Washington, D.C

Walk for peace that stopped in Mississippi arrives in Washington DC

Published

2 months ago

February 10, 2026

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Walk for peace that stopped in Mississippi arrives in Washington DC

Jasper Ward
| Reuters

Draped in burnt-orange robes, two dozen Buddhist monks arrived in Washington D.C. on Tuesday on a 2,300-mile “Walk for Peace”, a self-described spiritual journey across nine states that has been cheered on by crowds of thousands.

“I feel like in our country and in our world right now that you have to show your support for peace in every possible way you can,” said Bob Anderson, 74, of Gloucester County, Virginia, during a stop by the monks in Richmond on February 3. “And so this is a great way to do so. That’s why I’m here.”

The monks began their walk in Texas more than three months ago, at times braving frigid winter temperatures, sometimes with bare feet, to raise “awareness of peace, loving kindness, and compassion across America and the world.”

The marchers continued on despite a powerful winter storm that spread a paralyzing mix of heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain from the Ohio Valley and mid-South to New England, compounded by bitter, Arctic cold gripping much of the U.S.

Accompanied by Aloka, a rescue dog, their journey comes amid growing tension in the United States, partly spurred by President Donald Trump’s tough immigration policy that has seen National Guard troops deployed in some U.S. cities, with both American citizens and immigrants killed by federal agents.

“We walk not to protest, but to awaken the peace that already lives within each of us,” said Bhikkhu Pannakara, spiritual leader of the Walk for Peace. “The Walk for Peace is a simple yet meaningful reminder that unity and kindness begin within each of us and can radiate outward to families, communities, and society as a whole.”

They will spend Tuesday and Wednesday in Washington and end their journey in nearby Annapolis, Maryland on Thursday.

Support and flowers

The walk has garnered support from millions of people on social media, with many sharing messages of support for the monks. Supporters have braved snow and rain to meet and offer flowers to the monks as they passed through their cities.

During their stop in North Carolina, the state’s governor, Josh Stein, thanked the monks for bringing hope to millions with their message of peace, equality, justice and compassion.

“You are inspiring people at a time when so many are in need of inspiration,” Stein said.

The Walk for Peace has made stops in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. The monks are expected to meet with spiritual, city and other leaders when they arrive in Washington, where they will visit the National Cathedral and host a meditation retreat.

Although the walk has been positive, it has not been without obstacles. While walking through Dayton, Texas, a truck struck the monks’ escort vehicle, injuring several people, according to local media. Two monks sustained serious injuries and one had his leg amputated.

Despite the accident, the group continued to trek across the U.S. to honor not only their original message of peace but also their brothers.

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Washington, D.C

Dechert Recruit Trio of Litigators From White & Case Washington DC Office

Published

2 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Press Room

Dechert Recruit Trio of Litigators From White & Case Washington DC Office

Dechert Law have boosted their Washington DC practice with the addition of three former White & Case lawyers with significant litigation experience in everything from government contracts to sports law.

The firm’s media statement making the announcement is below –

Dechert LLP continues to build on the momentum of its expanding litigation practice with the additions of Tara Lee, Scott Lerner and Melissa Taylormoore (pictured above). Their arrival bolsters the firm’s trial bench and significantly enhances the sports and gaming and government contracts practices. All three will be based in Dechert’s Washington, D.C. office and will be partners in the firm’s enforcement and investigations group.

“This year has been a defining one for Dechert’s growth, and the arrival of Tara, Scott and Melissa exemplifies our commitment to expanding our teams in service of our clients’ businesses,” said Dave Forti, co-chair of Dechert. “As we continue to welcome exceptional talent across our steeples of excellence, from investment management to litigation, additions like these are what elevate our platform to the next level.”

The three partners join Dechert from an international law firm, where Ms. Lee headed the trials practice, Mr. Lerner headed the U.S. sports and gaming practice and Ms. Taylormoore was the global head of the U.S. government contracts practice and co-chair of the defense working group.

“Joining Dechert has coincided with a period of growth for the firm, spanning both new geographies and sectors of the market. The firm has recently opened three new offices and complemented existing strengths while expanding its offerings. The arrivals of Tara, Scott and Melissa further deepen our government contracts and sports and gaming capabilities,” said Mike Poulos, vice chair and global head of strategy. “Tara’s arrival is especially meaningful to me, as she and I served together in leadership at a prior firm, and I am glad to be reunited with her at Dechert.”

Ms. Lee has a broad practice spanning complex commercial litigation, wrongful death and mass tort matters, arbitration enforcement, and corporate investigations. She has represented multinational companies, sovereign nations, public and private companies, funds and individuals across a broad range of industries. In 2017, Ms. Lee was named U.S. Trial Lawyer of the Year and is consistently ranked among leading litigation lawyers by Chambers USA. She has been recognized as a Pioneer and Trailblazer in Litigation by the National Law Journal, as one of the Ten Most Innovative Lawyers in the United States by the Financial Times and as one of the top investigations lawyers by Global Investigations Review. Prior to her legal career, she served as an officer in the United States Navy and was named the ATLA Outstanding Military Trial Lawyer while serving in the Navy JAG Corps.

“I am delighted to join Dechert alongside Scott and Melissa,” said Ms. Lee. “The firm’s commitment to this space, the quality of its people, and the strength of its client base made this a compelling opportunity, and we look forward to working on the most complex and consequential matters for clients.”

Mr. Lerner is a trial lawyer with significant experience in sports- and gaming-related disputes and a focus on complex commercial litigation, class actions, investigations and corporate crises. He regularly advises clients across the sports and gaming industries, including professional athletes and coaches, sports franchises, team owners, event organizers, sports charities, unions and online sports betting companies.

Ms. Taylormoore brings more than two decades of experience advising clients on government contracting and regulatory matters involving federal, state and local governments, including matters involving national security, defense, aerospace and dual-use technologies. She leads sensitive internal and cross-border investigations and advises boards and executive teams on governance, remediation and crisis response.

Ms. Lee, Mr. Lerner and Ms. Taylormoore are among more than 35 lateral partners Dechert has welcomed this year, reflecting the firm’s strategic goal of strengthening capabilities across its steeples of excellence in litigation, investment management, finance and restructuring, capital markets and securitization and mergers and acquisitions.

Dechert litigators win some of the largest and most complex, domestic and multijurisdictional disputes in the world. The firm’s global litigation practice is comprised of more than 350 lawyers across multiple offices, combining the knowledge and capabilities of former law clerks and government officials, experienced litigators and homegrown talent.

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Washington, D.C

Zac Brown Band headlining UFC Fan Fest ahead of White House fight

Published

14 hours ago

April 13, 2026

Press Room

Zac Brown Band headlining UFC Fan Fest ahead of White House fight

article

AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 18: Zac Brown Band perform onstage during the Uber One Rodeo on October 18, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Rick Kern/Getty Images for Uber)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The heavyweight headliner for the UFC Freedom 250 Fan Fest this summer has officially been announced.

What we know:

Zac Brown Band will take the stage at The Ellipse, which is just south of the White House, on Saturday, June 13, at 9:30 p.m.

The free event will also include live shows with UFC athletes, celebrity appearances, meet-&-greets, immersive fan experiences and the UFC Freedom 250 Ceremonial Weigh-in. Gates will open at 3:30 p.m.

On Sunday, fans will gather once again at The Ellipse for a watch party as a series of fights take place in the Octagon on the South Lawn.

What you can do:

Tickets for UFC Freedom 250 Fan Fest are available on Tuesday, April 21. However, fans can register for early access until Thursday, and will receive a link on Friday.

Dig deeper:

President Donald Trump is set to oversee the event as part of festivities marking the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.

The fight card for the landmark event was revealed last month, with lightweight champions Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje announced as the main event for a title unification bout.

The Source: Information from this article was provided by UFC.

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Washington, D.C

What is the most expensive housing rental market in the DC area?

Published

1 day ago

April 13, 2026

Press Room

What is the most expensive housing rental market in the DC area?

The Washington DC area is known as one of the most expensive parts of the country to rent a home, and renters across the region are feeling the squeeze as prices climb.

Where you live in the DMV can significantly impact your monthly rent, with some cities commanding far higher prices than others.

Zumper, a digital marketplace for rentals, recently released its report of the most and lease expensive cities in the DMV to rent a 1-bedroom home.

Here’s what to know.

What are the most expensive cities to rent in the Washington DC area?

It’s not DC, but rather Arlington, Virginia, that is the most expensive rental market in the area.

Zumper says the average 1-bedroom rent in Arlington is $2,459, around $200 more than DC, which has an average rent of $2,253 as of April 10.

Arlington’s price is actually down, according to Zumper. The April 2026 average rental cost is a 3% improvement from last year.

The most expensive neighborhood in Arlington is Clarendon Courthouse, the website says.

Two other Virginia cities — Alexandria and Falls Church — also have an average rent above $2,000. In Alexandria, renters can expect to pay around $2,255 monthly and Falls Church renters pay about $2,270 for 1-bedroom homes.

The average price in Bethesda, Maryland, nearly matches Arlington’s. At $2,447, it is the highest 1-bedroom average of DC’s Maryland suburbs.

Just outside Bethesda, the average rent in Chevy Chase for a 1-bedroom is $2,386.

What are the most affordable cities to rent in the Washington DC area?

Hagerstown, Maryland — about a 70-mile drive northwest from DC — is the most affordable city in the DMV, with average rent for a 1-bedroom at $995.

Winchester is the most affordable of DC’s Virginia suburbs with an average 1-bedroom rent of $1,400.

If you’re looking for an affordable rental in DC, Zumper says the Congress Heights, Brookland and Anacostia neighborhoods are the best options.

What are the rental trends nationally?

Apartmentlist.com says rent prices are down 1.7% from this time a year ago, a sign the market may be cooling slightly after years of steep increases.

Nationally, the median rent sits at $1,363.

This year was expected to be a good year for rent affordability, according to Zillow, which said in its 2026 housing market predictions that renters should see improvements.

“Rent affordability is expected to continue improving in most of the country after a year in which 37 of the 50 biggest markets saw incomes grow faster than rents,” Zillow said.

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