Ten dogs drowned in the incident Aug. 14 in Northeast D.C.

In February, members of the D.C. Council grilled Heather McGaffin, the head of the District’s 911 system — the Office of Unified Communications (OUC) — about the agency’s response to the District Dog flood. While her agency had months to do so before that hearing, McGaffin did not release an after-action report that day as expected, saying it would instead come from D.C.’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency.

What she didn’t say is that the draft report was finished by Dec. 18 – months earlier.

D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto released that report Wednesday. The D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency didn’t explain to the News4 I-Team why it hadn’t released the report.

“As part of my oversight role of our emergency response and public safety agencies as Chairwoman of the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, I requested, obtained and am reviewing a draft of the after-action report on the tragic District Dogs flooding incident last August,” Pinto told the I-Team. “I firmly believe that increased transparency of the District’s emergency response is critical for improving accuracy, reliability and public trust, which is why I shared the draft after-action report from the executive with the public.”

The 25-page report breaks down the timeline of what happened Aug. 14.

Three 911 calls came in about District Dogs that afternoon.

The first call at 5:06 p.m. came from an employee who wasn’t at work but watching the flooding from a remote camera. That employee and their partner, Corvo Leung, who was also on the call, told the call taker people and animals were trapped with rising water. According to the report, the call taker questioned how to code the incident in the dispatch system. According to the report, the call taker was told by a supervisor to enter it as “water leak.”

Despite the call, no emergency response was dispatched to District Dogs after that first call. That’s because the report said up until that time, a water rescue inside a building had never occurred in the city.

“To hear that classified as a water leak, when we very clearly said that people and dogs’ lives were in danger … It boggles my mind,” Leung told the I-Team. “And it troubles me on a very, very high level.”

OUC got a second 911 call at 5:09 p.m. from another employee off site who also said there were people and animals inside. Only then did OUC dispatch the first rescue team to District Dogs, but the call over the radio to crews on scene was still described as a “water leak.” At that moment, the report says, “the dispatch did not mention people or dogs being trapped.” It was still coded in the dispatch system as “flooding-public assistance.” That’s considered a “low priority,” so the fire commander turned the rescue crew around, which is standard practice.

A third 911 call came in at 5:17 p.m. from a person actually trapped inside. That’s when the computer system was finally updated to “water rescue.” It was 11 minutes after the first call. Five minutes after that, at 5:22 p.m., OUC made it clear for the first time over the radio to firefighters on the scene that people and animals were trapped and in danger.

The report reveals firefighters didn’t get into District Dogs until 5:29 p.m. and didn’t reach the third caller until 5:35 p.m.

Leung still can’t make sense of it.

“I believe that had there been a faster response, a different response, a more accurate response, that the people that I know and care about and love wouldn’t have as severe PTSD, that they would not have flashbacks every time it rains,” they said.

The report says any change in the coding would not have saved the dogs. The dogs were already dead, the report said, but it would have ensured proper resources were dispatched from the initial dispatch.

OUC says all its call takers and dispatchers have been trained since this incident to code future indoor water rescues as an emergency — categorizing them as “rescue or building collapse.”

District Dogs flood

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The report does not address the lack of problem solving or a work around for OUC when dealing with an emergency it never encountered before.

OUC didn’t respond to the I-Team’s request for comment.

Pinto said she will push for more insight at OUC.

“With the implementation of my Secure DC public safety omnibus legislation that requires sustained public transparency of our 911 and emergency operations, I’ll continue to push for increased transparency to improve the accuracy and reliability of our emergency response and build trust with the public,” she said.

Reported by Ted Oberg, produced by Rick Yarborough, and shot and edited by Steve Jones.

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It’s a common sight across the District. Mopeds zip down the street, usually with some sort of compartment for storing food in tow.

“We’re seeing them being driven on sidewalks. We’re seeing them driven in ways that don’t fit neatly into a box,” D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen said. 

And if it feels like you’re seeing more, that’s because you are. 

Local leaders estimate there are thousands of the unregistered vehicles on D.C. roads, and they say it’s time to do something.  

“Not too different from when you buy a car, right? When you go to the dealer you buy the car and guess what? They give you the temporary tag right there that’s registered to that vehicle,” Allen, who is also chair of the transportation committee, said. 

Now, he and Councilmember Brianne Nadeau have introduced a bill that would hold the owners accountable.

Under the proposed Moped Registration Accountability Amendment Act, companies that rent the vehicles would have to register their fleet, which requires insurance.  

“We’re not talking about e-bikes. We’re not talking about motorcycles. It’s the somewhere in-between, which usually has an engine capacity of up to about 50ccs, so they can scoot around pretty fast,” Allen said.

The public safety push also comes after four teenagers were arrested for a series of moped thefts this week. In two of the cases, the riders were robbed at gunpoint while waiting at intersections, the Metropolitan Police Department said. 

“Fortunately MPD did a great job. They made an arrest in that case, but when we see that happen it’s also a lot harder to be able to hold accountable what just happened if it’s an unregistered vehicle,” Allen said. 

Allen said they aren’t trying to stop anyone’s side hustle either. Since many riders rent these vehicles to make deliveries, they want to make sure the owners are held responsible.  

“Listen, I want my meal when I order it to get there fast just like everybody else, but I want people to drive safely, and I think we have to have our laws catch up,” Allen said. 

This is just the beginning of a months-long process. Now that the bill has been introduced, it will have to go through committees and hearings before the D.C. Council can vote.

They were expecting to see D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.

“There is a big world out there waiting for you to be a leader in it,” she told them.

But they did not expect Obama.

“We need your vision,” she told them. “We need your energy, we need your ideas, we need your perspectives to help us to continue to build a more just and equal nation and world, at this point.”

Obama started College Signing Day 10 years ago to shine a light on the importance of academic success and a college education.

Washington Capitals and Wizards owner Ted Leonsis, who chairs the DC College Access Program that provides college scholarships, opened up the arena for the event and began by thanking teachers and parents.

“Stand up,” he said. “Let them know how much you appreciate their work.”

One of the seniors in the crowd, Khaliq Keeta, said he plans to be the first in his family to earn a college diploma.

“A lot of people might not say this, but I’m most excited to finish college, you know,” he said. “I just want to — not get everything done with — but start my life, basically.”

Another college-bound senior at the event, Lynni Thomas, who has been on her own her entire senior year due to family issues, is also the battalion commander of her ROTC.

“I don’t want to be a victim of my past or my circumstances,” she said. “I want to be better than I see everybody else around me, so that kind of pushed me towards moving forward and getting my grades up, because I don’t want to stay in D.C. forever.”

While Keeta was awarded an academic scholarship, Thomas is still trying to figure out how she’ll pay for her education.

NBC’s live coverage of the Kentucky Derby begins at 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, but you can watch live Derby Day coverage on USA Network and Peacock from 12-2:20 p.m. ET. You can also stream Derby Day coverage on Peacock, NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app. Get the full viewing guide here.

However, if you want an excuse to dress to the nines, break out an ostentatious hat, and sip some bourbon here in the District, here are some parties, rooftop events and more you can check out.

Where to Watch the Kentucky Derby in DC

Derby de Mayo
Sat., 12-3 p.m., 901 U Street NW, D.C.
Details

D.C. landmark bar Whitlow’s is hosting a 2-in-1 celebration for what just might be this year’s biggest drinking holiday. The bar is hosting a bottomless brunch from noon to three, featuring Dragon Fruit margaritas, Jalapeno and Cucumber margaritas, and tequila Jell-O shots.

There will be a prize for the best Derby hat or sombrero, so no matter what direction you choose, commit to the ‘fit!

Run for the Rosés
Sat., 3-7 p.m., 1940 11th Street NW, D.C.
Details

If you’re still riding the high of last summer’s Barbie-pink shenanigans, Lulu’s Winegarden has the perfect Derby party for you. Their annual “Run for the Rosés” comes with eight different rosé bottle options for just $40, rosé magnums and frozen mint juleps to enjoy during the indoor-and-outdoor viewing party.

There are also, of course, bourbon specials. The party itself is free, but you’ll have to pay for food and drinks.

Kentucky Derby party
Sat., 3 p.m., 2007 18th St. NW, D.C.
Details

This is the 12th annual Kentucky Derby event hosted by Jack Rose Dining Saloon in Adams Morgan. If you couldn’t tell from how long the event has been running, it’s a popular one — and unfortunately, the reserved indoor seating is already sold out.

But never fear! The first-come, first-served rooftop terrace party is open to anyone, and that’s free. The bar opens early at 3 p.m. to serve mint juleps with whiskey from what WTOP calls one of the best lists on the East Coast. Sip away and watch the races on their many TVs.

Derby Day at Wren
Sat., 4-7 p.m., 1825 Capital One Dr., Tysons, VA
Details

Wren, a Japanese-American fusion restaurant on the 11th floor of the Watermark Hotel in Tyson’s Corner, is hosting its very own Derby Day watch party on May 4.

The ticketed party will feature live music, specialty cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and of course the race itself. There will be prizes for the best hat and the best dressed.

Kentucky Derby Experience
Sat., 3-8 p.m., Maryland 5 in Waldorf, MD
Details

The Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill is an equestrian event space — so it’s no wonder they’re ready to party in honor of the Kentucky Derby. They promise an event filled with “excitement, elegance, and of course, horse racing,” for everyone from the most season horse racing fan to those just looking for a fun day out.

150th Kentucky Derby Party
Sat., 12:30-6:30 p.m., Laurel Racetrack, MD
Details

This ticketed event hosted by the Maryland Jockey Club features a “mouthwatering buffet spread,” and a photo booth to capture your fancy outfits and hats.

The organization is sure to give the Derby gravitas, since they’re the same organizers that sell tickets to the second race in the Triple Crown: The Preakness Stakes.

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Other Derby-adjacent events

Happy to celebrate without the horses as long as you’ve got a mint julep in hand? Interested in Derby vibes but not necessarily attached to the one in Kentucky? We’ve got you covered.

Virginia Gold Cup & Jack Russell Terrier races
Sat., 10 a.m., 5089 Old Tavern Rd., The Plains, VA
Details

The Virginia Gold Cup, which organizers call “Virginia’s answer to the Kentucky Derby,” has been running for more than 100 years. It comes with a tailgate contest and a horse race of its own.

A fan-favorite part of the ticketed event are the Jack Russell Terrier races, where dogs jump over obstacles to be the first to reach a lure at the end of the course.

Derby Day Pig Roast
Sat., 2-6 p.m., 917 V St. NW, D.C.
Details

If you want a taste of the south, American Ice Company is hosting their annual Kentucky Derby Cookout, complete with roast pork, macaroni salad, baked beans and cornbread. There are two all-you-can-eat tiers — one that includes all-you-can-drink beers, one with just the food — and extra juleps and alcoholic lemonade for purchase.

There will also be live music on the patio, and dogs are encouraged.

“Having this unit helps not to revictimize victims again, deaf victims,” Jordan said.

After 34 years on the force, she knows retirement is near and she wants to ensure the unit is staffed with younger officers who can carry on her work for years to come.

Gallaudet University graduate Officer Jay Pomare has been on the force for a year. He is the son of two deaf parents, so American Sign Language is his first language.

“When I came out the womb, my parents are signing to me, and I’m being receptive to everything that they’re signing,” he said. “I had to go to school and go to speech therapy, and then that’s how I learned how to talk.”

“I’ve always been a mediator, and really, that’s what a liaison is, a mediator,” Pomare said. “Having two deaf parents, I’ve always mediated from the hearing world to the deaf world.”

Jordan sees the future of the unit when she looks at Pomare.

“I see his deaf heart, meaning, yes, he knows the language, he knows the culture, but he also have a deaf heart,” she said. “He loves the community, and that’s what’s important.”

Pomare has seen the difference it can make when the victim of a crime is able to communicate with police in their first language.

“It feels like a sense of relief,” he said. “They see it and they feel like, ‘Oh, perfect, I don’t have to really struggle while I’m already experiencing a traumatizing or bad experience.’”

A spokesperson for the National Association of the Deaf said often people who are deaf or hard of hearing are arrested for failure to comply with verbal orders.

More than 200 people, including “professional organizers, activists, and university students,” have joined the demonstration, the university said Monday, as protests continue on college campuses across the country.

Video shared on social media shows a rush of demonstrators breaking through the bike rack-style barricades set up near the encampment. A drum is beating, there is chanting, and some protesters kick or jump on barriers. Police attempt to push back or hold on as the barriers are moved. Someone can be heard saying, “Whoa, whoa, hey.”

“Yesterday, the crowd rallied, and we, the crowd was like, we need real liberation, and we dismantled the barriers. They were gone,” sophomore Selina Al-Shihabi said. “And just the feeling, you know, the energy of finally feeling free. I mean, it’s a fraction of what the people of Gaza are going through.”

One person was escorted away by campus police, but they were not arrested, according to the university. The barriers were placed as a way to limit access to University Park instead of resorting to forcible relocation, the university said.

By Monday morning, the barricades were in a jumbled pile at the center of the encampment.

“This is an egregious violation of community trust and goes far beyond the boundaries of free expression and the right to protest,” the university’s update said in part.

Dozens of students set up tents on Thursday in University Yard — which is bordered by GW’s law school and other GW buildings — to call on the university to divest itself from financial ties with Israel, according to student newspaper The GW Hatchet.

Five days later, on the final day of classes for the spring semester, the number of people participating in the encampment swelled, and a second encampment had cropped up on H Street, on D.C. property, according to the university. 

Over the weekend, the university reduced the space in University Park to allow for 20 people to remain and “to minimize further disruption to university activities.” They were allowing demonstrators to access food and water and shared how to find medical assistance, GW President Ellen M. Granberg said in a Sunday message to the campus.

“GW continues to offer Anniversary Park as an alternate demonstration site and implores demonstrators to vacate University Yard immediately,” Granberg wrote in part.

When access was limited to University Park Friday evening, protesters set up a new encampment of about 20 tents on H Street.

Al-Shihabi thinks students standing in solidarity with Gaza is making a difference.

“I definitely think it’s helping raise awareness. I mean, we’ve been getting messages from the people of Gaza — voice notes, photos — just telling us how much we appreciate them, which is so ironic because we draw so much of our inspiration from them,” Al-Shihabi said.

‘Liberation Camp’

Students celebrated the first 24 hours of the “Liberation Camp” protest on Friday.

Protesters say that their solidarity is with the Palestinian people, not with Hamas. While any protest movement has extreme elements that diverge from the core cause, most of the protesters at GW say they want to keep the focus on why they’re in the encampment — killings and what they’re calling a genocide in Gaza.

“We’ve been very clear with our demands and we’ve been very clear that we are here in solidarity with Gaza,” said one young woman protesting on Thursday, who did not want to be identified. “We are here in solidarity with Palestine.”

GW said it decided to request D.C. police assistance after multiple instructions from university police officers to relocate to another site on campus went unheeded.

The university also issued a statement saying protesters are trespassing and “any student who remains in University Yard may be placed on temporary suspension and administratively barred from campus.”

Several students told News4 Friday they were prepared to get arrested in order to stand up for what they believe in, and others said if they are removed, that would only embolden them in their protests.

“Missing class, it’s nothing compared to what the people in Gaza are going through right now,” said the anonymous protester. “It’s not about us, it’s not about our so-called sacrifice.”

Counterprotester Eric Hirshfield said he tried to enter the encampment “just to see what’s going on and make sure they’re not disenfranchising the rights of others.”

Leaders of the Jewish Student Association said they feel uncomfortable walking by the pro-Palestinian protests.

“A lot of people have family in Israel, and when there are slogans used that call for the destruction of where people live, it’s very intimidating,” Co-President Alana Mondschein said.

“The campus climate, the protests, are just unproductive,” Co-President Jacob Wise said. “There’s no effort to speak to other students who might disagree.”

Last fall they had to help replace posters of Israeli hostages at the Hillel building after someone tore them down. GW said it suspended the student involved.

 This is a developing story. Stay with News4 for updates.

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Wali Shabazz, 49, of Southwest D.C., was arrested and charged with second degree murder while armed, the Metropolitan Police Department said in a release.

Officers were called to a stabbing in the 100 block of T Street SW just before 6:30 p.m. When they arrived, they found a man who was stabbed multiple times, police said.

He was taken to the hospital where he died from his injuries. He was identified as Marin Gross Jr., 41, of Northwest D.C.

The stabbing occurred over a workplace dispute between Shabazz and Gross, according to investigators.

An hour later, DC United fans packed the area for the team’s game.

The team released a statement that said first responders already on site supporting the match responded quickly.

“This was an isolated incident, and the Metropolitan Police Department has advised that they have the suspect in custody,” the team’s statement said in part.

The incident remains under investigation.

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University police said a group of students reported that a man “brandished a weapon in their direction” inside of an AU shuttle bus at around 6 p.m. at Nebraska Avenue and Ward Circle. 

Police locked down campus and sent out an alert about a “dangerous subject,” advising students to go inside a secure location.

Shortly after, officials sent an update saying the suspect was in custody. 

Video shows a man being detained by D.C. police. News4 is working to confirm if that is the person in custody in connection to the alert.

This is a developing story. Refresh for updates.

An evening normally devoted to presidents, journalists and comedians taking outrageous pokes at political scandals and each other often seemed this year to illustrate the difficulty of putting aside the coming presidential election and the troubles in the Middle East and elsewhere.

Biden opened his roast with a direct but joking focus on Trump, calling him “sleepy Don,” in reference to a nickname Trump had given the president previously.

Despite being similar in age, Biden said, the two presidential hopefuls have little else in common. “My vice president actually endorses me,” Biden said. Former Trump Vice President Mike Pence has refused to endorse Trump’s reelection bid.

But the president quickly segued to a grim speech about what he believes is at stake this election, saying that another Trump administration would be even more harmful to America than his first term.

“We have to take this serious — eight years ago we could have written it off as ‘Trump talk’ but not after January 6,” Biden told the audience, referring to the supporters of Trump who stormed the Capitol after Biden defeated Trump in the 2020 election.

Trump did not attend Saturday’s dinner and never attended the annual banquet as president. In 2011, he sat in the audience, and glowered through a roasting by then-President Barack Obama of Trump’s reality-television celebrity status. Obama’s sarcasm then was so scalding that many political watchers linked it to Trump’s subsequent decision to run for president in 2016.

Biden’s speech, which lasted around 10 minutes, made no mention of the ongoing war or the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

One of the few mentions came from Kelly O’Donnell, president of the correspondents’ association, who briefly noted some 100 journalists killed in Israel’s 6-month-old war against Hamas in Gaza. In an evening dedicated in large part to journalism, O’Donnell cited journalists who have been detained across the world, including Americans Evan Gershkovich in Russia and Austin Tice, who is believed to be held in Syria. Families of both men were in attendance as they have been at previous dinners.

To get inside Saturday’s dinner, some guests had to hurry through hundreds of protesters outraged over the mounting humanitarian disaster for Palestinian civilians in Gaza. They condemned Biden for his support of Israel’s military campaign and Western news outlets for what they said was undercoverage and misrepresentation of the conflict.

“Shame on you!” protesters draped in the traditional Palestinian keffiyeh cloth shouted, running after men in tuxedos and suits and women in long dresses holding clutch purses as guests hurried inside for the dinner.

“Western media we see you, and all the horrors that you hide,” crowds chanted at one point.

Other protesters lay sprawled motionless on the pavement, next to mock-ups of flak vests with “press” insignia.

Ralliers cried “Free, free Palestine.” They cheered when at one point someone inside the Washington Hilton — where the dinner has been held for decades — unfurled a Palestinian flag from a top-floor hotel window.

Criticism of the Biden administration’s support for Israel’s military offensive in Gaza has spread through American college campuses, with students pitching encampments and withstanding police sweeps in an effort to force their universities to divest from Israel. Counterprotests back Israel’s offensive and complain of antisemitism.

Biden’s motorcade Saturday took an alternate route from the White House to the Washington Hilton than in previous years, largely avoiding the crowds of demonstrators.

Saturday’s event drew nearly 3,000 people. Celebrities included Academy Award winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Scarlett Johansson, Jon Hamm and Chris Pine.

Both the president and comedian Colin Jost, who spoke after Biden, made jabs at the age of both the candidates for president. “I’m not saying both candidates are old. But you know Jimmy Carter is out there thinking, ‘maybe I can win this thing,’” Jost said. “He’s only 99.”

Law enforcement, including the Secret Service, instituted extra street closures and other measures to ensure what Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said would be the “highest levels of safety and security for attendees.”

Protest organizers said they aimed to bring attention to the high numbers of Palestinian and other Arab journalists killed by Israel’s military since the war began in October.

More than two dozen journalists in Gaza wrote a letter last week calling on their colleagues in Washington to boycott the dinner altogether.

“The toll exacted on us for merely fulfilling our journalistic duties is staggering,” the letter stated. “We are subjected to detentions, interrogations, and torture by the Israeli military, all for the ‘crime’ of journalistic integrity.”

One organizer complained that the White House Correspondents’ Association — which represents the hundreds of journalists who cover the president — largely has been silent since the first weeks of the war about the killings of Palestinian journalists. WHCA did not respond to a request for comment.

According to a preliminary investigation released Friday by the Committee to Protect Journalists, nearly 100 journalists have been killed covering the war in Gaza. Israel has defended its actions, saying it has been targeting militants.

“Since the Israel-Gaza war began, journalists have been paying the highest price — their lives — to defend our right to the truth. Each time a journalist dies or is injured, we lose a fragment of that truth,” CPJ Program Director Carlos Martínez de la Serna said in a statement.

Sandra Tamari, executive director of Adalah Justice Project, a U.S.-based Palestinian advocacy group that helped organize the letter from journalists in Gaza, said “it is shameful for the media to dine and laugh with President Biden while he enables the Israeli devastation and starvation of Palestinians in Gaza.”

In addition, Adalah Justice Project started an email campaign targeting 12 media executives at various news outlets — including The Associated Press — expected to attend the dinner who previously signed onto a letter calling for the protection of journalists in Gaza.

“How can you still go when your colleagues in Gaza asked you not to?” a demonstrator asked guests heading in. “You are complicit.”

Fifth grader Abby Drew more than made the grade on her most recent report card, so her dad, Mike Drew, decided to celebrate in a special way. He told News4 all about it at the Washington Capitals’ open practice last week.

“She got straight A’s on her report card, so she just ‘missed the bus.’ So we’re here supporting the Caps getting ready for the playoffs.”

Abby’s achievement caught the eye of the Washington Capitals organization and Dunkin’ Donuts — who went to Tracey’s Landing Elementary for an epic surprise.

“We have a really exciting game tonight, and we would like to send you and your family to the Caps Game tonight!” Abby’s visitors told her.

Abby got four playoffs tickets, and her entire class got free donuts. They were frosted in the Caps’ colors, of course.

“I was shocked,” Abby said. “I cried little happy tears.”

“We think getting straight A’s is obviously an amazing accomplishment for an 11 year old, so we wanted to reward her and just celebrate her achievement,” Abby Leonard’s, a Caps rep said.

As for Abby and her dad, they’re excited, and they plan to make their presence known in the arena tonight.

“We’re going to be really loud. Rock the red loud, unleash the fury loud!” Abby says.

Happy White House Correspondents’ Dinner weekend to all who celebrate!

Wanna spot celebrities? With plenty of famous people including Nerd Prom host Colin Jost expected to be in town, here’s our pro tip: Grab a drink at the bar in a fancy hotel (think the Conrad, Four Seasons, Hay-Adams, etc.) and see who you see …

Happy Maryland Day to all our Terps! On Saturday, the University of Maryland will host performances, a climbing wall, talks and many more events.

Saturday is also Independent Book Store Day.

For those of us not on the A-list, we’ve got plenty to do, including five ways to channel Parisian vibes without leaving the D.C. area.

Weekend highlights

Washington Capitals in the playoffs

The Capitals are playing the Rangers in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. They’ll be home Friday and Sunday for games three and four. If you’re itching to go, prepare to shell out. Tickets are going for well over $100 on the verified resale market.

Rock the red:

• Capital One Cafe locations have free light-up bracelets and coffee deals (while supplies last)
• The team store at Capital One Arena has free ALL CAPS yard signs (while supplies last)

Dentzel Carousel Day
Sat., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Glen Echo Park, free entry, $2 per ride
Details

Glen Echo Park’s historic carousel opens for the season with a party and unlimited rides for $5.

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PNC Parkway Classic
Sun., Alexandria, $55-$100
🔗 Details

Lace up your sneakers for a run along the George Washington Memorial Parkway 

The 10-mile course begins at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, along the parkway and through historic Alexandria for spectacular spring views. The five-mile course stays in Alexandria, beginning and ending around Oronoco Bay Park.

Registration will be open through the end of the week. The kids’ race is sold out, so don’t delay if you’re excited to take over the parkway!

French vibes

• Free pick: The Georgetown French Market on Friday, Saturday and Sunday is a sidewalk sale with live music, stilt-walkers, face painting, a mime and more. You’ll find it on Wisconsin Avenue NW between Reservoir Road and O Street.
• Take a first look inside the dazzling French restaurant now open inside a historic bank.
• La Maison Française – AKA the Embassy of France – will host a jazz concert on Thursday and the 7th Annual DC Chocolate Festival on Saturday ($25 or free for kids under 12).
• Take a French-inspired dance lesson at Glen Echo Park at 2:30 p.m. Sunday followed by a social dance for just $15 (cash/Venmo only at the door). 
• Much-loved Great Falls restaurant L’Auberge Chez François celebrates its 70th anniversary with live music at a wine tasting and brunch.

Filmfest DC
Through April 28; most general admission tickets cost $14
Details

The District’s longest-running and largest film festival returns with international films, locally-made movies, shorts and more.

Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival
April 26 to May 5, Winchester, Virginia
Details

Cherry trees aren’t the only blossom game in the DMV! Centered in Winchester, Virginia, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival includes parades, a carnival, a wine fest, sports tournaments, beauty pageants and more over 10 days.

Project GLOW
Sat. and Sun., RFK Festival Grounds, $215.90 (two-day pass)
Details

Get your neon raver gear ready! ILLENIUM, Zedd, Lane 8, REZZ and dozens of other electronic acts are descending on the RFK Festival Grounds for this two-day music festival.

Purcellville Music and Arts Festival
Sat., noon to 7 p.m., Dillon’s Woods and the Bush Tabernacle, free
Details

Pack a lawn chair and head to the park for a day of live music, an art show and kid-friendly crafts.

The event is family-friendly – even dogs are welcome!

Parking is available at Emerick Elementary School, and some vendors only accept cash.

Celtic Festival of Southern Maryland
Sat., Jefferson Patterson Park in St. Leonard, Maryland, $25 (presale)/$30 (at gate)
Details

Head to St. Leonard, Maryland, to celebrate the heritage of the Celtic nations: Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man, Brittany, Cornwall and Galicia/Asturias.

Concerts this weekend

Teenage Fanclub, 6 p.m. Friday, 9:30 Club, $30

The classic Scottish band returns. With multiple singer-songwriter approach, TFC was making perfect power pop back when grunge was king. Details.

David Grubbs and Eli Winter, 7 p.m. Friday, Rhizome, $10-$25

Composer and guitarist David Grubbs has had a varied and winding career in music, beginning with the acclaimed Louisville punk band Squirrel Bait in the ‘80s, then the post-punk Bastro and the avant garde Gastr del Sol (with Jim O’Rourke). He’s since played with several bands like Codeine, The Red Krayola and Bitch Magnet while contributing to even more artists and bands and releasing more than a dozen records.

Now, he’s teamed up with 26-year-old guitar composition wiz Eli Winter, heralded as a genre-hopping master of folk, rock and jazz. Should be an interesting cross-generational show. Details.

Terrence Blanchard, 8 p.m. Friday, Strathmore, $28-$108

The seven-time Grammy winning, two-time Oscar nominated composer, trumpeter and pianist brings to town his second “opera in jazz” — “Fire Shut up in My Bones.” Details.

Ty Segall, 8 p.m. Saturday, Lincoln Theatre, $35

Incredibly prolific garage rocker can play it psychedelic, folkie or grungy. Interesting venue for such a wild performer. Details.

BODEGA, 10 p.m. Saturday, Comet Ping Pong, $18.54

Brooklyn’s post-punk band has pulled back the edginess of the music but not the anti-consumerism. The music has grown catchier while the lyrics continue to deliver witty commentary. Details.

Things to do in D.C.

Last chance: Artomatic
Through Sun., 2100 M Street NW, free entry

Last chance: Orchid exhibit
Through Sun., American Art Museum, free

Free wine tasting at Urban Grape
Thurs., 5-8 p.m., 1301 9th St NW, free

Ilana Glazer Live!
Thurs., Warner Theatre, $71+

“Here It Is: A Tribute to Leonard Cohen”
Fri. and Sat., The Kennedy Center, $49+

Disney Pixar’s “Elemental” screening
Fri., The Yards, free

DC United: Sustainability Night
Sat., Audi Field, $29+

Trevor Noah: Off The Record
Through Sun., DAR Constitution Hall, $150+ 

DC Cocktail Fest
Sat., 6:30 p.m., Dock 5 @ Union Market, $39+

The Illusionists magic show
Through Sun., The Kennedy Center, $35-$169

Things to do in Maryland

A Dance with Death: 1950’s Murder Mystery Dinner
Thurs., 7 p.m., Le Fantome Food Hall in Riverdale Park, $28-$35

Montgomery County GreenFest
Sat., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown, free entry

Annual Montpelier Festival of Herbs, Tea, and the Arts
Sat., April 27, Montpelier House Museum in South Laurel, Maryland, free

Glow Golf Night
Sat., 7 p.m., Laytonsville Golf Course, $180 for two people

Arts and Crafts Fair
Sun., 1-6 p.m., Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring, free entry

Things to do in Virginia

Spring Plant and Garden Sale
Sat., Mount Vernon overflow parking lot, free entry
FYI: Credit card only

PNC Parkway Classic
Sat., starts and finishes at Oronoco Bay Park

Party for the Arts
Sat., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Canal Center Plaza in Alexandria, free entry

Blue Ridge Arts & Crafts Festival
Sat., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sam Michaels Park, free entry

Astro Beer Hall Shirlington Patio Opening Party 
Sat., noon to 4 p.m., 4001 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, reservations encouraged

10th Annual Arlington Festival of the Arts
Sat. and Sun., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., N. Highland and Washington Boulevard in Clarendon, free entry

Family Magic Show W/ Magician Braden Carlisle!
Sat., noon, Arlington Cinema Drafthouse, $10 (child) or $15 (adult)

Earth Daze with Aslin Beer Company and Clean Fairfax
Sun., 11a.m. to 4 p.m., 767 Elden Street, Herndon, Virginia, free entry

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Dozens of students set up tents in University Yard — bordered on two sides by GW’s law school and by other GW buildings on the rest — to call on the university to divest financial ties with Israel, according to student newspaper The GW Hatchet.

“We’ve been very clear with our demands, and we’ve been very clear that we are here in solidarity with Gaza,” said one young woman protesting, who did not want to be identified. “We are here in solidarity with Palestine.”

She, and other protesters, say that solidarity is with the Palestinian people, not with Hamas. While any protest movement has extreme elements that diverge from the core cause, most of the protesters at GW say they want to keep the focus on why they’re in the encampment — the killings, and what they’re calling a genocide in Gaza.

“We buy into this university, we pay money into this university and we’re asking that the university take honest true stance in acknowledging their role in the ongoing genocide,” GW junior Mahmoud Beydoun said.

GW said it decided to request D.C. police assistance after multiple instructions from university police officers to relocate to another site on campus went unheeded.

The university also issued a statement saying protesters are trespassing and “any student who remains in University Yard may be placed on temporary suspension and administratively barred from campus.”

Protesters said they plan to keep going. Several students told News4 they were prepared to get arrested in order to stand up for what they believe in, and others said if they are removed, that would only embolden them in their protests.

D.C. police were present early Friday morning but have not attempted to clear the encampment, and the site was calm. Barricades have gone up around the encampment, and a contingent of police officers remain nearby.

Students celebrated the first 24 hours of the “Liberation Camp” protest.

“Missing class, it’s nothing compared to what the people in Gaza are going through right now,” said the anonymous protester. “It’s not about us, it’s not about our so-called sacrifice.”

On Thursday, hundreds attended a rally at University Yard, essentially the Foggy Bottom campus’ main quad, a mostly grassy area crisscrossed by walkways. Protesters were wearing keffiyehs, banging on drums and chanting, “Israel is a racist state” and “GW, you will see; Palestine will be free.” Some students sat between green and gray tents. Others stood along the sidewalk, chanting and holding signs.

“Everyone should be divesting from complicity in state crimes that are happening, that our taxes are paying for,” Georgetown University professor Mark Lance told News4.

Counterprotester Eric Hirshfield said he tried to enter the encampment “just to see what’s going on and make sure they’re not disenfranchising the rights of others.”

Leaders of the Jewish Student Association said they feel uncomfortable walking by the pro-Palestinian protests.

“A lot of people have family in Israel, and when there are slogans used that call for the destruction of where people live, it’s very intimidating,” co-President Alana Mondschein said.

“The campus climate, the protests, are just unproductive,” co-President Jacob Wise said. “There’s no effort to speak to other students who might disagree.”

Last fall they had to help replace posters of Israeli hostages at the Hillel building after someone tore them down. GW said it suspended the student involved.

The protest came just two days after students at American University held a walkout, protesting against the war in Gaza, and University of Maryland students staged a sit-in on the College Park campus.

Across the country, pro-Palestinian students are protesting over Israel’s war with Hamas as tensions increase with university officials. At Columbia University, students also encamped, while students at California State Polytechnic University barricaded inside two buildings.

At GW, video showed the words "Liberation Camp" written in chalk on the quad's brick sidewalk. Behind the encampment entrance, a sign on a tent reads, "No justice, no peace!"

A social media post showed what appeared to be a George Washington statue blindfolded and holding a Palestine flag.

The university sent an advisory to students about the First Amendment activity on the campus.

"The GW demonstration remains peaceful; however, there also are non-GW individuals on public property and the university is coordinating with the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department," the advisory reads in part.

The advisory went on to say protestors may demonstrate until 7 p.m. Thursday. GW officials had asked them to move their tents to Anniversary Park due to another reservation in University Yard and final exams at the adjacent GW law school.

 This is a developing story. Stay with News4 for updates.

Israel-Hamas War Apr 22

Pro-Palestinian protests sweep US college campuses following mass arrests at Columbia

Israel-Hamas War Apr 23

‘We chose to be loud': Pro-Palestinian students demonstrate at American U, UMD

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Officers responded after hearing gunfire on 10th Street and Spring Road NW just after midnight. They arrived to find three victims, D.C. police said.

Residents said they heard about 30 seconds of gunfire. They grabbed their babies and spouses and dropped to the floor.   

An adult male was pronounced dead on the scene, police said. His identity was not immediately released.

A woman and a teenage boy were taken to a hospital.

Evidence markers are among the visual evidence of how violent the shooting was, even in a neighborhood somewhat accustomed to crime. It was the type of incident that makes people rethink their accommodations.

“Yes, I’m moving because I’m tired of this,” resident Ania Govak said.

Neighbors can point up and down the block to spots where someone has fallen to violence.

“Three or four murders down this way and it’s blocked off,” Govak said.

Two resident’s cars were hit by gunfire and towed away. One of those residents said he’s had bad luck since moving here.

“This is not the first incident. I think about maybe three weeks ago, there was another shooting fatality right here at that corner,” another resident said.

He said he was walking his dog right before the shooting erupted but made it home safely. He chalks that up to good luck. Either way, he said he now feels scared to walk in the area at night.

“I don’t feel safe at all,” he said.

American Civil Liberties Union Apr 24

ACLU sues DC high school on behalf of students over pro-Palestinian programming

Washington DC Apr 24

Father and young daughter shot along DC's North Capitol Street

About 30 minutes later, officers were called to another shooting in the 4500 block of Sheriff Road NE, police said. They located a man who had been shot.

He died from his injuries at the hospital, police said. His identity was not immediately released.

At about 10:45 p.m. Wednesday, there was a shooting at Bruce Place and Ainger Place SE, police said.

A teenage male was shot and died at the hospital. His identity was not immediately released.

The shootings are under investigation. Police have yet to release information on suspects.  

“When is it going to stop? I mean, good gracious,” Govak said.

This is a developing story. Stay with News4 for updates.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of D.C. said Wednesday that it’s suing administrators at Jackson-Reed High School on behalf of the Arab student union, accusing them of violating the group’s first amendment rights by blocking their requests to bring pro-Palestinian programming to campus.

“What they’re trying to do is education, which is what school is all about,” Arthur Spitzer, senior counsel at the ACLU, said. 

“Frustrated” students are suing the school’s principal and D.C. Public Schools. The lawsuit alleges the high school has treated the student group unfairly by denying requests to show a documentary during lunch that’s critical of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians.

The ACLU said the school also removed their Palestinian culture night from the official calendar in January, forcing them to host it at a local restaurant instead. Eventually, the group was allowed to plan a Palestinian culture night for April–Arab heritage month–which is set for Thursday evening. 

“There’s a big difference between controversial and disruptive, and I think that’s the distinction the school didn’t see,” Spitzer said.

The ACLU and the group of about 19 students are also accusing the high school of censorship, arguing administrators unfairly forced them to remove a picture on a hand out of a man holding a set of keys (for the “key of Palestine”) and a cartoon symbolizing Palestinian resistance.

In an email to News4 on Wednesday, a representative for the school district said “DCPS will decline comment on open litigation.”

“We want a court order that says, treat the Arab student union the same way you treat other groups,” Spitzer said. 

The students are asking the judge to act quickly so they can host the screening before the end of the school year.

Maybe you want to cruise by some iconic sights with out-of-town guests, or you’re looking for a quick but nature-filled escape. You can find both at the various kayak rental outposts along the Potomac River.

Boating in DC is the main company renting out kayaking and canoeing gear in D.C. proper. Four Boating in DC locations are open now, renting out all your gear for an hour or two of scenic paddling.

Prices may vary by location but generally start at $21 for a one-hour rental of a single-person kayak. Double kayak or canoe rentals, which are a good option for families with children, are available at many locations. Those start at about $31.

Rental prices include life jackets, paddles and cushions. Staff members will help guide you into and out of the water and can give you a few pointers before you take off.

Kids aged 7 and younger can float with an adult “as long as they can safely sit independently and fit securely” in a personal flotation device, while kids ages 8 to 15 can have their own boat but must be accompanied by a guardian, Boating in DC says.

If you’re looking for an option in Maryland, check out Bladensburg Waterfront Park Boat Rentals offered by the Prince George’s County parks department.

What’s open now:

Fletchers Boathouse is the most nature-filled location, letting you explore the C&O Canal and Potomac River. When rowing up the waterway, look to your left to try and find a hidden waterfall cove. You’ll find the boathouse off Canal Road, south of the Chain Bridge.

• Pro tip: We advise driving (there is parking!) or taking a rideshare. Google Maps will tell you that there’s technically a route for pedestrians. But at Canal Road, you’ll be walking alongside fast-moving traffic for a bit, then going down an often-busy driveway.

Key Bridge Boathouse and Thompson Boat Center in Georgetown are both great launching points to see the Kennedy Center and Lincoln Memorial. You can walk to both locations from the nearest transit stops in fewer than 15 minutes. Thompson Boat Center, which is near all the restaurants of Washington Harbor, will put you closer to the monuments.

• Pro tip: Row to Teddy Roosevelt Island, park your kayak for a few minutes and stretch your legs.

The Wharf Boathouse is open Fridays to Sundays. It is one of two locations to offer hydrobikes.

Coming soon:

Ballpark Boathouse near Nats Park will be open on weekends starting Friday, May 3. It will also rent out hydrobikes.

The Washington Sailing Marina in Alexandria will open when the time is right in May.

Paddleboards: Rentals of stand-up paddleboards are expected to begin at all locations in May, once temperatures warm up.

Bonus: Paddle around submerged WWI-era ships

If you want an extra adventurous paddling experience, you must check out Mallows Bay in Charles County, Maryland.

The largest graveyard of abandoned naval ships in Western Hemisphere waters is now a vibrant nature preserve that can be experienced up close.

The ships are best seen during low tide. Tours are offered by Atlantic Kayak ($65-$85), REI ($120+) and occasionally the Potomac Riverkeepers.

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Officers were called to a shooting in the 4800 block of North Capitol Street NE about 11:30 p.m., D.C. police said. The shooting occurred in the Fort Totten neighborhood.

The child is about 4 years old, police said. Both victims were taken to the hospital and were in stable condition.

Police do not believe this was a random crime. They are searching for the suspect.

The cause of the shooting remains under investigation.  

A barrage of bullets at 17th Street and Independence Ave SE woke up residents and sent people ducking for cover in their homes at about 2 a.m. The neighborhood is located near RFK Stadium and the DC Armory.

The video shows a brief glimpse of a car turning an alley corner. Then a man wearing white socks but only one shoe bursts out of a home’s side gate, runs to the corner and starts shooting. 

Muzzle flashes are visible as he fires down Independence Avenue SE at the car.

Another camera captured the sound of over a dozen shots.

It wasn’t immediately clear if anyone was injured in the shooting.

D.C.’s real time crime center was able to quickly access images that led to an arrest, officials said. Police also recovered a gun.

Independence Avenue was a police scene for hours as the shooting was investigated, and a warrant was served on the home the suspect fled.

Neighbors describe an uptick in shootings in the area

“I’ve lived here in this house over here since 2003. Just over 20 years. The first 15 years, not one shooting. Not one. In the last five years, I’m counting at least 10 shootings,” Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Chander Jayaraman said.

Jayaraman is referring to incidents like the morning’s shooting and another on April 3 at 15th Street and Independence Ave SE.

“Another friend of mine, another neighbor, they moved back here, ’cause they love D.C. And he ducked while bullets were flying over his head,” Jayaraman said.

DC Council Apr 22

Showdown over DC budget could lead to another clash with Congress

Crime and Courts Apr 21

Four DC men federally charged in deadly carjacking ring

Residents, including former ANC Commissioner Denise Krepp, said they have noticed an additional D.C. police presence in recent weeks.

“The police were around the corner. These guys don’t care. They don’t care there’s a police officer a block away,”  Krepp said.

At issue: a requirement by the District’s chief financial officer for D.C.’s budget to allocate more than $200 million to be set aside for emergencies.

D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson is threatening to ignore the CFO, which could jeopardize the District’s finances.

The background info: Bowser’s budget included cuts she said were partly due to a last-minute requirement from DC’s CFO

When D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser presented next year’s budget to the D.C. Council, she included $500 million in cuts to services, as well as some tax increases. Bowser said part of the reason she was making such deep cuts to programs such as the Early Childhood Education Pay Equity Fund was a last-minute requirement from the District’s CFO, Glenn Lee, for the District to replenish its reserve funds, a cost of $217 million.

Both Bowser and Mendelson said the CFO had exceeded his authority, although Bowser reluctantly agreed to restore the money to the reserve fund.

But when Mendelson released his weekly newsletter Friday night, he said he plans to ignore the CFO’s request and instead use the $217 million to keep the early childhood education fund and other services that were cut in Bowser’s budget. Mendelson wrote in part: “The budget I present will restore most if not all of the pay equity fund and do so by rejecting the chief financial officer’s insistence that $217 million needs to be added to the District’s already robust reserve funds. The CFO exceeded his authority when he told the mayor and me that the reserves need to be topped off now.”

So what happens next?

Bowser was noncommittal Monday when asked if she would join Mendelson in submitting a budget to Congress that was not certified as balanced by the CFO, a move that’s never been done.

“I can’t answer that question because there’s a lot of … we’re going to be right in the law, and I’m going to have some consideration with my team before I make that decision,” Bowser said.

D.C. Council member Kenyan McDuffie was a bit more definitive in his answer.

“In this instance, there happens to be a disagreement between the chairman and the CFO, and I tend to agree with the chairman on this point,” he said.

If the CFO does not change his requirement and Mendelson follows through with his threat to send the budget to Congress for approval without the CFO’s certification, it could open the door for the Republican-led House to reject the District’s budget in much the same way that Congress blocked the District’s crime bill from taking effect.

“Mayor Bowser and Chairman Mendelson do not have to replenish $217 million in D.C. reserve funds by Fiscal Year 2025,” the CFO’s office said in a statement. It went on to say, “A full replenishment of reserves must occur before Fiscal Year 2028.”

News4 reached out to the District’s attorney general for comment but was declined.

A 49-page federal indictment details what investigators believe was a complex and robust carjacking scheme that took place between December 2022 and June 2023. An undercover police operation uncovered the scheme.

According to court documents, the four men allegedly conspired to steal the vehicles at gunpoint and sell them later on. The stolen vehicles would end up in a garage on Florida Avenue NE, where the cars were cleaned up, photographed and offered for sale on an Instagram account. Some of the luxury cars that were stolen were going for as cheap as $1,500. 

car theft Oct 11, 2023

BMW for $1,500: Teens charged in DC scheme to sell carjacked luxury vehicles on Instagram

Crime and Courts May 22, 2023

DC Teen Accused of Selling Carjacked Luxury Vehicles in Criminal Ring

In one of the carjackings, two of the suspects, Cedae Hardy, 19, and Keyonte Rice,19, were charged with shooting and killing Melvin Mayorga Hernandez in Hyattsville, Maryland, in January 2023. Hardy and Rice also face several carjacking and gun charges.

The other two suspects, Landrell Jordan, 19, and Malik Norman, 20, also face numerous carjacking charges and charges for brandishing a gun while committing a violent crime.

News4 covered one of the crimes back in May 2023. Video in that case showed two masked men jumping out of a car and then stealing a Porsche at gunpoint. 

All four defendants are now in custody. The two charged in connection to Mayorga Hernandez’s death could face up to life in prison, and the other suspects face decades in prison if convicted.

The charges were a result of an extensive investigation with the FBI. D.C. police and other local law enforcement agencies all provided assistance in the case.

Assumable mortgages allow buyers to purchase their dream home with low rates. It’s an option that was a game changer for Sara and Terry Diamond, who spent months searching for the right fit when they were ready to purchase their first home.

Looking for space in the form of a bigger kitchen and a bigger lot, they settled on a house with a big yard for their kids. They finances it with an interest rate of 3.125%.

“Anyone I’ve told, you know, close work friends that work next to me and stuff like that, they think I’m lying to them,” said Terry Diamond. “They’re like, ‘3%?'”

“‘Did you mix those numbers up?'” Sara joked.

“I’m like, ‘assumable loan,'” Terry said.

An assumable mortgage, in basic terms, means a qualified buyer takes over the seller’s loan. That includes the interest rate, payment schedule and loan balance.

Some of you may recognize an assumable loan as a vestige of double-digit interest rates. In 1981, buyers were looking at 18%. But today, the Diamonds’ real estate agent says houses with assumable mortgages get lots of attention.

“It was a huge selling point,” said Chasatee Carbaugh, their agent with M&D Real Estate. “The reason they chose this home.”

As with any major financial decision, Carbaugh explains there is a list of trade-offs to consider.

The buyer would typically have a bigger down payment. For example, if someone is buying a house for $400,000, taking over the seller’s assumable mortgage with a $300,000 balance, the buyer would need to cover that $100,000 difference.

Carbaugh says it can be doable for owners who are coming out of a home that saw an increase in its value.

“Any home buyers that maybe bought their home when the market was great and everybody was happy, you know, between late 2018 to 2020, have a ton of equity.”

Another important distinction: Conventional mortgages are not generally assumable, other than very specific circumstances like a spouse assuming one in a divorce.

Only certain government-backed VA, FHA, or USDA loans can be transferred to a new buyer.

A new owner doesn’t have to be a veteran to assume a VA loan, but the seller should consider their VA entitlement. It would be tied up as long as the buyer keeps the old loan.

With FHA loans, real estate agent and broker Jared Tye points out that buyers typically have to pay a mortgage insurance premium, also known as an MIP.

“[It] never hurts to have your agent call and say, hey, what kind of loan do they have on the current house? Let’s see if we can get creative,” said Tye.

It worked for the Diamonds, who are now moving into a precious find.

“We had no idea what an assumable loan was before we dove into this,” said Sara Diamond.

news Mar 27

Mortgage demand stalls, even as interest rates moderate

housing Mar 12

Homebuyers need to earn 80% more than in 2020 to afford a house in this market. It's not just due to high mortgage rates

news Feb 22

Existing home sales rose 3% to start the year, but higher mortgage rates are already hurting

“We have a house that we can actually afford, that we can afford to upgrade throughout the years because we’re not spending $4,000 a month on a mortgage,” Terry Diamond said.

As with any big decision, read the fine print and do your research. It’s also a good idea to get qualified help.

Tye told News4 that a seller would want to ensure the assumption is approved by the lender to confirm they’re not on the note, if the new owner later defaults on their payments.

Buyers also have to meet certain criteria to qualify.

Finally, it may extend the amount of time and the fees involved in closing on the house. Carbaugh, the Diamonds’ agent, says it took them a little over 60 days to close on their home.

The RB19, the 2023 Championship-winning car, rolled onto a barge the morning of April 4 to float its way around major D.C. landmarks all day, to mark the car’s arrival ahead of the Red Bull Showrun Washington D.C. this Saturday afternoon.

This weekend, another Formula One car — the RB7 — will speed down Pennsylvania Avenue in a fun demonstration for racing lovers of all stripes.

That event will take place on Pennsylvania Avenue and 3rd Street NW from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on April 20. But if you’re a Formula One fan, the Red Bull Showrun DC Fan Fest at Union Market starts off Friday afternoon and continues into the evening.

Here’s what to know about the fan fest, the race, and the related road closures.

When is the Fan Fest?

The Red Bull Showrun D.C. Fan Fest is in front of Union Market and runs from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 19. It’s free, open to the public, and kid-friendly.

According to Union Market, the event will include the championship-winning car, along with “RB7 Fireups, Oracle Red Bull Racing team Q&A, Red Bull Pit Stop Challenge, racing simulators, merchandise sales, and more!”

You can get to the Fan Fest by taking a Red Line train and getting off at the NoMA-Gallaudet U stop, then walk or bike to Union Market.

Learn more about the event at Union Market’s FAQ page here.

When is the Red Bull Showrun?

While the showrun starts at 4 p.m., the Fan Zone opens at 1 p.m., according to the event FAQ.

Fans, or those curious about Formula One racing, will get to see Formula One legend David Coulthard drive an RB7 racecar down Pennsylvania Avenue. The event isn’t a race, just a demonstration — but a thrilling one for those who want to get up close and personal with the sport.

You can line up along Pennsylvania Avenue anywhere between 3rd Street and 7th Street to watch the demo, which is free and open to the public. No tickets are required.

There will be ADA seating for those who need it, “on the north side of the track just east of John Marshall Park,” the event site says.

There will also be food and drink vendors set up along Pennsylvania Avenue.

Organizers recommend bringing earplugs or other ear protection, as “Oracle Red Bull Racing will bring their RB7, a racing car with a V8 engine,” which can get loud.

Things to Do DC Apr 18

The Weekend Scene: Flower festival, Red Bull Showrun and more to do in the DC area

Washington DC Apr 4

Red Bull Showrun: Pennsylvania Avenue to transform into a race track

What roads will be closed for the Red Bull Showrun?

According to D.C. Police, the following streets will be posted as Emergency No Parking and closed to vehicle traffic from Friday, April 19, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. through Sunday, April 21, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.:

• Pennsylvania Avenue from 3rd Street to 7th Street, NW
• Constitution Avenue from 3rd Street to 7th Street, NW
• 4th Street from Madison Drive to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
• 6th Street from C Street to Constitution Avenue, NW

The following streets will be posted as Emergency No Parking and closed to vehicle traffic from Sunday, April 21, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. through 10:00 p.m.:

• Pennsylvania Avenue from 3rd Street to Constitution Avenue, NW

Here’s a map of those closures:

Researchers behind the study, published in 2024, say communities of color were almost eight times more likely to develop higher pediatric asthma due to the pollutants.

Scientists also found that air pollutant-related diseases have increased significantly through the last decade in areas of color. They started their research in 2021, and continued gathering data until the study was published this year.

“Unfortunately, many of the communities that were chosen to accommodate heavy industry or busy highways and interstates were often communities of color,” said Dr. Gaige Kerr, senior research scientist at GWU’s Department of Environmental and Occupational Health.

One of those pollutants is called nitrogen dioxide. It’s a man-made chemical compound that irritates lungs and triggers asthma attacks. The pollutant is found in cars and trucks known to heavily pollute the air.

There’s also fine particulate matter, which can be traced back to the increase in wildfires. That pollutant leads to heart disease, lung cancer and strokes.

“We found that these communities still today bear a greater burden from air pollution than majority white communities,” Kerr said.

At least 49,000 premature deaths, and nearly 115,000 new cases of pediatric asthma, were linked to fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide in the U.S. in 2019.

“We have a lot of children that are dealing with upper respiratory illnesses,” said Sebrena Rhodes, ANC vice chair for Ward 5 and a resident of Ivy City. “We have adults and senior citizens that are dealing with asthma.”

Rhodes, along with the D.C.-based group Empower D.C., are working to bring awareness to the air pollutants across the district, especially in communities of color.

“We shouldn’t have to fight to breathe,” Rhodes said. “Breathing is a right. It’s natural. Long as you’re alive, you’re breathing.”

Researchers say there are some mitigation tactics to use, and say additional actions are imperative.

“Install air filters in our houses, or maybe close windows on polluted days,” said Kerr.

climate change Jun 30, 2022

The Clean Air Act Reduces Smog and Pollution — Now It's Being Limited

Environment Apr 19, 2023

California and Other Parts of Western US Lead in Unhealthy Levels of Air Pollution

Storm Team4 Jul 10, 2022

Sunday Science: Understanding Air Pollution in the DC Area

“If we really want to get at the root, we need bold policies that invest in things like a larger electrical vehicle fleet, more renewable energy, and expanded active and public transportation,” Kerr said.

D.C.’s Department of Energy and Environment says it’s already taking steps in that direction.

“DC is committed to safe and healthy environments for all of our residents, no matter their income or neighborhood,” the statement reads. “The District regularly tests air quality to protect residents, and is working with the EPA to ensure that District residents, including those in Ivy City, are kept safe. Over the coming decade, the District government has committed to a major transition away from fossil fuel use, which will make our air healthier for all.”

Hello, tortured poets!

We’re waiting impatiently for Taylor Swift’s new album and the Paris Olympics which is fewer than 100 days away!

All the Olympic buzz has us ready to fly to Paris ourselves. And that’s why we’re debuting “Tommy Tries It”! Each week, Tommy McFly will show the couch commentators what actually goes into playing sports at a world-class level.

This week, we met the incredible Laulauga Tausaga who is currently number one on planet Earth for discus.  We love Laulauga – she’s a whole vibe.

“It’s pretty much bodybuilding ballet,” she said.

Saturday will have the best weather of the weekend, but cloudy and cool weather on Sunday will be OK for any outdoor plans, Storm Team4 says.

Whatever you and yours are trying this weekend, we’d love to know about it. Send pics to isee@nbcwashington.com (or tag us on social!). They may just end up on-air and in The Weekend Scene newsletter.

Washington DC Apr 17

April is National Poetry Month. Here's how you can celebrate in and around DC

Maryland Apr 17

Spring festival guide 2024: Step out for art, flowers, music and more in the DC area

Weekend highlights

National Cannabis Festival
Fri. and Sat., RFK Festival Grounds, $55-$130
🔗 Details

THUNDERCAT and Wu-Tang Clan are exciting headliners for the D.C. festival that’s grown massively over the past several years. The music festival is the big draw for most, but you’ll also find an exhibitor’s fair, the National Cannabis Championship and – never fear – plenty of munchies.

Pro tip: Read the fest’s FAQ to see what you’re allowed to bring inside.

Red Bull Showrun
Sat., gates open at 1:30 p.m., free
🔗 Details

D.C.’s iconic Pennsylvania Avenue is transforming into a race track as a Formula One car visits D.C. You’ll also find a Fan Fest at Union Market on Friday.

Expect road closures.

Free pick
Savor Bowie
Sat. and Sun., Bowie Town Center, free entry
🔗 Details

Complimentary wine tastings, two stages of live music, vendors and artisans: Savor Bowie has all the ingredients for a lovely spring day out. The event is free and proceeds benefit Concerts for Causes.

And if you’re up for more, check out the Funk After Fest concert at the Bowie Performing Arts Center ($29-39).

Free pick
Leesburg Flower & Garden Festival
Sat. and Sun., opens at 10 a.m., free entry
🔗 Details

Flowers and plants are taking over historic downtown Leesburg, Virginia, for a weekend of all things gardening.

A landscape display contest, three stages of entertainment, the rooftop wine and beer garden and a children’s area will give the whole family a spring in their step.

NVA Thai Street Food & Culture Festival
This Sun., plus May 5 and May 26, The Manassas Museum, free entry
🔗 Details

Take in the tastes, sounds and culture of Thailand right in Virginia. You’ll find performances, live music and games, plus tons of street eats and sweets.

Our friends Hype Foodies went inside!

Pro tip: Arrive early to avoid long lines for food.

2019 World Champions Five Year Anniversary Weekend
Fri. to Sun., Nationals Park, $13+
🔗 Tickets

Nats Park is marking half a decade since the World Series win. 

Go for Fireworks Friday, replica ring giveaways on Saturday or Screech’s Birthday plus Kid’s Opening Day on Sunday. Your kids can run the bases or get an autograph from a Nats Player; here are details.

We’re just over here banging on the trash cans with excitement (IYKYK) as the Nats take on the Astros.

ICYMI: Our Nats Park guide will help you get there and get in easily.

“Da Magic Boombox: A Hip Hop and Go-Go Evolution”
Fri. and Sat., Flowers High School in Springdale, $20-$25
🔗 Details

Flowers High School depends on ticket sales to fund its drama program. This very DMV play would be a fun time for the whole family. Molette Green got a first look.

Concerts this weekend

North Mississippi Allstars, 8 p.m. Thursday, Wolf Trap, $47

Rollicking, foot-stomping southern and blues rock that found its dedicated following amid the jam band scene. The Dickinson grew up in music — father, Jim, was a celebrated producer, singer and piano player. Details.

Robyn Hitchcock, 8 p.m. Friday, Hamilton, $15

Frequently referred to as the Bob Dylan of alternative rock, the British singer-songwriter first made the scene in the ‘70s with psychedelic folk rock heroes The Soft Boys. He’s spent decades delighting fans with his esoteric stage banter as well as his biting, witty songwriting. (Go watch “Storefront Hitchcock.”) Details. 

Stabbing Westward, 7 p.m. Friday, Black Cat, $30

Pioneering industrial band reformed several years ago, decades after helping define the scene alongside bands like Skinny Puppy and Nine Inch Nails. Details.

Griefcat, 7 p.m. Sunday, Jammin Java, $15/$25

Hilarious musical comedy duo harmonizes about sociopolitical issues. Musically, they don’t blend genres, rather hop them, from pop to rock to country and more. Details. 

Things to do in D.C.

The Rakim & DJ Jazzy Jeff & Ravi Coltrane Project
Fri., 8 p.m., The Kennedy Center, $59

ASL Jubilee
Fri., 5 p.m., National Union Building, free

Asian AF
Fri. and Sat., The Kennedy Center, $25-$40

Georgetown House Tour
Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m., $60

Hi Lawn’s Rooftop Beer Fest
Sat., Union Market, $40-$50

Fletchers Boathouse kayaking begins
Sat.

Wanda Sykes: Please & Thank You Tour
Sat., Warner Theatre, SOLD OUT

“Up Close with Paul Cezanne”
Through July 14, Phillips Collections, included with admission

Filmfest DC
April 18-28

Last chance: “One Life: Frederick Douglass”
Through Sun., National Portrait Gallery, free

Things to do in Maryland

The National Capital New Play Festival
Through May 5, Roundhouse Theatre in Bethesda

Mid-Atlantic Alpaca Association Jubilee
Sat. and Sun., Carroll County Ag Center in Westminster, free to spectators

Things to do in Virginia

“Hair” musical
Through July 7, Signature Theatre in Arlington, $40+

Paris Sashay Presents: Tequila Made Me Do It
Thurs., 7 p.m., Arlington Drafthouse, $10+

Historic Garden Week Old Town Alexandria Tour
Sat., $20-$55

Family Fun – Spring Fairy Houses
Sat., 10 a.m., Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria, $10

Bats Class
Sat., Huntley Meadows Park

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

American University students can soon take a course on Taylor Swift.

The new economics course, dubbed “Swiftonomics,” will focus on the financial impact Taylor Swift had on the economy last year. The class will explore the pop star’s business footprint, earnings from the billion-dollar Eras Tour and her impact on the Ticketmaster monopoly debate.

The American course was designed by two economics students. They hope it will get more people interested in economics while making it more understandable.

The Swiftie lessons follow in the footsteps of Harvard University’s English class “Taylor Swift and Her World.” In the class, Professor Stephanie Burt teaches students about the themes and writing mechanisms in Swift’s songs.

Swift’s next album, “Tortured Poets Department,” is set to be released at midnight on Friday, April 19.

In case you missed these two easter eggs: the DC-area is celebrating National Poetry Month and News4 spoke to the Library of Congress about Clara Bow, who inspired a song on Swift’s new album.

news Mar 1

The Taylor Swift economy has reached every town in America, from small business moms to skating rinks and sushi bars

news Nov 2, 2023

Ticketmaster parent Live Nation posts blowout earnings as Taylor Swift, Beyoncé dominate

Shakira announced Tuesday the 12 U.S. cities and two Canadian cities being visited on the first leg of her world tour, which begins in North America on Nov. 2 in California and ends Dec. 15 in Detroit.

The tour will make just one stop in the city, on Nov. 25 when she comes to Capital One Arena. Here’s a full list of stops on the tour.

Shakira 2024 tour dates

• Nov. 2 – Palm Desert, California — Acrisure Arena
• Nov. 7 – Phoenix, Arizona — Footprint Center
• Nov. 9 – Los Angeles, California — KIA Forum
• Nov. 16 – San Antonio, Texas — Frost Bank Center
• Nov. 17 – Dallas, Texas — American Airlines Center
• Nov. 20 – Miami, Florida — Kaseya Center
• Nov. 23 – Charlotte, North Carolina — Spectrum Center
• Nov. 25 – Washington, D.C. — Capital One Arena
• Nov. 30 – Toronto, Ontario — Scotiabank Arena
• Dec. 5 – Brooklyn, NY, Barclays Center
• Dec. 8 – Boston, Massachusetts — TD Garden
• Dec. 10 – Montreal, Quebec — Bell Centre
• Dec. 14 – Chicago, Illinois — United Center
• Dec. 15 – Detroit, Michigan — Little Caesars Arena

The tour is built around the March 22 release of Shakira’s 12th album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran (Women No Longer Cry). The 17-track album is the singer-songwriter’s first studio album in seven years.

International tour dates are expected to be announced soon.

Tickets go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. on April 22. Shakira’s Wolfpack members who join before Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. can access a pre-sale beginning at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 19.

On April 12, Shakira performed at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California with DJ Bizarrap.

Police released updated surveillance images of the suspects on Wednesday. The images show what appears to be two men wearing black. In some of the images, they wear sweatshirts, skinny jeans, white sneakers, white face masks and bucket, paperboy or baseball hats.

Since March 25, skimmers have been placed in stores located in Northwest, Northeast and Southeast D.C. Skimmers were found on 40^th St. NW, Connecticut Ave. NW, Wisconsin Ave. NW, Corcoran St. NW, First St. NE and M St. SE.

On April 11, a D.C. man came across a skimmer at self-checkout in the Safeway on Wisconsin Avenue NW in Georgetown. The most recent card skimmer was found at a 7-Eleven along Connecticut Avenue in Cleveland Park.

Skimmers are devices that are put over the keypad at checkouts for debit and credit cards. When customers swipe their cards and use the fake keypad, the skimmer stores their cards information.

The scammers then come back and download that information via Bluetooth. This gives them access to pin numbers, card numbers and other information.

While police try to track down the thieves here’s what to do to protect against being skimmed:

• Make sure the device doesn’t move.
• Compare the machine to the one next to it.
• Check the alignment of the card reader.
• Look inside of the card reader before using it.

Anyone who finds a skimmer or suspected one should call 911.

Anyone who may be a victim should notify their bank or credit card company immediately.

Washington DC Apr 11

DC man finds possible card skimmer while checking out at Safeway

Metropolitan Police Department (DC Police / MPD) Apr 13

5 card skimmers found in DC within 3 weeks, police say

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

The National Park Service announced plans to begin rehabilitation of the historic Rock Creek Park golf course later this year — but the rehab is not without controversy.

About 100 acres of greens and fairways are nestled in the golf course in upper Northwest D.C. The Rock Greek Park Golf course has been home to golfers for 100 years — but as anyone who’s played the course will tell you, it’s fallen into rough times.

Rather than the typical 18 holes, the course only has 14. Those are the only holes that are playable right now, as some of the course has become overgrown or fallen into disrepair.

News that a complete rehab of the course will begin soon is great news for some of the golfers who play there.

“I think it’s an awesome short course,” said Chris Chapman, one of those golfers. “It’s perfect for being close to the city and being in the city. I live in the city, so it’s really convenient. It’s great.”

“I’m excited because the 15 holes, I want 18. I’m really excited for them to have a driving range.”

The course is managed by the National Links Trust, a nonprofit that operates all three of the National Park Service golf courses in D.C.

Damian Cosby, a spokesperson for the Trust, tells News4 the work will be done over the next two years, and include a full 18-hole course, a new clubhouse and a new putting green and driving range.

“The driving range will have all the technology you want,” Cosby said. “would want a driving range, top, top tracer technology. So that’ll take about a year. And then we hope right after we get phase one done, we’ll start construction on the full bag, nine hole golf course and the nine hole short course.”

The cost of the rehabilitation project is estimated to be more than $25 million, which will all be raised from private donations.

“We believe there are enough like-minded individuals who care about what municipal golf stands for, what it should be for — an on-ramp for those who have never had access to the game before,” Cosby said. “For those that want to come back to the game. Golf shouldn’t just be for people that can afford to have a membership. It should be for everybody.”

Rock Creek Park Nov 2, 2022

Upper Beach Drive Closed to Traffic Year-Round: NPS

National Park Service Dec 6, 2022

NPS to Revive the Carter Barron Amphitheatre

While many people are excited about the plans, many others are concerned about the impact to the environment. Several environmental groups raised concerns last year that the rehab will include removal of more than 1,100 trees.

“There’s about 1,100 trees that are slated to come out, about half of those trees are invasive or poor condition, so we’re also thinking about golfer safety at the same time,” said Michael Stachowicz of the National Park Service.

“When we’re done with this, we anticipate that there will be almost an acre more canopy of native trees,” Stachowicz said.

The plans are to keep the course open in some capacity throughout the rehab, which will begin this fall. The new club house will be home to First Tee D.C. — a golf program for young people that we featured last month.

The literary celebration was created in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets to try to highlight the work of American poets and increase the attention given to an ancient art form.

The commemorative month was “inspired by the successful celebrations of Black History Month (February) and Women’s History Month (March),” according to the academy’s website.

Just like those other celebrations, you don’t need permission or anything special to mark National Poetry Month; you can celebrate wherever and however you see fit. But if you want some ideas to get you started, we’ve got them.

Here are some ways and places to enjoy poetry in the D.C. area.

D.C. Public Library

The D.C. Public Library has a series of signature events for poetry lovers throughout April. You can find the full list at this webpage, but here are some highlights:

On April 29, visitors to the Lamond-Riggs Neighborhood Library can create blackout poetry with a discarded book page. The event will take place all day long.

On April 20, The Walking Mall Poet of Winchester, Virginia, Joseph Jablonski, will give out free personalized poems, written on his signature typewriter. Visitors are invited to try their own hand at typewriter poetry.

And all month long, D.C. residents can craft their own submission to DCPL’s annual haiku contest. Entrants must be at least 6 years old to enter, and there’s a limit of two entries per person. The contest has age categories for children, teens and adults.

“Prize-winners will take home library swag and have their poem posted in the library and on the DC Public Library’s website in May!” the DCPL webpage about the contest reads. Learn more here.

Library of Congress

What better D.C. staple than the Library of Congress — the largest library in the world and organizer of the National Book Festival — to turn to for poems, poets and poetry?

First, there are the library’s April events, which include a series of one-on-one talks with National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Meg Medina and a lecture by author George Saunders.

Then there’s the work of U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón. Like all poet laureate consultants in poetry to the Library of Congress, Limón was appointed to her position by the librarian of Congress.

Limón is the 24th U.S. poet laureate, and her signature project launched this April in honor of National Poetry Month. The “You Are Here” project is a two-part initiative comprised of a poetry anthology Limón curated, and poetry-based public art installations in seven national parks across the country.

The public art installations, launching in June, will bring “site-specific poetry installations” to Cape Cod National Seashore, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Everglades National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Mount Ranier National Park, Redwood National and State Parks, and Saguaro National Park.

The “You Are Here: Poetry in the Natural World” anthology was published on April 2 and features 50 original poems by living American poets.

It also comes with a writing prompt: What would you write in response to the landscape around you? Anyone who wants to try their hand can post their response on social media with the hashtag #YouAreHerePoetry.

“Above all, this project is about rising to this moment with hope, the kind of hope that will echo outwards for years to come,” Limón said in a statement.

If you’d rather listen to works from the talented poets of the past, you can comb through the Archive of Recorded Poetry and Literature on the Library of Congress website. According to the library, the archive dates back to 1943 and contains nearly 2,000 recordings of poets and writers, including poets like Louise Glück, Maya Angelou and Ray Bradbury.

And if there’s a poem that’s right on the tip of your tongue or the edge of your brain but you can’t quite remember the whole thing, the Library of Congress has a guide to finding a poem whose title and author you can’t recall.

Planet Word events

Planet Word, D.C.’s museum for linguists, writers and other word lovers, is recognizing National Poetry Month with workshops and programs all month long.

The highlight of their celebration is Poem in Your Pocket Day on April 18.

“We encourage you to bring your favorite poems to the museum or find a new favorite from our Poetry Nook or Short Story Dispenser,” their site says. “And don’t miss our museum staff handing out poems across the street in Franklin Park!”

If you can’t make it to Planet Word for the celebration, you can always share your favorite poem on social media with the hashtag #PocketPoem.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Busboys and Poets open mic nights

If you want a more casual approach to poetry immersion — or to jump straight in by sharing your writing — Busboys and Poets has open mic nights every week.

“Busboys and Poets is proud to be a venue that provides space and support for poets and spoken word performers and interested audiences,” its site says.

The day of the week varies by location, but each open mic night lasts for two hours and comes with a $5 cover charge. Here’s the full list:

• 14th & V: Every Tuesday 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Columbia: Every Thursday 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• 450K: Every Wednesday 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Shirlington: Every Monday 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Hyattsville: Every Thursday 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Brookland: 2nd, 3rd and 4th Fridays 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

For more information on other poetry slams and open mics hosted at different Busboys and Poets locations, check out its webpage here.

And if you’re more into reading than performing, Busboys and Poets also has a bookstore built in to every location so you can purchase a new read after your meal.

ArtsFairfax Poetry in the Park

ArtsFairfax, Fairfax County’s local arts agency, is teaming up with Fairfax County Poet Laureate Danielle Badra for a community engagement project: Poetry in the Park.

At 1 p.m. on April 27, head to Fairfax County’s Green Spring Gardens location for a reading of works from prominent writers in the DMV.

After the hour-long poetry reading, there will be a coffee and tea social until 2:30 p.m.

It’s one part of a series, which you can learn more about here. Each event in the series is free.

Music Apr 3

DC nonprofit hosts Words, Beats & Life Festival celebrating jazz, poetry and hip-hop

Taylor Swift Mar 4

Here's how Taylor Swift is related to a fellow ‘tortured poet'

Library of Congress Jul 12, 2022

Ada Limón Named the 24th U.S. Poet Laureate

Other ways to celebrate National Poetry Month

The Academy of American Poets has a list of 30 ways to celebrate National Poetry Month on its website.

Included in that list is the Poem-a-Day series, which you can sign up for as either an email newsletter or a podcast. The poems are curated by a different editor each month, and the emails and podcast come out year-round, not just in April.

If you want your poetry to hit, literally, closer to home, you could take a look at your state poet laureate. Almost all 50 states have one, though sometimes they go by the title state poet or writer-in-residence. The Academy of American Poets has the full list here.

Washington, D.C.’s poet laureate position is vacant and has been since Dolores Kendrick died in 2017, according to a 2021 Washington Post opinion piece calling for a new appointee. You can read more about Kendrick here.

Virginia’s poet laureate is Margaret Daramola, who you can read more about here.

Maryland’s poet laureate is Grace Cavalieri, who you can read more about here.

Other ways to appreciate poetry in April include watching movies, lectures or videos featuring a poet; making a poetry playlist (especially timely with Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” album coming out April 19); and researching and volunteering with local poetry organizations.

And, of course, there’s always NBC Washington’s favorite beat poet.

Keep the poetry love going in May

The Poetry Foundation, which you may recognize as the favorite website of English teachers everywhere as they show you famous poems on the projector, is coming to D.C. on May 1 and May 2 for the Poetry Out Loud finals.

Students across the U.S. compete in the annual poetry recitation challenge, which comes with a $20,000 grand prize for the national champion. High school students from around the country will perform their favorite poems at the Lisner Auditorium in Washington, D.C. for the semifinals.

You can learn more about the Poetry Out Loud competition here, or watch the livestream of the competition here, if you can’t attend the free-and-open-to-the-public event in-person on May 1 or 2.

D.C., Maryland and Virginia have plenty of ways to get out and celebrate. There’s something to fit every mood from weekend ragers to family-friendly gatherings.

While we count down to summer (the solstice is June 20), mark your calendars for these festivals! And if you want reminders and updates on stuff to do every weekend, subscribe to The Weekend Scene newsletter.

Maryland Apr 16

All Things Go announces 2024 lineup with Janelle Monáe, Hozier, Reneé Rapp and more

Washington DC Apr 17

April is National Poetry Month. Here's how you can celebrate in and around DC

May festivals

Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival
April 26 to May 5, Winchester, Virginia
Details

Cherry trees aren’t the only blossom game in the DMV! Centered in Winchester, Virginia, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival includes parades, a carnival, a wine fest, sports tournaments, beauty pageants and more over 10 days.

National Cathedral Flower Mart
May 3-4, National Cathedral in Northwest D.C., free entry
Details

In addition to the showstopping International Floral Display and the huge plant sale, Flower Mart visitors can ride an antique carousel, watch free performances and climb the cathedral’s skyscraping towers. Activities for kids and food vendors will be on-site.

The festival’s hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

International City Food Festival
May 3, 4-9 p.m. and May 4, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., The Square (1875 I St NW, Washington, D.C.), free admission
Details

With a focus on how food brings people together, this festival is set to present performances, crafts and vendors from around the world inside the downtown food hall.

Running of the Chihuahuas
May 4, 2-5 p.m., The Wharf in Southwest D.C., free entry
Details

Look at those little legs go! Go for the delightfully cute chihuahua races, then stay for a pet photo booth, a dog costume contest featuring adoptable pups and all The Wharf has to offer. It’s free and kid-friendly. Dogs who aren’t participating in the races are welcome to cheer on their furry friends.

Big crowds show up for the main event, but you can watch the races on a jumbo screen.

Proceeds benefit Rural Dog Rescue, and News4’s own Tommy McFLY will emcee.

Around the World Embassy Tour
May 4, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., free
Details

Journey around the world without your passport. More than 50 embassies are set to open their doors so you can learn about different cultures — and get some international snacks if you’re lucky. It’s part of the month-long Passport DC program.

By the way: European Union embassies have their own open house day scheduled for Saturday, May 11.

Sligo Creek Fest
May 4, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Silver Spring, Maryland, free
Details

A stretch of Sligo Creek Parkway is going to the walkers, bikers, boarders (and dogs! as long as they’re leashed).

Along the road from Dennis Avenue to University Boulevard, you’ll find a stage with live music, kids’ performances, food trucks, a beer tent featuring local breweries and hands-on activities.

Anacostia River Festival
May 4, Anacostia Park at Good Hope Road and Anacostia Drive SE in Washington, D.C., free
Details

Celebrate the tenth annual Anacostia River Festival. The event is family-friendly and will have plenty of food, local performers and outdoor activities, including a free fishing workshop.

M3 Rock Festival
May 4-5, Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, $90 – $275 (two-day pass)
Details

The hard rock and heavy metal festival is celebrating its 15th year at the venue sharing an ‘80s arena rock experience with new and old audiences. It features performances from Queensrÿche, Bret Michaels and Bret Michaels of Poison fame. 

NVA Thai Street Food & Culture Festival
April 21, May 5 and May 26, The Manassas Museum, free entry
Details

Take in the tastes, sounds and culture of Thailand right in Manassas, Virginia. You’ll find performances, live music and games, plus tons of street eats and sweets. Pro tip: You’ll want to get there early to avoid long lines for food.

Arts and Culture Festival at the National Museum of Asian Art
May 10-12, 1100 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, D.C., free
Details

More details and an exact schedule will be released soon, but the museum gave us a look at what we could expect.

“Activities like mindfulness practices will be integrated alongside arts and cultures resources that support mental health. Programming also includes panel discussions, interactive experiences, culinary pop-ups and art-making projects,” according to a press release.

EU Open House
May 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free entry
Details

Rub elbows at the embassies of many European countries while getting acquainted with their culture, tourism, art and more. Details on each embassy’s offering usually come out in the weeks before the event.

Maryland Craft Beer Festival
May 11, noon to 5 p.m., Carroll Creek Linear Park in Frederick, Maryland, $15-$85
Details

Dozens of Maryland breweries will be pouring all the samples you care to drink. Live music and local food vendors will be on tap, too.

Greenbelt Green Man Festival
May 11-12, begins at 10 a.m., Roosevelt Center, free
Details

Music, fairy gardens and an environmental focus: Could this festival be more spring?

Kids will love body paint and fairy gardens while the whole family enjoys live music.

Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
May 11-12, Woodmont Triangle in Bethesda, Maryland, free admission
Details

More than 120 artists are expected to show and sell their fine art wares along Norfolk, Auburn & Del Ray avenues. Come to refresh your home décor, stay for live music, entertainment and restaurants.

Fiesta Asia Street Fair
May 18, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., downtown Washington, D.C., free
Details

Taking in a lively parade with dragons, live performances, kids’ activities, a talent competition, shopping and pan-Asian cuisine will keep you busy during this celebration for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour
May 17, 18 and 19, Mount Vernon in Alexandria, Virginia, $54-$60 for nonmembers
Details

Sip unlimited samples of wine while enjoying George Washington’s estate during the golden hour.

Lucketts Spring Vintage Market
May 17 to 19, Clarke County Ruritan Fairgrounds in Berryville, Virginia, $15
Details

This market turns Berryville, Virginia, into a destination for finding “vintage garden gems, architectural salvage, crusty antiques, and all kinds of crazy-good finds.” It’s been around for more than two decades.

Asian Festival on Main
May 19, noon to 6 p.m., Main Street in Historic Old Town Fairfax City, free entry
Details

Celebrate Asian heritage with food, arts and crafts and performances. The rain date is June 2, 2024.

Old Town Festival of Speed & Style
May 19, Old Town Alexandria, free
Details

Dozens of rare of exotic cars, a fashion show and live music will take over several blocks of Old Town, including parts of King Street.

Art in Nature Festival
May 25-27, Chantilly, Virginia, $35+ (one-day pass)
Details

The National Botanic Garden in Chantilly, Virginia, is a privately owned estate that only opens its gates a few times a year.

During the Memorial Day weekend festival, you can take in the lake, water-conserving garden, a hobbit village while viewing art and sampling wine and chocolate. Three tastings cost $10.

Jazz in the Garden at the National Gallery of Art
Fridays from May 31 to Aug. 9 (excluding July 5), National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., free if you win the ticket lottery
Details

An indigenous fusion quartet, funk and Soul, Caribbean Steelpan, and more—this concert series transcends jazz genres.

If you would like to enter the ticket lottery, it opens the week before the first concert. Winners will be notified the Monday before the show. Here are more details.

June festivals

Riverfest & Craft Show
June 1-2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Occoquan, Virginia, free
Details

Browse more than 250 artisan’s work, enjoy live concerts in River Mill Park and walk down the environmentally-conscious Conservation Alley.

Head down on Saturday for the Whatever Floats Your Boat Parade or Sunday f or the Duck Splash, where hoards of rubber ducks “race” down the river to benefit a good cause.

Fort Hunt concerts
Sundays in June, July and August, 7 p.m., Fort Hunt Park in McLean, Virginia, free
Details

The National Park Service at George Washington Memorial Parkway kicks off its free concert series on June 2 with a performance from the National Concert Band of America (NCBA). The group includes veterans and legendary players from military service bands.

Come back on late spring and summer Sundays for cover bands, a jazz orchestra and a blues and swing band — all native to the DMV. 

Capital Pride Parade and Festival
June 8-9, Washington, D.C., free
Details

Capital Pride’s big weekend is taking over the District with a massive parade and joyful block party in Dupont on Saturday, followed by a packed festival with a big concert downtown on Sunday. Bonus: it’s all free to attend!

Capital Jazz Festival
June 7-8, Merriweather Post Pavilion, $89+ (one-day pass)
Details

Grammy winners Anthony Hamilton and Chrisette Michele kick off “one of the longest-running festivals in the DMV and one of the premier black music events in the country” during Black Music Month, the Capital Jazz Festival says.

The Capital Jazz Festival features 30 acts over three days. Despite its name, artists span multiple genres, including soul, R&B and jazz.

Out & About Festival at Wolf Trap
Sat., June 22, Filene Center in Vienna, Virginia, $52+

In its second year, this festival continues to highlight LGBTQ+ artists and allies, integrating nature, pride and great music at the striking outdoor amphitheater.

Grammy winner Brittany Howard will headline a superstar lineup that also features Jenny Lewis, Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth and more.

Past events

April festivals

Leesburg Flower & Garden Festival
April 20-21, opens at 10 a.m., free entry
Details

Flowers and plants are taking over historic downtown Leesburg, Virginia, for a weekend of all things gardening.

A landscape display contest, three stages of entertainment, the rooftop wine and beer garden and a children’s area will give the whole family a spring in their step.

National Cannabis Festival
April 19-20, RFK Festival Grounds, $55-$130
Details

THUNDERCAT and Wu-Tang Clan + Redman are exciting headliners for the D.C. festival that’s grown massively since its 2016 debut. The music festival is the big draw for most, but you’ll also find an exhibitor’s fair, the National Cannabis Championship and – never fear – a whole zone dedicated to munchies. Do remember that D.C. cannabis laws still apply.

Savor Bowie
April 20 and April 21, Bowie Town Center, free entry
Details

Complimentary wine tastings, two stages of live music, vendors and artisans: Savor Bowie has all the ingredients for a lovely spring day out. The event is free and proceeds benefit Concerts for Causes.

And if you’re up for more, check out the Funk After Fest concert at the Bowie Performing Arts Center ($29-39).

Project GLOW
April 27-28, RFK Festival Grounds, $215.90 (two-day pass)
Details

Get your neon raver gear ready! ILLENIUM, Zedd, Lane 8, REZZ and dozens of other electronic acts are descending on the RFK Festival Grounds for this two-day music festival.

Purcellville Music and Arts Festival
April 27, noon to 7 p.m., Dillon’s Woods and the Bush Tabernacle, free
Details

Pack a lawn chair and head to the park for a day of live music, an art show and kid-friendly crafts.

The event is family-friendly – even dogs are welcome!

Parking is available at Emerick Elementary School, and some vendors only accept cash.

Celtic Festival of Southern Maryland
April 27, Jefferson Patterson Park in St. Leonard, Maryland, $25 (presale)/$30 (at gate)
Details

Head to Leonard, Maryland, to celebrate the heritage of the Celtic nations: Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man, Brittany, Cornwall and Galicia/Asturias.

Filmfest DC
April 18-28, most general admission tickets cost $14
Details

The District’s longest-running and largest film festival returns with international films, locally-made movies, shorts and more.

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

Oshie’s empty-net goal with 3 minutes left helped the exhausted Capitals beat the Philadelphia Flyers 2-1 on Tuesday night under absurd circumstances. The score was tied when Philadelphia coach John Tortorella pulled his goaltender for an extra attacker because his team needed to win in regulation to keep its hopes alive.

What Tortorella didn’t know was that Detroit scoring with 3.3 seconds remaining to force to overtime at Montreal perhaps a minute earlier actually eliminated the Flyers.

“We’ll take it,” Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin said. “Thanks, Philly.”

Tortorella found out just after Oshie’s empty-netter about the Red Wings result. By then, it was too late, and the result also eliminated Detroit and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Washington will face the Presidents’ Trophy-winning New York Rangers in the first round beginning this weekend, returning to the playoffs after a one-year absence ended their eight-year streak.

“It means a lot,” said Oshie, one of a handful of players remaining from the Capitals’ 2018 Stanley Cup team, along with Ovechkin, John Carlson and Tom Wilson. “Once you win one time, the regular season just doesn’t have as much meaning as the playoff games, so to get back there is going to be super special and definitely won’t take it for granted. The boys will be ready to rock.”

A recent six-game losing streak looked to have tanked the Caps’ chances, but behind more strong play from goalie Charlie Lindgren, they kept themselves in the race. Lindgren looked shaky at times against the Flyers, giving up some big rebounds, but he made the saves, 27 total, when they mattered in his second start in as many days and 48th of the season — by far the most he has played in his NHL career.

“He’s been arguably our MVP,” coach Spencer Carbery said. “He’s been fantastic all year. He earned the opportunity to play this in back to back, and he delivered once again.”

Ovechkin provided the earlier offense, scoring his 31st goal of the season and 853rd of his career on a deflection of Dylan McIlrath’s shot late in the first to move 42 back of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record. The only goal Lindgren allowed was a similar redirection by veteran defenseman Erik Johnson, a trade deadline acquisition by Philadelphia not known for his scoring prowess.

Before being pulled, Flyers goalie Samuel Ersson stopped 16 of the 17 shots he faced.

“That was one of the most encouraging things of it all, is the last three games that Ers can go home in the summer with that,” Tortorella said. “It’s ridiculous how much we played him. But he gets to go home feeling he rebounded and he found himself again.”

The Capitals found themselves over and over again this season, going from low preseason expectations to somehow in contention to trade deadline sellers to playoff front-runners. It’s only fitting they took the final step to the playoffs in unusual fashion, and the Rangers are up next.

“Significant challenge,” Carbery said. “Best team in the NHL, so we know we have our hands full.”

UP NEXT

Flyers: Can point to their own seven-game skid late in the season as the reason they didn’t make the playoffs ahead of schedule for their rebuild.

Capitals: Play Game 1 against the Rangers at Madison Square Garden either Saturday or Sunday.

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Mohammad Samura, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, was hit at the intersection of Fairmont and Sixth streets NW at about 3:40 p.m. Thursday and died on Sunday, D.C. police and school officials said. He was 18. 

“Tragedies like this don’t happen often, but when they do, it feels like everything has to stop,” student Folajinmi Awofeso said. 

According to the initial investigation, the driver of a blue Audi sedan was headed north on Sixth Street “at a high rate of speed,” police said in a statement. The driver hit a parked car and kept going.

“The vehicle failed to negotiate the left turn onto Fairmont Street, Northwest, where the vehicle mounted a curb and struck a man who was in or near a crosswalk,” police said.

Samura was taken to a hospital with serious injuries. The driver had minor injuries.

Police did not provide the driver’s name and have not said if charges will be filed.

“It happened on this campus, you know, so we have to stand together to pay respects to someone who is in our community,” student Noraa Maxey said. 

At the moving memorial, flowers were left by the flagpole and students wiped away tears. 

“It happened so close, like on this campus, and that part was just really hard to grasp for me,” student Alicia Hooks said. 

The university said Samura was a computer information systems major who made the School of Business’ dean’s list. He “demonstrated great skills as a member of the University’s award-winning ESports Team,” a press release said.

“The university extends our profound condolences and prayers to his family, friends, classmates and instructors during this difficult time. May they find solace in the cherished moments shared with him,” university President Ben Vinson III said. 

Additional details about the crash were not provided. 

“This is unbelievable, and it’s just in moments like these where we really have to … really take care of the people around us,” Awofeso said. 

A representative for the university said counseling services are available to students and staff who need them. 

Anyone with potentially relevant information on the crash is asked to contact D.C. police.

Niomi Russell, of Northwest D.C., was in the 2400 block of Elvans Road SE when someone started shooting at people outside an apartment building, D.C. police said.

Russell was hit and went inside the building, police said. She had been shot in the neck, according to a police watch commander.

“I knew it was something tragic because I heard the mother crying and screaming up here,” Kimberly Little, an ANC commissioner in Ward 8, said while holding her young child. “That little girl did not deserve that. I know that she didn’t.”

Officers heard gunshots and rushed to the scene, which is near Stanton Road and Suitland Parkway in the Barry Farm area, D.C. police said.

Russell was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Police were looking for a silver SUV with a black top that was seen on Stanton Road SE headed toward Sheridan.

Authorities didn’t immediately comment on a motive for the shooting nor whether Russell was an intended target.

After the shooting, chalk drawings could be seen on the sidewalk where police officers marked evidence such as shell casings.

The D.C. police crime map shows since April 15, 2022, there have been 10 homicides, 48 assaults with a dangerous weapon and 37 robberies in the area. On April 8, police responded to the shooting of a woman in the exact same block of Elvans Road.

“You can’t really talk to people or have any friends,” Little said of the neighborhood. “I don’t have any family, I don’t have any friends, because they’re scared to come here.”

Little said the apartment complexes are not spending enough money for security, and she fears retaliation will come as it often does.

“If you know that someone just died, you know there’s going to be a retaliation. This little girl is dead,” Little said.

The “constant” sound of gunshots also devastates the mental health of people living in the community, including young children, Little said.

“It could be my 2-year-old next,” she said through tears.

Of the four juveniles killed in the District so far this year, police have made arrests in two of the cases.

Stay with News4 for more on this developing story.

Firefighters were called to an apartment fire in the 300 block of Seaton Place NE just after midnight, D.C. Fire and EMS said. When fire crews arrived, heavy orange flames were shooting from the roof and both levels of the building, fire fighters said.

Those strong flames traveled from the building across an alley about 10 Ft. away to neighboring row homes.

Thern Hill-El who lives next door to the building took cellphone video of the fire from his window. The video captures the moments the fire jumped from the alley to a car.

“Man, somebody better put some water on that car!” Hill-El can be heard saying.

He said “the inferno was hot enough” to melt the side of the house and metal like the fence and car.

“Reinforcement steel, imagine that just dripping like wax, okay. And they’re trying to get through the fence and they’re cutting the wood down so they can get through, so they can get to the fire itself,” Hill-El said.

Resident Taylor Warpool was lucky. Her unit on the very end of the building wasn’t damaged. She said she was sleeping when the fire broke out and someone banged on her door.

“We don’t know who it is, but somebody came into our building, like got into our building and started banging on people’s doors to get us awake,” Warpool said.

All of the apartment’s residents were able to evacuate. No one was injured in the fire, officials said.

In total, 17 people and two dogs were displaced by the fire, authorities said. The Red Cross is helping with housing and other necessities.

After the fire was extinguished, photos show the building with smashed windows. 10 units were gutted and filled with charred debris.

The back of the apartment complex has blackened wood and singed framing where units used to be. The flames scorched the car and left a trail of black smoke in the back of the row homes.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

This is a developing story. Stay with News4 for updates.

John Perry-Miller came across a skimmer at self-checkout in the Safeway on Wisconsin Avenue NW in Georgetown.

“I notice at the little thing I’m at, the keypad was sparkling, like brand new,” he said.

“So, I yanked on it, and it was loose,” he said. “And so, I called over the attendant and he was like, ‘No it’s not a skimmer,’ and I said, ‘It’s a skimmer!’ And so, we yanked it off together all the way, and he was like, ‘Oh my God.’”

On Friday, police said four other skimmers have been discovered.

The first was found March 25 by an employee at a Harris Teeter on First Street NE in NoMa.

A week later, on April 1, police got a call from an employee at another Harris Teeter on M Street SE in Navy Yard.

Less than an hour after police received the report of the skimmer found in Georgetown Wednesday, another was reported found in the 4500 block of 40^th Street NW.

Then Friday morning, another was discovered at Safeway on Corcoran Street NW near Dupont Circle.

How to identify card skimmers

While police try to track down the thieves here’s what to do to protect against being skimmed:

• Make sure the device doesn’t move.
• Compare the machine to the one next to it.
• Check the alignment of the card reader.
• Look inside of the card reader before using it.

Anyone who finds a skimmer or suspected one should call 911.

Anyone who may be a victim should notify their bank or credit card company immediately.

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The D.C. police department is launching a new team of crime fighters they’re calling community safety ambassadors. They won’t have guns or badges, but they might be the first to show up when you call 911, depending on how serious the problem is.

The hope is that the program will free up dozens of sworn officers for more serious issues.

“I’m a stakeholder in my community. I want to better my community,” explained Davina Carson, one of 16 of those new community safety ambassadors currently in training at the D.C. Police Academy. “I want to be a part of that change that makes it better, and I also want to be that gap, that bridges the police to the community.”

Lindsay Appiah, D.C.’s deputy mayor for public safety, says once the ambassadors hit the streets in a few weeks, they’ll help with police duties like traffic and crowd control at big events, or responding to low level 911 calls like minor car crashes where a police report is needed — but not an actual sworn officer.

“Things that we really believe that we can train civilians, right, these community safety ambassadors, to respond to so that we can really free up sworn officers for the type of policing work that our community expects and needs from them,” said Appiah.

Carson has been a civilian employee for D.C. police for two years, but applied to be a safety ambassador as soon as she heard about the program.

For her, it wasn’t just to be a bridge between police and her community.

“I also have a 14-year-old son. I want him to feel safe,” Carson said. “When he calls the police, I want them to be able to show.”

Roderick Milstead oversees the ambassador program and tells News4, once fully staffed, it will free up 46 sworn officers to be on the streets full time.

“When we get full capacity, we should have 40 CSIs, four supervisors, and 20 of these pretty patrol, or not patrol cars, 20 CSA cars patrolling the city,” Milstead said.

Carson hopes the community will embrace the safety ambassadors once they hit the streets..

“I want them to know that we’re here to help. We’re here to make the community better and to also bridge the gap between the community and MPD, you know? And to free them up so they can be arrived on the scene in a timely manner,” Carson said.

The current group of community safety ambassadors range in ages from 24 to 65, and they are still hiring.

The medical examiner’s office studied 2,595 opioid-related deaths from 2017 through 2023.

In 2023, there were 518 opioid overdose deaths in the District, according to the report. That marked a 12% increase from 2022, amounting to 43 deaths per month.

Compare that to 274 homicides in D.C. in 2023 — a statistic that received significant negative attention. 

“I believe part the reason we haven’t had more attention called to this issue is because of who it’s impacting,” Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker said. “Many of them Black and brown. Many of them happening in wards 7 and 8.”

He has been pressing for more action, and quickly.

opioid crisis Mar 5

‘I want people who sell these drugs to pay': Mothers who lost teens to fentanyl urge change in Maryland

Loudoun County Public Schools Feb 27

Loudoun County will use drug-sniffing dogs to keep fentanyl, other drugs out of high schools

Fentanyl Feb 12

Arlington parents seek $2M for afterschool programs after fatal suspected fentanyl overdoses

“More direct outreach in communities that are plagued by overdoses,” Parker said. “One of the things I’m proudest of is I was able to secure direct outreach in Ward 5 to address the opioid crisis in this community in Ivy City, but I’m calling on the mayor to do more.”

Fentanyl was the most-used opioid in overdose deaths, according to the report.

The report also warned about the drug xylazine, which is being mixed with fentanyl and is resistant to the overdose-reversing drug naloxone.

This weekend, are you headed to one of D.C.’s favorite brunches, sandwich shops or bars?

Well, show it some love!

Each year, the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington hands out RAMMY awards –  it’s essentially the Oscars for local restaurants. The big celebration happens in July when the winners are announced at a gala in the Washington Convention Center.

But first, NBC4 and Telemundo 44 are asking you for some help. We’re excited to bring YOU into the mix for the publicly-voted awards. These are some of our favorite categories and hopefully yours, too!

See the nominees and vote at nbcwashington.com/RAMMYs now!

Whatever your weekend plans, the weather is looking nice. Sunday’s forecasted high is 78°, Storm Team4 says.

Weekend highlights

Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival
Sat. and Sun., Pennsylvania Avenue, NW between 3rd and 7th Streets, $15 in advance/$20 day-of
🔗 Details

Dubbed the largest celebration of Japanese culture in the United States, this festival is packed with music, food and performances on four stages – including one devoted to J-pop. You’ll stay busy hitting up the Ginza Marketplace, tasting sake and people-watching for incredible costumes. 

☝ Pro tips: We’ve seen the best food items sell out quickly! Go early and be prepared for lines. If you want to go on both days, you can get a two-day ticket in advance for $25.

Things to Do DC Apr 10

‘Beauty with a cause': Dutch Tulip Days blooms at Netherlands ambassador's DC residence

4 your reading Apr 11

Celebrity hair stylist Vernon Martin talks about his memoir

Free pick
Pink Beats
Sat., Water Park in National Landing (1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington)
🔗 Details

D.C.-based soul-rock group Oh He Dead is a great get for this free festival a short walk from the Crystal City Metro station.

Gordan Daniels, The Experience Band & Show, Wrizzards and Broke Royals round out the lineup.

The event starts at 4 p.m., and Oh He Dead is set to go on at 7:45 p.m.

Heads up: The park could close if it reaches capacity.

Human Museum
Begins Thurs., 1020 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.
🔗 Details

There’s so much being said about AI, our relationships with technology and how long humans have left on this planet.

Leave it to Rorschach Theatre to explore those issues through a thought-provoking, interactive dark comedy show in a former retail space.

“Human Museum” is a brand new play written by Miyoko Conley. It’s about a group of robots who are running a museum about humanity – commemorating a century since humans went extinct.

You can explore the “museum shop” and an exhibit about foods that might have survived the apocalypse before you take your seat for a 90-minute show.

This weekend, “Human Museum” is in pay-what-you-can previews. After that, shows are scheduled Thursdays through Sundays until May 5.

☝ Pro tip: Don’t just type “Rorschach Theatre” into your maps app. This show is near Farragut Square; it’s not at their headquarters on H Street NE.

DC Comedy Festival
Through Sat., $25+
🔗 Details

Venues from Silver Spring to Shirlington are hosting comedians from the D.C. area and nationwide every night this week. Seven Black Minutes, musical comedy and a “Hot Ones”-inspired show are on the docket.

Free pick
Emancipation Day
Sun., Freedom Plaza
🔗 Details

Nine months before President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, on April 16, 1862, he ended slavery in D.C. and freed 3,100 people.

The District’s commemoration of those who struggled for freedom has been an official holiday since 2005.

This year, festivities downtown include a parade at 2 p.m., a concert at 3 p.m. and fireworks at 8:30 p.m.

Over 20 restaurants are celebrating with deals.

Concerts this weekend

Linda Smith with The Smashing Times, 7 p.m. Thursday, Rhizome, $15-$20

Smith began self-releasing home-recorded cassettes in the ‘80s brimming with beautiful and sweet lo-fi pop. Fellow Baltimoreans The Smashing Times play jangly, fuzzy power pop. Details. 

Swans, 8 p.m. Friday, Howard Theatre, $35-$50

Possibly the darkest, heaviest band to take on noise/post/goth-rock. Terrifying at times. Beware. Details.

Archer, 7 p.m. Friday, Rhizome, $10-$25

Legendary Dutch punk guitarist Terrie Ex (founder of The Ex) teams up with lauded Chicago free jazz saxophonist Dave Rempis and Norwegian rhythm section Jon Rune Strøm (bass) and Tollef Østvang (drums) in a new improvisational quartet. This is their first U.S. tour.  Details.

The Feelies, 8 p.m. Saturday, Black Cat, $30

Among the forefathers of American indie rock, this New Jersey group channels the Velvet Underground for its nervous post-punk sound. Details.

Things to do in D.C.

AdMo Art Walk
Through April 30, free

“Message in a Bottle” musical powered by Sting’s biggest hits
Through April 21, The Kennedy Center, $45+

“VOCA: A Not So Quiet Nocturne”
April 11-21, Atlas Performing Arts Center, $40+

Paws and Petals Yappy Hour
Thurs., metrobar in Northeast D.C., free 

Local dancers in “Chronicles of Nina…What now?”
Fri. and Sat., The Kennedy Center, $10

Georgetown Flower Tour
Sat., noon to 4 p.m., $40

DC Beer Festival
Sat., noon to 3 p.m. or 5-8 p.m., Nationals Park, $50

51st Capital Classic basketball game
Sat., noon, Entertainment and Sports Arena in Southeast, $25+

DC United: Cherry Blossom Night
Sat., Audi Field, $29+

Cherry Blossom 5k
Sat., Congressional Cemetery, $35+

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
Sat., 10 a.m. to noon, Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th street NW, free or seating starts at $25+

Jacqueline Woodson’s Block Party!
Sat., 1 p.m., REACH at The Kennedy Center, free but registration encouraged

An Evening With Esther Perel: The Future of Relationships, Love & Desire
Sat., DAR Constitution Hall, $66.50

Cemetery Speaker Series: The Lincoln Assassination
Sun., 1 p.m., Congressional Cemetery, $5

“New Worlds: Women to Watch 2024” at the National Museum of Women in the Arts
April 14 through Aug. 11

Things to do in Maryland

The National Capital New Play Festival
Through May 5, Roundhouse Theatre in Bethesda

“The Color Purple”
April 12-21, BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown, $40-$55

Mount Rainier’s Garden Crawl & Nature Center’s Open House
Sat., Mount Rainier Nature Center, free

Things to do in Virginia

American Horticultural Society’s Spring Garden Market
Fri. and Sat., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., River Farm in Alexandria, $5 per person or $20 per car

Blossom Fest
Sat., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Springfield Town Center, free and kid-oriented

Vola’s Spring Oysterfest
Sat., Vola’s Dockside Grill in Alexandria, $99

Big Lick Comic Con
Sat. and Sun., Dulles Expo Center, $40 for a weekend pass

Theater: “Chicks in Heaven”
April 11-28, Creative Cauldron in Falls Church, $20-$45

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

“So, I yanked on it, and it was loose. And so, I called over the attendant and he was like, ‘No it’s not a skimmer’ and I said, ‘It’s a skimmer!’” Perry-Miller said. “And so, we yanked it off together all the way and he was like ‘Oh my God…’ and I said ‘see! It’s a skimmer.’”

Perry-Miller, who shops at the Georgetown store three times a week, posted a photo of the shocking moment on X. It then took off.

“@Safeway I just pulled a skimmer off my self-checkout machine at the Georgetown Safeway on Wisconsin Ave NW in DC. The store just underwent a massive renovation to overhaul their security.,” @JohnPerryMiller wrote on X. 

Perry-Miller said he was tipped off by the keypad’s buttons that looked different from the last time he visited the store. In the photo the left keypad looks super clean, while the right keypad is a bit worn down.

 “Exactly! And you can see with the picture. I mean, look at the buttons underneath it,” Perry-Miller said.

“The real buttons?” News4 asked.

 “There’s a night and day difference,” he said.

Montgomery County Mar 21

Cash-to-gold scammer stole $800K from Montgomery County senior: police

Washington DC Mar 21

A DC mom was told to use food banks after her account was illegally drained, she says

News4 contacted Safeway, but the company did not confirm if Perry-Miller had stumbled on to a credit card skimmer device.

“Safeway takes these issues seriously and is investigating this matter, in coordination with law enforcement, to ensure appropriate action has been taken. In addition, we have implemented additional controls and associate training to help prevent this type of activity in the future,” Safeway said in a statement.

Skimmers can steal info like card numbers, pins and security codes. In March, a D.C. woman who noticed her EBT card had been drained said her card had been skimmed. The last place she had used the card was a Giant grocery store in Northeast D.C.’s Brentwood neighborhood. 

As for Perry-Miller, he’s thankful his warning about skimming reached lots of people.

“I’m glad that I can make sure people are aware of this because I do think that it’s important that people are checking,” he said.

Next time you check out, take an extra second to check the credit card reader before swiping or inserting your card. The FBI recommends looking for anything loose, broken or crooked. Cash, Apple or Google Pay are also safe alternatives.

“After this experience, I’ll probably be using cash!” he said.

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The gunfire quickly scattered the crowd. Children who had been playing on the sidewalk and neighbors ran for their lives into nearby apartments, News4’s Jackie Bensen reported.

D.C. Chief of Police Pamela Smith said at about 6:15 p.m. the suspects drove up and shot into a crowd in the 1100 block of 21st Street NE and then took off in a light blue Toyota sedan with no front tags, dark tints and black rims.

The Toyota was “possibly occupied with two shooters inside,” authorities said.

This occurred at the Fairway Park Apartments in the Carver-Langston neighborhood off Maryland Avenue.

“Shortly after this shooting occurred, a 12-year-old boy arrived at the hospital with a gunshot wound,” Smith said.

Ambulance crews on the scene kept locating victims.

“Five patients total,” a dispatcher said.

A man was declared dead at the scene. Police identified him as Aubrey McLeod, 29, of Largo, Maryland.

Two boys, ages 9 and 12, one woman and two men were shot and taken to hospitals. They are expected to survive their injuries.

“This is another example, and I’ve been through it before in this space of violence, that we cannot, we just cannot accept in our communities,” Smith said. “My condolences go out to the families and friends who were impacted by this senseless gun violence.”

Anyone who has any information is asked to call police at 202-727-9099 or text 50411. Police offer a reward of up to $25,000 for any tips that lead to an arrest.

More information on the motive for the shooting or descriptions of suspects was not provided. Police said the new real-time D.C. crime center was used to capture photos of the wanted vehicle. 

According to information gathered by the News4 I-Team, this is the fourth mass shooting in the District this year. A mass shooting is defined as four or more people shot or killed, not including the gunman. 

This is a developing story. Refresh for updates.

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Sgt. Terrika Hooks, a paramedic with D.C. Fire and EMS, is part of the team helping raise awareness about CPR and having AEDs in more places.

She’s trained to save lives, but when her father suffered a heart attack, she wasn’t there, and nobody nearby knew CPR or had access to an AED. She and her mother, Tracey Hooks, believe her father would still be with them if there had been an AED nearby or if someone knew CPR.

“Well, he could have had a second chance,” Tracey Hooks said.

D.C. is offering a $400 rebate to businesses and organizations that install an AED and register it with the District. AEDs typically cost between $800 and $1,400.

The focus will be getting more AEDs east of the Anacostia River, where there’s a huge disparity not only in AEDs but also survival rates when someone goes into cardiac arrest. The PulsePoint app, which shows the locations of registered AEDs, illustrates the lack of devices east of the river.

“And remarkably, still, over the last several years, the survival rate from cardiac arrest among African Americans is less than half that of whites,” D.C. Fire and EMS Medical Director Dr. Robert Holman said. “And some of this gap in AED use is simply due to access.”

Any AED purchased in the past 90 days also qualifies for the rebate.

It’s a beautiful backdrop set against the serious themes that will be discussed during this year’s Dutch Tulip Days from April 10 to 12. 

“We tried to combine beauty with a cause,” Birgitta Tazelaar, Netherlands ambassador, said. 

This year’s themes revolve around believed and shared values between the Netherlands and the U.S., sustainability, innovation and freedom, Tazelaar said.

“We celebrate freedom because we should not take it for granted. And we only have to look at Ukraine to see what freedom actually means,” Tazelaar said. 

There’s a nearly 10-foot-tall 3D-printed replica of the Netherlands Carillon in Arlington, Virginia. The original was gifted from the Dutch to the U.S. for support during and after World War II.

The replica is meant to represent freedom. It’s recycled waste and plant-based material structure represents sustainability. 

A garden box highlights sustainability with plants native to the Netherlands that require less water and fertilizer.

There are tulips in yellow, red, white and purple along the grand staircase of the home.  

Over the next three days, the residence will host hundreds of visitors, including politicians, entrepreneurs and invited members of the public.

“We’ll talk about innovation during these days when it comes to, for example, the semiconductor industry and cyber security. Those are also that they demand a lot of innovation in order to protect ourselves,” Tazelaar said. 

Once Dutch Tulip Days ends, the thousands of tulips will be donated to various charities around D.C. 

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A lavish state dinner is a tool of U.S. diplomacy, a high honor that is doled out sparingly and only to America’s closest allies. In the case of Japan, President Joe Biden has chosen to celebrate an ally that he sees as a cornerstone of his policy toward the Indo-Pacific region.

Biden and his wife, Jill, are hosting Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife, Yuko, during the couple’s official visit to the United States this week. The first lady on Tuesday described a “flourishing” relationship between the U.S. and its Pacific partner as she hosted a media preview of the dinner, including the menu, decor and entertainment.

“As technology dissolves the distances between us and we face challenges that cross borders and oceans, our nations are partners in building a world where we choose creation over destruction, peace over bloodshed and democracy over autocracy,” she said.

Kishida will be the fifth world leader Biden has honored with a state dinner after counterparts from France, South Korea, India and Australia.

More than 200 guests with ties to both nations will dine on a first course of house-cured salmon and an entree of dry-aged rib eye steak with pepper butter, fava beans, mushrooms and onions. Dessert is salted caramel pistachio cake with a matcha ganache and cherry ice cream.

Some of Jill Biden’s favorite flowers, including roses and peonies, are being used alongside imported cherry blossoms to decorate a mix of round and rectangular tables in shades of pink, with a few of the floral centerpieces topping out at 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall.

Tables will be set with a mix of place settings representing the administrations of Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and George W. Bush. Glass and silk butterflies will dance over the tables and the hallway on the State Floor will be outfitted to give guests the feel of walking atop a koi pond.

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After dinner, Simon, who the White House said is one of the first lady’s favorite musicians, will perform a selection of his iconic songs. She chose the singer-songwriter as a special tribute for Kishida because the prime minister is also an admirer of Simon’s work, the White House said.

Simon’s career spans six decades, including performing as part of a duo with his childhood friend Art Garfunkel. The 82-year-old New Jersey native has earned numerous accolades, including multiple Grammys and a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Also lined up to entertain guests after dinner are “The President’s Own” Marine Band Chamber Orchestra, the Army Rolling Strings and the Air Force Strings.

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The Metropolitan Police Department — like other departments across the country — has been having trouble keeping up with staffing. For the past 10 years, MPD has been unable to hire enough new officers to keep up with the number who have been leaving. At the same time, crime was going up in the District.

This fiscal year, the department expects to swear in 18 more officers than have left, D.C. Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice Lindsey Appiah told News4.

“We’re seeing really good recruiting numbers … and in this budget, we’ll see an actual net gain of officers instead of either staying flat or continuing to drop,” she said.

While 18 more officers in a department that is short almost 700 officers might not seem like much, for eight out of the past 10 years, MPD has lost more officers than it was able to hire. As recently as fiscal year 2021, D.C. police lost 219 more officers than it hired.

Now for the first time in seven years, the number will be on the positive side, which Appiah credits to incentives like signing bonuses and a new union contract.

“And certainly some of the money is,” she said. “Housing, the housing allowance, because we really want people to live in the city. That was a big one. There was some take home cars, which is a big deal for officers. A new CBA really helped with the retention of our, sort of, midcareer officers. So, it really is all of those things that we found that are helpful.”

“I think that we’re in a good place to see positive trends moving forward,” Appiah said.

MPD offers a $25,000 bonus for new hires. The annual starting salary for a D.C. police officer is  just more than $66,000. After five years on the job, officers can make just more than $88,000 per year.

Cue thoughts of clocking off work, dressing in linen, packing snacks and taking the Metro to the Sculpture Garden for an evening of dancing and sangria. Plus, lounging on lush green grass and admiring the garden’s modern art.

This summer, the concert series features 10 genre-spanning acts starting with zydeco then a Juneteenth jazz celebration and ending with a D.C.-based saxophonist. The series kicks off the weekend after Memorial Day and wraps up the second Friday in August.

It’s not known as “D.C.’s favorite summer concert series” for nothing.” You’ll need to enter a ticket lottery to get in. Each concert is on a Friday night from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Here’s how to plan to start each weekend on the National Mall:

How to get Jazz in the Garden tickets

Anyone who wants to attend Jazz in the Garden can join the lottery the week prior to the event. Lottery winners will be notified the Monday morning before the concert.

“Those who are selected are welcome to register for up to four passes. Registration is required for all ages 2 and above,” the gallery said on its website.

Jazz in the Garden schedule

May 31: Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas
Genre: Zydeco

• Lottery opens: Monday, May 20, 10 a.m.
• Lottery closes: Friday, May 24, noon
• Results announced: Monday, May 15, 10 a.m.

June 7: Anderson Quartet
Genre: Indigenous fusion

• Lottery opens: Monday, May 27, 10 a.m.
• Lottery closes: Friday, May 31, noon
• Results announced: Monday, June 3, 10 a.m.

June 14: 8 Ohms Band
Genre: Horn-heavy funk and Soul

• Lottery opens: Monday, June 3, 10 a.m.
• Lottery closes: Friday, June 7, noon
• Results announced: Monday, June 10, 10 a.m.

June 21: Muneer Nasser Quintet
Genre: A Juneteenth jazz celebration

• Lottery opens: Monday, June 10, 10 a.m.
• Lottery closes: Friday, June 14, noon
• Results announced: Monday, June 17, 10 a.m.

June 28: Josanne Francis
Genre: Caribbean steelpan

• Lottery opens: Monday, June 17, 10 a.m.
• Lottery closes: Friday, June 21, noon
• Results announced: Monday, June 24, 10 a.m.

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July 12: US Air Force Band’s Airmen of Note
Genre: Big band jazz

• Lottery opens: Monday, July 1, 10 a.m.
• Lottery closes: Friday, July 5, noon
• Results announced: Monday, July 8, 10 a.m.

July 19: Jake Blount
Genre: Afrofuturist roots

• Lottery opens: Monday, July 8, 10 a.m.
• Lottery closes: Friday, July 12, noon
• Results announced: Monday, July 15, 10 a.m.

July 26: Brent Birckhead
Genre: Contemporary jazz

• Lottery opens: Monday, July 15, 10 a.m.
• Lottery closes: Friday, July 19, noon
• Results announced: Monday, July 22, 10 a.m.

Aug. 2: Plena Libre
Genre: Afro-Latin fusion

• Lottery opens: Monday, July 22, 10 a.m.
• Lottery closes: Friday, July 26, noon
• Results announced: Monday, July 29, 10 a.m.

Aug. 9: Leigh Pilzer’s Seven Pointed Star
Genre: Jazz septet

• Lottery opens: Monday, July 29, 10 a.m.
• Lottery closes: Friday, August 2, noon
• Results announced: Monday, August 5, 10 a.m.

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

The 29-year-old man was acting abnormally before he allegedly exited the train through the bulkhead doors and disappeared, Metro told News4. They said he was trespassing in the train system.

This happened around 11 p.m., outside the metro station. D.C. Fire and EMS reported a rescue operation was being conducted just after midnight.

Communication between Metro dispatchers and train operators reveals the initial emergency.

“There are two customers here that said the guy, they saw the guy get on top of the train,” a man said. “I don’t know where he is right now.”

“Customers saying he’s not on the train no more, he must have been hit,” a woman said.

About an hour later, he was declared dead on the scene, and it became a recovery operation, D.C. Fire said.

The victim’s identity was not immediately released.

Officials are investigating what led up to the incident.

This does not appear to be a typical train surfing incident, Metro said. Train surfing is a dangerous social media challenge where someone rides on top of a train.

In March, a teenage girl died in what appeared to be a train surfing incident near the Silver Spring station on the Red Line.

Service along the Blue, Orange and Silver lines was partially suspended. There were delays in both directions.

Metro advises riders not to use bulkhead doors unless it’s an emergency with direction from a transit official, officer or operator. The bulkhead doors are between where two Metro cars connect and leave an open space.

This is a developing story. Stay with News4 for updates.

The center is a hub for technology like shot spotters, license-plate readers, traffic cameras and security cameras funneled through a command center at police headquarters.

By registering security cameras with police, residents and businesses are not giving police access but letting them know the location of the camera, so if a crime happens nearby, police can ask for the camera to be checked.

“I want to make it clear, by simply registering your camera, in no way are you giving MPD live access to your camera footage,” D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith said.

Businessman Mark Ein, whose company Kastle Systems provides security technology for businesses across the city, took that a step further. He has been organizing a network of private companies who have stepped up to share their surveillance cameras with police in real time.

“So, today we’re announcing not just the integration of this entire network into the new real-time crime center, the push for more, but a commitment to another thousand cameras that we’ll give to any business, any building who wants it installed so that they can be part of this network, and we will do that for you,” Ein said.

He wants every business big and small to consider linking their cameras with the crime center.

“We really encourage people to do it,” he said. “It really is a force multiplier, and if you can imagine when an event happens, most likely there is a private camera there. It’s one thing after the fact to go see what happens, but sometimes in real time, that information and that feed and seeing what happened can be immensely helpful, and so that’s what we’re trying to facilitate.”

D.C. residents and businesses also can get a rebate of up to $500 for installing outdoor security cameras.

Police said someone called to report a man with a gun at around 2:30 p.m. in the 3900 block of Davis Place NW in Glover Park. Authorities did not say what led up to that call.

D.C. police confirmed negotiators have made contact with the man barricaded inside the apartment, and they believe he is the only one inside.

No injuries have been reported.

A large police response, including one officer who was carrying a riot shield, could be seen outside the apartment. 

The scene is near the Russian Embassy, in a residential area with apartment and condo buildings.

Several neighbors said they were stuck outside because police blocked off the whole street.

“My dog has diabetes, so we need to get him his insulin here pretty soon too, but really we just want to know what’s going on in our neighborhood,” one woman said. “I feel like I have started to see crime a little bit more, but nothing on this scale. And it does make you pause a little bit.”

This is a developing story. Refresh for updates.

DC Fire leaders and Mayor Muriel Bowser presented awards to the childcare center in recognition of their life-saving actions.

“This is something that we train for on a monthly basis, we would hope that if someone was in that situation with our children, they would get them out safely,” Regina Snead, owner of Baby Einstein Child Development Center, said.

On Jan. 18, a large blast ripped through the 1200 block of Marion Barry Avenue SE in the Anacostia neighborhood. A building that was home to a convenience store was leveled and the day care was among the damaged buildings.

Snead and her staff quickly left the building as soon as they smelled gas, making sure that all 16 kids, between 2 months to 4 years old, got out safely.

The day care received two awards for protecting the District’s youngest residents.

“I want every parent that sends their kids there to know they that are prepared and they do a good job,” DC Fire Chief John Donnelly said.

Snead said she’s honored and was just doing her job.

“It took some very special people and some special skills to get the children out,” Snead said.

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Mayfair will invest $1 million dollars to fix code violations, improve security and pay tenants of the affordable housing complex on Hayes Street NE. It’s part of a settlement deal between the apartment complex and the OAG.

But some residents say they’re skeptical after living under bad conditions for so long.

“When I got that letter I was kind of confused,” said longtime resident George Garrett. “What, are you going to tear the whole thing down?”

Garrett has lived in Mayfair for eight years, and unfortunately, there are some things he’s just gotten used to. He’ll believe the improvements when he sees them.

“The main thing is they don’t take care of the apartments,” he said. “Mice all in the walls, my cat is killing mice every day.”

But the OAG says, under the agreement with the owners, changes are on the way ASAP.

“Every resident in the District deserves to have safe and habitable housing,” said Argie Weatherington, section chief of the OAG’s housing and environmental justice section.

According to Weatherington, Mayfair has already begun making some improvements, but there’s still a long way to go.

Under the deal, Mayfair will pay $1 million to upgrade security and address the long list of health and safety violations. Residents will also receive some of that money.

“The rodent remediation is starting to take place,” said Weatherington.

Residents will also see more security guards as part of the settlement.

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It’s all thanks to tenants who reported the problems. Which is why the OAG encourages all D.C. renters to speak up if they have serious health and safety issues in their homes.

“In those particular instances where you feel like this is something that no one should have to live with, that’s when you should definitely call our office, contact government offices. Because we and our colleagues in the government are always happy to respond to District residents,” Weatherington said.

You can reach the OAG at their consumer protection hotline, which is 202-442-9828, or by emailing socialjustice@dc.gov.

Thousands of D.C. residents have been able to stay in their homes thanks to help from the city’s emergency rental assistance program (ERAP), but Bowser proposed slashing its budget from $68 million this year to $20 million next year.

“Our economy is growing more slowly than it did, and we have to make some adjustments,” Bowser said. “Just like families are making adjustments in their own households, they expect us and the government to be smart with our budget.” 

She told the D.C. Council she believes some people have been abusing ERAP.

At a budget hearing Friday, Councilmember Robert White pushed back at those claims.

“What we heard from the mayor this week was that people are gaming the system,” he said. “There is no evidence of this. There is no evidence of fraud. What there is evidence of is that rents are going up much higher than incomes. There’s evidence that evictions are up. There’s evidence that legal programs that assist people in avoiding eviction are all now overstretched. So, what we are seeing is a housing crisis, not a crisis of people gaming the system.”

“We’re going to see more people in shelters, which is going to cost taxpayers more money, and we’re going to see more people displaced from the city,” White said.

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But Department of Human Services Director Laura Zeilinger, who oversees the program, says White is wrong and there is fraud in the program.

“So, we want to make sure that where we’re addressing what we’ve seen not work in the program in instances like that, and that we’re making sure that the people who it’s intended for able to access it,” she said.

A significant reason the program is being cut is because millions of dollars in federal funds used in the past few years are no longer available, the Bowser administration said.