WASHINGTON — The first day of Kwanzaa was observed in Southeast Washington with a gathering that brought together multiple generations to reflect on culture, history, and community. Nearly 150 people filled two rooms of the Anacostia Community Museum as families assembled to mark the start of the weeklong celebration, which runs from December 26 through January 1. The event centered on storytelling led by Mama Ayo, a longtime cultural educator who has spent decades teaching the pr

Workers on Friday added President Donald Trump’s name to the exterior of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, marking the latest visible step following a recent decision by the institution’s board to adopt a new name. The change comes one day after the board voted to rename the landmark venue as the “Trump-Kennedy Center,” a move that has quickly drawn attention in Washington and beyond due to the center’s national prominence and its statutory ties to Congress. The r

President Donald Trump has introduced a strikingly unconventional transformation to the White House’s historical displays, turning a traditional walkway honoring former presidents into a sharply worded political statement. Along the West Colonnade near the Rose Garden, newly installed plaques beneath presidential portraits present blunt assessments of Trump’s predecessors while offering an expansive portrayal of his own record in office. The changes have drawn immediate attention from vis

WASHINGTON — A symbolic farewell is being planned in the nation’s capital this weekend as residents gather to mark the end of US penny production, following the federal government’s decision to stop minting the one-cent coin. The event, scheduled for Saturday at the Lincoln Memorial, reflects a mix of civic ritual, historical reflection, and public response to a monetary change that closes a chapter stretching back more than two centuries. Organizers describe the gathering as

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has told a federal court that construction of a new White House ballroom must proceed, arguing that national security concerns and presidential authority outweigh objections raised by a historic preservation organization seeking to halt the project. The position was outlined in a detailed court filing submitted Monday in response to a lawsuit challenging the demolition of the East Wing and the planned expansion of the Executive Mansion. The la

WASHINGTON — As the holiday shopping season accelerates, consumer protection officials are warning residents to remain vigilant against increasingly sophisticated gift card scams. District Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a public consumer alert on Monday, cautioning shoppers about a growing form of retail fraud known as gift card draining, which has become more prevalent during peak gift-giving periods. According to Schwalb’s office, gift card draining differs from traditi

The District of Columbia is preparing to close the DC Streetcar after years of delays, significant investment, and ridership levels that never returned to pre-pandemic levels. City officials confirmed that the streetcar, which operates along H Street NE and Benning Road NE from Union Station to Oklahoma Avenue NE, will end service on March 31 due to budget pressures and consistently low demand. The announcement marks a major shift in Washington’s transit strategy, coming nearly a decade aft

United States President Donald Trump issued an unusually direct intervention in Honduras’s national politics on Friday, stating that Washington could withdraw financial support for the Central American nation if his preferred presidential candidate, Nasry “Tito” Asfura, does not win the upcoming election. The remarks were posted on his Truth Social platform just two days before Hondurans head to the polls on Sunday. Trump simultaneously revealed that he intends to grant a pardon to form

Two United States National Guard soldiers were critically injured on Wednesday in a targeted shooting just a short distance from the White House, in what authorities have described as one of the most serious security incidents near the presidential district in recent years. The attack occurred at the Farragut West metro station, a busy transit hub situated only two blocks from the presidential complex, heightening concerns about public safety and the vulnerability of high-profile locations in

President Donald Trump drew sharp criticism on Thursday after publishing a series of social media posts that appeared to endorse extreme punishment, including the death penalty, for six Democratic lawmakers who previously served in the military or intelligence community. His comments, shared on TruthSocial, immediately prompted condemnation from Virginia’s Democratic senators and renewed concerns about escalating political rhetoric in the United States. Trump’s posts were writte

Former president Joe Biden is scheduled to attend the memorial service for former vice president Dick Cheney on Thursday, joining a group of national leaders and longtime associates gathering in Washington to honor the influential political figure. The service, set to begin at 11 a.m. ET at Washington National Cathedral, will include tributes from several individuals who worked closely with Cheney throughout his decades of involvement in public life. Former president George W. Bush, under who

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has introduced full contactless payments on Metrobus, marking a significant expansion of the Tap. Ride. Go. system that first debuted on Metrorail earlier this year. Beginning Tuesday, riders across the region can use a contactless credit or debit card, as well as mobile wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, to pay fares directly at the bus card reader. The update is designed to reduce friction for daily commuters and casual riders, particul

Cristiano Ronaldo made an unexpected appearance at a White House state dinner hosted by United States President Donald Trump in honour of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The high-profile gathering, held in the East Room, brought together political leaders, top executives and international guests, adding a notable sporting figure to an already prominent list. The presence of the Portuguese football icon drew considerable attention, marking one of his rare visits to the Unite

A late-night fire at a residence associated with the Embassy of Laos in Northwest Washington prompted a large emergency response on Sunday, with officials confirming that the cause remains under investigation. The fire was reported around 9:30 p.m. on the 2200 block of S Street Northwest, an area known for its diplomatic presence and historic residential structures. When fire crews arrived, they observed significant smoke and visible flames coming from the second floor of a three-story residence

The United States House of Representatives has approved a spending bill intended to end the ongoing federal government shutdown, marking a decisive step toward restoring full government operations after weeks of disruption. The measure passed with a 222–209 vote following a contentious debate in Washington, where party leaders exchanged blame over the prolonged impasse. Six Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the legislation, giving the Republican-led chamber the margin it needed to

The U.S. House of Representatives is preparing to vote Wednesday evening on a bill that would officially bring an end to the longest government shutdown in American history. According to House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana, the process to move the legislation forward will begin late in the afternoon, with the final vote expected to take place around 7 p.m. Eastern Time. Speaking to reporters, Scalise emphasized the urgency of the decision, noting that lawmakers must act

The United States has announced a fresh wave of sanctions targeting individuals and entities accused of supporting Iran’s ballistic missile and drone development programs. The move underscores Washington’s ongoing effort to curtail Tehran’s military capabilities and disrupt its network of global suppliers. In a detailed statement released on Wednesday, the US Treasury Department confirmed that 32 individuals and companies operating across eight countries—including Iran, the

WASHINGTON — General aviation and private flights have been temporarily suspended from landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport through the end of the year, according to updated Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidance. The directive took effect at midnight on Monday and will remain in place until 6:59 p.m. on December 31. The restriction applies to all non-scheduled flights, including chartered, corporate, and privately operated aircraft, unless they receive spe

The White House has confirmed that United States President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi continue to engage in regular communication, with trade officials from both countries involved in what have been described as “very serious discussions.” The statement comes amid rising diplomatic and economic tensions between the two nations following Washington’s recent decision to impose a 50 percent tariff on select Indian imports, a move that has strained one of the world

Former United States Vice President Richard B. “Dick” Cheney, one of the most influential and controversial figures in modern American politics, has died at the age of 84. Cheney passed away from complications related to pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, his family confirmed. Widely regarded as one of the most powerful vice presidents in US history, Cheney’s political career shaped America’s foreign policy and national security doctrines in the early 21st century.