Connect with us

Washington, D.C

DC traffic persists as cleanup begins after protests against Netanyahu’s DC visit – WTOP News

Published

on

DC traffic persists as cleanup begins after protests against Netanyahu’s DC visit – WTOP News


The cleanup from protests outside Union Station, connected to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech before Congress, is underway Thursday morning as officials prepare for the prime minister’s visit to the White House.

Protestors used red, green and black spray paint — marking the fountains, statues and walkways with symbols and words like “free Palestine” and “let Gaza live.”
(WTOP/Kyle Cooper)

WTOP/Kyle Cooper

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 25: National Park Service workers replace one of the flags fronting Union Station on July 25, 2024 in Washington, DC. The flags were removed during the protests surrounding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to a joint meeting of Congress which occured as the Israel Hamas war inches closer to a ten month anniversary. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)
National Park Service workers replace one of the flags in front of Union Station on July 25, 2024 in Washington, DC. The flags were removed during the protests surrounding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to a joint meeting of Congress which occured as the Israel Hamas war inches closer to a ten month anniversary.
(Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 25: National Park Service workers attempt to remove graffiti at Union Station on July 25, 2024 in Washington, DC. The flags were removed during the protests surrounding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to a joint meeting of Congress which occured as the Israel Hamas war inches closer to a ten month anniversary. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)
National Park Service workers attempt to remove graffiti at Union Station on July 25, 2024 in Washington, D.C.
(Getty Images/Kent Nishimura)

Getty Images/Kent Nishimura

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 25: National Park Service workers attempt to remove graffiti at Union Station on July 25, 2024 in Washington, DC. The flags were removed during the protests surrounding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to a joint meeting of Congress which occured as the Israel Hamas war inches closer to a ten month anniversary. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)
National Park Service workers attempt to remove graffiti at Union Station on July 25, 2024 in Washington, D.C.
(Getty Images/Kent Nishimura)

Getty Images/Kent Nishimura

Cleanup Columbus Circle
The National Park Service has put up metal barriers around Columbus Circle so workers can pick up trash and clean the marble fountain, statues, walkways and the Freedom Bell filled with graffiti.
(WTOP/Kyle Cooper)

WTOP/Kyle Cooper

Cleanup Columbus Circle
Leftover graffiti from the pro-Palestinian protests around Union Station during Netanyahu’s visit.
(WTOP/Kyle Cooper)

WTOP/Kyle Cooper

The National Park Service uses a chemical called Elephant Snot to loosen the paint before it is power-washed. Several treatments over days will be needed.
(WTOP/Kyle Cooper)

WTOP/Kyle Cooper

Protestors set the U.S. flags and effigies on fire at Union Station.
(WTOP/Kyle Cooper)

WTOP/Kyle Cooper

Advertisement

This page contains a video which is being blocked by your ad blocker.
In order to view the video you must disable your ad blocker.

Clean up begins outside Union Station after protests against Netanyahu’s DC visit

The cleanup from protests outside Union Station, connected to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech before Congress, is underway Thursday morning as officials prepare for the prime minister’s visit to the White House.

Protestors used red, green and black spray paint — marking fountains, statues and walkways with symbols and words like “free Palestine” and “let Gaza live.”

The National Park Service has put up metal barriers around Columbus Circle, so it can pick up trash, and treat and clean the marble and stone fountain, statues and walkways, as well as the Freedom Bell, a replica of the Liberty Bell.

Advertisement

The park service says cleaning the marble and stone is delicate and difficult because paint seeps into it. They use a chemical actually called Elephant Snot to loosen the paint before it’s power washed. Several treatments, over the course of days, will be needed.

People passing by seem shocked by what they saw.

One man, Joe, told WTOP “it should have been prevented, I don’t know why they’re allowed to graffiti so much, spray paint so much.”

Another woman — who did not want to give her name — said she’d “never seen anything like this, it’s pretty bad.” Exiting Union Station into Columbus Circle, commuters stop, take pictures and some stand with their mouths open.

At least 15 people were arrested in the protests, police said, which shut down some streets in the area and forced Union Station to close some of its entrances. Some people missed trains, unable to get into the station on time because of the protests.

Advertisement

D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith said the department will continue to support peaceful protests, but must hold accountable those who commit criminal acts while in the city.

Shutdowns will continue on Thursday as Netanyahu visits the White House. Street closures are outlined below.

Posted closures during Netanyahu’s visit

The closures started on Sunday and are expected to last through Saturday, July 27.

The following streets are posted as Emergency No Parking through Saturday, July 27 at 3 p.m.:

  • Virginia Avenue NW from Rock Creek Parkway to New Hampshire Avenue
  • Jamal Khashoggi Way from Virginia Avenue to F Street NW
  • F Street NW from Rock Creek Parkway to 25th Street
  • 27th Street NW from Virginia Avenue to K Street
  • 2600 block of I Street NW

The following streets will be closed to vehicle traffic on Sunday, July 21 starting at 10 p.m. through Friday, July 26 at 6 a.m.:

  • Rock Creek Parkway NW between Virginia Avenue and the Potomac River Freeway southbound
  • Virginia Avenue NW from Rock Creek Parkway to New Hampshire Avenue (eastbound lanes)
  • Jamal Khashoggi Way (southbound lanes) between Virginia Avenue and F Street NW
  • F Street NW from Rock Creek Parkway to 25th Street
  • 27th Street NW from Virginia Avenue to K Street
  • 2600 block of I Street NW
  • 27th Street ramp from northbound Potomac River Freeway

Traffic traveling south on Rock Creek Parkway will be diverted east on I Street from Virginia Avenue NW to Potomac River Freeway. Westbound traffic on Virginia Avenue NW will be able to turn north on Rock Creek Parkway.

All traffic from Ohio Drive SW will be diverted north on Potomac River Freeway.

Advertisement

Due to First Amendment activity, plan for intermittent street closures and traffic delays, D.C. police said. Police are advising drivers to consider alternative routes.

Motorists can access businesses and residences around the Watergate Hotel in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood through Jamal Khashoggi Way and 25th Street NW and 27th Street and Virginia Avenue NW.

Residents can access the Watergate Hotel on foot by 27th Street and Virginia Avenue NW, 25th Street and Jamal Khashoggi Way NW and 25th Street and F Street NW.

Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

© 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

Advertisement



Source link

Washington, D.C

12th Honor Flight Tallahassee returns home from successful trip to Washington D.C.

Published

on

12th Honor Flight Tallahassee returns home from successful trip to Washington D.C.


TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Seventy-two veterans took a trip Saturday to our nation’s capital to visit memorials honoring their service in the armed forces.

This year marks the 12th trip to Washington, D.C. for Honor Flight Tallahassee.

Early Saturday morning, veterans and their guardians met to take a charter flight up to D.C.

Throughout the day, veterans were taken to the World War II memorial, as well as the Korean and Vietnam War memorials. The veterans also visited Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Advertisement

More Tallahassee news:

The day ended with a wonderful welcome home celebration.

Our Jacob Murphey, Julia Miller, Taylor Viles, and Grace Temple accompanied the veterans, capturing moments from throughout the day.

The team will have live coverage from Washington, D.C. on Monday to share more from the day’s events.

We will continue to have coverage throughout the month of May, leading up to our Honor Flight special on Memorial Day.

Advertisement

To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Nextdoor and X (Twitter).

Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here to get started.

Copyright 2026 WCTV. All rights reserved.





Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Washington, D.C

Storm Team4 Forecast: A chilly, gusty Sunday before a cool start to the week

Published

on

Storm Team4 Forecast: A chilly, gusty Sunday before a cool start to the week


4 things to know about the weather:

  1. Chances of rain in the morning
  2. Gusty Sunday
  3. Chilly Monday
  4. Temps will rise again through the work week

Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to check the weather radar on the go.

After a nice and warm Saturday, changes arrive for part two of the weekend.

The first half of your Sunday will have a chance for showers. Winds will pick up with our next system and are expected to gust to about 20-30 mph. Cooler air will settle in, and lows Sunday night fall into the 40s.

Highs temps Monday will reach only into the mid to upper 50s.

Advertisement

However, temperatures will rise through the week, so you won’t need your jackets every day.

QuickCast

SUNDAY:
Showers, then partly cloudy
Wind: NW 10-15 mph
Gusts @ 30 mph
HIGH: Lower 60s

MONDAY:
Partly cloudy
Wind: NW 10-15 mph
Gusts @ 25 mph
HIGH: Upper 50s

Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Washington, D.C

‘It’s a twilight zone’: Iran war casts deep shadows over IMF gathering in Washington

Published

on

‘It’s a twilight zone’: Iran war casts deep shadows over IMF gathering in Washington


The most severe energy shock since the 1970s, the risk of a global recession and households everywhere stomaching a renewed surge in the cost of living – hitting the most vulnerable hardest.

In a sweltering hot Washington DC this week, the message at the International Monetary Fund meetings was chilling: things had been looking up for living standards around the world. But then came the Iran war.

“Some countries are in panic,” said the fund’s managing director, Kristalina Georgieva, addressing the finance ministers and central bank bosses in town for the IMF and World Bank spring meetings. “The sooner it [the Iran war] ends, the better for everybody.”

Such gatherings are not typically used to fight geopolitical battles. “You don’t get people shouting at one another at these things,” one senior figure remarked. But, as a record-breaking April heatwave swept the US capital, no one could ignore the mounting damage from the Iran war.

Advertisement

Those familiar with the mood over breakfast at a meeting of the G20’s representatives on Thursday, which included Donald Trump’s treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, and the outgoing US Federal Reserve chair, Jerome Powell – said the atmosphere in the room was sombre amid an open exchange of serious views.

“It is such a twilight-zone meeting,” said Mohamed El-Erian, a former IMF deputy managing director who is now chief economic adviser at the Allianz insurance group. “There are several shadows hanging over it: one is the shadow that comes from concern about the global economy as a whole.

“The second is that some countries are going to be particularly hard hit, and it’s mostly countries that very few people are talking about. But the third concern is the adding of insult to injury: the fact that the US, which started a war of choice, is going to be hit, but by a lot less than elsewhere in relative terms.”

Before Thursday’s breakfast, Rachel Reeves had started her day with an early-morning jog. Joined by her counterparts from Spain, Australia and New Zealand for a run down the iconic National Mall, she posted an Instagram selfie with a not-so-subtle dig: “Friends that run together – work together.”

A day earlier, the chancellor had told a CNBC conference that she thought “friends are allowed to disagree on things” as she criticised Trump’s Iran war as a “mistake” and a “folly” that had not made the world safer.

Advertisement
Rachel Reeves posted this image on Instagram from Washington DC on Thursday with the message: ‘Friends that run together – work together.’ Photograph: Rachel Reeves/Instagram

Speaking at a venue just steps away from the White House, before a one-on-one meeting with Bessent, she said this “fair message” was needed because UK families and businesses were feeling the pain from higher energy prices triggered by the conflict.

Those close to Reeves insist her meeting remained cordial. Britain and the US have significant shared interests in AI, financial services and trade. The chancellor also said the UK government had little time for the Iranian regime.

But with the IMF having warned on Tuesday that the Iran war could risk a global recession – in which Britain would be the biggest G7 casualty – it was clear Reeves had travelled to Washington ready to pick a fight.

“I’m struck by how vocal she has been and the words she used,” said one global financier. “We know the disagreement between Bessent and [European Central Bank president] Christine Lagarde earlier in the year. But that was in private.”

At a cocktail party held at the British ambassador’s residence for hundreds of diplomats and financiers – including the Bank of England’s governor, Andrew Bailey, the chief executive of Barclays, CS Venkatakrishnan, and dozens of senior figures – this transatlantic tension, weeks before King Charles’s US state visit, was a major topic of conversation.

Advertisement

The other, in the balmy residence gardens, was one of its former occupants, Peter Mandelson, as revelations about the former ambassador’s appointment threatened to further rock the UK government.

Before the war, the agenda for the IMF had been about global cooperation; the adoption of AI, jobs and work to eradicate poverty. Each of those tasks had now been complicated, but not least the task of countries working together.

For many at the meetings, the focus was on forging closer global cooperation without the world’s pre-eminent superpower.

“Everybody is talking about how you hedge against American decisions,” said David Miliband, the former UK foreign secretary, who now runs the International Rescue Committee. “You can’t do without them, because they’re 25% of the global economy. But, in a lot of fora, they’ve pulled out.

“So everyone has to think, how does one structure international cooperation? The old west is not coming back. And so everyone has to figure out how to position themselves for that world.”

Advertisement

For those gathering in Washington, there was irony in the fact that they were meeting in the halls of institutions founded, under US leadership, to promote global cooperation after the second world war. The whole idea of the Bretton Woods institutions was to avoid the dire economic conditions and warfare of the 1930s and 1940s. Yet this year’s meeting was taking place amid these intertwining problems.

In their conversations about the best economic policy response to the shock of conflict, the economists also knew the real power to make a difference lay two blocks across town from the IMF and the World Bank – behind the security cordons and construction equipment blocking the White House from public view. “It is not clear they can do anything about it,” said El-Erian.

Still, with a booming economy driven by AI – including Anthropic’s powerful Mythos model, the topic of much conversation – most countries cannot afford to completely break off US ties.

“People want to find ways to insulate themselves from the mess. But, on the other hand, they admire the US private sector,” El-Erian said. “The best way I’ve heard it put, is: they want to go long the private sector and short the mess. But it’s almost impossible to do.”





Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending