Washington, D.C

Utah’s Burgess Owens hopes bringing more flights to DC will lower costs for consumers

Published

12 months ago

July 18, 2023

Utah’s Burgess Owens hopes bringing more flights to DC will lower costs for consumers

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SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Rep. Burgess Owens has reached a compromise on his amendment to a funding bill that would allow seven additional flights to Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C.

Although it’s fewer than the 28 new flights he initially proposed, the Republican touted the proposal as something that would give Americans more access to the nation’s capital and decrease the costs of air travel to get there.

The amendment to HR3935, which addresses funding for the Federal Aviation Administration, is “simple. It adds an additional seven round trip flights from Ronald Reagan National Airport,” Owens told the House Committee on Rules Monday evening.

“That equates to one route for each airline currently operating out of DCA. Not 28 routes, as was originally requested. Not 14, which was a reasonable compromise, but seven,” he continued. “Every American should have the opportunity to visit their nation’s capital and witness their government in action.”

The number of flights allowed to fly to Reagan National and the distance they can travel is limited, thanks to a rule dating back to the 1960s. Limits apply to flights coming from more than 1,250 miles away, making travel to and from much of the Western U.S. more expensive and difficult.

But some members of Congress from around D.C. aren’t sold on the plan, saying it could bring more traffic and could hurt safety in the area, according to the Washington Post.

“Congress gave up the micromanaging of these airports nearly 40 years ago for a reason, because they didn’t do a good job. So, Congress shouldn’t get back into the micromanaging game,” Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., told the Post.

Both Reagan National and Washington Dulles International Airport are run by an independent airport authority, but are the only two U.S. airports owned by the federal government, giving Congress power to make decisions about them.

Owens held a press conference Tuesday morning in Washington to urge support for the compromise, along with other amendment proponents including Reps. Earl Carter, R-Ga., Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, and Chip Roy, R-Texas.

Escobar, who represents parts of El Paso, said her local airport is 600 miles away from the closest direct flight to Washington, making it hard for staffers, federal employees and constituents to access the capital.

“That is unacceptable, it has been unacceptable to my constituents and to all of those who work for the federal government on our behalf, and this bill would offer significant financial relief,” she said, thanking Owens for working toward a compromise that would bring some level of relief.

Where the new flights would fly to and from would be up to the airlines, but Owens said he hoped one of them would go through Salt Lake City.

“They’ll take a look at what’s best for them. … I think the key though, is once competition gets in there, it should impact an entire country of people who may be able to come, for instance, to Salt Lake City,” he said. “I’m hoping that we get a place there.”

He said legislators have “sheltered” Reagan National from the benefits of the free market for decades, hurting consumers in the process.

The rest of Utah’s congressional delegation expressed their support for Owens’ amendment last month, though it’s still unclear if it will be able to clear both chambers of Congress. The FAA bill could come up for a vote in the House later this week.

Most recent Utah congressional delegation stories

Bridger Beal-Cvetko covers Utah politics, Salt Lake County communities and breaking news for KSL.com. He is a graduate of Utah Valley University.

Independence Day Celebrations Around DC (2024)

Published

6 hours ago

July 1, 2024

Press Room

Independence Day Celebrations Around DC (2024)

Fourth of July at the Archives
Where: National Archives | National Mall, DC
When: July 4, 9am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Catch the annual dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence on the steps of the National Archives . It starts at 10am, but doors open at 9am. Get there early to get a good seat and enjoy entertainment by the Experience Band and Show. After that, celebrate like it’s 1776! There will be lots of fun family activities,…meet historic figures, do some arts & crafts, and sign the Declaration of Independence yourself!

America’s Pastime
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: July 4, 11:05am (and July 3)
Admission: Ticket prices vary
A day at the ballpark is about as all-American as it gets when it comes to sports, and you can experience it and celebrate the holiday at Nationals Park. The July 4th game against the Mets is part of the Patriotic Series, when the Nats wear their red, white, and blue. And, FYI, the evening of July 3, and there will be post-game Freedom Fireworks, plus more promos for the rest of the games.

Root for the Baysox (& Firrworks)
Where: Prince George’s Stadium | Bowie, MD
When: July 3, 6:35pm
Admission: Starts at $10
For baseball on a smaller scale, the Bowie Baysox are hosting an Independence Day Celebration at their July 3 game against the Richmond FLying Squirrels. Enjoy the action on the field and fire works afterwards.

National Independence Day Parade
Where: Constitution Avenue NW, 7th-17th Streets | DC
When: July 4, 11:45am
Admission: Free
Many national holidays get a parade in DC, and July 4th is no exception. Scores of spectators always line the Constitution Avenue sidewalks to watch the procession celebrating Independence Day as it make its way from 7th to 17th Street. Marching bands, floats, giant balloons, equestrian groups, drill teams, and military units will be among the pageantry. Stake out your spot along the route early, as this event attracts hundreds of thousands of viewers every year.

4th of July in the District
Where: 13th & Pennsylvania Ave. NW | Downtown DC
When: July 4, 5-10:30pm
Admission: Free
Join Mayor Muriel Bowser for the second annual 4th of July in the District Concert featuring performances by the United States Air Force Band with Gavin Degraw and more acts to follow with live broadcast nationally on CNN. There will also be family friendly activities, food trucks, and more. The concert is free and seating is first come, first serve.

A Capitol Fourth
Where: West Lawn on the Capitol | Capitol Hill, DC
When: July 4, 8pm; gates open at 3pm
Admission: Free
The annual Independence Day concert at the Capitol airs live on PBS, but you can see the musical pageantry in person. Alfonso Rabiro will be hosting this year’s show, which will include performances by Alfonso Ribiero, Sheila E, Smokey Robinson, Darren Criss, Fantasia, the National Symphony Orchestra, the U.S. Army Band, the Joint Armed Forces Chorus, and many more exciting acts. (KFDC Tip: Enjoy the show with less crowds at the dress rehearsal on July 3 – same time and place!)

Fireworks on the Mall
Where: National Mall, DC
When: July 4, 9pm
Admission: Free
The grand finale of the day: Shortly after 9pm, the sky above the National Mall will explode with color when the amazing iconic fireworks display begins. Fireworks will be launched from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool area, but you can find a place on or off the Mall to watch them (see tips below for a list of places to view them).

An American Celebration
Where: Mount Vernon | Mount Vernon, VA
When: July 4, 9am – 5pm
Admission: $26/adult, $13/age 6-11, free/5 & under
The home of George Washington salutes the first commander-in-chief with a dazzling display of made-for-daytime fireworks during its annual Independence Day event. Visitors will be treated to spectacular smoke fireworks in patriotic colors fired over the Potomac River. The event also includes an inspirational naturalization ceremony for new citizens, military reenactments, a special wreathlaying ceremony, a performance by the National concert band and more live entertainment, and a chance to meet General Washington himself. See the full schedule of events here and read more about Mount Vernon here.

Family Day: Summer Party
Where: Capitol Jewish Museum | Downtown DC
When: July 4, 9:30am – 1pm
Admission: Free
The museum invites you to join them before the fireworks for specialty crafts, music, food, and fun. Learn about Jewish Revolutionary War history from friends at National Museum of American Jewish Military History. Connect and celebrate a tradition for your home with mezuzah activities. They’ll also have themed crafts and activities and classic outdoor games and music on the newly opened 3rd floor terrace. Plus, build a goodie bag to enjoy during the fireworks!

Fourth at the Wharf
Where: The District Wharf | Southwest DC
When: July 4, 5-10pm
Admission: Free
Enjoy the Fourth of July at The Wharf with a free celebration on District Pier. The celebration includes music, a bar for adults, and spectacular views of the annual fireworks launched from the National Mall. They also offer a VIP fireworks viewing experience benefitting the USO that gives you exclusive access to the Dockmaster Building on the tip of District Pie, complete with two complimentary drink tickets (additional beverages for purchase), all-American light fare, DJ, games, photo station, and a raffle. Read more about The Wharf in this KFDC post.

Neighborhood Parades & Celebrations
Where: Throughout the DMV
When: Most on July 4, times vary
Admission: Free
Keep it close to home at a community celebration. You likely are aware of July 4th events taking place in your neighborhood or nearby, but if you’re still looking for a hyperlocal fête, here are some that are known to be good ones: Capitol Hill (we can vouch it’s great from many years attending), Palisades, Takoma Park, College Park, Great Falls, McLean.

July 4th Celebration
Where: Armed Forces Retirement Home | Petworth, DC
When: July 4, 4-9:30pm
Admission: Free
All are welcome to join the 10th annual July 4th Celebration at the Armed Forces Retirement Home. Enjoy live entertainment, bouncy fun, a kids’ scooter parade and contest, activities for all ages, and views of the evening fireworks on the National Mall. Concessions will also be for sale and plentiful.

4th of July Picnic
Where: Greenbelt Baptist Church | Greenbelt, MD
When: July 4, 4-7pm
Admission: Free
All are invited to join the Greenbelt Baptist Church for their annual 4th of July celebration. There will be food, games, music face painting, moon bouncing, and more. Stop by on the way to Buddy Attik lake where there will be fireworks in the evening.

Great Meadow Independence Day Celebration
Where: Great Meadow | The Plains, VA
When: July 4, 5pm
Admission: $50/car
Great Meadow, a 74-acre park and home of the Virginia Gold Cup races, is bringing back its famous fireworks show and activities for the 34th year a couple of days ahead of the 4th. Join for family games like cornhole toss, sack races, face painting, tug-of war, and more. Bring a picnic or purchase food on site — there will be food trucks and a beer garden. A spectacular fireworks display gets underway at dusk. BYO blankets and chairs for comfortable viewing (no umbrellas or tents, unless in reserved tailgate spaces.)

July 4th Fest
Where: Six Flags | Bowie, MD
When: July 4-6
Admission: Starts at $35
With amusement park fun thrown into the mix, Six Flags’ celebration will be pretty epic for kids. Along with all of the ongoing fun throughout the venue, there will also be fireworks, music, and lots of Coca Cola (sponsors of the event) on Independence Day and two days leading up to the holiday.

More July 4th Tips!
* Find off-the-Mall suggestions for viewing the fireworks.
* If you’re headed into DC, take public transportation! Cannot stress enough what a bad idea it would be to drive.
* Eater DC has a round-up of restaurants celebrating July 4th.
* For more activities during the long weekend following the 4th, see the KFDC Summer Guide.

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Washington, D.C

No charges in case of man who died after fight outside DC restaurant

Published

13 hours ago

June 30, 2024

Press Room

No charges in case of man who died after fight outside DC restaurant

Family presses for justice after charges dropped in case of man who died after fight outside DC restaurant

D.C.’s top prosecutor has declined to press charges in a death investigation involving two men who got into a fight outside of a restaurant.

WASHINGTON – D.C.’s top prosecutor has declined to press charges in a death investigation involving two men who got into a fight outside of a restaurant.

They say the evidence wasn’t there but the family of the man who died disagrees and is continuing their search for justice.

It was 2 a.m. on Feb. 2 when a fight broke out between a man and 41-year-old Virginia Tech Executive Vivek Taneja. It was all caught on camera,

Prosecutors say it’s unclear whether it was a punch or him falling to the ground but Taneja would later die from his injuries.

FOX 5 obtained video of the fight through the U.S. Attorney’s Office. In it, Tanaja is seen sitting in a courtyard with two women.

Then, a man in gray, who the Washington Post is reporting was a former Arlington police officer, is walking and then stops and starts talking to the three of them.

It appears a verbal altercation begins, with the two women trying to separate the men. Then, punches are thrown. Taneja winds up unconscious on the ground, unconscious.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Victim dies after assault in Northwest, death ruled as a homicide: police

In a letter announcing that they’re declining to press charges, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, who called this death tragic, indicated they believe it was Taneja who threw the first punch in the scuffle and didn’t think charges applied, adding that they’d have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the other man was not acting in self-defense.

While the U.S. Attorney says they investigated this thoroughly, family, and attorneys representing Vivek Taneja have requested a different team of prosecutors review the case.

They also challenge the conclusion that Taneja threw the first punch, and think more investigating needs to be done to add additional context to what happened leading up to the video.

The U.S. Attorney’s office declined further comment beyond the letter notifying that they weren’t pressing charges.

FOX 5’s David Kaplan will have more at 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.

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