Washington, D.C
Cops in nation’s capital draw ire, support for staying away from campus protest
Student protesters arrested as police clear UCLA’s protest encampment
Police clashed with demonstrators in UCLA’s pro-Palestine protest encampment site in the early morning hours as they cleared the area and made arrests.
As police swarmed pro-Palestinian demonstrations on college campuses across the country this week, officers in the nation’s capital refused to get involved, igniting ire from Republican Congressmembers and raising thorny ethics questions about bringing outside cops to university property.
Fueling part of the controversy are reports that Metropolitan Police supposedly turned down pleas from university administrators to get involved amid escalating protests against the war in Gaza on George Washington University’s Washington, D.C., campus late last week. The move deviated from decisions by other police departments to march on college campuses, disband student demonstrations, and arrest hundreds this week.
The tent encampment covering University Yard, a square area in the center of the George Washington University campus, entered its eighth day on Thursday. Hours after around 20 tents went up in the early morning hours of April 25, the university demanded that protesters disperse and dismantle them.
When the demonstrators refused to leave, the university reached out to metro police to break up the encampment, with President Ellen Granberg and Provost Christopher Bracey calling it an “unauthorized use of university space.”
But metro police refused to send their officers into the campus, fearing the optics of a police crackdown on students less than a mile from the White House, according to the Washington Post.
Police wrote in an email to USA TODAY that the department “stood in support” of the response of campus police, who take “the lead in the response to first amendment demonstrations occurring on GWU grounds.” The department declined to comment on “operational tactics or procedures.”
George Washington officials did not provide additional comment in response to USA TODAY’s request.
Listen: Police order dispersal of gathering at UCLA as protests continue nationwide | The Excerpt
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The metro police decision not to get involved presented an opportunity for a political jab from some Republican members of the House Oversight Committee, who visited the encampment on Wednesday to condemn the police department’s refusal to act.
“We expect these encampments to be cleared out,” Committee Chair James Comer said, after walking through a crowd of protesters booing and heckling. In a letter to Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, he and Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx also slammed metro police for refusing to get involved “over fears of public criticism.”
But experts cautioned university administrators to think carefully before involving police in campus protests. Before calling in law enforcement, university administrations should have a crystal clear picture of what’s going on, said Christy Lopez, a professor at Georgetown Law. That level of certainty could be missing from the decisions of some administrations.
“Sometimes it’s just really fuzzy and things are moving quickly, and you need to make sure that you understand what’s going on,” she said. “Sometimes, it can be sort of reckless to the point of almost deliberate” to call in police without the full facts established, she added.
Lopez commended police in the nation’s capital for not getting involved in the protest at George Washington. “We should not have to rely on police departments restraining themselves,” she said. “But as that instance shows, sometimes you have to rely on the police department to show the level of judgment that campus officials may not be showing.”
Almost every recent instance she had seen of police response to student protests could present grounds for a critical incident review of officers’ actions, she said. “I think that every single crackdown that I’ve seen warrants that level of scrutiny,” she added.
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Hundreds arrested at campus protests
The decision made metro police an outlier among other city police departments that sent officers into the chaotic center of campus demonstrations.
The NYPD made its first wave of around 100 arrests on Columbia University’s Manhattan campus in mid-April after it entered campus upon request from university President Minouche Shafik to dismantle a tent encampment. The situation has only escalated since then – on Tuesday night, NYPD officers arrested nearly 300 people at demonstrations at Columbia and the City College of New York.
At a news conference on Wednesday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said NYPD carried out the operation at the university’s request. “The request we received in writing could not have been clearer,” he said.
In Austin, police in riot gear, riding horses, and wielding batons and pepper spray descended on protests at the University of Texas campus last week upon the university’s request. Although charges against the 57 people arrested were dropped, officers returned on Monday to arrest nearly 80 more.
In an email to USA TODAY, Austin police said the level of assistance that its officers provided to campus police changed with the dynamics of the situation. At first, officers helped to transport those arrested to jail. More recently, campus police asked Austin officers to assist them in making arrests. After campus police and Texas Department of Public Safety officers decided to disband the protest, “it became apparent that additional resources were needed for officer safety and the safety of those taking part in the demonstration.”
“Moving forward as the demonstrations continue, APD will remain ready to provide assistance to [campus police] if requested,” Austin police said in the email.
Experts say police should build trust with protesters
Lopez said building up a level of trust with protesters by acting with restraint can help law enforcement work effectively in the midst of a protest. “Is there an alternative to just going in and tearing apart an encampment or shutting down a protest? Or can you be more directed and actually figure out who’s causing the problems?” she said.
Either way, law enforcement’s response to the protests could leave a lasting mark on how young people view the ethics of policing, Lopez said. “How the police respond here is going to be as indelibly marked on the political consciousness of youth today, as the police response during the Vietnam War protest was on youth of that era,” she said.
“This is going to define how they think about not just police, but government, about the legitimacy of authority,” she added. “That’s really, really an important thing for police and leaders to be thinking about, is that they’re forging that reality and those perceptions right now.”
Cybele Mayes-Osterman is a breaking news reporter for USA Today. Reach her on email at cmayesosterman@usatoday.com. Follow her on X @CybeleMO.
Washington, D.C
How Maryland is Tackling Traffic Delays and Enhancing Travel to Washington D.C. Through Key Infrastructure Upgrades, Here is All You Need to Know – Travel And Tour World
Published on
December 14, 2025
Traffic delays in D.C. have long been a challenge for both residents and visitors. In Maryland, addressing these issues has become a top priority, with major projects aimed at easing the notorious Beltway congestion. Among the most crucial initiatives are the reconstruction of the American Legion Memorial Bridge and the Francis Scott Key Bridge. These key infrastructure upgrades are essential not only for reducing traffic delays but also for improving access to Washington D.C.’s famous attractions. With millions of tourists visiting the nation’s capital every year, these projects aim to enhance the flow of traffic, ensuring a smoother travel experience for all. By tackling congestion head-on, Maryland is making significant strides in boosting Washington D.C. tourism. The ongoing improvements promise to make visiting the capital more convenient and enjoyable, benefiting both locals and travelers alike.
Maryland’s Focus on Infrastructure Upgrades
One of the most pressing issues currently being tackled by Maryland officials is the ongoing traffic delays in D.C. caused by outdated and overcrowded bridges. The Francis Scott Key Bridge, in particular, has seen its estimated costs balloon as the need for reconstruction becomes more urgent. The Maryland Department of Transportation has faced increasing pressure to ensure the timely and efficient completion of this project, which is expected to be fully funded by taxpayers.
In September 2025, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy raised concerns regarding the proposed budget and timeline for the FSK Bridge replacement. This project, aimed at addressing significant traffic bottlenecks, is crucial to improving the daily commute for both locals and visitors heading into Washington D.C. for business, leisure, or cultural experiences.
Addressing Congestion on the American Legion Memorial Bridge
Another key project under discussion is the American Legion Memorial Bridge, which connects Maryland to Virginia along the I-495 Beltway. This bridge is notorious for heavy congestion, contributing significantly to the broader traffic delays in D.C. In 2025, Washington, D.C. was rated the worst city in the nation for traffic, with an average delay of more than six hours. As part of efforts to alleviate this problem, Secretary Duffy and Maryland Governor Wes Moore are exploring ways to accelerate the reconstruction of the American Legion Memorial Bridge.
A major focus of this initiative is the public’s input on how best to alleviate congestion in the I-495/I-270 corridor. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has recently released a Request for Information (RFI) to gather feedback on potential solutions. The aim is to develop a multi-state plan to address the congestion that affects both Maryland and Virginia, directly benefiting travelers heading into Washington D.C. This effort is seen as vital for improving the overall travel experience in the region, particularly for tourists navigating the Beltway.
Improving Access for Washington D.C. Tourists
Tourism in Washington D.C. is a significant economic driver for the region. Each year, millions of tourists flock to the nation’s capital to visit iconic landmarks such as the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial and the Smithsonian museums. However, these visitors often face traffic delays that hinder their ability to enjoy their trip. The ongoing congestion on the I-495 Beltway and critical bridges like the American Legion Memorial Bridge and the Francis Scott Key Bridge directly impact the ease with which tourists can access these sites.
Improving these key transportation routes will not only benefit local commuters but also enhance the tourism experience in Washington D.C. Faster and more efficient access to the city’s major attractions can encourage more visitors, boosting local tourism revenue and supporting the area’s hospitality sector. By addressing Beltway congestion and modernizing key infrastructure, Maryland is taking a proactive approach to ensuring that tourists spend less time stuck in traffic and more time exploring the capital’s many cultural and historical offerings.
The Role of the Capital Beltway Accord
Maryland’s commitment to improving transportation in the region is also evident in its collaboration with Virginia through the “Capital Beltway Accord.” In 2019, Maryland and Virginia announced a bipartisan agreement to build express lanes on the Beltway, designed to ease congestion. Virginia completed the 495 Express Lane Extension in November 2025, a move that aims to improve the flow of traffic between the two states.
The express lanes offer an expedited route for drivers and are expected to have a direct impact on reducing congestion, particularly in areas where traffic delays have historically been the most severe. For tourists traveling to Washington D.C., these lanes represent a potential shortcut that could significantly shorten travel times to key attractions. The implementation of such infrastructure upgrades helps ensure that both residents and tourists benefit from improved access to the region.
Public Input and Community Involvement
Secretary Duffy has emphasized the importance of involving the public in the planning and development of these transportation projects. The release of the Request for Information (RFI) for the American Legion Memorial Bridge reconstruction is a clear indication of Maryland’s commitment to ensuring that local communities, commuters and tourists alike have a say in how congestion is addressed. Public input is vital for shaping the future of transportation in the region, particularly when it comes to making improvements that impact everyday lives and travel experiences.
A Brighter Future for Maryland’s Transportation Network
With ongoing efforts to tackle Beltway congestion, rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge and improve the American Legion Memorial Bridge, Maryland is positioning itself to enhance travel to Washington D.C. for years to come. The state’s focus on modernizing key infrastructure projects is crucial for easing traffic delays and improving the overall experience for both residents and tourists. As these projects progress, they promise to unlock smoother, more efficient travel, benefiting everyone who relies on these critical routes.
Conclusion: Enhancing Travel Through Strategic Infrastructure Investment
Maryland’s commitment to addressing traffic delays in Washington D.C. through key infrastructure upgrades is set to have a significant impact on both local commuters and tourists. The reconstruction of the American Legion Memorial Bridge and the Francis Scott Key Bridge will not only ease Beltway congestion but also improve access to the capital’s major attractions. By ensuring that these vital projects are completed on time and within budget, Maryland is making strides in improving travel for everyone who relies on these roads. With the ongoing public input process and collaboration with neighboring Virginia, the future of travel in the Washington D.C. metro area looks brighter than ever.
President Donald Trump has set his sights on his next renovation project: Washington, D.C.’s golf courses, according to a new report.
The president, who frequently spends weekends on the fairways at his various properties, is seeking to redevelop the three public golf courses in the nation’s capital, The Wall Street Journal reported.
“If we do them, we’ll do it really beautifully,” he told the outlet on Friday after reportedly describing the courses as run down and neglected. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum echoed this sentiment, describing one course as “in total disrepair,” adding that Trump is trying to bring it “back to what it was originally envisioned to be, which is the finest municipal golf in the country, right here in our capital.”
In his pursuit to remake the green spaces, he is attempting to wrest control from the National Links Trust, a non-profit with a 50-year lease to operate, restore and maintain the affordability of East Potomac Golf Links, Rock Creek Park Golf and Langston Golf Course.
Earlier in 2025, the administration ordered the group to take dirt resulting from the demolition of the East Wing of the White House or risk defaulting on its lease with the government, people familiar with the matter told the outlet. The group accepted and trucks were seen dumping piles of soil onto one of East Potomac’s courses.
Despite this, the Interior Department told the National Links Trust that it violated its lease and delivered an official default notice. Trump said that the courses will fall under the administration’s control if the group does not remedy alleged violations by the end of the year.
“Such a move could make it easier for Trump to implement his vision for the East Potomac course, which sits on a prime stretch of Washington real estate along the river,” the outlet reported, noting that the course is “at the top of his list.”
In a statement, the group disputed the administration’s assessment.
“National Links Trust respectfully disagrees with the characterization that we are in default,” a spokesman for the National Links Trust told the newspaper. “National Links Trust appreciates the president’s interest in the D.C. golf courses and looks forward to the opportunity to partner with the administration to improve these historically significant facilities.”
But the Republican president has no interest in working with the organization.
“I think what we’re looking to do is just build something different, and build them in government,” he said.
He’s also shown interest in hiring Tom Fazio, a famed golf course architect, to create designs for a new East Potomac course and hopes to host a professional golfing event in the capital in the near future.
The president’s renovation attempts have triggered consternation among some golfers in Washington, D.C., who fear Trump’s beautifying efforts could boost prices and render the courses unaffordable for residents.
But, Trump said that, if he takes over the three courses, D.C. inhabitants will receive lower rates than visiting golfers.
If Trump is successful in his bid, it would add to the many changes he’s made to the nation’s capital since returning to office in January. At the White House, he’s paved over the Rose Garden, installed towering flag poles on the lawn, affixed gilded furnishings to the Oval Office and began constructing a massive ballroom where the East Wing once stood.
He’s also proposed building a victory arch on the banks of the Potomac and is considering renovating the Reflecting Pool that sits in front of the Lincoln Memorial.
A White House spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Independent.
A D.C. high school teacher is accused of climbing through a student’s window at night to sexually abuse her on numerous occasions.
At least twice, the teacher used the 16-year-old student’s phone to record explicit videos of himself with the girl, the U.S. attorney’s office said.
The abuse began last spring. The most recent incident happened last month.
FBI agents arrested 35-year-old John Gass at his Hyattsville, Maryland, home Thursday.
Gass taught at the D.C. International School. He has been fired.
Gass is charged with production of child pornography and enticement of a minor.
Detectives say there could be other victims. Anyone with information should call the FBI.
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