This Week's Edition : 7-30-26

Hundreds of First-Timein-College Students, Families Scramble

After Howard University Un-Enrollment Challenges

Student Advocates Demand Accountability, Work to Strengthen University

By Evan Aldridge and Micha Green WI Intern and WI Managing Editor

Weeks away from officially kicking off their collegiate journeys at Howard University (HU), 502 incoming freshmen were blindsided by a July 22 email from the institution’s Office of Enrollment Management and Student Success stating they have been unenrolled due to outstanding balances.

After attending various preliminary mandated housing meetings and days away from moving into dorms, incoming Bison and their families across the world are now expressing their frustrations through social media and scrambling for a semblance of an-

5 Hundreds of Howard University freshmen and their families are scrambling after they were blindsided by a July 22 email from the university stating they had been un-enrolled just weeks before the start of the fall 2026 semester. (WI File Photo/Anthony Tilghman)

swers from the university.

“I don't like being emotional. I don't like showing any sort of fear. But never in my life have I been so disappointed.

Independent, D.C. Statehood Green Party Candidates Stand Against a Unified D.C.Democratic Party

Lewis George and McDuffie Mend Fences at D.C. Democrats Unity Breakfast

By Sam Plo Kwia Collins, Jr. WI Senior Staff Writer

With the D.C. general election months away, local Democrats are uniting in anticipation of what, according to history, has been guaranteed victory for Democratic mayoral, delegate and down-ballot candidates who won their party primaries.

As those efforts continue, independent voters and candidates are also

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By Sam Plo Kwia Collins, Jr. WI Senior Staff Writer

Families living in western Kentucky are losing nearly 300 acres of farmland per day due to industrialization. As farmers struggle to sell their crops at reasonable prices, other rural-area constituencies suffer from housing insecurity, federal

disinvestment, and the increasing presence of agricultural wasteland and data centers.

That’s why, for some residents of Kentucky’s 1st congressional district, U.S. Republican Rep. James Comer’s focus on D.C’s local tax policy is an unwelcome distraction. For at least one resident, Comer’s

By Ashleigh Fields WI Contributing Writer

Research from a Washington, D.C. think tank shows that President Donald Trump’s deployment of the National Guard did not make the city more safe.

Thousands of soldiers were deployed to the nation’s capital last August under the president’s "Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful" initiative.

However, a May study from the Niskanen Center shows that troops did not drive down crime but rather accelerated a downward trend that already existed due to local policing.

“It did not follow MPD’s [Metropolitan Police Department’s] existing deployment patterns. Instead, Guard personnel were spread across tourist

5 Members of the National Guard at the June 2026 Capital Pride Parade. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

5 On Nov. 3, District residents will cast their ballots for D.C. mayor, delegate and other seats in a general election that local Democrats are often expected to win. (WI FIle Photo/Shevry Lassiter)

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Senate Judiciary Committee Unanimously Advances NO FAKES Act

Historic Federal Legislation Protects Voice and Likeness of Artists

On June 18, the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approved the Recording Academy-backed NO FAKES Act (S. 4591/H.R.8915) by voice vote, advancing the bipartisan legislation to the full Senate for consideration. The historic vote brings Congress one step closer to establishing the first comprehensive federal protections against the unauthorized use of a person's voice, image, and likeness through AI-generated digital replicas.

Since 2024, The Recording Academy, also known as the Grammys, has made the NO FAKES Act (Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe Act) its top advocacy initiative.

This year, more than 200 Grammy-winning and -nominated artists went to Capitol Hill to make the case

Independent

for supporting the Act during the annual Grammys on the Hill (GOTH) visits with Congressional leaders. The victory of the NO FAKES Act moving forward to full Senate consideration comes on the 25th anniversary of GOTH's existence and efforts.

“This is important because it shows we are able to bridge the divide between artists, creators, and the policy makers who make decisions impacting how artists make a living and how they work,” said Todd Dupler, chief advocacy and public policy officer at The Recording Academy. “There has always been this perception for the creative community that policymakers are not accessible. For lawmakers, maybe they may not realize the impact they can have on creatives."

Autopsy Leaves Cause of Nolan Wells’ Death Undetermined as Family Demands Answers

5 In his autopsy report, Roger Mitchell, president of the National Medical Association, identifies several factors that limited the independent examination of Nolan Xavier Wells.

(WI File Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson)

An independent forensic examination of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells has not determined how he died, leaving one of the summer’s most closely watched death investigations without a definitive medical conclusion while raising new questions that his family and attorneys say require additional investigation.

The preliminary report, released by civil rights attorney Ben Crump, lists both the cause and manner of Wells’ death as “undetermined, pending investigation.” The findings come nearly three weeks after Wells disappeared during a July 4 boating trip to Mississippi’s Horn Island. His body was recovered two days later.

“For these reasons, this pathologist cannot rule out if any intervening, nonaccidental factors contributed to or caused the death of Nolan Wells,” Crump said while reading from the preliminary report prepared by forensic pathologist Dr. Roger A. Mitchell Jr., the former chief medical examiner for the District of Columbia and current president of the National Medical Association.

According to Crump, the examination was funded through an initiative supported by former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

Billion-Dollar Success Meets a Stunning Family Reversal

As the blockbuster “Michael,” crossed the $1 billion mark at the worldwide box office and cemented Michael Jackson’s estate as the steward of the first music biopic ever to reach the milestone, another chapter involving one of the singer’s closest relationships has moved into federal court.

A lawsuit filed by four members of the Cascio family has generated headlines around the world. But court records, public financial filings and interviews with people close to the estate and Jackson family reveal a far more complicated story involving bankruptcy proceedings, tax liens, foreclosure litigation, an alleged unpaid $600,000 loan from Jackson himself and a family that for decades stood among the superstar’s most vocal defenders.

The federal complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, accuses Jackson of sexually abusing Edward Cascio, Dominic Savini Cascio, Marie-Nicole Porte and Aldo Cascio while they were children. It names the Michael Jackson Company, co-executors John Branca and the late John McClain, MJJ Productions, MJJ Ventures and others as defendants, asserting claims that

include sex trafficking of children, negligence, fraud and breach of fiduciary duty.

For those who knew Jackson, however, the lawsuit represents an extraordinary reversal.

Jackson first met Dominic Cascio Sr. in 1984 while he was serving as banquet and general manager at New York City’s Helmsley Palace Hotel. The chance meeting developed into one of the closest friendships of Jackson’s adult life.

Over the next quarter-century, Jackson became a frequent guest at the Cascio family’s home in Hawthorne, New Jersey. He celebrated holidays with the family, spent extended periods there away from the pressures of celebrity and developed close relationships with the Cascio children. Just as significant, the family became one of the very few outside Jackson’s immediate relatives whom he trusted around Prince, Paris and Bigi Jackson, the children who today are among the principal beneficiaries of his estate.WI

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In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark

D.C. Home Rule Faces New Test as House Committee Advances Tax Authority Bill

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

A Republican-controlled House committee voted July 22 to advance legislation that would dramatically expand Congress' control over the District's tax laws, prompting Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) to call the measure "the most consequential rollback of D.C.'s home rule authority in modern history."

The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform approved the D.C. Taxing Authority Review Act on a 23-18 vote, sending the measure to the House floor. If enacted, the legislation would require Congress to affirmatively approve changes to the District's tax code before they could take effect, replacing the current system under which tax measures become law unless Congress passes a resolution blocking them during a review period.

"I'm outraged by the Oversight bill passed today, which would be the most consequential rollback of D.C.'s home rule authority in modern history,” Norton stated. “I'll keep fighting to stop this radical, undemocratic, and unworkable bill from further advancement.”

Republicans said the legislation is intended to protect District taxpayers from additional taxes and fees as city leaders consider new revenue options to address budget pressures. Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) argued that local leaders have relied too heavily on tax increases to fund government spending.

"Radical D.C. Democrats want to solve their spending problem by reaching deeper in D.C. taxpayers' pockets in driving further on the path to socialism," Comer said during the markup.

Supporters pointed to the D.C. Council's upcoming discussions on new revenue proposals and its recent approval of a 20-cent tax on food deliveries as evidence that Congress should exercise greater oversight over the District's taxing authority.

Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) said he supported the legislation "after watching the District subject its residents and visitors to years of petty fines, predatory fees, and tax hikes."

Opponents countered that the

proposal reaches well beyond tax increases. Norton said the legislation would also prevent the District from reducing or eliminating taxes without congressional approval and would apply to much more than tax rates alone.

"This bill would be the most consequential reduction in D.C.'s authority to govern itself since the D.C. Home Rule Act was passed in 1973 – the entire modern history of D.C. home rule," Norton said in remarks prepared for the committee.

She argued that the legislation would fundamentally reverse home rule established more than five decades ago.

"This bill flips the current congressional review process for a D.C. law on its head," Norton said. "D.C. could not impose or increase a tax or cut or eliminate a tax without congressional approval."

Democratic, Civil Rights Leaders Condemn Legislation

Norton also rejected Republican claims that the legislation is needed because of fiscal mismanagement by the District, noting that D.C. has maintained a balanced budget for nearly three decades.

"Last year, House Republicans omitted a provision in the Continuing Resolution that, in effect, caused a projected $1.1 billion shortfall in D.C.'s budget," Norton said. "This is factually incorrect; D.C.'s budget has been balanced for the last 29 years. Republicans in Congress intentionally caused last year's shortfall by forcing the District to revert to the prior year's spending levels."

Mayor Muriel Bowser also warned that the legislation would limit the city's ability to respond to changing economic conditions by preventing tax reductions as well as tax increases.

"This would render the District incapable of recovering from the debilitating impacts of COVID, federal remote work, and DOGE," Bowser said in a statement. "A safe and beautiful nation's capital can only be sustained with a vibrant economy. While the federal government should not touch the District's ability to raise and spend its local

AROUND THE REGION

dollars, they can and should help us replace the economic activity lost through reductions to the federal workforce and a shrinking federal footprint."

Democrats on the committee argued that Congress would effectively become the District's local legislature for tax policy.

"If [President] Donald Trump or Congressional Republicans want to run D.C., they should run for Mayor or the Council," said Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.)

Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) criticized the proposal during the markup, saying, "Seriously!?”

“We can't even pass our own bills,” Frost continued, “and now you want to add to that and pass the bills of D.C."

Civil rights advocates also condemned the legislation.

"The families who live in our nation's capital are like people in any other state, but we face the reality of federal taxation without representation every day," Monica Hopkins, executive director of the ACLU of the District of Columbia, said in a state-

5 A new legislation would dramatically expand Congress’ control over the District’s tax laws, leading Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton to call the measure the “most consequential rollback of D.C.'s home rule authority in modern history.” (WI File Photo/ Robert R. Roberts)

ment. "Now, members of Congress –never elected by D.C. voters – want to erode our local representation and expand federal control over our local tax dollars."

The legislation is the latest in a series of congressional efforts targeting District self-government. According to Norton, Republicans have introduced more than 130 bills, amendments and riders this Congress affecting local D.C. affairs, including legislation to repeal the Home Rule Act entirely.

The bill now advances to the full

House. Its prospects in the Senate remain uncertain.

"The 700,000 D.C. residents, the majority of whom are Black and Brown, are capable and worthy of governing themselves," Norton said. "If D.C. residents do not like how members of the D.C. Council vote, residents can vote them out of office. That is democracy. If D.C. residents do not like how members of Congress vote on local D.C. matters, residents cannot vote them out of office. That is the antithesis of democracy." WI

AROUND THE REGION

July 30

JULY 30 - AUG. 5, 2026 SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA

1936 – Famed blues guitarist/singer Buddy Guy is born in Lettsworth, Louisiana.

1945 – Adam Clayton Powell Jr., activist and politician, is elected to represent the congressional district including Harlem — the first Black congressman from New York state.

July 31

1874 – Patrick Francis Healy, is inaugurated as president of Georgetown University, the first African American president of a predominantly white college. 1921 – Civil rights leader Whitney M. Young is born in Lincoln Ridge, Kentucky.

Aug. 1

1879 – Mary Eliza Mahoney graduates from the nursing program at the New England Hospital for Women and Children, becoming the first African American registered nurse.

1894 – Benjamin Mays, educator and civil rights icon, is born in Ninety Six, South Carolina 1941 – Ron Brown, U.S. secretary of commerce during the Clinton administration, is born in Washington, D.C.

Aug. 2

1924 – Famed Black writer James Baldwin is born in Harlem.

Aug. 3

1908 – Allen Allensworth, an escaped slave who became a Union soldier and Army chaplain, founds Allensworth, California, the only town in the state to be founded, financed and governed by African Americans.

Aug. 4

1810 – Abolitionist Robert Purvis, who co-founded local and national anti-slavery groups, is born in Charleston, South Carolina.

1901 – Louis Armstrong, iconic jazz trumpeter and singer, is born in New Orleans.

1931 – Daniel Hale Williams, pioneering African American surgeon, dies in Idlewild, Michigan, at 75.

1961 – Barack Obama, the first African American president in United States history, is born in Honolulu. 1963 – Keith Ellison, the first Muslim to be elected to U.S. Congress, is born in Detroit.

1964 – The bodies of three civil rights workers discovered on farm near Philadelphia, Mississippi.

Aug. 5

1953 – The beginning of integration in Chicago's Trumbull Park Homes housing project, located in an all-white neighborhood, triggers yearslong violence and racial tension.

1960 – African nation Burkina Faso gains independence from France.

1962 – Nelson Mandela is arrested in South Africa for inciting a workers' strike. He was later sentenced to life imprisonment for sabotaging the nation's government. WI

Trumbull Park Homes

Louis Armstrong (left)

James Baldwin (center) Barack Obama (right)

view P INT

BY WI STAFF

What are your thoughts on the Howard University unenrollment challenges, and how do you think it will affect the campus community going into the fall 2026 semester?

TYRONE VEST / LAUREL, MARYLAND

“I read that they started to re-enroll a couple people out of the 500, which is a start but not by much. Howard is supposed to be a high-caliber HBCU, and they say they offer help to their students, but it seems that when it’s time… they come up short, or they have excuses. I think it will cause incoming freshmen and transfers to lose interest in Howard, and given Howard's previous problems with tuition and the Bursar’s office, something like this isn’t good.”

NOAH GREENE / QUEENS, NEW YORK

OLUCHUKWU OKORONKWO / NORTHWEST, D.C.

“They played in people’s faces––they knew better. Look at the housing situation that’s been going on for years. It’s about the money, and it could’ve been handled better. And for the community itself, there are already cracks because of elitism and [economic division], so I feel like this just kind of further pushes the gap between people who have more and have less that go to Howard.”

“As a recent grad, I witnessed Howard try to approach these situations as a business and not as a school. Although the students make up the Howard community and uplift its name. If Howard continues to ignore its overarching issues, I believe that the illustrious or the Mecca name will be stripped away.”

NAILA CADDEN / NORTHWEST, D.C.

“Howard’s sudden student unenrollment was bound to create animosity towards the institution. Every year, first-time-incollege students AND continuing students face financial challenges, and it is always hard for students to get in contact with Howard’s financial aid office. I feel terrible for the students whose dream was to attend Howard. At the same time, after doing some research, Howard did send out multiple deadlines to incoming freshmen about when payments were due. In the past, incoming students didn’t have harsh deadlines like this, which is why many of us are confused now. I believe Howard is remedying some of their unenrollment for students whose checks and scholarships haven’t been disbursed as long as they show proof they are on the way.”

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D.C. Regulators Reopen Review of Washington Gas Pipeline Plan Following Challenge by Schwalb, Consumer Advocates

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

The District’s Public Service Commission will reconsider Washington Gas Light (WGL) Company’s proposed pipeline replacement plan after granting a request from the Office of the Attorney General, the Office of the People’s Counsel and the Sierra Club for a new hearing on the project.

Opponents of the WGL plan say it could drive utility bills even higher while providing too few assurances that the work is being completed efficiently.

Attorney General Brian Schwalb announced Monday that the commission will hold a two-day rehearing on Washington Gas’ proposed District SAFE plan, giving attorneys representing the District an opportunity to question the company’s witnesses about the project, its costs and its impact on customers.

“Skyrocketing utility bills are worsening an affordability crisis for D.C. residents, and we cannot continue to give Washington Gas a blank check funded on the backs of ratepayers, especially when its pipe replacement project is behind schedule, over budget, and locks us into paying for a gas system that will soon be obsolete,” Schwalb said. “Any plan the commission approves must keep the community safe from dangerous gas leaks,

5 Climate activists gather in 2023 to speak out against a project proposed by Washington Gas. After granting a request for a new hearing, the District’s Public Service Commission will reconsider Washington Gas Light Company’s proposed pipeline replacement plan. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

ensure project funds are spent wisely, not wasted, and protect ratepayers from excessive and unwarranted rate increases.”

The hearings, scheduled for July 27 and 28, revisit a dispute that has stretched on for years over Washington Gas’ effort to replace aging natural gas pipelines throughout the District. The company is seeking approval for the next phase of its District SAFE program, which would authorize approximately $215 million in work between 2025 and 2027. The project would be financed through a surcharge on customers’ gas bills.

Washington Gas says the proposal would replace 12 miles of gas main and thousands of service lines while addressing aging infrastructure throughout its distribution system.

The Public Service Commission approved a modified version of the proposal in March after what Schwalb’s office described as a limited hearing. The Office of the Attorney General, the Office of the People’s Counsel and the Sierra Club later sought a rehearing, arguing regulators lacked sufficient evidence to determine whether the project would adequately control costs, prioritize the most urgent repairs and align with the District’s long-term environmental goals.

According to the Attorney General’s Office, Washington Gas has spent nearly $400 million over the past 12 years on pipeline replacement but has replaced only a small portion of the

older, leak-prone pipes in its system. During that same period, the number of Grade 1 gas leaks, the category considered to pose the greatest immediate safety risk, increased 40 percent between 2014 and 2022.

The Office of the Attorney General also said District residents saw gas bills rise approximately 13% between 2025 and 2026, with about 37% of that increase attributed to the surcharge that finances the ongoing pipe replacement program. Officials contend another phase of the project could push bills even higher for residents and businesses.

District officials have argued that Washington Gas’ latest proposal represents “a more expensive continuation... with fewer guardrails,” warning that customers could continue paying more while receiving diminishing returns from the replacement effort.

Schwalb’s office also cited an expert report commissioned by the District concluding that, if work continues at the company’s planned pace, replacing all gas pipes installed before 1970 would take more than 150 years and cost approximately $6.2 billion. The report estimated the current value of Washington Gas’ distribution system in the District at about $1.3 billion. Environmental advocates also urged regulators to reconsider the proposal.

WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

making their voices heard, standing up against what they call a set of circumstances that have long set the stage for the District’s socioeconomic maladies.

“We’re starting to see this repetitive cycle where we have groups and cliques forming, but the everyday people's lives that need them and the issues and the policies that need to be enforced or addressed are falling by the wayside,” said Dr. Rhonda L. Hamilton, an independent mayoral candidate. “We see a quality of life that is changing and that is diminishing as a result of the disconnect of government from everyday citizen lives.”

Hamilton, a mental health advocate and small business owner, launched her mayoral bid earlier this year, in the middle of a Democratic primary that pitted D.C. Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4) against former D.C. council members Kenyan McDuffie and Vincent Orange, Gary Goodweather, Rini Sampath, Ernest Johnson, Hope Solomon, and writein candidate Yaida Ford.

This election season unfolded more than a decade after Hamilton left the Democratic Party, perturbed by what she recounted as then-President Barack Obama’s overtures to congressional Republicans.

“I realized that moving forward, that they were going to have to earn my vote,” Hamilton said. “I really didn't want to claim a party that wasn't helping the lives that I had been reaching out to as a mental health advocate. Their lives weren't changing, regardless of who was in power, whether it was the Republicans or Democrats.”

Earlier this month, just weeks after Lewis George’s first-round victory in D.C.’s first-ever ranked-choice voting primary election, Hamilton ramped up her campaign with an event at Colony House on Farragut Street NW. That’s where she promoted a platform that focuses on: housing stability, increasing access to comprehensive health care, repairing strained community-police relationships, budget accountability and transparency, support of small businesses, and investments in youth.

In her second attempt at the mayor’s seat, Hamilton expressed a desire to build upon her advocacy for those who were displaced by the Encampment Pilot in 2021. In the weeks before June 16, when fewer than 40% of registered Democrats voted, Hamilton also told The Informer that aims

to stimulate civic engagement among the disaffected and unengaged.

“Democrats anticipate that their electorate would show up because of the threats, but the truth of the matter is that it's important for us to help D.C. residents that were not voting,” Hamilton told The Informer. “We realized that if we could successfully move a certain percentage of the non-voting population to the table, in addition to going after the frustrated voters that are at table, we could really change the trajectory of the conversation.”

In the Face of Trumpism, D.C. Democrats Espouse Unity

The D.C. Democratic primary season exposed fault lines between factions of the local Democratic Party, including elder party leaders, some of whom employed a nativist tone, and younger, more radical organizers who touted their direct ties to a changing community.

Some races, including that for the Ward 1 D.C. Council seat, also stoked controversy about the increasing influence of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).

On July 18, long after the smoke cleared, the D.C. Democratic Party hosted its unity breakfast at STATION DC at Union Market. For the several dozen who attended, the three-hour event served as an exercise in healing and creating a united front against President Donald J. Trump and congressional Republicans who continue to infringe on local affairs.

“While the campaign has ended, our work as a party continues. We share a common commitment to protecting our democracy, advancing D.C. statehood, defending home rule, and improving the lives of all residents in all eight wards,” said Charles Wilson, chair of the D.C. Democrats. “As we look toward November and beyond, our success is going to depend on our ability to work together. When Democrats are united, we are stronger, we are more effective, and we're able to better serve the residents that we were elected to serve.”

In his remarks, McDuffie pledged his support for Lewis George, who he said will build upon D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s foundation to protect D.C. home rule, strengthen the economy, expand opportunity and affordable housing, and make the District safer.

“That work is not just about one person. It belongs to all of us,” McDuffie said. “Some of it happens in government. Some of it happens in neighborhoods. Some of it happens in our businesses, our nonprofits, our schools, our places of worship. The point is this: every one of us still has a role to play.”

Lewis George later took to the stage as Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Alright” blared over jumbo speakers, perhaps in recognition of what she called the toll that the primary election took on all campaigns. In her remarks, she used returning citizen re-entry advocate Tony Lewis, Jr.’s mantra of “D.C. or Nothing. She also evoked the Kwan-

UNITY Page 11 UNITY from Page 1

5 (L-R) Democratic nominee for D.C. Del. Robert White alongside Democratic mayoral nominee Janeese Lewis George, her one-time opponent and former D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, and D.C. Democratic Party Chair Charles Wilson. (Sam Plo Kwia Collins, Jr./The Washington Informer)

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Razak Diallo, a Washington Informer intern, catches up on stories in the weekly newspaper. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer) Who’s

Aspiring journalists from the M-NCPPC Black History Program and Visual Arts Summer Internship stopped by The Washington Informer office to get a hands-on experience on what it's like to work in an actual newsroom. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

AROUND THE REGION

from Page 9

zaa principles of umoja (unity), ujima (collective works and responsibility), kujichagulia (self-determination) and imani (faith).

“When we come together from different backgrounds, different upbringings, and bring those thoughtful ideas together, we are better because of it,” Lewis George said. “So let us celebrate the diversity within our Democratic Party and in our leadership because it is our greatest strength. And so my message today is that there, this room right here and this D.C. Democratic Party right here, there is room for every single one of us.”

Those who were in attendance at the unity breakfast included: D.C. Council members Anita Bonds (DAt large), Trayon White (D-Ward 8), Wendell Felder (D-Ward 7), and Matt Frumin (D-Ward 3). Others in the room were former D.C. council members Yvette Alexander, Harry Thomas, Jr., and Jack Evans, along with Ward 1 D.C. Council Democratic nominee Aparna Raj, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb and Shadow U.S. Senator Paul Strauss.

Bowser didn’t attend the breakfast. Her team didn’t immediately respond to an inquiry about her absence.

Though members of the local Democratic establishment had much to celebrate, other moments, like that facilitated by D.C. Councilmember Robert White (D-At large), prompted silence. White, Democratic nominee for the seat that D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton will soon leave, analyzed Trump’s July 16 primetime address to the nation, particularly, as he noted, how the president’s remarks foreshadow future attempts at election interference.

“That might happen when it's time

tax money.”

In the weeks after becoming the D.C. Statehood Green Party nominee for D.C. delegate, Freeman has been gelling plans together for town halls to take place during the month of August. Those town halls, he said, will center on the theme of, “General Election to General Strike: Tax Resistance or Statehood.”

“D.C. should not be paying federal income taxes in the absence of statehood,” he told The Informer. “If I am fortunate enough to get into the office, I'm taking this country to court over the right for us to be tax exempt.”

for me to be sworn in to Congress to represent our city as a third delegate representing our city,” White said on the afternoon of July 18. “That might happen in 2028 when it is time for a new president to be sworn in because this time instead of a rambling man decrying the outcome of a campaign with a mob of people storming the Capitol, he is prepared to use the full force of the federal government and troops in our city to stop the peaceful transfer of power to stop democracy.”

Within a matter of seconds, however, White changed the tenor of his speech with words of inspiration for local Democrats.

“What they are not counting on is that D.C. doesn't just lay down. We stand up,” he said. “We have a party that comes together that is strong for the purpose of protecting our city and protecting democracy and that is exactly what we are going to do. So I won't be a delegation of one representing Washington D.C. We will be a delegation of 700,000 people coming together to say that we are going to protect our city and democracy.”

In His Latest Electoral Bid, Kymone Freeman Channels the Energy of D.C. Statehood Green Party’s Hilda Mason

For Kymone Freeman, truly protecting democracy is a matter of addressing the elephant in the room.

“The corporate leadership of the Democratic Party is more committed to providing Israel with free health care, subsidized housing, and subsidized education than they are to providing those things for the people in America,” said Freeman, “with your

political prisoners who fought for that cause, Freeman continues to call the local Democratic Party a buffer designed to neutralize radical sentiment.

“The majority of the people in the city, whether they support or identify as a Democrat, it's because [he Democrats] are the fake, controlled opposition party,” Freeman told The Informer. “There's no real allegiance to the Democratic Party anymore. We're looking for how to fight. In the absence of an answer to that question, people have thrown their hands up and chose not to fight.”

Freeman questioned whether White, or any other Democrat, had the gall to employ such a course of action. He, like Hamilton, went on to point out that local Democrats have fallen short in significantly improving life outcomes and spurring civic engagement among the most marginalized.

In advance of Black August, a month dedicated to Black liberation and the

In preparation for, yet another battle to change the tide, Freeman has as a muse the late Hilda Mason, the District’s longest-serving at-large council member since Home Rule. Mason, who represented the D.C. Statehood Green Party on the council between 1977 and 1999, was also a DSA member elected to higher office well before Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) gave the organization national prom-

inence.

“One of the few things I can say I'm proud of about D.C. politics is that we've seen several instances where the candidate with the most money does not win,” Freeman said. “The candidate with The Washington Post endorsement does not win. We are primed for that. We're now stepping to the unknown, the final chapter, and breaking the assumption that the Democratic primary winner is the assumed winner in the general election.”

If elected, Freeman’s policy goals, in addition to withholding federal taxes, include addressing the root causes of violence and mandating that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development designates 30% of a person’s income as the maximum monthly rent.

He called his platform the end all, be all in eradicating economic strife in D.C. and across the country. WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

UNITY

5 If elected as the next D.C. delegate, Kymone Freeman aims to press for D.C.’s nonpayment of federal taxes, a cap on rent, and holistic solutions to violence. (Courtesy Photo)

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Prince George’s Political Updates

Legislature to Hold Special Session on Redistricting, New Development Near Bowie State

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

Maryland Legislature to Convene for Special Session on Redistricting Maryland’s presiding officers have called for a special legislative session in Annapolis, centered entirely on congressional redistricting, during the first week of August.

Gov. Wes Moore (D-Md.), Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D-District 21), and Sen. President Bill Ferguson IV (D-District 46) are aligned on passing a bill to

create a new congressional map for the 2028 election.

“As presiding officers, we have directed the Department of Legislative Services to accept bill drafting requests for the special session only if they relate directly to the purpose for which the Maryland General Assembly is being reconvened: consideration of legislation concerning congressional redistricting standards,” read a joint letter signed by the Speaker and Senate President on July 20. “We recognize that affordability, energy costs, and other issues facing Marylanders remain important and the Maryland General As-

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sembly took meaningful steps to address many of those concerns during the 2026 session.”

A proposed redistricting map passed the House 99-37 during the legislative session earlier this year, but was not taken to a vote by the State Senate. Peña-Melnyk called on other leaders to “meet the moment”as Florida legislators redrew their districts in February.

During the session, Ferguson’s case against undertaking redistricting centered on the possibility of Maryland’s Supreme Court choosing to draw a map that would be more favorable for Republicans.

“For the umpteenth time, in the Senate, we generally do not bring things to the floor that don’t have the votes to pass,” said Ferguson in a press conference on Feb. 20.

“Even if this were a realistic possibility, the window of opportunity closed months ago. We know that to be the case because we know what prior redistricting case studies have shown.”

Moore, a strong proponent of redistricting, signed the Maryland Voting Rights Act into law on April 28, the day before the Supreme Court’s Callais decision, which effectively dismantled the remaining tenets of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and will essentially end Black representation in the Deep South.

“For months, I have said that inaction is not an option and we cannot sit on the sidelines while voting rights, fair representation,

and the foundations of our democracy come under attack across the country,” Moore said in a statement shortly after the announcement from the presiding officers.

“I appreciate the General Assembly’s continued conversations and the agreement to come back to finish the work.”

New Development

Planned for Bowie State

Following Gov. Wes Moore’s (D) goal of increasing Maryland’s housing supply, 97.6 acres of stateowned land near the Bowie State MARC station will be turned into a transit-oriented development, which state leaders hope will create several pathways for residents.

“Transit-oriented development is about access. Access to jobs, housing, education, health care, and the opportunities that help people build better lives,’’ Lt. Governor Miller said. “When we create vibrant, walkable communities connected by reliable transit, we make it easier for Marylanders to reach opportunity and for opportunity to reach every Maryland community.”

The Maryland Department of Transportation selected Mosaic Development Partners JV and Campus Apartments as the state’s joint development partner, while Prince George’s County selected BSU MARC Community Partners, LLC as the county’s development partner. The state owns

roughly 4.6 acres of land while the county owns 93 acres.

“I am very excited to announce the selection of the developer for the county-owned property near the Bowie State MARC Station. This is another example of how my administration is laser focused on economic development,” said County Executive Aisha Braveboy. “From the Sphere to Six Flags to the Blue Line Corridor to New Carrollton to Suitland and beyond, we are elevating the quality of development throughout the county to bring the much-needed retail, housing and entertainment our residents deserve. I look forward to continued partnership with MDOT, Bowie State University and the State of Maryland to advance this transit-oriented development.”

Bowie State President Dr. Aminta Breaux is excited to see this growth in the university’s backyard.

“This transformative investment represents far more than a transit project. It is an investment in our students, Bowie State University, and the future of the region,” said Dr. Aminta H. Breaux, president of Bowie State University. “This development advances our vision for Bowie State to continue serving as an anchor institution that expands opportunity, strengthens communities and contributes to the economic vitality of our community.”

WI

5 Gov. Wes Moore signs the Maryland Voting Rights Act into law, shaking hands with bill sponsor Sen. Charles Sydnor III. (Courtesy Photo/Office of Sen. Charles Sydnor)

BUSINESS

U.S. Foreclosures Hit Seven-Year

High While D.C. Area Remains Relatively Stable

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Foreclosure filings across the United States have reached their highest level in nearly seven years.

By early 2026, the national foreclosure start rate hit 0.24%, matching rates from before the pandemic. With federal relief programs ended and the cost-of-living outpacing wage growth, many homeowners are struggling to make mortgage payments.

Realtor.com reported that the rate of foreclosures has ticked up in recent years after a period of suppression following the COVID-19 pandemic. Foreclosures are now about as common as they were in 2019, but well below the levels seen during the Great Financial Crisis.

Foreclosed homes go to auction, and if their reserve price is not met, they become Real Estate Owned (REO) and are listed by the lender on the MLS. Realtor.com data shows that REOs were 1.3% of active listings in April.

The median REO home that sells does so for a price that is 27.2% less than its estimated value. This discount, however, was even higher when the housing market was hotter and there were fewer foreclosed homes for sale.

“REO listings are concentrated in low-cost markets, and though they draw 26.5% more page views than typical listings, they spend 11 days longer on the market,” Realtor.com experts said.

Certain regions, especially parts of the South and Midwest, are seeing the largest share of default listings. In Lake Charles, Louisiana, and Tuscaloosa, Alabama, foreclosures now make up more than 7% of active home listings.

The D.C. area recorded 959 active foreclosure filings early this year—an increase from 849 at the same time last year. That represents a 12.9% jump. Even so, the District itself has not

Development and the Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking. Residents can also call hotlines at (202) 265-2255 and (855) 449-2255 for advice and support.

Officials urge people to watch out for scams and to report suspicious offers to local authorities.

Even with a rise in filings over the past year, the D.C. housing market remains steady. While inflation and higher costs may continue to create challenges, the city’s strong job market and support programs are helping many families remain in their homes.

reached the extreme levels seen during the housing crash of 2008.

Foreclosure activity in D.C. dropped 6.82% compared to the previous quarter, although it is still 16.31% higher than a year ago. Despite these changes, the market remains steady, supported by stable home values and the area’s strong base of federal jobs.

Abandoned homes caught in foreclosure, sometimes called “zombie” foreclosures, have increased slightly in D.C. but remain rare, making up just a small part of the local housing market.

Behind these numbers are stories of loss and resilience. Michelle Polizzi, who wrote a memoir about losing her family’s home, described the lasting personal impact.

“Knowing that I was about to lose my house internalized the untrue belief that I no longer deserved one,” Polizzi recalled. “We don’t just lose a physical house when we experience foreclosure. We lose a fundamental piece of who we are.”

Vanessa and Richard Bulnes, renters in D.C., faced the threat of losing their home for a second time after a landlord’s delays in fixing lead contamination forced Vanessa’s business to close, leading to unpaid rent.

“There were nights where I would wake up and think, ‘We’re squatters.’ And we felt really bad about that be cause it was never our intention to not pay rent,” Vanessa told PBS.

For D.C. residents worried about foreclosure, help is available. The Dis trict’s Foreclosure Mediation Program gives homeowners a chance to meet with lenders and discuss options such as loan modifications and repayment plans. Since 2011, 70% of mediations have resulted in homeowners keeping their homes.

Housing counseling and legal sup port are available through the Depart ment of Housing and Community

“There is no trade-off for a roof over our heads,” Polizzi wrote. “Losing one’s home breeds a unique brand of shame because housing isn’t something we can live without, at least not if we want any sort of quality of life,

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5 Foreclosure filings across the U.S. are at their highest level since 2019.

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NATIONAL

family continues to seek only one answer.

Mitchell’s report identifies several factors that limited the independent examination. By the time he conducted the second autopsy on July 10, Wells’ body had undergone significant decomposition and had already been subjected to the state’s initial autopsy, preventing a complete independent assessment.

According to the report, Mitchell, also former president of Howard University Hospital, noted a focal area of red discoloration in the soft tissue at the back of Wells’ head but said its cause could not be determined. The examination found no fractures or deep tissue injuries after additional dissections of the head, neck, torso, ribs, pelvis, back, arms and legs.

Crump also disclosed that certain neck structures examined during the state’s autopsy were not available during the independent examination.

“The throat was not received with the body. Therefore, this pathologist cannot rule out injury to the neck as a contributor or a cause of death,” Crump said, quoting the report.

The report also notes that the independent pathologist could not evaluate Wells’ lungs, stomach contents or certain other evidence because those organs had already been examined during the official autopsy, whose final results remain pending toxicology testing.

Standing beside Crump, Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley, said her

“There are so many people out in the public asking all of these questions, but the only question that we have is what happened to our son,” she said. “That is the only question.”

Wonsley said the family has endured public criticism while mourning their son.

“It has been absolutely difficult, which is why we’ve gone this route,” she said. “It is our hope that our local authorities will do what they need to do, because us having the preliminary autopsy results and hearing nothing from them, it’s heartbreaking, and it’s concerning.”

The late teen’s father, Elmore Wonsley, rejected suggestions that his son’s disappearance are a reflection of his character.

“We just want honesty. We want to know what happened to our son, because the things that you’re telling us, that’s not the character of our son,” he said. “We know our son.”

NAACP President Derrick Johnson sharply criticized what he described as shortcomings in the investigation.

“The narrative should not be, it was an accident before there was an investigation,” Johnson said. “The narrative should not be the words of individuals who went on a boat to the island with him, but they came without him, but with his cell phone, and you don’t investigate those individuals.” WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

5 NAACP President Derrick Johnson (left) and civil rights attorney Ben Crump stand with Elmore and Christine Wonsley (center) who are seeking answers in the death of their son Nolan Xavier Wells. (Courtesy Photo/Screenshot, NAACP)

NOLAN from Page 4

HEALTH

Maryland, Virginia See Increase in Cyclosporiasis Cases While D.C. Reports Six This Season

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Health officials across the D.C. metropolitan region are tracking an increase in cyclosporiasis cases this summer, with: Maryland reporting 110 infections since May 1; Virginia confirming 79 cases—more than double its five-year average for this point in the season; and the District reporting six cases, none of which has been linked to a local outbreak.

“Practicing good hand hygiene and thoroughly washing all fresh produce under running water before eating or cooking are fundamental food safety

habits,” Virginia State Health Commissioner Dr. Cameron Webb said, urging residents to take precautions during the height of the summer produce season.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has continued investigating multiple cyclospora outbreaks nationwide, including one linked to recalled iceberg lettuce distributed in at least 27 states. Federal officials said the lettuce investigation is one of several ongoing investigations and that many reported illnesses are unrelated to that outbreak.

Maryland has recorded the highest number of cases in the region. Mont-

gomery County accounts for 19 confirmed cases, the highest total reported by any Maryland jurisdiction.

Virginia has confirmed 79 cases, a figure officials said exceeds twice the state’s historical five-year average for this stage of the reporting season. Twelve of those infections have been reported in the Northern Health Region, which includes Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties.

The District has reported six cases since May 1. According to DC Health, most involved residents who recently traveled outside the United States, and officials have not identified a local cluster or community outbreak associated with District residents.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite cyclospora cayetanensis. According to health officials, in the United States, infections have frequently been linked to contaminated fresh produce. People become infected after consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite, but direct person-to-person spread is considered unlikely because the organism requires time outside the human body before it becomes infectious.

Symptoms generally begin about a week after exposure, although they may develop anywhere from two days

to two weeks later. The illness commonly causes watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss. Without treatment, symptoms can continue for several weeks and sometimes return after initially improving.

People around the DMV and nation are taking precautions due to the confirmed cases.

“Incredibly unfortunate how rampant this cyclospora outbreak is with no concrete actions taken except the telephone tag these companies are doing,” one social media user wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “I’ve been cooking all vegetables at home and had one takeout soup since hearing the

news. You don’t [want to] mess with your gut health.”

Health officials continue to recommend washing hands before preparing food, rinsing fresh fruits and vegetables under running water, refrigerating cut produce promptly and paying attention to food recall notices. The CDC notes that washing produce alone cannot guarantee removal of cyclospora, while cooking food to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit can kill the parasite.

“Thoroughly washing all fresh produce under running water before eating or cooking are fundamental food safety habits that can help keep you and your families safe year-round,” Webb said. WI

5 This summer, health officials across the DMV region are tracking an increase in cyclosporiasis cases, which have frequently been linked to contaminated fresh produce. (WI File Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson)

EARTH OUR

Extreme Heat is Not an Equal-Opportunity Killer

Power Shutoffs, No A/C, Outdoor Work: In a Nation Built on Inequality, Heat Victims are Exactly Who You’d Expect

By Willy Blackmore Word in Black

This article was originally published online with Word In Black, a collaboration of the nation's leading Black news

publishers (of which The Washington Informer is a member) and slightly edited for clarity.

It wasn’t extremely hot when Shauna Thomas’ electricity was shut off in

early June last year after she fell behind on her bills. In St. Ann, Missouri, the small city just north of Saint Louis, where Thomas lived, it was 88 degrees that day.

But in the weeks that followed, the temperature skyrocketed as a heat dome weather system settled over a large swath of the eastern half of the country, including Missouri.

On the day Thomas, 55, was found

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3 A family cools off on a hot summer day in 2023. As temperatures soar due to climate change, a growing number of heat-related deaths are gaining attention from researchers and the media, and many of the victims are Black. (WI File Photo)

CAP, with the number of deaths per year steadily rising since 2016.

dead in her sweltering apartment, the temperature hit 96 degrees, and the heat index was well over 100.

In Dallas, a week earlier, the temperature was in the 90s as Jacob Taylor, 28, and a veteran letter carrier, delivered mail in one of the US Postal Service’s older mail trucks that lacked air conditioning. He never made it home from his shift.

“I was told that a customer saw him entering his mail together to make deliveries, [and] all of a sudden collapsed,” Kimetra Lewis of the Dallas Union for Letter Carriers said. Taylor died later that day. He was only 55.

Heat Is a Killer — and Victims Are Often Black

Extreme heat can be fatal, but it’s not always easy to see it as such. While high temperatures are the deadliest form of extreme weather, deaths from extreme heat are difficult to identify and are frequently misattributed to other causes.

But as temperatures soar due to climate change, a growing number of heat-related deaths are gaining attention from researchers and the media. And, like Thomas and Taylor, the victims are often Black.

In 2024, inmate Adrienne Boulware died in the Central California Women’s Facility when the temperature in Chowchilla hit 110 degrees. In 2023, Eugene Gates, another Dallas letter carrier, died while working his Dallas route during a heatwave.

A 2025 Center for American Progress report put it plainly: “Those who are most vulnerable to heat-related health effects include working-class, low-income, and majority Black or Latino communities, as well as people with disabilities and chronic illnesses, people who are pregnant, people who work or exercise outside, older adults, and young children.”

There were more than 21,000 heat-related deaths in the U.S. between 1999 and 2023, according to

Thomas, the resident whose electricity was cut off, and Taylor, the letter carrier, fell victim to broader issues that turn dangerous heat into deadly heat: a rapidly warming climate triggering extreme weather events, a lack of air conditioning, and outdoor work.

Changing Laws

It was reported that Thomas had preexisting health issues before the heat wave, but officials concluded high temperatures and lack of air conditioning were factors in her death, if not the outright cause of it. Had the heat hit a few days earlier, or had state laws been a little different, her air conditioning might have been available to her when she needed it most. There’s no provision for turning power back on when it gets dangerously hot.

Missouri has what’s called the Hot Weather Law, which bars utilities from shutting off electric or natural gas service when the temperature is forecast to reach at least 95 degrees or when the heat index reaches 105 degrees or higher. The law is in effect between June 1 and September 30 every year. While Thomas’ electricity was shut off after the Hot Weather Law took effect for the year, the temperature was below the 95-degree threshold. There’s no provision for turning power back on when it gets dangerously hot.

“We are saddened to learn about the passing of one of our customers,” a spokesperson from Ameren Missouri, the electric utility in St. Ann, said in a statement. “While we cannot share specific customer account details due to privacy considerations, our thoughts are with the individual’s family and friends.”

Incompatible With the Climate Crisis

For delivery drivers, the problem of extreme heat is twofold. Besides the outdoor portion of the work, they often drive for hours on end in vehicles that, more often than not, lack air conditioning.

WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

EDUCATION

from Page 1

Never in my life have I gotten so far and worked so hard for it to be stripped from me on a random Wednesday,” said Isabella Williams, in a tearful video posted to Instagram.

In the now viral post, with more than 28,000 likes and 13,000 shares, the young lady explains that she was told that she was on track, “everything was fine” and that her “scholarships could come through later.” Now, she and her family are figuring out next steps.

“And then I'm suddenly un-enrolled from my dream school, from a school that I worked so hard to get into, to afford to go to, because my mother wasn't able to continue her education there for the same reason,” she said in the video. “This is unacceptable.”

While the initial email was sent to students who were said to have unpaid balances as of July 10, the university announced on July 26 that 46 of the 502 students had been re-enrolled.

“Regarding my personal situation, I just got my classes back. I hope that means that we're moving in the right direction. Unfortunately, I don't have my merit scholarships on there and that's an essential part of me attending Howard University, so I hope that can be figured out,” Williams posted on Instagram on July 23. “There are some students that have been entirely reinstated. There are other students that are waiting.

I am not going to stop talking about this, until everyone has their situation handled properly.”

In working to solidify enrollment, some students report a disconnect between department advisors and administration staff, particularly about whether the outstanding balances of first-time-in-college students would impede on securing classes and housing. When searching for answers from administrative staff in the preliminary mandatory meetings, Kalahn Morris, an incoming freshman majoring in accounting with a concentration in computer information from Chicago said he experienced unpleasant interactions with staff.

“Some of them can be so snappy and rude at times [and it] doesn’t give off the impression we are in a safe space,” said Morris. “The lady basically told my mom college is expensive ma’am, you just have to deal with it like everyone else.”

Howard University did not respond to requests for comments about the un-enrollment situation or administration’s interactions with students leading into the school year.

In the meantime and as time ticks closer to the first day of fall semester on Aug. 17, students are still seeking answers on next steps.

“Money is a big thing but a lot of us are broken down. Morris answered what needs he is asking for. “We feel that we are misheard or mistreated in a way.”

As hundreds of Howard hopefuls, student organizations, such as the HU chapter of the NAACP, are seeking justice for the class of 2030.

“No student should have their educational future placed in jeopardy because of administrative error or inconsistent communication. While universities have a responsibility to enforce financial policies, they also have an obligation to communicate those policies clearly, consistently, and with sufficient notice,” the chapter wrote in a statement submitted to The Informer. “The university's response to this situation will shape confidence in its enrollment, financial aid, and student support systems for years to come.”

All Eyes on HU, Advocates Work to Strengthen Institution

Howard is a celebrated institution, ranked No. 1 among historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and No. 88 in the country by U.S News and World Report. This year, the institution accepted a historic number of students with an expected incoming class of 2,500.

The timing of the situation comes after two high profile announcements about the institution, including a multi-year partnership with Howard University Athletics and McDonald’s

and a 2026 graduate Kennedy Reece in the cast of the Netflix adaptation of “A Different World.” The duality of these high profile announcements has not gone unnoticed, sowing speculation in the student body if the administration follows the university motto of “Truth and Service.”

The un-enrollment crisis follows a legacy of challenges with the campus

and administration that have resulted in multiple student-led protests, such as the “Blackburn Takeover” in 2020, where collegiates occupied the student center for multiple days.

“The current crisis unfolding is not occurring in isolation,” the HU NAACP chapter wrote in a statement.

“For many students, alumni, and community members, it represents

3 Students and their families move into Howard University dorms in August 2022. (WI File Photo/Anthony Tilghman)

another chapter in a much longer pattern of institutional disadvantages involving tuition increases, housing shortages, administrative communication failures, financial aid concerns, and questions about whether the university’s systems are adequately equipped to support its growing student population.”

The chapter offered suggestions on how to help families in need of answers regarding un-enrollment, including: document everything; contact the appropriate offices and copy Howard University Student Affairs (husaexec@ gmail.com) on each email; continue applying for scholarships; and share experiences. They encourage speaking out against the un-enrollment challenges as a way of strengthening the university overall. WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

D.C. is more than just a federal city. It is a collection of neighborhoods and communities that have nurtured distinctive cultures of creativity, learning, music, food, and sports. Its residents have contributed ideas that have been embraced by the country and have stimulated change.

INTERNATIONAL

HIV/AIDS Research, Innovation Persist Despite PEPFAR Funding Cuts Ahead of

the International AIDS Conference, Researchers Present Findings

n

n Brochures

n Business Cards

n Banners

n Canvas Bags

n Color Copies

n Contracts & Vouchers

n Church Fans

n Fax & Scan

Programs

Postcards

Promotional Products n Posters & Signs n Tithe Envelopes

n Tickets & Flyers n T-Shirts

By Mya Trujillo WI Multimedia Reporter

The second Trump administration commenced in 2025 with a sweep of funding cuts that took both the nation and the globe by storm, including a 90day freeze on USAID, which paused operations surrounding the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). A year later, two new studies released by the International AIDS Society (IAS) found that the freeze later left a devastating impact on the program.

IAS members and researchers presented information from both studies, which explore the rollback’s impacts and developments made in HIV prevention and treatment initiatives, on July 21, in preparation for AIDS 2026, the 26th International AIDS Conference (July 26-July 31) in Rio de Janeiro, where they will further dissect the reports’ findings.

“Our key finding is that implementing partners and their programs were hit from two directions,” said amFAR policy associate Elise Lankiewicz. “Some awards were terminated, while

5 PEPFAR is meant to help unite nations in the fight against HIV and AIDS. With cuts to the program made by the Trump administration, self-testing kits that help people worldwide, like Geoffrey of Tanzania (pictured above), detect the virus and seek treatment, are at risk. (U.S. Military HIV Research Program via Facebook)

others were allowed to continue, but still required to alter programming to align with priorities of this U.S. administration.”

PEPFAR, considered the largest vow by a nation to combat a disease, has certainly felt the impact.

Launched in 2003 to champion global prevention, care and treatment efforts HIV— which, at the end of 2024, affected approximately 40.8 million people worldwide— PEPFAR works with more than 50 part-

ner countries and has helped advance access to care to tens of millions of people.

After the Trump administration's initial USAID freeze, only half of PEPFAR’s programs were estimated to resume in February 2025. According to the research presented by IAS members, which surveyed 166 partners across 46 countries who deliver PEPFAR programs, 52% lost at least one financial award. As a result of these reductions, more than 1,700 clinics, drop-in centers and other service delivery sites closed.

Of those who participated in the survey, 77% reported that to continue receiving funding, they were required to act in accordance with the new U.S. policy and restrictions. Organizations described similar conditions across the board: programming limited to designated life-saving activities; restrictions surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and gender; and requirements to end or cut down on services for populations most vulnerable to HIV.

Additionally, services that work to help advance prevention in vulnerable communities were heavily hit. Forty-three percent of respondents offering prevention services permanently cut at least one component of their programming or activities, with condom and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) resources being the most affected.

WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

By DPR Director Thennie Freeman

When people think about the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), they usually picture children at summer camp, teens playing basketball, or families enjoying a day at the pool. Well, more than one thing can be true, and I want District residents to hear loud and clear:

Recreation is for adults, too.

At the DPR, we’re creating curated experiences that remind adults they deserve time to play, recharge, connect, and invest in themselves. Recreation doesn’t end when you graduate from school, and it certainly doesn’t stop when you become a parent, start a career, or settle into adulthood.

Life moves fast. Between work, family responsibilities, errands, and everything else that fills our calendars, many adults don’t make time for themselves. We convince ourselves that fun has to wait until vacation or that wellness comes with an expensive gym membership or boutique fitness studio.

But it doesn’t have to.

One of DPR’s greatest strengths is that we offer affordable—and

Recreation Is for Adults, Too

often free—opportunities for adults to stay active, learn something new, meet people, and enjoy everything our city has to offer.

Many people know us for serving our senior community, and we’re incredibly proud of that. Every day, our recreation centers are filled with our beloved “Seenagers” participating in fitness classes, social activities, educational programs, and community gatherings that keep them healthy and connected.

But we’re more than that.

We’re also here for the working professional who needs a stress-relieving workout after a long day.

We’re here for the parent looking for an evening Zumba class while the kids are at practice.

We’re here for the neighbor who wants to learn a new recipe in one of our culinary classes.

We’re here for the resident training for their first 5K or simply looking for a walking group to stay motivated.

We’re here for the friend group searching for something different to do on a Friday night.

That’s why we’ve been intentional about expanding adult programming across the District. From gardening to a hike club, we’re building opportunities that fit into the lives of today’s adults.

You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars each month to enjoy quality recreation. You can drop into one of our fitness classes and get an ex-

perience that rivals many boutique studios—without the boutique price tag. You can discover a new hobby, meet new friends, or simply carve out an hour for yourself.

Because investing in yourself shouldn’t be a luxury.

One of the newest examples of this vision is Chill Vibes in the Park, our adult-focused summer series that invites residents to gather outdoors for an evening of music, games, massages, good food, and good company. It’s exactly what the name suggests—a chance to unwind, disconnect from the stress of the week, and reconnect with your community right in Ward 7 at Kenilworth Parkside.

We also have events like Jazz in the Park, Yoga Fest, Chuck Brown Day and a few surprises for our adult residents.

Sometimes recreation looks like breaking a sweat. Sometimes it looks like dancing to great music, laughing with friends, or enjoying a beautiful summer evening in one of DC’s parks.

That’s the future we’re building at DPR.

So whether you’re interested in fitness, wellness, arts, cooking, gardening, community events, or simply finding new ways to enjoy your city, I encourage you to explore what we have to offer.

You may come for a class.

You may stay for the community.

Either way, I hope you’ll discover what we’ve always believed: Recreation isn’t just for kids. Recreation is for adults, too.

— Phillip J., Michigan Park

A Dinner Can't Erase the Assault on a Free Press

A President's Appearance at the White House Correspondents' Dinner Should Not Overshadow Years of Efforts to Weaken One of Democracy's Most Essential Institutions

For nearly a century, the White House Correspondents' Dinner has symbolized more than a night of speeches, awards, and political humor. At its best, it embodies an enduring principle: even amid sharp disagreement, a free press and a free government coexist because accountability is the cornerstone of American democracy.

President Donald J. Trump's decision to attend the rescheduled White House Correspondents' Dinner is historic. During both his first and current terms, he has repeatedly criticized the news media, calling journalists "the enemy of the people," restricting access for reporters he deemed unfavorable, and challenging the legitimacy of news organizations that published stories critical of his administration. His presence at the dinner may signal a willingness to engage, but it cannot erase a long record of hostility toward independent journalism.

Even at the dinner, he attacked the media.

Most recently, the administration reportedly sought to punish New York Times reporters after the newspaper published stories detailing challenges with the president's controversial new aircraft provided by Qatar. Rather than answering legitimate questions about the reported operational, security, and logistical concerns, the administration's response focused on attacking the journalists and threatening consequences for their reporting. Such actions send a dangerous message: that unfavorable reporting deserves retaliation instead of rebuttal.

That is not how democracy works.

The First Amendment does not exist to protect flattering headlines. It is meant to safeguard the public's right to know, especially when those in power would prefer uncomfortable truths remain hidden. Journalists have an obligation to investigate, question,

“I want to personally congratulate CNN’s Kaitlan Collins on receiving her award,” the president said. “It was all about me. It’s fake – she shouldn’t get the award. It was fake. But I didn’t mind. I said, ‘Kaitlan, congratulations.’ But it was fake, there was no question about it.”

and verify. Presidents have every right to disagree with coverage, but they do not have the right to intimidate or punish reporters for doing their jobs.

Throughout American history, presidents from both political parties have faced aggressive scrutiny. Some welcomed it more than others, but the strongest leaders understood that criticism is part of the office—not an excuse to undermine the institutions that hold the government accountable.

The White House Correspondents' Dinner should serve as a reminder that a free press is not an adversary of democracy; it is one of its greatest guardians. Americans should welcome civil dialogue between elected officials and journalists. But they should remain deeply concerned whenever any administration—Republican or Democratic—seeks to silence, intimidate, or retaliate against those whose constitutional duty is to ask difficult questions. Democracy here in America depends not on comfortable conversations but on fearless reporting.

WI

America Needs New Freedom Fighters to Stand Up Against the Big Lies, Conspiracy Theories About Voter Fraud

If you’re looking for a way to join the fight in protecting democracy and ensuring that the once-touted “American Dream” does not continue to devolve into America’s nightmare, then mark your calendars for Friday, Aug. 28.

Martin Luther King III and the Rev. Al Sharpton— under the banner of his National Action Network— will come to the nation’s capital for the 63rd anniversary of the March on Washington, joined by other civil rights leaders as they passionately defend voting rights.

Ironically, while the U.S. recently celebrated 250 years of independence, it has become clear that many of America’s leaders do not believe the ideas the Founding Fathers so eloquently promoted in the Declaration of Independence.

From the White House to the “out house,” the clarion call that unabashedly rests on the lips of white

supremacists, racists, and bigots, is that “liberty and justice for all” is a conditional right – one which is only guaranteed for those who belong to the “member’s only” community. Perhaps that’s true in other countries, but not here in America. At least not yet.

However, on July 16, during a prime-time speech, the president falsely warned of “shocking vulnerabilities in our election infrastructure,” in efforts to cast doubt on America’s ability to hold “free and fair elections.

However, on July 16, during a prime-time speech, the president falsely warned of “shocking vulnerabilities in our election infrastructure,” in efforts to cast doubt on America’s ability to hold “free and fair elections.”

Despite his ranting and raving, the president offered no proof to support his allegations. What was evident is that the president is a sore loser and still has not been able to accept the fact that he lost the election in 2020.

As David Becker, the executive director and founder of the Center for Election Innovation & Research, said during a press conference on July 17, “the White House promised a bombshell, and they delivered a dud.”

Even the president’s own Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency concluded in 2020 that the election that year “was the most secure in American history,” a line the president mocked in his speech.

The White House Correspondents' Dinner should serve as a reminder that a free press is not an adversary of democracy; it is one of its greatest guardians. Americans should welcome civil dialogue between elected officials and journalists.

TO THE EDITOR

“I don’t believe that Elissa Silverman can transform herself into ‘Elissa 2.0.’ She has far too much baggage in my opinion. That includes what I saw as her conduct during the Ward 3 Democratic primary and her social media posts criticizing OCF officials, journalists, and private citizens. Adversity tends to show people’s true colors. Silverman certainly showed hers.”

- (In reference to the article: “Elissa 2.0: Some Enthusiasm and Skepticism about the D.C. Council Returnee.”)

“Wow, what happened to Howard’s commitment to Black Excellence?”

- Ken D. (In reference to “Hundreds of First-Time-in-College Students, Families Scramble After Howard University Un-Enrollment Challenges.”

Listening to the president’s tirade, which was filled with inaccuracies and unsubstantiated claims, was similar to an old Danish fairy tale: “The Emperor’s New Clothes.”

First published in 1837, the story, translated into over 100 languages, refers to something widely accepted as true or professed to be praiseworthy, due to an unwillingness of the general population to criticize it or be seen as going against popular opinion.

In the story, the townspeople pretend to see the emperor’s non-existent outfits so that they can fit in. But as the emperor struts like a peacock

through the town, wearing his magic suit, which was actually nothing at all, a little boy cries out, “But he isn’t wearing anything at all!”

As the child spoke, others in the crowd began to whisper and realize the truth.

America’s “emperor” wants us to believe that the new clothes which he wants us to both admire and defend are his erroneous claims of rampant voter fraud. It’s time for Americans to follow the little boy who called out the emperor’s nudity, and find their own strength to call out lies. Only the truth will set us free. WI

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

Aswad Walker

Trump Shell Game Biggest Grift in World History

Those are monumental acts of plunder.

History is filled with breathtaking, inhumane thefts. Empires stole land. Colonizers stole labor. Enslavers stole generations. European institutions claimed African achievements as their own. Indigenous nations were stripped of lands that became the United States. As historian John Henrik Clarke argued, Europe even "colonized" the image of God.

Yet America is witnessing something different: a president, Donald Trump, using the Oval Office as ground zero for unprecedented grift, while many of the institutions designed to provide checks and balances either look the other way or help make it possible.

Trump is colonizing his own country.

But the greatest scandal isn't simply the money he's pocketing; it's the normalization of turning the Oval Office

Guest Columnist

into a grift machine.

The presidency as a profit center

Every administration faces ethics questions. But Donald Trump's second presidency has produced a rap sheet of reported conflicts of interest, "the likes of which you've never seen" (to use Trump's own favorite phrase). Investigative reporting has documented billions in wealth generated through Trump-linked businesses, cryptocurrency ventures, licensing agreements and investments while he remains in office. Analysts have de-

scribed an unprecedented intertwining of presidential power and private enrichment, arguing that loopholes in ethics laws make much of it difficult to challenge.

Really? Congressional Republicans were ready to impeach Barack Obama over a tan suit. Yet now we're told that legal isn't always ethical, that ethical isn't always constitutional, and that constitutional isn't always enforced.

Whatever. Eric Garner was choked to death by cops for making pennies selling loose cigarettes. Trump robs a whole-ass country blind, and he gets

Black Women Deserve Equal Pay. Unions Help Make It Happen

Everywhere you look, people are talking about the rising cost of living. Families are stretching every paycheck to cover soaring grocery bills. Housing costs remain out of reach for too many. Childcare, healthcare and gas bills continue to strain household budgets. People are doing everything right, yet too many are still falling behind.

I'm serious. Jay-Z can sell out Yankee Stadium — we settled that. Not can he become a billionaire — we settled that, too. Can a Black man build what Shawn Carter has built, own what he's chosen to own, move the way he chooses to move and not have every decision become a referendum on whether he's still "for the culture"?

I've been sitting with that. Not be-

For Black women, this crisis is compounded by a persistent and unjust pay gap. That's why we observed Black Women's Equal Pay Day this year on July 21. It brings attention to the fact that among full-time, yearround workers, Black women earned just 65 cents in 2024 for every dollar earned by white, non-Hispanic men. That wage gap isn't just a statistic — it means smaller paychecks, fewer opportunities to build wealth, greater financial insecurity and harder choices about providing for their families.

At a time when every dollar matters, Black women deserve equal pay for equal work. Anything less hurts working families and weakens our economy. A union contract can help level the playing field.

The evidence is clear. Black women represented by a union earn about $9,150 more per year than Black women who are not in a union. Black workers overall also receive a large wage boost from union membership, with a 12.6% wage premium compared with nonunion Black workers. Most importantly, union contracts help nar-

row gender pay gaps as well: Women working full time in union jobs earn 87.2 cents for every dollar earned by men who are union members — a significantly smaller gap than among nonunion workers.

Negotiated contracts replace arbitrary decisions with clear wage scales, transparent pay systems and enforceable workplace standards. Instead of leaving pay to bias or favoritism, union contracts establish fair standards that workers can enforce.

A new report from the Economic Policy Institute finds that rebuilding

people making excuses. Miss me with that.

Bigger than one transaction

The story isn't one deal. It's hundreds.

Foreign governments have done business with Trump-related enterprises. Wealthy individuals have gained exclusive access through Mar-aLago. Trump-affiliated branding deals, cryptocurrency ventures and business partnerships continue to expand.

WALKER Page 37

union power would significantly reduce racial wage gaps while strengthening our economy and our democracy. Communities with higher union membership invest more in public education, are more likely to expand access to healthcare and provide stronger unemployment protections when people lose their jobs.

Our labor movement has always understood that civil rights and workers' rights are inseparable. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. recognized that truth

cause of the concerts. Because of us. Because every time somebody Black reaches a certain altitude, the conversation changes. We stop talking about the work and start talking about the worthiness. We stop asking what was built and start asking whether they still belong to us.

Maybe that's fair. Maybe it isn't.

I'm still thinking.

Thirty years ago, I met a young Jay-Z in Atlanta.

It was the summer of 1996. I was 22 years old, working on producing entertainment events surrounding

the Olympic Games. "Reasonable Doubt" had just been released, and I booked this hungry rapper from Brooklyn to perform a few songs.

No billionaire. No cultural icon. No Roc Nation. Just a brother trying to get an independent record into the world after the industry kept telling him no.

Nobody knew what was coming. Not him. Not me. Not any of us.

That's probably why this anniversary stayed with me differently.

Fast-forward three decades.

Shawn Carter returned to Yankee

Stadium for a three-night residency celebrating the 30th anniversary of "Reasonable Doubt" and the 25th anniversary of "The Blueprint." But from the reporting, the clips and the campaign Roc Nation built around the performances, it became clear this wasn't simply about concerts. Roc Nation described JAŸ-Z30 as a yearlong celebration of music, entrepreneurship, storytelling and cultural influence. The campaign stretched far beyond Yankee Stadium: immersive pop-ups, commemorative Brooklyn Public Library cards, custom subway

maps, limited-edition merchandise and a digital map connecting locations across New York City to moments in Carter's life and career. Roc Nation called it "a living cultural archive."

That phrase stayed with me. Not because it sounded good. Because it raised a different question. Who gets to preserve the story?

For generations, we've watched other people write our history, package it, monetize it and decide which chapters deserve remembering. This time, Car-

Page 37

Fred Redmond

FARR

James Farr

Guest Columnist

Guest Columnist

When Politicians Start Sanitizing One Chapter of

on taking me to a restaurant in Winnipeg's Chinatown.

A Filipino American. A Chinese Canadian. A Sri Lankan-Mauritian Canadian.

I came to Winnipeg to perform my one-man show, "69, Emil Amok: Anchorman — The News Made Me Do It."

I didn't expect to leave with another lesson about America.

It came over dim sum.

After the show, Shirley, a Chinese Canadian, and her friend Chris, a Sri Lankan-Mauritian Canadian, insisted

The United Nations, if it served dumplings.

Then Shirley told me about her father.

He arrived from China at 14 years old, speaking no English. The school put him in second grade just to learn the language. Once he caught up, they skipped him to ninth grade.

Two years later, he was working.

He opened a restaurant. It burned down.

He opened another.

Eventually he bought a café in rural Manitoba serving chop suey, burgers, steaks and fries.

The Good Way Café became the place everybody gathered. Rock and roll played from the jukebox until midnight.

Her father, Arthur Mar, built a business, employed people and became part of his community.

Sound familiar? It should.

History, They're Coming After The Whole Book

It's the same immigrant story

Americans love to celebrate.

Until politics gets involved.

Because before Arthur Mar could build anything, Canada made him pay a $500 Chinese head tax — a fortune in the 1920s.

When that didn't keep enough Chinese out, Canada passed its own Chinese Exclusion Act.

Different country.

Same racism.

Canada has spent decades admitting what it did.

The Trump administration wants

Affordability for All: It's Time to Rescue the American Dream

America to do the opposite.

The White House recently released a report criticizing the Smithsonian for supposedly promoting "anti-White activism" and other ideological sins.

Buried inside is something even more troubling.

The report argues Americans shouldn't think of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 primarily as a racist law.

Instead, we're told it was about national security.

Funny how those two words have

"The economic struggles of typical U.S. families deserve serious solutions, not political buzzwords. Unfortunately, the policies the Trump administration has undertaken are making Americans' economic struggles harder, not easier." —

Josh Bivens, chief economist, Economic Policy Institute

The current affordability crisis has

How Black WNBA Players Became Collateral Damage in the Caitlin Clark Culture War Guest

Caitlin Clark is more than a WNBA player; she has become a tool of weaponization against Black women. And now the federal government is involved.

Led by U.S. Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, 11 Republican lawmakers signed a letter to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, threatening to have the Department of Justice inves-

not come about by accident. It is the predictable result of political choices that have made life easier for those at the top while leaving working families struggling to keep up with the rising costs of housing, healthcare, education, childcare, groceries and transportation.

The solution requires a different set of choices that put working people first.

For generations, Americans believed that if they worked hard, played by the rules and contributed to their communities, they could build a stable and secure life. Today, that promise feels

increasingly out of reach.

Across the country, families are working longer hours yet finding it harder to afford the basics. Rent consumes ever-larger shares of household budgets. Homeownership remains beyond the reach of millions. Healthcare costs continue to strain family finances. Student debt limits opportunity. Even internet access, now essential for work, education, healthcare and civic participation, remains unaffordable for too many households.

Americans are asking for an economy that rewards work, not merely

wealth.

Unfortunately, Washington's priorities have too often moved in the opposite direction. Instead of making life more affordable for working families, policymakers have devoted enormous resources to tax advantages for the wealthy, political battles that divide communities and policies that increase costs without improving economic security. The result is an affordability crisis that threatens the very foundation of the American Dream.

The National Urban League's Affordability for All Agenda offers a dif-

ferent path forward, one focused on practical solutions that reduce costs, increase opportunity and strengthen economic mobility for millions of Americans.

First, America needs a national living wage. No one who works full-time should live in poverty. Yet millions of workers continue to earn wages that have failed to keep pace with rising costs. Raising the federal minimum wage and indexing it to inflation would help ensure that wages grow

tigate the league because fouls against Clark "may be racially motivated."

"As Commissioner, you have an obligation to ensure that every player competes in a safe and professional environment, both on and off the court, free from violence, discrimination, or retaliation. If discrimination or retaliation is occurring and creating a hostile work environment, we support any appropriate investigation by the Department of Justice, the Department of Labor, or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. If true, such conduct could constitute viola-

tions of federal civil rights laws," the letter stated.

The letter creates a false narrative and is irresponsible and dangerous.

Stephanie Christmas, a former women's basketball player at Georgia Southern University, has remained a WNBA fan since its inaugural season in 1997. Christmas has never seen politicians use their platforms to sway the league's direction.

"If you want only one player to play the game, that's not basketball anymore," Christmas said. "I don't think that they should be putting any legisla-

tion in place. They are making it worse for the players and the WNBA game."

The people who are using Clark as a tool couldn't care less about what occurs in between the lines of a basketball court. Statistically, Clark is a decent shooter and above-average passer, but she lacks offensive efficiency and is a liability on defense. Her most staunch defenders are not basketball enthusiasts; instead, they view Clark as a symbol to further their hatred for Black women.

Every moment of discomfort Clark appears to face on the court becomes

an opportunity for her supporters to unleash vile and racist language against the alleged perpetrator. If Clark is fouled hard, engages in trash talk with an opponent or receives what she views as an unfair call by a referee, her defenders are incited to unleash their wrath.

During a tightly contested match between Clark's Indiana Fever and Phoenix Mercury in June, the Mercury's Alyssa Thomas and Clark were on the court battling for a loose ball.

Marc H. Morial

Columnist

Emil Guillermo

A.R. Shaw

Guest Columnist

LIFESTYLE

Washington Informer Weekend Checklist

WASHINGTON INFORMER'S

Things To Do, DMV!

By Jordan Armstead WI Intern

As the DMV welcomes the month of August, get ready for a weekend full of laughs, excitement and enjoyment for the whole family— including pets!

Check out a handful of the many events happening and dive into the Washington Informer Calendar for more.

Thursday, July 30

Fairfax County Carnival and Fair

10 a.m. – 7 p.m. | $10

Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Road Herndon, VA 20171

Enjoy old-fashioned family fun, carnival games and rides, tractor demos, exhibits and shows, fair food, live entertainment and live animals at this year’s Fairfax County Carnival and Fair.

Line Dancing 201

Noon – 1 p.m. | Free Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road Alexandria, VA 22304

Want to improve on line dancing skills, pick up new tricks or find community in fellow dancers? Join the Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library in their intermediate level class to improve flexibility and enhance memory. Work the dance floors!

This class is not intended for beginners.

Friday, July 31

Food Truck Friday 5 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. | Free

The U.S. National Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue, NE Washington, D.C., 20002

Purchase food from local food trucks to fuel an evening adventure at the United States National Arboretum! Vendors rotate weekly.

Food Truck Fridays are hosted by the Friends of the National Arboretum and are held all summer long during summer evening hours.

ASL Open Mic | 450 K | Last Fridays | hosted by Wade Green 9 p.m. - 11 p.m. | $5 online & $8 at the door

Busboys and Poets 450 K St. NW Washington, D.C., 20001

On this night, American sign language (ASL) users and viewers from all corners of life will come together to recite a poem, song, short skit or jokes. Come out and enjoy the wonderful environment while dining, drinking and socializing.

The host, Wade Green is a deaf dancer, choreographer and interpretive artist known for his passionate delivery and soulful approach to his craft. With a body of work stretching more than 20 years, he has performed professionally coast to coast. He now resides in the DMV area, juggling a career and pursuing degrees at Gallaudet University and Howard University.

All are welcome to this engaging event and it’s a great opportunity for those learning ASL to practice their skills.

3 The Black Gay Flea Market is back to bring attention and celebration to Black LGBTQIA+ artists, businesses and consumers in this celebratory event. (Courtesy Photo)

Saturday, Aug. 1

Paddle for Paws

4 p.m - 7 p.m| $25.00 to $50.00

Key Bridge Boathouse 3500 Water Street Northwest Washington, D.C., 20007

Paddle for a Purpose is a fundraiser for Lucky Dog Animal Rescue with the goal of raising critical funds to help save homeless and at-risk dogs and cats. Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of kayaking, paddleboarding, and community spirit with breathtaking views of the Potomac River and Georgetown.

Guests can expect paddleboard and kayak rentals included with their donation, refreshments, a Wine Pull Raffle, and adoptable dogs on-site. Whether a seasoned paddler or just looking for a good time for a great cause, this is the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon with friends, family, and fellow animal lovers.

50% of proceeds support Lucky Dog Animal Rescue’s lifesaving mission.

Sunday,

Aug. 2

The Black Gay Flea Market: Summer Kickback Noon to 4 p.m.| $8 Wunder Garten 1101 1st Street Northeast Washington, D.C., 20002

Hosted by QueerTalk DC, this is a space created to celebrate Black LGBTQ+ creatives, artists, makers, entrepreneurs, and the community that shows up for them. Come spend the afternoon shopping with local vendors, discovering new brands, supporting small businesses, and connecting with people from across the DMV. Beyond the market, this event is bringing the vibes all day, with cards for Spades games, a dunk tank, food and drinks from Wundergarten, and sets from DJ Jam2x and DJ Lauren Jay!

Whether coming to shop, hang out, meet new people, or just be in community, the Black Gay Flea Market is about making space for Black queer joy, creativity, and connection. Please note the venue is 21+. WI

Submitted by Washington Gas

Washington Gas is proud to join our neighbors in the nation's capital and communities across the country in celebrating America's 250th anniversary.

This historic milestone is an opportunity to honor the vision, courage, and sacrifice that has shaped our nation, while also looking ahead to the next chapter of American progress and innovation.

As our country commemorates 250 years of independence this year, we are honored to have been part of that story for 178 years.

Here for the DMV Since 1848

In 1848, just four days after the cornerstone was laid for the Washington Monument, Washington Gas Light Company received its charter from Congress. Among the new company’s earliest achievements was providing gas lighting in the House and Senate chambers, the White House, and along Pennsylvania Avenue. What began as a small utility helping illuminate a few key buildings and thoroughfares quickly became an essential part of daily life in Washington. Later, in the early part of the 20th century, Washington Gas expanded its service into Maryland and Virginia, laying the foundation for the regional energy network that serves customers today.

Since those early days, Washington Gas has evolved alongside the communities we serve. From supporting periods of rapid growth and technological advancement to helping meet the changing energy needs of homes, businesses, and institutions, we have remained focused on delivering affordable, reliable, and safe energy.

Today, Washington Gas serves more than 1.2 million customers across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. We continue to provide energy to some of the nation's most recognizable landmarks, including the U.S. Capitol, the White House, and the John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame at Arlington National Cemetery. These enduring connections to our nation's past and present reflect the vital role energy plays in daily life, and we are proud to help power the places that have shaped the American story for generations.

Our Unwavering Commitment to Customers

While the technology, infrastructure, and energy needs of our region have changed dramatically over the past 178 years, our commitment to customers remains as strong as ever. We are continually investing in the safety, reliability, and resilience of our system while working to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve.

From lighting some of the first gas lamps on Capitol Hill to serving more than 1.2 million customers today, Washington Gas has been proud to help power the growth and success of the region we call home. As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, we look forward to continuing that tradition and being Here for the DMV for generations to come.

review wi book

"The

Cruelty of Nice Folks: Why Minneapolis Is the Story of America"

By Justin Ellis

c.2026, Harper

$30

419 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

Two blocks up, two down.

Once upon a time, that was your entire world. You lived here, Grandma's house was around the corner, uncles and aunties lived along the way, school was nearby, church across the street. That real estate held everything you needed. But what if things changed? What if, as in the new memoir, "The Cruelty of Nice Folks" by Justin Ellis, your hometown, the place that held your memories, betrayed you?

Chances are that when you think of Minnesota, you think of lakes, lush fields, or fun in the snow. Justin Ellis thought of home because he grew up in Minneapolis, close to family and friends and everything he held dear.

He was, therefore, understandably alarmed when George Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis policeman who knelt on Floyd's neck until he died. Ellis wondered how something like this could happen in the city he loved, and so he headed home.

Being a Black family in Minneapolis was never without its struggles. There, Ellis says, "only 26 percent of Black families own homes…" When unemployment for Black residents was at an all-time low, it was double what white Minneapolitans experienced.

And scattered throughout Ellis' lifetime, Black citizens died at the hands of police.

He wanted to know why, with such a progressive reputation and a history of welcome for people of color, was there still racial violence in his hometown? Would Chauvin pay for Floyd's murder?

Ellis says "our eyes had seen this death so many times before and watched a killer walk away. What were we supposed to believe?"

Arriving in Minneapolis, Ellis set out to see the whole picture that he and other Black Minneapolitans had lived, but his arrival there had dual purpose. Ellis' mother had been diagnosed with cancer, and she needed him close.

As her life slipped away, he studied the death of a man he'd never know…

While you'll probably pick up "The Cruelty of Nice Folks" for its thoughtful content and the fact-finding inside, it's important to at least give a nod to the book's exquisite writing. Author Justin Ellis sharpens a thought, turns a phrase, and screws it tightly into your heart in a way that most writers will only wish they could do, so pay attention and don't miss it.

That's the first appeal of this book.

The second appeal is in the story itself, and the reporting that Ellis offers. Readers who know all about "Minnesota Nice" but also about Floyd, Renee Good and Alex Pretti will see the yin and yang of the Twin Cities, and why Minneapolis' long history of race relations explains a lot of what's going on in the rest of America. That story is woven in with a memoir of a mother's love that'll make you want a big box of tissues. You've been warned. This is a thoughtful, thorough book that will satisfy readers of history and biographies, making it a don't-miss. Start "The Cruelty of Nice Folks" and you'll find that you can't put it down. WI

horoscopes

LIFESTYLE

JULY 30 - AUG. 5, 2026

ARIES A stranger's passing comment gives you the exact word you'd been struggling to find for a feeling you couldn't name. You volunteer for something out of pride, then realize halfway through that you actually enjoy it. A price you refuse to pay on principle turns out to be non-negotiable, and that's fine. Your energy dips hardest on the day you'd planned to push the most. Lucky Numbers: 14, 29, 66

TAURUS Two people in your life who've never met start talking, and it changes the dynamic between all three of you. A warranty or return window you forgot about is about to close, so check the date. Someone hands you a task assuming you'll say no, and saying yes surprises everyone including you. A song or smell from childhood shows up out of nowhere and knocks something loose. A neighbor you barely know does you a small favor that's worth acknowledging properly. Lucky Numbers: 8, 31, 54

GEMINI You catch yourself repeating a story so often that you've started believing the exaggerated version. A group you organize starts running fine without you, which stings a little before it feels like freedom. An email you sent weeks ago and forgot about gets answered at the worst possible time. A stranger online agrees with you so completely it makes you second-guess your own position. Lucky Numbers: 2, 46, 73

CANCER Someone assumes you're upset about something you've actually already made peace with, and correcting them is oddly satisfying. A container, drawer, or closet you clean out reveals something you'd genuinely forgotten you owned. A friend cancels plans and the resulting free evening turns out to be exactly what you needed. Your appetite changes this week in a way worth paying attention to, not fixing. A small kindness you did months ago gets returned when you least expect it. Lucky Numbers: 17, 39, 65

LEO A joke you make at your own expense lands better than any of your planned material. Someone copies your style, down to specific phrases, and you catch yourself doing it too now. A subscription price quietly goes up, and canceling it feels better than the money saved. A physical space you control gets rearranged by someone else, and you like their version more. Lucky Numbers: 10, 27, 58

VIRGO A mistake you made months ago finally surfaces, and it's smaller and less damaging than you feared. Someone thanks you publicly for something you did privately, and the attention throws you off. A tool or app you've used the same way for years has a shortcut you never noticed. Your sleep schedule shifts on its own this week, and fighting it costs more than adjusting to it. Lucky Numbers: 21, 43, 69

LIBRA Two friends ask you to weigh in on the same disagreement without realizing they're on opposite sides. A refund or reimbursement you'd written off actually comes through. Someone reads your silence as agreement when it was actually hesitation, and it's worth correcting. A plant, pet, or small responsibility you've neglected needs more from you than you've been giving it. Lucky Numbers: 5, 24, 61

SCORPIO A secret you've kept for someone else becomes harder to hold once a third person gets involved. An old photo resurfaces and reframes a memory you thought you had settled. Someone offers you a deal that's genuinely good, and your instinct to distrust it costs you nothing to check. Your jaw, neck, or hands are holding tension from something you haven't said out loud yet. A rumor about you turns out to have started from something you actually did say. Lucky Numbers: 3, 47, 74

SAGITTARIUS A last-minute invitation turns into the highlight of your week, despite your instinct to decline it. Someone quotes something you said back to you, slightly wrong, and it changes the meaning entirely. A shortcut you take to save time costs you more of it than the long way would have. A relative brings up an old plan you'd shelved, and it's worth revisiting seriously. Lucky Numbers: 15, 32, 56

CAPRICORN Someone asks how long you've been doing something and the answer surprises even you. A commitment you made reluctantly turns out to matter more to someone else than you realized. Your instinct to handle a problem alone costs you time you didn't need to lose. A minor purchase for convenience quietly becomes one of your better decisions this year. Lucky Numbers: 7, 28, 62

AQUARIUS A conversation you expected to be tense turns out to be the easiest one you have all week. Someone assumes you don't care because you don't show it, and it's worth correcting that impression. A piece of equipment or furniture finally breaks after months of you ignoring the warning signs. An idea you floated as a joke gets taken seriously by someone with the power to act on it. A group text goes quiet at exactly the moment you needed a response. Lucky Numbers: 19, 44, 71

PISCES A daydream you've had on repeat for months starts to look like an actual plan. Someone misreads your quiet mood as something worse than it is, and a short explanation fixes it fast. A small amount of money you'd written off gets returned unexpectedly. Your instinct to help everyone at once needs to narrow to one person this week. A memory triggered by a random object turns into a good excuse to reconnect. Lucky Numbers: 12, 34, 60

SPORTS

Mystics Stun Aces, Secure 100-99 Statement Win Headed Into The All-Star Break

By Skylar Nelson and Jonae Guest WI Contributing Writer and WI Photographer

The Washington Mystics stunned the Las Vegas Aces, rallying back from a nine-point deficit in the fourth quarter to secure a 100-99 victory at CareFirst Arena on Wednesday night, marking their final game before the WNBA All-Star break.

The thrilling victory was fueled

by a dominant fourth-quarter performance from center Shakira Austin.

Austin sealed the victory with a stunning basket after grabbing an offensive rebound off guard Sonia Citron’s missed driving layup, converting the putback while drawing a foul to complete the three-point play.

“[Austin] has just been on a tear right now and that last possession, that putback and-one was just so crucial,” said Mystics Guard Geor-

gia Amoore. “[We] could’ve just seen Sonia [Citron] take a layup and just trusted that she makes it, because 9.5, 9.9 out of 10 she does make it…That’s a pressure situation, so she just closed it out. [Austin] did what she had to do.”

The star center finished the night with 25 points, and Citron added 20 points. Center Lauren Betts chipped in 13 points while forward Kiki recorded yet another double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Forward Michaela Onyenwere and guard George Amoore also scored 10 apiece, adding to the team’s six-player double-scoring effect. The balanced scoring effect was highlighted by all five starters finishing with 10 or more points.

Citron and Iriafen represented the District in the All-Star game on Saturday, July 25, while center Austin made an appearance in this year’s Kia WNBA Shooting Stars Competition, teaming up with Mystics legend Elena Delle Donne.

“Right now, we’re just gonna go into the [All-Star Break] and exhale, and allow [Iriafen], [Citron], and [Austin] to enjoy that experience,” said Head Coach Sydney Johnson ahead of the July 23 kickoff, “but I just wanted to focus on getting some time off, letting them enjoy that, and then we’ll reset and see what awaits us late July and all of August.”

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3

3 Forward Kiki Iriafen hugs center Shakira Austin as the Mystics celebrate their 100-99 victory over the Las Vegas Aces at CareFirst Arena on July 22. (Jonae Guest/The Washington Informer)

5 Center Shakira Austin celebrates after banking in a shot that put Washington in the lead with just 13 seconds left in the fourth quarter of the team’s 100-99 win over the Las Vegas Aces at CareFirst Arena on Wednesday, July 22. (Jonae Guest/The Washington Informer)

Washington Mystics forward Michaela Onyenwere attempts a three-pointer in the team’s 100-99 win over the Las Vegas Aces on Wednesday, July 22. (Jonae Guest/The Washington Informer)

6 Mystics’ guard Cotie McMahon (left) looks to score while being defended by Aces’ Jackie Young (right), in Washington’s 100-99 win over the Las Vegas Aces at CareFirst Arena on July 22. (Jonae Guest/The Washington Informer)

3 Mystics forward Kiki Iriafen attempts a shot in the paint while being double-teamed by two Aces defenders in the team’s 100-99 win against the Las Vegas team. (Jonae Guest/The Washington Informer)

CAPTURE

the moment

Food & Friends, a D.C.-based nonprofit, officially broke ground on a massive $30 million, 17,000-square-foot expansion and renovation project at its headquarters in Northeast Washington, D.C. on July 13. This milestone kicks off the public phase of their "Nourish Together: Building a Healthy Community" campaign, which works to address a skyrocketing demand for the organization's specialized "Food is Medicine" health care interventions.

(Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

RELIGION

Remembering Jonathan Daniel Shanks Sr.: A Local Gospel Legend, ‘Servant Leader’

By Hamil R. Harris and Jada Ingleton WI Contributing Writer and WI Content Editor

From the musical memorial on July 17 to the funeral service at Scriptural Cathedral in Capitol Heights the next day, faith leaders, loved ones and admirers packed the D.C. area to celebrate the life and legacy of Jonathan Daniel Shanks Sr., who was far more than a drummer for The Southern Gospel Singers.

In life, Shanks worked in the city’s

mud-soaked ditches for the DC Department of Public Works and DC Water, but on the weekend, he exchanged his jumpsuit and shovel for drumsticks and a fancy wardrobe to create a down-home gospel beat that lifted souls for nearly 50 years.

“The quartet sound never grows old,” said WHUR-FM announcer Winston Chaney. “Jonathan Shanks was a musician, a gospel artist, a husband, a father, and a manager who raised the way gospel music was produced in the Washington, D.C. area.”

Born May 10, 1954, in Washing-

ton, D.C., Shanks built a passion for gospel music and ministry that extended from the concert stage to the homes and hearts of listeners throughout the region.

Whether conquering gospel broadcasting –– including hosting radio programs on WUST and later on WYCB –– or diligently serving as First Gentleman of Virginia’s New Pentecostal Church, the late virtuoso championed a realm where faith and advocacy went hand in hand –– a sentiment that echoed until his passing on June 29.

“Mr. Shanks was truly a servant of

REST IN PEACE JOYE LYN MOODY

Washington Native Joye Lyn Moody

GOD,” read one comment on the July 18 Homegoing Service livestream. “At work, he was always willing to help, no matter the situation. He listened with compassion and always sought a resolution. He touched the hearts of so many through his kindness, humility and genuine care for others.”

On July 17, many of the region’s top quartets offered Shanks one last musical send-off at the Harvest Assembly Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, where Shanks once served alongside his wife and lead singer of The Sensational Singing Angels of Alexandria,

Remembered for a Life of Faith, Service, and Compassion

Washington, D.C., has lost one of its own.   Joye Lyn Moody, a native Washingtonian whose life was defined by faith, kindness, and a lifelong commitment to serving others, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026, surrounded by family and friends. She was 59 years old.

Born on July 2, 1967, at Georgetown University Hospital to Mary Beaufort Williams and the late Donald Norwood Moody, Joye spent her childhood on Fairmont Street NW. Her father named her “Joye” because, he said, “She brings me great joy.” She graduated from Coolidge High School in 1985 before continuing her education at the University of the District of Columbia and later earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Strayer University in 2016.

Although she later made Maryland her home, Joye never lost her connection to the Washington area she loved. She dedicated more than 30 years to serving the public through careers in hospitality, banking, and financial services, holding positions with TD Bank, Capital One, Homewood Suites by Hilton, and Congressional Federal Credit Union. Colleagues and customers alike remember her for treating every person with dignity, warmth, and genuine compassion.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Joye was known for her servant’s heart. She volunteered with organizations supporting the homeless, the American Red Cross, community events, and neighborhood initiatives. She faithfully remembered birthdays, shared words of encouragement and Scripture with family and friends, cared for elderly loved ones, and was always the first to offer help when someone was in need.

Though she had no children of her own, Joye became “Aunt Joye” to countless nieces, nephews, and family friends. She celebrated their milestones, attended their games and graduations, and encouraged them every step of the way.

A devoted Christian and member of First Baptist Church of Glenarden, Joye lived out her faith through quiet acts of love rather than seeking recognition. Her greatest ministry was caring for her beloved mother, whom she affectionately called “Mommy,” with extraordinary patience, tenderness, and unwavering devotion.

Joye also found joy in life’s simple pleasures—traveling throughout the Caribbean, especially Jamaica, crocheting scarves for breast cancer patients, visiting sunflower fields, taking nature walks, reading, journaling, watching ships sail, and cheering on the Washington Commanders.

Those who knew Joye will remember her gentle spirit, radiant smile, steadfast faith, and the countless ways she made others feel valued and loved. Her life stands as a lasting reminder that true greatness is found not only in accomplishments but in compassion, service, and love for others.

She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire family, friends, colleagues, and the Washington community she proudly called home.

A Celebration of Life honoring Joye will be held on Friday, August 7, at First Baptist Church of Glenarden, 3600 Brightseat Road, Landover, MD 20785. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m.

3 The DMV reflects on the

and legacy

the Rev. Robin Walker Shanks.

Among the groups were The Highway QC’s, The Heavenly Sons, The Redeeming Souls, and many others.

The following day, a celebration of life elevated gratitude over grief, with various acknowledgments and heartfelt reminders that Shanks may be gone, but his enduring spirit lives on.

“He believed that leadership wasn't about power… it was about lifting people up, protecting them when they couldn't protect themselves, leaving things better than you found them,” said eldest son and namesake Jonathan Shanks Jr., at Scriptural Cathedral in Capital Heights. “Looking back now, I realize that his greatest legacy isn't found in any title he held. It's found in the people whose lives are better because they knew him.”

The Man That Wore Many Hats

Scriptural Cathedral was packed with more than 1,000 people on July 18, paying their final respects to a man commonly described as “a friend to everyone.”

Shanks developed a deep appreciation for service, integrity, and the value of meaningful relationships at a young age, having been raised in the District’s historic Capitol Hill community, rich in faith, family values, and cultural pride.

The son of the late Johnnie and Roberta Shanks, one of five siblings and a fraternal twin, Shanks carried the charge to sow seeds where once planted throughout decades of stewardship in D.C. –– from the institutions built to accolades received.

“If there's one thing that defined my dad more than anything else, [it] was his heart. His life was about what he could give,” Shanks, Jr. said. “If someone was hurting, he wanted to help. If someone didn’t have a voice, he wanted to be their voice. It wasn’t just something he turned on and off… it was who he was as a man at his core.”

Following his marriage to Walker Shanks in 2015, the dynamic duo served as dedicated congregants of Harvest Assembly Baptist Church, growing in faith and fellowship until the matriarch was installed as pastor of New Pentecostal Church in 2024. WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

life

of Jonathan Daniel Shanks, Sr., beloved gospel artist, husband, father, and drummer of The Southern Gospel Singers, who passed away on June 29. (Courtesy Photo)

In 1 Corinthians, the apostle Paul asks a profound question: "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?" This sacred scripture reminder calls us to view physical health not as an afterthought, but as a core requirement of our spiritual walk. Yet, in our fast-paced lives, it is easy to neglect the very vessel God gave us.

A recent episode of "The Mel Robbins Podcast" featured a powerful conversation that bridges medical science with our spiritual duty of self-care. Mel Robbins sat down with Dr. Dawn Mussallem, an integrative oncology pioneer at the Mayo Clinic. Mussallem is a double board-certified physician who survived stage 4 cancer at age 26 and later underwent a heart transplant. Known to colleagues as "the Magic Bullet," she combines traditional medicine with intentional lifestyle interventions. Her life and work serve as a testament to the healing power of God's natural provisions.

Mussallem shared alarming insights regarding the modern diet. A 2022 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) noted that poor diet is a leading driver of death in the United States, largely due to ultra-processed foods. She pointed out that common additives — like monoand diglycerides, carrageenan, ar-

WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Honoring the Temple: Fighting Cancer With God's Food the religion corner

tificial food colorings and sodium nitrite — quietly compromise our immune systems and gut health. Furthermore, processed meats like bacon, sausage and lunch meats are classified as Group 1 carcinogens, the same category used for cigarettes.

The good news is that Mussallem's research highlights how simple, faith-driven stewardship of our plates can shift our internal environment. A study she conducted at the Mayo Clinic revealed that a significant portion of cancer patients do not consume recommended levels of fruits and vegetables. Correcting this can save lives. Mussallem noted that consuming consistent, high amounts of whole fruits and vegetables daily is associated with a reduction in mortality rates related to cancer, heart disease and respiratory illness.

To protect this sacred vessel, we must be vigilant about what we leave off our plates. Based on Mussallem's guidance, here are five foods we should strictly avoid to prevent disease:

Processed Meats: Bacon, sausage, hot dogs and deli meats contain sodium nitrites and are classified as Group 1 carcinogens.

Ultra-Processed Foods: Packaged snacks, fast food and boxed meals loaded with artificial additives like carrageenan that disrupt gut health.

Sugar-Sweetened Beverages: Sodas, sweet teas and energy drinks that drive systemic inflammation and cellular damage.

Commercial Fruit Juices: Stripped of beneficial fiber, these cause rapid blood sugar spikes that stress the body's systems.

Excess Red Meat: High consumption of beef, pork and lamb, which can increase risks of inflammation when eaten in large quantities.

Conversely, by filling our grocery carts with God's pharmacy, we can actively fight inflammation, nurture our gut and protect our health. Let us intentionally integrate these five disease-fighting powerhouse foods into our daily lives:

Berries: Packed with anthocyanins and ellagic acid to neutralize cell-damaging free radicals.

Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage contain sulforaphane to detoxify carcinogens.

Leafy Greens: Arugula, spinach and kale offer folate and carotenoids to protect DNA integrity.

Garlic and Onions: Allium vegetables possess sulfur compounds that slow down tumor growth.

Legumes: Lentils and black beans provide high fiber to support gut microbiome defense.

The biblical story of Daniel, who chose vegetables and water over unhealthy royal food to maintain his health, highlights the spiritual duty of caring for the body. Mussallem, a Mayo Clinic physician, correlates this biblical wisdom with modern oncology, advocating for a diet rich in fruits and vegetables while avoiding processed foods to combat cancer — a principle supported by a 2022 JAMA study. Read more about Mussallem's research at the Mayo Clinic website.

Every meal is an opportunity to honor the temple. This week, let us choose life, vibrant health and longevity by being mindful of what we put into our bodies. Write your grocery list before you go shopping, and select foods that will prolong your life in a happy and healthy manner. Do this for yourself and for every family member, and share this research with others.

WI

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." — Hosea 4:6

: 7:30 AM 7 10:00 AM Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:00 AM

Bible Study: Wednesday, 12 Noon

Bible Study in homes: Tuesday 7:00 PM

Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com

Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com

Service and Times

Person Worship:  Sunday @ 9:30 A.M.

Sunday @ 9:30 A.M.  www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org

& Study:  Wednesday @ 12 Noon and

Church with a past to remember – and a future to mold” www.mtzbcdc.org

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

Mount Olivet

Bottom - Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 - Fax 202-338-4958

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

On Purpose “

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rehoboth Baptist Church

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

Promised Land Baptist Church

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2026 ADM 000044

Thelma R. Jordan 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 Thelma R. Jordan who died on March 22, 2020 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 1/16/2027. 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 1/16/2027, 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: 7/16/2026

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

2026 ADM 000692

Barbara J. Pinckney aka Barbara Jean Pinckney aka Barbara Pinckney

Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Gina Thompson, whose address is 1024 Otis Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Barbara J. Pinckney aka Barbara Jean Pinckney aka Barbara Pinckney who died on 5/9/26 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 1/23/2027. 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 1/23/2027, 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: 7/23/2026

Gina Thompson

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

2026 ADM 000698

Deborah Yvonne Walker

Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Karen Walker Poole, whose address is 400 Jefferson Street, NE, Washington DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Deborah Yvonne Walker who died on April 15, 2026 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 1/16/2027. 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 1/16/2027, 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: 7/16/2026

Karen Walker Poole

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

2026 ADM 000696

Mamie Barnett Underwood Decedent

Peggy A. Miller 5130 7th Street, NE Washington, DC 20011 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Erskine Jerome Underwood, whose address is 675 Ironwood Drive, Ann Arbor MI 48130, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mamie Barnett Underwood who died on November 19, 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 1/23/2027. 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 1/23/2027, 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: 7/23/2026

Erskine Jerome Underwood 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

2026 FEP 000089

12/24/2023

Date of Death

Saundra Brown Asante Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Ruby Smith whose address is 11206 King Gallahan Court, Clinton Maryland 20735 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Saundra Brown Asante, deceased, by the Circuit Court for Prince Georges County, State of Maryland, on March 8, 2024.

Service of process may be made upon Darchelle Young 2619 Bowen Road SE, Apt 103, Washington DC 20020 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: 1329 Adams Street NE, Washington, DC 20018. 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: 7/16/2026

Ruby Smith 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 001412

Florine Jones Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq., whose address is 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW #400, Washington, DC 20015, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Florine Jones who died on June 6, 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 1/23/2027. 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 1/23/2027, 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: 7/23/2026

Jeffrey K. Gordon, 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

2026 ADM 000766

Estate of Jerry Johnson, Sr.

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Robbin Galloway and Jerry Johnson, Jr., 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 March 4, 2025 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise

Date of first publication: 7/23/2026

Robbin Galloway and Jerry Johnson Jr. 2101 31st Place SE, Washington DC 20020 and 4320 22nd Place, Temple Hills, MD 20748

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

2026 FEP 000094

12/5/2025

Date of Death

Clifton George Young Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Lisa Rosalind Holt whose address is 6102 Moyer Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21206 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Clifton George Young, deceased, by the Register of Wills Court for Montgomery County, State of Maryland, on 6/17/2026.

Service of process may be made upon Melinda Bolling, Esq., 2108 31st Street, SE, Washington, DC 20020 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: 3134 Berry Road, NE, Washington, DC 20018 The decedent owned District of Columbia personal property. 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: 7/30/2026

Lisa Rosalind Holt Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2026 ADM 000689

Clematine Elizabeth Carter Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Sharon E. Carter, whose address is 8663 Glenarden Parkway, Glenarden, MD 20706, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Clematine Elizabeth Carter who died on December 29, 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 1/23/2027. 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 1/23/2027, 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: 7/23/2026

Sharon E. Carter

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 2026 ADM 000760

Mabel Dickens Morgan Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Jacquelyn Dickens Morgan, whose address is 1390 Kenyon Street, NW #701, Washington, DC 20010, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mabel Dickens Morgan who died on 5/23/2026 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 1/30/2027. 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 1/30/2027, 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: 7/30/2026

Jacquelyn Dickens Morgan 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

2026 FEP 000096

7/14/2025

Date of Death

Marjorie J. Solack

Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Lara Lasher whose address is 12856 Snowbird Court, Lovettsville, VA 20189 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Marjorie J. Solack, deceased, by the Circuit Court for Loudoun County, State of Virginia, on June 30, 2026. Service of process may be made upon Kezia Constantine 211 44th Street NE, Washington, DC 20019 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned District of Columbia personal property. 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:

7/30/2026

Lara Lasher

Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2026 ADM 000702

Sandra Y. Johnson aka Sandra Yvonne Johnson Decedent

Valerie J. Edwards

1800 M Street, NW, Suite 450N Washington, DC 20036

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Andria Lynette Barbee, whose address is 12704 Redgrave Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Sandra Y. Johnson aka Sandra Yvonne Johnson who died on February 6, 2026 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 1/30/2027. 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 1/30/2027, 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: 7/30/2026

Andria Lynette Barbee 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 001451

George Edward Thomas Sr. aka George Edward Thomas Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

George Edward Thomas Jr., whose address is 9338 Clifford Dr., White Plains, Maryland 20695, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of George Edward Thomas Sr. aka George Edward Thomas who died on 11/16/2023 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 1/30/2027. 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 1/30/2027, 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: 7/30/2026

NATIONAL

GUARD from Page 1

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2026 ADM 000708

Juanita White Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Avis (White) Thomas, whose address is 6910 Simmons Lane, Clinton, MD 20735, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Juanita White who died on June 14, 2026 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 1/30/2027. 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 1/30/2027, 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: 7/30/2026

Avis (White) Thomas 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 2026 ADM 000725

Georgia Carol Johnson Herron Decedent

LaShana D. Miller 5425 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 600 Chevy Chase, MD 20815 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Carolivia Herron, whose address is 6514 Seventh Street, NW, Washington, DC 20012, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Georgia Carol Johnson Herron who died on October 25, 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 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 1/30/2027. 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 1/30/2027, 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: 7/30/2026

Carolivia Herron 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

2026 ADM 000494

Maria Elena Rosales-Norwood Decedent

Brian L. Kass, Esq. 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 Maria Elena Rosales-Norwood who died on December 9, 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 1/30/2027. 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 1/30/2027, 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: 7/30/2026

Brian L. Kass Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

corridors, transit hubs such as Union Station, federal buildings, monuments, parks, and public spaces. They were often armed and could detain individuals, but they had no power to arrest; police retained that authority,” the study says of the deployment.

The center emphasized the surge in law enforcement “was not hotspot policing.”

“It was not even conventional policing,” the study continues. “It was a large, sudden, and independently operated surge in uniformed presence, uninformed by crime data and concentrated instead in the spaces where the public life of the city happens.”

Researchers said before soldiers’ deployment there were roughly 0.10 fewer crime incidents weekly per neighborhood block. MPD and the mayor’s office did not return requests for comment regarding the study.

However, a local Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (ANC) said there are no signs of improvement with the presence of soldiers.

“As an ANC I’ve heard from a lot of neighbors that the National Guard’s presence patrolling the streets makes them feel uncomfortable,” Commissioner of ANC1B07 Matthew Holden told The Informer. It’s unclear what in particular their purpose is other than to make the administration look tough and there is no local oversight over their presence.”

The Northwest resident noted he’s seen recent challenges with

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2026 ADM 000299

Estate of Fred Morris Glover

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Yvette M. Thompson 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: July 30, 2026

Yvette M. Thompson 803 Vauxhall Road Landover, Maryland 20785

Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

crime and MPD.

“This past weekend in the U Street corridor, there was a shooting and multiple stabbings,” he continued. “If the administration cared about public safety in D.C., they would work with the District Government and MPD to find actual solutions to our city’s safety issues.”

Other Washingtonians agree. Native Washingtonian John-Paul Perotta said the soldiers’ presence makes it feel like “you’re living under occupation” noting that there hasn’t been any “measurable improvement” regarding crime due to their proximity.

Joy Masha said the National Guard patrolling community streets is poor for her wellbeing.

“I don't feel safer with National Guard troops stationed on every corner of my neighborhood. I feel anxious. Before I see the sun on my way to work, I see soldiers and guns,” Joy Masha told the Informer. “It feels less like protection and more like living inside a scene from a war movie where ordinary residents have become background characters in a conflict we never asked for. The question I keep asking myself is: ‘How did our neighborhood get here?’”

Nation Guard in HighVisibility Public Spaces, A Costly Deployment

In the weeks following the National Guard’s deployment, statistics show crime rates settling at around 0.24 incidents below baseline for the remainder of 2025.

The study says the National Guard’s presence deterred opportunistic property offending, exactly the category of crime most sensitive to visible, high-presence enforcement on the street but flagged that violent crime was “unmoved.”

“The National Guard was deployed primarily in high-visibility public spaces, exactly the locations where opportunistic property crime tends to occur and where visible deterrence is most likely to be effective. Violent crime is more deeply rooted in interpersonal dynamics, social network conflicts, and the structural conditions of high-poverty neighborhoods,” researchers wrote. “A uniformed presence in tourist corridors and transit hubs is unlikely to interrupt a dispute between individuals with preexisting ties on their own turf. The Guard’s footprint was simply misaligned with the geography of violence.”

WI

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COMER from Page 1

concern about the District, and not his constituents, hints at the overwhelming influence of corporations on Capitol Hill.

“He probably likes DoorDash because he pretty much lives in D.C. and he probably benefits from that service [but] a lot of the people in his district don't have DoorDash,” said John “Drew” Williams, a resident of Marshall County, Kentucky and Democratic candidate for the seat currently held by Comer. “We don’t have delivery services to our rural communities from restaurants. I don’t know why that's important to him to focus on.”

As Kentuckians

Suffer,

Congressman Comer Focuses, Yet Again, on D.C.

Earlier this month, Comer introduced the D.C. Taxing Authority Review Act. This bill, if passed, would require the passage of a joint congressional resolution before enactment of local legislation that imposes or increases taxes and fees. This happened nearly two weeks after the D.C. Council approved the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Support Act, which, much to local business leaders’ chagrin, included a 20-cent surcharge on food deliveries and a provision for a study on a business activity tax.

From the onset, DoorDash expressed support for Comer’s recent bill, prompting calls from the Free DC Project, and Democratic nominee for the D.C. delegate seat D.C. Councilmember Robert White (DAt large), to boycott the food delivery service. Nearly 800 miles away, Williams, a dock builder, is standing in solidarity with the District as he runs a campaign not dependent on corporate donations. He told The Informer that D.C. residents need protection against Comer and other congressional Republicans exacting their will over the nation’s capital.

sional bid earlier this year on a platform that focuses on: fortifying family farms, reforming health care, strengthening national investment in education, and modernizing local infrastructure.

He said, if elected, he’ll be much different than Comer, who he says hasn’t engaged the least of those living in Kentucky’s 1st congressional district— not even with a town hall.

“Organizations that are willing to pat his back and tell him he did a good job, they definitely get face time,” Williams said. “But if they're going to bring up a a bill that he’s not talking about 24/7, he’s like ‘Oh I don’t really do policy.’”

Comer’s office didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Comer has represented Kentucky’s 1st congressional district since 2016. Since taking the helm of his committee in 2023, Comer has thwarted investigations into the billions of dollars of profit President Donald J. Trump has accumulated, all while shepherding several bills infringing on the District’s legislative affairs.

On the federal level, Comer has taken aim at what he calls government waste and fraudulent spending, a crusade through which he’s targeted state-administered welfare programs, pharmacy benefits managers, and eligibility verification controls. This is unfolding at a time when Kentuckians, if not for an unexpected state surplus, would’ve suffered from a Medicaid payment reduction starting in August.

Despite that brief reprieve, Williams said that constituents aren’t totally out of the water. That’s why he’s setting out to replace Comer and sit on a House committee that can help the people of Kentucky’s 1st congressional district.

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“When it benefits the states, cities or government systems that he likes, he’s all small government, local sovereignty and the will of the people kind of thing,” Williams said about Comer. “But it’s when he doesn't like it, like Ohio, Minnesota, Michigan, California, or D.C., he finds reasons to [conduct] oversight [on] them and create a ‘chosen people’ to protect and inflict his committee on.”

Williams launched his congres-

“Kentucky’s a recipient state and as much as anyone wants to argue about how there’s fraud everywhere, as a recipient state, it’s not our money that’s being fraudulently spent,” Williams told The Informer. “My money's not getting wasted in Minnesota child learning centers. It has nothing to do with me, and so the fact that he puts so much focus on it, and that’s a position he chose to be in… just goes to show you that it just has no relevance to our district.” WI

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WALKER from Page 22

Meanwhile, critics often find themselves targeted politically while loyalists receive prestigious appointments or lucrative contracts connected to Trump's network.

Any one of these stories would have dominated headlines for months in another era. Together, they paint a picture of public office being used for private enrichment. I could have sworn that was illegal.

America250 or Freedom 250?

One of the most symbolic controversies surrounds America's 250th birthday celebration.

Congress created America250 as a bipartisan effort to commemorate the nation's semiquincentennial. Then came the Trump-backed Freedom 250 initiative.

Freedom 250 has been accused of steering donors and financial support away from America250 toward Trump's organization, including allegations that prospective donors received Freedom 250 account information instead of America250's. Freedom 250 denies wrongdoing, and investigations continue.

If proven, it would represent an-

from Page 22

when he stood with striking sanitation workers in Memphis, Tenn. Today, we carry that legacy forward by fighting for workplaces where every worker is respected, protected and paid fairly.

Black Women's Equal Pay Day should not simply remind us how far we still have to go. It should remind

from Page 22

ter wasn't waiting for permission.

In GQ, he reflected on the early days of Roc-A-Fella after major labels passed on "Reasonable Doubt." He recalled saying, "We going to do this on our own." The album initially sold roughly 43,000 copies. Without mainstream distribution or marketing, Roc-A-Fella relied on independence, relationships and street-level hustle to move the record.

That reporting matters because when you remember where "Reasonable Doubt" started, JAŸ-Z30 doesn't feel like nostalgia.

It feels like ownership. That's a win.

Here's where I got stuck.

While the anniversary campaign celebrated Black ownership and independence, the exclusive 30th-anniversary vinyl edition of "Reasonable

other example of public institutions becoming vehicles for private political gain.

How fitting that America's birthday celebration would become entangled in a controversy over money and influence.

Pimping pardons

Another controversy centers on presidential pardons. Reports have described wealthy individuals and politically connected figures receiving favorable consideration while lobbyists charge enormous fees to pursue clemency for clients.

Whether perception or reality, payto-play justice undermines public confidence. If this were organized crime, we'd call it gangster. If poor Black people did it, we'd call it criminal. Instead, Trump continues making money while avoiding accountability.

Institutions that looked away

The larger scandal may not be Trump himself. Trump has spent decades cultivating an image built around aggressive dealmaking and pushing ethical boundaries. In "The Art of the Deal," he celebrated tactics that critics say rewarded refusing to pay and dragging disputes through

us that we already know how to make progress. It happens when workers organize. It happens when we bargain together. And it happens when we stand in solidarity with one another. That's why we must elect leaders who will work to protect workers' rights, strengthen unions and defend our democracy.

Doubt" was sold through Target.

You already know the conversation.

I don't need to explain it.

TheGrio reported that the partnership reignited criticism from Black consumers who were already questioning Target's retreat from its diversity, equity and inclusion commitments. For some, the issue wasn't the vinyl.

It was the symbolism. What it signaled was the rub.

Jiggaman answered some of that criticism during the Yankee Stadium run. Complex reported that he challenged the idea that people selectively decide which corporations deserve scrutiny. His comments echoed what he'd previously told GQ: Black entrepreneurs often have to work within systems they don't own because those systems still control distribution.

Okay. I hear him. I really do.

the courts.

Americans knew who he was before they voted.

The Republican-controlled Congress has repeatedly declined to challenge him aggressively. Critics argue the Supreme Court has also strengthened presidential immunity. Federal ethics laws contain loopholes that previous presidents generally respected, but Trump has been willing to exploit.

Major media organizations often favor spectacle over sustained investigations, while social media platforms reward outrage and distraction.

The result is accountability delayed — or denied.

The cost to democracy

Corruption is rarely just about money. Every dollar diverted is one unavailable for schools, healthcare, infrastructure, disaster relief or veterans. Every ethical line erased makes the next violation easier.

Eventually, Americans stop asking whether something is right and ask only whether it's legal.

That's how republics die.

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Let's recommit ourselves to building an economy where every worker is valued, every paycheck reflects the dignity of work and every Black woman receives the equal pay she has long deserved. Because equal pay isn't just about fairness. It's about making sure every family can afford to build a better future. WI

But I couldn't shake one question: Who else won? Not as a gotcha. As an honest question. If we're calling this a win for the culture, where else did the culture win? Who produced the activations? Who received the contracts? Which Black-owned businesses participated?

And how much of the economic activity found its way back into the communities that embraced Hov long before corporate America ever did?

As I worked on this column, I went looking for those answers.

I reviewed Roc Nation's campaign materials alongside reporting from GQ, TheGrio, Complex and Wired. I found detailed reporting on the performances, the partnerships, the merchandise and the cultural activation itself. WI

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always been available whenever politicians want to discriminate against somebody.

Black Americans have heard that song before.

MORIAL from Page 23

alongside the cost of living, allowing workers and their families to maintain economic stability rather than continually falling behind.

Second, Congress must repeal and replace the "Big Ugly Bill." Restoring investments in healthcare, education, student aid, nutrition assistance and other family-supporting programs that help families succeed would provide critical support for Americans striving to achieve economic self-sufficiency.

Third, housing affordability must become a national priority. Housing costs represent the single largest expense for most families, yet millions remain burdened by rents they cannot afford or locked out of homeownership opportunities. Universal housing vouchers would ensure that eligible families receive assistance, just as they do through programs like SNAP or Medicaid. At the same time, the nation must dramatically increase the supply of affordable housing through

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Thomas made contact with her fist to Clark's throat during the scramble, but no foul was called. Following the game, Thomas was issued a Flagrant 2 and suspended for one game by WNBA officials. The play triggered Clark's supporters, and they aimed racial slurs and death threats at Thomas.

Thomas responded by calling out WNBA Commissioner Engelbert for not protecting athletes in the league.

"We still have yet to hear anything from Cathy. It's no surprise," Thomas said in a press conference after her suspension. "You can see what's being said on social media. It's unfortunate, but as usual, she remains silent. That's unfortunate when our lives are being threatened."

It was only after Thomas' statement that Engelbert responded to the threats sparked by Clark's supporters.

"The WNBA vehemently condemns any and all forms of hate," Engelbert said in a statement. "The safety and well-being of everyone in our community is always the league's top priority. We are aware of Alyssa Thomas' comments, and what she and her teammates have experienced is completely unacceptable and not represen-

Slave patrols became public safety. Jim Crow became states' rights.

Mass incarceration became law and order.

Same melody.

Different verse.

History has a way of putting racism in a respectable suit.

a robust national Housing Trust Fund dedicated to financing and preserving affordable and workforce housing.

Fourth, affordable broadband must be recognized as essential infrastructure. In today's economy, internet access is no longer a luxury. It is a prerequisite for employment, education, healthcare access and economic advancement. Reestablishing and strengthening the Affordable Connectivity Program would help ensure that every family can participate fully in modern society regardless of income or geography.

Finally, we must end inflationary tariffs that increase the price of everyday goods and place additional burdens on working families already navigating tight budgets. Americans should not be forced to bear unnecessary costs that make basic necessities more expensive. Trade policies should strengthen American competitiveness while protecting household purchasing power.

The affordability debate is ultimate-

tative of the WNBA community."

Weeks later, Chelsea Gray of the Las Vegas Aces faced racial animus following a simple foul call that went against Clark. While driving to the basket, Gray was fouled on the arm by Clark, who collapsed to the ground and held her stomach as if she was in pain. Clark yelled at the referee, claiming that Gray had hit her, but video replay proved that Gray never initiated contact with Clark.

But an otherwise normal basketball play led to Gray enduring racial slurs and harassment. Following the game, Gray reposted a screenshot on Instagram of a man using a racial slur against her, and she wrote, "People act like we just make this s--- up."

The post went viral, and the man, who worked for Hilton Grand Vacations, was fired within days. Gray responded to the ordeal in a press conference, revealing that she and other WNBA players have faced ongoing harassment.

"Enough is kind of enough," Gray said. "These messages are not the first time. It's not. There was other stuff, too. I just decided to share that one. This time I got fed up with it, and I just decided to share it. And maybe I

When politicians begin sanitizing one chapter of history, they're coming after the whole book.

Communities of color don't have identical histories.

But we recognize familiar tactics. WI

ly about more than dollars and cents. It is about dignity. It is about whether hard work still provides a pathway to stability. It is about whether young people can imagine owning a home, raising a family and building wealth. It is about whether seniors can retire with security and whether workers can achieve economic mobility without constantly worrying about the next bill.

The American Dream does not need to be reinvented. It needs to be restored.

That restoration begins with policies that make life more affordable for the people who keep this country running every day. By raising wages, expanding housing opportunity, preserving essential family supports, restoring affordable internet access and reducing unnecessary costs, the Affordability for All Agenda offers a roadmap toward an economy that works for everyone, not just for those already at the top.

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don't share the other ones, but I know people will think twice."

Clark never asked to become a symbol for those who aim hatred at Black women, but is she doing enough to distance herself from the position? She issued a statement after hearing of the harassment Thomas experienced. "The harassment, the hate. None of that is OK," Clark said. "There should never be a question of character, as I've always stood up here and said that, and that's truly what I believe, that's how I was raised. So, none of that is OK, and I don't want anyone to experience that."

It's similar to another statement Clark made in 2025 after Angel Reese faced racial slurs while playing against the Fever in Indianapolis. "There's no place for that in our game, there's no place for that in society," Clark said. "Certainly, we want every person who comes into our arena, whether player or fan, to have a great experience. I appreciate the league doing that [investigation]. I appreciate that the Fever organization has been at the forefront of that."

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