The Washington Informer - July 10, 2025

In Private Meetings, Initiative 82’s Future Hangs in the Balance

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

During the pandemic, Kyre Williams took on his first managerial role in the local restaurant industry amid great debate around, and soon after the implementation of, a ballot measure that incrementally raises the tipped worker minimum wage until it equals that received by non-tipped workers.

Three years after this measure, Initiative 82, went into effect, Williams counts among those demanding that

the D.C. Council supports D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s (D) efforts to repeal it. He told The Informer that, despite supporters’ intentions, restaurants are struggling to maintain adequate staffing and quality of service.

“The biggest issue I have [deals] with cutting labor,” Williams said.

“Now I’m making…decisions to put less money in other people’s pockets because I have to battle against this.”

At the time of Initiative 82’s approval, the tipped worker minimum wage was $5.35 while the non-tipped worker minimum wage was $16.10.

As of July 1, those amounts are currently $10 and $17.95, respectively— although the tipped wage amount

INITIATIVE 82 Page 16

51 Steps Towards a Unified Nation: Pilot App Virtually Revives 250 Years of D.C., National History

By Jada Ingleton WI Content Editor

The countdown to America’s 250th anniversary (July 4, 2026) is heating up with innovation and legacy at the forefront thanks to the launch of 51 Steps to Freedom, the world’s largest outdoor museum reviving the treasured histories of the nation and its capital

Now available for public use through the pilot app, which features 16 immersive stops in beta, the walking history tour presents a groundbreaking method of storytelling by using augmented reality (AR) to bring key figures and overlooked landmarks to life, capturing the nation’s continued journey to liberation across

4Deborah Johnson, a longtime resident of the Twining community in Southeast, D.C., holding up a sign protesting the closure of the CVS in Penn Branch. (Sam P.K. Collins/ The Washington Informer)

Anacostia BID Comes

Under Fire for Lackluster Effort

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

Ward 7 Residents Protest Impending Closure of CVS Pharmacy

By

As the CVS corporation geared up for the closure of its Pennsylvania Avenue SE location, several Ward 7 residents campaigned to preserve what they described as a critical resource for residents of all ages.

Anacostia Business Improvement District (BID), a nonprofit designed to support businesses located in the Southeast Washington neighborhood, has recently come under fire for its approach to promoting commercial activities— with some en-

5Three new Black-owned businesses recently opened in Anacostia after winning grants from D.C.’s Food Access and Neighborhood Prosperity funds. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

60 years. Your credible and trusted source for Black news and information.

5Shawn Townsend, president and CEO of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington, says that any further implementation of Initiative 82 could decimate the local restaurant industry to a point of no return. (WI File Photo)

Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

51 STEPS Page 52

5H.H. Leonards, co-founder of 51 Steps to Freedom, celebrates the official launch of the pilot app with a press conference at the AFL-CIO headquarters in Northwest, D.C. on June 30.

(Courtesy Photo/51 Steps to Freedom)

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Study Reveals Black Women Make a Lot Less Than White Males

With July 10 recognized as Black Women’s Equal Pay Day, statistics reveal that African American women earn substantially less than non-Hispanic white males.

The annual date signifies how far into the year Black women need to work to earn what white men earned in the previous year. This year, Black women earn, on average, 64 cents for every dollar earned by white men, according to Equal Pay Today, an organization dedicated to closing the gender and racial wage gap.

Equal Pay Today reported that the gap is influenced by factors like occupational segregation, lack of pay transparency, and discrimination in hiring and promotions.

With the congressional passage and the signing

into law of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act by President Trump as a factor in keeping, if not widening the pay gap, the National Association for Women released a statement on July 8 saying, “Black women are still underpaid and overburdened.”

“Equal Pay Day shows how far we have to go even as this so-called budget reconciliation bill will push us even further back,” said Mica Whitfield, co-director of the National Association of Working Women. “Cutting food, health care, and reproductive rights are political choices that hurt real people. We need investment in care, good jobs, paid leave, affordable housing, and freedom to make decisions about our own bodies. We need leaders who listen to those closest to the pain. Most of all, we need each other. We need to organize. We need to vote, and we need to build power from the ground up.” `WI

Beyoncé’s July 4 Cowboy Carter Tour Leaves Audience in Awe

5Attendees wait to enter into Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter show at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland on July 4.

(Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

As the nation celebrated independence, thousands flocked to Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland for Beyoncé Knowles Carter’s eagerly awaited Cowboy Carter concert on July 4.

Crowds began to gather early as gates opened at 3:30 p.m. for parking, with fans filling the arena starting at 5:00 p.m. ahead of the 8:00 p.m. show. Enthusiastic attendees eagerly snatched

up exclusive Cowboy Carter-themed t-shirts and other merchandise, including hoodies, fans, and bandanas.

Among the early arrivals was Sparkle Taylor, who traveled from Suffolk, Virginia, with her 7-year-old daughter Journey, both donning cowboy hats. Sparkle shared that the concert ticket was a birthday gift to herself, and she was confident it would exceed her expectations.

“I’m glad I got the chance to experience it with my mini-me,”Taylor told The Informer.

As soon as Beyoncé took the stage, adorned in a red bodysuit, cowboy hat and a U.S. flag coat, the audience went wild. The concert kicked off with her stirring performance of “Requiem” and a powerful rendition

BEYONCÉ Page 18

MAGA Fury Erupts Over Epstein Cover-Up: Did Trump’s DOJ Bury the Names to Protect Their Own?

For years, MAGA influencers have demanded the unsealing of Jeffrey Epstein’s files, convinced they would deliver explosive revelations about Democrats like Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and other figures they’ve branded enemies of the state.

But after the Justice Department, under President Donald Trump, declared there is no Epstein client list and promised “no further disclosure,” some in Trump’s base might be asking an unthinkable question: Was their own hero’s name among the records they fought to expose?

The Justice Department and FBI announced last week that the Epstein materials contain no evidence of additional perpetrators, prompting furious backlash from the same pro-Trump media personalities who had championed transparency as a rallying cry.

Chad Prather, who was invited to the White House in February and handed a binder of so-called Epstein evidence by Attorney General Pam Bondi, demanded to know why Americans were misled.

“Where is the Epstein info the American people were promised?” Prather wrote. “You handed us a notebook and promised more was on the way. You told us it existed and now you say it doesn’t?”

The world of MAGA angrily chimed in.

Jack Posobiec called the entire process “incredible” and accused the DOJ of gross mismanagement. Savanah Hernandez condemned the announcement as “a slap in the face,” while Paul Syzpula insisted no one should accept any conclusion without the full, unredacted files.

Robby Starbuck took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to deliver a pointed rebuke.

“This new DOJ memo admits there are countless victims of Epstein on video but no client list or evidence of other rapists they can charge,” Starbuck said. “So, Epstein was trafficking these underage girls to nobody? Is Pam Bondi serious? No one who has followed this for years believes that everyone who went to Epstein’s Island was just there to catch some waves and relax.” WI

BLACK WOMEN’S EQUAL PAY

FBI Headquarters to Relocate to Reagan Building

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

The Trump administration revealed its intention to relocate the FBI headquarters from the deteriorating J. Edgar Hoover Building to the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, located near the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue NW.

The Ronald Reagan Building, which previously housed the nowclosed U.S. Agency for International Development and currently accommodates the U.S. Customs and Border Protection headquarters, private tenants, a public food court, and an event space for weddings, is set to become the new home of the FBI.

Details regarding the timing of the move, security arrangements for FBI operations, and potential disruptions were not immediately available, however, reports indicated that some agency personnel might be transferred as soon as Labor Day.

The decision has intensified regional tensions over the allocation of federal resources among Washington, Northern Virginia, and Maryland. While D.C. leaders celebrated the FBI’s decision to remain in the city, suburban officials expressed disbelief that President Donald Trump revoked a long-anticipated economic opportunity for their areas.

The move aligns with the FBI’s objective to decrease its presence in the D.C. region by reallocating employees elsewhere. In a press release, the General Services Administration (GSA) presented the relocation as a pragmatic approach to avoid $300 million in deferred maintenance on the aging Hoover Building and “billions” in costs associated with constructing a new campus in Maryland’s Prince George’s County, as previously planned.

“The existing FBI headquarters at the Hoover Building exemplifies a government facility burdened by years of neglect, suffering from issues such as an outdated water system and deteriorating concrete,” stated GSA acting administrator Stephen Ehikian.

In a published interview, Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), who leads the subcommittee overseeing FBI appropriations, indicated that this week the Trump administration formally requested to reallocate

$555 million that had already been appropriated for the new FBI campus in Greenbelt, Maryland, to instead cover the move to the Reagan Building.

“I will oppose any funding to relocate the FBI headquarters to any facility other than Greenbelt,” Van Hollen asserted, calling the choice of a suburban Maryland site the outcome of a “lengthy process” that was designed to meet the security and operational needs of the FBI—requirements he believes the accessible Reagan Building fails to fulfill.

For years, both Maryland and Virginia have vied for the new headquarters, which promises substantial economic development, and local leaders reacted with dismay to this week’s decision.

FBI Director Kash Patel described the relocation as “a historic moment” that would provide a “safer environment for our agents of justice.”

He explained that relocating to the Ronald Reagan Building is the most cost-effective means to fulfill the FBI’s mission of protecting the American public and upholding the Constitution.

The Reagan Building is intended to serve as the FBI’s permanent headquarters, with plans to accommodate 3,500 to 4,000 personnel. Renowned for its large atrium and expansive office and retail spaces, the Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, is among the largest federally owned properties in the region, second only to the Pentagon.

This relocation places the FBI just steps away from the Justice Department, its parent agency, and aligns with existing routines where FBI and Justice Department leaders convene in a secure facility at DOJ headquarters to discuss national security threats.

Previously, the GSA had focused on relocating the FBI’s headquarters outside the District to a more secure and spacious complex, reminiscent of the CIA’s facility in Langley, Virginia, or the NSA’s in Fort Meade, Maryland. In a competitive selection process, three sites—a pair in Maryland and one in Virginia— were identified as finalists.

A majority of Maryland’s Democratic congressional delegation, including both Sens. Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and Gov. Wes Moore (D), released a joint state-

AROUND THE REGION

ment declaring their commitment to opposing this proposal using all available means.

“Simply moving down the street fails to address the actual threats faced by the Bureau and further endangers the safety of those protecting our communities,” the lawmakers asserted.

Conversely, D.C. leaders welcomed the news, particularly as concerns mount regarding the potential migration of federal buildings out of the city, which could exacerbate the office vacancy rate downtown.

“We need the FBI headquarters to remain here in D.C.,” said council member Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2), who represents the downtown area. WI

5 The Trump administration plans to relocate the FBI headquarters from the J. Edgar Hoover Building to the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. (WI File Photo)

TRAVEL + MAKE BIG MONEY!!!

black facts AROUND THE REGION

JULY 10

1875 – Civil rights luminary Mary McLeod Bethune is born in Mayesville, South Carolina.

1893 – Dr. Daniel Hale Williams performs the world’s first open-heart surgery at Provident Hospital in Chicago on a man stabbed in the chest.

1941 – Iconic ragtime and jazz pianist Jelly Roll Morton dies in Los Angeles at the age of 50.

1943 – Tennis great Arthur Ashe is born in Richmond, Virginia.

1973 – The Bahamas is declared a fully independent nation.

JULY 11

1905 – W. E. B. Du Bois and William Monroe Trotter found the Niagara Movement, a Black civil rights organization.

JULY 12

1920 – Emmy-winning actress Beah Richards is born in Vicksburg, Mississippi.

1936 – Rose McClendon, founder of the Negro People’s Theatre and a leading Black Broadway actress in the 1920s, dies in New York City at the age of 51.

1937 – Famed actor and comedian Bill Cosby is born in Philadelphia.

JULY 13

1966 – R&B singer Gerald Levert, son of O’Jays lead singer Eddie Levert, is born in Canton, Ohio.

JULY 14

1891 – Inventor John Standard of Newark, N.J., receives a patent for the refrigerator.

1934 – Golfer Lee Elder, who became the first

African American to play in the Masters Tournament in 1975, is born in Dallas.

1941 – Professor Maulana Karenga, a major figure in the Black nationalist movement and the creator of Kwanzaa, is born in Parsonsburg, Maryland.

JULY 15

1961 – Award-winning actor, producer and director Forest Whitaker is born in Longview, Texas.

1970 – James McGee is sworn in as the first Black mayor of Dayton, Ohio.

JULY 16

1862 –ist Ida B. Wells

Holly Springs, Mississippi.

1947 – Assata Shakur of the Black Panther Party and the Black Libera tion Army is born in New York City.

1977 – Janelle

Penny siong of Trini dad and Toba go is crowned the first Black Miss Universe. WI

GERALD LEVERT (LEFT)

ARTHUR ASHE (CENTER)

LEE ELDER (RIGHT)

MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE (BELOW)

AROUND THE REGION

view

P INT

BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering in a federal trial that has played out in headlines, and found guilty on lesser prostitution charges. What are your thoughts?

CONNIE JORDAN / CLEVELAND, OHIO

They overcharged him. In the end consent played an important role. Cassie, having no “boundaries”, gave her consent out of “love.” She admitted that on the stand, under oath, and all the others consented on a level. He was wrong though. Curious to see who he becomes. He’s got time to think about that until October.

MICHELLE WILLIAMS / BRONX, N.Y.

There are many lessons to be learned here: 1. When called for jury duty, go and take it seriously.

2. Talk to your daughters about not allowing a glamorous lifestyle to overshadow their boundaries. 3. Talk to your sons about how to respect women. 4. Stop putting athletes and entertainers on pedestals.

KEVIN PALMER / WASHINGTON, D.C.

KAREN EDWARDS / UNION TOWNSHIP, N.J.

It’s not for us to judge. All have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD. Vengeance is mine sayeth the Lord.

It should have been total acquittal.

P. MULLA / WASHINGTON, D.C.

This was the longest prostitution trial I have ever seen. And the most expensive one too. From the beginning to the end, it was all about prostitution, not RICO.

Our staff is made up of writers, just like you. We are dedicated to making publishing dreams come true. Trusted by authors for nearly 100 years, Dorrance has made countless authors’ dreams come true.

AROUND THE REGION

Wave of New Laws Take Effect Across DMV

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

As of July 1, residents across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia have been adjusting to a slate of new laws that impact everything from minimum wage increases, to emerging technologies and public safety.

In D.C., workers will see another bump in the minimum wage. The hourly rate rises from $17.50 to $17.95, continuing the city’s steady push toward higher earnings for thousands of employees. However, a planned increase in the tipped minimum wage has been put on hold by the D.C. Council.

“D.C.’s new minimum wage is $17.95 [per] hour! Paying workers less than the minimum wage is wage theft,” D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, before offering resources to report wage violations. “We will keep defending worker rights in D.C.”

Maryland begins the new fiscal year with more than 300 laws taking effect. Among the most significant changes is the state’s new tech tax, which applies a 3% sales tax to services such as cloud computing, data processing, and cryptocurrency mining. That tax alone is expected to bring in $500 million in revenue as part of a broader $1.6 billion in new taxes and fees.

Other notable measures include an increase in the cannabis sales tax from 9% to 12%, the creation of a tenant bill of rights that must

be attached to all residential leases, and funding to expand abortion access through a surcharge on Affordable Care Act insurance plans. Additionally, Maryland is cracking down on AI-generated images used in revenge porn, giving victims the right to sue.

“The reason why we’re doing this is because, with the advancements in AI, anyone in this room can go online and create a visual representation of any one of your colleagues here in a compromising situation and then share that,” said Maryland Del. Jesse Pippy (R) in February when the legislation was introduced.

Meanwhile, Virginia is introducing a wide range of laws focused on health care, child protection, and traffic safety. All adults in cars must now wear seat belts, regardless of where they’re sitting, or face a $25 fine—though officers can’t stop a vehicle solely for a seat belt violation. In addition, public school boards are required to adopt strict policies limiting student cell phone use during the school day, with exceptions only for health or educational needs.

In another sign of the growing focus on online life, a new child influencer law requires parents to set aside earnings from monetized content featuring children under 16.

Further, Medicaid recipients will now have access to up to 10 doula visits during and after pregnancy, and hospitals must allow doulas and support companions to be

“D.C.’s new minimum wage is $17.95 [per] hour! Paying workers less than the minimum wage is wage theft,” D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, before offering resources to report wage violations.

present during childbirth when needed.

Virginia’s laws also include stricter penalties for mail theft and street racing, a ban on polystyrene takeout containers for large restaurant chains, and updates that classify the unintentional death caused by fentanyl distribution as involuntary manslaughter punishable by up to a decade in prison.

One social media user took to X to comment on Virginia’s new laws, saying: “The clock ticks. Every second counts. Protecting lives isn’t policy, it’s strategy.” WI

5To avoid the risk of wage theft punishment, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb says employers are expected to adhere to the District’s new bump in minimum wage, part of a slate of new laws in the DMV impacting everything from wage increases, to emerging technologies and public safety. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

‘Third Time’s the Charm’: Union Station Protest Encampment Pushes for Trump’s

By Trevor Johnson WI Summer Intern

Since May 1, Union Station has added a new feature to its landscape and those responsible for the scenery are planning on becoming fixtures in the area until there’s major political change. Just outside the transportation hub, a protest encampment has taken root, greeting commuters and travelers with large tents.

The tents are not about housing, but as an act of resistance against President Donald Trump’s administration and policies.

“Our core goal is impeaching and removing Donald Trump,” said Catherine Economopoulos, one of the encampment’s lead organizers. “This physical center is actually at a shifting point. As our needs and the world stage and state of affairs change, we’re looking at a potential rebrand and considering shifting some of the way we do things here on site while still sticking to that core goal of impeachment and removal.”

The encampment was organized in tandem with May Day Movement USA, a national campaign for justice and accountability. On June 28, the group officially announced a rebrand of their initiative on social media under the name FLARE (For Liberation and Resistance Everywhere), using the handle flare. usa.

Organizers argue that people must show and actively demonstrate their desire for change.

“We are under attack from a fascist president; he is shredding the Constitution, violating Americans’ rights, and violating the rights of the people of the world,” said Peter Stinson, founding initiative coordinator, in a statement on the Mayday Movement USA Instagram page. “We must impeach; we must remove, and it’s only going to happen if we convince Congress to do its job. So, step up, folks; it’s time for you to do your job. Come to D.C., make Congress do what they need to do.”

While the political outcome remains uncertain, the encampment has grown into more than a protest

Impeachment

site, now functioning as a space for political education, artistic expression, and coalition-building, all just steps away from one of D.C.’s busiest transit hubs.

“A lot of what we’ve been doing also goes beyond the congressional operation side of things,” Economopoulos explained. “We make a lot of art here, and we do a lot of community education and outreach. And the reaction to those things has been especially powerful.”

Now two months in, organizers plan to remain “until Trump is impeached,” said Milo Sees, art lead for the encampment.

“The idea started back in February, and at that moment, since we weren’t in D.C. yet, the plan was to start on May 1, and we’ve had a continual encampment go ing since,” said Sees. “Because of permitting requirements, we start ed on the National Mall and they moved us around once or twice to bring us here eventually.”

WORK TO IMPEACH TRUMP: WE HAVE A BETTER CHANCE’

Trump is the only U.S. president to be impeached twice.

In both cases, the House voted to impeach, but the Senate did not reach the two-thirds majority need ed to convict and remove him. De spite these failed efforts, organizers say renewed public pressure could make a third attempt possible.

“Third time’s the charm, right? Based on what we’re hearing from congressional reps that our con gressional ops team has been meet ing with, we do feel that this third round of impeachment is going to be a little bit different,” said Econo mopoulos. “Given that there’s strong support from [congressmen] like [Rep.] Al Green (D-Texas), we believe that by continuing to push this early on in this term, we have a better chance.”

Public reaction has been mixed. Some passersby have questioned whether the encampment will lead to meaningful change, while others expressed support for any effort that keeps the issue in public view.

AROUND THE REGION

“We have had some pushback and some counter-protesters, but generally, most of what we’ve seen from folks commuting to and from Union Station on their way to work in the morning has been wholehearted support,” Economopoulos told The Informer.

While the encampment is garnering support, Economopoulos emphasized there’s still work to do, particularly considering the House of Representatives voted by a wide margin, 344 to 79, to block a new attempt to impeach former President Donald Trump for authorizing airstrikes in Iran on June 24. The effort, led by Green, a Texas Democrat, was halted when 128 of his party members joined all

dismiss the resolution.

Despite the recent House vote, organizers remain committed to their cause of working

remove him from office.

“The summer’s going to get hotter,” said a determined Economopoulos. “ But we’re prepared for that.” WI

Vote July 15, 2025 Ward 8 Special Election

Voting: July 11 to July 14, 2025

Voting Vote Centers Open: 8:30 am to 7:00 pm

Day Vote Centers Open: 7:00 am to 8:00 pm Mail Ballot Drop Boxes Open: June 13 to July 15, 2025 until 8:00 pm

Using Your Mail-in Ballot:

• Ballots will be mailed to all Ward 8 registered voters.

• Voted ballots can be returned via the US Postal Service, to any Vote Center, or to a Mail Ballot Drop Box.

• All ballots must be postmarked by July 15, 2025 and received by DCBOE by July 25, 2025.

Ways to Register to Vote in DC:

• Online at www.dcboe.org

• By mail, email, or fax with a voter registration form

• In person at DCBOE offices, at voter outreach events, at any voter registration agency, during Early Voting, or on Election Day

5One of several protest tents outside Union Station, marked with signs calling for the impeachment of President Donald Trump. (Trevor Johnson/The Washington Informer)

AROUND THE REGION

“There

https://www

Philadelphia musician Hiruy Trife reads The Washington Informer after his set at Blues Alley. (Brenda C. Siler/The Washington Informer)

Howard University swimming and diving program had 11 Bison take part in the 53rd annual Bahamas National Swimming Championships in Nassau June 19-22. (Courtesy Photo/Howard Athletics Media Relations)

2nd Annual RAMMYS Honors Celebrates Trailblazers in the Restaurant Industry, Highlights Power of Hospitality

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

In an evening celebrating legacy, dedication and trailblazing work in the DMV restaurant scene, the second annual RAMMYS Honors at the Schuyler at the Hamilton Hotel in Northwest, D.C. showcased the bravery, resilience and determination it takes to thrive as an entrepreneur in the hospitality industry and the strength of this region’s culinary leaders.

Hosted by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) the honors is a newer venture, brought on by RAMW President and CEO Shawn Townsend, as part of the organization’s long standing work in uplifting the local service industry. The event also serves as a way of highlighting food and beverage industry innovators, before the larger 43rd annual RAMMYS Awards on Aug. 3 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Northwest.

This year’s awardees honored restaurants celebrating significant anniversaries— D.C.’s Bistrot du Coin, Chef Geoff’s and Bobby Van’s Steakhouse, and Maryland’s Caribbean Superior, all marking 25 years, plus Virginia honorees Heidelberg Bakery and Celebrity Delly, with both commemorating 50 years of serving the area through their culinary offerings. Specialty award winners included Virginia Ali, co-founder and owner of Ben’s Chili Bowl; Linda Roth of Linda Roth Associates, Inc.; and Ruth Gresser, chef and owner of Pizzeria Paradiso, who also participated in a fireside chat led by the night’s MC Tommy McFly of NBC Washington.

“We are proud to recognize leaders like Ruth Gresser, Virginia Ali, and Linda Roth, who embody what it means to lead with purpose, passion, and a commitment to uplifting their communities,” said Townsend. “They aren’t just leaders, they’re legends. Their impact reaches beyond the plate — they’ve changed the way our region eats, gathers, and thrives.”

While the event was about highlighting the honorees, it was also a moment for networking and showcasing the work of industry professionals.

Mitchell Linton, CEO and co-founder of 3708 Spirits— a Black-

5NBC4 Washington’s Tommy McFly, host of the 2025 RAMMYS Honors, Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award honoree Ruth Gresser, and Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) President and CEO Shawn Townsend. (Courtesy Photo/RAMW)

owned distillery— was happy to network with restaurant and bar owners, while guests enjoyed his brand during the celebratory event.

“We launched our first product, which is our 3708 Silver, at the end of 2023, and then we launched our 3708 Gold in June 2024,” Linton told The Informer. “It’s great to be here because it’s such diverse individuals here with different stories and how they were able to grow their business within the food and beverage industry. And so it’s amazing to just connect and be in a room full of perseverance.”

HONORING INDUSTRY INNOVATORS, HIGHLIGHTING THE POWER OF HOSPITALITY

With food and spirits as an added bonus, the evening’s focus were the honors.

District officials such as D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (I-At-Large), chair of the Committee on Business and Economic Development, and Nina Albert, deputy mayor for planning and economic development, were present to salute the power of the restaurant and beverage community.

Moreover, restaurant owners lauded their peers for their contributions to the area’s booming service industry, including Ris Lacoste, chef and owner of Ris in Northwest, D.C., who introduced Roth.

“Linda is a dear friend. I opened Ris 16 years ago,” they were the kitchens, “I ran the show but I never created the stage. And in 2005, when I left 1789, I decided I was going to open my own restaurant… And Linda Roth was by my side every step of the way, and she never left,” said Lacoste, who has owned Ris for 16 years now. “She is one of those people that is just devoted to you. She’s devoted to all of us and she’s devoted to this industry.”

Roth, who noted working “with some legendary restaurateurs” in her more than 45 years in public relations, emphasized that she does not simply represent the food and beverage industry, but has become part of it, having an in-depth understanding of its nuances and a deep appreciation for the work.

“Al Copeland said ‘You know why we hired you? It’s because you said you’d never call between 12 and 2 because it was lunch service.’ He said, ‘You spoke our language,’” Roth recounted, when she got the job representing the late restaurateur known for Popeyes, Copeland’s New Orleans and Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro. “I’m really lucky I’ve had the honor of working with so many of you.”

Ali, recipient of the 2025 John G. Laytham Executive Leadership and Impact Award, was honored for her more than six decades of service to the District through Ben’s Chili Bowl.

WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Prince George’s Business Updates

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

ZAXBY’S COMING TO THE DMV, FIRST LOCATIONS TO OPEN BY END OF YEAR

Zaxby’s, a Southern fast casual restaurant specializing in chicken, is planning to enter Maryland’s consumer market by the end of this year. A franchise is expected to open soon in District Heights, and several more are planned for the Eastern Shore and the Baltimore metropolitan region, such as the first location in Cambridge which owners hope to open by the end of this year.

“Baltimore offers an incredible opportunity for us, and we’re thrilled to partner with the Lattakia Group, a dedicated and experienced local team,” said Zaxby’s Chief Development Officer Mike Mettler. “This marks the beginning of our presence in Baltimore and nearby communities.”

With an estimated 900 locations, Zaxby’s plans to open 200 more restaurants nationally in the next several years.

Eastern Shore developers Curtis Snyder, Teresa Snyder and Thomas Mitchell saw Zaxby’s while vacationing in South Carolina and were impressed. According to company reports, an individual Zaxby’s location can generate $2.7 million in annual gross revenue, compared to $1.4 million for a KFC storefront or roughly $1.9 million for a Popeyes storefront.

“We’ve always wanted to bring something special to the Eastern Shore, and Zaxby’s is the perfect fit. The quality of the product, combined with the brand’s growth strategy, convinced us this was the right move.

Maryland residents, along with travelers from Baltimore and D.C. heading to the shore, are going to love it,” said Curtis Snyder, according to PRNewswire.

He also said that a menu centered on one protein simplifies the menu and lowers operating expenses.

Raising Cane’s and Slim Chickens, both Southern fast casual restaurants, have also opened locations in Prince George’s and surrounding counties in past years, while multiple online reports denote Chik Fil-A as the most-searched fast food restaurant in Maryland.

Bojangles, a competing fast food chain, closed all of their locations in Prince George’s last year and only one, located in Frederick, remains open in Maryland.

Zaxby’s vice president of development Bert Lane is excited to spread the franchise along the East Coast, with Maryland and the DMV region as the next target markets of expansion.

“As those markets have continued to fill in, we’re looking at new markets going up along the northeast corridor.

We’ve stretched into Virginia, and from there we’ve started looking at the D.C. and Baltimore metro areas, and Maryland overall,” he said. WI

MOORE RELOCATES CANNABIS

INCUBATOR

A planned business incubator for cannabis entrepreneurs is being relocated from Catonsville to a different location, following community outcry about the site’s proximity to schools and limited public input.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore (D) is now restarting the search process for a new location for a cannabis

incubator, expected to serve more than 100 microbusinesses by storing their product securely.

“Upon further review of this project and the selection of the Maryland National Guard William J. Witte Armory in Catonsville as the preferred site for the cannabis incubator, I have concluded that the state should explore new options for its location,” he said in a July 2 statement.

After reconsidering the current site, the governor directed the Maryland Cannabis Administration, Maryland Department of General Services, and Maryland Economic Development Corporation, to explore new locations for the cannabis incubator project.

“As part of their site review, I have instructed the agencies to identify locations that are not within close proximity to residential communities and schools,” he continued. “The agencies will begin this new process immediately, conduct extensive community and stakeholder engagement, and work quickly to move the project forward.”

This site, once completed, would be the first state-owned cannabis incubator in the nation.

A list of 37 potential locations, including Temple Hills’ Beechley Square Business Center and Bowie’s Collington Plaza Shopping Center, was listed in a December 2023 report to select the site.

Local legislators, including Mary-

3Maryland Governor Wes Moore is now restarting the search process for a new location for a cannabis business incubator, expected to serve more than 100 microbusinesses by storing their product securely. (WI File Photo)

Patel have spoken for months about their desire to keep the agency in D.C. near the Department of Justice.

“Moving to the Ronald Reagan Building is the most cost effective and resource efficient way to carry out our mission to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution,” said Patel in a statement.

Millions of dollars have already been invested into the effort to bring the new headquarters to Greenbelt, and the multi-billion dollar project was expected to boost the Maryland economy.

land Sen. Charles Sydnor III (D- District 44), acknowledged community concerns regarding the lack of public input in the process, despite the potential financial boost this would provide to the surrounding area.

“The District 44 legislators who represent Catonsville have heard significant input from the community about the proposal to establish a cannabis incubator in the old Catonsville armory,” read a statement released shortly before Moore announced the relocation. “We have been working hard to advocate for our constituents and ensure that concerns were heard by the administration.” WI

MARYLAND LEADERS REACT TO FBI STAYING IN D.C.

Dealing another blow to Prince George’s County– after losing a bid for the Commanders to stay in Landover and an announcement that Six Flags America is closing in Bowie, FBI leadership has announced that the agency’s new headquarters will be at the Ronald Reagan Building in Northwest, D.C. and not in Prince George’s County.

The current site, the J. Edgar Hoover Building, has fallen into disrepair and despite the U.S. General Services Administration initially selecting a 61-acre site in Greenbelt for the FBI headquarters, both President Donald Trump (R) and FBI Director Kash

“The FBI deserves a headquarters that meets their security and mission needs — and following an extensive, thorough, and transparent process, Greenbelt, Maryland, was selected as the site that best meets those requirements. Not only was this decision final, the Congress appropriated funds specifically for the purpose of the new, consolidated campus to be built in Maryland,” read a joint letter from Gov. Wes Moore (D), County Executive Aisha Braveboy (D), and Maryland’s congressional delegation to protest the decision.

Virginia legislators, who formerly competed with Maryland for the project, also criticized the decision to keep the agency in D.C., after the plans to move to Greenbelt were underway.

County Council Chair Ed Burroughs III (D- District 8) noted how much the new development would have positively influenced Prince George’s long-term economic future.

“The vision was to have the FBI anchor economic development in that area, including private businesses and homeowners as well to be a part of it,” said Burroughs.

While acknowledging the hard loss for the county, Burroughs also urged caution and patience amid trying times.

“The county is not going to fall apart. It’s unfortunate what the president is doing. It certainly has an impact,” he continued. “People are suffering as a result of a number of his decisions. But with all that being said, Prince Georgians are resilient, and we will make it through this.”

WI

Prince George’s Political Updates

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

BRAVEBOY SELECTS NEW FIRE CHIEF, PARK AND PLANNING CHAIR

As she begins her new role, County Executive Aisha Braveboy (D) continues to fill in her leadership team with new appointments.

Braveboy announced Thelmetria “Meme” Michaelides to serve as the next fire chief.

“My journey to this moment as the next fire chief of Prince George’s County Fire and EMS Department hasn’t been a traditional or linear path,” Michaelides said. “Every twist and turn along the way has, I believe, prepared me to serve.”

Michaelides, the first African-American woman in Maryland to become a bomb technician, will be replacing Tiffany Green, the county’s first African-American woman to serve as fire chief.

Green remains actively involved in the transition and will serve as the county’s assistant public safety director going forward.

The new fire chief’s first goals are to build her command staff and conduct an evaluation of the department.

“As chief I won’t have all the solutions. But I will empower and

challenge command staff, and all men and women of Prince George’s County Fire and EMS Department,” she said.

County Council Chair Ed Burroughs III (D- District 8) offered praise and encouragement for the new fire chief.

“If you heard Chief Meme’s story, from dispatcher to now chief, it’s a beautiful one. And I believe your story will be an inspiration to all of Prince George’s county residents, that you too can start out as a dispatcher,” he said, shortly after her appointment was announced, before emphasizing her qualifications. “She said she was nervous up here. I find that interesting because she can diffuse a bomb.”

While Michaelides suffered a health emergency during a fireworks demonstration at the fire department’s training academy in Cheltenham, she has since recovered.

In addition, Darryl Barnes, who formerly served as a state delegate and led the Legislative Black Caucus in Annapolis, has been announced as the next chair of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, a bi-county agency that manages over 50,000 acres of parks and operates the Prince George’s recreation programs.

“I was proud to vote in support of Darryl Barnes as the next chair of the Park and Planning Commis-

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

sion,” said Councilmember Wala Blegay (D- District 6), who voted in favor of Barnes to serve in this new role and represents the same area on the County Council that he did while in Annapolis.

Blegay noted his combination of skills will serve him well in this new role.

“As a former Delegate for District 25, past chair of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, and a longtime advocate for our communities, Darryl brings bold vision and leadership to the table,” she said. “He understands how to bring quality development to Prince George’s County while also ensuring that our parks, recreation, and planning efforts reflect the needs and voices of our residents.” WI

MOORE COMMITS

TO ‘JUST COMMUNITIES,’ ANNOUNCES MORE CANNABIS PARDONS

As part of Juneteenth celebrations, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D), announced various efforts— from housing plans, to cannabis pardons— to combat racial disparities and support Black Marylanders, one of his signature campaign pledges.

“Today, on Juneteenth, we honor the spirit and legacy of Juneteenth not just by celebrating a triumph

3

in Galveston, Texas, but also by carrying forward the work of repair. Today we continue the march to freedom. On day one of our administration, we made clear that in this moment, Maryland would refuse to tolerate a widening racial wealth gap, because we know the racial wealth gap affects all of us,” said Moore in a speech on Juneteenth delivered at Bethel AME Church in Cambridge, Maryland, an Eastern Shore town where Harriet Tubman was once enslaved, now featuring a museum and a mural dedicated to the famed Underground Railroad conductor and her historic achievements.

Alongside Maryland Secretary of Housing Jake Day, Moore promised that an estimated $400 million of designated funds will be given top priority to be distributed to Cambridge and 418 other “just communities” across Maryland, to incentivize new housing and economic development in majority-minority communities and census tracts.

Day, who formerly served as the mayor of Salisbury, is excited to use his office to improve housing opportunities in Maryland.

“The first-of-its-kind designation of Maryland’s ‘Just Communities’ is a critical step in lifting the barriers that create separate and unequal neighborhoods all across our state,” said Day. “Fostering fairer development and addressing inequity not

only creates healthier, more resilient communities, but generates lasting social and economic well-being for all.”

During the day celebrating freedom for African Americans, the governor emphasized how the racial wealth gap can be detrimental to not only Black people, but all Marylanders.

“It hurts our economy, it restrains job growth, and it limits our potential as a state. Not just for certain groups, but for every single Marylander. Over the last two decades, racial inequality has cost the American economy $16 trillion,” said Moore. “Bigotry is expensive! And if you want a growing economy, make sure it is an inclusive one.”

The governor also announced nearly 7,000 additional pardons for misdemeanor cannabis possession. Last year, Moore announced pardons for more than 175,000 Marylanders formerly charged with misdemeanor convictions for cannabis including beyond 150,000 who were charged with cannabis possession before Jan. 1, 2023. He described this as “the largest action of its kind” in American history.

The Legislative Black Caucus, a 65-member body including the Black members of the General Assembly, offered both praise of Moore’s actions surrounding cannabis and criticism of the governor’s past veto of a reparations study.

“As we celebrate Freedom Day and reflect on meaningful progress, we remain focused on our unfinished work, particularly the creation of the Maryland Reparations Commission,” read a statement from the state’s Legislative Black Caucus shortly after the gubernatorial pardons were announced. “While the steps announced today are important, they do not replace the need for reparations. Addressing the racial wealth gap, health disparities, our unequal justice system, housing access, and education outcomes requires a comprehensive approach— and reparations must be central to that effort.” WI

Former chair of the Legislative Black Caucus Darryl Barnes (pictured with county executive Aisha Braveboy), is sworn in to lead the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, a bi-county agency that operates Prince George’s recreation programs. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

5Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is working to combat racial disparities and bolster opportunities for Black Marylanders. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

BUSINESS

trepreneurs urging more intentional, coordinated efforts are necessary.

“I think a lot of the things that the Anacostia BID Executive Director Kristina Noell does, she does well,” said Ronald Moten, the founder of the Go-Go Museum & Café. “But when she does things, she does not coordinate with the businesses. The Anacostia business community will never live up to its potential if we don’t work with the BID. I hope to meet with her soon so we can work together to make Anacostia the Black Renaissance the world can model after.”

Moten is voicing his sentiments about Anacostia BID as the District faces the financial conundrum of dealing with budget deficits due to lack of sufficient revenue coming into the city from collection of sales and commercial and real property taxes.

Additionally, the District faces a hostile Republican U.S. Congress and White House that refuses to fund local government services and operations to the point that D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) has had to make midyear cuts in the 2025 fiscal year budget, and proposes major cuts to programs in her 2026 fiscal year plan.

Against the District’s struggling financial picture, Moten and other business owners and leaders in Ana-

costia are calling for a change in strategy from the BID that helps everyone prosper.

“We have two years to get this right,” said Moten, 54. “If we don’t get this right in two years, the economic activity in Anacostia will be gone. There will be no more investment in Anacostia.”

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF A BID

The D.C. Department of Small and Local Business website reports a Business Improvement District is “a self-taxing district established by property owners to enhance the economic vitality of a specific commercial area.”

The tax is a surcharge to the real property tax liability.

There are currently 12 BIDs in the District and Anacostia BID is the only one located east of the Anacostia River.

BID expenditures, according to the website, are primarily used for purchasing supplemental services, which could include: keeping clean and presentable; increasing security for the safety of businesses and their customers; promoting the commercial viability of the district and its firms; aiding at-risk groups such as the homeless or youth; and making capital improvements such as street

The Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School in Washington, DC is seeking proposals from consultants for our 40th Anniversary Comprehensive Campaign. View the full RFP and submission details at https://aohdc.org/get-involved/jobs/. Proposals are due July 31, 2025.

furniture and decorative lighting.

Noell, who was hired as the executive director in 2018 by the BID’s board of directors, did not directly address Moten’s concerns about her organization, but said there seems to be a misunderstanding of how it is supposed to operate.

“Perhaps we should wage a campaign in the community around what a BID is,” said Noell. “We don’t clean up the poop. We are not the police. We are not a grant-giving organization. We do infrastructure work and here in Anacostia, we are focused on arts infrastructure.”

NOELL TALKS ABOUT THE WORK OF ANACOSTIA BID

Noell said her focus has been twofold: aid the businesses in the BID and capitalize on Anacostia’s thrust to be an arts hub.

“Setting up the hub was intentional,” she said. “When I took this job, I went around to the businesses and the residents and asked what they wanted. They told me a neighborhood that was in touch with its arts history was what they wanted.”

Noell said featuring artwork in the form of murals, such as the one highlighting the late D.C. Mayor Marion Barry and other Anacostia sites that greet people who drive into the neighborhood from the 11th Street Bridge, is an example of the work of the BID. Another BID project includes painting a mural under the bridge of the street that connects Marion Barry to Anacostia Park, according to Noell.

The Anacostia BID director, who was honored by the Greater Washington Black Chamber of Commerce on June 30, said she has also worked on

such issues as traffic control.

“I did what I needed to do with community support,” she said. “I will continue to do the work. Every time we do something, we make sure we put it out there.”

Noell makes her goal clear.

“I want to be helpful to the businesses,” she declared. “The business owners need to run their businesses, and I want to help them prosper.”

Moten and Busboys & Poets Owner and CEO Andy Shallal have voiced concerns about the lack of foot traffic in Anacostia.

“I think Kristina has done a decent job,” said Shallal, 70. “The BID does a great job with beatification and safety but what is needed is new foot traffic. These businesses need more business. The BID needs to do more marketing of the businesses in Anacostia.”

Moten agrees with Shallal.

“When we did our Juneteenth event, the businesses were packed,” said Moten. “We need that every day. The Anacostia corridor should be bustling with people, more than any other corridor in D.C.”

Noell does not disagree with Moten and Shallal on the issue of foot traffic.

not be afraid to go over there?”

PRAISE FOR ANACOSTIA BID

Daniel Nguyen is the owner of Good Hope Hydroponics, located on Marion Barry Avenue SE, a store that specializes in growing plants with water-based nutrients instead of soil.

In a recent communication with the BID, Nguyen said Noell and her team are doing well promoting his business in Anacostia.

“On behalf of Good Hope Hydroponics, I want to sincerely thank the Anacostia Business Improvement District for its steadfast support and dedication in promoting our business and strengthening our community,” Nguyen, 34, said. “Your team’s strategic initiatives have played a significant role in elevating our visibility and success. The BID’s success is rooted in a clear and compelling mission: fostering a clean, safe, and vibrant commercial district; supporting small businesses; and building a dynamic arts and culture economy.”

Nguyen emphasized how critical the BID has been for Good Hope Hydroponics’ growth.

Proposals are due July 31, 2025. ACADEMY OF

The Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School in Washington, DC is seeking proposals for Elevator Modernization/ Replacement of Hydraulic with Traction. View the full RFP and submission details at https://aohdc.org/get-involved/jobs/.

“We are working with Destination DC on a program to include Anacostia as a place for people to visit when they come to D.C.,” she said. “Right now, Anacostia is a tiny piece of the literature that is distributed on visiting D.C. We need an identity shift. We want Anacostia to be seen as cool. We want it to be the place to go. When people in the other parts of the city say they want to go out to eat, do we want them to say, ‘Let’s go to Anacostia’ and

“Transitioning from a community-based growing operation into a public-facing enterprise would not have been possible without the Anacostia BID’s vision, consistency, and dedication,” he said. “We are grateful for the collaboration and excited to continue growing—together.”

Stephen Thomas, co-owner and chef of Sweet Tooth Café & Cakes located in The Clara apartment building close to the Anacostia Metro Station, told The Informer that the BID played a role in securing a grant from Booz Allen Hamilton that helped his business grow.

WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

5 Ron Moten (center left), founder of the Go-Go Museum & Café, Nee Nee Taylor (center right), executive director and co-conductor of Harriet’s Wildest Dreams and others take to the streets of Anacostia for the 2025 Juneteenth Jubilee. (WI FIle Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson)

BUSINESSbriefs

Credit Counseling Nonprofit Announces ‘Life Beyond Debt’ Program

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) announced the launch of its transformative “Life Beyond Debt” program, a comprehensive initiative designed to fundamentally change how individuals overcome debt and build a secure financial future.

A key component of the program’s initial pilot phase is the WealthBuilder savings program, which will enable clients to build emergency funds while actively reducing their debt. The 2025 NFCC Financial Literacy and Preparedness Survey, conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of NFCC, revealed that nearly one-third (32%) of U.S. adults report having no savings at all outside of retirement accounts.

“Life Beyond Debt is a fundamental change to address widespread financial instability,” said NFCC CEO Mike Croxson. “We’re empowering people to resolve debt and build a secure future, recognizing the peace of mind that building savings brings. The pilot’s research will guide our work to support broader financial wellbeing.”

The WealthBuilder savings program, a cornerstone of the Life Beyond Debt pilot, was launched in collaboration with FinTech partner Percapita.

The NFCC anticipates that the findings from the “Life Beyond Debt” pilot program will significantly inform the development of more effective programs and support advocacy for policies that bolster consumer financial health across the country.

“This is the same goal at the core of Percapita’s mission,” said Alex Ehrlich, CEO of Percapita. “We’re excited and inspired to partner with the NFCC and its member agencies to bring the WealthBuilder program to life.” WI

@JamesWrightJr10

As Black People, We Experience Independence Day Differently

By Aimee D. Griffin, Esq.

As Black people, we experience Independence Day—the Fourth of July— differently. While America celebrates its freedom with fireworks, parades, and red, white, and blue banners, we hold space for a more complicated truth. For us, the date is not simply a celebration of liberty—it’s a reminder of absence. In 1776, when this nation declared its independence, our ancestors were still enslaved. We were not considered free. We were not even considered fully human.

This truth makes our relationship with this holiday layered and deeply personal. Many of us reflect not only on America’s founding, but also on the cost we have paid to belong. We think of I, Too, Sing America, the powerful poem by Langston Hughes, in which he writes:

“They send me to eat in the kitchen

When company comes,

But I laugh, And eat well,

And grow strong.”

This poem is more than a protest—it’s a prophecy. It is about dignity, strength, and our rightful place at the table. But in today’s America, that place still feels contested. There are efforts across the country to whitewash our history, suppress our votes, and dismiss our voices. In a moment when some want to return to a so-called “great” America that never fully welcomed us, we are reminded that our presence here has always been an act of resilience.

That’s why this Independence Day, I urge us to think about freedom in a new way, not just political freedom, but economic freedom. Not just symbolic gestures, but strategic action.

As an estate planning attorney, I know the power of legacy. Legacy is not only what we leave behind, but it’s what we build now. It is a form of resistance and a blueprint for our future. When we protect our homes, our businesses, our life insurance, and our family values through estate planning, we are not just organizing paperwork, we are organizing power.

Too often, we assume estate planning is for the wealthy. But in truth, estate planning is for anyone who wants to make sure their family doesn’t lose what they worked so hard to build. It’s for the parent who wants to keep a roof over their children’s heads. For the entrepreneur who wants to pass their business to the next generation. For the elder who wants to preserve their home as a symbol of what was possible in spite of segregation, redlining, and exclusion.

Inheritance is not greed—it is strategy. It is how communities sustain themselves across generations. It is how we move from surviving to thriving.

This Fourth of July, I challenge us to celebrate by planning. Create your will. Establish your trust. Talk to your parents. Educate your children. Build your family’s plan. Use every tool available to benefit you, your family, and to strengthen your entire community.

We, too, sing America. And through legacy, we make sure our song is never silenced.

If you are ready to take the next step in protecting your family and securing your legacy, connect with us at Life & Legacy Counselors. Our team is committed to helping Black families build wealth with culturally competent estate planning that honors your values, your history, and your future. Let’s build something that lasts—together.

Aimee D. Griffin, Esq.

Life and Legacy Counselors 1401 Mercantile Lane, Ste 271, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 5335 Wisconsin Ave NW Ste 440 Washington, DC 20015 1100 N. Glebe Road, Ste 1010, Arlington, VA 22201

www.yourestateplanningattorney.com (855) 574-8481 connects all locations

5 The National Foundation for Credit Counseling sponsors a program to help people deal with debt. (Courtesy Photo/iStock)

NATIONAL

Trump’s Massive Bill Turns America into a Police State

Rep. Steven Horsford:

‘It’s Reckless Extremism’

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

President Donald Trump’s massive new spending measure “One Big Beautiful Bill,” known by Democrats as the “One Big Ugly Bill,” is set to dismantle central pillars of the American social safety net and create the most expansive immigration enforcement system the country has ever seen.

The legislation advances $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act over the next decade, threatening health coverage for millions of low-income Americans. However, among the least discussed aspects of the measure, it effectively turns America into a police state.

The bill devotes more than $150 billion to expand the detention, surveillance, and deportation op-

INITIATIVE 82 from Page 1

would’ve been a bit higher, if not for D.C. Council approval of a delay in a rate increase.

Per the current law, all District employees, including those receiving the tipped worker base pay of $10, are required to be compensated at the full minimum wage.

Tipped workers reach that threshold by adding tips received to their base pay. In situations where the total amount accrued doesn’t equal the full minimum wage, restaurant operators are obligated to make up the difference. As such, local restaurants in recent years have incrementally increased the price of their offerings, and, in several cases, imposed service fees and mandatory gratuity to meet this obligation.

erations of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Under the bill, ICE’s detention budget alone would explode from $3.4 billion this year to $45 billion by 2029, surpassing the combined funding of all federal prisons.

Public records show that ICE’s arrests of immigrants without criminal records have surged by more than 1,400% in the past year. The agency has repeatedly deployed masked officers and National Guard troops in workplace and community raids, tactics critics say resemble authoritarian crackdowns.

The spending package also authorizes the creation of a federal citizenship registry, combining Social Security and immigration data into the first centralized list of U.S. citizens. Officials claim the database will help election author-

At Williams’ place of work, only parties of six or greater have the 20% gratuity automatically added to their bill. While he said workers are comfortable with the process, Williams laments not being able to generate enough revenue to maintain the staff needed to operate the casual dining venue.

“I’m not an owner of space, but it’s still my job to make the schedules for people,” Williams told The Informer. “So when I have to sit here and look at how much money we make and see where I can kind of shave off, it’s slowly but surely…making an impact on people’s lives.”

Williams, whose 12 years experience in the local hospitality industry includes stints as a barback and security guard, first stood against the raised tipped minimum wage in 2018, when

5

ities verify voter eligibility, echoing Trump’s unsubstantiated claims of widespread immigrant voter fraud. Privacy experts have warned that this system amounts to a national surveillance apparatus launched without any public debate or congressional hearings.

“This level of integration among federal agencies handling sensitive personal data has never existed before,” NPR reporters Jude Joffe-Block and Miles Parks reported. They noted that privacy advocates and even some conservatives have long opposed a government-run citizenship roster.

Polling from Pew Research

Per the current law, all District employees, including those receiving the tipped worker base pay of $10, are required to be compensated at the full minimum wage.

communities across this country. (WI File Photo)

shows that most Americans oppose several core pieces of Trump’s immigration agenda. Sixty-one percent reject the deportation of immigrants to prisons in El Salvador. Fifty-four percent disapprove of increased workplace raids. Yet a growing share—56%—now supports expanding the border wall with Mexico, a rise from 46% in 2019.

Inside the Republican Party, support for Trump’s enforcement push is nearly unanimous. Eightyeight percent of Republicans favor expanding the border wall. Further, 81% back using state and local police to help deport immi-

District voters approved Initiative 77, which the D.C. Council later repealed.

Since Initiative 82’s approval, Williams has counted among those who’ve spoken out against the law. Though he acknowledged the ballot measure’s intent, Williams said that it’s destroying an industry where tipped workers received more money, while restaurant operators kept costs at bay.

“Because of how fast the minimum wage increases, you don’t have time to think about [that] and that’s what we’re dealing with now,” Williams said. “I have to constantly worry [seeing] the money that we owe to each and every individual worker rise, regardless of what’s happening to the tip-out.”

INITIATIVE 82 Page 37

grants. Among Democrats, overwhelming majorities oppose the policies, with only 27% supporting any expansion of the wall.

The bill’s most controversial provisions have drawn condemnation after Trump visited a new detention facility in the Everglades, where he joked that alligators and snakes would attack any immigrant attempting to escape. The Florida Republican Party has since begun selling “Alligator Alcatraz” merchandise. Historians have noted that such imagery recalls Jim Crow-era propaganda depicting Black children as bait for alligators—a tactic used to dehumanize and terrorize Black communities.

Despite widespread criticism, Trump has pressed forward with the measure, calling it a fulfillment of his long-standing promises.

“This is going to be the bill that finally puts America first,” Trump said during a rally in Florida. “No excuses.”

Nevada Democratic U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford called the legislation a direct attack on the health, safety, and dignity of Black communities across this country.

“Stripping away Medicaid coverage while throwing billions into an unaccountable immigration dragnet is not fiscal responsibility—it’s reckless extremism,” Horsford stated. “We will not be silent as this Congress tries to reverse decades of progress and push people further into poverty and fear.”

WI

Democratic U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford of Nevada calls President Donald Trump’s massive new spending measure, “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a direct attack on the health, safety, and dignity of Black

Trump’s 2024 Victory Under Scrutiny as Legal Complaints Target Elon Musk’s Election Tactics

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

When President Donald Trump defeated Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election, there were murmurs about possible election interference. But after Joe Biden’s decisive 2020 win over Trump, it was the then and current president who claimed widespread fraud — a baseless assertion that helped fuel the January 6 insurrection and led to nearly 90 criminal indictments against him.

By the time Trump faced former Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, she had expressed awareness of possible schemes.

“I’m very much grounded in the present, in terms of the task at hand,” Harris said before Election Day. “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.”

Despite Harris’ momentum and Trump’s 34 felony convictions, he won the presidency once again.

Now, less than a year after Trump’s victory, a Wisconsin nonprofit has filed a formal legal complaint against Elon Musk and his political allies due to allegations of him working to help the president win the 2024 election.

The Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, along with two voters, has accused Musk, his America PAC, and a Musk-affiliated entity called United States of America Inc. of violating state election law through what they described as a “brazen scheme to bribe Wisconsin citizens to vote.”

The complaint stems from Musk’s actions leading up to Wisconsin’s 2024 Supreme Court election. According to the plaintiffs, Musk distributed $1 million checks, and his PAC offered $100 cash payments to registered voters who signed petitions and submitted personal information.

The complaint notes that Wisconsin law prohibits offering anything of value exceeding $1 to encourage someone to vote or vote for a particular candidate. It also claims the actions violated the state’s ban on unauthorized lotteries.

Jeff Mandell, president and general counsel for Law Forward, which represents the plaintiffs in the most recent complaint, said their effort differs from

Kaul’s earlier suit.

“We’re trying to create … accountability in a more regular timeline, in a way that gives the courts the opportunity to look at this more carefully and in a more traditional procedure for them, and we fully expect that the courts are going to do so,” Mandell said in a published interview.

‘WE KNOW EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED AND HOW IT UNFOLDED’

Trump’s 2024 win sparked quiet skepticism, especially after comments made by the president raised new questions about election integrity.

At an event shortly after the election, Trump credited Musk’s technological expertise for helping secure a critical swing state.

“He knows those computers better than anybody. All those computers, those vote-counting computers,” Trump said. “And we ended up winning Pennsylvania like in a landslide. So, it was pretty good, it was pretty good. So, thank you to Elon.”

The remarks drew widespread attention online.

WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

5 Law Forward co-founder and attorney, Jeff Mandell. (Courtesy Photo)

and Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin are delivering measurable, record-breaking progress in public safety, having overseen some of the steepest reductions in violent crime their cities have experienced in decades. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

Black Mayors in Baltimore and Birmingham Drive Historic Drops in Crime

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

While cable news pundits and national newspapers often fixate on urban dysfunction, two Black mayors are delivering measurable, record-breaking progress in public safety.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott (D) and Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin (D) have overseen some of the steepest reductions in violent crime their cities have experienced in decades.

Baltimore, long branded one of America’s most dangerous cities, released midyear crime data showing a 22% drop in homicides compared to the same period last year. Nonfatal shootings are down 19%, and juvenile homicide victims have declined by an astonishing 71%. Police are solving more crimes, with a homi-

cide clearance rate of 64% and a nonfatal shooting clearance rate 20 percentage points above the 10-year average.

“These historic lows are the result of a comprehensive, evidence-based public safety strategy that we have implemented in partnership with residents,” Mayor Scott said. “But our work is far from over—68 lives lost to violence is 68 too many.”

The progress didn’t happen by chance. Under Scott’s leadership, the Baltimore Police Department has combined targeted enforcement with offers of help.

Commissioner Richard Worley described how the Group Violence Reduction Strategy works.

“We go out and give them a letter and basically say, ‘Listen, we know you were doing the shooting,’” Worley stated. “We want you to put the guns down, or we will take you and

MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE DAY ACADEMY PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Mary McLeod Bethune Day Academy Public Charter School is seeking bids from prospective candidates to provide the following services:

1) Supplier of Groceries for the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program in accordance with requirements and specifications detailed in the Invitation for Bid.

2) Supplier of Bread Products for the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program in accordance with requirements and specifications detailed in the Invitation for Bid

3) Supplier of Milk Products for the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program in accordance with requirements and specifications detailed in the RFP

4) Daily Student Bus Transportation Services

5) Janitorial Services at MMBDA’s two locations

Complete RFP documents, including detailed scope of work and bidder requirements, are available upon request by emailing purchasing@mmbethune.org.

Please include the bid category for which you are submitting as the subject line in your e-mail (e.g. Food Supplies).

Interested parties shall submit the response to this RFP by submitting an Electronic copy emailed to: purchasing@mmbethune.org

All proposals must be emailed by 5 pm on Friday, July 11, 2025.

your entire drug operation off the street. But here are the services—job training, education, relocation.’”

Meanwhile, in Birmingham, Mayor Woodfin has led an aggressive, community-driven approach that’s paid off. The city’s homicide rate has fallen 52% compared to last year. Further the clearance rate for homicides has surged to 79%, a level rarely seen in major cities.

“The Birmingham Police Department is extremely aggressive in what they’re doing and how they’re taking a different approach in policing our community,” Woodfin said.

He credited a blend of new technology, such as the Real—Time Crime Center, and grassroots cooperation.

“When you share information, it doesn’t allow the criminal element to be emboldened and hide behind fear of people,” Woodfin explained.

“Those who are killing people are not just walking our streets.”

Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett said the city’s street outreach teams are also preventing retaliatory shootings before they happen.

“We are really, really hammering at it,” Pickett told the City Council. “I am very appreciative of all the men and women in the Birmingham Police Department who are leading our fight.”

BEYONCÉ from Page 4

of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” setting a vibrant tone for the evening filled with dynamic performances.

The celebrated performer blended songs from her Cowboy Carter album with beloved classics, keeping the crowd of fans—ranging from young children to older adults—on their feet and singing along to the seamless mix of country and R&B sounds.

The stage design was a visual feast, complete with elaborate backdrops and breathtaking choreography that showcased innovative dance moves. The singer’s performance featured rapid costume changes and energetic backup dancers, with her daughter Blue Ivy prominently involved in several songs. Her younger daughter Rumi also made an appearance, waving to the massive audience.

The encore was nothing short of spectacular, culminating in an elec-

While total violent crime in Birmingham has edged up slightly, the plunge in homicides shows that sustained focus and coordination can work—even if major media don’t bother to cover it.

State and federal partners in Maryland are also acknowledging Baltimore’s progress.

“Baltimore City released a midyear report showing the fewest homicides ever recorded at this point in a single year,” Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s office said in a statement.

In both cities, the results are undeniable: fewer families burying loved ones, more cases solved, and more residents willing to engage with police. But to hear much of the national narrative, you’d never know it.

As several social media users noted, in Baltimore and Birmingham, Black leadership is not a box to check or a headline to boast about. It’s what drives real, life-saving change— whether the national media notices or not.

“While we acknowledge the historic lows we are experiencing, we must simultaneously acknowledge that there is much more work to do,” Scott stated. “And our success makes me commit even further to doing it.”

WI

trifying version of “Love On Top” that left the audience exhilarated. When Beyoncé soared through the air during her performance of “Black Bird,” the enthusiastic response from the crowd underscored the total impact of her show. Once again, she solidified her status as one of the most talented artists of this generation.

The Cowboy Carter tour transcended a typical concert, transforming into a remarkable celebration of music and Western culture that left a lasting impression on attendees.

“It was fire,” said Jordan Purvis, who traveled from Durham, North Carolina for the July 4 concert.

A second Cowboy Carter show was held at Northwest Stadium on Monday, July 7.

Kenny and Amina Foster of Upper Marlboro, Maryland described the Cowboy Carter Tour as “truly amazing, perfect.”

WI

5 Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott (pictured)

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Shifting Grounds: How Immigration Policy Changes Impact International Students

By Arianna-Marie Sookram WI Intern

For many young immigrants like Anstacia Charles, education in the United States represents more than a dream—it’s a mission. But shifting immigration policies have introduced new hurdles that may redefine their journey.

“I admire the United States for its reputation in academic excellence and cultural diversity,” said Charles, a prospective student from Trinidad and Tobago. “Studying abroad will not only open advanced career opportunities for me and expand my professional network, but it will also contribute to my personal growth—boosting my confidence, enhancing my skill set, and broadening my perspective in ways I can bring back to support my home country.”

In a survey carried out by, Helms, R. M., & Spreitzer, S. (2021), ”International Student Inclusion and Success: Public Attitudes, Policy Imperatives, and Practical Strategies,” it was found that nearly half of the respondents (49%) agree that, “the U.S. should not go out of its way to increase the number of international students who enroll at U.S. institutions.”

While some critics often wonder why international students seek opportunities at universities in the U.S., Charles said it’s about working to get the best education possible.

“Trinidad schools and some teachers miss the bar on encouraging critical thinking, creativity and implementing a well-structured education as opposed to U.S. universities,” Charles told The Informer.

Since President Donald Trump assumed office for the second time in January, sweeping changes to immigration policies have reverberated through the U.S. immigration system. Enhanced border security, strict enforcement tactics, and newly proposed legislation have impacted everything from visa processing to stu-

dent entry protocols.

These developments have raised concerns among international students and immigration experts, who warn of growing uncertainty and increased scrutiny—especially for student visa applicants.

“The process feels kind of intimidating and even discouraging,” said Dominique Murray, a visa applicant.“You have to pay for your visa application upfront, but even after paying all that money, there’s still no guarantee you’ll actually get through.”

Rebecca Girod, a Howard University alumna, reflected on her experience navigating the U.S. visa process before these drastic changes took hold.

“I wasn’t very worried about the process back then—it was pretty straightforward. At the time, student visas were actually easier and faster to get than a visitor’s visa,” she recalled. “My only concern was how long I’d have to wait in the consulate office itself.”

However, in today’s climate, obtaining a student visa “seems much harder,” said Girod.

“There’s more scrutiny, more fear,” she said. “If I were applying for a student visa today, I’d definitely be more anxious. It’s es-

pecially scary with someone like Trump—he seems to change his mind by the day.”

HEIGHTENED VISA SCRUTINY, CONCERNS ABOUT POSTING ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Immigration attorney Nicole Dillard highlights a key change in visa trends: an increase in Requests for Evidence (RFEs) issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Some worry that RFE automatically means that a denial is in their future, however, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration services a RFE may be requested if the officer needs more information to determine your eligibility.

RFEs are not uncommon, Dillard explained that recent ones go further—demanding new forms of proof and even biometric data for some employment-based applicants.

How you respond to the RFE, however, plays an essential role in the eventual outcome of your case. Responses should be

5 Howard University alumna Rebecca Girod says her experience navigating obtaining a U.S. visa was very different before recent drastic changes to the process. (Courtesy Photo/LinkedIn)

How To Manage The High Costs of Leasing or Buying a Vehicle

By Renee Horne Chief Marketing & Customer Experience Officer for Chase Auto at JPMorganChase

Car prices may be volatile in 2025, so many consumers will have to be even smarter with their money. Whether you’re looking for a way to commute to work or school on your own time, or you’ve been saving up for your own set of wheels to go on countless adventures, in today’s financial climate, managing your vehicle loans efficiently is key. It could help you save money and limit potential headaches down the road. Here are some helpful strategies to manage your vehicle payments:

1) Budget wisely. Before signing on the dotted line, make sure that your monthly payments align with your financial goals. Don’t stretch your budget too thin. It’s better to set your car budget first and then find a vehicle that fits that budget, rather than finding a car and potentially being disappointed if it’s more than you can afford. Using a car payment calculator can help estimate your monthly car payment for different scenarios, by inputting the ballpark amount you’d like to finance along with some other basic info.

2) Automate your payments. Some lenders offer the option to automate your monthly payments. This can be an extremely useful tool as it helps you avoid missing your payment and a potential late fees.

3) Make biweekly payments. Instead of monthly payments, consider paying half of your monthly amount every two weeks. By making biweekly payments, you end up making a total of 26 payments in a year, the equivalent of 13 monthly payments rather than 12—helping you pay off the loan a little earlier. Make sure you contact your lender to confirm this is an option.

4) Consider shorter loan terms. Though longer loans often mean smaller monthly payments, they usually come with higher interest rates, which typically ends up costing you more over time. If available, opt for a shorter loan term to save on interest.

LOOKING FOR WAYS TO BETTER PLAN FOR OR EVEN REDUCE INSURANCE, GAS, AND MAINTENANCE COSTS?

Though these costs are generally unavoidable, there are a few simple ways that you can minimize the impact on your wallet, including:

1) Shopping around for insurance. Shopping around for rates can help you compare different insurers, as rates can vary widely between providers. This way, you have a better chance of finding a policy to suit your needs at a price that won’t break the bank.

2) Fuel-efficient driving. Perhaps an unexpected way to use less gas is through your driving habits. Avoid making hard stops and starts. For long stretches of unin-

terrupted miles, cruise control will help your car use less gas by maintaining a steady speed.

3) Maintaining your car regularly. Routine check-ups can also help you save money on gas but also help prevent expensive repairs in the future. Changing the oil regularly, checking tire pressure, and following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule are great ways to keep your car and wallet happy.

HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH THE TRUE COST OF CAR OWNERSHIP BEFORE BUYING A CAR?

The total or true cost of car ownership typically goes beyond just the sticker price— although the sticker price is typically the largest of all the expenses associated with buying a car. Other expenses that usually get bundled into the total cost include sales taxes, vehicle registration fees, maintenance and running costs, car insurance and financing. Be sure to do your homework before stepping on the lot. There are many tools available that can help you plan for additional costs, such as sales taxes, registration fees, and insurance—which can vary depending on the car make, model and even the color.

For more auto budgeting tools and tips, visit autofinance.chase.com/.

For informational/educational purposes only: Views and strategies described in this article or provided via links may not be appropriate for everyone and are not intended as specific advice/recommendation for any business. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates and/or subsidiaries do not warrant its completeness or accuracy. The material is not intended to provide legal, tax, or financial advice or to indicate the availability or suitability of any JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. product or service. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions and consult the appropriate professional(s). Outlooks and past performance are not guarantees of future results. JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates are not responsible for, and do not provide or endorse third party products, services, or other content.

Deposit products provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender. © 2025 JPMorgan Chase & Co.

HEALTH

Trump’s Health Care Overhaul Poised to Strip Coverage From Thousands in D.C.

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

As House Republicans seek to put the finishing touches on the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” or what Democrats call President Donald Trump’s “One Big Ugly Bill,” which narrowly passed the Senate, roughly 11.8 million adults and children nationwide will now be put at risk of losing health insurance once the measure becomes law.

The sweeping legislation targets

Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), seeking to wring nearly $1 trillion in savings by scaling back enrollment and tightening eligibility over the next decade. However, many say these attempted savings put the District and nation’s most vulnerable at further risk.

“Today is a dark day for the millions of Americans who rely on this nation’s promises of care, fairness and opportunity,” said U.S. Rep. Oye Owelowa (D), the District’s shadow

representative who is also a pharmacist. “With the Senate’s passage of the so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ we are witnessing a dangerous unraveling of that social contract disguised as fiscal reform and economic growth.”

While Trump and the GOP claim they are seeking to cut waste, the president’s return to the White House has already resulted in at least $72 million to $92 million in taxpayer-funded expenses tied to what critics call wasteful

3While roughly 11.8 million adults and children nationwide are at risk of losing health insurance if the “One Big Beautiful Bill” becomes law, Rep. Oye Owelowa, the District’s shadow representative and a pharmacist, encourages pushing back against the legislation. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

WASHINGTONIANS WILL FEEL THE STING OF THE BILL IF PASSED

The impact of Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” could be especially severe in the District of Columbia.

personal and political indulgences.

A central example of the president’s spending is the sprawling Army 250th Anniversary Parade, held on June 14—Trump’s 79th birthday— which cost an estimated $25 million to $45 million for logistics, troop deployments, tanks, helicopters, and military flyovers, plus up to $16 million more in road repairs and infrastructure damage from the heavy tracked vehicles rolling across Washington, D.C.

Meanwhile, Trump’s frequent golf trips to his properties—especially Mar-a-Lago and Bedminster—had already cost taxpayers at least $26 million by late March, with subsequent weekend visits pushing the total likely past $30 million, not counting hundreds of thousands in Secret Service golf cart rentals and portable toilets contracted through the end of 2025.

Environmental analysts estimate the parade alone generated over 2 million kilograms of CO₂ emissions, while additional cleanup, police overtime, and city service costs remain to be fully disclosed.

Combined, these expenditures— funding lavish displays of military might and repeated recreational travel—have drawn condemnation from fiscal watchdogs and public officials who argue the money could have been better spent repairing roads, funding VA hospitals, bolstering Medicaid, or addressing persistent shortages in public health infrastructure.

[Trump’s parade will cost taxpayers up to $45 million,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D) of Massachusetts wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “For example, with that money, we could expand health care & food assistance for veterans. A taxpayer-paid birthday gift to Trump sounds like government waste to me.”

According to estimates from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), based on projections from the Congressional Budget Office, the bill alone could increase the District’s uninsured rate by five percentage points, one of the most significant jumps among any state or territory. That figure does not even account for the pending expiration of enhanced ACA premium tax credits, which could drive the uninsured rate even higher.

“Let’s be clear: this bill is not beautiful. It is brutal,” Owelowa emphasized. “It slashes more than $800 billion from Medicaid, cuts $300 billion from nutrition assistance programs like SNAP, and eliminates vital clean energy investments, all to make room for over $2 trillion in tax breaks for the wealthiest households and corporations.”

The District has long maintained some of the country’s most expansive Medicaid policies. In 2024, D.C. reported that nearly 300,000 residents were enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP, accounting for close to 40% of the city’s population. The bill’s provisions, such as mandatory work reporting requirements and new penalties for states operating expanded coverage, threaten to roll back those gains.

Nationally, about 78 million adults and children currently rely on Medicaid, while another 24 million are covered through ACA marketplace plans. If the bill passes and the enhanced tax credits expire, the CBO projects that 16 million more people will be uninsured by 2034 compared to current law.

Policy experts warn that the ripple effects in D.C. could be profound. Hospitals and clinics across the city could see a surge in uncompensated care costs as newly uninsured patients forego preventive treatment and delay needed care. Local public health programs may also face funding shortfalls as enrollment-driven federal dollars decrease. WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

NIH Defunds Study on Black Infant Prematurity in Broader Crackdown on DEI Research

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

A federally funded study exploring why Black babies in Detroit are disproportionately born prematurely has been abruptly terminated by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), as part of a wider effort by the federal government to eliminate research tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

The study, which focused on how stress associated with racism and poverty might alter gene function and contribute to adverse birth outcomes, lost its funding under a new NIH directive targeting research areas deemed inconsistent with national priorities.

In termination letters sent to researchers, the NIH claimed the project relied on “artificial and non-scientific categories” linked to DEI and asserted it did not “enhance health or advance science.”

Researchers behind the project strongly contest that explanation, calling the decision politically mo-

tivated. The cancellation aligns with a broader initiative by the Trump administration to dismantle DEI initiatives across the federal government, including within health and science agencies. Numerous projects focused on minority and LGBTQ health have been defunded under the same rationale.

An internal NIH email dated March 13, from Michelle Bulls, director in the NIH Office of Policy for Extramural Research Administration, directed senior officials to issue revised Notices of Award (NOAs) formally terminating affected grants. Bulls provided termination language and a spreadsheet of canceled projects, urging officials to act swiftly. She also made clear that “hard funds restrictions” would be applied and future years of funding eliminated.

The Detroit-based study’s termination has sparked concern among medical professionals and community health leaders.

Despite the NIH’s actions, a federal judge recently ruled that the agency’s cuts to minority health research were illegal. That ruling could face appeal, and its outcome may determine whether similar projects can be reinstated.

In the meantime, the research team in Detroit is scrambling to secure private funding to continue its work, even as the NIH stated in its termination notices that its decision is final unless formally appealed within 30 days.

Dr. Alex Peahl, an OB-GYN at the University of Michigan and co-director of Partnering for the Future Clinic, which serves pregnant patients dealing with opioid and

Among the targeted research areas were studies focused on DEI, gender identity, vaccine hesitancy, and those affiliated with Chinese institutions. According to NIH guidance, DEIbased research “provides low returns on investment” and may support “unlawful discrimination.” Gender identity studies were called “unscientific,” while research into vaccine hesitancy was dismissed as not benefiting “the American people.”

other substance use, warned of the far-reaching impact.

“Health-related social needs are health care,” Peahl told NPR. “And if we want to improve the health of pregnant people and their families, we have to care for every part of their lives, not just the clinical pieces.”

Peahl noted that access to prenatal

care is deeply tied to social determinants like transportation and food security—stressors the defunded study was directly examining.

“It is really hard to come to your prenatal visit if you don’t have a car, or to take a medication if you don’t have food on the table,” she added. WI

5Researchers behind a federally funded study exploring why Black babies in Detroit are disproportionately born prematurely are pushing back on the NIH decision to eliminate research tied to diversity, equity and inclusion. (Courtesy Photo)

EARTH OUR

7 Things You Should Know During a Flood Watch or Warning

How U.S. Households Can Remain Proactive, Safe, Informed During Flood Season

By Mya Trujillo WI Contributing Writer

During the summer months, thunderstorms, hurricanes, and monsoons can rapidly bring forth heavy rainfall, making affected regions more susceptible to floods if the ground does not absorb the water quickly enough. While summer rain is expected, meteorologists and safety officials emphasize the importance of preparing for storms, as heavy downpours can be deadly.

As of July 7, more than 100 people are dead after catastrophic flooding devastated Kerr County,

Texas, and its neighboring regions on July 4, due to water levels in the Guadalupe River rising to 22 feet in just a matter of hours. Although the National Weather Service (NWS) had predicted rain days prior, the flooding caught officials by surprise.

“The original forecast that we received on Wednesday from the NWS predicted three to six inches of rain in the Concho Valley and four to eight inches of rain in the Hill Country,” said Nim Kidd, chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, during a press conference following the catastrophe. “We worked with our own me-

5 Flooding in a home in Southeast, D.C. in 2024. Experts emphasize preparing for storms during the summer months as thunderstorms, hurricanes, and monsoons can rapidly bring forth heavy rainfall, which can be deadly, making affected regions more susceptible to floods. (WI File Photo)

teorologists to fine-tune that weather statement… and the amount of rain that fell in this specific location was never in any of the forecasts.”

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), July and August are when flash floods primarily occur, which is in the middle of the Atlantic hurricane season (June through November) and monsoon season (June through September).

With recent cuts and downsizing proposals to the NOAA and NWS from the Trump Administration, accurate forecasting and efficient coordination during extreme weather may be more difficult to execute.

“The Trump Administration’s proposal to slash NOAA’s climate research and other vital programs will put American communities in harm’s way,” said Maryland Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen in a statement. “This move… will endanger our communities and leave us all more vulnerable to destructive and costly natural disasters.”

HOW TO PREPARE FOR FLOODS: WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE THE STORM

Flood Watches vs. Flood Warnings:

When the NWS anticipates that an inundation in rising water levels will occur in a specific area, the agency issues flood watches to urge communities in the designated region to remain alert. Flood warnings are released ahead of impending flooding or once the disaster has already been reported.

Determine Flood Risks in the Area

Areas along bodies of water or near places like levees or dams are prone to experiencing extensive flooding when hit with excessive rainfall. Other regions vulnerable to floods and their effects are those with less flora and fauna and a large amount of dry soil, as the ground is less able to absorb surplus ater.

The presence of the Potomac River, Anacostia River, Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic coastline makes Washington vulnerable to major flood events. According to the climate risk data provider First Street, 17.1% of properties in D.C. are at risk of flooding in 2025.

Get Flood Insurance

Due to the increased frequency of intense rainfall in the warmer months, experts note communities across the country must be adequately prepared in the event of a flooding emergency.

“Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live or work, but especially if you are in low-lying areas, near water, behind a levee or downstream from a dam,” said the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I). “Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds or low-lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood.”

Below are some ways to be prepared with knowledge and tools to help even before there’s rain in the forecast.

Understand NWS Service Messages and Terminology

Flash Floods vs. Floods:

Flash Floods are those caused by heavy rainfall in a short period of time, destroying riverbeds and ravaging streets and residential areas. A flood is characterized by the increased pooling of water in dry areas and can usually last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

According to a report by the Congressional Joint Economic Committee, the U.S. experiences anywhere between $179.8 billion and $496 billion in flood-related damages annually.

“The expected annual damage to homes with federally-backed mortgages is estimated to cost $11.1 to $15.1 billion,” per the report.

To help property owners, renters and businesses affected, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers policies to cover physical losses and property damages. According to the insurance company, nearly one-third of flood insurance claims come from areas that aren’t considered high-risk.

Stock Up

Households should store a threeday supply of drinking water, with a gallon per day per person, and a three-day supply of non-perishable food during major flooding, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Households should also have battery-powered radios readily available to remain informed regarding flooding status, evacuation routes and other crucial updates. People

FLOODS Page 25

should know the station in the NOAA Weather Radio Service that pertains to their state and county.

Secure Documents in Waterproof Container, Store Valuables in Safe Space

Documenting belongings with photos and videos, and writing down their serial numbers, is a measure that can be taken to ensure protection and possible insurance coverage if damaged.

Further, storing valuables and documents on the highest level of the home is a proactive way to minimize potential losses. If the highest level of the home is at risk of flooding, storing them in a waterproof safe or airtight storage bin can further protect possessions.

Evacuate When Told to Do So

Remaining informed regarding local evacuation routes is crucial in staying safe and out of harm’s way.

It is not safe to go past road barricades, as the path behind them

could either be unstable or still be flooded.

Evacuees should try to leave before flood waters reach their area, avoid bridges that stretch over bodies of rushing water and be aware of shelter plans.

STAYING SAFE DURING AND AFTER THE STORM

Get to Higher Ground

During a flood, people should get to higher ground, especially if their area has low elevation or is in close proximity to a body of water. If stuck in the house, those inside should go to the highest level possible, but avoid closed attics due to the risk of being trapped by rising water. A person should only climb onto the roof if absolutely necessary.

Stay Inside, ‘Turn Around. Don’t

Drown’

The NOAA strongly advises against driving or walking through floodwaters, as just 12 inches of rapidly moving water can overtake

When caught in floodwaters, the federal agency advises people to “Turn Around. Don’t Drown,” because more than half of flood-related drownings occur when people are trapped in a vehicle.

Quickly Work to Dry Inside

Once the weather event dies down, if a home is flooded, residents must move quickly to dry their homes, as they have 24 to 48 hours before mold begins to grow, according to the American Red Cross.

Properties can be dried using dehumidifiers or fans unless electrical outlets were submerged, as this could increase the risk of electrocution.

Share Survival Stories

Flood survivors have the opportunity to share their stories with the NWS via its “Flood Safety Tips and Resources” page.

The agency can publish these narratives in order to help prevent oth-

OUR EARTH

ers from becoming victims of severe weather.

By providing a name, date, location and whatever safety procedures were taken to ensure safety, survivors can help decrease the number of lives lost in future floods.

COMBATING FEAR WITH PREPARATION

As storm seasons ravage the country, flooding will remain one of the most devastating and frequent natural disasters in the U.S., and many Americans are concerned.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, “[90%] of natural disasters within the United States involve flooding,” and are the natural hazard to cause the most economic damage, fatalities and property loss.

With such statistics and particularly after the flooding in Texas, some Americans have been concerned about the potential that can come with storms.

“I’ve heard of flash floods of

course, but to see how quickly they occur is beyond just scary,” social media user Paul Shepherd wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Despite the dangers of floods during the stormy summer season, weather experts and safety officials alike emphasize being armed with knowledge and resources is the best way to stay safe and protected in case of an emergency.

T&I urges communities to remain alert and aware of any emergency procedures and responses issued by local officials, as the most vital response to disaster transpires at the local level.

“State and local officials will have the most up-to-date information about conditions on the ground and the location of food, water and shelter,” the committee said. “Get to know the state, county and municipal emergency managers in your district and build a relationship before disaster occurs.”

WI

EDUCATION

IMMIGRATION from Page 20

prompt,thorough and clear, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

“These aren’t just procedural steps,” she said. “They reflect a deeper level of skepticism toward applicants.”

This climate of scrutiny doesn’t spare students. Those seeking F-1 student visas now face an unexpected challenge: the vetting of their online presence.

“National security has always played a role in immigration policy,” Dillard told The Informer. “But what’s new is the intensity of online surveillance.”

Visa officers are reportedly reviewing social media activity for politically sensitive content. Posts, shares, likes—even historical engagement—can now be used as part of a security screen-

ing process.

While reviewing social media is intended to flag threats, it raises ethical concerns.

“Applicants may be penalized for views expressed online, especially if those views are critical of the U.S.,” Dillard warned, which she noted could discourage political participation and free speech—especially among young, politically engaged international students.

With current policies and changes, visa applicant Murray said “the process feels kind of intimidating and even discouraging.”

“You have to pay for your visa application upfront, but even after paying all that money, there’s still no guarantee you’ll actually get through,”Murray said.

Now with the addition of social media screening, the platforms

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are no longer a place for Murray to express herself, now she scrolls and engages with others’ content more than posting her own.

“I don’t want something to come back and affect me later,” she told The Informer.

Current and future applicants are not the only ones who should be concerned about these changes and policies. Those who hold student visas should move more cautiously as visas can be denied during the renewal process.

Mahaylia Griffith, senior musical theater major at Howard University, said that the current climate does worry her but she is very proactive in ensuring that her status is unaffected.

“I try to invest in my career as much as I can, so I can be a credible student, a credible young person in pursuit of their career,” Griffith told The Informer. “That’s my only hope that I can show not just immigration officers or anyone else, but myself, that focusing on my career is enough to not worry about all

these changes.”

PROTECTING THE DREAM

While concerns are rising for aspiring international students in this environment, experts suggest a cautious but proactive approach in working to study in the United States.

Some of the ways of preparing for student visas include:

• Starting Early: Allow more time for visa approvals. Delays are common under the new screening standards.

• Scrubbing Online Profiles: Review public posts, likes, and affiliations on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

• Consulting with Experts: Engage immigration attorneys or campus advisors early in the process.

Students’ social media posts is particularly important, said Dillard.

“They should take care to review their social media accounts

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3 Immigration attorney Nicole Dillard says there’s been an increase in online surveillance in approving student visas. She advises students to be sure that they are careful about what they are posting on social media if hoping to be approved for visas to study in the United States.

(Courtesy Photo/Howard University)

and posts and be prepared to show them if asked when they are at their visa interview,” Dillard strongly encouraged. “Please be mindful of any posts, ‘likes’ comments, reposts, etc. that are political in nature and appear to criticize the United States or express anti-U.S. sentiment.”

This heightened awareness is already shaping how students engage in everyday conversations.

“When my friend and I speak about politics all round you catch yourself rephrasing certain sentences or using certain words”’, said Charles. “Because you know they are watching and given the circumstances not wanting what I say or watch to potentially harm my application in any way.”

However, for current international students, Griffith, they were cautious from the very beginning.

“I have never been one to post against these things,” said Griffith referring to immigration and political issues.” Now I’m even more cautious with liking and reposting because I know my intentions but I know it can be easily switched to feed into a narrative about ungrateful or radical international students.”

As policy debates continue, the promise of American education remains—but immigration experts and international students alike note the path to achieve that goal now requires more vigilance than ever.

“This factor can actually encourage young people to be more mindful of what they are posting on social media”, Murray told The Informer. “ [They] pay more attention to their digital footprint to avoid being put in compromising situations.” WI

Ascension Mixer Connects D.C. Interns and Future Black Leader

By William Armstead WI Intern

Amid a divided nation and federal cuts to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the Institute for Responsible Citizenship’s Ascension Internship Program gathered dozens of Washington-area interns on June 27 to network, build lasting bonds, and spark conversations about leadership, justice, and the future of Black excellence.

The event was hosted just minutes away from the Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro stop in Northwest, D.C., at Bodega Taqueria y Tequila, where attendees enjoyed tacos, quesadillas, and churros. As they dined on free food, participants representing various majors, including journalism, political science, economics, business, premed, finance, engineering, government, history, and sociology, mingled with peers on how to work together to strengthen the District, nation, and world.

“It’s almost like a breeding ground for excellence,” said Myles Davis, one of the interns at the event, who is working with the Ascension program this summer. “When you have these great people — these intelligent young scholars — all trying to make it big in their own industry, it pushes everyone to do better. As iron sharpens iron, man sharpens man.”

The Institute for Responsible Citizenship is a two-year program that selects standout African-American

students from across the country for internships, high-level networking, and seminars on constitutional principles and ethics.

This year’s cohort includes students from prestigious institutions, such as Howard University, Yale University, Harvard University, New York University, Washington University in St. Louis, University of Southern California, Stanford University, Johns Hopkins University, Northeastern University, and Williams College.

“I always strive to surround myself with good people,” Davis, a senior attending the University of Southern California, told The Informer. “This program has connected me with incredible people who have so much energy and passion for being a positive force in society.”

Andre Monroe, a Penn State broadcast journalism major interning at CNN, emphasized the power of the networking event for Black interns.

“A lot of people at this event look like me, so it’s easy to connect and relate to one another,” Monroe said.

“As a guest, you get to meet friends of your friends, people who have similar career goals, and a lot of people who share common goals.”

Beyond building friendships, attendees spoke about how these networks can tackle real challenges back home and in the real world. For Davis, that means combining his passion for sports with a mission to close the Black wealth gap.

“One thing I want to do is make sure that our people have the op-

portunity to continue to be successful,” Davis said. “If I’m doing well, that means we as a people are doing well, too.”

The mixer also spotlighted The Coalition (formerly CNHED or Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development), a local nonprofit advancing economic development solutions for under-resourced communities in the District. Organizers encouraged attendees to learn more and get involved to help build a more equitable city for all.

Eric Veal Jr., University of Michigan student body president and scholar at The Institute for Responsible Citizenship, addressed how to get more involved with helping.

“I would encourage everyone

here to donate to The Coalition Venmo as a way to support and help citizens here in the District who may not have the opportunity to go home to a house or apartment like you do tonight,” said Veal, during the event at Bodega Taqueria y Tequila.

The energy inside was bright with

promise — a room full of young Black leaders sharpening each other for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

“I’m walking away with a ton of incredible brothers,” Davis told The Informer. “I just can’t wait for what the future holds.”

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5 The Ascension interns, which includes students from prestigious institutions such as Howard University, pose for a 2025 class photo in front of the Bodega Taqueria y Tequila in Northwest on June 27. (Courtesy Photo/Frederick Vasquez)

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50 Years Since Arthur Ashe Jr. Became the First and only Black Man to Win at Wimbledon, We’re Reminded of the Importance of Representation

As players compete in Wimbledon, which wraps July 13, each athlete is walking in the legacy of great competitors before them. The winner of the Men’s Singles will be following the footsteps of a barrier-breaking African American who garnered the coveted title 50 years ago.

On July 5, 1975, Arthur Ashe Jr., a Black man from Richmond, Virginia, seeded at No. 6, stepped on Centre Court at the Wimbledon Championships in London, England to take on the brash, confident, highly favored, defending champion, and No. 1 seed: Jimmy Connors.

Ashe was not expected to win but the athlete had a different idea.

Tennis experts say he pulled off a tactical masterpiece as he methodically won in four sets and claimed the gentlemen’s singles tennis title. It would be his third and final Grand Slam title after previously winning the singles title at both the U.S. Open and Australian Open.

Ashe became the first and only

Black man to win the singles title at Wimbledon since its founding in 1877, and the second Black player to do so overall, after Althea Gibson did so in both 1957 and 1958 (11 Grand Slam titles overall).

The tennis player often reflected on the challenges he faced and offered reasons why he refused to give up.

“I was denied admittance in a Richmond city tournament – the only reason being because I was Black,” he told a reporter. “So, I know what it’s like to be stepped on. But I also know what it’s like to see a Black hero do well in the face of adversity. The only way to overcome the fear is to get out there and see what happens. When I faced Connors at Wimbledon, it was something that I had been preparing for all my life.”

Ashe died in 1993 at the age of 49 due to complications from AIDS, after receiving a blood transfusion. But in his short life, he became one of the most important and transformative people

Diddy’s Fall from Grace Echoes Dr. C. Delores Tucker’s Warnings

Sean “Diddy” Combs is scheduled to be sentenced in October after a New York jury found him guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. While he narrowly avoided more serious charges—such as sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, which could have resulted in a life sentence—his legal troubles are far from over.

Public reaction to the verdict is divided, but one thing is clear: Combs will not escape accountability for his actions, including the brutal hallway assault on his former girlfriend at a Los Angeles hotel, caught on surveillance footage and broadcast globally. His fall from grace is now complete. Once a music mogul celebrated for his influence and innovation, Diddy now joins the infamous list of music industry figures undone by violence, scan-

dal, drug abuse, or incarceration.

The irony is hard to ignore. In the early 1990s, Dr. C. Delores Tucker—a civil rights icon, the first African American woman to serve as Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and founder of the National Congress of Black Women—publicly challenged artists like Combs and Snoop Dogg during her crusade against gangsta rap.

Dr. Tucker’s Black Women’s Entertainment Commission, cochaired by Dionne Warwick and Melba Moore, sought to combat the harmful media portrayals of Black life and relationships. The commission aimed to preserve the dignity of Black youth by calling out music that glamorized violence, misogyny, and the degradation of women—what she described as the normalization of “hoes, bitches, sluts, and even worse.”

to live in the 20th century.

Tennis players, Black and white, including Yannick Noah, Billie Jean King, Serena Williams, John McEnroe, and Frances Tiafoe have all commented on how Ashe changed their lives and opened doors for men and women-- color notwithstanding-- because of his talent, his demeanor on and off the court, and his zest for life.

Ashe, who would have celebrated his 82nd birthday on July 10, was unquestionably a man for all seasons and all races in the human family.

Having overcome racism, Ashe often noted that he stood by the belief that there is always hope and remains an example of the importance of representation.

“Success is a journey, not a destination,” said Ashe in his most quoted words, encouraging others to work toward the goals they seek to achieve. “The doing is often more important than the outcome.”

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Tucker’s unwavering activism led to arrests outside Tower Records and Sam Goody stores as she protested the sale of music that promoted what she called a “culture of death”—linking lyrics and images to rising rates of violence, abuse, teen prostitution, and suicide in Black communities.

Today, as Combs awaits sentencing, one can only imagine Dr. Tucker—who died in 2005— shaking her head from the grave.

Despite her warnings, artists like Diddy dismissed her as out of touch. But perhaps now, as he sits in jail, he may pause and reflect on whether she was right all along.

Will he remember her vivid plea to hear “the cry of wailing mothers, grieving sisters, tormented brothers and fathers, and children planning their own funerals with pink dresses and pink caskets?”

Probably not. And sadly, the beat goes on.

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TO THE EDITOR

The Ward 8 Voter Guide was fantastic! Every Ward 8 resident needs a copy to make an informed decision.

Gail Young Washington, D.C.

As a longtime reader, I just wanted to give a shout-out to the Washington Informer. I particularly enjoy reading the Prince George’s County section of the paper along with the Business Briefs.

Ted Burton Laurel, Md.

Readers’ Mailbox The Washington Informer welcomes letters to the editor about articles we publish or issues affecting the community. Write to news@washingtoninformer.com. or send to: 3117 Martin Luther King Jr Ave., SE, Washington, D.C. 20032. Please note that we are unable to publish letters that do not include a full name, address and phone number. We look forward to hearing from you.

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

Charlene Crowell

Housing Crisis Widens America’s Racial Wealth Gap

on a $412,500 median-priced home.

And these escalating costs likely contributed to the 771,480 people who were unhoused in 2024.

For the first time in 30 years, rising home prices and interest rates have translated into a drop in existing home sales and worsening affordability challenges for middle-class families.

Among the nation’s 46 million renter households, only one in seven — or 6 million — in 2024 earned at least $126,700, the amount needed to afford a $2,570 monthly payment

For Black Americans, the homeownership gains that occurred between 2019 and 2023 have halted.

Last year, the white-Black homeownership gap remained stuck at 27.7 percentage points, and the same measure for Latino families was 25.2 percentage points.

These are among the findings in “The State of the Nation’s Housing 2025,” an annual report published by

The Washington Commanders are native to D.C. Their return to the RFK Stadium site feels right — like pride, like memory, like home. For longtime fans, it’s emotional. It matters. But let’s be clear: While this is a cultural win, this stadium alone is not an economic strategy. Let’s be honest. Stadiums don’t deliver economic salvation. They

Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. Regarded by researchers and housing stakeholders as one of the most comprehensive assessments of the entire housing market, its findings share year-to-year changes and trends in construction, housing for owners and renters, as well as the effects of policy changes and proposals on the market.

Beyond its substantive findings, this year’s report is also a call to action.

“There must be a concerted effort to do more to address the affordability and supply crises,” says Chris Herbert,

Guest Columnists

the center’s managing director. “The potential consequences of inaction are simply too harmful to the macroeconomy and the millions of households striving for a safe, affordable place to call home.”

As of early 2025, home prices are up 60% nationwide since 2019 and are increasing 3.9% year over year. This year, a median-priced new home comes with a price tag of $459,826. Additionally, last year marked the fewest home sales on record since 1995.

“This is a shocking five times the

Rep. Oye Owolewa and Kalah Neal Commanders Can Come Home But D.C.’s Economy

generate short-term construction jobs, seasonal vendor work, and a boost in traffic on Sundays. But they don’t guarantee generational wealth or provide the kind of stable, high-paying employment that D.C. residents, especially the over 40,000 displaced federal workers, need.

The city has seen a shift in its employment base. Federal agency cuts, restructuring, and outsourcing have left the talented professionals, from project managers to

procurement specialists, underemployed or sidelined. An NFL stadium cannot absorb or empower this workforce. But what can? Industries like clean energy, public health, logistics, cybersecurity, international development and advanced manufacturing sectors where former federal employees can thrive, not just survive.

For the past few months, I’ve been quietly recruiting a major industry player to consider relocating their headquarters and high level careers to D.C. My goal is for those

companies to bring hundreds, if not thousands, of high-paying jobs here so we can help fill the void left behind by President Trump and Elon Musk’s devastating DOGE cuts. We need to show people that we can stand up to President Trump while taking care of the hardest-hit Washingtonians. I’m confident that we in D.C. can outsmart the White House’s cruelty, negligence and utter disregard.

D.C.’s mayor and Council must prioritize investing in not just any job creator, but investing in those

Why Black Fathers Like Me Must Speak Up About Autism

As a Black father, I’ve worn many titles — provider, protector, community leader, mentor. But none has shaped me more than being “Dad” to my daughter Amari, who was diagnosed with autism.

When I first heard the word “autism” associated with my child, I’ll admit — I was overwhelmed. Like many parents, I didn’t fully under-

stand what it meant. I was afraid of what the future might hold. But in the Black community, fear is often met with silence. And silence — especially around disability and mental health — has become a quiet barrier too many families struggle behind.

That’s why I’m speaking out — not just as a father, but as an advocate for our children, for public service education, and for civic engagement rooted in love and leadership.

Black children are too often di-

agnosed later, misdiagnosed, or outright denied access to the early interventions they need. The reasons are layered — racial disparities in health care, cultural stigma, under-resourced schools, and unconscious bias in medical and educational systems. The results are heartbreaking. Our children fall through cracks that should never exist.

Even fewer people talk about the role of fathers — especially Black fathers — in this journey. Too often, we’re pushed to the margins of

the conversation or expected to stay silent. That ends here.

I’ve sat in countless IEP meetings. I’ve researched therapies, pushed for inclusive classrooms, and sought out the support systems that weren’t readily available. I’ve wiped away tears and celebrated every breakthrough. And in each step, I’ve realized that parenthood is more than presence — it’s informed, engaged leadership. It’s showing up as our child’s strongest advocate.

Through my advocacy, I’ve

median household income,” says Daniel McCue, a senior research associate at the Center. “This is also significantly above the price-to-income ratio of 3 that has traditionally been considered affordable.”

Two key factors affecting the costs of homeownership — home insurance and taxes — continue to rise. Home insurance premiums jumped 57% from 2019 to 2024, according to Freddie Mac.

Locales with the most severe weather-related disasters were hardest

who bring the right jobs. D.C. needs high paying, unionized opportunities that provide people the ability to live in D.C. with dignity, respect and comfort.

This isn’t about choosing between football and the future. We can have both, a team that represents us and an economy that sustains us. But that requires a bigger vision. The RFK site must be more than a stadium. It needs to be a launchpad.

worked with other families here in Prince George’s County to build community, share knowledge, and empower fathers. But we need more. We need a cultural shift — one that recognizes neurodiversity, reduces stigma, and promotes civic participation among parents and caregivers. We need to normalize vulnerability in Black men and redefine strength as being fully present for our children.

And we need policy.

Anthony Tilghman

Guest Columnist

Guest

Big Ugly Republican Budget Bill

to pass this “bill” by July 4. The irony of that instruction was that July 4 is Independence Day. On the final vote only two Republicans had the courage to be independent!

Why would anyone who cares about the least of God’s people call the budget bill that just passed “the big beautiful bill”? Those who voted for it have a peculiar sense of the word “beauty.”

We have 100 U.S. senators who spent a lot of time debating a bill they were sent over from the House of Representatives — with instructions

After a lot of threats were issued about what would happen to them if they didn’t do what the man in the White House told them to do, they would have a problem. A few kept declaring they didn’t like one thing or another in the bill, but they continued voting for it to the very end even as they twisted and turned and talked about what was wrong with it.

Many were reminded often how the bill would hurt their constituents, but even the complainers were too afraid to vote in the best interest of their constituents. They were more afraid of what the president would do than they cared about what their constituents would do when they really found out what was in the bill!

I’m talking about big bad Republicans who bowed down to the threats they knew they faced if they didn’t vote as they were told to do. After hours of hearing why they shouldn’t, they finally passed the budget bill and

Rejecting the Menace of Violence

On an extraordinary day when an estimated 5 million people came together at rallies and protests across the country to share their political views nonviolently, political violence still struck our nation. On June 14, Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman, Democratic caucus leader, was assassinated in a shooting at her home alongside her husband, Mark.

Earlier that same morning, Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot and injured in their home. Police found a list of nearly 70 other potential targets, many of them fellow lawmakers, in the gunman’s car.

Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, a former executive director of Children’s Defense Fund-Minnesota, served under then-Speaker Hortman as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives and called her colleague and friend “a leader’s leader. I watched her do the right

thing over and over again.”

She described Rep. Hortman this way: “Melissa Hortman’s entire life was dedicated to others. She was an incredible leader who was very selfless, had very little ego. She avoided a lot of the ‘political stuff,’ but she didn’t use the word ‘stuff.’

I think about all of the things over the last couple of years that we’ve been able to accomplish together, like paid family and medical leave, a nation-leading child tax credit, feeding kids, putting protections into law for reproductive health. Those

The Big Ugly Boondogle Cripples Our Future

spending by at least 13%.

The big ugly boondoggle, which our president calls “The Big Beautiful Bill,” is a disgusting transfer of resources from the poor to the wealthy, preserving 2017 tax cuts, cutting Medicaid and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or food stamps), imposing new work requirements for benefits, and increasing defense

Kasey Kosgarian, director of the National Priorities Project of the Institute for Policy Studies, posed our choices as “weapons and war or food and health care.” We have apparently chosen weapons and war, and apparently the rest of us exist in peril.

Treatises can be written about the odious bill, and the many aspects that leave millions without health care and food assistance, existing with a safety net that has been maliciously shredded. We

shouldn’t be surprised, since this is what was promised in Project 2025. We will pay in the long run as our future, our students, will encounter great obstacles as they attempt to prepare themselves to be economically competitive in the future.

I am especially concerned about cuts to higher education, and to Pell Grants, as part of the Big Ugly. Grants for higher education attendance were part of the Higher Education Act, passed in 1965 as part of President Lyndon Johnson’s

sent it to the White House.

This is the largest wealth transfer in history from poor and working-class people to millionaires and billionaires without shame!

It will throw more than 16 million people off health insurance, cut $1 trillion from Medicaid, shuttering many nursing homes and rural hospitals, take nutrition help away from hungry kids and families who need it, eliminate hundreds of thousands of clean energy jobs while jeopardizing billions of dollars in wind and solar energy investments, cut Pell Grants

for millions of students pursuing higher education and needing the grant without which they may either have to forego their studies or prolong the time before they can complete them — if ever.

This big beautiful bill is all for the pleasure of serving the wealthy — many of whom could well have lived forever on their savings! It was proof of what a song we’ve too often heard — “Them That’s Got Shall Get.” Republicans were too willing to

things got done because she pushed and planned and brought her caucus together and she had such tenacity to get results. Her legacy will benefit generations of Minnesotans to come. … But these legislative victories that will live on is just one small part of who she was. She was a mom, and we talked about what it meant to raise girls in this moment. She was a gardener. She loved dogs, she loved her dog Gilbert. … She was just a fantastic, fun person.”

In a statement she also said: “I’m outraged that we live in a country

where this level of violence is occurring to the extent where it is practically commonplace. And for what purpose? We can’t become intimidated by this act of terrorism. This will not stop me and it should not stop you. We must keep fighting for all the values that Melissa held so dear.”

Just a few weeks ago I wrote about the speech Senator Robert F. Kennedy gave the day after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, where

Great Society program. The Pell grant, named after Sen. Claiborne Pell, D-R.I., was authorized in 1972 as a Basic Educational Opportunity Grant and was designed to provide grants to low-income families, as opposed to (or in addition to) the loans that formerly funded higher education.

In 1972, Pell grants covered about 75% of college costs, between $8,000 and $9,000 in today’s dollars. The value of the Pell has steadily eroded. In 2013, the maximum Pell was $5,645, again

in today’s dollars. President Biden increased the Pell to a maximum of $7,395 for academic year 2024. In contrast, the tuition and fees at Howard University that year was $35,810. The total cost of attendance was $58,052. Some families can pay some of the cost, but most low-income students cobble together Pell, loans, outside scholarships, and parental contributions. The Pell covered only a fifth of Howard University’s tuition, and

Julianne Malveaux

Guest Columnist

E. Faye Williams

Columnist

Marian Wright Edelman

Guest Columnist

LIFESTYLE

Things To Do, DMV!

By Trevor Johnson WI Intern

From hands-on workshops, to festivals and programming promoting music, culture and community, this weekend is packed with something for everyone.

Whether hoping to meet new people, try an activity for the first time, or simply enjoy a day out, check out a handful of the many ways to have a good time this weekend.

For more fun events, take a look at the Washington Informer Calendar.

THURSDAY, JULY 10

Crape Myrtle Festival 8 p.m. | Free Homestead Garden, 743 W Central Avenue Davidsonville, MD 21035

From July 10-14, celebrate the height of the gardening season in the Mid-Atlantic region at the Crape Myrtle Festival. Enjoy limited-time savings, redeem Myrtle Money, and explore fresh finds for the garden. For event details and updates, check out the Homestead Gardens Facebook page.

Meet and Make: A Women’s Craft Social 6:30 p.m. -8:30 p.m. | $35.80 Locally Crafted Workshop, 35 Grand Corner Avenue Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Looking for a fun way to meet new people without the pressure? Check out the upcoming “Meet and Make” workshop, a laid-back event where women 18+ can connect over a creative craft project, light snacks, and good conversation.

Whether attending the event solo or with a friend, it’s a great chance to relax, create something handmade, and maybe even spark a new friendship.

FRIDAY, JULY 11

Stories from Space

3 p.m. | Free National Museum of Natural History, 10th Street & Constitution Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20560

For those interested in outer space, this is a great event to learn and engage with hands-on programming and activities.

Guests get to see and touch a real meteorite and Dr. Glenn Macpherson, curator of meteorites, will be on hand to share interesting facts and stories from the National Meteorites Collection. Check out this fun and casual way to learn more about the history of the solar system.

Make Tacos with Chef Adrian at Aslin Beer

7 p.m. - 9 p.m. | $59.99

Aslin Beer Co, 1740 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

Get a chance to learn how to make homemade tortillas, then craft tasty shrimp tacos with a zesty lime-mojito twist and a fresh topping of black beans and mango with the help of Chef Adrian, who brings over 20 years of culinary experience to the kitchen.

No cooking experience is needed. Guests are encouraged to come ready to relax, learn, and enjoy.

Beer will be available for purchase during the class.

SATURDAY, JULY 12

Black Greek Festival 2025

3 p.m. - 9 p.m. | $10 - $55 Sandlot Uptown, 1900 7th Street NW Washington, D.C. 20001

“Black Greek Fest 2025: Greeks on the Block” brings together the energy of a block party with the pride and tradition of Black Greek life.

Celebrate culture and community in a lively atmosphere that honors the spirit and legacy of historically Black, Greek-letter fraternities and sororities, often called the Divine Nine.

Junior Club Championship

8 a.m. | $30

Oakmont Golf Center, 3136 Jermantown Road Oakton, VA 22124

Golfers ages 7–17 are invited to participate in a nine-hole stroke play tournament, with two age divisions: 12 & under and 13–17. Prizes will be awarded for first

place, second place, and closest to the pin in each division.

The lowest overall score will earn the title of Junior Club Champion. Tee times will be assigned two days before the event.

Call to register.

SUNDAY, JULY 13

The R&B Club Presents: All Around The World: Global R&B Noon - 2 p.m. | $19.32

SongByrd, 540 Penn Street NE, Washington, DC 20002

R&B has long been shaped by global influences, reaching far beyond its origins in the U.S, and this event explores the genre’s international roots, spotlighting artists like Soul II Soul and Sade from the UK, and Canadian voices such as Tamia and Deborah Cox.

During this musical event, guests will learn about R&B history and enjoy some incredible music along the way.

American Diversity Group’s Free Medical Clinic

9 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Free East County, 12210 Plum Orchard Drive Silver Spring, MD 20904

In the spirit of helping others through wellness, the American Diversity Group’s Free Medical Clinic offers accessible health care services at no cost to individuals and families in need.

Staffed by volunteer medical professionals, the clinic provides basic check-ups, health screenings, and consultations.

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3A celebration of culture, unity and community, the Black Greek Festival brings many together in the name of Black excellence and will be held at Sandlot Uptown on Georgia Avenue NW on Saturday, July 12. (WI File Photo/ Brigette Squire)

Deborah Johnson, a longtime resident of the Twining community, told The Informer that, without a CVS branch nearby, she and her neighbors are forced to travel as far as Marion Barry Avenue SE to pick up and refill their prescriptions.

“It’s nowhere to park over there, and it’s not conducive to traveling,” said Johnson, a member of the Twining Community Group. “If you have to leave this area and go up to Good Hope Road [Marion Barry Avenue], you have to catch about three buses if you don’t have a car, and that’s totally unacceptable.”

On the afternoon of July 2, Johnson and several other Ward 7 residents converged on the CVS Pharmacy located at 3250 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, where they demanded, if not a change of heart from CVS, then the exploration of alternatives of like or better quality.

For nearly an hour, Johnson stood among the large crowd of concerned residents, sign in hand, as speaker after speaker took to a podium and reflected on what could be the long lasting effects of the CVS Pharmacy’s closure on a community reeling from health inequity.

Johnson and dozens of other residents later walked along Pennsylvania Avenue, near Branch Avenue, wav-

5Former Ward 7 D.C. Councilmember Yvette Alexander speaks at a July 2 rally, protesting the July 9 closure of the CVS Pharmacy on Pennsylvania Avenue SE. (Sam P.K. Collins/The Washington Informer)

ing signs and belting chants as drivers honked their horns in a show of support. She told The Informer that, in this crusade, she’s representing her neighbors, several of whom consider the CVS Pharmacy on Pennsylvania Avenue a critical part of their daily lives.

“We know the pharmacists in the area,” Johnson told The Informer. “They have healthy snacks and it just doesn’t make sense for us not to have a CVS here. The residents are not going to get their... prescriptions in a timely manner because they have to go up on the other side of Alabama Avenue, and a lot of them that can’t drive anymore would have to catch an Uber, a Lyft.”

UNWELCOME NEWS

FOR A COMMUNITY OF 40,000— AND NO ANSWERS

AS OF YET

This CVS pharmacy, located right below Branch Avenue, officially closed on July 9— nearly 18 months after the CVS branch in Columbia Heights in Northwest shuttered, reportedly due to revenue loss from shoplifting. This branch is one of less than a handful of CVS stores located east of the Anacostia River.

A spokesperson, responding to an Informer inquiry, forwarded a stateCVS Page 37

FIELD EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE SERVICES

INVITATION FOR BID (IFB) BID #25-S-006

The Washington Convention and Sports Authority t/a Events DC is soliciting bids from qualified firms to provide Field Equipment Maintenance Services. Interested parties can view a copy of the IFB by accessing Events DC’s e-procurement website at https://eventsdc.com/about/procurement.

This IFB is designated for District of Columbia Department of Small, Local, and Business Development (DSLBD) certified business enterprises only.

Key Dates

IFB Release Date:  Wednesday, July 9, 2025

IFB Questions Due Date:   5:00 PM EST, Wednesday, July 30, 2025

IFB Response Due Date:   12:00 PM EST, Friday, August 8, 2025

Primary Contact

Name: Jaylah Dawson, Senior Contracts & Procurement Analyst

Email: Jdawson@eventsdc.com

Phone: 202-249-3072

LEADERSHIP WE WANT, EXPERIENCE WE NEED!

“Ward 8 is my home, my community, and my purpose. I’m running for DC Council because our families deserve real investment, strong schools, safer neighborhoods, and true economic opportunity. This isn’t just a campaign—it’s my commitment to fight for the resources and respect our community deserves. I’m fighting for our youth, our families, our seniors, and those who feel like they don’t have a seat at the table. But I can’t do it alone. I want to hear from you. Connect with me at www.bunnforward8.com Together, we can build a stronger Ward 8.”

— Sheila Bunn

LIFESTYLE

Public Enemy Returns with ‘Black Sky Over the Projects: Apartment 2025’

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Public Enemy has returned with a blistering new surprise album, “Black Sky Over the Projects: Apartment 2025,” a defiant, 12-track collection that fuses the group’s signature social commentary with a fresh dose of oldschool fire.

Released without advance notice, the record was released on a “paywhat-you-want” basis for 72 hours, giving fans unprecedented access to the group’s most urgent work in years.

“These new tracks are for you to get down to at home,” said Flavor Flav, who joins Chuck D at the forefront of the release. “Pay whatcha want for the next 72 hours.”

From the opening bars of “C’mon Get Down,” the album showcases the enduring power of hip-hop to chal-

lenge injustice and unify generations.

Chuck D, credited under his real name Carlton Ridenhour, and Flavor Flav deliver scathing verses over production by Carl Ryder, C-Doc, JP Hesser, and Sam Farrar.

Cuts like “Evil Way” call out performative gangsterism— “You got to change your evil way / What goes up comes back down”—while “Sexagenarian Vape” explores the tension between youth culture and ageism, a recurring theme throughout the record.

Public Enemy also revisits their longtime critique of the American political system. On “March Madness,” the group takes aim at lawmakers’ inaction over gun violence in schools: “Grade One to Twelve / Even kindergarten / Need security from this sick trend started.”

Elsewhere, “Fools Fool Fools (Dirty Drums Mixx)” rails against

climate denial, political corruption, and what the group calls “the masquerade parade spinning in webs of charades.”

The album doesn’t shy away from humor and swagger. “Messy Hens” finds Flavor Flav taunting gossipers: “Ain’t worried bout another sucker / Talkin’ ‘bout Messy Hens on Hennessy.”

“Public Enemy Comin Throoooo,” meanwhile, celebrates the group’s longevity and their place in hip-hop’s pantheon, referencing the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Lollapalooza, and decades of tours.

With production credits spanning California, Pennsylvania, and New York, “Black Sky Over the Projects: Apartment 2025” represents a cross-country statement of resilience.

Veteran drummer Tré Cool (Green Day) contributes live percussion on “Fools Fool Fools,” while C-Doc and

JP Hesser’s engineering brings a raw immediacy to the record.

On “Ageism,” Chuck D delivers one of the album’s most personal performances, confronting stereotypes about aging artists: “Been their age, they ain’t never been mine… Ageism stuck in the bitterverse.”

From the percussive stomp of “...The Hits Just Keep on Comin...” to the confrontational closer “March Madness,” Public Enemy prove they remain as vital—and as

3 In a defiant, 12-track collection that fuses social commentary and old-school hip-hop, Public Enemy has returned with a blistering new surprise album, “Black Sky Over the Projects: Apartment 2025.” (Courtesy Photo)

unflinching—as ever.

Fans are already taking to social media to pour out love for the project

On the group’s X post announcing the album, social media user Ben took to X, formerly known as Twitter, writing: “Flav elevating his game to a whole new level on this one,” adding flame emojis on X, formerly known as Twitter.

In a nod to a title of one of the tracks on the album, social media user Old Skool Muzik commented, saying: “The Hits Just Keep On Comin!”

The album is now available at www.publicenemy.com.

WI

R&B on the Water Brings the Heat to Southeast with Fourth Annual Summer Music Series

By Jada Ingleton WI Content Editor

Set to the backdrop of Navy Yard Waterfront, R&B on the Water returns to the nation’s capital with a three-part toast to the transcendence of music and its power in molding generations of Black culture.

The annual celebration, founded by Baltimore native Diamond “Dymo” Watson, dawns its fourth year of timeless R&B classics, while nodding to the breadth of Black excellence that thrives throughout D.C., a sentiment touted by opening local artist Simone Agoussoye at the June 22 series debut.

“I feel like everything about this event speaks to Black excellence, especially being in D.C.,” Agoussoye told The Informer at the first of this year’s trip of events, held during Black Music Month. “They try to take from us, but we are still standing here. Just being here in itself really speaks volumes.”

For attendees like Agoussoye and Carlton Marlow, an education research analyst for the D.C. Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), the cultural celebration stands as more than an evening of socialization and dancing, but a chance to reflect on the extensive impact of Black artistry.

In addition to curated food trucks and hookah and cigar lounges, guests attending the upcoming July 27 and Sept. 14 events can enjoy a showcase of emerging local artisan brands, such as Agoussoye’s self-made portraits of various R&B moguls at the June 22 opening, which included on-the-spot paintings of Aaliyah and Jimi Hendrix.

“I listen to music all day long, it helps me think and clear my mind, and so does art. When I hear the lyrics, they’ll make me think of a painting,” Agoussoye said, reflecting on her own appreciation for Black art. “I feel like art is everyone’s first means of learning, and I never stopped learning that way.”

Other local regional talent includes a performance from house favorite band Too Much Talent, with a stacked lineup of rotating DJs, bands, vendors and hosts. The July 27 celebration headliners include DJ Tre, DJ Money and returning crowd-favorite King Flexa as host, while DJ Lelyand and DJ Oowwee are set to shake the scene in the all-white finale on Sept. 14, with a surprise vocalist to be announced.

PERFORMANCES BEGIN TUESDAY!

JULY 8 - SEPTEMBER 7

5 R&B on the Water, D.C.’s signature summer music series, returns for its fourth year at HQO: The DC Water Building in Southeast, touting live music, social lounges and local regional talent in celebration of the power of music. The three-part summer series continues on July 27 and concludes on Sept. 14. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

LIFESTYLE

R&B from Page 35

Meanwhile, Marlow commended R&B on the Water as a space to drive community engagement beyond mingling and revenue.

The native Washingtonian highlighted the infrastructural growth of Navy Yard evident through the signature music series, which he added was “completely different” with “one building and nothing else” when he was growing up.

Further, he shouted out some of the benefits of the citywide staple, from uplifting African Americans in a time of political turmoil, to the diverse crowds basking in generations of hitmakers like Frankie Beverly, Aaliyah, Keyshia Cole and Muni Long.

“This is our culture, this is our music. This is how we feel good,” Marlow told The Informer. “It’s a great feeling for us to be able to come out and celebrate no matter what.”

Amid reflections at the June 22 opening, native Washingtonian Anthony High, who now resides in Colorado, seconded this notion as he touted hopes to see future crowds embrace R&B on the Water as a moment of empowerment for African Americans.

“[Black music to me is] empowerment, reaching back and really uplifting our community. I see a lot of other communities doing that for their people, but I don’t think we do enough of that for each other,” High told The Informer. “The people, the energy, the culture [at R&B on the Water]. It definitely is a type of event and atmosphere that kind of speaks to the vibe that we live [in D.C.].”

WI

5 D.C.-based artist Simone Agoussoye showcases her love for R&B with portraits of the genre’s hitmakers, including painting some on-site at the June 22 opener of the R&B on the Water music series. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

As Williams explained, even customers are starting to feel the burn.

“Less people are starting to go out because prices are going up,” he said.

D.C. MAYOR

BOWSER SPEAKS WITH RESTAURANT OWNERS AND TIPPED WORKERS

On Monday, Bowser and Shawn Townsend, president and CEO of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), hosted a roundtable at Shaw’s Tavern in Northwest where they discussed Bowser’s proposed repeal of Initiative 82, as included in the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Support Act.

Bowser, who announced her intentions around the ballot initiative in March, expressed her concern that, at a time when the District is trying to recoup tax revenue lost from federal government furloughs, local restaurants are losing workers and customers to dining establishments in neighboring cities and counties.

“We live in a very porous area, so it’s very easy for a worker, a bartender, or a patron to go across the border to experience dining, and I worry about losing all of that experience,” Bowser said during the latter part of the roundtable.

As the D.C. Council nears the end of the budget deliberation process, Bowser stressed the importance of her legislative counterparts supporting the Initiative 82 repeal.

She said nothing less would suffice.

“It’s important to continue to talk about this and challenge our policy makers not to…go down the middle,” Bowser said on Monday. “Sometimes when you go down the middle: ‘Well, I’m going to do a little something for these guys over here in the restaurants, but I can’t afford to make the out-oftowners or the unions mad, so, I’ll just stay here in the middle.’ And the middle is not solving the problem.”

Those who attended Bowser and Townsend’s roundtable included: WIlliams; Rahman “Rock” Harper of Hill Prince on H Street NE and Northern Virginia-based Queen Mother’s Kitchen; Eric Heidenberger of D.C. Restaurant Group (which owns Shaw’s Tavern and five other D.C. restaurants); and Reid Shilling of Shilling Canning Company.

Other guests included Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Nina Albert; Ris Lacoste of RIS DC; and a handful of other tipped workers. For more than

40 minutes, as a group of Initiative 82 supporters stood outside Shaw’s Tavern, the restaurant workers and operators spoke candidly about their experiences since Initiative 82’s passage.

Yana Tarakanova, a longtime employee at Hank’s Oyster Bar in Southwest, said that, despite all that restaurant owners have done since 2022 to comply with the law, she hasn’t seen significant change in her financial condition.

“The increase to $10 an hour didn’t really make a big difference in my take-home earnings, but it created a big difference for restaurant owners who have to adjust in order to stay afloat,” Tarakonova told Townsend during the roundtable. “In its own turn, it affects positions on the floor, so there were a lot of positions cut or removed completely, left with runners, bussers.”

Tarakonova went on to say that bar staff who are fortunate to keep their jobs often have to deal with customers frustrated about the changes.

“Service fee, which is another option as of the initiative, doesn’t unfortunately, encourage generous tips or any tips at all sometimes,” she said.

Eidenberger later revealed that D.C. Restaurant Group no longer enjoys a profit margin. He said that, since Initiative 82’s implementation, the restaurant operator had to significantly reduce its workforce while raising prices and exploring service charges at the six D.C.-based restaurants under its purview.

“Either you’re raising prices or you’re doing service charges, and restaurants are doing that to be able to make ends

ment on the store closure, saying that CVS reached its decision after examining “local market dynamics, population shifts, a community’s store density, and ensuring there are other geographic access points to meet the needs of the community.”

“All prescriptions will be transferred to the nearby CVS Pharmacy at 2724 Good Hope Road SE to ensure patients have uninterrupted access to pharmacy care,” the statement read. “2724 Good Hope Road SE is less than a mile away from the closing store. Patients can always choose to fill their prescriptions at any CVS Pharmacy, or the pharmacy of their choice, if another is more convenient. Employees are being offered comparable roles within the company.”

the ones they just send to everybody,” Hasan-Towery said. “We have not had any real conversations with corporate CVS at this moment, nor have they really responded in a real way to the community to talk about what’s happening.”

RESIDENTS AND LEADERS SPEAK IN SUPPORT OF CVS— AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

As of July 3, more than 1,400 people have signed a Change.org petition in support of CVS Pharmacy #1335.

meet,” Eidenberger said. “We’ve had customers say they don’t enjoy that part of the service aspect.”

While Eidenberger wanted to build upon a family legacy started by his father nearly 50 years ago, he said that he is unable to follow through on that vision in the current economic environment.

“We wanted to open a new location every two years,” he said on Monday. “That was about creating something new in the community and elevating our staff. We have paused all expansion opportunities in D.C. just to focus on what we have, keeping spaces open.”

Without a repeal of Initiative 82, Eidenberger said D.C. Restaurant Group may not be able to hold on for much longer.

“We want to serve D.C. for another four years,” he said, “but it’s getting pretty tough.”

Restaurant worker Stacy Malary concurred, saying that, in the post-pandemic era, with fewer people working in front facing and barback positions, it’s becoming harder to maintain a level of service that people expect and appreciate.

“It’s just like we’re working harder, we’re also working less hours, because all the hours are being shaved to try and work with labor costs,” Malary said on Monday. “I think that it’s something that everyone knows about, and I think [what] the general public needs to be aware of, is that this all doesn’t happen in a vacuum. And workers are not in isolation, and then the owners are not in isolation.” WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

For several years, this pharmacy and retailer has been the only of its kind serving more than 40,000 residents living in a jurisdiction that includes: Dupont Park, Fairfax Village, Fort Davis Park, Greenway, Hillcrest, Naylor Gardens, Penn Branch, and Randle Highlands neighborhoods.

Amid the launch of eateries and other amenities in the nearby PennBranch shopping center, Store #1335 relocated from the shopping center to a standalone building. Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Keith Hasan-Towery, whose single-member district includes the CVS pharmacy, said residents have since enjoyed the accessible and highly visible amenity.

“The beauty of having a pharmacy here is that a lot of people are able to get their prescriptions filled,” Hasan-Towery told The Informer. “Because it is a bigger store, they are able to offer things that small pharmacies can’t. They can get certain discounts with some prescriptions.”

In May, Hasan-Towery and other civic leaders coalesced around efforts to save the CVS pharmacy after residents reported receiving notices about an impending closure and instructions to pick up their prescription at the CVS branch on Marion Barry Avenue.

The general manager at that branch later confirmed the unwelcome news of CVS’ closure, Hasan-Towery told The Informer. As he recalled, what followed was a meeting with civic leaders, outreach to Ward 7 D.C. Councilmember Wendell Felder’s office, and what he described as unsuccessful attempts, via phone call, email, and certified letter, to speak with CVS corporate leadership.

“The first few replies have been like those very cookie-cutter replies,

On the afternoon of July 2, those who took to the mic, just feet from that CVS branch, included: Hasan-Towery, Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners Travis Swanson (7B03) and Jimmie Williams (7B07), the Rev. Todd Thomas of St.Timothy’s Episcopal Church of D.C., Jacquelyn Cannon of the Pennsylvania Avenue East Community Coalition, Ward 7 D.C. State Board of Education Representative Eboni-Rose Thompson, and former Ward 7 D.C. Councilmember Yvette Alexander.

Members of Felder’s constituent services team also attended the press conference, as well as residents representing the Fort Dupont Community Association and Marshall Heights Community Development Association.

Thompson pointed out that the CVS Pharmacy on Pennsylvania Avenue serves a wide range of residents— including children.

“We have some of the highest rates of child asthma, of child allergies, of child eczema, and guess where those kids need to come to get their support? They need to come here,” Thompson said. “So do their grandparents, so do their moms, so do their dads, and so it doesn’t matter if you’re 90 or if you’re 9. This CVS is a vital lifeline in our community for vaccines, for immunizations, for prescriptions.”

Swanson spoke about the implications of the CVS Pharmacy’s closure for residents who depend on public transportation.

“On paper, it might look like there are other CVS locations close by up at Skyland and up on Capitol Hill, which is great, but that’s not our reality,” Swanson said. “Ward 7 and 8 have the lowest rates of car ownership in the entire District. For someone who is sick, carrying children, or managing a disability, going an extra mile or two isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s a barrier to care.” WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

5 District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser, members of the D.C. Council and other local leaders meet in May to discuss next year’s budget, which proposes repealing Initiative 82, as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Support Act. (WI File Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson)

Do you like reading comics or watching cartoons? Have you ever tried to draw a cartoon on your own? Well, today’s a great time to try a little ’tooning with Kid Scoop’s own artist, Jeff Schinkel.

Draw lightly in pencil first. Initially, keep your drawing loose, concentrating on the overall gesture or pose of your character.

Drawing your favorite characters is good practice, but don’t be afraid to make up some of your own, too!

Create your own characters using these shapes.

Practice drawing things that can provide a good setting for your cartoons—trees, lakes, rocket ships, desert islands and more!

Comic strip cartoonists draw and write. See if you can come up with something funny for these characters to be saying. Show it to a friend and see if they get a chuckle out of it.

Whoops! Unscramble the word on each crayon to gure out what color each crayon should be.

Find the words by looking up, down, backwards, forwards, sideways and diagonally.

Try drawing 3 different kinds of chairs in your home.

Comic Contractions

Comics have to tell a story in very few words. When possible, cartoonists make two words into one word by making a contraction Circle any contractions you can find in today’s newspaper articles, ads or comics.

Link: Word Analysis/Vocabulary: Identify and spell contractions.

Comic Talk

Select

© 2025 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Je Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 41, No. 34

review wi book

“Yet Here

I Am: Lessons from a Black Man’s Search for Home”

By Jonathan Capehart

c.2025, Grand Central

$30

272 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

One hand over the other.

That’s how you climbed to where you are now. One rung at a time, hand over hand until you reach the intended goal. Yes, sometimes you went backward before you ascended again or you had to move sideways past a barrier. And sometimes, as in the new memoir, “Yet Here I Am” by Jonathan Capehart, you got a hand up.

His mother refused to talk about it.

When little Jonathan Capehart inquired about his father, who died just months after Capehart was born, he was met with a look that told him not to ask again. He didn’t learn the truth until he was well out of childhood: his father had left Capehart’s mother long before Capehart’s birth, and though the man visited afterward, “he didn’t stay long …”

The loss stung but things turned out well anyhow. Capehart had many father figures throughout his life, paternal relatives who kept him in the family loop, and his maternal grandpa who played a big part of Capehart’s upbringing. Young Capehart spend his summers in Severn, North Carolina, playing, visiting, gathering lessons and wisdom from his mother’s parents and aunts. In Severn, extended family was everywhere, and it’s where many of Capehart’s best childhood memories spring.

He also has many cherished memories of his mother, and books. He was always a reader, and schoolmates recognized it. They also “knew I was a little ‘funny’,” he muses because, at 10 years old, he knew he was gay. His mother had had to teach him the hard truths in “how to be Black in white spaces” but college friends gave him safety for “self-discovery.”

Also at the tender age of 10, Capehart became fascinated with electronic media, and decided that he wanted to work at NBC, later interning at the “Today” show for two summers. At 19, he met a mentor who demanded excellence, and who shaped Capehart’s career.

Twelve years later, that same mentor offered Capehart his own MSNBC show …

As memoirs go, “Yet Here I Am” is a solid OK. It’s not earth-shattering, nor is it wildly fascinating. It’s not exciting or heart-wrenching or even all that emotional, but it’s not terrible, either. Overall, it’s smack-center, a “5” on a one-to-10 scale, and there we are.

Moving from his middle-class childhood in which he vaguely understood the racism present in his mother’s hometown, to a wildly successful career in media and the mentors who helped him get where he is, author Jonathan Capehart shares his story with a casual tone that’s calm and matter-of-fact. Readers get a nice look at the workings of journalism and what it’s like to win a Pulitzer Prize, but if you’re expecting the kind of excitement you want in a deadline-racing newsroom, it’s not here; instead, Capehart writes in a decidedly unruffled manner that’s really pretty tame.

Still, Capehart fans will absolutely want to read this memoir for its thoughtfulness and its satisfactory ending. Not a fan? Then “Yet Here I Am” could be a long climb. WI

horoscopes

LIFESTYLE

JULY 10 - 16, 2025

ARIES Pioneering ventures accelerate as Mars energizes your innovation sector, bringing breakthrough momentum through bold initiatives that challenge established conventions while creating revolutionary pathways. Strategic partnerships multiply when assertive confidence inspires collaborative trust, demonstrating leadership through decisive action rather than hesitant deliberation. Lucky Numbers: 14, 23, 41

TAURUS Aesthetic mastery generates substantial returns as Venus enriches your creativity sector, bringing prosperity through refined craftsmanship that marries functional excellence with beautiful design. Relationship depth develops when patient understanding creates emotional security supporting authentic expression. Lucky Numbers: 8, 19, 35

GEMINI Communication brilliance opens unexpected doorways as Mercury activates your networking sector, bringing influential connections through articulate presentation of complex ideas in compelling, accessible formats. Learning acceleration occurs when intellectual curiosity explores emerging fields connecting disparate knowledge domains. Lucky Numbers: 3, 17, 29

CANCER Intuitive wisdom guides family leadership as lunar energies deepen your emotional sector, bringing harmony through compassionate guidance that honors individual needs while strengthening collective bonds. Domestic creativity flourishes when nurturing instincts create supportive environments encouraging personal growth. Lucky Numbers: 6, 22, 38

LEO Performance excellence attracts recognition as solar power illuminates your achievement sector, bringing acclaim through generous leadership that showcases individual talents while elevating team accomplishments. Creative projects gain momentum when passionate authenticity overrides commercial calculations, producing memorable artistic statements resonating across diverse communities. Lucky Numbers: 1, 15, 31

VIRGO Analytical precision produces significant improvements as earth energies perfect your expertise sector, bringing advancement through systematic optimization addressing comprehensive efficiency rather than isolated corrections. Professional credibility strengthens when consistent quality execution demonstrates reliability more persuasively than promotional efforts. Lucky Numbers: 9, 24, 36

LIBRA Diplomatic excellence facilitates mutual benefit as Venus harmonizes your cooperation sector, bringing partnership success through elegant mediation transforming competitive conflicts into collaborative opportunities. Aesthetic decisions influence strategic outcomes when beauty considerations enhance practical functionality while creating emotionally satisfying results. Lucky Numbers: 2, 16, 33

SCORPIO Investigative depth uncovers valuable secrets as Pluto intensifies your research sector, bringing revelations through persistent exploration revealing hidden connections governing complex situations. Psychological insights deepen when intuitive perception supplements logical analysis, exposing motivational patterns influencing behavioral dynamics. Discovery capabilities unlock breakthrough knowledge midweek when methodical investigation follows compelling instincts toward unexpected territories. Lucky Numbers: 7, 20, 42

SAGITTARIUS Cultural wisdom expands practical horizons as Jupiter broadens your exploration sector, bringing enlightenment through international exposure deepening appreciation for diverse human experiences while finding universal connections. Educational pursuits advance when theoretical knowledge combines with experiential learning, creating comprehensive understanding applicable across various contexts. Lucky Numbers: 5, 18, 34

CAPRICORN Institutional building supports enduring legacy as Saturn consolidates your authority sector, bringing recognition through disciplined construction creating lasting foundations rather than temporary achievements. Executive responsibilities expand when proven competence demonstrates capability for managing increased complexity while maintaining operational excellence. Lucky Numbers: 10, 26, 39

AQUARIUS Innovative solutions address community advancement as Uranus transforms your collaboration sector, bringing progress through unconventional approaches serving collective development while celebrating individual creative contributions. Group dynamics thrive when diverse expertise receives democratic consideration within inclusive processes honoring all viewpoints. Lucky Numbers: 11, 27, 40

PISCES Compassionate understanding enhances practical service as Neptune clarifies your healing sector, bringing wisdom through contemplative practices strengthening worldly engagement rather than encouraging detached withdrawal. Artistic expression achieves emotional resonance when technical skill supports authentic creative vision without overwhelming intuitive spontaneity. Lucky Numbers: 4, 21, 37

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER ASKS THE CANDIDATES THE QUESTIONS YOU NEED TO KNOW

SALIM ADOFO

Email: info@salimadofo.com

Party Affiliation: Democratic Age: 47

Profession: Consultant Campaign Website: www.salimforward8.com

Ward/Neighborhood of Residence: Ward 8/ Congress Heights

MIKE AUSTIN

Email:

info.MikeAustin8@gmail.com

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Age: 37

Profession: Lawyer

Campaign Website: www.MikeAustin8.com

Ward/Neighborhood

ofResidence: Ward 8, Congress Heights

WARD 8 VOTERS GUIDE

WHAT MAKES YOU MORE QUALIFIED TO REPRESENT WARD 8 ON THE DC CITY COUNCIL?

“I’ve lived the challenges that Ward 8 residents face and have worked directly in the community to address them. As an ANC Commissioner and longtime organizer, I’ve responded to violence, supported youth, and helped bring resources into neighborhoods that need them most. I have experience building coalitions and delivering results for families. What qualifies me is not just what I’ve done, but how I’ve done it consistently, with care, and with a deep belief in putting people first.”

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING WARD 8 AND HOW DO YOU INTEND TO ADDRESS IT?

“The biggest challenge is public safety. Families deserve to feel safe in their homes, on their blocks, and at their schools. I will focus on ending gun violence by investing in prevention programs, expanding youth opportunity, and improving mental health services. I will also push for better coordination across city agencies so our neighborhoods are not ignored. True safety comes from stability, and I will work to bring that stability through jobs, education, and housing.”

WARD 8 IS OFTEN REFERRED TO AS THE “GREAT WARD 8.” WHAT TO YOU BELIEVE MAKES WARD 8 GREAT AND WHY?

“Ward 8 is great because of its people. This community is full of strength, pride, and perseverance. We have teachers, entrepreneurs, artists, faith leaders, youth organizers, and elders who pour into this community every day. Ward 8 is home to people who care deeply and never stop pushing forward. That spirit is what makes it great.”

WHAT IS ONE MORE THING WARD 8 VOTERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT GIVES THEM A REASON TO VOTE FOR YOU ON JULY 15, 2025?

“I’m not in this for a title. I’m in this to serve. I’ve been showing up, knocking doors, and listening because I believe leadership starts with presence. I’m running to bring real solutions to the issues we face from gun violence to school funding to job creation. Ward 8 needs opportunity, not opportunists, and I’m ready to lead with integrity and action.”

WHAT MAKES YOU MORE QUALIFIED TO REPRESENT WARD 8 ON THE DC CITY COUNCIL?

I bring a combination of deep roots, public service experience, policy writing, and results-driven leadership that Ward 8 deserves. I’m a fourth-generation Washingtonian, raised by a working class family, and I’ve spent my life fighting for Ward 8 from our streets and schools to our health care system and housing.

As a former ANC 8C Chair, I helped secure the largest Community Benefits Agreement in Ward 8’s history. As Legislative Director to former Councilmember LaRuby May and later to the Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Opportunity, I helped deliver over $20 million to launch the Ward 8 Infrastructure Academy, supported local job creation, and developed programs to build generational wealth for Ward 8 families.

As an attorney and Vice President at United Medical Center, I’ve worked to improve access to quality care and strengthen accountability in our health system. I’ve also serve on several Ward 8 community-based nonprofits and help residents navigate government systems to get the support and protections they’re owed.

I’ve worked at every level of government, and I know how to move legislation, direct resources, and ensure residents feel seen and supported, not just heard. Ward 8 needs bold leadership that understands the urgency of now, and I bring the vision, credibility, and track record to get results that actually improve people’s lives.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING WARD 8 AND HOW DO YOU INTEND TO ADDRESS IT?

One of the biggest challenges facing Ward 8 is the lack of access to stable, good-paying jobs. Our unemployment rate remains among the highest in the District of Columbia, and that lack of economic opportunity is directly connected violent crime. When people have a pathway to dignity and stability through work, our neighborhoods are safer, our youth are more hopeful, and our families are stronger.

As someone who helped bring over $20 million to launch the Ward 8 Infrastructure Academy, I’ve seen firsthand how workforce development can change lives. I intend to expand job training programs that connect residents to union jobs in construction, transportation, IT, and health care. I’ll also work to support Black-owned businesses, modernize vocational education in our schools, and eliminate barriers that keep returning citizens from getting hired.

Just as important, I’ll fight to grow jobs in Ward 8 by pushing for more responsible commercial development in Ward 8 in technology, health care, and mixed-use development projects that hire Ward 8 residents and reinvest in our communities. That means making it easier for small businesses to open and stay open, and making sure District agencies and developers are accountable for hiring Ward 8 residents.

Reducing crime means investing in people. If we want lasting public safety, we have to start with economic insecurity: and that begins with jobs

WARD 8 IS OFTEN REFERRED TO AS THE “GREAT WARD 8.” WHAT TO YOU BELIEVE MAKES WARD 8 GREAT AND WHY?

Ward 8 is great because it’s the Soul of the City: it is a living reflection of Black history, culture, and community power. We are home to Frederick Douglass’s historic home, Cedar Hill, and countless landmarks that tell the story of struggle, resistance, and triumph in the face of systemic injustice. But it’s not just our history that defines us: it’s the people who continue to build and protect Ward 8 every day.

From the seniors who’ve been here for generations to the young people shaping what comes next, Ward 8 is filled with neighbors who look out for one another, organize together, and show up when it matters most. That spirit of community preservation, of staying rooted while pushing forward, is what makes Ward 8 not just great, but essential to the story of Washington, DC.

Our greatness is seen in our culture, neighborhoods, our activism, and our resilience. It’s in the fight to stay here as the city grows, to protect what we’ve built, and to ensure our families can thrive right here, and not be pushed out. Ward 8 is great because we are truly the heartbeat of DC.

QUESTIONS Page 40

WHAT IS ONE MORE THING WARD 8 VOTERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT GIVES THEM A REASON TO VOTE FOR YOU ON JULY 15, 2025?

I’m not just running to win a seat, I’m running to fight for home. Ward 8 isn’t a stepping stone for me. It’s where I was raised, where I serve, and where I’m raising my own family. Every policy I push, every decision I make, will come from the lived experience of someone who understands what it means to call Ward 8 home.

I’ve sat at the table with agency directors and negotiated for real resources. I’ve written legislation, managed city budgets, and held systems accountable: but I’ve also knocked on doors, sat at kitchen tables, and helped families navigate the District government when the system wasn’t working for them. What I bring is more than a résumé. I bring commitment, competence, and care. Ward 8 deserves leadership that shows up, not just in election season, but every single day. And that’s exactly the kind of Councilmember I intend to be.

SHEILA BUNN

Email: info@bunnforward8.com

Party Affiliation: Democrat Age: 53

Profession: I most recently served as Chief of Staff to Ward 7 CM Vincent C. Gray Campaign Website: www.bunnforward8.com

Ward/Neighborhood of Residence: Ward 8

WHAT MAKES YOU MORE QUALIFIED TO REPRESENT WARD 8 ON THE DC CITY COUNCIL?

“With deep community roots, robust government experience, and strong relationships across D.C. leadership, I am uniquely qualified to represent Ward 8 on the DC Council. A lifelong resident of Ward 8, I grew up in Congress Heights and currently live in Bellevue. Raised by community activist parents and now a single mother raising my daughter in the same community, I intimately understand our residents’ lived experiences.

My public service spans over 30 years on Capitol Hill, in DC government, and at the DC Council. As Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, I managed district operations, championed DC Statehood, and worked on significant policy and legislation like the expansion of DC’s Home Rule and the creation of the District of Columbia Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG). As Deputy Chief of Staff to Mayor Vincent C. Gray and Chief of Staff to Councilmember Gray, I shaped policies impacting Ward 8, such as the St. Elizabeths East Redevelopment. My efforts helped to bring housing, jobs, retail, the CareFirst Arena, and Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center to our community. At the Office of the People’s Counsel, I ensured fair and affordable utility services for residents. I serve on the boards of Martha’s Table and the Far SE Family Strengthening Collaborative and co-chair the William O. Lockridge Community Foundation Events Committee, raising substantial funds for families and youth in Ward 8.

My extensive governance experience means I can hit the ground running, as I understand how the Mayor’s Office, Congress, and the Council operate—and already have strong relationships with Council members. If elected, I would bring no learning curve, deep local insight, and the ability to leverage citywide networks—ensuring Ward 8 gets both resources and representation from day one.”

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING WARD 8 AND HOW DO YOU INTEND TO ADDRESS IT?

“I believe the biggest challenge facing Ward 8 is intergenerational poverty, which fuels disparities in education, employment, health, housing, and public safety. Addressing this issue requires a multi-pronged approach:

• Economic Empowerment - Prioritizing residents for jobs created by developments in our ward; providing capital, grants, tax relief and technical support to entrepreneurs in our community; and, expanding direct cash assistance programs proven to stabilize families.

• Education Equity - Improving our school facilities; strengthening quality early education; providing safe, enriching activities for our young people after school and during the summer; and, funding school-based clinicians and trauma-informed learning environments.

• Housing - Creating more affordable, workforce and market-rate housing; expanding programs that help long-time renters buy homes and build equity; and, protecting tenants and long-time residents from displacement.

• Public Safety - Improving our violence interruptor programs; investing in mentorship and restorative justice programs for our youth; and, making mental health and substance abuse services care more accessible and culturally responsive.

• Access to Health Care - Increasing access to stable, affordable and healthy food options in Ward 8 by investing in smaller footprint grocery stores, grocery coops, farmers markets and community gardens to combat food apartheid; and, opening the medical office building at our new hospital so that doctors and specialists can provide quality primary care right here in Ward 8.”

WARD 8 IS OFTEN REFERRED TO AS THE “GREAT WARD 8.” WHAT TO YOU BELIEVE MAKES WARD 8 GREAT AND WHY?

“Ward 8 is often called the “Great Ward 8” because of its deep cultural roots, rich history, strong sense of community, and the resilience and pride of its residents. Despite facing systemic challenges such as underinvestment and socioeconomic disparities, our community has long demonstrated unity, activism, and determination to create change from within. Ward 8 has very strong grassroots organizations, faith-based institutions, and neighborhood leaders that uplift the community through mentorship, advocacy, health services, and youth engagement. These groups form a strong civic backbone. Compared to other parts of DC, Ward 8 has untapped economic potential. New businesses, improved transit access, and smart, equitable development that centers long-term residents offer opportunities to help our neighborhoods thrive. Ward 8 is “great” not in spite of its challenges, but because of the strength, soul, and solidarity of the people who call it home.”

WHAT IS ONE MORE THING WARD 8 VOTERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT GIVES THEM A REASON TO VOTE FOR YOU ON JULY 15, 2025?

“Ward 8 is my home, my community, and my purpose. I’m running for DC Council because our families deserve real investment, strong schools, safer neighborhoods, and true economic opportunity. This isn’t just a campaign—it’s my commitment to fight for the resources and respect our community deserves. I’m fighting for our youth, our families, our seniors, and those who feel like they don’t have a seat at the table. I want to help foster positive and effective local governance and bring together neighborhoods, businesses and government to improve lives and build economic wealth for our Ward 8 families and businesses. Together, we can build a stronger Ward 8. Vote Sheila Bunn, #3 on your ballot!”

TRAYON WHITE SR: Candidate did not respond

TUESDAY, JULY 15, 2025

SPORTS

Mystics Defeat Sky, Nationals Shift Gears, Commanders Gear Up for Training Camp, And More

By Skylar Nelson WI Intern

With the summer season in full effect, D.C. sports are heating up.

From the Mystics toppling the Sky, to the Nationals coaching staff shakeup, there’s no shortage of action in the nation’s capital for local sports fans.

MYSTICS TOP SKY, ANGEL REESE MAKES A DMV RETURN, AND ROOKIE PAIR HEADED TO INDY ALL-STAR GAME

The Washington Mystics pulled off a gritty 81-79 win against the Chicago Sky at George Mason’s EagleBank Arena, with standout performances from center Shakira Austin and forward Aaliyah Edwards powering the victory.

In a game filled with emotion, swings of momentum, and lategame challenges, the Mystics extended their win streak over the Sky by five, and with this game, Washington has improved their team dominance over Chicago, now having won nine of their last 10 meetings.

Austin delivered another allaround performance, finishing with 15 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks. She tied her career high assists and continued her dominance with a seventh straight game scoring in double figures.

The center’s impact was felt most in the final seconds. After missing two foul shots in a tie game at just 2.1 seconds left, the Mystics grabbed the offensive rebound, allowing Austin to redeem herself by hitting the game-winning free throws.

“[I] definitely couldn’t get my free throws today. I don’t know what’s going on but I’m just glad I was able to finish it,” said Austin. “Shout out to Lucy [Olsen]. In the beginning of the game, I was missing a couple. She was just like ‘You’re gonna keep making them, keep shooting them, keep having confidence. Don’t let your head drop,’ and I think that’s maybe why I finished the game.”

Edwards made her presence known, helping the Mystics outscore the Sky 46-30 down low. She led them into halftime with eight points remaining 4-of-7 from the field. Further, the forward not only dominated but challenged her op-

ponents, showing her growth in the franchise.

“I just came in with that competitive spirit like I always do, and just had to do it on both ends of the court,” said Edwards. “I think that I just take pride in that. I got a lot of deflections and second chance opportunities for the team. Just anything I can to help us get the win.”

Kiki Iriafen added her sixth double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 rebounds, tying Chamique Holdsclaw’s franchise record for most double-double by a rookie.

Meanwhile, the Sky’s Angel Reese delivered a strong individual performance adding another double double to her stat arsenal. With her return to the DMV, Reese notched 22 points, 15 rebounds, and four assists.

Her record-breaking sixth

straight game with 15 plus rebounds was overshadowed by a key missed box-out late in the game, which visibly frustrated Reese in the midst of the Sky’s defeat.

“We both like to talk a lot,” said Austin. “We’re both from the DMV and that’s just something we do. We compete, we like to show how passionate we are. You know every time we go, it’s gonna be a good show.”

In light of their victorious efforts, The Mystics will be sending their infamous rookie pair– Iriafen and Sonia Citron— to Indiana for the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game.

The two will be the first rookie duo to earn the All-Star honor since 1999, and the youngest stars in the Mystics franchise history.

Iriafen has led all league rookies in rebounding, while Citron ranks second in rookie scoring. The rising stars have started all 18 games

this season and are fueling the fire for a Washington playoff push.

With the momentum continuing to soar, the Mystics (now 7-11) take a step forward toward another big matchup hosting the defending champions, Las Vegas Aces back at EagleBank Arena on Thursday July 10.

Head Coach Sydney Johnson shared the team’s success has been stimulated through their hard work and dedication to grow as a team.

“We are trying not to rest on what we’ve done, the day prior,” said Johnson. “And so you know, just trying to build on like an effort of constantly improving on our defensive rebounds, or our scout, or our sisterhood, or our joy. Those are like real values to us, in terms of improving, and they’ve taken to it. I just feel so good to coach them,” said Johnson. WI

5Mystics center Shakira Austin uses all of her strength to clinch the game winning lay up over Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese (#5) and Elizabeth Williams (#1). (Jonae Guest/The Washington Informer)

CAPTURE the moment

5KaTisha “Chef Tish” J. Smittick, founder of Mental Meals, hosts a live cooking demo called “Eats and Beats.” (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)

5A nationwide celebration took place on the National Mall in downtown D.C. July 2-7, as the annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival brought people from across the country to celebrate the stories, creativity and aspirations of youth shaping the world. This year’s theme, “Youth and the Future of Culture,” highlighted changemakers with various exhibits and activations, including media production, Indigenous language reclamation, lowrider-car innovations, and more. (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)

3Part of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, the California-based Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists led narrative sessions, percussion workshops and an evening performance on Sunday, July 6. (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)

4Words Beats & Life academy teaching artist, DJ Nick Tha 1nda, playing instrumentals. (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)

6Tyrone Vick, a 2025 graduate of New York’s Stephen T. Mather Building Arts & Craftsmanship High School, leads an activation on wood chopping as part of the annual festival, held from July 2-7. (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)

5Skaters riding on ramps and freestyling tricks during the skating exhibition. (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)

RELIGION

Asbury United Methodist Calls

New Senior Pastor:

The Rev. Dr. Ron Bell

Faith Leader, Mental Health Expert Plans to Further Historic Church’s Work and Legacy

By Hamil R. Harris and James Wright WI Contributing Writer and WI Staff Writer

Amid a divided country, attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion, Asbury United Methodist Church has called a new pastor, the Rev. Dr. Ron Bell, who began his tenure at the historic African American congregation in the District last week.

“My excitement in terms of Asbury is that it can be a beacon of hope to say to the nation, ‘Be still and know that I am God’ (Psalms 46:10),” Bell told The Informer.

“I’m excited about that possibility.”

Bell, an author who has distinguished himself in the field of counseling and mental health, is ready to serve at Asbury at a time when the church and its members have been forced to deal with many challenges.

In 2020, the church had its Black Lives Matter sign destroyed and burned by the Proud Boys, and since then has fought to keep going as downtown continues to change.

A new layer of this continuous development began July 1, when Bell, 44, his wife, and their two sons, ages 13 and 10, arrived at the Northwest institution to begin a ministry set to

Maceo Entzminger Burke

Sunrise – November 19, 1954Sunset – June 12, 2025

focus on the needs of individual congregation members.

“It’s at the intersection of Jesus’ divinity and humanity that we find relief,” Bell said. “By acknowledging our flaws while also being aware of our power and potential we can excel. That’s my message. We are all messy miracles.”

The new pastor succeeds the Rev. Dr. Ianther Mills, who is leaving Asbury after serving for more than 12 years. She has been nnamed by the Bishop as the superintendent of the new Tidal Basin District of the Baltimore Washington Conference of the United Methodist

Missed But Not Forgotten

Maceo Entzminger Burke was called home to eternal paradise on June 12, 2025.

Church.

Joseph Yearwood, a long-time member of Asbury, said Mills “has been phenomenal,” leading as senior pastor through a critical time in the church’s history that included campaigns to fortify the edifice, drama with the Proud Boys and their destruction of a church sign, and the decrease in services due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“She has truly secured her legacy among the many outstanding pastors that have graced Asbury’s pulpit,” Yearwood said.

Robert Mallett, a member of the Board of Trustees at Asbury, is also excited about the new pastor and looking forward to watching his ministry unfold in the church, the District and beyond.

“Dr. Bell has big footsteps to follow as the Rev. Dr. Ianther Mills, Asbury’s first woman senior pastor, was a fine leader, administrator, preacher, and pastor,” Mallett said. “I hope for him that he is ready to lead in the nation’s capital where so much is happening. This is a particularly fraught and fragile time in our national life, and, like many churches, we need a prophetic messenger to minister to those who may be suffering, to galvanize those who are ready to respond to the present challenge, and to lean into the history of Asbury as a rebellious church.”

Maceo was born in Hampton, Virginia on November 19, 1954, to Ralph G and Della M Burke.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Left to mourn his passing, is his brother, Ronald G. Burke “Ronnie” as he was known by Maceo (wife, Jennell), niece Cheyenne, nephew Ronald W (Took), Joyce Bowie (Jennell’s mother), and a host of relatives. He will also be mourned and missed by many others.

Memorial service will be on Saturday July 12, 2025, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 7005 Piney Branch Road NW, Washington D.C. 20012. Viewing at 10:30am.

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Memorial Service at 11:30am. Memorial service will begin at noon. Repast will follow the service. Private cremation to be scheduled.

gants in a first class religion, which is the religion of Jesus where all people matter,” Mallett told The Informer. “We now live in a time when some people seem to matter more than others, and that’s anathema to Asburyans.”

‘TO ME THE ONLY HOPE IS JESUS’

Bell comes to the District from North Carolina, where he served as the director for the Center of Healing and Resilience for Discipleship Ministries and The Upper Room.

He also served as executive director of Space for Me Consulting, a mental health professional development training and resourcing company.

Now, he plans to bring this expertise to Asbury.

“For the last three years I have focused on the emotional and mental health of pastors and leaders,” Bell said. “When I think about where the nation is right now in terms of internalized anxiety, loss of jobs, war on the brink, to me the only hope is Jesus.”

Bell earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Morgan State University, a master’s degree in theology from Regent University School of Divinity, and a doctorate in Ministry from Lancaster Theological Seminary. He has been certified in Trauma Response and Crisis Intervention from the Rutgers University School of Social Work.

Mallett reflected on the faith institution’s own history of resilience, which was founded in 1836 as Asbury Chapel by a group of African American parishioners who broke away from Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C.

“We left Foundry and started our own church 189 years ago because we no longer wanted to be treated as second class congre-

The faith leader, husband and father is an author and host of the Lead Well Podcast. He has also written articles for The Upper Room, UMNews, and has published articles in the Minnesota Coalition for Death Education and Support quarterly journal, as well as Wesley Theological Seminary’s Lewis Center for Church Leaders’ Leading Ideas newsletter.

Three of Bell’s most popular books deal with his work with grief and trauma: “Stories for Another Day: A Journal,” “Is There Space for Me Embracing Grief through Art,” and “The Four Promises Journeying through Past and Present Trauma.”

He serves on many boards including the Minnesota Coalition for Death Education and Support, the National Social Justice Clinical Pastoral Education board, and the SBC21 national executive committee.

WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com

3The Rev. Dr. Ron Bell is the senior pastor at the historic Asbury United Methodist Church in Northwest, D.C. (Courtesy Photo/the Rev. Dr. Ron Bell)

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…

Hosea 4:6

In sharing with you, the readers, the story of my family’s struggle with Type 2 diabetes, titled “A Battle to Halt the Diabetes Epidemic,” it is my prayer that each reader will benefit. Let me repeat this column for any new readers who may have missed my previous messages.

I heard these words during an interview with a medical doctor from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Dr. Griffin P. Rodgers, M.D., when a caller during his C-SPAN interview asked the following question.

The caller said: “My mother had triggered diabetes. I don’t recall what type it was. I have a brother and sister that are 10 years older than I am. They both take insulin shots and have had difficulties with this disease. Here I am so far in my life, I’ve been disease-free of sugar diabetes. This genetic makeup — if they have the gene and I don’t, I would like to know why I succeeded in life without becoming a victim of that.”

Dr. Griffin Rodgers answered by saying, “Our genetic makeup says a lot about what we are likely to become. You may or may not have the same risk because we

WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Stop Fanning the Flames of the Diabetes Epidemic the religion corner

have two parents and you inherit half of your genes from one parent and half from the other. It could be that you may have been lucky to not inherit that susceptibility gene. A lot has to do with our environment, how much we are exposed to, what we eat.

“As it turns out, in Type 2 diabetes, our environment begins even earlier. Studies we have funded, both in our NIH Phoenix Branch and other sites nationally, show that our environment begins in utero. A mother who develops Type 2 diabetes or who has diabetes during pregnancy — the infant born to that mother is more likely to develop diabetes later in life than an infant born to that same mother when she was not affected with gestational diabetes.

“There is something in our environment we are trying to understand. That’s another factor to be considered. Of course, if it runs in your family, that does put you at higher risk. It sounds like you’re doing the right thing and you are being checked periodically to determine whether you have any signs of it. A good prescription, however, is exercise and maintaining your weight at a level that your doctor approves.”

I wanted to share this very significant question and answer that

I took the time to transcribe for you, as I conclude this important column on how we must battle the diabetes epidemic. The research of millions of people who have this now, and those millions who don’t even know that they have it, is a problem we must face head-on!

It is not our fault when it is in our genes; some are born with that according to Dr. Rodgers. Read his answer again and again so you will understand. This shows more why early detection is important.

Type 2 diabetes did run in my mother’s family, but it wasn’t discussed. They didn’t understand what they needed to know and share. With me sharing with my family and you, the thousands of readers, I have taken the bull by the horns to teach as many as will hear the way to save yourselves. This story will be told for the rest of my life.

Dr. Griffin said a good prescription is: 1 — Get checked early and regularly for Type 2 diabetes; 2 — Learn how to eat properly when you discover you are a candidate; and 3 — Exercise and lose weight!

When you follow this simple 1-2-3 plan, you will save yourselves and your loved ones from experiencing a life filled with pain, unnecessary suffering and regrets!

WI

RELIGION

Service and Times Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org

All are welcome to St. Mary’s to Learn, Worship, and Grow.

Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant

401 Van Buren St., NW, Washington D.C. 20012 Office (202)-882-8331

Service and Times Sunday Worship 10:30 am Zoom: zoom.us/;/2028828331

Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00pm Communion Every First Sunday "Serve, teach and Live by precept and example the saving grace of Jesus Christ."

Website: Theplbc.org Email: churchclerk@theplbc.org

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rehoboth Baptist Church

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

Promised

Baptist Church

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 001419

Florine G. McCollum Decedent

Brian L. Kass 4301 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 434 Washington, DC 20008

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Brian L. Kass, whose address is 4301 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 434, Washington, DC 20008, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Florine G. McCollum who died on December 7, 2021 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/26/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/26/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 6/26/2025

Brian L. Kass Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 000562

Ethel Carlene Redfearn Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Kim Marie Redfearn, whose address is 18415 Garner Lane, Accokeek Md 20607, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ethel Carlene Redfearn who died on October 8, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/26/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/26/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 6/26/2025

Kim Marie Redfearn Personal Representative

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 000251

Bernice Smith Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Kevin Smith, whose address is 4625 Nash Street, NE Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Bernice Smith who died on 12/20/2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/26/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/26/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 6/26/2025

Kevin Smith Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 000658

Estate of Florice T. Roper aka Florice Tillman Roper

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Denise K. Roper & Charice F. Roper-Williams for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth.

In the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate appoint an unsupervised personal representative

Date of first publication: June 26, 2025

Denise K. Roper 6532 7th Street, NW Washington, DC 20012

Charise F. Roper-Williams 1624 Portal Drive, NW Washington, DC 20012 Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 FEP 000062

March 3, 2024

Date of Death

Bon Ung Chang Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Ho Shin Chang whose address is 309 Old Stone Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Bon Ung Chang, deceased, by the Orphans Court for Montgomery County, State of Maryland, on 6/26/2024.

Service of process may be made upon Ho Shin Chang 3513 12th Street NE, Washington, DC 20017 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C.

The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real property: 3513 12th Street, NE Washington, DC 20017. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication: 6/26/2025

Ho Shin Chang Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 000530

Jonathan Marget Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Madeline Marget and J. Anthony Concino III, Esq., whose addresses are 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20015, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Jonathan Marget who died on September 20, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/26/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/26/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 6/26/2025

Madeline Marget

J. Anthony Concino III, Esq. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 000561

Deron Brookins Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Gary Brookins, whose address is 8828 Cottongrass Street, Waldorf, MD 20603, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Deron Brookins who died on November 4, 2014 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/26/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/26/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 6/26/2025

Gary Brookins Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 000521

Leo Edward Hendricks, Jr Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Rosetta Taylor Hendricks, whose address is 3116 Fessenden Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Leo Edward Hendricks, Jr. who died on January 18, 2025 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/26/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/26/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 6/26/2025

Rosetta Taylor Hendricks Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 000586

Douglas Banks Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

LiNida Bines, whose address is 5713 Crecy Court, Bryans Road, MD 20616, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Douglas Banks who died on April 24, 2025 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/26/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/26/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 6/26/2025

LiNida Bines

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 000583

Leroy Brown, Jr. Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Shontee T. Battle, whose address is 5411 Woodland Court, Oxon Hill, MD 20745, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Leroy Brown, Jr, who died on May 1, 2025 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/26/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/26/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 6/26/2025

Shontee T. Battle 5411 Woodland Court

Oxon Hill, MD 20745

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 000198

Estate of Lyudmila N. Krasovskaya aka Lyudmila Nikitichna Krasovskaya

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Nikita Krasovsky for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth.

In the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate appoint an unsupervised personal representative

Date of first publication: 6/26/2025

Nikita Krasovsky 102 McMurray Street Frederick, MD 21701

Petitioner/Attorney:

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 000627

Peter Neil Clare Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Michelle Renee Bonner, whose address is 4115 Lane Place, NE, Washington DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Peter Neil Clare who died on May 16, 2025 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/26/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/26/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 6/26/2025

Michelle Renee Bonner Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 608

M. Shirley Hughes aka Margaret Shirley Hughes Decedent

Edward G. Varrone, Esq. 8807 Bradford Road Silver Spring, MD 20901 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Edward G. Varrone, whose address is 8807 Bradford Road, Silver Spring, MD 20901, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of M. Shirley Hughes aka Margaret Shirley Hughes who died on February 22, 2025 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/26/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/26/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 6/26/2025

Edward G. Varrone Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 596

Rita Watkins Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Breanne Williams, whose address is 3102 Logan Street, District Heights MD 20747, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rita Watkins who died on 2/10/2021 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/26/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/26/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 6/26/2025

Breanne Williams Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000825

Massie S. Fleming aka Massie Fleming Decedent

Ronald Dixon

1010 Cameron Street Alexandria, VA 22314

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Michelle Mitchell Gordon, whose address is 2066 Craver Meadows Dr., Winston-Salem, NC 27127, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Massie S. Fleming aka Massie Fleming who died on December 4, 2022 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/26/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/26/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 6/26/2025

Michelle Mitchell Gordon Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 FEP 000061

June 20, 2020 Date of Death

Robin Rogers Craft aka Robin Venita Rogers-Craft Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Jabria Craft whose address is 10503 Warren Road, Glen Allen, VA 23360 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Robin Rogers Craft aka Robin Venita Rogers-Craft, deceased, by the Circuit Court for Henrico County, State of Virginia, on 11/3/2020.

Service of process may be made upon Darrell Boyd 1224 34th Street SE, Washington, DC 20019 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real property: 1224 34th Street SE, Washington, DC 20019. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication: 6/26/2025

Jabria Craft Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 000576

Maurice Max Milline Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Maurice T. Milline, whose address is 1424 9th Street, Glenarden, MD 20706, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Maurice Max Milline who died on May 11, 2025 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/26/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/26/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 6/26/2025

Maurice T. Milline Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 591

Theadoris L. Johnson aka Theadoris Johnson Decedent

Sharon Legall 1325 G Street NW, Suite 500 Washington, DC 20005 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Crysta Norris, whose address is 9910 Norwood Court, Upper Marlboro MD 20774, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Theadoris L. Johnson aka Theadoris Johnson who died on 9/24/2024 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/26/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/26/2025, or be forever barred.

Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 6/26/2025

Crysta Norris

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 000659

Estate of Pamela Outlaw aka Pamela Denise Outlaw aka Pamela D. Outlaw

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Robert J. Taylor for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth. In the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate appoint an unsupervised personal representative

Date of first publication: June 26, 2025

Robert J. Taylor 150 Eye Street, SE, Apt. 822 Washington, DC 20003

Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 FEP 64

1/10/2025 Date of Death

Thomas Pinder Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Freddie H. Cook whose address is 3212 Dunwood Ridge Terrace, Bowie, MD 20721 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Thomas Pinder, deceased, by the Orphans Court for Montgomery County, State of Maryland, on 2/19/2025.

Service of process may be made upon Zouncerie D. Braxton 612 Emmanuel Court, #214, Washington, DC 20001 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real Property: 3016 Gentain Court, NE, Washington, DC 20017. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication: June 26, 2025

Freddie H. Cook

Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 000597

Tyrone W. Ferguson aka Tyrone Waldorf Ferguson Decedent

James Larry Frazier, Esq. 918 Maryland Avenue NE Washington, DC 20002

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Karen Maria Ferguson, whose address is 3306 Swann Road, Suitland Maryland 20746, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Tyrone W. Ferguson aka Tyrone Waldorf Ferguson who died on February 3, 2025 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/26/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/26/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 6/26/2025

Karen Maria Ferguson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 637

Hugh Scott Sinclair Decedent

Abby M. Bullock, Esq.

The Elder & Disability Law Center 1020 19th Street, NW, Suite 510 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Elizabeth Seltzer, whose address is 13 Twin Brooks Dr., Willow Grove, PA 19090, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Hugh Scott Sinclair who died on March 8, 2025 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/3/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 1/3/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 7/3/2025

Elizabeth Seltzer Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2015 ADM 001492

Vincent L. Alexander Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Michele T. Alexander, whose address is 3465 Marigold Place, Unit D, Waldorf, MD 20602, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Vincent L. Alexander who died on October 14, 2012 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/26/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/26/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 6/26/2025

Michele T. Alexander Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2025 ADM 605 Paz Cohen Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Benjamin C. Van Vort, whose address is 19A Weston Ave., Somerville, MA 02144, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Paz Cohen who died on January 21, 2025 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/3/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 1/3/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 7/3/2025

Benjamin C. Van Vort 19A Weston Ave. Somerville, MA 02144

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 594

David Mulroy aka David Dunn Mulroy Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Cecily Fernandez, whose address is 3149 Adams Mill Rd., NW, Washington, DC 20010, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of David Mulroy aka David Dunn Mulroy who died on 4/1/2025 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/3/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 1/3/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 7/3/2025

Cecily Fernandez Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 606

Sarah Cecelia Robinson Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Ramon A. Robinson, whose address is 9171 North Congress St., New Market, VA 22844, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Sarah Cecelia Robinson who died on December 4, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/3/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 1/3/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 7/3/2025

Ramon A. Robinson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 000598

Euzell Maxine Broady Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Gina R. Robinson, whose address is 3006 25th Street NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Euzell Maxine Broady who died on December 28, 2021 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/3/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 1/3/2026, or be forever barred.

Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 7/3/2025

Gina R. Robinson 3006 25th Street NE Washington, DC 20018

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 600

Susan Todd Rich Decedent

Anna L. Nathanson Norris Law Group 600 14th Street NW, 5th Fl. Washington, DC 20005 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Roxann Rich, whose address is 411 Kinross Drive, Newark, DE 19711, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Susan Todd Rich who died on March 29, 2025 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/3/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 1/3/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 7/3/2025

Roxann Rich Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 620

Frances E. Jones aka Frances Elizabeth Alexander Roger Jones Decedent

Aimee D. Griffin, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Sandra L. Tucker and Patricia D. Brown, whose addresses are 216 V St., NE, Washington, DC 20002 & 1511 Elson St., Takoma Park, MD 20912, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Frances E. Jones aka Frances Elizabeth Alexander Roger Jones who died on 3/17/2025 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/3/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 1/3/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 7/3/2025

Sandra L. Tucker

Patricia D. Brown

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2023 ADM 1394

Vermell Ledbetter Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

J. Anthony Concino III, Esq., whose address is 5335 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20015, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Vermell Ledbetter who died on 5/8/2023 without a Will. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/3/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 1/3/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 7/3/2025

J. Anthony Concino III, Esq. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 604

John Patrick Holback

Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Mina Stanard, whose address is 1709 S Monroe St., Arlington, VA 22204, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of John Patrick Holback who died on May 9, 2025 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/3/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 1/3/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

7/3/2025

Mina Stanard

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2021 ADM 001610

Estate of Rosa Mae Colclough

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Charlotte A. Burton for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth.

Admit to probate the will dated February 21, 1996 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise

Date of first publication: July 3, 2025

Charlotte A. Burton 5130 7th Street, NE Washington, DC 20011 Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 00601

Carol A. Jenifer Decedent

Deborah D. Boddie, Esq. ProbateLawDC

1308 Ninth Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20001 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Kia Walker, whose address is 2150 Village Green Drive, Fairburn, Georgia 30213, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Carol A. Jenifer who died on April 4, 2025 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/10/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 1/10/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 7/10/2025

Kia Walker Personal Representative

of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2025 ADM 00282

Edna E. Tibbs Decedent

Kevin Judd, Esq. 601 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Suite 900-South Building Washington, DC 20004 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Kevin Judd, Esq., whose address is 601 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 900-South Building, Washington, DC 20004, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Edna E. Tibbs who died on May 17, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/10/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 1/10/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 7/10/2025

Kevin Judd, Esq. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 000564

Wilbert Earl Mims Jr.

Decedent

Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW #400 Washington DC, 20015 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

James Thompson Jr., whose address is 7812 Beechnut Road, Capitol Heights, Maryland 20743, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Wilbert Earl Mims Jr. who died on June 10, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/10/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 1/10/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 7/10/2025

James Thompson Jr. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 676

Ellen V. Terry aka Ellen Virginia Terry Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Katherine Nixon, whose address is 2317 33rd Street, SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ellen V. Terry aka Ellen Virginia Terry who died on February 11, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/10/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 1/10/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 7/10/2025

Katherine Nixon Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 000654

Kandra J. James aka Kandra Jeanett James Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Beulah E. James, whose address is 507 Oglethorpe St., NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Kandra J. James aka Kandra Jeanett James who died on January 21, 2025 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/10/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 1/10/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 7/10/2025

Beulah E. James

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2012 ADM 349 Glenwood Britt Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

J. Anthony Concino III, Esq., whose address is 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Suite 400, Washington DC 20015, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Glenwood Britt who died on January 10, 2012 without a Will. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/10/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 1/10/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 7/10/2026

J. Anthony Concino III, Esq. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000705

Arnold A. Smith

Decedent

Louvenia W. Williams, Esq. 9701 Apollo Drive, Suite 301 Largo, Maryland, 20774

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Ethel Canty Bothuel, whose address is 11256 Torrie Way, Unit K, Bealeton, VA 22712, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Arnold A. Smith who died on July 29, 2021 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/10/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 1/10/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 7/10/2025

Ethel Canty Bothuel Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 001009

Therese Wanji Chia aka Therese Wanji Ngassa Chia Decedent

Howard Haley, The Haley Firm PC 7600 Georgia Ave., NW #416 Washington, DC 20012 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Joseph Lavela, whose address is 6006 41st Ave., Hyattsville, MD 20782, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Therese Wanji Chia aka Therese Wanji Ngassa Chia who died on April 26, 2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 1/10/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 1/10/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 7/10/2025

Joseph Lavela Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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51 STEPS from Page 1

eight miles and more than 300 stories.

“From monuments and museums to homes, churches, burial grounds and parks, [51 Steps] uses storytelling, music and immersive technology to uncover the untold stories of change makers who helped shape our country,” said project co-founder H.H. Leonards. “These stories reveal what binds the United States together and invites every visitor to engage with the ideals of liberty and opportunity in a personal and meaningful way.”

Developed with support from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, Destination DC, Events DC, the DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment, and the DC History Center, 51 Steps to Freedom – which stands for “50 States, One Nation” – is as much a tribute to the past as a charge for resolve among current challenges.

The pioneering program emerges as an immersive experience to build a revised legacy of Washington while amplifying the chronicles that paved the culture right where they happened, coupled with features like interactive media, videos, music, artwork and archival audio.

Amid continuous development plans, including expanding to 51 sites, co-founders Leonards and Tracy Halliday tout how the app highlights the city and emphasizes the importance of reflection in propelling the vision of a nation that began nearly 250 years ago.

“We believe you can learn from the past to help chart a future, and we want everybody to feel like they can do that together,” Halliday told The Informer. “We’re hoping people will…take the tour, and they will see themselves in the tour because, really, it’s everybody’s story. It’s the American story.”

APP HIGHLIGHTS, HOPES, HONORARY MOMENTS

What began with a mission to reframe a divided nation has now blossomed into the beginnings of a movement that exceeds the borders of D.C., hailed through the efforts of more than 100 “passionate volunteers,” including 23 local historians, said Leonards.

On par with the theme of generational inspiration, the founder of the O Museum in the Mansion lauded the spirit of civil rights icon Rosa Parks in the foundation of 51 Steps to Freedom, noting their time spent together at The Mansion on O Street in Northwest, D.C., where she stayed and

called her home-away-from-home for nearly a decade.

“This initiative began as a hopeful vision based on [Park’s] principles,” Leonards told The Informer, “changing one heart at a time and seizing the moment with the goal of bringing people to D.C. and bringing our nation together.”

Piloting features of the AR walking tour include stops at monumental landmarks such as the Washington Monument, NASA headquarters, and the National Archives, along with cultural salutes to the African American Civil War Memorial, The Howard Theatre and Lafayette Square Park, bridging generations of history in the palm of one’s hand.

Additionally, app users can journey through history along with the historians who shaped it, such as touring through Frederick Douglass’ home while an animated version of the abolitionist shares oral histories at three stages of his life.

Other momentums of civic reflection include engaging with the U.S. Constitution and digitally signing the Declaration of Independence to “recommit to civic ideals,” bringing D.C.’s untold stories to life in a format some compare to Pokémon GO, according to a June 30 news release.

“These kinds of interactions really make the history engaging, fun and memorable,” said Halliday, who noted the learning benefits of gauging immersive technology, particularly for youth. “They’ll listen longer, they will click on all of the buttons, and by its very nature, because it’s so interactive, it kind of seeps in that whole experiential learning idea.”

Halliday further highlighted 51 Steps as a pivotal path for Washingtonians to reconnect with the rich histories of D.C.’s various neighborhoods, including the historic Anacostia, which holds three of the 16 beta stops.

“People don’t realize the history in their own backyard. Every single neighborhood here has stories that are magical and amazing, and you just don’t even know,” the co-founder explained.

Beyond technological exposure, 51 Steps hints at an economic surge for the nation’s capital. According to partner official Elliott Ferguson, president and CEO of Destination DC, similar initiatives like Boston’s Freedom Trail attract over 4 million visitors each year, a success he envisions for the local program as well.

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Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

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hit. Tornadoes, floods, wildfires and hurricanes impose financial tolls on renters and homeowners alike. For example, in Miami, where weather-related disasters frequently occur, the cost of home insurance for a median-priced home is $920 per month, or more than $11,000 per year.

“The scale and frequency of climate disasters has prompted private insurers not only to raise premiums, but in some cases to reduce coverage or pull out of markets entirely, as in California, Florida and Louisiana,” states the report.

Rising property taxes add yet another affordability challenge.

In states considered “low tax,” average annual property tax costs can be as low as $1,100, as in Alabama, or as high as $10,100 in New Jersey, generally considered a “high tax” state. Nationwide, the average 12% increase in 2021 and 2023 led to an annual $4,380 tax bill.

While tax abatement programs have been implemented by some state and local governments, these cost-saving options tend to be limited to senior citizens or low-income households.

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All in all, I’m excited about the chance to bring professional football back home to the District. The cultural impact and symbolism of

Additional report findings show:

• 22.6 million renters are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their monthly earnings on their leases — the third consecutive year that this metric has increased. It is also 7.8 million more than in 2001.

• Among renters, 12.1 million households — 27% — spend more than half of their income on housing.

• 20.3 million families, or 24% of homeowners, are also cost-burdened, an increase of 646,000 in 2023.

• Insurance costs remained a substantial driver of rent growth, up 26% year over year in 2023 and twice the previous year’s rate. Other cost increases include repairs and maintenance (12%), administration (12%), property taxes (10%), and payroll (6%).

Amid these developments, there remain other looming possibilities: a national economic downturn, and the fiscal 2026 budget that would cut in half funding for the nation’s only housing agency. Should either become reality, the nation’s already enormous housing challenges would be exacerbated.

“For too long, families of color and first-generation buyers have faced insurmountable barriers to owning

the NFL being back in our sports capital cannot be overlooked. However, in order to jump-start our economic comeback, let’s look into investments in addition to a NFL stadium in order to bring

— Paid family leave. — Inclusive classrooms. — Early intervention access. — Increased funding for special education — especially in underserved communities where TILGHMAN from Page 30 disparities are most pronounced. These aren’t just family issues. They are issues of public leadership. They are the foundations of building future leaders through involvement, advocacy, and education. Our children deserve more than

a home due to predatory lending, high down payment requirements, and increasing home prices,” said California Rep. Maxine Waters, the ranking member on the House Financial Services Committee. She is also the co-lead of refiled legislation, the Down Payment Toward Equity Act, that would provide $100 billion in direct assistance to help first-time, first-generation homebuyers purchase their homes.

Two Texas members of Congress, Al Green and Sylvia Garcia, are also co-leads.

“With Black and brown families historically denied the opportunity to own homes and build wealth, our bill will empower first-generation homebuyers to access robust homeowner assistance and build wealth. ... This is exactly the type of policy this moment demands — and Congress must pass it without delay,” added Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley, another co-sponsor.

The legislation has the support of diverse housing stakeholders: Americans for Financial Reform, the National Council of State Housing Agencies, the National Fair Housing Alliance, and the National Association of Realtors. WI

more high-paying careers to Washington, D.C.

While we root for the Commanders to come home, let’s also fight for a D.C. where opportunity goes beyond the field. WI

awareness — they deserve “action.” And our fathers deserve to be seen, heard, and supported — not shamed or silenced.

Autism is not a tragedy. Silence is. Let’s talk. Let’s act. Let’s lead.

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AIRLINE CAREERS

FAA approved maintenance training at campuses coast to coast. Job placement assistance. Financial Aid for qualifying students. Military friendly.

WILLIAMS from Page 31

reward the already ultra-wealthy and dump billions of dollars into ICE’s secret police to further terrorize certain people just trying to find any kind of honest work to educate their children and feed their families. Republicans give new meaning to “Family Values” by so many of their actions, including voting for this so-called big beautiful bill they were told to support. Their instructions were “Do It or Else” so

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he spoke about the “mindless menace of violence in America which again stains our land and every one of our lives.” Dr. King had touched on a similar theme himself shortly after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, when he wrote that it was time for our nation to do some soul-searching, and while the question “Who killed President Kennedy?” was important, answering the question “What killed President Kennedy?” was even more critical. Dr. King said he believed “our late President was assassinated by a morally inclement climate”: “It is a climate filled with heavy torrents of false accusation, jostling winds of hatred, and raging storms of violence. It is a climate where men cannot disagree without being disagreeable, and where they express dissent through violence and murder.” Dr. King also noted that the undercurrents of hatred and violence that made up this morally inclement climate were fueled by our cultural embrace of guns: “By our readiness to allow arms to be purchased at will

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just an eighth of the total cost of attendance.

The Big Ugly will make college access even more challenging. It would cut the Pell to $5,710, a 23% cut. It would only provide the maximum Pell for students who enroll for a full load of 15 credit hours a semester. Often first-year students are advised to take a lighter load, four classes instead of five, especially if they may need time to adjust to college. I’d rather a student take a lighter load and achieve solidly, than to have a student struggle with five classes.

About 40% of undergraduate students rely on Pell grants to get through college. The lowest among them will likely drop out.

they did it. By the next election, let us pray they will be replaced by officials who deserve to be in the House and Senate to serve the people they promised to represent.

Taking the final vote, they told their constituents that it’s OK to add $4 trillion to the national debt so long as that money is being funneled to the wealthy and our increasingly militarized police state — but forget about helping their less fortunate constituents!

and fired at whim, by allowing our movie and television screens to teach our children that the hero is one who masters the art of shooting and the technique of killing, by allowing all these developments, we have created an atmosphere in which violence and hatred have become popular pastimes.”

Our nation continues to be ravaged by the same storms. In his eulogy at Dr. King’s funeral, former Morehouse College President Dr. Benjamin E. Mays said: “Here was a man who believed with all of his might that the pursuit of violence at any time is ethically and morally wrong; that God and the moral weight of the universe are against it; that violence is self-defeating; and that only love and forgiveness can break the vicious circle of revenge. He believed that nonviolence would prove effective in the abolition of injustice in politics, in economics, in education, and in race relations. He was convinced, also, that people could not be moved to abolish voluntarily the inhumanity of man to man by mere persuasion and pleading, but that they could be moved

This imperils our future. How are we to compete internationally if millions of our students can’t afford higher education?

The legislation that cuts Pell grants, part of the Big Ugly, also limits or eliminates benefits to part-time and community college students. A student who is enrolled less than half time (7.5 credits) would receive no Pell money at all. Yet millions of students who work full time (or part time) and attend school part time will lose benefits. These include working moms and dads, differently abled students, and others who can’t manage a full-time load. At a time when employment needs demand flexibility, legislation is insisting on punitive rigidity.

The Department of Education

They planned things so their poor constituents won’t get a clear picture of how they’ve been deceived until it’s too late. Many cuts won’t take effect until after the 2026 midterm elections. Republicans will be back again to make grand promises and blame Democrats for all that went wrong. It’s up to us to remind our Republican neighbors what really happened and how it will happen again if they continue with amnesia as to which party actually works for them. WI

to do so by dramatizing the evil through massive nonviolent resistance. … He believed that the nonviolent approach to solving social problems would ultimately prove to be redemptive.”

His belief is echoed by the millions of Americans of all backgrounds who are still determined to reject hate and to use nonviolent means to make their own voices heard. In their own statement after their parents’ murders, Melissa and Mark Hortman’s children Sophie and Colin urged others to “stand up for what you believe in, especially if that thing is justice and peace”: “Hope and resilience are the enemy of fear. Our parents lived their lives with immense dedication to their fellow humans. This tragedy must become a moment for us to come together. Hold your loved ones a little closer. Love your neighbors. Treat each other with kindness and respect. The best way to honor our parents’ memory is to do something, whether big or small, to make our community just a little better for someone else.”

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has been so crippled by this president’s “slash and burn” approach to education that there is little input from the department around the harmful effects of these Pell changes. Who in Congress will speak up for our nation’s students?\

Our young people are our future, yet we treat them like debris. In divesting from college access and attendance, we are divesting from our futures. Our international rivals are investing in education, while we are divesting. In the long run, this will give them the competitive advantage that will leave us falling even further behind than we are now. Who gains? Oligarchs! Predatory capitalists! And a president who hawks Bibles and Alligator Alcatraz instead of our robust American future. WI