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Conflicting reports about DOJ investigating Mayor Bowser’s foreign trip

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Conflicting reports about DOJ investigating Mayor Bowser’s foreign trip


The New York Times reported Thursday evening that the Department of Justice is investigating D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser over a foreign trip she took that was at least partially paid for by Qatar, but a report from Axios later disputed the New York Times report.

Axios first reported a senior Trump administration official says Bowser’s “name was mentioned in something,” but that she is not under federal investigation. Axios says the unnamed official blamed the rumor of the investigation on a disgruntled fired FBI agent.

A Trump administration official later told News4 Investigative Reporter Ted Oberg that Bowser is not the target of a federal investigation.

The mayor’s office said Bowser did not have anything to say about the Times report Thursday night but will be taking questions Friday at an event already on her calendar.

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Bowser went to Dubai in late 2023 with four executive staff members for a United Nations conference on climate change, the Times reported.

The investigation started after the mayor’s office incorrectly told reporters the Chamber of Conference paid for the trip.

Her office told News4 that after the trip they became aware of a “staff error,” which led to the lack of a standard donation agreement for travel expenses. That paperwork has since been correctly submitted, Bowser’s office said. They said they have a letter from Qatar confirming they paid tens of thousands of dollars for the trip for Bowser and her staffers.

It’s not unusual for outside organizations or governments to pay for such trips, but it appears the mayor’s office didn’t handle the reporting properly in the beginning.

D.C. Code requires city officials to file proper reporting paperwork for gifts and donations such as a trip.

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The mayor’s office said they heard about an investigation when the Times called Thursday afternoon for comment.

“We have checked with our lawyers, and the District has not been notified of any investigation,” the mayor’s office said in a statement. “This was a business trip; DC representatives regularly travel to promote Washington as a destination for investment and growth.”

“In some cases, economic development funds are used for the business travel; in other cases, the host or organizer cover the expenses,” the statement said. “All proper paperwork for this standard donation is on file.”

Bowser previously has been asked about who paid for a trip to the Masters golf tournament – questions that have never fully been answered.

The investigation comes after the federal takeover of D.C. — and looming threat of another one — and as Bowser considers running for a fourth term.

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Bowser was scheduled to attend a gala Thursday night where she was to receive an award for her work in the redevelopment of the RFK Stadium site.



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Great Mother March sets out on 500-mile pilgrimage from Asheville to Washington

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Great Mother March sets out on 500-mile pilgrimage from Asheville to Washington


ASHEVILLE, N.C. (FOX Carolina) – The Great Mother March has begun a 500-mile pilgrimage from Asheville, North Carolina, to Washington, D.C.

Organizers said the 32-day journey is a women’s empowerment pilgrimage inspired by the Buddhist monks’ Walk for Peace.

Great Mother March(Great Mother March)

“This is a universal movement,” founder Whitney Freya, an artist, author and sacred activist, said. “Everyone has a mother. Every tradition reveres a Great Mother. And we all depend on Mother Earth. This march is a call to honor those truths while reminding us what is possible when we move together, with intention, hope, and love.”

The march is expected to end April 22, Earth Day, when participants reach the steps of the U.S. Capitol.

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Great Mother March
Great Mother March(Great Mother March)

Here’s a look at the group’s route:

Great Mother March route
Great Mother March route(Google Maps/Great Mother March)

Organizers said the group will walk alongside the Appalachian Mountains through rural communities in North Carolina and Virginia, with planned stops including Black Mountain, Old Fort, Marion, Linville and Boone, North Carolina.

From there, the group plans to travel via Todd and West Jefferson, North Carolina, and the River Country Campground along the New River, to the Peace Pentagon near Independence, Virginia.

The marchers are expected to arrive in Galax, Virginia, on April 1, then continue to Hillsville, Floyd, Ferrum and Rocky Mount, arriving in Rocky Mount on April 5.

The group is expected to reach Lynchburg on April 9 and travel up U.S. 29 to Waynesboro, arriving April 12.

Organizers said the marchers plan to arrive in Charlottesville on April 13 and spend April 14 at IX Art Park to rest and prepare for the final leg to Washington.

From Charlottesville, the group plans overnight stops in Barboursville, Orange, Culpeper and Warrenton, Virginia, before arriving in Manassas on April 19. Additional stops include the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia, and Alexandria, Virginia, ahead of the group’s arrival in Washington on April 22.

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US Park Police officer shot in Washington, DC

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US Park Police officer shot in Washington, DC


A U.S. Park Police officer was shot in Washington, D.C., while on duty, according to a statement from the agency. 

Park Police said the officer was shot at 7:30 p.m. on Monday in Southeast Washington on Queens Stroll Pl.

The officer has been transported to a local hospital, officials said.

The circumstances of the shooting are unclear. A Park Police spokesperson told ABC News the officer has non-life-threatening injuries.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi said on X that she has spoken to D.C. Mayor Muriel  Bowser and Metropolitan Police Chief Jeffery Carroll and was briefed on the shooting.

“Please pray for the officer’s recovery,” the attorney general said.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.



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Exhibition Game in Washington, D.C.

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Exhibition Game in Washington, D.C.


Photo by Sol Tucker/TalkNats The Washington Nationals have an exhibition game at Nationals Park against Baltimore as part of their home-and-road 2-game series with the Orioles. This is the final warm-up against another team before Opening Day in two days … Continue reading →



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