On any afternoon, strolling down D.C.’s U Road surrounds you with three distinctive sounds: 14th and U, the rhythm of exhausting bop and swing; 12th and U, the nostalgia of Sixties and Seventies soul; and seventh and U, the infectious Go-Go sound of the Nineteen Nineties. All three are a part of the larger story of U Road’s beginnings and the place it’s at the moment.
Taking a look at this space now, many guests dismiss it as nothing greater than a set of shops, boutiques, and eating places. Nonetheless, that could be a restricted view and a disservice to households which have lived on this space for generations.
U Road is a part of the Shaw Neighborhood in Northeast D.C., which is greatest described as a reincarnated soul. After being a relaxation website for Union troopers in the course of the Civil Struggle (1861–1865), it turned a group for Black Individuals who reworked it into Black Broadway. Within the Sixties, it declined after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and stumbled to recuperate as criminals preyed on the empty storefronts.
The MTA’s Inexperienced Line was constructed from the Seventies to the Nineteen Nineties, and at the moment transports the newer inhabitants and guests previous the Mall, Georgetown, and Adams-Morgan, the place, within the evenings, extra mainstream music spills out of the world’s nightclubs.
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In distinction, U Road is an outdated soul awaiting her seekers. After I met her, I used to be immediately smitten. Every time I got here again, I realized extra, which made me recognize U Road extra. The strolling information is a mixture of meals, historical past, mural artwork, and structure.
Begin out within the late morning and be ready to stay round or return later as you would possibly discover a present or occasion that appeals to you. As you’ll quickly discover, U Road isn’t just a spot to go to but in addition a spot to be.
To get there, take an Uber/Lyft or the WMATA to U Road/Cardozo Station on the Inexperienced and Yellow Line. Have a look throughout the road.
Lincoln bust searching of the window from Lincoln Theater
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1. The Lincoln Theater
Constructed in 1922 and named after President Lincoln, luminaries akin to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, James Cagney, Gene Kelly, Louie Armstrong, and Sarah Vaughn have graced the Lincoln Theater‘s doorways.
Initially opened for vaudeville exhibits, the theater turned the soul of U Road, which led to the nickname “Black Broadway” by Pearl Bailey. Beginning within the Sixties, the situation suffered a protracted interval of inactivity and didn’t see a revival till the Nineteen Nineties.
Since re-opening, the theater has hosted a variety of acts that attraction to a large cross-section of audiences. Examine the marquee to see if any of the acts attraction to you. Earlier than strolling off, have a look within the left window to see if the outsized Lincoln head is gazing at passersby.
If you’re hungry for a small meal earlier than persevering with to discover the world, then look to the correct.
Ben’s Chili Bowl
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2. Ben’s Chili Bowl
In D.C., Ben’s Chili Bowl’s signature dish is on the high of everyone’s “must-have” record. As a historic landmark and group gathering place, Ben and Virginia Ali’s authentic restaurant has been on the identical location since 1958.
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Initially the location of a nickelodeon, the Minnehaha Theater, they transformed the house right into a restaurant throughout their first yr of marriage. As you take a look at the images alongside its partitions, you’re feeling the historical past captured in these photographs over the restaurant’s lifetime.
Earlier than discovering a seat, place your order on the register and take your numbered ticket. I favor to take a seat on the counter, however if you’re in a gaggle, then go to the again seating space. Take a couple of photos and say good day to the locals who will fortunately share their tales. After your meal, make certain to check out the murals on the perimeters of the constructing.
If you’re not able to eat and would somewhat have some espresso, then go one block west and take a proper on the nook of 14th and V Road NW.
Seating space Busboys and Poets
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3. Busboys And Poets
Upon arrival, you’ll instantly discover the school vibe replete with enormous couches, a bookstore, a wide range of caffeinated drinks, and a lightweight menu. One in all eight areas within the D.C./Bmore space, this location bookends close by Howard College.
Opened in 2005 by Iraqi activist Andy Shallal, this place has turn out to be vital in native arts, tradition, and ideas via conversations and a wide range of exhibits highlighting native poets and audio system.
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Satirically, its identify got here from poet Langston Hughes, who labored within the space however hated U Road and rapidly fled to Harlem.
Return to 14th and U Road and stand by the Reeves Middle. Look throughout the road at considered one of my favourite murals.
Mural of Buck Hill
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4. Buck Hill Mural
Buck Hill, the “Wailin’ Mailman,” was a tenor saxophonist and native mail service who handed away in 2017. An area legend, in his prime he performed with Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie however opted to remain near residence as an alternative of happening excursions.
Now take a second to go searching. On April 4, 1968, the nook of 14th and U Road exploded after Dr. King was pronounced useless and a 4-day riot ensued that required navy intervention.
13 individuals died and 1,000 companies have been misplaced. Ben’s Chili Bowl survived. This occasion resulted within the space’s decline.
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From this nook, go east alongside U Road. If you’re all in favour of a fusion of Indian and English meals, then cease on the London Curry Home for his or her fish and chips. Proceed east previous the Lincoln Theater and Ben’s.
On the nook of 11th and U Road is the primary Black-owned financial institution in D.C. The Industrial Financial savings Financial institution was opened in 1913 by entrepreneur John Whitelaw Lewis. If you’re all in favour of seeing his different contributions, then go to the previous Whitelaw Resort (13th and T streets). The condominium constructing was as soon as a lodge for visiting artists and celebrities in the course of the Nineteen Thirties. For those who ask properly, you would possibly get to view the ballroom the place they partied.
Whereas standing by the financial institution, look forward to the True Reformer Constructing in your proper with a mural of Duke Ellington. Initially an insurance coverage constructing, it’s the website of Duke Ellington’s first paid gig.
Go to the plaza subsequent to the True Reformer to the doorway to the U Road Metro. The location you might be standing on was as soon as a Civil Struggle camp. Its centerpiece consists of statues of troopers of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment commanded by Robert Gould Shaw for whom the neighborhood was named.
If in case you have time, take a fast stroll down Vermont to the African American Civil Struggle Museum in addition to the assorted Queen Anne and Victorian properties that when belonged to opera singers, educators, and group leaders.
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Odessa Marie, aka the feminine Al Capone
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6. Florida Avenue NW And Georgia Avenue NW
As you attain this space, you’ll hear the sounds of Go-Go streaming out of a nook retailer.
From right here, you possibly can go to Howard College, which is somewhat additional up Georgia. For those who go in that course, notice that this was as soon as the location of Griffith Stadium and a German and Irish neighborhood known as Cowtown.
The world was additionally the stomping grounds of Odessa Marie Madre, aka D.C.’s Al Capone.
Keep on Florida and go down T Road to view the Southern Assist Society Constructing, Howard Theater, Ellington Plaza, and the LeDroit Park Arch.
If you’re thirsty, go to the Proper Correct Brewing Firm. If it’s late afternoon and also you need to calm down and have dinner, go to Jojo.
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Jo Jos efficiency space
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7. Jojo Restaurant And Bar
This intimate venue places you within the Twenties with stay jazz acts. Cocktails, appetizers, and dinner are served till 11 p.m. on weekdays and 1 a.m. on weekends. If you would like somewhat extra upbeat place and have already got dinner plans, then I like to recommend Lucy.
NY Slices from Slice & Pie
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8. Lucy Bar And Slice & Pie
With drinks robust sufficient to take the wind out of you, Lucy is comparatively new to the neighborhood and place to finish your time on U Road. For those who want a snack, then attempt the sunshine menu or stroll subsequent door to Slice & Pie. My suggestions are the coconut milk and rum pina colada adopted by the Detroit-Fashion pepperoni and sausage slice.
U Road has survived many occasions that will have modified different neighborhoods ceaselessly. To say this was merely luck can be a disservice to the individuals who stay there. They survived as a consequence of perseverance and persistence. The websites and landmarks that you simply visited are testaments to their lives and tales.
There’s nonetheless extra to see, together with the cascading waterfalls in Meridian Park, 12th Road YWCA, properties of rich former residents alongside LeDroit Park, and, in fact, outdated and new locations to eat, drink, and mingle.
The true function of this information is to depart you questioning what secrets and techniques are nonetheless to be present in our nation’s capital. Begin on U Road and preserve going.
The Trump Organization is engaged in preliminary discussions to reclaim the lease on its former hotel in Washington, D.C., reports the Wall Street Journal.
The hotel is currently operating as a Waldorf Astoria.
The Wall Street Journal said Trump Organization executive vice president Eric Trump met with an executive from BDT & MSD Partners at Mar-a-Lago earlier this week to discuss purchasing the lease rights to the former Trump International Hotel Washington D.C.
BDT & MSD Partners currently controls the property’s lease, following a 2023 default and subsequent foreclosure by previous leaseholder CGI Merchant Group. The Trump Organization sold the hotel’s lease to CGI in 2022, and the hotel was reflagged as a Waldorf Astoria.
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The 263-room hotel, which occupies the Old Post Office building, opened as a Trump hotel in 2016.
During President Donald Trump’s first presidency, the hotel was a prominent gathering spot for Republican lawmakers, lobbyists and others with business involving the administration. The property came under intense scrutiny because of ethical and legal concerns.
The hotel has some of the largest guestrooms in the city. Top-tier accommodations include the 4,000-square-foot Presidential One Bedroom Suite and 6,300-square-foot Waldorf Townhouse Two Bedroom Bi-Level Suite.
The hotel is home to restaurants The Bazaar by Jose Andres and the Michelin-starred Sushi Nakazawa, plus 38,000 square feet of event space and a 10,000-square-foot Waldorf Astoria Spa.
‘Pizzagate’ gunman killed by police in North Carolina
Edgar Maddison Welch, the ‘Pizzagate’ suspect who stormed Comet Pizza in D.C. in 2016, was shot and killed by police in North Carolina last week.
Fox – 5 DC
The man who stormed into a Washington D.C. restaurant with loaded weapons during an incident widely known as “Pizzagate” is now dead after North Carolina police shot him during a traffic stop.
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Edgar Maddison Welch, 36, was shot just after 10 p.m. last Saturday, Kannapolis Fire and Police wrote in a news release this week.
Welch is the same Salisbury, North Carolina man who in December 2016, showed up to Comet Ping Pong, a pizzeria in Washington DC., with loaded weapons to investigate “unfounded rumors concerning a child sex-trafficking ring” that was allegedly operating out of the restaurant, federal prosecutors said.
He pleaded guilty in March 2017 to a federal charge of interstate transportation of a firearm and ammunition, as well as a District of Columbia charge of assault with a dangerous weapon.
Three months later, he was sentenced to four years in prison.
More news: It was a dispute over a $2.50 bus fare. Now a bus driver is dead and 3 teens are charged.
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What is ‘Pizzagate’? What happened at Comet Ping Pong?
Welch’s initial reason for making headlines in 2016 stemmed from rumors of a child sex trafficking ring allegedly operating out of the pizza restaurant he stormed into, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Columbia.
Rumors began circulating online that the restaurant was part of a trafficking ring operated by then-Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton – a fake news campaign targeting Clinton during the general election.
Welch allegedly tried to recruit people to participate in the storming of the restaurant leading up to Dec. 4. He’d texted someone saying he was “raiding a pedo ring” and sacrificing “the lives of a few for the lives of many.”
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Prosecutors said Welch traveled from North Carolina to Washington D.C. with three loaded firearms, including a 9mm AR-15 assault rifle loaded with 29 rounds of ammunition, a fully-loaded, six-shot, .38-caliber revolver and a loaded shotgun with additional shotgun shells.
Welch parked his car and around 3 p.m., walked into the restaurant, where multiple employees and customers were present, including children, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Columbia said in a news release.
“He was carrying the AR-15 openly, with one hand on the pistol grip, and the other hand on the hand guard around the barrel, such that anyone with an unobstructed view could see the gun,” the office wrote in the news release.
Once customers and employees saw Welch, they fled the building. Welch was also accused of trying to get into a locked room by forcing the door open, first with a butter knife and then shooting his assault rifle multiple times into the door.
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Shortly after he walked into the restaurant, an employee who had no idea what was going on walked in carrying pizza dough, federal prosecutors said. When Welch saw the employee, he turned toward the worker with the assault rifle, which made the employee think he was going to shoot them. The employee then ran out, leaving Welch alone in the restaurant.
Welch spent more than 20 minutes inside the restaurant, then walked out, leaving his firearms inside. Officials then arrested him.
When Welch was sentenced to four years in prison, he was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release, during which he’d have to get a mental health assessment.
He was also ordered to stay away from the Comet Ping Pong restaurant while released and to pay $5,744 in restitution for property damage.
What happened leading up to the Welch’s death?
The deadly traffic stop happened the night of Jan. 4, said Kannapolis Chief of Police Terry L. Spry in a news release.
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Around 10 p.m., a Kannapolis Police Officer patrolling North Cannon Boulevard spotted a gray 2001 GMC Yukon. The officer recognized the vehicle because he’d previously arrested someone who frequently drove the vehicle, Welch. He also knew Welch had an outstanding warrant for his arrest, police said.
The officer stopped the vehicle and recognized the front seat passenger as Welch, who had an outstanding arrest warrant for felony probation violation, police said. While the officer was speaking with Welch, two additional officers showed up to help.
As the officer who made the traffic stop approached the passenger side of the vehicle and opened the front passenger door to arrest the individual, the passenger pulled out a handgun and pointed it at the officer.
The initial officer and a second officer who was standing at the rear passenger side of the Yukon ordered the man to drop the gun. After the passenger failed to lower his gun, both officers fired at him, hitting him.
Officials called for medical assistance for Welch who was taken to a hospital for treatment. He was later taken to another hospital, where he died from his injuries two days after the shooting.
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None of the officers at the traffic stop were hurt and neither were the driver and back seat passenger in the vehicle with Welch.
The officers involved who fired their weapons were Officer Brooks Jones and Officer Caleb Tate. The third officer at the scene did not fire his weapon, police said.
District Attorney will decide next steps in traffic stop shooting death
An outside law enforcement agency has been requested to investigate the shooting.
“This practice ensures there is no bias during the investigation and the findings of the investigation are presented to the District Attorney without any influence by a member of the department,” the police chief wrote in the news release.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is still investigating the shooting and the two officers who fired their weapons are on administrative leave, which the police said is standard protocol.
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Cabarrus County District Attorney Ashlie Shanley will decide what the next steps are, police said.
Contributing: Kevin Johnson, USA TODAY
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY’s NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Follow her on Twitter at @SaleenMartin or email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.
Viewers and media industry professionals alike are sharing tributes to Derrick Ward, a longtime Washington, D.C., television journalist who died Tuesday at age 62.
Ward’s death followed complications from a recent cardiac arrest and was confirmed Wednesday by NBC 4 Washington (WRC-TV), where he’d been employed since 2006.
“Derrick has been an inspiration and cherished member of our family and his hometown community,” Ward’s family told the outlet in a statement that was shared during Wednesday’s broadcast. “As a distinguished journalist, Derrick’s storytelling, prolific writing, warmth and humor touched countless lives. Our children and our entire family will miss him dearly.”
As of Thursday afternoon, news of Ward’s passing had drawn an outpouring of condolences online.
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“Stunned to hear of his passing. Watched that great man for over two decades tell some riveting stories all with class, respect, and precision,” podcaster Lee Sanders wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Well diverse and extremely talented man. Thoughts to his friends, family and colleagues. Not a good start to 2025.”
Watch an NBC 4 report on Derrick Ward’s death below.
Fox 5 DC journalist Tom Fitzgerald felt similarly, describing Ward as “one of the most pleasant people I’ve ever spent time with.”
“I’ll miss the graciousness, professionalism, kindness and glowing smile of this true gentleman,” he wrote on X. “Peace to his family, friends & NBC 4 colleagues.”
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A Washington, D.C., native, Ward began his journalism career in radio, where he covered the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the D.C. sniper shootings of 2003, among other major stories. He then transitioned to television reporting when he landed a gig at WKBW-TV in Buffalo, New York.
Appearing on the “Architecture Is Political” podcast in 2020, Ward recalled how his love of storytelling inspired him to pursue a career in journalism.
“I want to tell the stories of this town that I grew up in,” he said. “I like doing things that can resonate with somebody ― if you can say something or write something somewhere and it just gets someone’s attention or whatever point you’re trying to make gets off and they can say, ‘Hmmm’ or ‘Uh huh.’ It’s the same reason that people do music and other things, I guess, is to look for that resonance.”
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In addition to his professional background, Ward was known as an avid golfer and guitar player. He is survived by his three children: Derrick Jr., Ian and Marisa.
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