Serving Our Community in the DMV
Vol 61 No 14
January 15 - 21, 2026
Hundredth Shutdown Further Recalibrates Local Medical Cannabis Ecosystem
Mayoral Community Walk Highlights Constituent Frustrations with Illicit Activity
Amid Trump Executive Order and Harris Rider, Cannabis Consultant Strives For Equity
Freshmen Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners Stand Up for Their Constituents
By Sam Plo Kwia Collins, Jr. WI Senior Local Politics and Education Writer
By Sam Plo Kwia Collins, Jr. WI Senior Writer D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and a cadre of District government personnel recently walked a little over a mile through a portion of Southeast in response to a community’s longtime concerns about violent crime, drug use and prostitution. More than a year ago, the wave of illicit activity compelled one community member to run for office to represent the Fairlawn community. Since clinching the advisory neigh-
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5 D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser walks along a stretch of Minnesota Avenue on Jan. 12 in response to crime data and community members’ concerns about drug use and prostitution. (Sam Plo Kwia Collins, Jr./The Washington Informer)
Anwar Saleem, in his role as executive director of H Street Main Street, takes on several responsibilities, including coordination of the annual H Street Festival and allowing the use of the old AutoZone for summer youth employment activities and other events of cultural significance. Also on his list as of late is the closure of illegally operating cannabis shops along the H Street corridor. Those shops, Saleem said, have dampened the potential of what could be one of the District’s most vibrant arts and entertainment districts. “Look at [the 2022 shooting of the Commanders’] Brian
Faith, National Leaders Celebrate MLK’s Birthday Local Leaders Tout Generational Legacy of Humility, Admiration’
By Jada Ingleton WI Content Editor In the days leading up to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK)’s birthday, Cliff Beckford, pastor of Living Word Church in Southwest, D.C., was among those reflecting on the legacy born January 15, 1929. During a Jan. 12 kick-off for MLK Holiday DC celebrations – the District’s historic tradition in honor of the late civil rights champion – 5 On what would have been his 97th birthday (Jan. 15), Beckford framed the day of celebration as both faith leaders and civic activists across the nation celebrate the life a remembrance and a charge for those carrying and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr., with a series of events and testaments to his influence. (WI File Photo)
Hot Topics Page 4
MLK Page 30
CANNABIS Page 36 3Advocates protest building a new data center in Landover, Maryland in September 2025. As data centers need large amounts of energy and water to function, some leaders note bringing more hyperscale facilities to Maryland may not be the most beneficial way to garner economic progress in the state, especially in a time when access to resources is limited. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)
Prince George’s Leaders, Advocates Call for Transparency, Consideration in Data Center Developments Maryland Residents Could be At Risk if Data Center Developments Haphazardly Approved
well-being of the community and the environment when considering the construction of data centers in Prince George’s County leaders and advo- the area, as more proposals appear in cates are urging lawmakers and developers Maryland. to prioritize the needs and safeguard the OUR EARTH Page 18 Mya Trujillo WI Contributing Writer
Celebrating 61 years. Your credible and trusted source for Black news and information. JANUARY 15 - 21, 2026 1
WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER