Sophie Kaplan

D.C. Council cuts ad sales tax, $18 million from budget

The D.C. Council approved legislation that removes a proposed tax on advertising sales from the city's $16.7 billion budget on Thursday, two days after heated debate over the measure prompted lawmakers to postpone a final vote on the budget.

July 23, 2020

Maryland announces guardrails for schools

Maryland's state superintendent said Wednesday that schools can determine how to conduct instruction this fall, whether it's online or in-person, but they must follow guidelines set by the state.

July 22, 2020

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser strengthens mask requirement as coronavirus numbers rise

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser on Wednesday signed an executive order strengthening the city's mask requirement as coronavirus metrics trend upward in the District.

July 22, 2020

D.C. Council postpones vote on ad sales tax, budget

During what one lawmaker called a "dumpster fire of a legislative process," the D.C. Council on Tuesday debated an amendment to scale back a proposed 3% tax on advertising sales that would generate more than $18 million in the city's $16.7 billion budget.

July 21, 2020

Bowser delays decision about DCPS school year

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said Thursday that she is delaying her decision on how D.C. Public Schools will operate this fall, but added that an online-only option will be available for all students.

July 16, 2020

Coronavirus forces D.C. area stores, eateries to close for good

The Montgomery County Thrift Shop, which shutters for good at the end of the month, joins a growing number of local stores, restaurants and other businesses that are unable to reopen now that coronavirus shutdown orders have begun to be lifted.

July 15, 2020

Larry Hogan announces thousands of fraudulent unemployment insurance claims made in Maryland

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced Wednesday that the state's Department of Labor discovered nearly 50,000 fraudulent unemployment insurance claims totaling over $500 million.

July 15, 2020

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam to increase COVID measures in Hampton Roads

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said Tuesday he will increase enforcement of coronavirus protocols, especially in the Hampton Roads area, which has seen a recent increase in COVID-19 cases mostly among young people.

July 14, 2020

No deaths from COVID-19 in D.C. for four days in a row

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said Monday that the District has seen four consecutive days without deaths from COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.

July 13, 2020

Trade groups oppose proposed D.C. sales tax on advertising

Trade associations are opposing a new sales tax on advertising in the District, saying the 3% levy will only further hurt businesses already devastated by the economic recession created by the coronavirus pandemic.

July 12, 2020

Daryle Bond arrested in Davon McNeal killing

D.C. police made arrests Thursday in two of the fatal shootings that happened over Independence Day weekend, including the killing of 11-year-old Davon McNeal.

July 9, 2020

Mark Herring, Virginia attorney general: State erased rape kit backlog

Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring announced Wednesday that the commonwealth had eliminated a backlog of nearly 3,000 untested rape kits.

July 8, 2020

D.C. Council gives first approval to $16.7 billion budget that cuts police funding

A harried but unanimous D.C. Council on Tuesday gave preliminary approval to the city's $16.7 billion budget for fiscal 2021 after several hours of debate on tax policy and some tension among lawmakers on the process.

July 7, 2020

Muriel Bowser, D.C. mayor, decries epidemic of youth killings

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser on Monday said the city is plagued by another epidemic besides the coronavirus — the "sense of hopelessness of kids with guns that will kill other kids" -- after three people, including an 11-year-old boy, were fatally shot in the District over the Fourth of July weekend.

July 6, 2020

Federal government, D.C. clash over July 4 events on National Mall

The D.C. government and the Trump administration are butting heads over events this weekend on the National Mall, with city leaders urging residents to stay home and federal officials encouraging people to congregate to celebrate Independence Day.

July 2, 2020

Muriel Bowser, D.C. mayor, pleads for safe hosting of Fourth of July parties

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser on Tuesday warned Washingtonians to avoid Fourth of July celebrations where social distancing isn't possible.

June 30, 2020

NAACP headquarters to move from Baltimore to D.C.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said Tuesday the District government will be seeking requests for proposals soon to develop the municipal building at 14th and U streets as the new headquarters for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

June 30, 2020