Construction of the new Douglass Community Center in Ward 8, led by Mayor Muriel Bowser, begins, honoring Frederick Douglass with a $25 million investment in a modern, energy-efficient hub.

Navajo, Hopi and San Juan Southern Paiute leaders traveled to Washington to press Congress to ratify a multi‑tribe water settlement and unlock roughly $5.1 billion for infrastructure. The push focuses on pipelines, wells and treatments meant to bring running water to many homes in northeastern Arizona.

Montgomery County Council Committees are preparing for meetings on fiscal plans, including the FY 2027 Cable Plan, the FY27-32 Capital Improvements Program, a $7.2 million appropriation for shelters, and addressing racial disparities in health.

U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced a $4.2 million federal grant for Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center to support health care for uninsured and underinsured in Oregon.

DCPS plans to shorten the reading block, and families told the D.C. Council that the change — plus an ended teacher‑sponsorship program — threatens classroom staffing and small‑group instruction.

President Trump used the Defense Production Act to secure U.S. supplies of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides, the White House says. The move raises industry praise and environmental pushback.

Extinction Rebellion says FBI agents questioned members in New York and Boston. Rights advocates warn the contacts could chill nonviolent protest and raise civil‑liberties concerns.

Councilmembers introduced an omnibus bill to replace D.C.’s Housing Production Trust Fund with a five‑account Housing Opportunity Fund and at least $150M a year. Sponsors say the change would speed construction, preserve homes and help tenants buy buildings under TOPA.

NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya is reported to be taking on the CDC as acting director amid ongoing leadership turmoil at HHS. Multiple outlets say the change was reported by the New York Times and picked up by Reuters and Axios.

Mayor Bowser increased DC public school funding, raising the per-student funding formula to $15,455, aimed at benefiting around 100,000 students and covering teacher salary raises per union agreements.

Democrats and progressive groups will hold a "People’s State of the Union" on Feb. 24 as many lawmakers weigh skipping or silently protesting President Trump’s address. The counter‑rally is billed as a platform for people harmed by the administration’s policies.

Judge Ana Reyes read death threats aloud during a D.C. hearing after blocking the Trump administration’s move to end Haiti’s TPS, preserving protections for roughly 350,000 people while the case proceeds.

DHS employees at St. Elizabeths say asbestos dust from emergency demolitions is drifting into occupied offices, and a 2024 GSA audit warned of past asbestos mismanagement.