Washington, D.C

Republicans join effort to change confederate statues representing MS in Washington

Published

3 weeks ago

June 2, 2024

Republicans join effort to change confederate statues representing MS in Washington

Statuary Hall could have changes coming in 2025

Several Republican Mississippi lawmakers are now seeking to replace confederate statues representing the state in Washington, D.C. just weeks after Arkansas installed a statue of a civil rights activist next to Mississippi’s Jefferson Davis.

During the 2024 session, several bills were filed to either replace or establish a commission to find replacements for Davis, a U.S. Senator and most notably president of the Confederate States of America, and James Z. George, a Confederate politician, military officer and namesake of George County. However, those bills died without ever being brought up in House or Senate Rules Committees.

The statues, meanwhile, have been displayed for about 100 years in the U.S. Congress’ Statuary Hall. The Davis statue now stands adjacent to that of Arkansas’ Daisy Bates, a Black civil rights leader involved in the integration of Little Rock’s Central High School among many other efforts. The juxtaposition of thew two is notable.

House Rules Committee Chairman Fred Shanks, R-Brandon, who previously declined to comment on a related report in February, told the Clarion Ledger Tuesday he is planning to address changing the statues in the 2025 session.

More on 2024 efforts Confederate symbols removal pushed by Mississippi Democrats in State Capitol, Washington DC

“It’s a big deal, and it’s going to be an extremely hot topic,” Shanks said. “I wanted some time to look at it when we don’t have some of the other major things that impact the state going on like we did this past session.”

Senate Rules Chairman Dean Kirby, R-Pearl, did not respond to several calls and messages seeking comment, nor did House Speaker Jason White, R-West. Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann’s staff declined to comment.

Sen. Nicole Boyd, R-Oxford, told the Clarion Ledger she has been quietly working on this legislation for a few years, and she plans to pitch an outside group connected to tourism to lobby, advocate and spearhead efforts for replacing Davis and George with more modern historical representations of Mississippi.

“It’s not about who’s coming down. It’s about who we can put there,” Boyd said. “It’s about what are the things that we want to promote in the state that we want to use as tourism to attract people.”

Senate Minority Leader Derrick Simmons said he believes it has bipartisan support.

“Even though this effort has been laid by Democrats, Democrats and Republicans want to honor someone who is more representative of a modern day Mississippi,” Simmons, who is from Greenville, said.

Several other House and Senate Democrats had harsh words for Republican leaders waiting until now just to address the statues.

“It shows that the leadership of those various committees had the opportunity to review that legislation but turned their eye and turned away from doing what’s right,” Rep. Chris Bell, D-Jackson, said.

Sen. David Blount, D-Jackson, said the state can simply do better than have Davis and George representing the state in the Capitol.

“I anticipate that we will file this bill again. It sets up a commission to study who best represents Mississippi,” he said. “There are any number of controversial subjects that go to the Rules Committee and (it’s) generally not the place for controversial topics, and I understand that, but this is important.”

What is Statuary Hall, and who is Daisy Bates?

Statuary Hall was established in the U.S. Congress’ Capitol building in 1807, but it was destroyed by British troops in 1814. The hall, along with the Capitol, was rebuilt a few years later.

Over the many years, states have submitted so many statues that the Architect of the Capitol has had to display several in other places around the capitol building. Mississippi is also one of only a few states with confederate statues still in the building. Arkansas, a previous member of that list, voted to change its statue in 2019.

Since 2000, 17 states have changed their statues, according to congressional records, and some Southern states have or are replacing Confederate people with modern historical figures, civil rights activist and even prominent Native Americans. Arkansas now has Bates; Virginia has Barbara Johns, and Florida now has Mary McLeod Bethune, one of the most important Black educators of the 20th century.

According to the National Women’s History Museum, Bates was a prominent civil rights activist in Little Rock Arkansas. Throughout the 1900s, she helped lead a popular newspaper, The Arkansas Weekly, served as the President of the NAACP Arkansas chapter and pushed the state’s schools to integrate after the U.S. Supreme Court deemed segregation unconstitutional in 1954.

She was widely known for her efforts with the Arkansas Nine, a group of nine students she regularly drove and assisted to integrate Central High School in Little Rock.

“She regularly drove the students to school and worked tirelessly to ensure they were protected from violent crowds. She also advised the group and even joined the school’s parent organization,” the Museum wrote about her.

The Arkansas NAACP chapter, nor the chapter representing her native Union County, responded to several calls or messages asking for comment on Bates or her statue’s placement in Congress.

How to replace a statue, who is being considered?

Boyd said that even if the Legislature approves replacing Davis and George, it will need approval from a congressional committee, and locations to move the two existing statues will need to be submitted and approved as well.

All the costs associated with removing the old statues and the construction and installation of the new statues would be put on the state.

Sen. John Horhn, D-Jackson, who spoke to the Clarion Ledger earlier this year, floated rock’n’roll legend Elvis Presley and Blues icon B.B. King. Another name suggested by Democrats was famous civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer.

Read about Tunica Casino project See which former Mississippi casino could house undocumented immigrant children

Grant McLaughlin covers state government for the Clarion Ledger. He can be reached at gmclaughlin@gannett.com or 972-571-2335.

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Washington, D.C

9 Great Things to Do in Washington, DC in June 2024 – wyandottedaily.com

Published

11 mins ago

June 22, 2024

Press Room

9 Great Things to Do in Washington, DC in June 2024 – wyandottedaily.com

Washington, DC is a vibrant and exciting city with something to offer everyone. The balmy June weather makes it the perfect time to explore the city’s many outdoor attractions, from the National Mall to the Smithsonian museums. There are also plenty of indoor activities to enjoy, such as visiting the White House or the International Spy Museum. Whether you’re looking for culture, history, or just a fun day out, Washington, DC has something for you. Here are 9 great things to do in Washington, DC in June 2024:

1. Visit the National Mall

The National Mall is a 2-mile-long park that stretches from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol Building. It’s home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Washington Monument, the World War II Memorial, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. In June, the National Mall is a great place to enjoy a picnic, go for a walk, or simply take in the sights. You can also take a ranger-led tour of the Mall to learn more about its history and significance.

2. Explore the Smithsonian Museums

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum and research complex. It comprises 19 museums, 9 research centers, and the National Zoo. The Smithsonian museums are free to enter, making them a great option for budget-minded travelers. In June, the Smithsonian museums offer a variety of special exhibitions, programs, and events. You can check the Smithsonian website for a full list of what’s happening during your visit. Some popular Smithsonian museums include the National Museum of Natural History, the National Air and Space Museum, and the National Museum of American History.

3. Visit the White House

The White House is the official residence of the President of the United States. It’s one of the most iconic buildings in the world and a must-see for any visitor to Washington, DC. Tours of the White House are free, but they must be booked in advance. You can book a tour online or by calling the White House Visitor’s Office. Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s important to arrive early. If you’re not able to get a tour, you can still take a walk around the White House and admire its beautiful architecture.

4. Visit the International Spy Museum

The International Spy Museum is a fascinating museum that tells the story of espionage throughout history. The museum has a collection of over 1,000 artifacts, including spy gadgets, weapons, and vehicles. You’ll learn about the history of espionage, from the ancient Egyptians to the modern era. The museum also has a number of interactive exhibits, where you can test your own spy skills. The International Spy Museum is a great place to visit for adults and children alike.

5. Take a walk or bike ride along the Potomac River

The Potomac River is a beautiful river that flows through Washington, DC. There are several trails along the river that are perfect for walking, running, or biking. You can enjoy stunning views of the city skyline, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial. You can also rent a kayak or canoe and explore the river from a different perspective. The Potomac River is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

6. Visit the National Zoo

The National Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals from all over the world. The zoo is free to enter, making it a great option for families. You can see animals such as lions, tigers, elephants, gorillas, and pandas. The zoo also has a number of educational programs and exhibits. You can learn about the animals and their habitats, and you can even get up close and personal with some of the animals. The National Zoo is a fun and educational place to visit for all ages.

7. Attend a concert or show at the Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center is a performing arts center that hosts a variety of events, including concerts, plays, and dance performances. The Kennedy Center is home to the National Symphony Orchestra, the Washington National Opera, and the Washington Ballet. In June, the Kennedy Center offers a variety of special events, such as outdoor concerts and free performances. You can check the Kennedy Center website for a full list of what’s happening during your visit.

8. Visit a farmer’s market

Washington, DC is home to several farmer’s markets that offer fresh fruits, vegetables, and other products. Farmer’s markets are a great way to support local farmers and get fresh, healthy food. You can also find a variety of prepared foods, such as sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. Farmer’s markets are a great place to visit for a bite to eat or to stock up on groceries. Some popular farmer’s markets in Washington, DC include the Dupont Circle FreshFarm Market, the Eastern Market, and the Georgetown Farmers’ Market.

9. Explore the U Street Corridor

The U Street Corridor is a vibrant and historic neighborhood in Washington, DC. The neighborhood is home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. You can also find live music venues, art galleries, and theaters. The U Street Corridor is a great place to spend an evening or afternoon. You can grab a bite to eat, see a show, or simply people-watch. The neighborhood is also home to the African American Civil War Museum and the Howard University Museum. These museums tell the story of African Americans in Washington, DC, and their contributions to the city and the nation.

Culture, Best Months to Visit, Nearby Transportation, Local Food, Best Hotels, Conclusion

Washington, DC is a city with a rich culture and history. The city is home to a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sites. It’s also a great place to experience the arts, with a variety of theaters, concert halls, and art galleries. Washington, DC is a great city to visit any time of year, but June is an especially nice time to visit. The weather is warm and sunny, and there are plenty of outdoor events and activities to enjoy. You can easily get around Washington, DC by using the city’s public transportation system. The Metro is a subway system that can take you to most of the city’s major attractions. You can also use the city’s buses or taxis to get around.

Washington, DC has a variety of local food options to choose from. You can find everything from classic American fare to international cuisine. Some of the city’s most popular dishes include half-smokes, Ben’s Chili Bowl, and Ethiopian food. You can also find a variety of restaurants that cater to vegetarians and vegans. Washington, DC has a variety of hotels to choose from, to fit all budgets. Some of the city’s most popular hotels include The Willard InterContinental, The Hay-Adams, and The Jefferson Hotel. No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something to love in Washington, DC.

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Washington, D.C

Friday brings the hottest day of the year in D.C. For now.

Published

7 hours ago

June 21, 2024

Press Room

Friday brings the hottest day of the year in D.C. For now.

It was the District’s hottest day of the year Friday. Forecasts point to hotter days to come. But for now, Friday’s 95-degree high is the undisputed thermal champion.

Perhaps all of the days admitted to the 95-degree club show more similarities than differences. But as such days go, even Friday did not seem to rank with Washington’s worst and had its pleasant moments.

However, it did seem in a way fitting on that on the first full day after the solstice, the start of astronomical summer, the nation’s capital should welcome the year’s hottest day.

Scholars of weather and everyday residents of Washington might wish to parse the finer points of Friday’s conditions. But the day, and the blaze of its June sunshine, seemed unarguably appropriate to summer.

It could have been considered a kind of atmospheric calling card, a sign that nature had not forgotten us through the weeks of idyllic spring. Friday, with its 95, indicated that nature remained in the summertime heat business, and had not closed up shop.

But efforts to find some summer comfort amid the simmer were rewarded by relatively small victories. In Washington, the air stirred often, offering enough natural ventilation to carry off some of the perspiration produced by the heat.

The heat index climbed well above the temperature, meaning that humidity caused Friday to feel even warmer than it was. But in its hourly reports of conditions in Washington, the National Weather Services never recorded a heat index as high as 100.

Just before 4 p.m., with the official temperature at the day’s high of 95, the heat index was even higher, to be sure. But it stopped short of triple digits, topping out at 99.

And at that time, as at other hours in the afternoon, a ripple of breeze passed over the landscape, offering a bit of relief.

Perhaps the 15 mph breeze, reported simultaneously with the city’s highest temperature, offered a reminder that even 95 degree days are not beyond the power of natural mitigation.

In the catalogue of unpleasant characteristics of the District’s summertime, the “H’s” occupy a prominent section. Under “H” can be found haze, heat and humidity.

Friday, the year’s hottest day, was certainly warm enough to meet the hot requirement.

But humidity seemed at least near the bounds of tolerability.

And the sky often seemed piercing in the clarity of its blue. So water-vapory haze seemed frequently absent.

Nonetheless, with Friday, Washington’s string of 90-degree days reached five. The city has clearly fallen into the clutches of a heat wave.

It began before the solstice and continued afterward. And Friday, its latest member, edged out Tuesday’s 94, and reigned, at least for a day, as the D.C. heat champion of 2024.

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Washington, D.C

Opinion | D.C.’s jail is finally getting an update. Just not the one it needs.

Published

15 hours ago

June 21, 2024

Press Room

Opinion | D.C.’s jail is finally getting an update. Just not the one it needs.

For decades, detainee advocates have argued that the D.C. jail is unsafe, unsanitary and inhumane. Then, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and some of her GOP colleagues visited individuals allegedly involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection, who were housed there. This obnoxious political stunt had a perhaps unintended side effect; conservative interest in jail conditions gave further momentum to complaints that progressives, not to mention the facility’s primarily minority population, have been lodging for nearly 50 years.

Thankfully, the city’s most recent budget allocates $463 million to upgrade the D.C. jail. Even so, that doesn’t mean some of the worst conditions will be fixed soon. In fact, the current plan puts the needs of only a small portion of those held at D.C. jail ahead of the rest.

Local officials agree on replacing the current facility. The main building, which opened in 1976, has experienced 10 deaths in the last 17 months. Five of these deaths occurred this year. The jail’s rigorous covid-19 policy confined detainees to their cells for 23 hours a day during the pandemic. A surprise inspection by the U.S. Marshals Service in 2021 further fueled outrage, finding instances of food withholding and a strong smell of backed-up sewage.

But agreement in principle has not yet led to shovels in the ground. Official discussions for a new jail in D.C. began 14 years ago, when the Department of Corrections requested $420 million in funding for a new facility. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) and corrections officials have consistently argued that the new jail and renovated treatment facility are urgent needs. But, thanks to concerns over a clear execution strategy, any time money for the jail was included in the budget, it was promptly pushed out again. Until this latest round.

Money in hand, now, city officials have to figure out how to spend it to do the most good for the most detainees. Disagreements persist on how to do that — and the city’s current plan has it wrong. The D.C. Department of Corrections released a new timeline this month for the facility’s transformation. Under the plan, renovating the deficient primary holding space would not be complete until 2034 at best. The plan splits up the construction project with into two phases. The city would start by constructing a small administrative and behavioral health facility, then move to upgrading the existing housing for the general population.

The idea is that the current jail has bigger problems than the deterioration of the facility’s physical structure. Broader investment in the DOC, along with enhanced programming, educational opportunities and treatment for detainees’ physical and mental ailments, is necessary to change the current culture of D.C. jail so that its inhabitants can more easily reintegrate into society. And that requires building the behavioral health facility.

But, while accommodating special needs and services is undoubtedly important, D.C. officials should focus on general housing first. Of course, rehabilitation is important for transitioning back to life after detention. But the main facility’s current dilapidated state is not a safe and rehabilitative environment for any of the over 1,300 people locked up. By swapping the two phases and putting general housing ahead of specialized services, officials could provide these people with better living conditions and programming opportunities sooner, rather than leaving them to languish for another decade after so many years of neglect.

That doesn’t mean D.C. should set aside its plans for the behavioral health facility — quite the contrary. The city has an opportunity to join others in the nation committing themselves to comprehensive services for those behind bars, designed not merely to improve living conditions but also to increase their chances of successfully reentering society. Maryland public safety officials, for instance, are pushing ahead with plans for a $1 billion jail, hospital, and mental health and substance use treatment facility in Baltimore at the site of the previous detention center. The complex is set to open in 2029. By allocating funding promptly as well as responsibly, D.C. can start down the same path to providing all in its jail a safe, clean and truly rehabilitative environment.

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