From the office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton:

“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today reintroduced a bill that would add the District of Columbia to the national empowerment zone program to provide federal tax incentives for businesses to locate and invest in low-income areas in the District. This bill would effectively restore many of the federal tax incentives for investment in low-income D.C. neighborhoods that a Norton bill created in 1997, but that Congress let expire in 2011. Read More

Photo by angela n.

From the Office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton:

“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) this week introduced the No Fencing at the United States Capitol Complex Act, which would prohibit the installation of permanent fencing on the grounds of the United States Capitol complex. After the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, a fence was erected around the Capitol that stayed in place for months as officials recommended a permanent barrier. Norton criticized permanent fencing as both cosmetic and imprecise and instead called for smarter, state-of-the-art solutions. Read More

Thanks to a reader for passing on a message they received from NPS:

“The restoration of the Dupont fountain was delayed after significant vandalism took place at the site in June. The project was paused while we sought additional funding to repair the damage from the vandalism Read More

photo by angela n.

From the White House:

“With just 3 hours left, Congress has passed a bipartisan bill to avert a government shutdown – excluding the demands from Extreme House Republicans.

Now it’s on the way to President Biden’s desk where he will promptly sign it into law.

It never should have been this close.” Read More

photo by Emma K Alexandra

From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:

“In the event of a government shutdown on Oct. 1, Smithsonian museums, research centers and the Zoo will remain OPEN through at least Oct. 7. The Smithsonian can use prior-year funds still available to us to remain open. Visit here for updates.”

Photo by Phil

Do you have emergency funds set aside? How long are folks thinking it will last? Are you concerned about making rent/paying bills? For those who are in good financial shape – how do you plan on using your time?

Ed. Note: If specials are offered like last time I’ll be sure to post them.

ANC Commissioner Chris Hart writes: “Womp womp. Looks like the Zoo Loop is closing at 5pm again starting tomorrow. Anyone know if this is supposed to be seasonal? If so, why change it when sunset is still at 7:20?”

EHN’s communications director, Sharon Eliza Nichols, replies: Read More

via National Mall NPS

National Mall NPS shares the good news:

“The National Park Service has awarded a $112M contract to repair more than a mile of seawalls along portions of the Potomac & Tidal Basin. Construction will begin in 2024 with funds provided by the Great American Outdoors Act.”

Thanks to Terry for sharing the continued sad state of affairs of the beautiful cascading fountain at Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park. Apparently the National Park Service does not have the funds to repair, again, this year. Hopefully next year. Stay tuned.

photo by DCbmyers

In addition to what you’d like to see happen, what do you think actually will happen at the RFK site? When do you think it’ll happen?

From Council Chair Phil Mendelson:

“DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson released a statement following the announcement by Congressman Comer of a bill to transfer by a long-term lease the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Campus site to the District. Read More