Conviction of Chinese Christian Pastor Wang Yi

Morgan Ortagus, Department Spokesperson

We are alarmed that Pastor Wang Yi, leader of the Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu, was tried in secret and sentenced to nine years in prison in connection to his peaceful advocacy for religious freedom. We call for his immediate and unconditional release.

Pastor Wang Yi was originally arrested with dozens of other congregants on December 9, 2018, during a massive crackdown on Chengdu’s largest unregistered church. He was found guilty during a closed-door trial December 26 on trumped-up charges of “inciting subversion of state power” and “illegal business activities,” with no defense lawyer present.

This is yet another example of Beijing’s intensification of repression of Chinese Christians and members of other religious groups. We continue to call on Beijing to uphold its international commitments and promises made in its own constitution to promote religious freedom for all individuals, including members of ethnic and religious minorities and those who worship outside of official state-sanctioned institutions.

Come celebrate with us at the MLK Gateway Groundbreaking!

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Concludes Successful 2019

The Department of Commerce Reached Key Milestones for the Trump Administration Over the Past Year

WASHINGTON – Throughout 2019, under the leadership of Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, the U.S. Department of Commerce and thousands of its employees worked together to maintain the safety of American citizens, fuel the continuing economic revival, and produce new data products while preparing for the 2020 Decennial Census.

“During the past year, the work of the Department has proven to be essential to millions of American businesses and communities across the country,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “We have accomplished countless goals in support of President Trump’s promises to stimulate economic growth, protect national security, as well as ensure fair and reciprocal trade.”

Fueling Economic Innovation and Protecting Growth

Over the course of the past year, the Economic Development Administration (EDA) conducted

Colombia’s Release of Draft Decree on Aerial Coca Eradication

Office of the Spokesperson

The United States welcomes the Duque administration’s release of its draft decree on the resumption of aerial coca eradication, which details how it would meet strict health and environmental conditions set by Colombia’s Constitutional Court. The decision to employ aerial spraying is a sovereign decision for the Colombian government. The release of this draft decree is a critical step toward integrating aerial coca eradication into Colombia’s comprehensive counternarcotics strategy. Like the United States, Colombia recognizes that a successful counternarcotics approach must address both supply and demand reduction. Cocaine production drives deforestation, dumping of toxic chemicals, a proliferation of violent drug trafficking groups, and a growing trend of cocaine consumption, wreaking havoc every day on the lives of Colombians. The United States supports the efforts of the Colombian government to achieve our joint goal of halving coca cultivation and cocaine production by the end of 2023.

Sudan National Day

Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State

On behalf of the Government of the United States, I offer best wishes to the people of Sudan as you celebrate your National Day on January 1.

On the 64th anniversary of your national independence, we congratulate Sudan on your heroic efforts to form a responsive and democratic government that empowers all Sudanese, including youth, women, and those from historically marginalized areas.

The United States remains committed to working with the transitional government as Sudan seeks to advance peace, security, prosperity, and respect for human rights. We look forward to deepening our partnership as we secure progress towards these shared goals.

Haiti Independence Day

Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State

On behalf of the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Haiti on the 216th anniversary of your independence.

The story of Haiti’s founding – from a rebellion of the enslaved to the creation of a republic based on democratic principles – is testament to what can be accomplished when people are determined to work together for the greater good. Haiti’s Independence Day reminds us that greatness is within our reach when citizens and political leaders put their community and their country first. We hope the New Year will bring all parties together in an inclusive dialogue that ends the political gridlock and results in a government that responds to the pressing needs of the Haitian people.

The ties between the United States and Haiti have grown stronger because of our shared aspirations and the deep connections between the American and Haitian people.

I wish the people of Haiti a happy Independence Day as well as a New Year filled with peace, unity, and progress in solving national challenges.

Join Mayor Muriel Bowser: 2020 Fresh Start 5K

Mayor Muriel Bowser's 6th Annual Fresh Start #FITDC 5K in partnership with AETNA

About this Event
Join Mayor Muriel Bowser and DC residents in the scenic Anacostia Park for the 2020 #FITDC Fresh Start 5K!

As part of the #FITDC initiative, we are inviting people of all ages to join us for this fun fitness activity. Whether you want to run, walk or just cheer folks on, this will be a fun event for all!
Same-day registration and packet pickup begin at 9:00 am and the Fresh Start 5K Walk/Run begins at 10:00 am.

So come kick your New Year off right at Mayor Muriel Bowser's #FITDC Fresh Start 5K in partnership with AETNA!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mayor-muriel-bowsers-6th-annual-fresh-start-fitdc-5k-tickets-80320592053

DDOT Launches Three Pedestrian-Only Zones

Innovative Use of Public Space Advance Mayor Bowser's Safety, Sustainability Goals

(Washington, DC) – Today, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced three pilot pedestrian-only zones as part of the District's ongoing efforts to find innovative uses of public space.

“The success of Open Streets and our annual Park(ing) Day celebration demonstrates that there’s an appetite for pedestrian-only zones across all eight wards of the District,” said DDOT Director Jeff Marootian. “Initiatives like these are an opportunity for us to partner with the business community to achieve Mayor Bowser’s safety and sustainability goals.”

DDOT partnered with Eastbanc Inc., a private real estate development, lifestyle, and technology firm, to open Cady’s Alley exclusively to pedestrians on weekends through the end of December. Cady’s Alley, located near the intersection of 33rd Street NW and M Street NW, is a popular destination for Washingtonians visiting the mix of eateries and unique retailers that line the alley. Cady’s Alley is a pedestrian-only zone on weekends beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Fridays until 6:00 p.m. on Sundays.  

In partnership with the Georgetown Business Improvement District, two parklets at 1055 Thomas Jefferson Street NW and the 3200 block of O Street NW were created. The parklets, which are permitted through September 2020, are extensions of the sidewalk and create additional gathering space near local businesses for residents and visitors to enjoy while visiting Georgetown. 

The Golden Triangle BID also created a new pocket park for pedestrians at the corner of 19th Street NW and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. The right-turn lane from Pennsylvania Avenue NW onto H Street NW, adjacent to Murrow Park, was enclosed with safety bollards and large planters, and features bright paint, plantings, and café tables for visitors, students, and area residents to enjoy.

These installations are part of DDOT’s ongoing effort to reimagine the curbside space and realize the District’s sustainability goals. Any business, non-profit, or community group interested in partnering with DDOT to create innovative installations in public space should contact anna.chamberlin@dc.gov. 

Ribbon Cutting at St Elizabeths Residences: Nov. 22

Groundbreaking: Grimke and the African American Civil War Memorial Museum

DCHiresVets 3.0, DC Women Veterans Day, and several upcoming MOVA Events

DCHiresVets 3.0 Friday, November 15th, 10am - 3pm  @ D.C. Armory Open all ALL veterans and veteran spouses. VETERANS AND VETERAN SPOUSES REGISTER HERE In honor of Veterans Day 2019, MOVA, the DC Department of Human Resources (DCHR), the Department of Employment Services (DOES), and the DC National Guard (DCNG), will host its third #DCHiresVets event offering all veterans and veteran spouses the opportunity to connect with District and Federal agencies as well as private sector companies. Select participating agencies will conduct interviews and make contingent job offers on-the-spot. Who: All veterans and veterans' spouse are invited to attend. Where: D.C. Armory, 2001 E Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003 When: Friday, November 15, 2019; 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. DC Women Veterans Day Saturday, October 19th, 10am - 2pm  @ 441 4th St NW   DC WOMEN VETERANS AND SUPPORTERS REGISTER HERE  Join MOVA on Saturday, October 19th, to commemorate the women of the District who have fearlessly served our nation.  DC Women Veterans Day will include: Holistic health and wellness resources VA Benefits Training Screening of the HBO Documentary "We're Not Done Yet", followed by a Q&A with the cast and crew.  Let’s rewrite the narrative, DC!  We look forward to seeing you at this great networking event! FREE ROWING COURSE FOR VETERANS, FIRST RESPONDERS AND ACTIVE DUTY! SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19TH @ 8:00AM REGISTER HERE Dear Veterans, Active-Duty Military Personnel and First Responders we would like to thank you for your service by inviting you to a FREE rowing course at DC ROW on the Wharf. (790 Maine Ave SW).  DC VETERANS OPEN FORUM ROUNDTABLE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31ST,  10:00AM - 12:00PM  @  441 4TH ST. NW. #1114 REGISTER HERE This monthly event aims to connect the District's veterans with information, resources, and organizations that may be beneficial to a successful military transition and feedback on MOVA programs. MOVA's VETERAN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COURSES AND NETWORKING! PLANNING YOUR LEGACY - REGISTER HERE TUESDAY, NOV 5TH  10:00AM - 1:00PM  @ 441 4TH ST NW There's no better time to get your financial house in order than now! Join us to learn how to set your family up for success by applying the principles discussed during this free empowering event! Learn about: Veteran's burial benefits How to improve your credit score Debt Management & Protection of Assets Creating a legacy for your loved ones

INTERNATIONAL ENTREPRENEUR - REGISTER HERE TUESDAY, NOV 5TH   5:00PM - 8:00PM  @ 441 4TH ST NW Join MOVA, DSLBD and Capitol City for an immersive course designed to provide information, tips, exercises and tools to help you think about your business idea. Let us help you bring your concept into manifestation! NATIONAL VETERANS SMALL BUSINESS WEEK MIXER - REGISTER HERE THURSDAY, NOV 7TH  5:00PM - 7:00PM  @ 1350 I St SW - M&T Bank REGISTER HERE - SATURDAY, OCT 19th 11:00AM - 6:30PM LEARN ABOUT THE US MILITARY ACADEMIES on THURSDAY, OCT 17th FOR DC HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AND THEIR PARENTS ONLY  Click Here To Sign Up For News From The Mayor's Office Of Veterans Affairs Director Elliot J. Tommingo 202-724-5454 www.ova.dc.gov

DDOT Traffic Advisory: Temporary Lane Closures Continue on 4th Street and Blair Road NW Through 10/18

Washington, DC – The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will continue intermittent lane closures and weekend construction work on the Blair Road/Cedar Street/4th Street NW Intersection Improvement Project beginning Friday, October 11, through Friday, October 18, 2019, including the holiday being observed on Monday, October 14th  , weather permitting.

Temporary lane closures will be in place in the following locations on weekdays between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., and 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays, weather permitting:

Northbound 4th Street NW between Butternut Street and Cedar Street NW.  Lane closures will take place between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on weekdays and between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 PM on Saturday.  WMATA buses normally travelling on the northbound lane will be rerouted.  No work will be performed on Sunday.

Southbound Blair Road between 4th Street NW and Butternut Street will close intermittently during this same period.  No sidewalk closures will be required during this work.

Roadway users should also  expect short interruptions to two-way traffic to allow for the installation of new electrical manholes and the placement of concrete and asphalt to fill electrical conduit trenches between the manholes.

Demolition of the Cedar Street NW medians west and east of Blair Road will continue through next week.  Travel lanes will be tapered on Cedar Street NW to allow for safe channelizing of traffic.  No lane closures other than short curtailments are anticipated.  Crosswalks will be closed, and pedestrians will be directed to crosswalks on the other side of the affected roadway. 

Directional signs will be erected to direct travelers safely through the work zone. All users of the roadway are advised to stay alert while traveling through the corridor and to be observant of the work zone.

Once complete, the Blair Road/Cedar Street/4th Street Intersection Improvement Project will increase safety for all users of the roadway travelling through the corridor. For more information about the project, please visit 4th/ Blair/ Cedar NW Intersection Improvements

DDOT Traffic Advisory: Temporary Ramp and Lane Closures in the I-295/295 DC Corridor Scheduled for the Week of 10/14

Washington, DC — The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will temporarily close lanes, ramps and shoulders on the following roadways to perform construction activities along and near the I-295 / DC 295 corridor.


The following lane closures will be in place daily from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday, October 14, 2019, weather permitting:

I-295 southbound single left or right lane/shoulder between South Capitol Street / Malcolm X Avenue / JBAB (Exit 2) and US Naval Research Lab / DC Water / Blue Plains (Exit 1).
South Capitol Street, SW SE/SW northbound/southbound single left or right lane between Malcolm X Avenue, SE and Martin Luther King Jr, Avenue, SE.

The following lane, and shoulder closures will be in place daily from 4:00 am to 3:00 pm Tuesday,

DDOT Traffic Advisory: Temporary Lane Closures on Francis Scott Key Bridge Begin October 15

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will temporarily close a single lane in either direction on the Francis Scott Key Bridge daily from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, Tuesday, October 15, 2019 through Friday, October 18, 2019 weather permitting.

The lane closure is needed to perform work on the pavement markings. This closure is a part of the ongoing Key Bridge Rehabilitation Project.

All users off the roadway are urged to use caution as they travel in these areas, to anticipate moderate delays, and to be mindful construction personnel.

It’s National Farmer’s Market Week, and Washington, D.C. Ranks #1

Top 10 Revealed in 2019 American Fitness Index

Indianapolis (August 6, 2019) – National Farmers Market Week is being celebrated across the United States this week, and Washington, D.C. has extra reason to celebrate. D.C. ranks number one for farmers markets among the 100 largest U.S. cities, according to the 2019 American Fitness Index^®rankings published by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the Anthem Foundation.

The Fitness Index annually evaluates America’s 100

Isabela Moner "Dora and the Lost City of Gold" Washington, D.C. Screening & Zoo Visit

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Washington D.C - Eighteen year old actress Isabela Moner looking beautiful wore a green dress, white heels as she speaks at the "Dora and the Lost City of Gold" Washington, D.C. Screening & Zoo Visit at Smithsonian National Zoological Park on July 21, 2019 in Washington, DC.

Embed from Getty Images

Embed from Getty Images

Embed from Getty Images

Embed from Getty Images

Topping Out of Skyland Town Center: July 18

TSA screened 11.9M people during Fourth of July holiday weekend

Washington, D.C - The July fourth holiday weekend proved to be another record-breaking travel period for the Transportation Security Administration. Nationwide from July 3 to 7, more than 11.9 million passengers and crew went through security checkpoints, and over 8 million checked bags were screened. On Sunday, July 7, TSA experienced its busiest day in history, screening 2,795,014 passengers and crew surpassing the Memorial Day weekend record by a couple thousand.

“The operational success we experienced over the July fourth holiday weekend is a testament to the combined efforts of our dedicated workforce and industry alliances,” said TSA Acting Deputy Administrator Patricia Cogswell. “What I’m most proud of isn’t just the quantity of passengers and checked bags screened, but the quality of the screening our people provided even with that tremendous volume.”

Despite the surge of passengers over the weekend, nationwide 99.7% of passengers waited less than 30 minutes in standard lanes, and 99.1% of TSA Pre✓® passengers waited less than 10 minutes.

TSA expects many more record-breaking periods this summer and advises passengers to continue to arrive to the airport prepared and early – two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.

TSA typically screens about 2.2 million passengers and crew members each day. Passenger throughput over the July fourth holiday travel period surpassed the 2.2 million average every day with the exception of Thursday, July 4.

Top 10 busiest days in TSA history

Rank	Date	Total passengers and crew members screened*
1	Sunday, July 7, 2019	2,795,014
2	Friday, May 24, 2019	2,792,670
3	Friday, June 21, 2019	2,772,903
4	Friday, June 28, 2019	2,730,515
5	Sunday, November 25, 2018	2,730,081
6	Thursday, June 20, 2019	2,728,786
7	Friday, June 14, 2019	2,727,860
8	Sunday, June 23, 2019	2,719,643
9	Monday, June 24, 2019	2,716,428
10	Sunday, November 28, 2004	2,713,864

*The numbers are current as of July 10, 2019. 

For information about TSA procedures visit tsa.gov, and for travel tips follow TSA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Mayor Muriel Bowser's DC Africa Fashion Show and Culture Expo

The Mayor’s Office on African Affairs, in partnership with the Mayor’s Office on Women's Policy and Initiatives, Mayor’s Office on African American Affairs, and African Fashion Week DC, will host an African Fashion Show and Culture Expo showcasing and celebrating DC African fashion, creativity, and culture.

When: Saturday, June 29, 2019 | 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Where: Frank D. Reeves Center | 2000 14th Street NW | Washington, DC | 20009

RSVP here