Washington, D.C

Arsonists torch delivery drivers' mopeds in Southeast DC

Published

1 year ago

October 25, 2024

Arsonists torch delivery drivers' mopeds in Southeast DC

Arsonists set multiple mopeds on fire last night in Southeast D.C., and neighbors said the owners are delivery drivers who recently moved here from Venezuela.

Panic and screams for help were caught on camera after several mopeds went up in flames on B Street SE.

“And we looked out the window and we see all four of these bikes just on fire,” said Mike, a neighbor.

Speaking with News4 hours after the rude awakening, Mike said he was asleep in his home across the street near 50th when he heard the commotion around 1 a.m.

Video shows a group of five walk up to the mopeds, and pour liquid. Fire erupted, and the group ran.

Mike called 911 and tried to help his neighbors contain the flames and keep them from spreading.

“If that fire would have gotten to the gas tank or to the batteries, it could have been worse,” he said.

Junior Valera said he and his brother use the mopeds to make deliveries.

“We use these to work, to eat,” he said in Spanish. “To pay rent, help our families. Without them, how? We can’t.”

“These guys, you know, they’re new to the country, they don’t speak a word of English, and this is literally their means of paying their bills,” Mike said. “So, they use these to deliver food, Uber Eats, Door Dash, etc.”

Jefferson Arias said he feels insecure. His brother was robbed at gunpoint Sunday, and the thieves took his moped.

“Targeting folks from another country that are just trying to make a better life for themselves is just not what America is about,” Mike said.

Anyone with information about the case should call the D.C. Fire arson tip line at 1-877-NO-ARSON.

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Washington, D.C

Bowser announces decision not to run for 4th term: The News4 Rundown

Published

3 hours ago

November 25, 2025

Press Room

Bowser announces decision not to run for 4th term: The News4 Rundown – NBC4 Washington

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Washington, D.C

Rockport Elementary students chosen to help decorate National Christmas Tree in Washington, DC

Published

21 hours ago

November 25, 2025

Press Room

Rockport Elementary students chosen to help decorate National Christmas Tree in Washington, DC

ROCKPORT, Ind. (WFIE) – Officials with Rockport Elementary say the school has been selected to be part of the 2025 America Celebrates display at the National Tree Lighting in Washington, DC.

They say it’s part of a national program in collaboration with the National Park Service, the National Park Foundation, and the US Department of Education.

Officials say 59 schools created original ornament designs that reflect the culture and landmarks of their home state or territory.

Rockport Elementary’s contributions are now featured in the State Ornaments collection for Indiana.

Officials say each ornament was designed by a student to tell a story of our community and state and celebrate our heritage.

Eighteen ornaments were created to be displayed on the Ellipse in President’s Park in Washington, DC, surrounding the National Christmas Tree during the 2025 lighting ceremony.

“It is a tremendous honor for our students to represent Rockport Elementary on a national stage. Being selected is an experience our students and our whole school community will always remember. We were thrilled to learn that our designs were chosen to represent not only Rockport Elementary and Spencer County, but the entire state of Indiana. The opportunity shines a spotlight on the creativity, hard work, and pride that our students bring to everything they do. I’m so excited to see their art showcased at the national level, said Art teacher, Veralyn Neal.

The public is invited to view the America Celebrates display during the December viewing season, December 6 through January 1, 2026.

“Indiana” ornaments drawn by Rockport Elementary students(National Christmas Tree Lighting Website)

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Washington, D.C

More Trouble In D.C. At The BBC: Washington News Editor Exits After Complaints Over Management Style

Published

2 days ago

November 24, 2025

Press Room

EXCLUSIVE: The BBC News channel’s Washington D.C.-based executive producer has left abruptly after complaints were made about the way he spoke to colleagues in the newsroom.

Deadline understands that concerns were raised about Adam Levy‘s management style, with a recent incident proving to be the final straw. Two sources alleged that he spoke to a young producer in a way that was considered to be aggressive after a mistake was made during a news shift.

Levy, who left earlier this month, declined to comment when contacted by Deadline. A BBC spokesman said the broadcaster does not comment on individual HR matters.

Levy’s swift exit comes at a tumultuous time for the BBC’s Washington bureau, with the UK broadcaster facing a $1B lawsuit from Donald Trump after a bungled Panorama edit of the U.S. president’s January 6 speech. Although the mistake was not made by U.S.-based journalists, they are at the frontline of now tense relations with the White House.

Paul Royall, the executive news editor of the BBC News channel, visited Washington this month to help steady the ship. His trip was planned before Levy’s exit, but sources noted that Royall was in the city in an effort to boost morale.

Levy was appointed as the BBC News channel’s news editor and executive producer in March 2023, playing a key role in building live programming out of Washington. Levy previously worked at CNN, where he was a producer on shows including State of the Union with Jake Tapper.

Sources close to Levy pointed to his career before the BBC as a team player without issue. These people said he was known for his passion and diligence in tough circumstances. One former CNN colleague said Levy was a respected colleague at the network, working with people at every level of the newsroom.

Levy’s exit comes at a time when the BBC is cracking down on alleged abuses of power following a workplace culture review earlier this year. In September, BBC chair Samir Shah said “very serious disciplinary actions, including dismissals,” have taken place since the review.

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