The Washington Informer - January 26, 2026

As Longtime Del. Norton Retires, The Fight for D.C.’s Scattered Continues

Returning Citizens, Families Fight to Bring Federal Prison Residents Closer to the District

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 to the District. For her, it’s a matter of life or death.

“My son didn't even make it back home,” Ginetta ByNORTON Page 29

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)

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

WEATHER Page 18

With New Upgrade, Leckie Education Campus Moves into the Future

By Sam Plo Kwia Collins, Jr. WI Senior Local Politics & Education Writer

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

LECKIE

Page 20

Gov. Wes Moore, Phylicia Rashad, Thousands

Remember Gospel Great

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

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

‘100 Years From Now, People will Still be Singing His Songs’ SMALLWOOD Page 34

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Kanye Addresses the Black Community in Full-Page Apology, Citing Mental Illness and Accountability

5 Some people are noting, Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, is starting an important conversation about mental health after issuing an apology letter published as a paid advertisement in the Wall Street Journal. In the letter, Ye explains that he was diagnosed with type-1 bipolar disorder in 2023, after going more than two decades with an undiagnosed brain injury. (Courtesy File Photo)

Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, used a full-page paid advertisement in The Wall Street Journal to directly address the Black and Jewish community, apologizing for actions he says caused deep harm.

Describing a decades-long struggle with untreated brain injury and bipolar disorder that he says culminated in a destructive manic episode, some people are saying the letter highlights the importance of discussing mental health.

“To the Black community — which held me down through all of the highs and lows and the darkest of times,” Ye wrote in the advertise-

ment, titled “To Those I’ve Hurt,” published Jan. 26. “The Black community is, unquestionably, the foundation of who I am. I am so sorry to have let you down. I love us.”

He explained that his brain injury, caused by a car accident in 2002, affected his mental health and went undiscovered until 2023, when he was diagnosed with type-1 bipolar disorder.

“Twenty-five years ago, I was in a car accident that broke my jaw and caused injury to the right frontal lobe of my brain,” Ye wrote. “At the time,

From Union Station to the South: D.C. Measles

D.C. officials are still investigating possible measles exposures to District residents after health authorities confirmed that a contagious individual moved through the busy Philadelphia to Washington corridor, prompting contact tracing that now connects the District to a nationwide rise in measles cases spanning multiple states.

“DC Health is working to identify people who are at risk and to notify individuals who may have been exposed,” the District Department of Health said in a public advisory, after confirming that the infected traveler passed through Amtrak routes and medical facilities used daily by residents and commuters.

The District investigation comes as measles cases surge well beyond the nation’s capital. In South Carolina, health

officials have confirmed more than 600 cases since the outbreak began last fall, with most infections involving unvaccinated children and teenagers. State health authorities have reported widespread school disruptions, large-scale quarantines, and continued transmission that has stretched into early 2026.

Federal pediatric surveillance data reportedly revealed similar patterns nationwide. More than 2,200 measles cases were confirmed across 45 states last year, with nearly nine out of ten linked to outbreaks. Early figures for 2026 already show sustained transmission in multiple jurisdictions, with children under 19 accounting for the majority

Leaping in with bold changes– including performing under a new roof, leadership and presenter— Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre returns to Washington, D.C. with innovations that honor the legacy of the company’s founder and namesake, while bringing audiences messages of hope and a little D.C. flair.

“This monumental season draws deeply on Alvin Ailey’s legacy rooted in celebrating the resilience of the human spirit, while extending its truth and bold virtuosity to reflect this moment in time and our hopes for the future,” said Alicia Graf Mack, a District native and Alvin Ailey’s newly minted artistic director. “It is also personally meaningful for me to launch this special tour in Washington, D.C., where I experienced the magic of Ailey when I was an aspiring dancer filled with so many dreams that have

As Another Shutdown Looms, D.C. Braces for Pain Felt First by Black Workers

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Washington, D.C. stands on familiar ground as Congress edges closer to another federal government shutdown, a moment that once again places the nation’s capital at the center of economic disruption and political dysfunction.

While local government services could remain open, the ever-dwindling federal workforce that once defined the District’s economic spine faces renewed uncertainty, with consequences that still fall heaviest on Black workers and families who have relied on federal employment as a pathway to stability and the middle class.

“D.C. will remain open, our students will be in class, our parks will be clean, our streets will be safe, and we will continue to function as a worldclass city no matter what happens in Congress,” Mayor Muriel Bowser said in a statement prior to the shutdown last fall.

As of press time, Bowser had not yet responded to queries about another closure ahead of the current midnight Jan. 30 deadline.

With such uncertainty, any words might offer little comfort to the thousands of federal employees and contractors who could soon be furloughed without pay.

Until Trump and the Elon Musk-headed DOGE purged the government of workers in 2025, Black employees made up nearly 20% of the federal workforce, far exceeding their share of the overall U.S. population— accounting for 13.7% of Americans, according to data from the United States Census.

In D.C. and the surrounding region, federal employment had long represented one of the most reliable ladders in homeownership, retirement security, and generational progress for Black families. Another shutdown places that ladder on more unstable ground.

The latest and immediate danger is income disruption. Federal workers deemed nonessential are sent home without pay, while contractors often face unpaid leave with no guarantee of back pay once funding resumes. According to national and local economic analyses, contractors suffer permanent

financial harm during shutdowns, a reality that disproportionately affects Black workers who are overrepresented in support and administrative roles across federal agencies.

The loss of steady income quickly ripples outward. Black households, on average, hold significantly fewer liquid savings than white households, leaving little room to absorb missed paychecks.

Previous shutdowns have driven increased reliance on food banks, delayed rent payments, and mounting credit card debt in Black communities, pressures that compound an already persistent racial wealth divide.

Safety net disruptions raise additional concern. While some programs such as SNAP and WIC may continue temporarily depending on funding mechanisms, prolonged shutdowns place strain on agencies that administer benefits, process applications, and resolve errors.

Delays in Head Start funding, housing assistance, and energy assistance programs have historically placed Black families at greater risk, particularly in urban centers like Washington where cost of living remains high.

During the 2018–2019 shutdown, Washington lost nearly $50 million in local revenue as federal workers stayed home, tourism slowed, and small businesses struggled to survive. Economists warn that even a short shutdown can reduce discretionary spending across the region, while an extended lapse deepens unemployment and widens inequality.

District officials have already noted a growing gap between local and national unemployment rates following federal job cuts and hiring freezes. During the 2025 shutdown, which lasted from Oct. 1 to Nov. 12, SNAP and WIC recipients went without benefits, including reduced payments of up to 65%. While funding was restored in mid-November, many have said they still haven’t fully recovered.

“Now [the economy is] worse than it [has] ever been and we’re still recovering from a shutdown,” one social media user wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Political Clash Persists

This latest standoff carries additional volatility because it is tied to a fierce

political clash over Department of Homeland Security funding following the killing of U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minnesota.

NBC News said the latest proposal that lawmakers are mulling doesn’t have the 60 votes it needs. Without them, much of the federal government could shut down at 12:01 a.m. Saturday.

The outlet reported that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (DNY) told his caucus the message had to be to “restrain, reform and restrict ICE.”

Schumer told them that the vote won’t come until Thursday and that he discussed the Democratic caucus’ unity in opposition to funding DHS without reforms. He said five other funding bills apart from the DHS measure are acceptable.

“Basically, DHS is the problem and needs to be stripped out,” a source close

to Schumer told NBC News.

Even so, a Senate Republican leadership aide said they still intend to take up the entire package as one vote.

“Government funding expires at the end of the week, and Republicans are determined to not have another government shutdown," the aide reportedly said. "We will move forward as

planned and hope Democrats can find a path forward to join us.”

A Senate Democratic leadership aide said Republicans and the White House have reached out to their side but “have not yet raised any realistic solutions.” WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

AROUND THE REGION

Jan. 29

1926 – Violette Neatley Anderson becomes the first African American woman to practice law at the U.S. Supreme Court.

1954 – Entertainment mogul Oprah Winfrey is born in Kosciusko, Mississippi.

Jan. 30

1944 – Former D.C. Mayor Sharon Pratt, the first African American woman to serve as mayor of a major American city, is born in the District.

Jan. 31

1865 – The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which outlawed slavery and indentured servitude, is passed by the U.S. Congress.

1919 – Baseball great Jackie Robinson, who broke Major League Baseball's color barrier in 1947, is born in Cairo, Georgia.

1931 – Ernie Banks, the Hall of Fame shortstop and first baseman known as "Mr. Cub," is born in Dallas.

1933 – Actress and singer Etta Moten becomes the first Black star to perform at the White House.

1988 – Washington Redskins quarterback Doug Williams becomes the first Black starting quarterback in a Super Bowl, winning MVP honors in Washington's 42-10 victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXII.

Feb. 1

1902 – African American writer and social activist

Langston Hughes is born in Joplin, Missouri.

1960 – The Greensboro sit-in, an act of nonviolent protest against a segregated lunch counter in Greensboro, N.C., begins.

1965 – Alabama officials arrest 700 Blacks as they demonstrate against the state's voter registration requirements in Selma.

JAN. 29 - FEB. 4, 2026

SOURCE:

1976 – President Gerald Ford officially designates February as Black History Month in the United States.

1978 – The United States Postal Service issues the first stamp of the Black Heritage Series, honoring Harriet Tubman, abolitionist and Underground Railroad "conductor."

Feb. 2

1990 – South African President F. W. de Klerk lifts a 30-year ban on leading anti-apartheid group the African National Congress.

2009 – Eric Holder becomes the first Black person to be confirmed as United States attorney general.

Feb. 3

1870 – The 15th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which granted African American men the right to vote, is ratified.

1920 – The Negro National League, one of several organized Black baseball leagues, is founded.

1989 – Bill White is named president of Major League Baseball's National League, becoming the first Black to head a major professional sports league.

1956 – Autherine Lucy enrolls as a graduate student at the University of Alabama, becoming the first African American ever admitted to a white public school or university in the state.

Feb. 4

1913 – Rosa Parks, the "first lady of civil rights," is born in Tuskegee, Alabama.

2006 – NFL great Warren Moon becomes the first Black quarterback inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

2007 – Tony Dungy becomes the first African American head coach to win the Super Bowl when his Indianapolis Colts defeat the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI.

WI

AROUND THE REGION view P INT

BY MICHA GREEN AND RICHARD ELLIOTT

What is your favorite snow day tradition?

DJ MELLOW DOMINGO / NEW YORK, NEW YORK

“I enjoy ordering takeout food and calling my grandma in D.C. to show her the snow in New York City outside my window.”

KATE BARTON / ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA

TYLER WILLS / BOWIE, MARYLAND

“When snow falls, money calls.”

“My favorite snow day tradition is making soup and watching Pat Collins do the weather report with his snow stick.”

CAPITOL HEIGHTS COUNCILMEMBER

VICTOR L. JAMES, SR / CAPITOL HEIGHTS, MARYLAND

“Some of the things traditionally I like to do with my family in the snow are have snowball fights, play football, and build snowmen. After the Lord blesses us with this beautiful snow, my family and I will have lots of fun in it, making new memories and stories to tell in time to come.”

Attorneys General Collaborate to Close Youth Charities After Funds Raised by Children Never Reached Programs

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Two nonprofit organizations that claimed to raise money for atrisk youth have been permanently shut down after a multistate investigation found that children from low-income neighborhoods were used to generate hundreds of thousands of dollars that never reached charitable programs, according to the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia.

“For too long, Maryland Youth Club, Virginia Youth Club, and Jule Huston engaged in an illegal scheme that exploited both D.C. children and the generosity of DMV residents,” Attorney General Brian Schwalb said.

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

He announced that Maryland Youth Club of America Inc. and Virginia Youth Club of America Inc. will be dissolved and that their founder and president, Jule Huston, is permanently barred from doing business or soliciting charitable donations in the District.

Efforts to reach Huston were unsuccessful.

The enforcement action follows a joint investigation by the attorneys general of the District, Maryland, and Virginia, along with the Maryland Secretary of State.

“These adults exploited children twice—first by sending them door-

to-door as salespeople, then by misusing the money donors thought would help at-risk youth,” said Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown. “We've shut down these sham operations and banned the people behind them from ever running a charity in Maryland again.”

Investigators said they concluded that the two nonprofits recruited middle school and high school students from low-income communities, including neighborhoods in Wards 7 and 8, then transported them to more affluent areas to sell candy door to door. Buyers were told their purchases would support scholarships and enrichment activities for children. Authorities found no evidence those benefits were ever provided.

According to the settlement agreement, Maryland Youth Club and Virginia Youth Club collected more than $857,000 in gross candy sales between 2018 and 2022.

Investigators said they were unable to confirm that children were paid for their work or received trips, scholarships, or educational support described in fundraising materials. Federal tax filings for that period reported no meaningful program expenses benefiting young people despite extensive fundraising activity.

The investigation also determined that consumers were misled by claims that candy purchases would support at-risk children. At least 51 transactions allegedly oc-

curred within the District between February 2022 and February 2023, with dozens of District children involved. Authorities said they also identified at least 49 District children who sold candy for a related organization run by the same individuals using a similar structure.

Financial records reviewed by investigators showed that Huston diverted charitable funds for personal use and for the benefit of private individuals. More than $23,000 was transferred from Maryland Youth Club accounts to Huston’s personal CashApp account, his mother, a New York corporation he created, and an officer of Virginia Youth Club.

The settlement documents also cite numerous expenses in New York, where Huston resides, including purchases at gas stations and national retail chains. A substantial portion of the funds raised by the organizations remains unaccounted for.

Investigators further said they found that Huston intentionally destroyed nonprofit financial records for multiple years, eliminating required accounting documentation for Maryland Youth Club from 2020 through 2023. District law requires nonprofit corporations operating in the city to maintain accurate financial records. WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

AROUND THE REGION

Remembering White House Appointee and Equal Employment Activist Pierpont Mobley

‘A Tall Tower… Supportive of Those of us in the Community’

By Micha Green and Hamil R. Harris WI Managing Editor and WI Contributing Writer

Pierpont Mobley, a White House appointee, veteran activist and champion of District small businesses, died on Jan. 22. A husband, father, and entrepreneur, Mobley, 88, is being remembered for his dedication to uplifting others through equal employment and justice overall.

“He started in the White House but earned much love in the community,” the Rev. Anthony Motley told The Informer, reflecting on Mobley’s life and legacy.

A D.C. native born in 1937, Mobley was educated in the District where he attended Antioch School of Law, receiving a graduate degree in equal employment opportunity and a masters of legal studies in employment law.

Author of “Black Side of The White House: A Memoir for Generations to Come,” Mobley’s public service began in the Carter administration, and for more than 25 years he was an equal employment opportunity specialist for various agencies in the federal government.

Under President Jimmy Carter, he was appointed as chief of civil rights and equal employment opportunity programs in several posts. He also worked for the Department of the Interior and Department of the Army.

He later served as the White House's equal employment opportunity manager.

In this position, Mobley was responsible for overseeing personnel relations in the White House and writing equal employment opportunity policies for several other posts in the Carter administration.

During his time in federal service, the human rights activist worked for the Department of the Interior as the chief of complaints and adjudication for the Bureau of Mines, and was a senior executive in crafting the White House affirmative action plan, ever a staunch advocate for equal opportunity.

After working under four presidential administrations, Mobley retired as a federal appointee and co-founded the JPM Group with his wife, Jeannette Mobley.

In December 2024, when discussing his book “Black Side of The White House,” Mobley said he was inspired to release his memoir during the tensions that came about during President Donald Trump’s first presidency.

“I saw people [at a funeral I was attending], who were still at [The White House] working with Mr. Trump,” Mobley told Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes during an episode of WINTV’s “Let’s Talk.” “As a result of that, they were comparing how it used to be 30, 35 years ago, as opposed to how it [was during the first Trump administration].”

The Mobleys: Power Couple, With a Passion for Uplifting Local Businesses

As Mobley pushed for equity in his career, he balanced life as a family man.

For nearly 60 years, the civic-minded, politically involved Mobleys relied on God and their friendship for sustenance, the couple— whose relationship started in Southeast, D.C. — told The Informer in February 2022.

“Some friends and I went to a party and Pierpont and one of his friends were standing across the room from us,” his longtime wife reflected. “He came across the room and asked me to dance and I told him ‘no.’ I eventually let him take me out. When we went out, that was it.”

At the time, the human rights activist said he appreciated his wife’s etiquette.

“I liked that she didn’t use profanity,” he told The Informer in 2022. “In D.C., people regularly cursed and it was no big deal. That’s just the way we talked. It startled and delighted me when she used the word ‘gosh.’”

The Mobleys, who raised two children, became a District power couple with their firm specializing in management and human resources for private businesses and government agencies.

The JPM Group’s clients have included Verizon, Inc., D.C. Public Schools, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), and the White House Office.

They’ve also been inducted into the Hall of Fame in Washington, D.C.

Despite their busy schedules throughout the years, the Mobleys found the time to raise two children, all the while remaining spiri-

AROUND THE REGION

CAPTURE THE MOMENt

Gospel group 'Vision' performing during The Celebration of Life Memorial Service of legendary Grammy-nominated, Stellar and Dove Award-winning gospel composer, pianist, and singer Richard Smallwood. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

“You

(L-R) Anaya-Amara Wilson, Makayla Talley-Jackson, Jade Stanback and Judith VanBoven read the latest edition of The Washington Informer. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

- Angela Davis

BUSINESS

Black Unemployment Reaches 7.5% Nationwide as New Report Warns D.C. Faces Sharpening Risks

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Black unemployment climbed to 7.5% by December 2025, a level that would signal a recession if it were experienced across the nation as a whole. For Washington, D.C., where government employment and federal policy decisions are deeply intertwined with the local economy, the new “State of the Dream 2026” report offers a stark warning about how national retrenchment is already showing up at home.

Released this week by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, “State of the Dream 2026: From Regression to Signs of a Black Recession” examines how 2025 marked a year of economic reversal for Black America, driven by rising unemployment, federal job losses, weakened consumer protections, and policy shifts affecting technology, housing, and infrastructure.

The report draws on analysis from the Joint Center alongside partners including United for a Fair Economy, the Center for Economic Policy Research, the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, and the Onyx Impact Group.

In the District, the warning signs are already visible. The D.C. Department of Employment Services reported that the District’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 6.5% in November 2025, up from 5.3% a year earlier.

Total employment among District residents fell by 6,000 over that period, even as the civilian labor force declined slightly. Pri-

vate-sector employment dropped by 1,200 jobs in November, while the public sector added 400 jobs, masking deeper instability tied to federal policy shifts.

Those local figures mirror the national picture outlined in the Joint Center’s report. Black unemployment rose from 6.2% in January 2025 to 7.5% by December. Black youth experienced sharp volatility, with unemployment jumping from 18.6% in September to 29.8% in November before falling back to 18.3% in December.

Researchers estimate that if Black workers had maintained their 2024 prime-age employment rate, roughly 260,000 more Black adults would have been working in 2025, including about 200,000 prime-age Black women.

For Washington, the erosion of federal employment carries heavy weight. The report documents the elimination of roughly 271,000 federal jobs nationwide in less than a year, a move that disproportionately affected Black workers who have long relied on government service as a pathway to stable, middle-income employment. Prior to the cuts, Black Americans made up nearly 19% of the federal workforce, far exceeding their share of the overall labor force.

“Federal employment has historically functioned as a protected pathway to middle-income opportunity for Black workers,” the Joint Center wrote, noting that buyouts, hiring freezes, and the dismantling of diversity-focused recruitment pipelines removed a key economic stabilizer for Black communities, including those concentrated in the District and surrounding region.

“State

of

the Dream 2026:

From

Regression

to Signs

of a Black Recession” examines

how 2025 marked a year of economic reversal for Black America, driven by rising unemployment, federal job losses, weakened consumer protections, and policy shifts affecting technology, housing, and infrastructure.

Federal Legislation, Decisions Lead to Setbacks

Tax policy further tightened the squeeze.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 made permanent tax cuts for high-income households and corporations while reducing investments in programs that support low- and moderate-income families.

Business tax preferences such as

Section 199A and estate tax benefits flowed overwhelmingly to wealthy households, while refundable credits relied upon by many Black workers were left unchanged.

The report concludes that these choices limited the federal government’s capacity to invest in workforce development, housing, and public services that are critical in high-cost regions like Washington.

The report also highlights setbacks in broadband policy with direct implications for the District. The cancellation of the Digital Equity Act, removal of mobile hotspots and school bus Wi-Fi from E-Rate eligibility, and weaker broadband pricing transparency rules threaten to slow progress in closing connectivity gaps. In a city where access to online services is essential for education, job searches, and access to government programs, the Joint Center warns that reduced digital access could deepen existing disparities.

Changes in the information ecosystem present additional challenges. While federal social media policy has remained largely unchanged, major platforms have pulled back on fact-checking and content moderation. The report notes that these platform-driven decisions reshape how information flows through communities, raising concerns about misinformation and civic engagement, particularly in majority-Black neighborhoods.

Artificial intelligence policy marked another shift with local consequences. A new executive

order titled “Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence” moved federal policy away from precautionary regulation toward a more deregulatory posture. The Joint Center warns that without safeguards focused on civil rights and transparency, AI systems increasingly used in hiring, lending, housing, and public administration risk embedding bias into everyday decision-making.

Workforce policy changes compound the risk. While apprenticeship programs expanded in 2025, initiatives aimed at advancing African American workforce participation stalled or were eliminated. The report finds that this combination sets the stage for reinforcing racial inequality rather than closing gaps, particularly in sectors central to the District’s economy.

Housing remains one of the most entrenched challenges. Nationally, Black homeownership stands at 45%, compared with 74% for white households. In the Washington region, where housing costs remain among the highest in the country, the Joint Center warns that elevated interest rates, tighter credit, and weakened consumer protections threaten to widen that divide further.

“At a moment when hard-won rights and safeguards are being eroded, rigorous analysis is essential to building a fair economy,” Joint Center President Dedrick Asante-Muhammad said in the report.

WI

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Local Leaders Work to Prevent Federal Interference as Thousands Protest ICE-Involved Fatal Shootings in Minneapolis

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

As hundreds of thousands continue to protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after officers fatally shot Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, local leaders are calling for justice for the fallen American citizens and an end to the Trump administration’s federal interference in Minnesota and cities

around the country.

“I want to comment directly to ICE officers today, as there are members of the administration like JD Vance and Stephen Miller, telling them they have absolute immunity, and they certainly are acting like it,” said Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Md.) during a Congressional hearing held in Minneapolis on Jan. 16, held by Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-Mn.) and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA). “They’re acting like

they are above the law. I want to make sure they know they’re not. We can prosecute these guys, and we do.”

He emphasized that ICE agents can be held accountable, considering his own past and that of Minnesota, where George Floyd was killed in 2020 by a Minneapolis police officer, who in 2021, received a guilty verdict on three counts of second-degree unintentional muder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Minnesota. (Courtesy Photo/Office of Congressman Glenn Ivey)

“I was a former prosecutor and we put some of these people in jail before,” he continued. “We put Dereck Chauvin in jail because he broke the law.”

Ivey, who also criticized the National Guard deployment into D.C. in August and other cities, explained that ICE officers and other administration officials can still be brought up on state and/or or local charges, even if President Donald Trump can pardon them at the federal level.

“You get convicted in state court, you’re staying in jail. Just because you’re an officer and wearing camouflage, that doesn’t matter. I don’t care what Kristi Noem says, as she attacks the victims of these shootings,” he continued. “Bondi, you can’t hide evidence from the state prosecutors like Attorney General Keith Ellison. We’re gonna get the information and move forward with these prosecutions.”

Eight days after the Jan. 16 hearing, Pretti, an ICU nurse for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, was also fatally shot by ICE officers.

With what is happening in Minnesota, the National Guard’s presence in D.C., and the Trump administration’s federal takeover of the District’s Metropolitan Police Department last summer, Maryland leaders are working to keep the president out of state affairs.

Del. Nicole Williams (D- District 22) is introducing a bill in the General Assembly to end 287(g), an agreement for federal law enforcement to deputize local law enforcement for the purpose of immigration enforcement.

“The tactics that we saw happen in Minneapolis, I know, are in

5

violation of the training that law enforcement typically receives,” she said in an early January interview with WUSA9. “This is why I’m introducing legislation to ban masking by police officers and to end the 287(g) agreements here in Maryland. I represent District 22 which includes Hyattsville, Greenbelt, University Park, and Riverdale Park. I have large immigrant communities in my district. I hear from my constituents every single day about the concerns and fears that they have.”

Sen. Angela Alsobrooks is also using her legislative influence to combat ICE.

“The Gestapo tactics used by ICE reveal their inhumanity and lack of training. The lawlessness and abject cruelty of this administration are harming our country, making us less safe here and across the world,” she said on Jan. 22. “I will not support the proposed Homeland Security appropriations bill.”

Further, Alsobrooks spoke out after the release of videos showing dozens of men sleeping in emergency blankets in a Baltimore ICE detention facility. WI

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Prince George's Political Updates

County Council Appoints Bowie Mayor Tim Adams

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

The Prince George’s County Council appointed Bowie Mayor Tim Adams to fill the vacant District 4 seat, which was occupied by former Councilmember Ingrid Watson, during a Jan. 23 virtual hearing.

“We congratulate Mayor Adams and look forward to him joining us on the council,” said Council Chair Krystal Oriadha (District 7) during the meeting.

Oriadha also celebrated Adams as a barrier breaker.

“In welcoming the first council member to serve while using a wheelchair, we celebrate a milestone in inclusivity,” she continued. “I know his leadership will inspire us to prioritize accessibility and representation in our legislative efforts.”

The first African American mayor of Bowie and the longtime CEO of a defense contracting firm, Adams will be joining the council in coming days.

“District 4 reflects many of the same priorities I’ve addressed at the municipal level, including strong schools, reliable transportation, affordability, environmental stewardship, and thoughtful development that serves existing communities as well as future generations,” Adams told the Council during Friday’s public selection process. “My commitment is to

5 Bowie Mayor Tim Adams is now on the County Council, after being appointed l on Jan. 23 to replace former Councilmember Ingrid Watson, who will now lead the Economic Development Corporation. (Courtesy Photo/City of Bowie)

listen first, govern responsibly, and be a reliable partner focused on advancing the best interests of District 4 and Prince George’s County as a whole.”

Greenbelt Mayor Emmett Jordan and Dr. Juliet Agocha, an advocate who runs a tech company, also filed for the vacancy. Agocha has also filed to run for the seat in June.

Watson will now lead the Prince George’s Economic Development Corporation (PGEDC), a non-profit dedicated to bringing businesses and jobs to Prince George’s County.

legislative efforts.”

“I know his leadership will inspire us to prioritize accessibility and representation in our

“Ingrid Watson brings a deep understanding of Prince George’s County and a strong record of public service to this role,” said Orlan Johnson, chair of the EDC’s Board of Directors. “Her prior experience within PGEDC, combined with her leadership on the county council and her deep knowledge of workforce development and economic policy, provides valuable perspective as we continue our work to support businesses, create jobs, and promote inclusive economic growth.”

WI

NATIONAL

Majority of Americans Disapprove of Trump as Economy Outlook Turns Dark

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

President Donald Trump continues to face entrenched public opposition as disapproval of his job performance and economic leadership remains firmly in place, according to a national survey released Jan. 21 by the American Research Group.

The survey finds that 63% of Americans disapprove of the way Trump is handling his job as president, while 35% approve. Those figures are unchanged from December and match his standing in January 2018, indicating that public opinion has remained largely fixed during his time in office.

“The Republican majority has been nothing but compliant as it relates to Donald Trump’s extreme agenda, and so I don’t expect that we’d hear anything out of Repub-

lican leadership,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said. Disapproval is even higher when voters are asked about Trump’s handling of the economy. Sixty four percent of Americans say they disapprove, while just 32% approve.

In January 2018, 37% approved of Trump’s handling of the economy and 58% disapproved, showing a steady decline in economic confidence over time. Among independents, 65% disapprove of Trump’s handling of economic issues.

The survey shows widespread anxiety about current conditions. Sixty eight percent of Americans say the national economy is getting worse, while only 8 percent say it is getting better. Looking ahead, 69% expect the economy to be worse a year from now, compared with just 10% who believe it will improve.

That pessimism extends across

Request for Proposals Announcement

Solicitation No.: DCHFA-26-0007

Title: Marketing Consulting Services

The District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA) is seeking qualified contractors to provide Marketing Consulting Services. Interested firms are invited to review the full RFP details and submission requirements at: www.dchfa.org/about/business-opportunities

Proposal Due Date: February 20, 2026, by 2:00 p.m. EST

For questions or additional information, please refer to the instructions provided in the RFP.

approval lines. Among Americans who approve of Trump’s job performance, 53% say they expect the national economy to worsen over the next year. Among those who disapprove, 76% say the economy will be worse a year from now.

Household finances show similar strain. Sixty percent of Americans rate their financial situation as bad, very bad, or terrible, while 68% say their household finances are getting worse. Six in 10 expect their financial situation to decline further over the next year.

Most Americans now believe the country is already in economic trouble. Sixty one percent say the United States is in a recession, up sharply from one year earlier. Among those who disapprove of Trump’s job performance, 72 percent say the country is in a recession.

Trump’s standing among Black

Americans remains especially low. Aggregated national polling shows that roughly three quarters of African Americans disapprove of Trump’s presidency, while fewer than one in five approve, a divide that has remained consistent throughout 2025 and into early 2026.

For some Americans, the polling aligns with what they see and experience each day.

Lawrence Kennedy III, a custodian who lives in Southeast Washington, said Trump bears direct responsibility for the conditions facing Black Americans and others.

“He’s the root of what ails Black Americans, Americans in general, and the world,” Kennedy said. “He’s a cancer. You can’t convince me that evil will prevail. Ultimately, this guy either changes his ways, or he meets the same end as other evildoers on the world scene has met and I’m tell-

3 An American Research Group survey finds that 63% of Americans disapprove of the way President Donald Trump is handling his job, while 35% approve. (WI File

R. Roberts)

ing you; it can’t be pretty.”

The survey is based on 1,100 interviews conducted nationwide from Jan. 16 through Jan. 20 and carries a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points. American Research Group noted that its long running monthly survey has lost subscribers amid concerns that unfavorable findings could provoke retaliation from the current administration.

Victoria Burwell, a waitress in Baltimore, said she remains stunned that Trump’s approval rating stands where it does.

“He’s hurting everyone,” Burwell said. “Billionaires might be exempt from the hurt that we feel because his policies help them get richer, but they have to feel it in some ways too. But, to say he has a 35% approval rating is way too high for what he’s done to this country.” WI

HOWARD UNIVERSITY PUBLIC CHARTER MIDDLE SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS / School Security Services

Howard University Middle School is seeking proposals to provide Security Services for a contract period of Two years, with the ability to renew for Three more consecutive years

To request a full copy of the RFP, please email info@hu-ms2.org

Bids that do not address all areas as outlined in the RFP or bids received past the deadline will not be considered.

Send proposal by 12:00 pm, Friday, February 6, 2026, via email to info@hu-ms2.org

For additional information, please contact: Ms. Leslie Boler

Howard University Middle School, PCS 2565 Georgia Avenue, NW / Washington, DC 20001 info@hu-ms2.org

Washington Gas is Here for the DMV and Here to Help You Save on Your Utility Bills

Submitted by Washington Gas

Happy New Year!

At Washington Gas, we believe a strong community starts at home with comfort, safety, and energy people can afford. For more than 177 years, we have proudly served the DMV by delivering affordable, reliable, and safe natural gas. But our commitment to the region goes far beyond delivering energy.

We’re here for the community, and a big part of that commitment is helping our neighbors save money, stay warm, and feel supported.

A Legacy of Service to Our Neighbors

Since 1848, Washington Gas has been woven into the fabric of the region, supporting families, small businesses, and our neighborhoods. One of the most meaningful examples of that dedication is our work through the Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF).

Established in 1983, WAFF provides critical assistance to families who need help paying their heating bills. Over the past four decades, the fund has distributed nearly $34 million to more than 320,000 local households, helping keep families safe and warm during times of financial hardship.

That support is powered by our very own employees. This fall, Washington Gas employees led a fundraising campaign that raised more than $40,000, helping keep 80 DMV families warm this winter. WAFF’s mission is simple but powerful: no one should have to choose between staying warm and affording necessities like groceries or medication.

Helping You Save Is Part of How We Serve

Community service does not stop with charitable giving. Helping customers lower their energy bills is another way Washington Gas supports economic stability across the DMV.

Energy efficiency is one of the most effective ways to reduce monthly utility costs. By using less energy to achieve the same level of comfort, households and businesses can stretch their budgets further while easing strain on the energy system as a whole.

Washington Gas’ tools, programs, and incentives are designed to make saving energy simple and accessible.

Simple Ways to Save with Rebates

Many customers may be eligible for rebates that help offset the cost of equipment upgrades, tune-ups, and other energy-saving improvements. These programs make it easier to invest in your home while seeing real energy savings over time.

Customers in Maryland and Virginia can also request a free Home Energy Conservation Kit, which includes practical tools like spray foam sealant and faucet aerators. These small upgrades can make a difference in reducing energy waste and could lower bills.

To learn more about available rebates and energy efficiency programs, visit wgsmartsavings.com.

Here for the DMV—Today and Always

For nearly two centuries, Washington Gas has been proud to serve the DMV as an energy provider. Today, that commitment is stronger than ever. Whether its delivering reliable service, helping customers save money, supporting families through WAFF, or investing in stronger, more resilient communities, Washington Gas is here for the DMV—today and for generations to come.

Learn more about how Washington Gas continues to show up for our region at hereforthedmv.com.

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Every Child Deserves A Classroom: Addressing Ghana’s Education Gap

Prince Anthony Bart-Appiah

Launches Initiative to

Build Schools, Promote Pan-Africanism

By Mya Trujillo WI Contributing Writer

Prince Anthony Bart-Appiah, a royal from Ghana’s Akwamu Traditional Family, is on a mission to close his country’s wide education gap, as more than 5,400 schools there operate under trees or in makeshift structures— unstable conditions that can diminish the quality of learning.

To achieve his goal, Bart-Appiah is partnering with the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) through the Every Child Deserves a Classroom. Expected to launch in March, the initiative encourages those within the African diaspora looking to connect with the motherland to explore their heritage by visiting Ghana, and to give back to the community by adopting trees and helping build schools.

“The diaspora should care because education is the foundation of progress,” Bart-Appiah told The Informer. “If we support education in Africa, it’s an investment in future leaders and also [in]… anyone with an unquenchable thirst to connect to the continent of Africa and [to] Ghana.”

The initiative calls on people of African descent to return to the continent as pilgrims, allowing them to spiritually and culturally connect to the land. The diasporic engagement, institutional partnerships and philanthropic collaboration made possible through this project give what would have simply been tourist visits to Ghana more meaning, as they will includeacts of service, purpose, legacy and nation-building.

Such a mission, which could include student exchange programs, academic partnerships and further opportunities connecting Africa to the United States and the rest of the world, requires an all-hands-on-deck approach, which is why GETFund Administrator Paul Adjei is calling for members of the diaspora worldwide to align themselves with the project of turning open-air classrooms into permanent structures of hope.

“GETFund is building modern classrooms to restore dignity to learning, but we cannot do it alone at the speed that our children need,” Adjei

benefit from his Every Child Deserves a Classroom initiative. He is driven by a deeply-rooted desire to serve his community. (Courtesy

said in a written statement sent to The Informer. “[We] need the diaspora’s help through investment, philanthropy and advocacy to act faster.”

Tackling a Nationwide Need for Equitable Education Access

Data released by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2020 revealed that an estimated 283,000 primary-aged and 135,000 lower secondary-aged children in Ghana are out of school.

The Africa Education Watch December 2025 Census of Out-ofSchool Children in Northern Ghana report stated that, in some cases, schools under trees leave children exposed to environmental risks and are sometimes staffed with untrained or absentee teachers— conditions that can make school unattractive for many.

“Without infrastructure, there can’t be equitable access,” said Africa Education Watch Executive Director Kofi Asare during a Channel One TV panel on Jan. 13. “Equitable access is a key denominator of success.”

Asare revealed that before 2024, there was a deficit of one million desks in the West African country, which resulted in ₵700 million (more than $64 million) being allocated from GETFund and the country’s District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) for desks. Another ₵700 million was set aside to construct new schools on both the 2025 and 2026 budgets.

In Ghana’s 2026 education budget,

₵2 billion is allocated for the construction of 200 junior high schools, 200 primary schools, 200 kindergartens, 400 4-unit teachers’ bungalows and 400 places of convenience in underserved communities.

“In two years, if we follow through, we would have been building the same number of schools that we built in about six years within two years,” Asare said.

Interested in how the foundation years shape how people grow up and learn about their identity, community and leaders, Bart-Appiah hopes that his initiative will allow young Ghanaians living in the country the access they need to quality education and efficiently equip them for future success.

While Every Child Deserves a Classroom fulfills this mission and tackles the need for more reliable educational infrastructure, it will also bridge the diaspora to Africa and uphold Ghana’s legacy of promoting Pan-Africanism through visiting the continent.

Bart-Appiah believes that keeping alive Ghana’s spirit of liberation and diasporic unity through projects like his will lead to a sense of responsibility among people of African descent.

“People begin to invest, support education, build businesses and mentor young people and strengthen communities, and I believe that’s how reconnection becomes a long-term development,” the Ghanaian royal told The Informer. “I’m excited that we are creating something that will benefit us, our children and our children’s children.” WI

HEALTH

KANYE from Page 4

the focus was on the visible damage — the fracture, the swelling, and the immediate physical trauma. The deeper injury, the one inside my skull, went unnoticed.”

The artist— who has made anti-semtic comments, criticized great African American changemakers such as Harriet Tubman, openly supported President Donald Trump’s MAGA agenda, and even had a public breakdown during his own presidential bid in 2020 — said his brain injury was the reason for his “poor judgement and reckless behavior” over the years.

“In that fractured state, I gravitated toward the most destructive symbol

MEASLES

from Page 4

of infections. Public health officials in various states say declining vaccination rates have created conditions where a single exposure can ignite rapid spread.

Texas has provided one of the most urgent of warnings. A prolonged outbreak that began in a community with low vaccination coverage led to dozens of pediatric hospitalizations and the first U.S. measles deaths in years. Hospital leaders in West Texas disputed public statements that minimized the severity of the outbreak, saying children were admitted for breathing difficulties and other serious complications.

Public health experts have increasingly pointed to federal leadership as a contributing factor. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has spent years promoting claims that question vaccine safety and effectiveness, including assertions about measles vaccination that infectious disease specialists and pediatric organizations have rejected as unsupported. Fact-checkers and medical authorities note that two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine provide strong protection and that serious complications from vaccination are rare compared with the risks of infection.

International health authorities are

I could find, the swastika, and even sold t-shirts bearing it,” he wrote. “I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions in that state, and am committed to accountability: treatment, and meaningful change. It does not excuse what I did, though. I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people.”

While many are acknowledging Ye’s letter does not absolve him of his actions, it does start an important conversation.

“This Kanye letter is uncomfortable and that’s why it matters,” said social media user Jane Duru. “Not because it excuses harm. Not because it asks us to ignore accountability. But because it forces an honest conversation about mental

now reviewing whether the United States could lose its measles elimination status, a designation held since 2000. Sustained transmission across state lines for more than a year could trigger that determination, a move that public health officials warn would signal a breakdown in routine disease prevention.

“Measles is highly contagious,” according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). “If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected.”

In the District, DC Health has provided practical guidance for residents. People who may have been exposed and are not immune have been advised to monitor symptoms for up to 21 days and to contact a healthcare provider before visiting a clinic or emergency room.

Residents can call DC Health at 844-493-2652 for guidance, testing information, and help verifying immunization status. Those who have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine or who were born before 1957 are considered protected and generally do not need to take action.

“Measles is preventable through vaccination, and early identification and isolation are essential to protecting the public,” DC Health officials noted. WI

health, power, ego, and silence.”

Ye Talks Serious Nature of Bipolar Disorder

Throughout the letter, Ye described bipolar disorder as an illness that disguises itself as clarity and strength.

“Bipolar disorder comes with its own defense system. Denial,” he wrote. “When you’re manic, you don’t think you’re sick. You think everyone

else is overreacting.”

Mayo Clinic defines a Bipolar I diagnosis as someone who has experienced “at least one manic episode that may come before or after hypomanic or major depressive episodes.”

“In some cases, mania may cause a break from reality,” Mayo Clinic article continues. “This is called psychosis.”

In his open letter, the 24-time Grammy-winner explained the sever-

3 A mental health awareness station as part

ity of his diagnosis.

“According to the World Health Organization and Cambridge University, people with bipolar disorder have a life expectancy that is shortened by [10] to [15] years on average, and a [two to three times] higher all-cause mortality rate than the general population,” Ye wrote.

The letter addresses the personal cost of his actions on loved ones and supporters. “Some of the people I love the most, I treated the worst,” he wrote.

The rapper and producer asked for understanding as he continues to heal.

“I’m not asking for sympathy, or a free pass, though I aspire to earn your forgiveness,” Ye wrote. “I write today simply to ask for your patience and understanding as I find my way home.” WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

We're in your corner.

People today can spend nearly half their lives over the age of 50. That’s a lot of living. So, it helps to have a wise friend and fierce defender like AARP in your community. Find us at aarp.org/dc

EARTH OUR

Nature had other plans.

Due to the historic storm that dumped snow across the nation, Lewis George announced the Greenhouse Gas Emission Study Act in a virtual event Monday as opposed to at Marvin Gaye Greening Center in Northeast, D.C., with the extreme weather highlighting the very climate change the proposed bill is trying to research.

“Moments like this highlight how much harder it has become to manage the day to day operations when the systems we rely on were built for a climate that no longer exists,” Lewis George said during the press conference. “For the District to thrive in this new reality, we have to adapt, and to adapt effectively, we must first understand what lies ahead.”

This legislation examines the direct impacts GGE has on the District and how they will affect future conditions.

The study, which the bill will outline is intended to be paid for by the companies polluting the atmosphere and contributing to climate change, will provide the city’s decisionmakers with the information necessary to adequately adapt to a changing environment and act accordingly in regards to climate investments, infrastructure upgrades and energy independence. It will also serve as a way to ensure capital investments are planned for and developed responsibly.

Lewis George introduced this bill six weeks after the Responding to Emergency Needs from Extreme Weather (RENEW) Act was passed in Maryland. The state’s legislature overrode Gov. Wes Moore’s (D) veto of the legislation, which now puts Maryland on the path of being the third state behind New York and Vermont to pass similar accountability legislation.

This announcement also comes at a

time when giants in the oil and fossil fuel industry, like the nation’s largest oil and gas trade association, the American Petroleum Institute (API), are calling for a halt to state climate accountability lawsuits and asking Congress for legal immunity. Supporters of the GGE Study Amendment Act encourage Congress to reject such pleas, as major fossil fuel companies were responsible for more than 20 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in 2023– over half of the world’s planet-heating emissions.

“These national polluters must pay for the damages they caused,” D.C. Rep. Oye Owolewa told The Informer. “D.C. residents (and all Americans) deserve pure air, clean water and trash free neighborhoods.”

A Mission to Stay Proactive Against Climate Change

As a child of Nigerian immigrants, holding oil and gas companies accountable for their contribution to pollution and, in turn, climate change, hits close to home for Owolewa.

He wants to avoid what happened in Nigeria in the early 1970s when oil production in the Niger Delta dramatically increased and had negative social, political, economic and environmental impacts on the region— including an oil spill that people in the affected community didn’t receive compensation for until 2021.

“Passing this bill helps prioritize

3Since the fossil fuel industry accounts for the majority of global greenhouse gas emissions, D.C. Councilmember Janeese Lewis George and supporters of the Greenhouse Gas Emission Study Amendment Act call for leading industry polluters to pay for the proposed study. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

our attention on the health of our planet and communities,” Owolewa told The Informer. “This legislation is an important step to protect our community from the dangers of climate change.”

One of the most prevalent extreme weather events D.C. faces is rising temperatures, causing more frequent heatwaves.

The fossil fuel industry is responsible for 75% of GGEs worldwide, making it the biggest contributor to the climate crisis that is causing rapid global warming. D.C. has been experiencing the consequences of global warming for decades, as in 2016, it was reported that the city grew warmer by 2°F over a span of fifty years–higher than the nationwide average.

According to D.C.’s 2024 Climate Change Projections and Scenarios Update, between the baseline period of 1991 to 2010, the District experienced an average of nine days per year when temperatures exceeded 95°F. The report predicts that by 2030, the city will experience 22 to 24 days annually exceeding that temperature, and 36 to 67 days by 2080. Five to six days of the year are expected to reach over 100°F, whereas during the baseline period, such temperatures averaged less than one day.

Now, in the winter months, the city becomes more susceptible to debilitating snowstorms like the most recent one, creating a need for more research on the conditions causing such extremes, as proposed in the GGE Study Amendment Act.

“Moments like this highlight how much harder it has become to manage the day to day operations when the systems we rely on were built for a climate that no longer exists...”

Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4)

“With clear neighborhood-driven information, we can truly identify major sources of pollution, try to strategically reduce… pollution points and harmful emissions, and then also bolster the readiness for extreme heat, flooding and poor air quality,” said Glenn Hall, Ward 8 resident and organizer with Young, Gifted & Green, during the press conference.

Lewis George formally introduced the bill to the D.C. council on Tuesday, Jan. 27, in alignment with Maryland’s RENEW Act, as a symbol of shared regional understanding the impacts of climate change are prevalent across the region as a whole, and that coordination is essential to remaining resilient.

“It ensures that future actions are well-targeted and guided by evidence and foresight, rather than just reactions,” said Lewis George. “We cannot eliminate uncertainty from climate itself, but we can eliminate uncertainty from how we plan for it.”

WI

MOBLEY from Page 9

tually grounded and enamored with one another.

“You have to like people,” the now widow told The Informer in 2022, as part of a Valentine’s Day special. “I know he is my best friend.”

Remembering a Freedom Fighter for Human Rights

Mobley dedicated his career fighting for equity.

He said working for the government was very different from what

many federal employees face today.

“We have a lot of disputes [now],” he said in 2024, ahead of Trump’s inauguration as the 47th U.S. president. “It seems as though back in those days, people respected you— even regardless of your age, your race, your sex, etcetera. But today, the environment inspired me to go and finish this book simply because to be very honest, the 45th president.”

The author said it was an honor to reflect on his life and career.

“I was elated to see so many people coming out to actually look and think about what I had gone

through for the past 35, 40 years in the field of human rights and civil rights, in the federal government and also working for the District on several major issues right here in the D.C. government,” Mobley told The Informer in 2024, reflecting on his book launch.

Motley, an activist and faith leader, said Mobley’s legacy will continue.

“Pierpoint was a tall tower who loved the people in the District of Columbia and he was supportive of those of us in the community,” Motley told The Informer.

WI

public hearing: metro’s financial plans for fy2027

Metro invites members of the public to share thoughts and feedback on our financial plans for 2027 including our Capital Improvement Program, Federal Grant Applications, Operating Budget, and Associated Service Proposals.

Visit wmata.com/budget to learn about proposed changes across Metro Rail and Metro Bus as well as proposed investments. We will then share your feedback to help guide the future of transit in our region.

how to share feedback

In-person Hearing

Tuesday, Feb. 3

Open House at 5:30 p.m.

Hearing at 6 p.m.

Virtual Hearings

Wednesday, Feb. 4

Noon

Thursday, Feb. 5

6 p.m.

Online Survey

Bozman Government Center Arlington County Board Room 2100 Clarendon Blvd. Ste. #307 Arlington, VA 22201

To register to speak, email speak@wmata.com or call 202-962-2511 by 12 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3. On-site registration will be available.

To provide testimony via videoconference, email your name and any organizational affiliation to speak@wmata.com by 5 p.m. on the day prior to this hearing.

To provide testimony by telephone, call 646-902-9990 during the hearing and enter meeting code 906 459 640# (Feb. 4 hearing) or 855 875 175# (Feb. 5 hearing).

To complete a survey and share comments, go to wmata.com/budget anytime between 9 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17 and 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 10.

Mail-in Testimony

Office of Board Affairs SECT 2E

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority P.O. Box 44390 Washington, DC 20026-439

All hearings will be broadcast online at wmata.com/budget and youtube.com/metroforward

More information: wmata.com/budget @wmata 202-GO-METRO

EDUCATION

a building study with [a] creative curriculum, they're learning about how buildings are formed and who actually works on a construction site while being able to speak to contractors or construction workers,” Wilson told The Informer. “They would put on their little mini hats and sit on the windowsills and they could actually see it in action.”

In her 10th year as principal, Wilson said her middle schoolers had a similar experience throughout much of the previous school year.

“I look at my sixth graders… who are learning about scale and proportional reasoning,” Wilson continued, “being able to look at

the blueprints for the new building and actually ‘turnkeying’ maps from pencil and paper in the classroom and having it come alive in real life.”

In December, students, faculty and staff at Leckie celebrated the addition of a new two-story, 18,000 square-foot wing to their existing school building.

The addition, designed to meet the needs of a middle school population that has shared space with elementary school students and pre-schoolers, has a science lab with a prep room, along with: six new classrooms, a teacher collaboration space, and a dining room with a food service area. Other campus improvements include three new playgrounds for preschool youth, and elementary and

middle school students.

There’s also a basketball court, asphalt surface play area, and a new parking lot with nearly four dozen spaces. Additional amenities include new sidewalks and fencing, each designed to improve accessibility and campus security.

As Wilson recounted, the ap-

proval and eventual completion of the Leckie’s addition followed campus walkthroughs and several meetings between school community members, D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) central office, and the D.C. Department of General Services (DGS).

“We had our teachers, some parents, and even students, who sat in and looked at the different layouts that were available,” Wilson recalled. “We talked about just what was important to our community. We wanted to make sure that the environment was taken into consideration, making sure that it was well lit, color patterns, color schemes and things of that nature.”

decade, with another 30 school modernizations scheduled for the current fiscal year.

Kaiden Scott, a seventh grader who was involved in the process, said he immediately gravitated to Leckie’s new science lab.

“Since I was little, I wanted to do all kinds of experiments,” said Kaiden, who’s attended Leckie since pre-kindergarten. “This feels more like a science lab [whereas] the last one just felt like a normal classroom. We didn’t get to do experiments yet, but I'm hoping we get to do some.”

February 2: Grades 9-12

March 2: PK3 — Grade 8

Have questions or need help with your application?

(202) 888-6336 info.myschooldc@dc.gov

For Wilson, those discussions, and the subsequent circulation of surveys to students, affirmed the school community’s ownership of the new space.

“We had an integral part in the process,” she said. “We felt that our voices were definitely heard and our considerations were taken into account.”

The Past and Present Collide during a “Show-and-Tell”

On the morning of Jan. 21, DCPS and DGS personnel conducted an “addition show-andtell” centered on the two-story additional space that students and faculty members helped conceptualize. The $20.9 million capital improvement project counts among 50 conducted over the last

Asia Cook, an eighth grader in her third year at Leckie, said the two-story addition changed the vibe of her school for the better. For her, the recent show-and-tell culminated a journey peppered with student surveys and a special tour of the yet-to-be-completed space last year.

“I've only been here since sixth grade, but I especially like how it's different from what I've known for three years, essentially,” said Asia, a Leckie student government association officer. “I find the building way less stuffy. It's more spacious, and I'm generally able to focus better.”

Damari Mitchell, an eighth grader who’s attended Leckie throughout his entire academic career, shared Asia’s sentiments.

“We don't have to worry about accidentally bumping into a fourth grader or something,” said Damari, another student government officer who hopes to attend

LECKIE Page 21

from Page 20

Banneker Academic High School next year.

Further, Damari said the new arrangement enhances his learning.

“In the old building we used to have tables of five and six,” he said, “but this time we're able to go to tables of two. We are more spaced out.”

Leckie’s newest addition, which includes an opening to nearby Fort Greble Park, sets the stage for the spring completion of the Fort Greble Recreation Center.

Of the total dollar amount spent on Leckie’s two-story addition, 83% went to two D.C.-based certified business enterprises: R. McGhee & Associates Architects, an African-American-led architectural and design firm, and the Latino-owned firm known as Keystone Plus Construction.

For DGS Director Delano Hunter, the Wednesday morning show-and-tell at Leckie proved a bit more lowkey than other events.

In the time spent with middle school students, he learned about their appreciation for an inclusive process.

“That was really important for us,” Hunter said, “having to give them the opportunity to select colors to inform the design of the playground, the furniture, the look and feel of the space. We do this for many of our schools, but I think Leckie was a really good example of when it goes well.”

At the height of his high school baseball career, Hunter and teammates at what was then Spingarn High School used the field at Leckie and Fort Greble Park as their home baseball field. They did so in the absence of a regulation-sized field at their campus.

Now, with a full campus modernization on the horizon for Leckie, Hunter said he takes pleasure in seeing young people take pride in their academic environment.

“Being a student in the 1980s and 1990s, we couldn't even fathom having these sorts of facilities,” said Hunter, Spingarn High

School’s Class of 2002 valedictorian. “We didn't even have an expectation of having facilities of this caliber, so, many years later, to be a part of delivering these facilities, it is very special and meaningful for me on both a professional and a personal level.”

The Journey Continues at Leckie Education Campus

Leckie, one of 10 education campuses in the D.C. public school system, hosts a bevy of extracurricular offerings, including: D.C. Scores, girls and boys scouts, chess and flag football.

During the 2024-2025 school year, 36% of students scored either a 3 or a 4 on the math portion of the CAPE, while 43% scored similarly on the English & Language Arts portion.

Kaiden, an aspiring engineer, said he likes the environment that his peers create at school.

“A lot of students here are nice, welcoming, and most of them will

EDUCATION

show you around the school, and try to become your friend,” Kaiden said. “It’s a great place for all students to come.”

Though Wilson touted staff members’ pivotal role in boosting student morale, she acknowledged Leckie’s new two-story addition as an additional impetus for students.

“It's a reminder to kids that they are valued and that they're loved,” she told The Informer, “that there are people who are always pushing for that playing field to always be leveled and equal. Equity is a big part of our work in DCPS. This building is an example of that.”

World's Leading Violin Experts Offer Free Evaluations in D.C.

Submitted by Tarisio Fine

Instruments and Bows

DC on February 2, 2026, offering complimentary evaluations of violins, violas, cellos and bows. These evaluations can lead to placement in Tarisio's year-round Private Sales or their record-breaking auctions.

“There is nothing I love more than meeting clients and learning about the history and story behind their instrument, their career, or their journey to coming into possession of these cultural artifacts. Every instrument has its own unique story and it's rewarding to be able to connect one steward to the next through these trips,” shares Gagnon.

Tarisio specialists have an unparalleled perspective on the market given the thousands of instruments and bows they examine every year. When they evaluate an instrument, they're considering the maker's identity and reputation, the condition and preservation, the provenance and historical significance and how similar instru-

Benjamin Gagnon, a specialist from Tarisio's New York office, will be conducting the appointments. With strong expertise in assessing and authenticating rare string instruments and bows, Gagnon offers DMV-area string players, collectors and dealers a chance to get professional insights from one of the industry's most respected authorities—without the trip to New York. What can you expect during an evaluation? Gagnon will examine your instrument or bow and discuss with you its origin, authenticity, condition and current market value. Whether you inherited a violin from a family member, bought an instrument years ago and are curious about its resale value, ready for an upgrade, or maybe you're just curious about what's been sitting in your attic. Whatever the situation, these evaluations give you the information you need to make informed decisions for the future.

ments have been selling recently.

When Tarisio was founded in 1999, it changed how the fine instrument world operates. The company brought together serious expertise,

Int erest ed in selling your instrument or bow?

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ar y evaluations DC Feb 2

operational efficiency and a commitment to doing business ethically. Today, they run the world's largest online auction platform dedicated exclusively to fine string instruments and bows, holding 15 auctions annually across New York, London and Berlin.

Over its 25-year history, Tarisio has handled some remarkable sales including Isaac Stern's estate collection, the 'Lady Blunt' Stradivarius of 1721, which sold for a world record $15.9 million, the 'da Vinci, ex-Seidel' Stradivarius of 1714 which sold for $15.3 million, the 'Molitor' Stradivarius of 1697 and the 'Maazel' Guadagnini of 1783. The list goes on.

Why get an evaluation? “Sometimes people just want to know more. Learning about your instrument's history and maker can change how you think about the music you're making with it. Many musicians play on instruments that they might like to learn more about, and I am always thrilled to provide the people I meet with more information,” says Gagnon.

Even if selling isn't on your mind,

understanding your instrument's value and authenticity is essential when you're making decisions about restoration, maintenance, insurance or upgrades.

If you are thinking about selling, Tarisio's specialists can tell you about timing and strategy for bringing your instrument to market through their industry-leading auction platform or year-round, discrete and carefully curated Private Sales. Regardless of your reason for wanting an evaluation, it is free, confidential and comes with no obligation.

To learn more about Tarisio's Washington DC visit or to schedule your evaluation with Benjamin Gagnon • email info@tarisio.com • or call (212) 307-7224

Tarisio also offers complimentary evaluations in other North American cities—contact them for details.

Another Fatal Shooting in Minnesota by the Trump Administration

Two Killings, No Criminal Records, a Democracy on Edge

Two weeks after the killing of Renee Good, Minneapolis was shaken again by the tragic shooting of Alex Pretti.

Two American lives lost. Neither had a criminal record. Together, their deaths raise a chilling question: What does democracy look like when the federal government treats its own people as enemy combatants?

Democracy in America is under siege, and Minneapolis appears trapped in an abusive relationship with the Trump administration— one marked by coercion, threats, and lethal force. Federal immigration agents, ostensibly deployed to remove “dangerous criminals,” instead left two unarmed U.S. citizens dead. If this is public safety, it is safety defined by fear.

The concern is no longer hypothetical.

U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) has demanded transparency from the Department of Justice, asking how many of the individuals involved in the January 6, 2021 insurrection— people who violently assaulted U.S. Capitol Police officers— have since

been hired into federal law enforcement agencies such as ICE.

“Who is hiding behind these masks?” Raskin questioned in a Jan. 13 letter sent to Attorney General Pam Bondi and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. “The American people deserve to know how many of these violent insurrectionists have been given guns and badges by this administration.”

Many Proud Boys have criminal records. Good and Pretti did not. That contrast is damning. Instead of accountability, Washington’s response has been escalation. Bondi sent a letter to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) offering to withdraw ICE from the state if the state grants ICE access to voter rolls.

The implication is unmistakable: federal enforcement power is being leveraged not merely for immigration control but for political surveillance and intimidation. This raises a question—was ICE ever truly about removing criminals, or about exerting control on Democratic-led states and cities?

The most sobering reality is this: when white federal officers feel comfortable killing white citizens who pose no threat, every Black person and every marginalized community becomes even more vulnerable. History shows who bears the brunt when unchecked power is normalized.

Good and Pretti are not anomalies. They are warnings. A democracy that allows federal agents to kill with impunity, demand voter data as ransom, and evade transparency is in danger of collapsing from within.

Many Americans are now witnessing what Ella Baker said more than 60 years ago.

“Until the killing of Black men, Black mothers' sons, becomes as important to the rest of the country as the killing of a white mother's son,” Baker said, “we who believe in freedom cannot rest until this happens.”

With protests happening from Minneapolis, Washington, D.C. and nationwide, hundreds of thousands of people are realizing they can no longer rest as democracy is in danger.

Silence now is complicity.

WI

It’s time for African Americans to Reignite the Activism that Fueled the Civil Rights Movement

Over the past several weeks, organizations across the District and nation, have held breakfasts, seminars, and parades, honoring the life and legacy of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Further, with Black History Month on the horizon, there will be more programming commemorating King and other freedom fighters for their work toward civil rights.

As we are reminded of the contributions Dr. King and other activists made to American society, and which continue to impact our lives, a more pressing issue bubbled to the surface. What can we do – what should we do – to defuse the blatant and unrelenting surge spearheaded by those who support white supremacy?

What can we do – what should we do – to defuse the blatant and unrelenting surge spearheaded by those who support white supremacy?

then we must get active at the local level.

For illustrative purposes, consider the upcoming mayoral race in Washington, D.C.

How many candidates have expressed interest in replacing the current mayor and how do their platforms speak to our specific needs? Do you know? As for the shakeup that’s coming to the D.C. Council, what problems have persisted in each of the District’s wards and what are the candidates’ proposed solutions?

TO THE EDITOR

“I pray that he gets the help he needs. Although his apology was heartfelt, he wasn’t very specific regarding the apology to Black people. For example, the ‘white lives matter’ shirts or the quote about slavery or dining with Trump and a professed racist who has no problem expressing his hatred and disdain for Black people. Just asking because I know his latest album drops on Friday.”

- Cine (In reference to the article: “Kanye West Addresses the Black Community in Full-Page Apology, Citing Mental Illness and Accountability”)

“We had the honor and pleasure of knowing Pierpont through my relationship with his beloved Jeannette. He was a family-devoted man, a brilliant mind, a giving spirit and a soul of great humor. We are saddened by his loss and praying for strength and grace to Jeannette, their children, relatives and all who knew and loved him.”

- Nancy Harvin and Sidney Glover (In reference to the article: “Remembering White House Appointee and Equal Employment Activist Pierpont Mobley”)

In conversations with scholars, clergy, and politicians, one response which emerged was for Americans to follow the same blueprint that led to the Supreme Court’s ruling in Brown v. Board, the passage of the Voting Rights Act, and the election of a wave of African Americans in Congress and in mayoral races across the country.

Sure, there will be the inevitable meet and greet events. Some candidates may even visit our churches and proclaim to be the answer to all our dreams. But we know that’s just political rhetoric.

If we want change, are dissatisfied with how our rights are being eroded and democracy is being dismantled,

As Lamont Mitchell and his team of officers at the Anacostia Coordinating Council suggest, we need to have our own list ready to submit to those who are running for office. We need to organize within our commu-

nities and be courageous to speak out and speak up. No amount of activism is too small. What matters is that we all become grassroots activists. That’s how King and the other freedom fighters of the past began their walk into destiny.

Many Americans have taken to blame the president and Republicans, for the dismantling of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), the un-

precedented attacks on immigrants and others by ICE officers, and prices that still have not gone down. But we the people are the ones who either voted for those now in power, or who stayed home whining about the lack of qualified candidates. The time to act is now. Stop crying. Get involved, get active, and help make the change we need today. WI

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

Hands Off Black D.C.'s Arts

Fortunately, the local D.C. community — from its age-old venues, community organizers to its political leadership — is aggressively pushing back.

Long before D.C. was branded as a destination city, Black Washingtonians built its cultural economy, from go-go music and jazz clubs to community theaters and neighborhood arts spaces that doubled as gathering places and incubators for talent. But increasingly, interference from politicians and monopolistic corporations has undercut The District's arts in profound ways.

The Washington National Opera's decision to part ways with the Kennedy Center should be understood for what it is: a necessary act of independence in response to Donald Trump's failure to respect the arts as institutions that require stability, autonomy, and longterm investment.

Since Trump's return to power, the Kennedy Center has been subjected to political interference and a short-sight-

Guest Columnist

Benjamin F. Chavis Jr

ed business model that treats art as acceptable only if it can immediately justify itself through ticket revenue. Shared services were stripped away, productions were required to be fully underwritten years in advance, and leadership priorities shifted in ways that ignored how cultural institutions actually function.

D.C. is right to resist Trump's meddling in its cultural institutions, because when national politics destabilize local arts organizations, the damage does not stop at the Kennedy Center's doors. It ripples outward — into neighbor-

Will Greenland Become Trump's Waterloo?

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on Jan. 18 at 4:15 p.m.

"Dear Jonas: Considering your Country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace, although it will always be predominant, but can now think about what is good and proper for the United States of America." — text from President Trump to

Fact Check: Norway does not control the decisions of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, which is an independent body. The committee's decisions are separate from Norwegian foreign policy. Also, Donald Trump has not "…stopped 8 Wars PLUS…" Israel continues to attack Hamas, fighting continues between Thailand and Cambodia and between Congolese forces and Rwanda-backed rebels.

Guest Columnist

Donald Trump claims that the U.S. must acquire Greenland, citing U.S. national security interests. On Jan. 16, Trump posted, "The United States needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security… It is vital for the Golden Dome that we are building. NATO should be leading the way for us to get it. IF WE DON'T, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL, AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!" This fearmongering of China and Russophobia is not new. It has been the basis of American foreign policy for several

Why Medicaid Matters to Families Across the District

Medicaid has a long and proven track record in the District of Columbia. Year after year, it has served a large and diverse population and helped ensure that residents in all eight wards can get the care they need, when and where they need it.

Today, nearly 40% of D.C. residents — more than 271,000 people — rely on Medicaid for health cov-

erage. For these residents, Medicaid is not an abstract program or a line item in a budget. It is how families access primary care, manage chronic conditions, receive behavioral health support, and keep their children and loved ones healthy.

These are real people and real families. They include working parents balancing jobs and caregiving, children who need routine checkups and vaccinations, seniors managing ongoing health needs, and neighbors who depend on consistent, reliable care to stay well and active in their commu-

nities.

Over time, the District has intentionally built a community-centered health system supported by Medicaid — one that prioritizes access, equity, and collaboration. I have seen firsthand how this approach works through my work with the Health Alliance Network, which brings together hospitals, health care providers, community-based organizations, and local agencies with a shared focus on reducing barriers to care and improving outcomes for residents across the city.

In fact, the Health Alliance Net-

hoods, small venues, and the lives of local artists who already operate on the margins. For Black artists in particular, that instability compounds existing pressures presented by gentrification.

years.

One of the most dominant forces in focusing U.S. policy on China and the former Soviet Union was President Carter's National Security Advisor, Zbigniew Brzezinski. He played a pivotal role in the careers of Secretaries of State Madeleine Albright and Hillary Clinton. He played an intellectually important role in shaping the worldview of National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice. His doctrine on U.S. foreign policy influenced many others, including President Barack Obama. Brzezins-

Mayor Bowser has been clear about the stakes, and her administration's oft-publicized push to make Washington the "Capital of Creativity" represents a commendable good-faith effort to reverse this trend.

"Arts, culture, film and entertainment, and sports are such a big part of our economic growth agenda because they bring people together, they get people excited, and they generate even more pride in our city," she said this summer. "That's why it's so import-

Page 41

ki's worldview and approach to policy dominates the policy landscape even today.

In his 1997 book "The Grand Chessboard," Brzezinski writes, "For the first time ever, a non-Eurasian power has emerged…The last decade of the twentieth century has witnessed a tectonic shift in world affairs…The defeat and collapse of the Soviet Union was the final step in the rapid ascendance of a Western Hemisphere power, the United States, as

work is one of the reasons Medicaid is working in the District. It convenes partners to collaborate on advancing health equity and reducing chronic disease in poor and low-income communities. By coordinating care, addressing barriers like food insecurity and access to preventive services, and advocating for policies that strengthen the safety net, the Network helps ensure Medicaid delivers real, measurable impact for residents in all eight wards — supporting healthier families, stronger neighborhoods, and better long-term outcomes.

Through these collaborations, Medicaid makes it possible to meet people where they are. Hospitals and providers work alongside trusted nonprofits such as Martha’s Table, eastof-the-river community groups, and neighborhood-based organizations to connect residents not only to medical care, but also to the resources that support overall well-being — food access, housing stability, health education, and social services.

Medicaid has allowed these partner-

As rents rise in neighborhoods like Shaw, NoMa, and the H Street Corridor, many of the artists who helped make those areas culturally vibrant are being pushed out. As affordable studio space and small venues continue to close, Black music and theater are increasingly being replaced by large, commercial productions with little connection to the surrounding community. LANE Page 41

Guest Columnist

Sandra Mattavous-Frye

The Heartbeat of Energy Justice: Protecting Affordability Amid Rapid Change

For more than a century, the American power grid was out of sight and out of mind — and for good reason. It was stable, predictable, and reliable. That era is over. Today's grid, increasingly shaped by digital technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and the internet, is colliding with a rapidly expanding digital economy dominated by global technology companies. We are forcing 21st-century demands

through 20th-century infrastructure, and when those pipes crack — as they inevitably will — technology companies will not absorb the costs. Families will, when they open their utility bills and confront impossible choices about what they must sacrifice to keep the lights on.

Utility bills are rising fast, in part, due to the result of sprawling data centers that operate around the clock to power AI tools, cloud computing, and digital services. These facilities consume enormous amounts of electricity, placing unprecedented strain on the grid and an increase in costs to consumers. If not handled

Guest Columnist

One Woman's Refusal

The Supreme Court last week heard arguments that could reshape the global financial system. The case before the justices asks a deceptively simple question: Can the president of the United States fire Dr. Lisa Cook, a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, before the end of her statutory term? But everyone watching — from

I

Wall Street traders to central bankers in Europe and Asia — knows the real question: Can President Trump fire Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and, by doing so, end the Fed's independence?

Dr. Cook, the first Black woman ever to serve on the Fed's Board of Governors, faced pressure to resign last year after President Trump seized on an allegation of mortgage fraud made by a member of his administration to justify her removal. No criminal charges were filed against her. No wrongdoing was proven. Dr. Cook

properly, this surge in demand will blow a hole through the foundation of energy affordability.

Energy affordability is like a heartbeat that must be monitored, protected, and preserved. It is the foundation upon which all other energy policies rest. It is not merely an economic issue; it is a matter of dignity and equity. Every resident deserves access to safe, reliable, and sustainable energy at a cost they can afford. Legislators and regulators are obligated to protect families from unaffordable utility bills.

Since 2011, I have had the honor of

serving as the District of Columbia's People's Counsel, and I have seen firsthand how affordability erodes when it is treated as an afterthought rather than a guiding principle. Energy policy is built one decision at a time, either strengthening or weakening families' and small businesses' ability to manage utility costs. Most energy-affordability analyses define an energy burden above 6% of household income as unaffordable and above 10% as a severe energy burden. OPC's 2020 energy affordability study found that SNAP-eligible households in the District face an average energy burden of 20.5%. In light

of rapidly rising wholesale costs and distribution-level rate increases, OPC filed a petition before the District of Columbia Public Service Commission to establish a comprehensive energy affordability proceeding to confront this growing crisis.

In an AI-driven world, regulators and legislators must base their decisions on three principles: prioritizing affordability, measuring it, and ensuring that consumer protection programs work.

First, affordability must be treated as a priority equal to reliability and climate

Page 42

refused to step down. That refusal — and the lawsuit she filed to defend her position — now stands as the last legal barrier between the Trump administration and its stated goal of bending America's central bank to presidential will.

I spent a little over three years working at the Federal Reserve’s Office of Board Members. I later managed a Congressional subcommittee overseeing the Fed. I learned how the institution works, how it moves, how carefully it guards its independence and perhaps most importantly its

profound focus on its work to advance the public good. I vividly remember the agony that staff and Fed governors endured over single words in speeches or congressional testimony, fearing how they could send bond markets into a frenzy. These experiences are why I believe what is unfolding now is unprecedented, dangerous, and likely to turn on whether one woman holds her ground — and whether the Supreme Court is willing to stand with her in defense of an independent monetary system.

The weight of the moment, and

what it will mean for the global economy was clear from who sat in the room. Among the attendees for the hearing were former Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and Current Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. Both appointed by Republican presidents, both responsible for navigating economic crisis, both appreciating what this decision could mean for the future of U.S. monetary policy.

While the legal arguments in the

Page 42

Used to Love Her: An Open Letter to Mayor Karen Bass and the Black Political Class

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass broke my heart. Like my divorce, I knew it was coming but clung to the notion that no one would actually do that to someone who loved them. And I mean love them. Karen Bass used to be progressive. I've known her since 1996, when the Community Coalition that she founded was the cutting edge and she was unabashed about the

resources that were needed for South Los Angeles. Karen was among the first to help me understand that when communities are flooded with resources, when sources of harm, like police, are kept out and afterschool programs and mutual aid are brought in, we build long-term solutions. Nineteen years her junior, I looked up to her. We shared more meals than I can count, planned travel together, laughed about children, whispered about partners. I was part of the small group pulled together when Karen consid-

ered a city council run and one of those who consoled her when her father died. My heart still breaks over the tragic loss of her daughter, Emilia. She graced my classrooms at West LA College and Cal State LA and helped develop the curriculum for the Black women's leadership institute at USC that emerged out of my dissertation. With Regina Freer, I wrote the first scholarly articles on Karen Bass as a womanist leader and served on both her Legislative and Congressional Advisory Councils. I love Karen from a place that is not theoretical, but

nurtured and built.

I didn't always agree with every position that she took, but we engaged in principled struggle to address disagreements. Congresswoman Bass invited me to serve on the keynote panel for the Congressional Black Caucus in 2016. (I'm sure she was disappointed when I made the point: "If the Democrats want our vote, they should run better candidates.") Together, we drafted "Wakiesha's Law" (named for #WakieshaWilson), which would have required jails, prisons and detention

centers to notify families if someone died in custody (which was authored by Assemblyman Isaac Bryan at the state level and became California law just weeks ago).

In 2020, the Congresswoman went on national news to call #DefundThePolice "one of the worst slogans ever." She phoned me immediately to apologize, an offering that I — like a love-starved partner — quickly accepted. Cracks in the progressive ve-

Page 42

LIFESTYLE

4 A snowy day in Alexandria, Virginia in December 2020. Alexandria Restaurant Week highlights creative cuisine and innovative chefs in the historic Virginia city through Feb. 1. (WI File Photo/Anthony Tilghman)

Washington Informer Weekend Checklist

WASHINGTON INFORMER'S

Things To Do, DMV!

By Jada Ingleton WI Content Editor

January is closing out with a bevy of events to boost community engagement throughout the DMV.

Whether looking for creative cuisine in Alexandria, Virginia, or topping off Dry January with a nod to local virtuosos, scholars, and entertainers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this weekend!

Don’t forget to check out the

Washington Informer Calendar to keep up with all the fun.

Thursday, Jan. 29

Alexandria Restaurant Week

9 a.m. | Price of purchase Alexandria, Virginia

Bask in Alexandria Restaurant Week for a taste of the creativity and innovation in the local and international cuisine throughout the historic Virginia city.

Hosted through Feb. 1, this event highlights the city’s vibrant

food scene while encouraging visitors and locals alike to discover new neighborhoods and tastes –including spots in Old Town, Old Town North, Del Ray, Carlyle and Eisenhower, Arlandria-Chirilagua, and the West End.

More than 90 Alexandria restaurants invite guests to enjoy $35, $45, or $55 per person on prefixed menus for a limited time only. Plus, local fast casual favorites will also be sharing their own special offers.

See the full list of participating restaurants here.

The Purr-fect Science Fair: Valentine’s Day STEM & Circuits

1 - 2 p.m. | Free, registration required Virtual with take-home materials

Duke Ellington School of the Arts, 3500 R Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20007

Duke Ellington School of the Arts (DESA) vocal music seniors invite folks to an unforgettable evening of musical theatre.

A celebration of the vocal class of 2026, the Jan. 30 showcase –hosted in the Performance Hall of the famed Northwest high school – will bring a joyful mix of artistry and storytelling, featuring performances of students’ favorite solos, duets, and ensemble selections.

ney to uncover Doe’s forgotten life while Zia faces perhaps a fate worse than death: socializing.

Playwright Angelle Whavers and director Josh Sticklin join forces in the world premiere of “John Doe,” with showings at Keegan Theatre in Northwest, D.C., through Feb. 22.

Saturday, Jan. 31

RFK Farmers & Flea Market

7 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Free 401 Oklahoma Avenue NE, Washington, D.C., 20002

Celebrate Valentine’s Day early with a purr-fect mix of stories and science!

Young readers and budding scientists alike will read from “The Purr-fect Science Fair” book series, then dive into a hands-on STEM activity by making light-up Valentine’s Day cards using simple circuits, LEDs, and copper tape.

Each participant will take home a how-to handout for launching their very own science fair project.

Ideal for ages 6-10 and teens 11+.

Friday, Jan. 30

Celebrate the Vocal Class of 2026

7 p.m. | $20.00 for adults, $10.00 for students (ages 5-18)

Cheers to an opportunity to honor DESA’s senior class and remarkable talent!

Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are available for both in-person and virtual attendance.

All proceeds directly support the Vocal Music Department.

John Doe 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. | $44.00+ Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20036

People-avoider Zia suffers from anthropophobia, the fear of people. People-watcher Doe suffers from being dead–– and naturally, only Zia can see him.

Brought together by chance, fate, or potentially ghostly revenge, the two set out on a jour-

Whether one needs produce, food, clothes, shoes, accessories, books, toys, household and cultural items, antiques, health and beauty, electronics, etc., check out the RFK Farmers & Flea Market! Located in Lot 6 at the RFK Campus in Northeast, D.C., the flea market serves a crucial role in providing Washingtonians with essential needs and access towards sustainability.

Dry January at Lady Madison 3 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. | Free Lady Madison Restaurant, 1155 15th Street NW ##1003, Washington, D.C., 20005

Before the month concludes,

THINGS TO DO Page 27

3The Duke Ellington School of the Arts (DESA) Coral Ensemble performs at the Kennedys-King Dinner at Nationals Park in Southeast, D.C. in May 2024. With a joyful celebration of artistry and storytelling, DESA will honor its vocal class of 2026 on Friday, Jan. 30. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

THINGS TO DO from Page 26

leisure and business hotel Le Méridien Washington, D.C., The Madison invites couples to celebrate Dry January with Cloud 9 at Lady Madison.

An elevated zero-proof cocktail, Cloud 9 is designed for mindful sipping year-round – crafted with Ritual Gin Alternative, bright cranberry juice, fresh lime, and subtle rosemary syrup for a crisp acidity balanced by herbal depth and subtle warmth.

Cloud 9 evokes the structure and ritual of a classic gin cocktail without the alcohol. Lightly topped with sparkling water, it finishes with a fragrant rosemary sprig or expressed lime peel, offering a refined, spirit-free option that feels celebratory and intentionally suited to a winter evening in the nation’s capital.

Meanwhile, guests can experience timeless luxury at a restaurant inspired by First Lady Dolley Madison and the legacy of First Ladies throughout history.

The Shrewd Awakening

10:30 p.m. - Midnight | $33.85 Barrel House Cafe & Bar, 1341 14th Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20005

What begins as a night out listening to live music slowly reveals a narrative about power, identity, consent, and self-awareness— set inside a working bar with a live band.

“Shred Awakening” is an immersive bar-theater experience disguised as a classic rock concert, and quietly staged as a modern reimagining of Shakespeare's classic, “The Taming of the Shrew” (1594).

Built on a foundation of a classic rock set list—raw, familiar, and emotionally direct— the show fuses concert energy with modernized, reinvented theatrical storytelling, while never announcing its literary roots.

The audience doesn't sit back and watch; they participate and collide with the story, music, and each other as the night unfolds like a set list with something to say.

Don’t miss the closing weekend of

3Lady Madison Restaurant in Northwest, D.C., tops off Dry January with the Cloud 9 cocktail, a refined spirit-free drink that evokes the structure and ritual of a classic gin cocktail without the alcohol.

(Courtesy Photo)

this one-of-a-kind experience!

Sunday, Feb. 1

“The Color Purple”: A Fundraising Experience

3 p.m. - 7 p.m. | $40.00

Bowie Center for the Performing Arts, 15200 Annapolis Road, Bowie, MD 20715

For one night only, experience “The Color Purple” with the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts and CenterStage Arts Alliance!

This showcase acts as a powerful fundraising event to support the community, arts, and impact.

Crankin Comedy Sunday Funday

3 p.m. - 6 p.m. | $12.51

House of Comedy & Jazz, 9430 Annapolis Road, Lanham, MD 20706

Brought to Washington on the first Sunday of every month, Crankin Comedy Sunday Funday features the top clean comedians from across the nation, and this weekend’s lineup is no different.

Hosted by Thomas “Teezus” Terrel Jr., the Feb. 1 show welcomes comedians Kadreana Mack (affectionately known as “K Mack”), headliner Chris Clark, and music by DJ DK.

The Room 112 Tour

8 p.m. - 11 p.m. | $74.50+ Diablo's Cantina, MGM National Harbor Resort & Casino, 101 MGM National Ave, Oxon Hill, MD 20745

Step back into the golden era of R&B with The Room 112 Tour, featuring the chart-topping group 112.

Known for hits like “Only You,” “Cupid,” (both released in 1996) and “Peaches & Cream” (2001), 112 celebrates 30 years of smooth harmonies and unforgettable stage presence, alongside fellow R&B powerhouses Total and Case.

Join this joyful night of timeless music, soulful performances, and nostalgic vibes, bringing the fan-favorite tracks that defined the ‘90s and early 2000s. WI

All Tickets On Sale Now

Virginia Opera Intelligence

Saturday, Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 15 at 2 p.m.

A gripping true story of espionage, sacrifice, and the fight for freedom

Les Ballets Africains

OF GUINEA A Performance for the World

Friday, Feb. 20 at 8 p.m.

Witness “sheer physical energy and beauty” (The New York Times) MASON

Sancturary: The Power of Resonance and Ritual

Sunday, Mar. 22 at 7 p.m.

“An exhilarating musical ride” (The San Francisco Chronical)

A range of accessibility services are available. Learn more at cfa.gmu.edu/accessibility.

AILEY from Page 4

aileynow come to fruition.”

As Graf Mack has her full-circle moment, she leads a company dancing through even more changes. After performing for years at The Kennedy Center, the company of 32-dancers will wow audiences at the Warner Theatre Jan. 30 through Feb. 8, and with Live Nation as the new presenters— a welcome change for company member Samantha Figgins.

“As a D.C. native, I’m excited to be in a more local theatre with such a rich history. And I think it’s so amazing for the D.C. audience to really feel at home,” Figgins, one of six dancers in the company from the region, told The Informer. “[Live Nation] is the world’s leading live entertainment company. So it’s just a wonderful opportunity to work with a partner that has a huge global reach.”

However, for Figgins, in her 11th season with the company, the new venue and presenter is not the only exciting change.

Figgins is particularly looking forward to this year’s homecoming with Ailey, as she served as an associate choreographer on one of six pieces premiering during this tour: Jawole Willa Jo Zollar’s “The Holy Blues.”

Zollar, Figgins and Chalvar Monteiro, who also served as an associate choreographer, were motivated by “Edges of Ailey,” an exhibit featured at The Whitney Museum of American Art in New York from September 2024 to February 2025.

“Finding his journal entries about his process— journaling about his up-

bringing and things— [we took] that as inspiration to build this work and build something rooted in our history,” Figgins said, “but also something totally fresh for the generation, the times, the society, and culture that we live in today.”

Plus, District audiences will recognize Figgins’ influence on the piece.

“I had to throw a little D.C. flavor into ‘The Holy Blues,’ so a lot of the movement is pulled from D.C. go-go and beat your feet– that whole movement,” Figgins said. “So you’ll be seeing some hometown movement vocabulary on stage.”

The company is also excited to bring three other world premieres in addition to “The Holy Blues”: “Embrace” by Fredrick Earl Mosley, “Difference Between” by Matthew Neenan, and “Song of the Anchorite” by Jamar Roberts.

“The new work,” Figgins said, “is what’s really exciting this year.”

Honoring Legacy, ‘Blood Memories’

As Alvin Ailey continues to evolve, the company is also celebrating the classics, premiering Medhi Walerski’s “Blink of an Eye,” a new production of Ailey Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison’s “A Case of You,” and “An Ailey Legacy,” highlighting several pieces from the company’s repertoire, including “Night Creature,” “A Song for You,” and “Cry.”

The company is also coming to D.C. with classic pieces in tow, including the beloved “Revelations.”

num told The Informer. “They sent him up there, but didn’t check on him. That’s what they’re supposed to do.”

Bynum’s son, David Blakeney, died on May 23, 2023 while serving time at U.S. Penitentiary Canaan in Wayne County, Pennsylvania. According to a lawsuit that Bynum filed last spring, the county coroner ruled that Blakeney succumbed to a “gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to duodenal ulcer.”

The lawsuit alleges that Blakeney’s death happened after prison officials kept Blakeney, a federal prison resident with a history of mental health issues, in a four-point restraint for several days. It also came long after, according to the lawsuit, FBOP ignored a judge’s order to place Blakeney in a North Carolina federal facility.

In the six years that Blakeney had been incarcerated, Bynum made only one weekend visit to her son. She said the more-than-five-hour drive followed text messages between the mother and son, as well as efforts to get permission to take Blakeney’s daughter along.

As Bynum recounted, she and Blakeney continued to engage in text messages until the month of his death when communication ceased around the time of his daughter’s birthday.

“I called the people to check on my son because I knew something was wrong,” Bynum told The Informer. “I couldn’t get to him, because it's so far. And they wouldn't let me in anyway. They kept saying it was okay, but he wasn't.”

Bynum said that Blakeney, before his death, requested that his mother reach out to Norton’s office. She’s since attempted to make contact to no avail, she told The Informer.

“That's my child, and I was just trying to get some help,” Bynum told The Informer. “I wrote Del. Norton but I didn't get any response. I got pushed aside.”

With the “Warrior on the Hill” nearing the end of her storied career, and a slew of candidates aiming to become her successor, Bynum said that she would like to see the next District congressional representative build upon Norton’s attempts to keep incarcerated D.C. residents close to home.

Nearly a decade after Norton secured the passage of the First Step Act with a provision mandating the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ (FBOP) assignment of D.C. residents to facilities within 500 miles, Bynum said that she wants the District and federal government to collaborate around the construction of a D.C. metropolitan area prison.

“We need to get more D.C. residents to understand that when your loved one

is locked up, they shouldn't be going that far away,” Bynum said. “[The government] finds money for everything else. You're building around D.C. Jail. How about you just fix it or make it bigger or find some land?”

Three Democratic Congressional Candidates Speak about their Vision for D.C.’s Scattered Residents

On Sunday, Norton’s re-election campaign team filed a termination report, which, to many, more than hinted at the end of an era. A couple days later, Norton released a statement officially announcing her retirement.

“Although I’ve decided not to seek reelection, I will never falter in my commitment to the residents I have long championed,” Norton said. “I will continue to serve as D.C.’s Warrior on the Hill until the end of my current term. Thank you to my constituents for choosing and trusting me to fight for you in Congress 18 times. I will leave this institution knowing that I have given you everything I have.”

Tributes continue to pour in from District residents, officials, and wouldbe opponents about the District’s longest-serving congresswoman.

“She has been such a steadfast champion for the District of Columbia itself and our autonomy and fighting for statehood.” D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2), a 2026 D.C. Democratic congressional candidate, told The Informer. “Advancing a vote for statehood through the House twice, just unprecedented, but also fighting for improvements to District residents' lives that we saw with her incredible progress she made with education through the DC TAG program and land deals that have brought thousands of new residents to the city and jobs and creating new neighborhoods.”

Pinto currently stands among an assortment of Democratic D.C. congressional candidates that also includes: Gordon Chaffin; Trent Holbrook; Robert L. Matthews; Sandi Stevens; D.C. Councilmember Robert White (D-At large); Kelly Mikel Williams; and Kinney Zelesne.

In her role as the chair of the D.C. Council’s Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, Pinto has fought for local control of the District’s parole board. She told The Informer that, as a congresswoman, she will continue that endeavor while building upon Norton’s efforts to bring incarcerated D.C. residents closer to home.

“I would love to have a requirement that anybody serving in the Bureau of

Prisons system do so within 100 miles of D.C.,” Pinto said. “It’s really important that we not just sign these MOUs or pass a law around it, but that we follow up with implementation and oversight to ensure that that's really true.”

Pinto also told The Informer that she ensivions a scenario where federal prison residents spend the last six months of their sentence at the D.C. Department of Corrections, where they can better access resources, including the READY Center, a one-stop shop of re-entry resources that relocated to Congress Heights in 2023.

“So that’s all these programs that we're working on with the D.C. Jail,” Pinto said, “that's our hospitality training program or work with the READY Center or the construction training that we're working on with the Washington Commanders to have people be part of the building of the new RFK site, ...in addition to housing and transportation benefits would be better off if folks could serve the end of their sentence here at home and in the DC jail.”

White said he wants to pursue more of a permanent solution.

“The most important thing we could do in this space is to build a facility for D.C. residents that is close to D.C.,” said White, the brother of a returning citizen who served time in federal prison. “Right now, D.C. co-defendants are shipped all across the country, and while I could drive my niece and nephew two hours or three hours every week to Petersburg to visit their dad, if he was further, we wouldn't be able to visit them very much.”

White, who wants to look at federal land either in the District or Maryland, said he would garner congressional support and convince the FBOP about the benefits of the District residents serving time near their families.

“In many ways, it would be easier for

them to handle this part of their portfolio if they had all of the D.C. co-defendants in one place,” White told The Informer.

“Right now, they're having to reach D.C. co-defendants differently and track them differently because the BOP acts as our state prison system. It would just be logistically easier for them to manage the D.C. co-defendants if they were in one place.”

As a one-time Norton staffer, White accompanied the elder legislator on trips to federal facilities, where he saw her speak with incarcerated D.C. residents about prison conditions, their needs, and resources needed for the transition home.

White also helped Norton plan congressional hearings that featured representatives of Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) as government witnesses. In his current role as chair of the council’s Committee on Housing, White has the task of determining how and where to temporarily house returning upon their return from federal prison.

As that process unfolds, White said he looks to Norton as a source of inspiration.

“It happened that my brother was released from the Federal Bureau of Prisons, came back to our halfway house here in D.C. which is governed federally while I was Norton's staffer working on those issues,” White said. “And it's one of the experiences that gave me such a bad distaste for our former halfway house HOPE Village.”

Williams, an advisory neighborhood commissioner and congressional candidate who’s thrown his hat in the ring for the second time, also told The Informer that he will push for the construction of a nearby federal prison.

“It will provide opportunities for a number of our residents right here,”

3 Advocates for returning citizens and D.C. residents across the federal prison system hope the next District delegate will prioritize keeping incarcerated Washingtonians in facilities closer to the District. (WI File

Williams told The Informer. “It allows families to visit daily, regularly. It gives them a connection back to their families, keeps them in tune, keeps them in constant contact with their children and being able to maybe even send a message to their children of not following in mom or dad's footsteps in terms of the sacrifices or moving into those areas of unlawful activity.”

Even more important for Williams, a former member of the Clinton administration and a one-time chief of staff for then-D.C. Councilmember Vincent Orange, is reclaiming the federal dollars that get lost when D.C. residents are shipped out to federal prisons across the country.

“That’s another way for us to not only be able to create federal jobs, long-term jobs, but we also are able to get additional federal funding because of the number of people we have in there,” Williams said. “And if we have folks from Kentucky, Missouri and everywhere else, as opposed to our own, although we have our own there as well, we're increasing our intake and revenue and opportunity.”

For Williams however, there’s no solution greater than prevention.

“I think we have to not just look at how do we reconnect them to their families or how do we change laws and policies to get them closer to home, but let's address why they're there in the first place,” he told The Informer. “Let's address what created that draw for them to look at a quick and easy unlawful act, as opposed to a long and steady lawful act, by just providing them with visions at an early age of why education and empowering yourself benefits you in the long run.” WI Read more on washingtoninforemer.com.

review wi book

"Lovely One: A Memoir Adapted for Young Adults"

By Ketanji Brown Jackson

c.2026, Bright Matter Books

$18.99

351 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

You knew it years ago.

When you were little and people asked you what you wanted to do when you grew up, the answer was obvious: you had a dream and an idea. Sure, other interests caught your eye once in awhile but you always came back to that one plan, this one thing. As in the new book, “Lovely One” by Ketanji Brown Jackson (adapted for young readers), you might be a kid but you’ve always known what you wanted.

When she was just 4 years old, little Ketanji Brown sat with her father at their kitchen table most evenings, watching as he studied his books and prepared for a career in law. He sometimes included his daughter by playfully asking for her advice on his lessons, a memory stuck with her for the rest of her life and instilled a lifelong intrigue for legal matters.

Brown Jackson says that she was lucky to have had so many inspirational, focused ancestors to give her family a solid base, and she was fortunate to be born in the fall of 1970, to parents who had worked hard to secure civil rights. They encouraged that same activism in their children, and they expected excellence in their education. For as long as Brown Jackson could remember, they nurtured in her “a spirit of perseverance,” allowed for extracurricular activities, and they helped her seize many opportunities.

She continued to be a good student and a good kid. Then one afternoon, everything clicked into place.

A few days before her 12th birthday, she says, she discovered a magazine article about a Black woman, a lawyer, who broke ground before Brown Jackson was even born, and it “would extend my horizons.” She realized that the memory of studying with her father “was only the beginning for me,” she says.

Little did she know then that she, too, would break ground someday … There is, of course, more to the story of author Ketanji Brown Jackson’s life, her career, and her history-making appointment to the Supreme Court, and “Lovely One” brings readers up to date. For a kid, that’s great but the bigger appeal may come from the way the story’s told here. In this version, adapted for young readers, time is taken to show that Justice Jackson was just an ordinary kid once.

Playing, attending classes she loved and ones she disliked, traveling, spending time with her grandparents, getting a new sibling, these are experiences Jackson shares with young readers, and they’re very engaging. Her narrative, though it uses adult-level language, is easy to grasp and quite relatable for her audience, and her excitement at some of her life’s highlights is delightfully charming. Jackson never talks down to kids who read this book, nor to the grown-ups who might find it less daunting than its similar adult version.

If a biography is on your 12-and-up student’s reading list, think of this book first. For you, and for a kid who needs inspiration, finding “Lovely One” is the thing to do. WI

horoscopes

LIFESTYLE

JAN. 29 - FEB. 4, 2026

ARIES Strategic collaboration Tuesday outperforms solo effort when competitive instincts moderate. Financial opportunity requires immediate decision despite incomplete information. Wednesday conversation needs directness over diplomatic evasion. Physical challenge delivers unexpected mental clarity. Professional visibility Friday demands authentic presentation over rehearsed performance. Lucky Numbers: 8, 29, 54

TAURUS Calculated risk Wednesday expands security beyond comfort limitations. Creative investment justifies resources despite practical resistance. Someone's erratic behavior reflects circumstances not relationship deterioration. Thursday unexpected income through forgotten channel provides relief. Sensory indulgence restores equilibrium after exhausting period. Lucky Numbers: 12, 36, 60

GEMINI Written clarity Wednesday prevents future confusion requiring weeks to untangle. Documentation trumps verbal agreement despite established trust. Energy consolidation through prioritization creates breakthrough after prolonged stagnation. Someone needs definitive response over exploratory dialogue. Learning opportunity through structured format deserves consideration. Lucky Numbers: 5, 33, 57

CANCER Emotional boundary Thursday strengthens connection despite vulnerability fears. Pattern recognition enables conscious choice over automatic reaction. Home modification produces disproportionate mood improvement beyond expectations. Criticism contains validity beneath defensive delivery triggering rejection. Past connection resurfaces requiring honest assessment about renewal versus nostalgia. Professional intuition proves accurate when logical analysis stalls. Lucky Numbers: 18, 41, 66

LEO Authentic expression attracts alignment better than strategic positioning. Creative momentum builds prioritizing satisfaction over market calculation. Recognition arrives unexpectedly after conventional path disappointment. Tuesday collaboration requires spotlight equity despite habitual preference. Generous action impacts when offered without reciprocal expectation. Romance deepens through playful vulnerability rather than demonstration. Lucky Numbers: 9, 39, 64

VIRGO Completion Wednesday trumps perfectionist standards preventing progress. Delegation produces superior results versus micromanaged control. Authority appreciates competence you consider basic expectation. Assessment requires accuracy over habitual harsh judgment. Health improves through sustainable modification not punishing overhaul. Lucky Numbers: 16, 42, 69

LIBRA Independent conviction Tuesday outweighs consensus validation habitually sought. Educational investment justifies cost through lasting value delivered. Belief examination reveals inherited assumption requiring verification. Outside perspective shifts settled understanding fundamentally. Travel planning energizes stagnant routine needing renewal. Lucky Numbers: 7, 34, 61

SCORPIO Financial transparency Wednesday prevents future resentment despite vulnerability discomfort. Resource discussion requires honest imbalance acknowledgment affecting dynamic. Unexpected openness transforms fixed dynamic considered permanent. Lucky Numbers: 2, 28, 52

SAGITTARIUS Partnership evaluation Thursday reveals modification requirement or natural conclusion. Clarity emerges through behavioral consistency over enthusiastic declaration. Balance improves when contributions receive equivalent acknowledgment. Romantic progression requires compromise preserving authenticity rather than identity sacrifice. Lucky Numbers: 20, 45, 71

CAPRICORN Efficiency through elimination outperforms dysfunctional optimization attempts. Health enhancement via sustainable adjustment over ambitious overhaul. Structure energizes when rigidity releases spontaneity into framework. Tuesday assistance yields better results than isolated effort. Services receive overdue recognition and appropriate compensation. Lucky Numbers: 11, 47, 73

AQUARIUS Implementation Wednesday outweighs continued theoretical development postponing action. Romantic potential through emotional participation over intellectual observation. Unconventional younger approach provides breakthrough after conventional plateau. Dismissed interest suddenly feels essential for maintaining balance. Gathering exceeds expectations when attended without preemptive skepticism. Venture justifies uncertainty through meaningful potential return. Lucky Numbers: 24, 48, 75

PISCES Domestic clarity Tuesday through direct discussion or practical intervention. Space modification creates restorative sanctuary replacing depleting environment. Housing decision benefits from intuitive awareness with practical patience. Dynamic shifts prioritizing functional health over comfortable dysfunction. Stability through boundary implementation compassionately yet detrimentally delayed. Relative demonstrates surprising understanding you hadn't anticipated receiving. Lucky Numbers: 25, 50, 74

Howard University Names HBCU Legend Ted White as New Head Football Coach

By Skylar Nelson WI Contributing Writer

Howard University, under the leadership of Interim President Wayne A.I. Frederick and Athletic Director Kery Davis, has named Ted White, a former standout quarterback at the institution, as its new head football coach, becoming the third historically Black college or university (HBCU) to turn a former star signal-caller into the leader of its program.

White replaces Larry Scott, who departed after six seasons to become the new tight ends coach at Auburn University.

“I would like to thank President Frederick, the board of Trustees, athletic director Kery Davis, and the entire Howard University leadership for believing in me, trusting me, and giving me the opportunity to serve at this great institution,” said White.

As a Bison star from 1995-98, White follows Florida A&M’s Quinn

Gray and Winston-Salem’s Tory Woodbury, both former star HBCU quarterbacks recently hired as head coaches. As a result quarterback, White was known for his smooth passes as he remains the Mid-Eastern

On Deck Batting Cages Opens in Hyattsville, Focusing on Baseball, Community, and Mental Wellness

On Deck Batting Cages has officially opened its indoor baseball and softball training facility in Prince George’s County, providing athletes of all ages with a safe, supportive space to train, grow, and reset mentally.

More than just a place to hit baseballs, On Deck emphasizes the connection between mental health and athletic performance. Baseball is a game of repetition, failure, focus, and resilience— skills that directly impact confidence, emotional regulation, and stress management both on and off the field.

“We believe baseball can be a powerful outlet for mental wellness,” said owner Andre Hockaday. “The cage becomes a place where kids and adults can release stress, build confidence, and learn how to handle adversity in a healthy way.”

On Deck Batting Cages offers cage rentals, team training, camps, and community programming designed to support both physical development and mental focus. The facility proudly serves Prince George’s County and the greater DMV area.

Email: info@ondeckpg.com

Learn more at www.ondeckpg.com | IG: @On_Deck_PG

Athletic Conference’s (MEAC) career leader in passing yards (9,808) and touchdowns (92).

“When we interviewed Ted White, Dr. Frederick asked him why he wanted to be the coach at Howard University,” said Davis. “He said that his years at Howard shaped who he became as a man. The lessons he learned, the cultural environment, the social environment, they all were a part of his journey to where he is today. And he would love to be a part of that journey for the young men who come through this football program, who can look back and say, ‘Howard led to me being where I am today in life.’ When he said that, that was the most important.”

The Baton Rouge, Louisiana native led the Bison to a 24-8 record as a starter, highlighted by a 1996 Heritage Bowl victory and Black College National Championship. In that season, White was named MEAC Offensive Player of the Year after throwing 36 touchdowns. In 1998, he set a conference single-game record with 561 passing yards and eight touchdowns against Florida A&M.

White’s career extended into the NFL, NFL Europe, and the Canadian Football League. He was also inducted into the MEAC Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Howard Hall of Fame in 2014.

“Ted is like a son to me and to see him grow up and in this position now, it’s not about the coach that left as much as it’s about the coach who they just installed as the head coach,”

said NFL veteran and Washington Commanders Senior Advisor Doug Williams. “And I think that’s important because Ted has so much passion, he has so much love for Howard, and you need that type of guy who understands the culture of tthe University that he’s coaching at – and that’s who Ted is. He’s going to give you everything he's got. So it’s a great day for me – to be here, to see him implemented as head coach of the Bison.” In his new role, White is bringing a deep coaching resume, which includes stints at Howard, Prairie View A&M, University of California Los Angeles, University of Maryland, the Houston Texans, and the DC Defenders.

“What we desire most for our student athletes, winning on the field is important, but so, too, is winning the game of life,” said Davis. “Coach White has a proven record of accomplishment and player development, particularly at the quarterback position, helping student athletes grow as competitors, leaders, and professionals.”

Now, one of the greatest football players in Howard’s history starts 2026 returning to his alma mater, and is aiming to build on the university’s recent successes, including its 2023 MEAC Championship and Celebration Bowl appearance.

“This is not a rebuild, this is a reawakening,” said White. “We’re turning up the pride at Greene Stadium, we’re restoring the belief, and we’re raising expectations.” WI

CAPTURE

the moment

A major winter storm hit the Washington, D.C. region on Sunday, Jan. 25, delivering a combination of heavy snow and historic levels of sleet. With D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser declaring the District in a state of emergency, some residents stayed home to avoid the frigid, icy conditions, while others took the opportunity to explore the nation’s capital and sled on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

RELIGION

from Page 1

and church leaders, such as Gov. Wes Moore (D-Md.), gospel great Kirk Franklin, actor Phylicia Rashad, and the Rev. Beecher Hicks, senior servant emeritus at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Largo, Maryland, all remembering Smallwood as a humble genius with a mission of serving God’s people through music.

“This is a man who was one of God's amazing vessels.

He was one of God's amazing instruments. A person who used his gift to remind each and every one of us of God's love,” said Moore, who sang a snippet of Smallwood’s 1987 tune “Center of My Joy,” during his address. “He was the one who offered the soundtrack when we were having those moments... of praise and those moments of sorrow… He knew what words to give you.

He knew the inspiration he was gonna lift you with.”

Throughout the service, which was

officiated by Pastor George Lewis Parks of Metropolitan in Largo, Maryland, several people honored various aspects of Smallwoods’ life and career.

Born on November 30, 1948 in Atlanta, Georgia, many of the speakers discussed Smallwood’s childhood– from growing up in D.C., to attending Howard University, and his ministry at both Union Temple Baptist Church in Southeast, D.C., where his stepfather was a founding pastor, and Metropolitan.

“At Metropolitan, Reverend Smallwood did more than compose music. He shaped a ministry. He cultivated a sound that demanded discipline and devotion, intellect, and inspiration. He believed that the choir loft was holy ground, and that preparation itself was an act of reverence. Through him, we learned that excellence is not elitism,” Hicks said in a recorded video. “We give thanks for a servant whose scholarship served the sanctuary. We give thanks for a composer whose music carries theology.”

A Musical Change Maker

The mourning congregation was moved to their feet, waving their hands and shouting in the aisles, as the composer’s group Vision, the Celebration Choir— consisting of voices from Metropolitan, Union Temple and Howard Gospel Choir— and others chronicled the musician’s career with renditions of his beloved songs.

Rashad, who attended college with Smallwood, recalled a time when the then aspiring artist premiered the Howard Gospel Choir, which he founded in 1968, during a Sunday service.

“Hands were raised. Thex ladies were up on their feet, running up and down the aisles. We’d never seen anything like this.

He had brought us together. He had brought the university, community, and the greater community of Washington, D.C., together, in praise. And that choir was tight, those harmonies were tight. They were breathing in rhythm together,” Rashad said. “That's a word that really we can attribute to him: together.”

The Tony-winning performer remembered Smallwood, who she called “Sir Richard,” as both humble and magnificent.

“[Smallwood was] so easy, so natural, so calm, so everyday, so accessible, and yet so grand,” she said. “He took everything that he knew, and he knew a lot, and he rehearsed that choir. That discipline, it was undeniable.”

She also noted that Smallwood, a lover and master of classical music, helped Howard venture out from studying long-established, traditional music, and explore more modern sounds, and highlighted

her friend’s contributions overall.

“Sir Richard's life and his life's work are affirmation, of the power of remembrance, worship, and praise,” Rashad reflected.

Two Psalmists, One God

Several faith leaders attested to Smallwood’s dedication to ministry through music during the Saturday service at First Baptist Church of Glenarden, where Bishop John K. Jenkins is pastor.

“Rev. Richard Smallwood understood that the song is not born of convenience,” Hicks said, “it is born of conviction.”

Pastor Maurice Watkins of Second Baptist Church delivered the eulogy, entitling it: “Two Psalmists, One God.”

While he referenced several of Smallwood’s songs in his message, he spoke on the artist pulling from Psalm 121 for his famous song “Total Praise,” recorded with his group Vision on the 1996 album “Adoration: Live in Atlanta.” He noted that the Psalm was written to empower people through long travels and highlighted that the celebrated song, and musician’s work in general, has uplifted many through good and hard times during his more than four-decade recording career.

“I listened to an interview that Richard did with Roland Martin.

Allow me to paraphrase what Richard said to Roland about his music. He said that he wanted to write music that will be sung long after he's gone. He wanted to write songs that will last through the ages, like ‘Precious Lord and ‘Amazing Grace,’” Watkins said.

”Well I believe that we can all agree

that Richard certainly has achieved that lofty gold. One hundred years from now, people will still be singing his songs.”

The Second Baptist Church pastor ended his eulogy honoring the incredible composer and psalmist, pulling lyrics from songs such as “Total Praise” and “I Love the Lord,” written by Smallwood and sung by Whitney Houston in the 1996 film “The Preacher’s Wife.”

“One hundred years from now, they'll still be saying, ‘I love the Lord. He heard my cry, and pitied every groan.

Long as I live and trouble rise, I'll hasten to his throne.’ One hundred years from now, they'll still be singing, ‘Jesus, you're the center of my joy. All that's good and perfect comes from you. You are the source of my contentment.

Hope for all I do. Jesus, you're the center of my joy,’” Watkins said.

“Trust me. They'll still be singing, ‘Total Praise.’”

Joyce Garrett, retired director of music at Alfred Street Baptist Church, said that Smallwood’s sound “represented excellence.”

“His music was nothing that you could hear one time and then sing it,” Garrett told The Informer after the service, which started at about noon and ended just before 3 p.m. “I got to the church before 9:30 am and from the time the doors opened until a few minutes before the prelude began there were two hours of his musical excellence. He really was the master of the fusion of classical, sacred and Gospel music.”

Hamil Harris contributed to this story.

WI

In this new year, there are two goals that are at the top of my list: health and wealth! It is important to me, being the daughter of a sharecropper, having picked cotton and put in tobacco, picked corn, you name it, and my family did this type of work, just trying to make ends meet, working like we were still enslaved.

We did not learn what we needed to learn about how to have good health, thus the reason I have written my series on Type 2 diabetes. If I can help somebody along the way, then my living shall not be in vain. My family did not understand health, which is why Type 2 diabetes devastated my sweet mother. She lost both legs, had a lot of strokes, she was on kidney dialysis, had high blood pressure, and the rest. Health was a topic we did not understand; in fact, we didn't even have health insurance back in the 1950s and '60s. You will be hearing more about health and wealth in this column.

This week, I'm going with financial security. It is not a matter of luck; it is a matter of stewardship and planning. This is an explanation of how important it is for each of us to understand that wealth is a tool that must be managed correctly through 12 essential pillars of richness, which have been shared with you many times in this column. Today, I am not sharing the 12 principles; however, this column emphasizes that whatever amount of finances or whatever it is you are going after — whether that is to write a book, make a movie, become a leader in your community, whatever it is you want to do — you must believe it will work for you, and know it is yours, provided you align your actions with your beliefs.

This expanded reflection incorporates the teachings I have been writing over the years, emphasizing the inter-

WITH LYNDIA GRANT

The Spiritual Laws of Financial Security the religion corner

section of faith, discipline, and practical wisdom. It frames these principles not just as advice, but as a spiritual architecture for a life of purpose.

The Architecture of a Disciplined Soul requires more than just good intentions; it requires a structural commitment to the way we handle our minds, our time, and our resources. It is about moving from a life of passive existence to one of active, disciplined creation.

The Power of Routine and Discipline: Before diving into the specific principles, we must address the foundation:

Discipline: True discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment. It is the choice to stick to a routine rather than succumbing to the urge to "shut down" at the end of a long day. When you come home and choose to engage with your growth — whether through study, prayer, or planning — rather than retreating into exhaustion, you are asserting mastery over your destiny. Discipline is the evidence of your commitment to the future God has promised you.

The Sweetness of Wisdom and Understanding: "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." — Proverbs 4:7

Wisdom is more than just "knowing things." It is the divine ability to discern the hearts of others and the true nature of circumstances. Principle 11 teaches us that wisdom is the ultimate tool for

navigating human relationships and personal growth.

• Wisdom as a Source of Hope: According to Proverbs 24:14, wisdom is "sweet to your soul." It provides a sense of peace that transcends current struggles because it offers a "future hope." When you operate from a place of wisdom, you aren't easily rattled by temporary setbacks. You know that your hope "will not be cut off" because it is rooted in eternal truths rather than fleeting emotions.

• The Depth of Understanding: It isn't enough to simply have facts; you must seek understanding. This means developing empathy and insight into why people act the way they do. With wisdom, you can navigate conflicts with grace, lead others with compassion, and make decisions that stand the test of time.

The Insight: Wisdom is your internal compass. Without it, you are drifting. With it, every step you take is firm and directed toward your divine purpose.

The Markers of a Rich Life

To feel truly rich, one must organize their life so that anxiety over "lack" is replaced by the confidence of "plenty." This is achieved through:

• Impeccable Organization: Keeping bills paid and credit ratings strong isn't just about math; it's about integrity and peace of mind. WI

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RELIGION

D.C. 20002 (202) 547-8849

Service

Sunday Worship Times : 7:30 AM

9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday, 12

Bible Study in homes: Tuesday 7:00 PM Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com

Service and Times In Person Worship:  Sunday @ 9:30 A.M. Streaming: Sunday @ 9:30 A.M.  www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org Prayer & Study:  Wednesday @

Church with a past to remember

and a future to mold” www.mtzbcdc.org

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

Service and Times Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org

Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant

401 Van Buren St., NW, Washington D.C. 20012 Office (202)-882-8331

Service and Times Sunday Worship 10:30 am Zoom: zoom.us/;/2028828331

Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00pm Communion Every First Sunday "Serve, teach and Live by precept and example the saving grace of Jesus Christ."

Froffice@firstrising.org Website: www.firstrising.org “Changing Lives On Purpose “ The Rev. E. Bernard

All are welcome to St. Mary’s to Learn, Worship, and Grow.

Website: Theplbc.org Email: churchclerk@theplbc.org

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 001173

Ernestina Wiseman Decedent

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

Rachelle Wiseman, whose address is 149 58th Street SE, Washington DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ernestina Wiseman who died on September 28, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision.

All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/15/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 7/15/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 1/15/2026

Rachelle Wiseman

149 58th St. SE Washington DC 20019

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2025 ADM 001308

Yvonne Elaine Williams Decedent

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

Shantelle A. Smith, whose address is 4215 Wheeler Rd. SE, Washington DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Yvonne Elaine Williams who died on 1/27/2025 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/22/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 7/22/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 1/22/2026

Shantelle A. Smith Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2026 FEP 000005

1/31/2023

Date of Death

Anita Tyler Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Brian Spern whose address is 3701 Old Court Road, Suite 24, Baltimore MD 21208 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Anita Tyler, deceased, by the Orphans Court for Prince Georges County, State of Maryland, on 9/10/2025. Service of process may be made upon Jamil Zouaoui - 2911 Arizona Ave., NW Washington, DC 20016 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real estate: 1221 50th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20019. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication: January 22, 2026

Brian Spern

Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2025 ADM 001386

Annie Rae Gales Bell Decedent

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

Tamara Scurlock Briggs, whose address is 1305 Holy Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Annie Rae Gales Bell who died on 4/21/2020 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/29/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 7/29/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 1/29/2026

Tamara Scurlock Briggs Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 001342

Edith Creech

Decedent

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

Alvin Creech and Diann Hayes, whose addresses are 12811 Steam Mill Farms Dr., Brandywine MD 20613 & Diann Hayes 10 Light St., #722, Baltimore MD 21202, were appointed

Personal Representatives of the estate of Edith Creech who died on 1/4/2012 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/22/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 7/22/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 1/22/2026

Alvin Creech Diann Hayes

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 001344

2021 WIL 001344

Dorothy M. Wilson aka Dorothy May Wilson Decedent

Itta Englander, Esq. 64 New York Ave., NE Suite 180 Washington, DC 20002 Attorney

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

Sadie Edwards-Brown, whose address is 3701 13th St., WDC 20010 & 3709 13th St., NW WDC 20010, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dorothy M. Wilson & Dorothy May Wilson who died on 12/20/2020 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/29/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 7/29/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 1/29/2026

Sadie Edwards-Brown Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2025 ADM 001312

Grace P. Henry aka Grace Pearl Andrews Henry Decedent

Sharon Legall 1325 G Street NW, Suite 500 Washington, DC 20005 Attorney

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

Derek D. Rucker, whose address is 14401 Traville Garden Circle, Apt. 212, Rockville MD 20850, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Grace P. Henry aka Grace Pearl Andrews Henry who died on 3/23/2012 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/22/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 7/22/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 1/22/2026

Derek D. Rucker Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2025 ADM 001349

Flonorial Merritt Jr. Decedent

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

Flonisha R. Merritt, whose address is 301 G Street SW #115 Washington, DC 20024, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Flonorial Merritt Jr. who died on 8/14/2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/29/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 7/29/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 1/29/2026

Flonisha R. Merritt Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2025 ADM 001318

James A. Barmore Decedent

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

Nina R. Williams-Brooks, whose address is 4912 Just Street, NE Washington DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James A. Barmore who died on July 13, 2020 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/22/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 7/22/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 1/22/2026

Nina R. Williams-Brooks Personal Representative TRUE

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2025 ADM 001451

George Edward Thomas Sr. aka George Edward Thomas Decedent

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

George Edward Thomas Jr., whose address is 9338 Clifford Dr., White Plains, MD 20695, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of George Edward Thomas Sr. aka George Edward Thomas who died on November 16, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/29/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 7/29/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 1/29/2026

George Edward Thomas Jr. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 001445

Gilbert Mack, Sr. Decedent

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

Gilbert Mack, Jr., whose address is 9010 Phita Lane, Manassas Park, VA 20111, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gilbert Mack, Sr. who died on 9/27/2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/29/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 7/29/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

1/29/2026

Gilbert Mack, Jr. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2025 ADM 001401

Ricardo Gorrio aka Felix Ricardo Gorrio Larrabure Decedent

Lindsey M. Avedisian 5425 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 600 Chevy Chase, MD 20815 Attorney

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

Oliver Sebastian Rocha, whose address is 182 Clinton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ricardo Gorrio aka Felix Ricardo Gorrio Larrabure who died on 9/13/2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/29/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 7/29/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 1/29/2026

Oliver Sebastian Rocha Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 001353

Jerry Mack Spence, Sr. Decedent

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

LaChelle’ Shania Spence, whose address is 5122 Clacton Ave., Suitland, MD 20746, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jerry Mack Spence, Sr. who died on December 13, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision.

All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/29/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 7/29/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 1/29/2026

LaChelle’ Shania Spence

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2026 ADM 000016

Maurice D. Philson

Decedent

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

Monique Adams, whose address is 8494 Cardinal Lane, White Plains, MD 20695, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Maurice D. Philson who died on 1/10/2025 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/29/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 7/29/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 1/29/2026

Monique Adams Personal Representative

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2026 FEP 000009

July 14, 2024

Date of Death

Rodney Leslie Washington Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Barry James Washington, whose address is 2900 Hatboro Place, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Rodney Leslie Washington, deceased, by the Orphans Court for Montgomery County, State of Maryland, on October 28, 2024.

Service of process may be made upon Bradley A. Thomas, 1629 K Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C.

The decedent owned District of Columbia personal property. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication: 1/29/2026

Barry James Washington Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 001048

Tornora Michelle Carroll Decedent

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

Beverly Henderson, whose address is 1629 K Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Tornora Michelle Carroll who died on July 5, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before July 29, 2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before July 29, 2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: January 29, 2026

Beverly Henderson Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2025 ADM 001370

Rhonda Foxworth Decedent

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

Felicia Foxworth Dixon, whose address is 7202 Ballantrae Court, Clinton MD 20735, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rhonda Foxworth who died on April 9, 2022 without a Will and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/29/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 7/29/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 1/29/2026

Felicia Foxworth Dixon Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000246

Willie G. Wooten Sr. aka Willie Gold Wooten Sr. Decedent

Tabitha R. Brown, Esquire Law Offices of Tabitha R. Brown 1200 G Street SE, Suite A Washington, DC 20003 Attorney

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

Christopher Wooten, whose address is 7919 Orchard Park Way, Bowie, MD 20715, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Willie G. Wooten Sr. aka Willie Gold Wooten Sr. who died on 12/31/2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 7/29/2026. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 7/29/2026, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 1/29/2026

Christopher Wooten Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

AILEY from Page 28

“I came up with a piece. An evening-long saga to the Black experience. I would call it ‘Revelations,’” Ailey once said, according to a 2022 episode of PBS “American Masters.” “My blood memories. The memories of my parents, uncles and aunts. Blues and gospel songs that I knew from Texas.”

The diverse Ailey artists bring their personal “blood memories” to the choreography, Figgins explained, all the while staying true to the company founder’s mission.

“His goal was for the company was to really hold up a mirror to the audience and be a reflection of what we see in our everyday lives and put that on the stage,” said Figgins, a graduate of Duke Ellington School of the Arts, where the company will conduct a workshop during their time in D.C.

“You will see yourself on stage, and you’ll experience. You'll see the grief, you'll see your struggles, but there's also so much joy and love and expansion that can be found, and a release.”

For Figgins, this year’s performance offers the audience a challenge.

“I think it's a call to action as well as for whatever motivation you may need in your own life,” the dancer told The Informer, emphasizing that she hopes people are inspired to move their bodies as a source of healing. “It's the movement that is necessary in our lives, and we're not saying you have to pick up your leg, but I think that movement helps so much with processing, and so, I think seeing the dancers allows you to bring some of that into your life.” WI

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CHAVIS from Page 24

ant that we lean in and double down on the industries that are producing for our city." She is doing so through promoting the D.C. entertainment industry's achievements through the highly publicized 202Creates Months and supporting D.C. creators' work through the D.C. Film, Television, and Entertainment Rebate Fund. And yes, protecting the D.C. arts means confronting the forces that exploit them.

This is a national issue as well as a D.C. issue.

President Trump is one example of such forces, but another big one that Mayor Bowser's administration is addressing is Ticketmaster.

"Over the years, Live Nation (Ticketmaster's parent company) has grown to dominate nearly every corner of the live entertainment ecosystem, developing a stranglehold on the industry that has eliminated any meaningful competition," said Mayor Bowser's attorney general, Brian Schwalb. "Almost every sizable concert venue in the District is locked into a Ticketmaster deal, re-

LEON from Page 24

the sole and, indeed, the first truly global power…it is imperative that no Eurasian challenger emerges, capable of dominating Eurasia and thus also of challenging America." This remains the dominant and controlling focus of American foreign policy to this day.

In today's context, the focus is on preventing China and/or Russia from challenging the U.S. as the sole unipolar hegemon. The problem

from Page 24

ships to take root and grow, bringing care and resources directly into neighborhoods that have historically been underserved or overlooked.

This support has also strengthened the ability of managed care organizations to connect residents to the services they depend on. Preventive screenings, chronic disease management, behavioral health care, maternal and infant health programs, nutrition initiatives, and community-based outreach all work together to reduce gaps in care, promote early intervention, and provide stability for families who might otherwise fall through the cracks.

A strong example of this progress is the value-based care partnership between Wellpoint DC and the DC Primary Care Association. This collab-

sulting in District concertgoers paying Ticketmaster's exorbitant fees to enjoy shows."

That is why Attorney General Schwalb is suing Ticketmaster's parent company for monopolistic activity — to get prices to The District's cultural events back under control. It is also why Mayor Bowser's administration is opposing the price controls the company proposed under the guise of "lowering ticket prices" — because the real effect would be to increase Ticketmaster's power in The District.

Industry experts have warned that the price cap proposal would help Ticketmaster and hurt consumers because the only company that is wealthy enough to continue doing business if price caps get enacted is Ticketmaster itself. In other words, price caps may unintentionally make Ticketmaster — the company that the District is currently suing for allegedly abusing its residents — the only ticket seller in town. That would inevitably mean higher fees, worse terms for D.C. venues, and fewer opportunities for smaller, independent artists — many of them Black-owned

confronting those Brzezinski acolytes and the reality that they refuse to accept is that change is occurring and can't be stopped. The time is passing from the unipolar to a multipolar dynamic. They are trying to defy the realities of history. All empires run their course, usually due to advancements in technology that they fail to adapt to and military overreach. This is at the crux of Trump's insane obsession with and threats to invade or annex Greenland.

Trump's visions of grandeur in the

oration supports a network of trusted, community-based clinics that serve as the backbone of care for many Medicaid members across the city, including Bread for the City, Mary’s Center, Unity Health Care, Whitman-Walker Health, Community of Hope, Family Medical Counseling Services, and La Clínica del Pueblo.

This partnership embraces a value-based care model — one that rewards preventive care, early intervention, and measurable improvements in health outcomes rather than the volume of services delivered. This approach encourages earlier, more coordinated care and helps reduce avoidable emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

Value-based care works best when people feel supported in staying connected to their health care. That means having a trusted primary care pro-

or community-based — who would be left with less flexibility and less revenue.

So, it shouldn't be surprising that Muriel Bowser's administration took the time to testify against this policy idea just months ago. It wants to ensure AG Schwalb can lower ticketing prices through the court system, and this price cap proposal would undercut that effort. And that is the strength of Mayor Bowser's leadership. She is not afraid to speak truth to power — whether that power belongs to Donald Trump or to some of the largest corporations in the world. She governs with D.C. residents in mind, not deference to outside influence. Culture cannot thrive under chaos and cannot survive when controlled by monopolies. Once it is driven out of a city, it is far harder to bring back.

Protecting the arts in D.C. ultimately means protecting the people who create them — not the politicians who meddle in them, and not the corporations that exploit them. Thankfully, Mayor Bowser recognizes exactly that. And she will keep fighting for us through and through.

Western Hemisphere have him unilaterally proclaiming that the Gulf of Mexico is now to be called the Gulf of America, annexing Greenland (the self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark) and threatening to make the sovereign nation of Canada the 51st state of the United States. When viewing a map, one must ask, is trying to squeeze Canada Trump's real objective in acquiring Greenland? WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

vider, keeping routine appointments, completing follow-up visits, and using Medicaid’s preventive services. When residents are engaged and supported, this model becomes a powerful tool for healthier individuals, stronger families, and more resilient communities. For the District to continue making progress, Medicaid must remain strong, stable, and consistent. Stability allows residents to maintain relationships with their providers, continue preventive care, and access the services they depend on without disruption. Medicaid is working in the District of Columbia. It has become a dependable source of support for families across the city and a foundation for healthier neighborhoods. Protecting and strengthening it is essential to ensuring a healthier future for everyone who calls Washington, D.C., home. WI

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MATTAVOUS-FRYE

from Page 25

goals. Too often, energy decisions are made first, and affordability is assessed later. Major infrastructure projects, cost-recovery mechanisms, and rate increases move forward without first answering a fundamental question: What does this mean for the household budget of a typical resident?

We cannot make decisions in a vacuum and then attempt to retrofit affordability after harm has occurred. Once rates move beyond reach, it is extraordinarily difficult to restore financial stability for struggling households. Policymakers must begin with an affordability analysis. Without it, consumers are steered into financial storms they did not create and cannot weather.

Second, you cannot manage what you do not measure. Decisionmakers

MORRISETTE from Page 25

court turned in several directions — the monetary policy point of federal reserve independence was front and center. Justice Sotomayor noted that in the Federal Reserve’s 112-year history a Federal Reserve Officer has never been removed and “the unprecedented nature of this case is a part of what the president did, not what

neer continued to emerge — through the fake "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act," which would have given more federal dollars to police (and was blocked by Republicans anyway).

In her 2022 bid for Los Angeles mayor, the betrayals poured in fast and furious as she pledged to increase LAPD funding, presumably in an effort to stave off attacks from the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) and the right wing. Her non-endorsement in the reelection of progressive prosecutor George Gascon was loud and undoubtedly played a role in his loss. Most personally hurtful was when campus police descended on me as I waited for a mayoral debate to begin at Cal State LA, where I have taught for more than 20 years, and Karen — my longtime friend — watched me be brutally removed from the near-empty theater, ignoring my cries for her to help. Later, she'd say she didn't know that was me — as if it should serve as consolation that she would have allowed such heinous treatment of some other Black woman.

We were hopeful that these harms were tactical tradeoffs. Sentinel publisher and civil rights veteran Dan-

need standardized affordability indices — clear, transparent tools that show when utility costs cross the threshold of what families can reasonably bear. When affordability is measured, problems become visible, actionable, and preventable. Third, affordability programs must deliver absolute, measurable protection. Across the country, states have created assistance programs with good intentions but mixed results. These programs must be judged not by their aspirations, but by outcomes. Are they helping families stay connected and out of crisis? If yes, expand them. If no, redesign them. Families should not fall through cracks we have the power to close.

The Call to Action

Legislators and regulators are in the driver's seat of a rapidly transforming energy system. Decisions made in the next

Ms. Cook did.” Justice Kavanaugh explored the slippery slope: if this precedent stands, what prevents the next president from removing all Fed officials appointed by predecessors, effectively turning Fed governors into at-will employees by 2033? He warned, “What goes around comes around.” The spiral of questions that followed from Kavanaugh to the administration’s solicitor general left an

ny Bakewell Sr. hosted as the newly elected Mayor Bass met with BLMLA and our "justice families" almost immediately after taking office. The mayor made good on her promise to hear our People's Budget presentation, in which more than 60,000 Angelenos continue to say they want to shift resources away from police, prosecutions and parking enforcement and invest in community resources.

She continued to attend the annual presentations. We complied when she suggested that we change our timeline to better align with her budgeting process. Not a single one of our recommendations was incorporated into the mayor's budget proposal in any of the three years that we presented. She appointed Jim McDonnell as chief over our petitions, gave raises to cops during times of budget crisis and appointed and reappointed two avowed Zionists to the Los Angeles Police Commission. The mayor kowtowed to the LAPPL and the system of policing so much so that they went from spending $3.4 million to oppose her in 2022 to endorsing her early this go round.

We remained conciliatory. There was never a BLM-led protest at the mayor's mansion, a daily occurrence

10 years will shape utility affordability for generations. A passive observation of the problem is not sufficient. This is a moment for principled leadership. Affordability must be made a primary priority and must be measured with tools that reflect reality. Likewise, programs designed to protect consumers must be strengthened and modernized.

If we hold to these principles, we can build a future where innovation and equity advance together — where the grid evolves, but residents are not left behind; where technology progresses, but dignity is preserved; where the lights stay on and the bills remain within reach.

The future is what we make it. Let us build it with data as our foundation, fairness as our compass, and an unwavering commitment to the people who depend on us to protect their fundamental right to affordable energy. WI

impression of a justice unsatisfied in what he was hearing and a likely favorable Ruling for Dr. Cook.

However, there was something glaringly absent in the courtroom but ever present — the economic impact of the Court’s decision. For that point, there was a different hearing held just a week prior. WI

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during the latter years of the Garcetti administration. Never have we directly targeted her — only loving "callins."

Sadly, it seems that Mayor Bass has resigned herself to the position of so many former progressives, that maintaining their own position is the priority. Here's the truth — we don't need her, or any of them, in the position if they are going to do the bidding of the police that continue to kill and harm communities in record numbers. In fact, it's worse in some ways when the oppression and abuse of our community comes with a smiling face.

To be clear, I am staunchly opposed to a Caruso or even a Beutner mayoralty. I am appreciative that Bass gives rhetorical support to those who are most targeted by ICE. However, there is a reason that a small group of young Black Angelenos went to her house in recent weeks. She called them a threat when they said they might not vote for her if she doesn't support calls for meaningful public safety reform. I call them courageous. This is a call for Mayor Bass to match that courage and return to the progressive values that she once advanced. For voters, we must also be courageous. WI