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Dear Neighbors,
I often get questions on how to keep up with the fast pace of local news.
As an At-Large Councilmember, it’s necessary to stay informed of the issues that affect the residents of our District beyond those that land in my inbox. Over the past few years, I’ve found that my news sources for doing so have changed as the media landscape of the District has also transitioned. I’d like to share some of the newer outlets that I use to stay updated on what’s going on in the District, or as my staff likes to call them, the New Kids on the Block.
Special Addition: What’s Old is New Again
Subscribing to Councilmember newsletters is also a great way to stay informed about what’s occurring in District government. They’re packed with updates on legislation, hearing rundowns, and ward news. If you’re not already subscribed to my biweekly newsletter, the Henderson Brief, you can subscribe, here. In it I cover updates on legislation, the Committee on Health, my community engagement, constituent services, and family-friendly events occurring throughout the District.
In Service,
Christina Henderson
Councilmember, At-Large
ChristinaHendersonDC.com
Recess in the John A. Wilson Building
To kick off the beginning of Council recess, Councilmember Henderson rolled up her sleeves and refreshed the furniture in the office. Haha! Fun fact: much of furniture in the Wilson Building is hand-me-down from a warehouse from the federal General Services Administration.
The New Bridge Housing Site
On Tuesday, July 21, Councilmember Henderson visited the new Bridge Housing program of Miriam’s Kitchen located on E St NW at a Department of Human Services site. Miriam’s Kitchen aims to end chronic homelessness by connecting the unhoused with nutritious meals and advocating for investments in housing programs. The program offers a housing-first, person-centered alternative to traditional shelters for DC residents experiencing long-term homelessness. Councilmember Henderson was joined by Kathy Hudson, Director of Health Programs at Miriam’s Kitchen, and Department of Human Services Director Rachel Pierre.
Reenvisioning Health Care Payments
On Wednesday, July 22, Committee on Health Policy Advisor Rebecca Cooper attended Alliance for Health Policy’s 2026 Summit on Health Care Payment at the Barbara Jordan Conference Center. Panels included informative topics such as transforming care delivery, practical impacts of payments policy, and centering patients in payment policy.
The REMY Amendment Act
The next day, Thursday, July 23, Councilmember Henderson talked with ABC7’s Lianna Golden at Petworth Recreation Center to discuss her introduced legislation the Rodent Education and Management Yields (REMY) Results Amendment Act of 2026. The bill targets eliminating food sources for rodents while protecting residents from health risks associated with untrained application of rodenticides.
Supporting the Washington Mystics
On Saturday, July 25, Councilmember Henderson attended the 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago, Illinois to cheer on DC’s Washington Mystics All-Stars Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen. Team Washington showcased the Mystics shooting performance by winning the 2026 WNBA Shooting Stars event. The team was represented by Mystics legend Elena Delle Donne, current Mystics forward Shakira Austin, and Team USA U18 member Jezelle Banks.
Digging into the Details
On Tuesday, July 28, Councilmember Henderson traveled to Dunkirk, Maryland to tour a factory operated by Victor Stanley, the company that manufactures most of DC’s public trash receptacles. She learned about the features offered in the standard SD-42 models throughout the city, as well as the newer rodent-resistant Ren Drawer model shown above. She is pictured talking with Kyle Morris, Victor Stanley, LLC Operations Manager, who provided a tour of the facility to the Councilmember and staff.
Peeking into the National Theatre’s Archives
That afternoon, Councilmember Henderson, a theater buff, got the opportunity to visit the National Theatre’s archives. The National Theatre first opened its doors in 1835 and has since been the starting stage for many productions such as West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof, and Mean Girls. Councilmember Henderson is seen with National Theatre Foundation Chief Executive Officer Beryl Jolly and Director of Education & Community Programs Jared Strange.
Supporting Single Parents
The next day, Wednesday, July 29, Councilmember Henderson attended DMV Does Good’s Diaper & Wipes Campaign donation event at Franklin Park as their guest speaker. DMV Does Good collected 13,000 diapers and 20,000 wipes for distribution to several nonprofits and community organizations operating in the DMV area as part of their campaign to support single parents.
DC Collaborative’s Community Meeting
Later that day, Councilmember Henderson spoke at DC Collaborative’s annual Community Meeting at Arena Stage. The Councilmember’s remarks highlighted her commitment to funding the arts and insights on how organizations can advocate strategically during the budget process.
Meeting with ANC 6E
That same evening, Councilmember Henderson joined ANC 6E for their July meeting and talked with commissioners about rodent abatement, pedestrian safety, and commissioners’ concerns about the 311 citywide call center and the Office of Unified Communications.
Ward Days at the National Building Museum
This summer, the National Building Museum (401 F St NW, Washington) is celebrating Washington, DC neighborhoods through Ward Days at THE PLAYGROUND.
Residents from each ward are invited to enjoy complimentary admission to both THE PLAYGROUND and the National Building Museum during designated Friday afternoons throughout the summer. Visitors can explore the Museum's immersive summer installation, enjoy Museum exhibitions, and experience special guests and community partners representing neighborhoods from across the District. Ward Days in August are August 21 for Ward 7 and August 28 for Ward 8.
Ward Days take place Fridays from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. Visitors simply check in at the Museum's Visitor Center. No advance registration or proof of residency is required.
Learn more: https://nbm.org/exhibitions/the-playground/
Jazzy Sundays in Anacostia is Back
Sundays just got a whole lot smoother. Jazzy Sundays in Anacostia is back for its second season! Join the Anacostia BID and DCity Smokehouse every Sunday from July 12 through August 30 for FREE live jazz, delicious BBQ, refreshing drinks, and great community vibes. Jazz sessions take on Sundays from 4:00pm t0 6:00pm at 1234 Marion Barry Ave SE.
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, family, and friends, then sit back and enjoy live performances from returning favorites and new artists. The season wraps up Labor Day weekend with the return of the Jazz Hop Sound Sessions, bringing live music throughout the Anacostia Business Corridor. You can get free tickets to participate in the summer of jazz, here.
AirSpace Live! Star Trek at 60
At the National Air and Space Museum, they’ve been obsessed with Star Trek and its fans since before they opened to the public in 1976. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the franchise, the museum is excited to host a live taping of the Museum’s podcast, AirSpace, about the history and cultural impact of Trek and its fans, the event takes place on Monday, August 13, from 7:00pm to 8:15pm at the National Air and Space Museum (650 Jefferson Drive SW).
AirSpace podcast hosts Matt Shindell and Emily Martin will be joined by Museum curator and Trek expert Margaret Weitekamp and a very special guest star: actress and artist Tawny Newsome, known for her work on Star Trek: Lower Decks and Space Force. Tickets include after-hours access to some of the museum's exhibits (costumes are welcome!), access to the live podcast taping, and pop-up stargazing.
You can register, here. Tickets are free but required.
Summer Movie Pop-up Series
DPR is bringing outdoor movies, themed activities, and summer fun all across DC with pop-up movies across DC. Movie nights will happen across the District at multiple locations bringing free films and community fun directly to your neighborhood. All movies start at 7:00pm, with screening occurring all summer long until September 6. You can view a complete list of events, here, and sign up to receive cancellation alerts, here.
Real Time Pool & Spray Park Updates
Trying to beat the heat? Cool down at one of DPR’s pools or spray parks. For the 2026 season indoor pools and spray parks will be open daily, and outdoor pools on the weekends. Y0u can view real time updates on DPR’s website, here, to be aware of when pools are offline or at capacity.
The Return of Free Veggie Giveaways
It's officially FREE veggie giveaway season in Washington, DC. The Department of Parks and Recreation is bringing farm-fresh produce straight to the community, from rooftop harvests to garden-grown goods, this is your weekly chance to grab fresh, locally grown food -on us.
From now until November 25 (weather permitting) you can attend weekly veggie giveaways at DPR communal farms.
Early arrival and reusable bags are encouraged.
To attend giveaways participants must be registered. You can find more information and register, here.
Have a constituent service need related to the Health Committee or any of the other agencies in DC Government? Want Councilmember Henderson to come to your community event or meeting? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Constituent Services Director Ana Berrios-Vazquez during regular business hours (9:00am - 5:30pm) at 202-724-8105, or ABerriosVazquez@dccouncil.gov.
You can visit us online at christinahendersondc.com. Or stay connected by following Councilmember Christina Henderson on her socials.
Website: christinahendersondc.com
Twitter (X): @CMCHenderson
Instagram: @christinahendersondc
Facebook: @christinahendersondc
Bluesky: @cmchenderson.bsky.social