D.C

Jury Weighs Evidence in D.C. Mass Shooting Case: Closing Arguments Reveal Complex Web of Allegations and Relationships

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A jury in Washington, D.C., is deliberating in the case of four men charged in a mass shooting that left three people dead. The court heard closing arguments on June 26 from the prosecution and the defense, painting contrasting pictures of the events surrounding the September 4, 2021, incident on Longfellow Street NW. The defendants—Erwin Dubose, 31; Kamar Queen, 28; Damonta Thompson, 28; and William Johnson-Lee, 22—face charges that include conspiracy and premeditated first-degree murder while armed. Prosecutors allege the shooting claimed the lives of Donnetta Dyson, 31; Keenan Braxton, 24; and Johnny Joyner, 37, … Read more

Attorney General Takes Action Against D.C. Nonprofit for Misappropriating Grant Funds

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Washington, D.C. – The District of Columbia’s Attorney General, Brian Schwalb, has taken legal action against a local nonprofit and its former CEO, accusing them of misappropriating grant funds intended for violence reduction initiatives. The lawsuit seeks to recover significant amounts of money that the city claims were improperly handled. The nonprofit organization, Women in H.E.E.L.S., received financial support during the fiscal years 2022 and 2023 to implement programs aimed at reducing violence in the Congress Heights neighborhood, specifically to assist women and girls. The grants were part of the Cure the Streets initiative, a … Read more

House Takes Action to Repeal D.C. Measures on Noncitizen Voting and Police Oversight

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WASHINGTON — The House of Representatives approved legislation on Thursday aimed at overturning recent measures by the District of Columbia that allow noncitizens to vote and implement changes in police discipline. This decision reflects ongoing tensions between local governance in D.C. and federal oversight. The House voted 229-189 in favor of the repeal. This action draws attention to political divisions, as the Republican majority has consistently aimed to limit the autonomy of D.C. government decisions. Both issues — noncitizen voting and police reforms — have sparked debate about the balance between local and federal authority. … Read more

Blind Pedestrians Take Legal Action Against D.C. for Unsafe Crosswalk Conditions

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Washington, D.C. – A group of blind pedestrians has filed a lawsuit against the District of Columbia, alleging that the city has failed to provide safe crossing conditions at various intersections. The suit aims to address what the plaintiffs describe as a persistent lack of accessible pedestrian infrastructure, specifically in crosswalks designed for visually impaired individuals. The suit claims that many crosswalks lack appropriate audio signals and tactile paving that help guide blind pedestrians across streets safely. According to the plaintiffs, these deficiencies not only pose significant risks to their safety but also discriminate against … Read more