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he 65 guests, ages 26 to 90 years, included D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, council members Robert White and Christina Henderson, Department of Parks and Recreation Director Delano Hunter, Prince George’s County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks, sculptor Steven Weitzman (who created the Marion Barry statue outside City Hall) and other local dignitaries. They were greeted at the entrance to their hostess’s Southeast home with photos of her over the years; glittered, bejeweled face shields for anyone who wanted to wear one; and copper cups filled with her favorite drink, Moscow mules (renamed Moscow bulls for the night because she’s a Taurus).

The modern design blends seamlessly with the mid-century modern architecture for which the neighborhood is known. The building will feature: Environmentally sustainable design with solar panels and a green roof Expanded spaces for children, teens and adults Lots of natural light A variety of seating options

But some councilmembers expressed skepticism about raising the cap, citing the hospital’s past health and safety record. “We put the threat of the control board in as a bumper,” At-Large Councilmember Robert White said. Not triggering the control board is “moving the stick,” he argued. At-large Councilmember Christina Henderson, who ultimately voted no, said she had “severe reservations” about raising the cap given the hospital’s previous financial record. “I don’t want people to not be able to make their bills, etcetera, but I also don’t want to be in the same position in a year,” she said.

Neighborhoods like The Wharf, which is in the midst of adding a second phase, didn't even exist the last time D.C. rewrote its Comprehensive Plan. That has some lawmakers pressing for another update soon.

Despite enrollment loss during the pandemic, D.C. Public Schools will receive at least the same level of funding as last year. At least 35 percent of DCPS schools were poised to lose anywhere from a few thousand dollars to more than half a million as the district projects about 1,500 fewer students in FY22. In line with nationwide trends, families shifted to homeschooling, or may have transferred to charters or private schools, advocates told The 74 last fall. Immigrant families, especially, left the city to live with others amid job loss and financial strains.

Over the last several months, parents, educators and budget watchdogs have pressured Bowser to increase school spending so campuses across the city would not have to shed teachers and other workers. On Thursday, Christina Henderson, an at-large member on the D.C. Council announced an emergency measure that would mandate that at a minimum the city keep school budgets level going into next year.

As a live music lover, Henderson thoroughly enjoyed the Saturday afternoon with the Ward 4 community. She thanks everyone who came out to support local artists and contribute to their vibrant neighborhood culture.

But those rationales were challenged by council members, including Allen and Christina Henderson (I-At Large). Allen noted that the federal injunction governing the jail’s virus controls makes no reference to the 23-hour-per-day cell confinement that has been in place at the jail since April 2020. At the very least, he said, the city needs to begin planning for how it will end the lockdown safely.

In a letter, organized by the League of Conservation Voters and Climate Power, 1,266 signers representing all 50 states and Washington, D.C. asked Congressional leaders to “seize a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help our communities recover by creating and sustaining millions of good paying jobs, putting us on the path to 100% clean energy, and building a more equitable and just society.”

Our first interview with each Councilmember always takes a biographical, getting-to-know-you approach, so that residents have insight into who their Councilmembers are and what makes them tick. In our conversation with At-Large Councilmember Christina Henderson, we hear about her growing up as an Army brat, how her time working as a Council staffer prepared her for her current role, and her take on Chuck Schumer as Senate Majority Leader. Plus, as always in our initial interview, she ranks her favorite dessert categories.

Councilmember Christina Henderson introduced a bill that addresses the lack of maternal health resources east of the Anacostia River.

The Cannabis Conversations Podcast with Linda Mercado Greene, Board Chair and CEO of Anacostia Organics in Historic Anacostia, the first Medical Marijuana Dispensary located East of The River.