Waterways around the District will be closed off as part of the security plan for the upcoming military parade marking the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday.

The preliminary plan is to block off access to the Potomac River from in Hains Point all the way up to the Key Bridge, News4 has learned.

Not everyone is happy with that decision.

Capt. Tim Blanchard, who runs the Fish the Potomac charter boat company near Navy Yard had his sights set on a busy day June 14.

“It’s Father’s Day weekend — so that’s one of the biggest weekends to get out on the water,” Blanchard said.

But the word now is trickling down to business and boat owners like Blanchard that much of the Potomac around the immediate area of the District will be off-limits June 14 because of the planned Army 250 events.

“They shut it down. It’s basically like closing the street for your store,” Blanchard said. “And we just can’t operate.”

Blanchard said he’s concerned about the economic impact on his business.

“Ah, this could be a couple grand for me, which, you know, for a small business like mine, it’s not a small amount of money,” he said. “You know, that’s probably my slip fee for a month and fuel.”

The Coast Guard sent out a memo saying in part: “This action is being taken to protect government officials, mitigate potential terrorist acts and incidents, and enhance public and maritime safety and security immediately before, during, and after this event.”

The military parade is expected to take place along Constitution Avenue NW between 15th and 23rd streets. More than 100 military vehicles are expected to roll out for the event. Army tanks already are headed to D.C., along with other equipment.

A massive air show featuring military planes and helicopters is also expected.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is warning of potential travel delays in the skies.

“There could be some disruption to the airspace at times,” Bowser said. “We don’t know when that is, but that could affect, for short periods of time, air travel.”

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority expects some air traffic to be halted at times, the agency confirmed to News4.

As for Blanchard, the charter boat captain, he said he’s hoping that maybe the government could make an exception for boats like his on that day. However, right now there’s no indication that a change in security will happen.

The D.C. Council has voted to pause further implementation of Initiative 82 until October.

Back in 2022, nearly 74% of District voters cast their ballots to phase out the minimum wage for restaurant and hospitality workers whose wages also include tips.

Back then, it was about $5 per hour. The Initiative has increased it, in steps, $10.

The vote was eight to four to pause the next step of Initiative 82, which would raise the minimum tipped wage for service workers to $12 an hour.

At-Large Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie said pausing the July first increase allows the council to assess the Initiative’s impact on workers and businesses.

Some DC bars and restaurants have cited increased costs from Initiative 82 as reasons for closing.

In a statement, the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington applauded the council vote, saying, “We also appreciate that many of the Councilmembers drew attention to the fact that DC’s economic conditions have changed drastically since Initiative 82 was on the ballot in 2022.”

The statement went on to say, “It’s our shared responsibility to consider the world as it is rather than as it was.”

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser told Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners and Civic Association Presidents who gathered to discuss the District’s 2026 budget that she backs full repeal.

“Fast forward a couple of years and we’re seeing a very challenging environment for our restaurants, so I proposed to the council that I-82 be repealed,” she said.

Paul Schwalb, the president of Unite Here Local 2025 Labor Union, which represents 7,000 hospitality workers in the area, called the pause of Initiative 82 a betrayal of workers and the people who voted for it.

“We believe that the council’s position is outrageous and undemocratic,” he told News4. “We believe also on the merits of it, these workers need a raise, which is why the voters of D.C. twice gave them a raise, and we find it, again, inexplicable why the council decided to stall those raises.”

Back in 2018, D.C. voters approved a similar wage measure called Initiative 77. It was overturned by the Council before it went into effect.

WASHINGTON – A former Washington, D.C. teacher has been arrested for allegedly soliciting explicit images from a minor online, according to the FBI. Investigators are now seeking information to determine whether there are additional victims.

Federal agents arrested 56-year-old Devonne Keith Brown, who they say used social media and payment apps, including CashApp, to send money to an  underage girl in exchange for nude photos. Authorities allege Brown operated under the alias “Joseph,” offering payments between $10 and $35.

Brown previously worked as a health teacher at IDEA Public Charter School in Northeast D.C., though the school confirms he is no longer employed there and that no current students appear to be involved in the case.

READ MORE: Former DC school worker arrested on child sexual assault material charges

Former teacher arrested

What we know:

Investigators also say Brown was affiliated with Project Impact Sports, a youth track club, and are looking into whether he had inappropriate contact with minors through that program.

According to court document, a victim reportedly told the FBI she met Brown at a grocery store before feeling uncomfortable when he messaged her that he was near her home and wanted to meet.

FBI seeks more victims

Steven Jensen, assistant director of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, condemned the alleged crimes, saying in a statement, “Those who prey on minors to solicit the production of CSAM are morally reprehensible and will be held accountable for their heinous crimes.” 

“The FBI remains committed to protecting our children and ridding our communities of this grievous scourge,” the statement continued.

Authorities have reached out to Project Impact Sports for comment but have yet to receive a response.

IDEA Public Charter School released the following statement:

“IDEA Public Charter School is deeply concerned by the serious allegations involving a former employee. This individual is no longer employed by the school. The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement and supporting their ongoing investigation. Based on the information currently available to us, there is no indication that any IDEA student was directly involved.”

The FBI urges anyone with information regarding Brown to come forward. Anonymous tips can be submitted at DBVictims@fbi.gov or www.fbi.gov/DBVictims and fill out the form. 

Tips can also be made anonymously by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).