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Mayor Bowser released the District’s Health Systems Plan, a roadmap for how to leverage DC’s high-quality medical services and facilities in order to address chronic health inequities, including gaps in primary, specialty, and mental health care. The Mayor was joined at the release by Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services HyeSook Chung, Director of the Department of Health Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt, Robert Brandon, Chair of the Statewide Health Coordinating Council, community members, and leaders from the city’s health industry.

The District of Columbia Office of Human Rights (OHR) recently issued its Fiscal Year 2016 Annual Highlights, reporting a swell of over 2,000 inquires of discrimination, 664 cases docketed, 467 mediated settlements and 31 cases certified to the Commission on Human Rights, the largest case processing uptick in the agency’s history.

This week, the members of the District of Columbia City Council reconvened for their first, post-recess meeting of the Committee of the Whole. During the session, which began promptly at 11 a.m., Councilmember Bonds introduced four pieces of legislation: the Rental Unit Fee Adjustment Amendment Act, which raises the annual Rental Unit Fee from to $25 to $30 in order to help fund the exemption of low-income, elderly, and tenants with disabilities from rent increases due to landlord petitions…

Some 121 Job Corps students from across the country and the Metro Washington area will be leading a peace walk from the Lincoln Memorial to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on Thursday, Sept. 21, as part of the national, student-led anti-violence initiative Youth 2 Youth: Partners 4 Peace.

Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) is now accepting applications for the 2017 inaugural Bright Ideas Teachers’ Grants program. All kindergarten through 12th-grade in-classroom teachers within the BGE service area that focus on innovation, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) the environment or energy efficiency are eligible to apply at www.bge.com/giving. Applications must be received by Oct. 31, 2017.

This fall, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden will partner with the Newseum to launch a series of conversations with critically acclaimed artists, journalists, activists and academics to discuss the role of art and free speech in the 21st century.

The four-part program will coincide with the Hirshhorn’s current exhibition “Ai Weiwei: Trace at Hirshhorn” (June 28-Jan. 1, 2018), a solo project featuring new and recent work by renowned Chinese artist and freedom of expression advocate Ai Weiwei.

(BlackNews.com) — The annual CBC Week kicks off in D.C. September 20 and runs through September 24th. It’s also DC Fashion Week and the one year anniversary of the National Museum of African American History & Culture. EventGreek.com has featured the most comprehensive listing of events during CBC Week 2017.

Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) will host the annual Navy-Air Force Half Marathon and Navy 5 Miler on Sunday, September 17, 2017 on the grounds of the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. This year marks the 6th year for the Half Marathon and the 14th year for the 5-Miler.

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) in coordination with CBCF Board Chair Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee will host the 2017 Meet and Match Procurement Forum on Friday, Sept. 22, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. to 4 p.m. during the CBCF’s 47th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

The Blue Room in the Mount Vernon Mansion will reopen October 7, marking the completion of a major seven-month restoration. Guided by new research and investigation, this bedchamber’s dramatic transformation includes reproduction French wallpaper, cream-painted woodwork, and a bedstead draped in a striking blue-printed cotton.

(BlackNews.com) — Prostate cancer touches lives of the famous like Ambassador Andrew Young and activist-artist Harry Belafonte. But there are tens of thousands of others impacted like Oakland minister, Bishop Bob Jackson, Tugaloo college professor Dr. Walter Davis and businessman Thomas Farrington. Seventeen-year survivor Farrington turned the “lemon” of his diagnosis into a potent education “brew” with national impact.

Governor Terry McAuliffe recently announced the start of the 2017 Virginia Tax Amnesty Program which provides delinquent individual and business taxpayers the opportunity to pay back taxes with no penalties and half the interest between September 13and November 14, 2017. Approved by the 2017 General Assembly, the program assumes collection of $89.5 million for the general fund to support education, health, and public safety, as well as provide a cash reserve.

Governor Terry McAuliffe recently announced that Virginia has achieved the goal he set in his Executive Order 23 – Establishing the New Virginia Economy Workforce Initiative, which called for the annual production of 50,000 workforce credentials aligned with high-paying jobs in science, technology, engineering, math, and healthcare (STEM-H). The 50,361 STEM-H credentials awarded during fiscal year 2017 represent a 36-percent increase compared to fiscal year 2014 when the goal of 50,000 credentials per year was set.

A weeklong trade and diplomatic mission to South Korea led by officials from the Maryland Department of Commerce and the Secretary of State’s office concluded Friday with announcements that Maryland has attracted two new companies from South Korea. A follow-up to Governor Larry Hogan’s 2015 trade mission to Asia, which included stops in South Korea, China, and Japan, this mission was aimed at increasing trade and investment between South Korea and Maryland and strengthening cultural and diplomatic ties.

The Greater Washington Urban League (GWUL) – a leading nonprofit community service organization guiding Washington, D.C. metropolitan area residents into self-sufficiency for 80 years – announced that it was launching an aggressive resource and donation relief effort for individuals and families in the Houston metropolitan area severely impacted by the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. Special emphasis is being placed on already vulnerable, low-income and underserved populations in Houston, a disproportionate number of which are Black and Latinx residents.

The Bowser Administration announced the release of a site study for the construction of a new hospital east of the Anacostia River. The site study recommends that the District construct the new acute care hospital on the East campus of St. Elizabeths.

“The site selection study is the next necessary step in the planning and design phase of a new acute care facility east of the Anacostia River,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser.

Governor Terry McAuliffe recently announced the Virginia Department of Education’s Office of School Nutrition Programs (VDOE SNP) has been awarded a Team Nutrition Training Grant in the amount of $498,010. The United Sates Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded a total of $5.6 million to 11 states.

As of Sept. 1, 2017, the Virginia State Police has opened its Academy to current Virginia law enforcement interested in attending a new Accelerated Lateral Entry Program (ALEP). This is a first in the Department’s 85-year history to offer an abbreviated State Police Academy for existing Virginia Department of Criminal Justice (DCJS) certified law enforcement officers. Until now, any applicant for state trooper had to complete the full, six-month State Police Academy.

As part of its ongoing commitment to communities, Dominion Energy is inviting nonprofit organizations across the company’s footprint to apply for grants of up to $50,000 each for programs that provide essential community services in areas of housing, food security, medicine and medical services. For the third consecutive year, the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation has pledged $1 million to help meet critical community needs across more than a dozen states.

Mayor Bowser launched Apprenticeship DC, an expansion of the already successful Department of Employment Services (DOES) Apprenticeship Program. Through a unique collection of grants, customized programs, and apprenticeship offerings, Apprenticeship DC will increase the number of residents enrolled in apprenticeship programs. The Mayor was joined at the launch by Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Opportunity Courtney R. Snowden and Department of Employment Services Director Odie Donald II.

Governor McAuliffe recently announced that Virginia’s tourism revenue has grown by $2.2 billion since taking office in 2014 with a compound annual growth rate of 3.3 percent. Tourism is an instant revenue generator for the Commonwealth, representing almost $23.7 billion in revenue in 2016, a 10.2 percent increase from 2013 when the tourism industry generated approximately $21.5 billion in revenue.

Events DC presents WalkingTown DC 2017. This annual event offers outdoor walking tours of DC’s most interesting locations and neighborhoods. The tours take place outside, rain or shine, and many include a restroom break. Most tours are family-friendly and wheelchair/stroller accessible. Featuring lunch-time and happy hour tours during the week and extended tours on the weekend.

The world-famous GEICO Skytypers will perform during the 2017 Joint Base Andrews Air Show on September 16-17. The team’s six vintage SNJ training aircraft will roar over air show crowds in a low-level, precision- formation flying demonstration honoring service members of the “Greatest Generation.” The air show routine includes more than 20 combat tactics and maneuvers that helped control the skies during World War II and the Korean Conflict.

Infinity Stage is proud to announce the premiere performance of Cinderella, The New Musical, September 22-October 1, at the Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St., Old Town Alexandria. It’s a hip, witty version of Cinderella, written as much for adults as for kids. “This is a fresh, modern take of the classic tale, adapted by the famous Russian writer, Yevgeny Shvarts,” says local composer Steven W Rodgers.

As the public demand for donations increases for Hurricane Harvey survivors, many Marylanders may feel compelled to donate. For those that do choose to make a donation to support those in the impacted areas, the Secretary of State John C. Wobensmith and Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh advise consumers to be vigilant to donate wisely.

The American Institutes for Research released a new report, Looking Back to Move Forward: Progress and Opportunity in District of Columbia Public Schools[ looking at the five years of progress at DC Public Schools, as well as areas to continue to work to close the achievement gap and ensure that every student at DC Public Schools receives a high-quality education.

An NFL appeals officer rejected Ezekiel Elliott’s appeal on Tuesday and upheld the six-game suspension for the Dallas Cowboys running back.

Despite the ruling, Elliott is eligible to play in the Cowboys’ regular-season opener against the New York Giants on Sunday, a person familiar with the situation told USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no update regarding Elliott’s status had been officially announced by the league.

Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) recently announced the return of the “Adventures of Captain MercaptanSM, BGE Natural Gas Safety Hero Challenge.” The contest challenges elementary school students in BGE’s service area to submit a three-panel comic strip, illustrating a natural gas safety message featuring Captain Mercaptan, BGE’s fictional natural gas safety superhero.

Following a ceremonial signing with U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao for the federal government’s $900 million Full-Funding Grant Agreement, Governor Larry Hogan started demolition to make way for the new Purple Line Operations Center and begin construction on the long-awaited Purple Line.

Attend the Washington, DC | 100,000 Opportunities Initiative Fair! Register now for a guaranteed interview, over 30 employers will be hiring on the spot! Employers include: Starbucks, Five Guys, Walmart, Hilton, HMSHost… and more.

Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) hosted 15 school-aged girls at its White Marsh Training Center. The girls are part of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) camp which provides a supportive and nurturing environment for high school girls to explore the construction industry.

Governor Larry Hogan announced recently that Maryland and the eight other states in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) have agreed to reduce the program’s carbon pollution cap by 30 percent from 2020 to 2030.

The Memorial Foundation, Inc., the foundation responsible for building the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial on the National Mall and the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) will conclude their fourth annual Sunset Summer Film Series at The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial…

Giant Food of Landover, Md. announced recently the launch of a new fundraising program designed to support pediatric cancer research during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Giant has set an ambitious goal to raise $2 million throughout the course of an eight-week program…

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will host the 2nd Annual Taste of the World Festival to highlight the diversity of international communities that live and thrive in the District of Columbia.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that $533,578 has been awarded to 7 health centers in the District of Columbia as an investment in quality improvement, building upon their 2016 achievements. Health centers will use these funds to further improve the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of the health care delivered to the communities they serve.

Events DC, the official convention and sports authority, will host the RFK Campus Block Party, in partnership with Blind Whino and visual artist, Naturel. The free, family-friendly community celebration kicks off the school year and shows appreciation for our neighbors.

Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) initiated its BGE Scholars program today by awarding scholarships totaling $45,000 to nine undergraduate students from across the BGE service area. One scholarship each was awarded to students in Baltimore City, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties.

Beginning in fall 2018, recent graduates of Baltimore’s public high schools will be able to attend Baltimore City College to earn a one-year certificate or two-year degree with the cost of tuition and fees covered by the city. Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh (D) unveiled the plan at a news briefing on Wednesday as part of a strategy to combat crime and violence.

Break the Cycle is a cross-country bike ride from Washington State to Washington, DC. Andrés Martin, MD, MPH, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and editor-in-chief of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry’s (AACAP) scientific journal, is leading this ride to raise awareness of the challenges faced by children with mental illnesses.

The following Maryland State Agencies will participate in the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Summer Conference Exhibit Hall at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City from August 16 – August 18, 2017:

U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) joined the statewide educational nonprofit CodeVA and the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission today to announce a $361,625 grant to train teachers in computer science and coding to serve in rural southside and southwest Virginia public schools.

On Saturday, September 23, Art All Night: Made in DC, Washington, DC’s only free overnight arts festival, will return with an all-new lineup of visual and performing arts exhibits, workshops, and performances. Art All Night highlights the most innovative and creative artistic forces in the city while providing a unique around-the-clock experience for residents and visitors.

The Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) is urging Marylanders to consider whether they may be eligible to receive a homeowners’ or renters’ property tax credit and to submit an application before the September 1 deadline. As part of this awareness campaign, last week SDAT mailed 133,828 postcards to low-income Maryland homeowners who may be eligible to receive a credit but have not yet submitted an application.


The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has released the Outdoor Aquatic Facilities Closure Schedule for the 2017 summer season.

Macy’s invites customers to participate in its 12th annual Shop For A Cause charity event benefitting the March of Dimes, beginning on Thursday, Aug. 10 through Sunday, Aug. 13. Macy’s Shop For A Cause is a four-day shopping event created to support the fundraising efforts of nonprofit organizations.

The Thursday Network (TN), the young professional auxiliary of the Greater Washington Urban League (GWUL), announced the launch of #UNHackTheVote as part of a periodic awareness and conversation project on voter suppression, redistricting and gerrymandering issues. Hosting a summit recently in Washington, D.C., TN leaders collaborated with the Brennan Center for Justice, a think tank at New York University, to convene a “hackathon” of concerned thought leaders…

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (ASO) is pleased to announce its upcoming Pops in the Park concert. This free Labor Day Weekend concert will take place at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis on Sunday, September 3 at 5:30 PM. The rain date is Monday September 4, same time, same place.

United Foods International Co. (UFI), a Japanese private label food manufacturer, today celebrated the grand opening of its first East Coast location in Belcamp in Harford County. The company, which is ramping up production and plans to create up to 125 new jobs, has been in a test production phase for the past year and currently has approximately 25 employees.

Participating restaurants throughout Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C. will donate 10 cents from every oyster sold on National Oyster Day, Saturday, Aug. 5 to the Oyster Recovery Partnership (ORP), the leading nonprofit working to rebuild the Chesapeake Bay’s native oyster population. As part of Give Back to the Bay on National Oyster Day, each oyster sale will help plant 10 spat (baby oysters) onto local oyster reefs.

Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford today announced that the College of Southern Maryland (CSM); Johns Hopkins University; and the University of Maryland, College Park, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Commerce, have endowed a total of $8.6 million in three new research professorships.

Governor Larry Hogan recently announced that three Maryland’s schools have been selected to receive a Don’t Quit! Fitness Center through the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils. This multi-million dollar physical fitness campaign has named Buck Lodge Middle School in Adelphi, Newport Mills Middle School in Kensington, and Vanguard Collegiate Middle School in Baltimore as recipients of the fitness center for demonstrating outstanding leadership in getting and keeping their students fit.

Councilmember Todd invites you to join him at the National Building Museum on Tuesday, August 1st, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM during their “Ward 4 Day,” where Ward 4 residents can enjoy the museum’s new “Hive” exhibit for FREE .

The 2nd Annual Empowering Youth Talent Show — DC’s Got Talent — will take place this Tuesday, August 1st, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the National Night Out Celebration at the Hamilton Recreation Center (1340 Hamilton St, NW).

The DC Commercial Waste Compactor Grants Program provides eligible District businesses with grants up to $13,500 for the purchase or lease of a commercial waste compactor to collect and compost bulk trash, waste and recyclables.

Join the Brightwood Community Association (BCA) for a neighborhood cleanup this Saturday, July 29th from 9:30 to 11:30 AM. Meet at the intersection of Luzon Avenue, 14th Street, and Van Buren Street (6600/6700 block).

The Catholic University of America is offering free mentoring for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to middle school, high school, and college students. It will take place on Saturday, July 29th, from 12 noon to 2:00 PM at the Catholic University of America’s Engineering Building (620 Michigan Avenue, NE).

The 49th Annual Citi Open Tennis Tournament will come back to Ward 4 from July 29th to August 6th. Held at the Rock Creek Tennis Center, the Citi Open Tournament has been a significant part of Ward 4’s summer experience for almost 5 decades.

Mayor Bowser announced 33 awardees of the City Innovation Fund’s Safer, Stronger DC Community Opportunity Grant Competition. The grants, which total $1.5 million, are part of Mayor Bowser’s Safer, Stronger DC initiative.

Giant Food is again teaming up with Hooper’s Crab House from Ocean City, Maryland, for a crab wagon tour of local Giant stores across Maryland, D.C., and Virginia. Every weekend through October, customers may reserve fresh steamed crabs from Hooper’s Crab House and pick them up at participating Giant Food stores.

Governor Terry McAuliffe recently announced that Trustify, an IT startup that connects clients to trained private investigators, will invest $1.04 million to expand its operation in Arlington County creating 184 new jobs.

Starting Aug. 3, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden will stay open late for Summer Evenings @ Hirshhorn, a series of free indoor/outdoor happy hour events marking the final weeks of summer.

The Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) is encouraging residents whose real property was damaged by Monday’s severe weather to contact the Department, as they may qualify to have their property assessments reduced.

This week the Bowser Administration announced the implementation of the Death with Dignity Act of 2016, passed by the DC Council in November 2016. The rules and regulations, effective today, ensure the orderly implementation of the local legislation. The Death with Dignity Act of 2016 establishes a process by which competent, terminally ill residents of Washington, DC can legally obtain a physician’s prescription for medications to end their lives in a humane and peaceful manner.

-On Thursday, July 27th at 6:30pm, Neighborhood Impact will address an important social justice of our time, mass incarceration. This event, Social Enterprise, An Economic Pathway to Justice, will explore how social enterprise can be a bridge to community wealth creation as well as a catalyst to address the opportunity gaps in underserved communities.

Mayor Bowser highlighted the District’s recent efforts to combat the opioid epidemic in Washington, DC through a broad, coordinated response that brings together government, public health, healthcare, and law enforcement agencies. Since May 2016, 1,000 District-purchased naloxone kits have helped save the lives of at least 290 people in Washington, DC.

Governor McAuliffe recently announced that Virginia will receive $3,821,556 in federal funds for the Program to Prepare Communities for Complex

On Thursday, July 20, representatives from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will host U.S. Secretary of Agriculture (USDA), Sonny Perdue, at Turkey Thicket Recreation Center in Washington, D.C.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is inviting the Baltimore City Department of Public Works to apply for a $200 million federal loan to improve its water infrastructure. Baltimore City is one of 12 projects in nine states invited to apply for more than $2 billion in Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loans.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon has been named a winner of the 72nd annual Leadership in History Awards by the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) for its exhibition, Lives Bound Together: Slavery at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. This award is the most prestigious recognition in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history.

Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) will launch its first Energy Savings Day of the summer tomorrow, July 13, and asks customers to conserve energy between the hours of 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. to receive a credit on their next bill.

The NAACP’s 108th National Convention, taking place in Baltimore from July 22nd – 26th, will feature an array of events to engage Youth and College members. To mobilize the next generation of civil rights leaders, the convention will host a robust series of workshops, socials, luncheons and networking events specifically geared towards young people.

As part of Back to Basics DC, Mayor Bowser and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers were out in the community sharing safety tips for preventing vehicle thefts and break ins, including locking doors and keeping valuables out of sight.

Activities for all ages will be available to enjoy, including:

Free food (hamburgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, pop corn, snow cones, etc…)
Moon-bounce
Face painting
DC Water sprayer

Mayor Bowser celebrated the modernization of Kenilworth Recreation Center in Ward 7 and announced that the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Permit Office is transitioning to a new, more user-friendly permit and application process.

The Maryland Department of Commerce and bwtech@UMBC Research & Technology Park recently announced the establishment of an international cybersecurity center, iCyberCenter@bwtech.

The NAACP, America’s oldest and largest national civil rights organization, has announced its 108th annual convention, beginning Saturday, July 22nd through Wednesday, July 26th at the Baltimore Convention Center, One W. Pratt St.

Exelon will host its 2017 Innovation Expo on Tuesday, June 27, showcasing the latest advanced technology products Exelon is developing and using to better meet the needs for safe, reliable and affordable clean energy. Just as Airbnb, Amazon, Netflix and Uber have used technology to transform entire industries, technology is rapidly transforming the way Americans buy, manage and consume energy.

As part of Back to Basics DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser kicked off Washington, DC’s second annual “Great Graffiti Wipeout,” an eight-week initiative to remove graffiti and illegal tagging around Washington, DC.

Paddle Second Chance (PSC) has raised over $100,000.00 for Operation Second Chance (OSC) in the last 5 years of fundraising. This year, at PSC’s annual paddle and kayak race and fundraiser on June 24th, PSC is targeting to raise over $40,000.00 for OSC.

The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) has been named the 2017 recipient of the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Rail Safety and Security Gold Award.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that the George Mason High School Environmental Group, a group of 11 students in Falls Church, Va. will receive the 2016 President’s Environmental Youth Award for grade levels 6-12 for their work with healthy and sustainable farming practices.

At this week’s Council Legislative Session, At-Large Councilmember Anita Bonds introduced the “TOPA Accessory Dwelling Unit Act of 2017,” to help insure that the 1980 Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) is continuously used as an effective tool to address the District’s affordability crisis of ever escalating housing costs.

Specifically, the Act will exempt owner-occupied, single family homes with accessory dwelling units from TOPA laws under narrow circumstances.

The Hogan-Rutherford Administration recently announced the Department of General Services’ successful implementation of a reverse auction for energy purchases, which will save Maryland taxpayers $25 million over the next four years through 2021. The commodities procurement will provide a significant portion of the state’s electricity supply to state-owned facilities.

Giant Food of Landover, Md. announced the expansion of its Gas Rewards program by adding the Fuel Rewards® program, an innovative coalition program enabling shoppers to earn fuel savings from participating retailers in addition to points earned through Giant purchases. Starting today, customers may earn additional cents off per gallon from Shell and other retailers that participate in the Fuel Rewards program.

Giant Food of Landover, Md. recently announced the 2017 recipients of the Izzy Cohen Memorial Scholarship and the Esther Peterson Memorial Grant. The winners represent a variety of high schools and colleges in the Mid-Atlantic region and were selected based on academic merit, association with Giant Food, school and community service. The scholarships, which total $50,000, will be used to support post-secondary education.

Madame Tussauds Washington, D.C. is celebrating 10 Years on F Street this summer with exciting new wax figures never seen before in D.C., and in town for a limited time only. In addition to the current Music Touring Set: Ed Sheeran, Lorde, Sam Smith and Ross Lynch- in D.C. until the end of June, the attraction will be home to Marvel favorite Thor (Chris Hemsworth) from June until August and celebrate Capital Pride by welcoming the figure of Orange Is the New Black star, Laverne Cox.

Governor Terry McAuliffe recently announced a $935,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Nutrition Service that will provide approximately 9,000 students and their families in nine Richmond schools and eight Southwest Virginia school divisions with increased food security.

As the Atlantic hurricane season gets underway June 1, BGE is prepared to respond to weather-related emergencies and urges customers to take proactive steps to protect their families and properties. While BGE customers are experiencing fewer and less frequent power outages than ever before due to major investments being made in the electric delivery system, customers should always have a plan in place should outages occur, especially during hurricane season, which runs through Nov. 30.

The Friends of the National World War II Memorial (Friends) will commemorate the 73 years since 160,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline to fight Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy, France during a special commemoration and wreath presentation at the National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 11:00 AM.

Driver and vehicle safety is critical, and the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) has added vehicle recall information to its inspection reports to raise awareness among District residents about their vehicles.

The Junior League of Washington (JLW) is pleased to award Lawrence Cross with the 2017 Meg Graham Scholarship, a $10,000 award honoring a graduating high school senior living in Washington, DC, who has excelled academically and demonstrated commitment toward community involvement.

The Memorial Foundation, Inc., the foundation responsible for building the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial on the National Mall and the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) have again united to present an inspiring and powerful summer film series at The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.

(BlackNews.com) — They Speak to Me: Voices From the Past by Bert Cross II is about the pain, struggle, and the price that was paid for African-Americans in the past. There are 153 voices that will speak directly to the hearts and conscious minds of Black people. Bert, who is currently the Coordinator and Music Director of Music Theatre in the Howard University Theatre Arts Department, comments, “Now is the time that African Americans should stand and employ the power of the written word to preserve the voices and the African thought of our ancestors.”

Eastern Market Metro Park is set to receive $4.5 million in funding to begin the planning, design, and implementation of a complete renovation of the two block space surrounding the Eastern Market Metro Station.

The grant comes to Turner Elementary School as a result of its outstanding performance in Giant’s A+ School Rewards Program during the 2016-2017 school year. The school was one of the top 20 earners this year.

This spring, Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) customers are continuing to benefit from lower total bills resulting primarily from dropping electric commodity prices and customers reducing their energy use.

The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) will offer two weeks of free transit rides June 18 through June 30 as part of the official launch of BaltimoreLink. Free rides will be offered on Local Bus, Express Bus, Light Rail and Metro Subway.

Governor McAuliffe recently announced that Russell County Public Schools will receive $5.6 million in Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds from the VirginiaSAVES program. Established in 2015, the VirginiaSAVES program is the Commonwealth’s first statewide Green Community Program.

The Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) and the Department of Employment Services (DOES) have partnered to develop Solar Works DC, a new low-income solar installation and job training program. To implement the first year of the program, DOEE and DOES have awarded $950,000 to GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic through a competitive grant process.