D.C. Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government on Jan. 10 over the continued pollution of the city’s Anacostia River.
lawsuit against the federal government filed by D.C Attorney general.
“The federal government has been the number one driver of pollution in the Anacostia River for over 150 years, treating the District’s iconic natural resource as a cost-free dumping ground for the toxic waste and chemicals it generated,” said Attorney General Schwalb.
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton introduces D.C. Statehood bill
By Ashleigh Fields
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) introduced a bill to push for D.C. Statehood, a goal she has worked to champion throughout her 34 year career in the Capitol. Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen (D) is backing her efforts in Congress’s upper chamber supporting an alternative to the District’s current Home Rule status under the close watch of lawmakers across the nation.
“Thank you to Senator Carper, who chose to include D.C. residents among the Americans he served in his distinguished career,” Norton said of the measure introduced on Jan. 7.
Mayor Bowser supports local business owners during D.C. restaurant week
By Ashleigh Fields
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) encouraged local residents and visitors to support local businesses during restaurant week set to take place from Jan. 27 to Feb. 2.
“Winter Restaurant Week is a fantastic opportunity for Washingtonians to experience the best of DC’s culinary scene while also supporting our vibrant local businesses,” said Mayor Bowser.
“If you’ve been meaning to try out a new –or new to you – restaurant or meaning to call up a friend and ask them to get lunch or dinner — Restaurant Week is a great opportunity to do those things.”
Bowser is working with the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) to propel Washingtonians to enjoy new food experiences in their backyard.
Approximately nearly 250 restaurants are participating in Winter Restaurant Week, which offers multi-course brunch and lunch menus for $25 or $35 per person and multicourse dinner menus for $40, $55, or $65 per person according to Bowser’s office. Many restaurants will also offer cocktail, wine, and non-alcoholic pairings.
Some of the participating restaurants include Jinya, Street Pizza DC, Spotted Zebra, River Club DC and Rosedale.
DC Department of Forensic Sciences Latent Fingerprint Unit regains accreditation
By Ashleigh Fields
City council members and Mayor Bowser are celebrating the re-accreditation of the DC Department of Forensic Sciences Latent Fingerprint Unit which was announced on Jan. 24.
The American National Standards Institute National Accreditation Board (ANAB) reissued the lab’s credentials which can now be used by local law enforcement and prosecutors who are reviewing criminal evidence.
Local leaders lauded the achievement as a step in the right direction.
“I am proud we have regained accreditation for the Latent Fingerprint Unit. This reflects the dedication of our team holding the highest standards in supporting the public safety ecosystem,” said DFS Interim Director Dr. Francisco J. Díaz.
“This has been an opportunity for growth, learning and illustrating our commitment to delivering exceptional services.”
Mayor Bowser echoed Dìaz’s sentiments.
“This reaccreditation demonstrates the precision and reliability of our forensic work and reflects the dedication and expertise of our DFS team and their commitment to supporting public safety and justice in the District,” said Mayor Bowser.
“Last year, we were able to make significant progress in driving down crime, and together,
we will keep our focus on holding people accountable, delivering justice, and keeping our city safe. I am grateful for Dr. Diaz’s leadership and for the team at DFS for their continued hard work.”
The UnTold Stories
Monthly Contributors:
Ashleigh Fields
Donald Isaac
Phinis Jones
Kristal Knight
Shelley Rice
Jacqueline Walker
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D.C. AG sues federal government. from pg. 1
“The federal government’s blatant disregard for human health and safety has wreaked havoc on generations of Washingtonians – diminishing what should be a pristine resource for swimming, fishing, and wildlife, and disproportionately harming communities of color living East of the River. The United States is not immune from complying with environmental laws, and today, we’re suing to hold it financially accountable for the damage it has knowingly and intentionally caused.”
He and other local officials are pushing for the federal government to fund the clean up of the city’s water source which has been used as a dumping ground for toxic waste and chemicals, including cancer-causing PCBs, dangerous pesticides like chlordane, and heavy metals.
“Anacostia Riverkeeper is proud to see the District’s Office of the Attorney General bring this major suit against the United States government for their reckless and significant pollution of the Anacostia River for over 150 years,” said Trey Sherard, Riverkeeper at Anacostia Riverkeeper.
“We had high hopes for the voluntary process the District initiated after advocacy by Anacostia Riverkeeper and other local nonprofits over a decade ago for the Anacostia River Sediment Project. Now we hope this lawsuit keeps the cleanup project moving ahead swiftly and completely with physical work on remedial actions in the river to begin this year, and with the federal government paying their fair share.”
The NAACP DC Branch has supported the efforts and encouraged local residents to get involved in the fight for environmental justice.
“Throughout history, the US government has unjustly ignored the exposure of communities of color to pollution, resulting in significant environmental, climate, and health challenges impacting Black, Brown and other marginalized communities,” said Carmel Henry, president of the NAACP DC Branch.
“There are two rivers that flow through the District of Columbia, but for too long the Anacostia River has remained a troubled and contaminated body of water. The District of Columbia deserves full enforcement of the Clean Water Act and all applicable laws to ensure the full restoration of the Anacostia River and associated waterways. As the nation’s Capital, the District should be a premier model for residents to access waterways which are safe, swimmable and fishable.”
By Ashleigh Fields
US Attorney for D.C. submits resignation
Matthew Graves, the US Attorney for D.C. submitted a letter of resignation notifying the public of his decision to step down from his post as the top federal prosecutor for the District on Jan. 16 of next year.
Throughout his three year tenure under President Biden, the attorney focused on juvenile crime, gun violence and drug trafficking. He is the latest federal prosecutor to flee ahead of an incoming new administration.
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Breon Peace, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and Gerard M. Karam, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, resigned in December.
Graves was the latest departure, leaving behind a 17 year career with the United States Attorney’s Office that began in 2007 in the Superior Court and Criminal Divisions.
Three years later he moved into the position of senior Assistant United States Attorney within the Office’s Fraud and Public Corruption Section.
“MPD [Metropolitan Police Department] recognizes the critical role the U.S. Attorney’s Office plays in prosecuting crimes in the District. We remain committed to collaborating closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and all partners in the criminal justice system to ensure public safety and justice for our commu-
“Serving as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia has been the honor of a lifetime,” Graves wrote in a statement. “I am deeply thankful to Congresswoman Holmes Norton for recommending me; to President Biden for nominating me; and to Attorney General Garland for placing his trust in me.”
nity,” MPD wrote in a statement to the AFRO.
“We extend our best wishes to U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves in his future endeavors.”
Mayor Bowser declined to provide comment on the transition.
Graves will be replaced by Bridget M. Fitzpatrick as Acting US Attorney for DC.
Fitzpatrick previously worked as the Principal Assistant United States Attorney.
Matthew Graves announced his resignation as US Attorney for DC.
By Ashleigh Fields
The Republican controlled Senate and House successfully passed the Laken Riley Act as the first piece of legislation in the 119th Congress. The bill was named after a Georgia student who was killed by an undocumented immigrant that was previously arrested and released from multiple jurisdictions prior to the murder.
“After nearly a yearlong battle over the Laken Riley Act, this week, we decided to put the security of the American people first, take the first step towards ending an era of open-border policies, and we passed the bill. It is impossible to overstate just how great an achievement it is that we came together to send the Laken Riley Act to the President’s desk,” the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Katie Boyd Britt (R-Ala.) shared in a statement.
The House worked to pass the bill during
“With our Republican majorities in both the House and the Senate, Congress is back to working for the American people once again. The American people made their voices heard on November 5th, Mr. President, and they told this city that they would no longer tolerate a government that ignored our border crisis, they would no longer put up with open borders, unsafe streets, and soft-on-crime policies. Congress listened, and we have delivered. But we’re not finished yet,” Boyd added.
Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.) who previously authored and introduced the measure said its passage was a win for both parties.
“The Laken Riley Act is bipartisan legislation that fixes a bipartisan problem, and I am proud that the country has come together to ensure
that no family must live through the pain that an illegal immigrant has caused Riley’s,” Collins stated. “Laken Riley was in school to save lives, and although her opportunities were taken away, her name will live on as this bill prevents deaths like hers.”
Norton Holmes introduces statehood. from pg. 1
“Under his leadership, the first-ever Senate hearing on the bill was held – an important step in the legislative process. D.C. residents will not soon forget his service.
Hollen is taking over the reins from Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) who retired. Cotton has introduced the Senate companion bill for each new legislative cycle since 2013.
“Every American should have a full vote in our country’s future, but we fall short of this promise every day that the residents of the District of Columbia are denied that right in Congress and subjected to taxation without representation,” said Van Hollen.
“We must grant the District statehood – the people who live in our nation’s capital deserve the same basic political rights afforded to citizens across the fifty states. I’ve been proud to work with Senator Carper in the effort to deliver equality and fairness to the residents of D.C., and I look forward to carrying it forward alongside Congresswoman Norton, who has championed this fight for decades.”
The D.C. representative applauded the elected official for undertaking the old task with new vigor.
“Senator Van Hollen’s work and vocal support for D.C. residents’ right to voting representation in Congress and full self-government have not gone unnoticed as he has co-led the statehood effort in the Senate with Senator Carper. As he takes over primary Senate leadership of the bill, D.C. residents can be confident they have a resolute, persuasive, and trustworthy advocate for their rights in
the chamber,” Norton stated.
She added that now more than ever, D.C. must push to become for statehood amid a new presidential administration.
““At the beginning of two years under a Republican-held Congress and presidency, our conviction must be strong,” Norton conclud-
ed. “To be content with less than statehood is to concede the equality of citizenship that is the birthright of D.C. residents as American citizens. Although we face a challenge in the short term, I’ll continue to seek statehood for the Americans I am honored to represent.”
By Shelley Rice
DMV Federal workers hit the road one way or another
With the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia being the hub for Federal Agencies, our area will see a direct impact for those who work and travel the highways of the DMV.
According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) there are over 280 thousand federal employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Core Based Statistical Area. A large number of employees have remained working remotely since being prohibited from on-site work at the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With complaints of governmental waste of tax dollars to maintain buildings no longer being occupied the 47th Presidential Administration was sworn into office January 20, 2025. The new appointee hit the ground, rolling out a plan by signing 45 Executive Orders since taking seat.
Among these, is an Executive Order to end remote work for all federal workers. In fiscal year 2023, 43% of civilian federal workers engaged in telework on a “routine or situational” basis, according to a December report from OPM.
The Presidential Action states: “Heads of all departments and agencies in the executive branch of Government shall, as soon as practicable, take all necessary steps to terminate remote work arrangements and require employees to return to work in-person at their respective duty stations on a full-time basis, provided that the department and agency heads shall make exemptions they deem necessary.”
The national president for the American Federation of Government Employees said in response that the union “will use every option available” to defend its contracts.
To accompany the Presidential Action, federal workers have also been offered to resign with pay through September if they don’t want to return to the office. Federal civilian employees have a deadline until Thursday February 6, 2025 to decide to hit the road back to the office or hit the road by resigning and find new employment or retire.
Social Media platform forums warn to take precautions of the legality of the deferred resignation offer and raise questions that the language isn’t explicit about whether the order pertains only to the estimated 10% of federal civilian workers who work remotely full-time where the official worksite is their home office location. This is an estimated 228,000 employees as of May 2024, according to the Office of Management and Budget. Or if it also applies to federal workers who have an approved hybrid schedule meaning teleworking for some period of every week and working on site for the rest.
About 40,000 of the approximately 2.3 million employees eligible for the buyout offer have accepted it, according to NBC News The 40,000 workers represent roughly 2% of those who were offered the deal. While this is short of the White House’s reported goal of slashing between 5% and 10% of the federal workforce through buyouts.
Reports Federal workers are being. Details can be found on the OPM website in the answers to the Frequently Asked Questions.
By Shelley Rice
Capitals unveil Black History Month specialty jersey
The Capitals unveiled their “Celebrating Black History” jersey at the Iceplex practice facility and hosted a panel discussion about pathways to hockey along with a skate for a group of students, faculty and staff from Howard University, a historically Black institution in the District.
Designed by boutique The Museum D.C., the Specialty Jerseys will be signed by players and auctioned online, with proceeds benefiting the Capital Impact Fund. The Museum is a premium retail boutique and event space co-founded by LeGreg Harrison and Muhammed Hill that caters to enthusiasts who use fashion and art as sources of inspiration. Located in the northeast section of Washington D.C and in the Sycamore and Oak in Southeast.
The jersey has the primary Capitals logo on the front, with the letter “T”, which depicts a hockey stick, transformed with a Kente pattern, which represents royalty. The colors of the three stars in the logo are red, yellow and green to represent the unity of the Pan-African flag.
One shoulder patch features The Museum D.C. logo, the other is the Capitals 50th anniversary secondary logo. Like the letter “T” on the front of the jersey, the numbers on the back of the jersey are in a colorful Kente pattern.
The Kente print also blends in the colors of The Museum D.C. logo, which incorporates the original color scheme of the Metrorail lines. The numbers on the back of the jersey and sleeves also feature Kente patterns, a nod to Black history and the legacy of historically Black colleges and universities.
“As proud native Washingtonians, this partnership holds deep significance for us, allowing us to create something meaningful with a championship organization from our own backyard. Our design reflects our identity as HBCU graduates, incorporating the prestigious Kente cloth print alongside our Museum’s traditional colors,” Nyrik Lee Sr., The Museum D.C.’s chief branding officer, said in a news release.
The online auction featuring the Kente pattern jersey is scheduled to run Feb 5, 2025, 12:00 pm EST - Feb 23, 2025, 04:00 pm EST
Last season’s Celebrating Black History Auction raised $41,450 for the Capital Impact Fund, which provides grants to organizations that can assist in eliminating cost barriers faced by people of color in the hockey community.
Front view of the Specialty Jersey designed by boutique The Museum D.C., the jerseys will be signed by players and auctioned online
CAPRICORN
(December 22 to January 19)
You are under pressure from your partner to come across and pay attention. A broader scope puts you above the immediate moment and an exotic philosophy gives you perspective. There’s always a strategy, and a mixture of calculation and charm to get your way. You question your life’s calling and find a role that really satisfies you. The end of the month finds a fresh start and you’re rewarded for lasting the course with a difficult customer.
AQUARIUS
(January 20 to February 18)
Even the tough energies work in your favor, as you make steady work progress. Travel and education expand your outlook and you ponder life’s deeper meaning. You are laying the foundations of your new home. Watch your budget, especially around 17th. Gaining initials after your name doesn’t hurt, and the social side of study comes into its own. People put pressure on you to give them focus, it’s imperative to be active with your partner. Combining love with adventure has never been so much fun.
PISCES
(February 19 to March 20)
The onus is on your relationship in January 2025. You are sociably inclined and every experience goes better when you have someone by your side. You put double-time in, even when the job isn’t your number one priority. Investigate business plans and boundaries.. Get good advice, making peace with you and an estranged party.
ARIES
(March 21 to April 19)
Aquarius season’s community-oriented vibes are putting you into social butterfly mode. Lots of opportunities to connect with others—whether that’s through your mind or your heart. Pay attention to your dreams during the first week of the month, as they could bring some fascinating revelations. You’ll be in a great position to manifest romance, abundance, or anything else you desire..
TAURUS
(April 20 to May 20)
A seconYour professional life is packed with innovative and visionary vibes this month, How can you use your talents to serve not only your own career, but the collective at large? honor your desire for rest and relaxation, even if you’ve got a busy work schedule. l.
FebruaryHoroscopes
Source: https://stylecaster.com/
GEMINI
(May 21 to June 20)
Take a deep breath, because your Gemini horoscope for February 2025 is packed with action from start to finish. Adventure is on your mind, you’ll be inspired to explore all sorts of big ideas and new perspectives throughout the first week of the month. Fateful connections and mystical alignments could push your career further. Try putting these revelations into words. Your professional life picks up extra speed , so do some career planning and step up your leadership game
CANCER
(June 21 to July 22)
This month starts off on an introspective note, but your Cancer horoscope for February 2025 will pick up steam exponentially as the weeks pass. You’ll find this desire for exploration could be reflected in your external life too, so stay open to mind-expanding revelations, especially during the first third of the month. Business relationships run more smoothly Tearing yourself away from entangling alliances clears your path, and new options crowd around you now your social life is less complex.
LEO
(July 23 to August 22)
Relationships play an important role for February 2025, the season is shining a light on your partnerships, highlighting the interpersonal dynamics that either support your freedom or inhibit it. Listen to your gut during the first week of the month and have conversations with lovers and friends as necessary. However, you’ll want to turn your mirror toward yourself as a powerful full moon is rising in your sign. This is your sign to honor what’s in your heart and express your emotional needs with pride..
VIRGO
(August 23 to September 22)
A sense of ease and a wider outlook on the world gives confidence. Instead of ‘why?’, you think ‘why not?’. Your international outlook, the desire to study and image looks good. You have an aura of attractiveness and attention comes without any effort. Be careful of arousing jealousy. your attention goes to money and realizing your long-term investments. Your eye for luxury nets you money and peace-offering smooth things over in love. An agent or broker steps in to negotiate and you get quality advice.
LIBRA
(September 23 to October 22)
A casual flirtation turning more serious, and someone is ready to commit after a lengthy spell of wooing. Planets grouping in your sign gives you contrasting talents and challenges. A little like living in a straightjacket, perhaps, but your limitations soon become a source of strength. Tasks that you have deferred now face you fullon. For all that a social invitation cuts across your business strategy, take every opportunity for a break. Go somewhere different.
SCORPIO
(October 23 to November 21)
Your social side is on parade, make full use of a handy introduction. Broaden your scope, and a partner from a different background adds color to your love life. Good advisors surround you and a Taurus-type character points to hidden treasures. You want recognition for your efforts. Step up, be yourself and don’t shy away from an avant-garde approach to business. Private liaisons are favored later in the month and sees a behind-closed-doors deal successfully closed.
SAGITTARIUS
(November 22 to December 21)
You deal astutely with career contacts and a romantic quality colors your quest. Retrace your steps and a second-string job gives brings much-needed extra gold. The 4th gives you a relaxed day and you bounce back from a heavy social agenda. You don’t need a second invitation to travel and a snap trip away is a thrill. A mixture of discipline andtact sees like-minded people coming aboard. Friends form a kind of surrogate family at the end of the month and your social direction is all set.
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