Serving Our Community in the DMV
Vol 61 No 16
As Longtime Del. Norton Retires, The Fight for D.C.’s Scattered Continues
January 29 - February 4, 2026
Returning Citizens, Families Fight to Bring Federal Prison Residents Closer to the District
With New Upgrade, Leckie Education Campus Moves into the Future
By Sam Plo Kwia Collins, Jr. WI Senior Local Politics & Education Writer
By Sam Plo Kwia Collins, Jr. WI Senior Local Politics and Education Writer When Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) finishes her final term in 2027, she would have carved out a legacy as a champion of D.C. statehood and advocate of D.C. residents scattered across the federal prison system. However, as one grieving mother explains, there’s still much work to be done to ensure that incarcerated D.C. residents are placed in federal facilities in close proximity 5 After serving in the U.S. Congress 35 years, D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, 88, is to the District. For her, it’s a matter of life or death. not seeking reelection. At-large D.C. Councilmember Robert White (far right) is one of the “My son didn't even make it back home,” Ginetta By- candidates campaigning to succeed the longtime lawmaker in Congress. (WI File Photo/
NORTON Page 29 Ja’Mon Jackson)
As Extreme Weather Becomes More Frequent, Local Leaders Advocate for Studies Analyzing Climate Change
WEATHER Page 18
LECKIE Page 20
‘100 Years From Now, People will Still be Singing His Songs’
By Mya Trujillo WI Contributing Writer While District Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4) was supposed to hold an in-person press conference on Jan. 26 introducing legislation that would fund a $200,00 study examining the effects of greenhouse gas emissions (GGE) on climate change, Mother
Over the last several weeks, community members at Leckie Education Campus have been enjoying the newly constructed addition that’s anticipated to ease teacher collaboration and enhance student learning and dining. Well before the completion of the capital project, however, several of the young people attending the Ward 8 school were already reaping the benefits of a process that allowed for the real-world application of math and science concepts. Just ask longtime Leckie principal Niyeka Wilson. “With my Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 learners doing
Gov. Wes Moore, Phylicia Rashad, Thousands Remember Gospel Great Richard Smallwood
Councilmember Lewis George Introduces Legislation to Study Environmental Effects of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
5 Environmental advocates note the recent historic snow storm that hit D.C. and across the nation emphasizes the effects of climate change. With original plans to hold an in-person press conference, Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George virtually introduced new legislation that would fund a study to examine the effects of greenhouse gas emissions on climate change. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)
Capture the Moment Page 33
By Micha Green WI Managing Editor 5 Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (right) and First Lady Dawn Flythe Moore (left) during the funeral service for eight-time Grammy-nominated artist Richard Smallwood. While he was known to the world, Moore noted Smallwood's contributions to Maryland before singing a rendition of the artist’s 1987 song “Center of My Joy.” (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)
Celebrated as a classically trained composer and world-renowned musician, thousands flocked to First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Upper Marlboro, Maryland on Jan. 24 to honor the life and legacy of Richard Smallwood, the DMV’s own eight-time Grammy-nominated artist, who died on Dec. 30. The church was filled with dignitaries, musicians
SMALLWOOD Page 34
Celebrating 61 years. Your credible and trusted source for Black news and information. JANUARY 29 - FEBRUARY 4, 2026 1
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