The suspect in the fatal shooting of a National Guard member in Washington, D.C., has been transferred to federal court where the death penalty can be considered. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, faces federal charges including first-degree murder while armed, with the case moving from D.C. Superior Court to ensure a thorough legal process for potential capital punishment. The attack resulted in the death of Army specialist Sarah Beckstrom and critically injured Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.
The article criticizes President Trump's deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., describing it as an unnecessary armed occupation and a spectacle of militarization, contrasting it with past instances of military involvement in civil unrest and highlighting the political implications of using military force domestically.
A DOJ employee, Sean Charles Dunn, was charged with assault after throwing a Subway sandwich at a Customs and Border Protection officer in Washington, D.C., and was subsequently fired by the Department of Justice.
Washington, DC is preparing for a large military parade featuring tanks and heavy artillery to celebrate the Army’s 250th anniversary, which has raised concerns over costs, infrastructure damage, and political implications, drawing comparisons to authoritarian regimes and past US military displays.
Dupont Circle Park in Washington D.C. will remain open during Pride weekend after federal officials reversed their decision and removed fencing, allowing public access just hours before the WorldPride parade, following criticism and confusion over its initial closure.
Washington, D.C. addressed its child care worker shortage by implementing a tax hike on high earners to fund the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund, significantly increasing wages for child care workers. This initiative has led to reduced turnover, improved care quality, and a 23% return on investment. However, challenges remain, such as the exclusion of administrators from wage increases and potential loss of public benefits for some workers. The program's future is uncertain due to budget concerns, despite its success.
As the election approaches, residents of Washington, D.C., are finding ways to manage their anxiety and stress, reflecting the heightened tension and anticipation surrounding the political climate.
Dense fog advisories were issued for the D.C. area as milky haze reduced visibility, caused by a change in weather pattern bringing warm, humid air over chilly ground, creating advection fog. The disappearance of snow has lowered overall fog coverage, but some still lingers. Photos captured the hauntingly beautiful scenes created by the fog.
A winter storm brought snow, sleet, and freezing rain to the Washington D.C. area, affecting Maryland and Virginia as well. Areas north and west of D.C. experienced steady snowfall, with varying accumulations expected across the region. Winter Storm Warnings were issued for several counties, with some downgraded to advisories as conditions changed. School closures were announced, and snow emergency plans were activated in certain counties. While the immediate forecast includes challenging conditions, there is a possibility of a more wintry pattern towards the end of January.
The Washington D.C. area is expected to experience a wintry mix on Saturday morning, transitioning to rain in the afternoon. Winter weather advisories are in place west of Interstate 95, with a winter storm warning for northwest Virginia and parts of Maryland. The morning may start with snow, sleet, and freezing rain, especially west of I-95, but will likely change to rain by midday. Areas south and east of downtown Washington are not expected to see accumulation, while the far north and west suburbs may see up to 2 inches of snow before it turns to rain. Winds will be gusty, and Sunday is forecasted to be partly to mostly sunny and breezy.
The Washington, D.C. metro area is preparing for its first significant snowfall of the season on Saturday, which could be the most substantial snow the area has seen in two years. The storm is expected to start as snow in the morning before transitioning to rain in the afternoon, with the best chances for significant snow accumulations to the north and west of the District. The American model predicts about 1 to 1.6 inches of slushy snow for D.C. before the changeover to rain, marking a notable event compared to the minimal snowfall of the previous season.
Ashlei Hinds, an 18-year-old Louisiana State University student, was fatally shot at a New Year's Eve party in a D.C. hotel during her holiday break. The incident marked the first homicide in Washington D.C. for the year, following a year with the highest annual homicide toll in 25 years. An 18-year-old suspect, Jelani Cousin, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder. The tragedy has reignited debates over public safety and accountability in the city, with local officials and the victim's family calling for more effective measures to combat gun violence and hold perpetrators accountable.
Washington D.C. faced its first murder of 2024 just hours into the new year, with an 18-year-old woman found dead in a hotel room. The incident has prompted D.C. leaders to push for public safety bills, aiming to address the rise in violence seen in 2023, the deadliest year since 1997. Councilmember Matt Frumin highlighted the urgency of the situation and the upcoming public safety committee hearing on January 16. However, the legislative process is expected to take time for thorough consideration and input. A public safety community forum is also scheduled for January 17 to discuss concerns and potential improvements.
A woman was fatally shot at a hotel in Friendship Heights, marking Washington D.C.'s first homicide of 2024. The incident occurred early on New Year's Day, and police are searching for a male suspect who was seen fleeing the scene. This follows a significant increase in homicides in the city during 2023, with a 35% rise from the previous year.
On New Year's Day, a woman was found shot dead in a hotel room in Northwest Washington, D.C. Police responded to the scene in the early hours of the morning and pronounced the woman dead at the scene. They are currently searching for a suspect described as a man around 5'6" in black clothing and a ski mask. The incident adds to a string of recent violence in the area, including a separate shooting and an armed robbery. Authorities are appealing to the public for any information.
