrobus Routes and Schedules Will Change.
On June 29, 2025, Metro will launch its new with it’s Better Bus initiative to improve regional bus service. This is the first major overhaul in 50 years!
What is the Better Bus initiative?
Better Bus is Metro’s overarching initiative to improve Metrobus for the region. In the coming years, Better Bus will mean a lot of things for the region, including new facilities, zero-emissions vehicles, improved bus communications, and more bus lanes and transit signals.
Metro’s Board of Directors approved the overhaul using rider input.
How New Routes Are Named
All bus routes will be renamed. Routes will begin with a letter to indicate the area served:
• “A” for Arlington/Alexandria
• “C” (crosstown) or “D” (downtown) for DC
• “F” for Fairfax City, Fairfax County, and Falls Church
• “M” for Montgomery County
• “P” for Prince George’s County
• Limited-stop Routes are indicated by an “X” at the end of their names
Signs Installed for the New Metrobus Network
Some Metrobus customers may notice new signage at their bus stop.
• New Bus Network Tool | Find Your New Route
• Metro’s Trip Planner: allows you to Plan a trip using current or new Metrobus routes and stops.
• New DMV Route Profiles for Metro’s Bus Network,
• New Maps for Metro’s Bus Network, where you can view the full network and all the places you will be able to travel.
• New Neighborhood Profiles for Metro’s Bus Network, to understand your local network and the changes coming.
• Bus Stops list of stops eliminated to make our service quicker and more streamlined.
• Metrobus Timetables and Schedules
What’s available online:
