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Dear Neighbors,
One of my favorite things about being an American is the rich texture and diversity of our culture. From music and entertainment to internationally renowned cuisine to our quirky traditions, while every region of the country has its own flair – together, America, we set the standard. It’s one of the reasons I was excited for America’s 250th anniversary when the planning began in 2016 when Congress created the nonpartisan United States Semiquincentennial Commission. What an amazing opportunity to celebrate and display all that America has become and has to offer. After all, while our history is complicated, it is also one of resilience.
Unfortunately, that didn’t quite pan out. I tried to tune out the partisan nature that this event has become and bask in the joy of one of our quirky American traditions – state fairs – but by now, you may have seen my video of how that all turned out.
I’ve gotten some angry messages from people who were upset that I didn’t approach America 250 with blind devotion and celebration. It is hard to do that when America’s “secret sauce” – our diversity – is not being amplified for this 250th celebration but rather washed over. Saying out loud that our government missed the mark is patriotic. Demanding the whole story be told is patriotic. Loving a country even when it falls short, and working towards it doing better is patriotic. James Baldwin said it best: “I love America more than any other country in the world and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.”
Even with everything going on with regard to the America 250 celebrations, I know that DC residents are not the type to let this completely ruin our traditions in celebrating the 4th of July.
You may need to make some modifications to your plans, but I hope you do join with family, friends, and neighbors. If you’re still looking for things to do this weekend you can find events throughout the District below. Metro has announced it will run fare free systemwide on Independence Day from 5:00pm to 2:00am, with increased rail service starting at 5:00pm. Buses will operate on a Sunday schedule with several routes experiencing detours for parades and other events around the region. You can view a full list of affected lines, here.
If you plan to watch this year’s fireworks display on the National Mall or the banks near Anacostia Park (new this year) you may want to pace yourself through the day’s activities. The show will start later than normal and last longer, with a scheduled start time of 11:00pm and a 45-minute run time. As a reminder, firecrackers or fireworks that explode are illegal in the District. Legal fireworks can be purchased from licensed vendors within DC limits and include items such as sparklers, box fire, cones, dip sticks, colored lights, and paper caps. Catch up on fireworks safety tips by reading the FIRE and EMS Department 2026 FAQs, here.
Temperatures have been high this week and are expected to sit around 100 degrees this holiday weekend. Staying hydrated and cool is extremely important. Have a safe 4th, everyone!
In Service,
Christina Henderson
Councilmember, At-Large
ChristinaHendersonDC.com
On Monday, June 22, Councilmember Henderson introduced the Rodent Education and Management Yields Results (REMY) Amendment Act of 2026. The bill targets eliminating food sources for rodents while protecting residents from health risks associated with untrained application of rodenticides. More specifically, the bill:
There will be a hearing on this bill and other rodent related legislation on July 13.
You can find the upcoming schedule for the Committee on Health below. You can sign up to testify, here.
On Tuesday, June 23, the Committee of the Whole held its thirty-second legislative meeting and the Council approved Councilmember Henderson’s amendment to fully implement the Ranked Choice Voting and Open Primaries Elections to Independent Voters Act of 2024, commonly known as Initiative 83. The amendment, adopted as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Local Budget Act of 2026, provides the funding necessary to implement the initiative's open primary provisions, allowing registered independent voters in the District of Columbia to participate in primary elections. This would go into effect for the 2028 election cycle. Any elections that occur in 2027 would be Special Elections and therefore would not have a primary.
On Monday, June 29, Councilmember Henderson attended the Committee on Transportation and the Environment’s public hearing on utility affordability and the Utility Rates and Ratemaking Amendment Act of 2026. At the hearing, Councilmember Henderson questioned public witnesses for recommendations to improve the legislation before the Committee, about regional approaches to partner with jurisdictions to offset the challenges with energy generation sufficiency that is necessary to control utility prices, suggestions to develop a cost/benefit methodology that the Public Service Commission could use to determine multiyear rate increase sufficiency, and the capacity of solar energy generation to meet future energy needs in the District.
On Tuesday, June 30, the Committee of the Whole held its thirty-third legislative meeting. Of note, the Council passed on first vote two permanent bills that Councilmember Henderson contributed to: the Education Reports Simplification Amendment Act of 2025 and the Restricting Egregious Scalping Against Live Entertainment (RESALE) Amendment Act of 2026.
The Education Reports Simplification Amendment Act of 2025 reforms and reduces reporting requirements for DC education agencies, including the Office of the State Superintendent of Education, DC Public Schools, the State Board of Education, the University of the District of Columbia, and the Office of the Deputy Mayor of Education, to alleviate administrative burden and encourage efficiency. Councilmember Henderson introduced the bill April of 2025 and worked alongside Chairman Phil Mendelson over the past year to consolidate the final legislation.
The Restricting Egregious Scalping Against Live Entertainment (RESALE) Amendment Act of 2026 has gone through several iterations, but the version approved by the Council Tuesday, as amended by Councilmember Charles Allen and Councilmember Henderson, will overall vastly improve the experience of purchasing tickets for live events held at venues in the District. As amended, the bill would: require all-in pricing and refunds for counterfeit tickets, cancelled events, or incorrectly issued tickets; prohibit the sale or reselling of speculative tickets; require consumer disclosure of ticket transferability terms; require that people who sell or resell more than 50 tickets in a year be licensed with the District and bonded; caps the resale value of a ticket at 110% of the total initial purchase price, and allows resale platforms to charge a platform use fee that is no more than 10% of the total initial ticket price; permit the Mayor to limit by rulemaking platform fees charged by a ticket sale or resale website; prohibit surveillance-based price setting for tickets; require ticket resellers to become licensed in the District; and establish civil penalties for violations.
The Council also confirmed the appointment of the Committee on Health’s nominations to the Boards of Pharmacy and the Health Benefit Exchange Authority Executive Board:
On Wednesday, July 1, Councilmember Henderson attended a hearing on transit planning for the RFK campus redevelopment hosted jointly by the Transportation and the Environment Committee and the Sub-Committee on Local Business Development. Councilmember Henderson voiced her concerns about the ease of access to the stadium once the development is finalized and asked questions about community input for the planned redesign of the Stadium Armory Metro stop. Randy Clarke, General Manager for WMATA, reported that WMATA and DDOT were close to an MOU agreement for the upgrades to the Stadium Armory station. Furthermore, a consultant has been hired and public engagement is expected to begin later this month on the proposed Gold Line project. WMATA emphasized its goal of minimizing disruptions during construction at Stadium Armory, noting that while most work will occur overnight, some partial and full station closures will be necessary. We will provide more updates as these projects progress.
Love is Love! Pride 2026
On Saturday, June 20, Councilmember Henderson attended the annual Capital Pride Parade centered on the theme, “EXIST. RESIST. Have the Audacity!”. Councilmember Henderson is seen with Council colleagues Brooke Pinto, Charles Allen, and Phil Mendelson, and from WMATA, General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke, WMATA Board Member Tracy Hadden Loh and Government Relations Senior Vice President Katie Cristol.
“Unpacking DC’s Progressive Surge Election”
Councilmember Henderson started the week by appearing on an episode of City Cast DC’s podcast with reporter Michael Schaffer on Monday, June 22. Conversation included the results of the recent democratic Mayoral election and what’s next in terms of the work of the Council and DC government going forward. You can listen to the episode, here.
Welcoming AJ Dybantsa with the Wizards
On Tuesday, June 23, Councilmember Henderson joined fellow Washington Wizards fans for the 2026 NBA Draft broadcast, during which the Wizards selected AJ Dybantsa in the first pick of the NBA Draft.
Ensuring Care at St. Elizabeths Hospital
The next day, on Wednesday, June 24, Councilmember Henderson along with Councilmember Zachary Parker visited Saint Elizabeths Hospital, the District’s only public psychiatric facility. During their visit they toured the campus and discussed key issues including hospital security, food and nutrition, medication management, staffing, and much‑needed facility improvements.
The Ronald McDonald House of DC
On Thursday, June 25, Councilmember Henderson started the day with a tour of the Ronald McDonald House of Washington DC located in Brookland. The space offers a comfortable, temporary residence for families of children receiving oncology treatment, with stays often offered for free or greatly discounted.
You can learn more about their operation and opportunities on how to get involved on their website.
Celebrate the 4th of July at Eastern Market
Celebrate July 4th at Eastern Market (225 7th St SE) with a special family event from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Enjoy live music, balloon animals, face painting, and the first Capitol Hill Blue Ribbon Pie Baking Competition.
Experience Tradition this Independence Day
Get ready to celebrate the 4th of July with the National Archives (Constitution Avenue NW)! For over 50 years, the Archives has celebrated American independence with a patriotic celebration that includes a ceremonial reading of the Declaration of Independence. This year the celebration will start at 8:30am and include live music, face painters, balloon twisters, airbrush tattoos, an Uncle Sam on stilts, family friendly arts and crafts, and George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Ben Franklin reenactors. Then at 10:00am the National Archives will begin their annual reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Sing Along with Planet Word!
This July 4th, pack a picnic, grab a blanket, and head to Franklin Park (1332 I St NW) from 1:00pm to 2:30pm, for a free, all-ages community sing-along brought to you by Planet Word! The afternoon features Washington, D.C.’s own Nolan Williams Jr., who will lead the crowd in a celebration of the songs and voices that have shaped America. Emceed by Esther Ciammachilli, WAMU’s Morning Edition host, this unforgettable sing-along features the award-winning composer, producer, and well-known performer with a live band and Williams’s NEWorks Voices of America.
From beloved folk songs to American classics to Civil Rights anthems, we’ll journey through the music that tells America’s story. Come ready to lift your voice, then stop inside Planet Word for more July 4th fun throughout the day.
The event is free and attendees are encouraged to register.
Sweet Land of Legacy: Ice Cream Social and Art Workshop
This Independence Day before heading to your family cookout, stop by the Anacostia Community Museum (1901 Fort Pl, SE) from 12:00pm to 3:00pm for an afternoon of ice cream, reflection, and creativity. As we commemorate the 250th Anniversary of America, join the museum for a festive ice cream social where you’ll share memories of Fourth of July celebrations past and reflect on the traditions that shape our families and communities. Together, we’ll consider the legacy we’ve inherited—and the one we hope to leave for future generations. Following the ice cream social, families will participate in a hands-on art workshop, creating red, white, and blue legacy-inspired artworks that explore their roots, values, and dreams for the future.
You can reserve your spot, here.
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.
Text “DC250” to 888-777
To receive free text messages about this summer’s special events, text “DC250” to 888-777. Residents and visitors are also encouraged to sign up for AlertDC at Alert.DC.gov. Both services are free and will provide real-time updates on weather conditions, road closures and more. For information about traffic closures, prohibited items on the National Mall and maps showing recommended locations to view fireworks and flyovers, visit 250.dc.gov.
The Arts and Humanities Fellowship Program
The Arts and Humanities Fellowship Program (AHFP) furthers the mission of the DC Commission on Arts and Humanities by supporting qualified individual artists and humanities practitioners who significantly contribute to the District of Columbia as a world-class cultural capital. Deadline to submit applications is Tuesday, July 7, at 5:00pm.
Eligible Applicants Shall:
You can view application and submission information, here.
Public Hearing Notice
On Monday, July 13, 2026, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at West End Neighborhood Library (2301 L St NW) the Office of the Attorney General will host a public hearing on the proposed transfer of Medical Faculty Associates, Inc. (MFA) to Foggy Bottom Physician Group, Inc, a Universal Health Services, Inc entity. Public comment is encouraged.
Sign up to testify by July 8 at 12:00pm at oag.dc.gov/MFA. If you would like to provide a written comment, please do so at oag.mfacomments@dc.gov.
Loving Arms: Connections for Kinship
Join the Mayor’s Office on Women’s Policy and Initiatives (MOWPI) on Wednesday, July 15, at 11:30am at Capitol View Library (5001 Central Ave SE) for an informative session on guardianship and the resources available to caregivers in the District. This event will feature two engaging panel discussions designed to educate and empower caregivers who support DC’s at‑risk and vulnerable youth. Children are welcome! DCPL will provide youth programming during the event, including a scavenger hunt, video games, crafts, and more.
You can register for the event, here.
Save More with DCSEU
Take advantage of DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) HVAC rebates to upgrade to more efficient central air conditioning, heat pumps, and heat pump water heaters. Save even more on heat pump technologies when switching from gas to electric equipment. The DCSEU offers $250 to $5,000 off qualifying electric heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and air conditioners. All heating and cooling equipment (including water heaters) must be installed by a DC licensed contractor to qualify.
Learn more about rebates DCSEU offers and find out what in your home qualifies, here.
Look Out for Spotted Lanternflies
If you find yourself seeing spotted lanternflies, here is what you need to know about your new winged neighbors.
Keep calm and don't panic.
Take Action
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