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Washington D.C. Sports Teams Unite for Community Safety on 2024 Wear Orange Weekend – Monumental Sports

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Washington D.C. Sports Teams Unite for Community Safety on 2024 Wear Orange Weekend – Monumental Sports


 

Washington, D.C. (June 7, 2024) – Local professional sports teams the Washington Capitals, Commanders, Nationals, Mystics, Spirit, Wizards, DC Shadow, D.C. United and Capital City Go-Go today announced their renewed commitment to community safety as they prepare to wear orange on Gun Violence Awareness Weekend. This marks the third consecutive year that D.C. sports teams have come together to combat violence in the area, while encouraging fans to do the same.

“Our teams are honored to call D.C. home, and we are proud to come together to make our community a better, safer place for us all,” the teams said in a joint statement. “This weekend, we ask our fans to stand with us as we say ENOUGH, and work to end gun violence.”

On Wear Orange Weekend from Friday, June 7, through Sunday, June 9, local teams playing at home will show their support in a variety of ways, outlined below. Efforts will kick off Friday with the Mystics in-game activations as they host the Indiana Fever at Capital One Arena. The Spirit will highlight the initiative during their home game on Saturday, June 8, as will the Nationals on Sunday, June 9.

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Through the campaign’s first two years, D.C. team’s combined efforts have raised more than $200,000 for community-based violence intervention programs through donations from the teams and D.C. area sports fans.

Additional information on how individual teams are supporting gun violence awareness on Wear Orange Weekend, and how fans can get involved, can be found below.

Washington Nationals

  • The Washington Nationals will raise funds and awareness at the ballpark on June 9 for the Everytown Community Safety Fund, a program of Everytown For Gun Safety Support Fund.
    • All proceeds from the 5050 Raffle at the game will benefit the Everytown Community Safety Fund, a program of Everytown For Gun Safety Support Fund. Proceeds will benefit local DMV organizations implementing community-based violence interruption programs as a core component of a comprehensive approach to reducing gun violence.
      • Fans can purchase 5050 raffle tickets in person or at org/5050
    • Game day staff will don orange ribbons for the cause.
  • To bring awareness to Wear Orange Weekend to fans, the Nationals will host representatives from other D.C. sports teams on the field on Sunday, June 9.
    • Representatives from participating D.C. sports teams will join together on the field for pre-game ceremonies.
    • Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels will throw out the game’s ceremonial first pitch on behalf of the Commanders rookie class, which is making a special group trip to Nationals Park on Sunday.
    • The Commanders rookie class will also attend the game on behalf of the organization.
  • Nationals Philanthropies continues its support of and collaboration with Peace for DC, which hosts Peace Academy trainings at the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy’s Ward 7 facility.

 

Washington Mystics, Wizards, Capitals and Capital City Go-Go

  • The Mystics will host their “Wear Orange” game for the sixth year in a row on June 7. To highlight Wear Orange Weekend, the team will:
    • Host a pre-game panel discussion about gun violence prevention in the DMV at District E Powered by Ticketmaster
    • Commemorate National Wear Orange Weekend with a full orange LED takeover at Capital One Arena
    • Give away Wear Orange towels for every fan in attendance
    • Highlight gun violence prevention facts and calls to action from Everytown For Gun Safety during timeouts.
    • Present a halftime performance by Bootsy Collins, a grammy-award winning Artist for Action and advocate for gun violence prevention
    • Display the I Wear Orange photobooth mural on the concourse
    • Showcase concourse activations by Artist for Action featuring a Knotted Gun Display and Sandy Hook Promise TablinG
    • Donate $25K to the TraRon Center, a DC based non-profit organization committed to helping those affected by gun violence heal through the arts, in a half court check presentation featuring MSE owners Ted Leonsis and Sheila Johnson
    • Donate all proceeds from the MSE Foundation’s 50/50 Raffle at the game to the Everytown Community Safety Fund, a program of Everytown For Gun Safety Support Fund. Proceeds will benefit local DMV organizations implementing community-based violence interruption programs as a core component of a comprehensive approach to reducing gun violence
  • The Washington Wizards have partnered with the Alliance of Concerned Men to support their work to the eradicate violence for all communities, focusing on reduction, mitigation, and prevention. During the 2023-24 NBA season, the partners hosted a Youth Basketball Clinic at Kimball Elementary School for Jr. NBA Week.
  • MSE teams have collectively made calls to action for fans to donate to national gun violence prevention groups in support of Wear Orange efforts, broadcasted statistics and data on the affect gun violence has in the DC community and supported dedicated initiatives annually.

 

Washington Commanders

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  • The Washington Commanders, in collaboration with a coalition of D.C. sports teams, are contributing funds toward Everytown Community Safety Fund, a program of Everytown For Gun Safety Support Fund.
  • The team will leverage its social platforms to share important stories from select team Legends impacted by gun violence in an effort to bring awareness to Wear Orange Weekend.
  • The Commanders will have players and coaches in attendance for the Washington Nationals game on June 9 where the Nationals are supporting and recognizing National Gun Violence Awareness Month

 

D.C. United

 

Washington Spirit

  • The Washington Spirit will provide ongoing partnership and grant support for Peace for DC’s work, providing training and resources for educators and coaches working with youth in communities experiencing high crime and violence rates.
  • The Washington Spirit will continue to support Friends of Anacostia Park’s mission to provide healing spaces and respite programming in areas most affected by gun violence.
  • The Washington Spirit will show support on social media platforms.

 

DC Shadow

  • DC Shadow players and staff will wear an orange ribbon on the front during warmups for their away game in Atlanta on Saturday, June 8.
  • DC Shadow will recognize the work of Peace For DC and their community-based violence prevention partners through their social media platforms.
  • DC Shadow will solicit contributions to Peace For DC through its social media platforms during the days surrounding Wear Orange Weekend.

 

About Washington Nationals Philanthropies

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Washington Nationals Philanthropies is the official charitable arm of the Washington Nationals. Its mission is to help children, families, and communities thrive through sports-based youth development and access to healthy food. The organization delivers on this commitment by spurring investment in community-based programs that address the disparity of opportunity for residents of the region. Since 2007, the foundation has issued over $6.8 million in grants to local organizations. Through its signature program, the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy, the organization operates year-round youth development and baseball instruction activities, as well as a holistic food access program – supporting the delivery of nearly 1 million meals into the Washington, DC region since 2018. Since 2013, the organization has invested $42 million for facility construction and annual programming through the Academy. For more information about Nationals Philanthropies, visit nats4good.org.

 

About Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation

MSE Foundation is committed to making the region a better place for all by supporting game-changing solutions for our community. We fundraise, provide grants to nonprofits and rally Monumental Sports & Entertainment’s teams and fans to support and amplify the impact of community change agents. Together, we’re raising the game in the DMV. Learn more at: www.monumentalfoundation.org.

 

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About the D.C. United Foundation

The D.C. United Foundation harnesses the power of soccer to reach underserved communities in the D.C. area and give youth the tools necessary to soar on and off the pitch. The D.C. United Foundation is an extension of D.C. United, the Major League Soccer Club located in Washington, D.C., and we prioritize serving populations that lack equitable access to important resources, educating and empowering the next generation and using our platform to lift people up and support their visions. Our work is centered around programming and partners that encourage and provide opportunities for community members to thrive, unite and have essential support. For more information visit dcunited.com/foundation.

 

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Washington, D.C

How Maryland is Tackling Traffic Delays and Enhancing Travel to Washington D.C. Through Key Infrastructure Upgrades, Here is All You Need to Know – Travel And Tour World

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8 hours ago

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December 14, 2025

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How Maryland is Tackling Traffic Delays and Enhancing Travel to Washington D.C. Through Key Infrastructure Upgrades, Here is All You Need to Know – Travel And Tour World



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How Maryland is Tackling Traffic Delays and Enhancing Travel to Washington D.C. Through Key Infrastructure Upgrades, Here is All You Need to Know


Published on
December 14, 2025

Traffic delays in D.C. have long been a challenge for both residents and visitors. In Maryland, addressing these issues has become a top priority, with major projects aimed at easing the notorious Beltway congestion. Among the most crucial initiatives are the reconstruction of the American Legion Memorial Bridge and the Francis Scott Key Bridge. These key infrastructure upgrades are essential not only for reducing traffic delays but also for improving access to Washington D.C.’s famous attractions. With millions of tourists visiting the nation’s capital every year, these projects aim to enhance the flow of traffic, ensuring a smoother travel experience for all. By tackling congestion head-on, Maryland is making significant strides in boosting Washington D.C. tourism. The ongoing improvements promise to make visiting the capital more convenient and enjoyable, benefiting both locals and travelers alike.

Maryland’s Focus on Infrastructure Upgrades

One of the most pressing issues currently being tackled by Maryland officials is the ongoing traffic delays in D.C. caused by outdated and overcrowded bridges. The Francis Scott Key Bridge, in particular, has seen its estimated costs balloon as the need for reconstruction becomes more urgent. The Maryland Department of Transportation has faced increasing pressure to ensure the timely and efficient completion of this project, which is expected to be fully funded by taxpayers.

In September 2025, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy raised concerns regarding the proposed budget and timeline for the FSK Bridge replacement. This project, aimed at addressing significant traffic bottlenecks, is crucial to improving the daily commute for both locals and visitors heading into Washington D.C. for business, leisure, or cultural experiences.

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Addressing Congestion on the American Legion Memorial Bridge

Another key project under discussion is the American Legion Memorial Bridge, which connects Maryland to Virginia along the I-495 Beltway. This bridge is notorious for heavy congestion, contributing significantly to the broader traffic delays in D.C. In 2025, Washington, D.C. was rated the worst city in the nation for traffic, with an average delay of more than six hours. As part of efforts to alleviate this problem, Secretary Duffy and Maryland Governor Wes Moore are exploring ways to accelerate the reconstruction of the American Legion Memorial Bridge.

A major focus of this initiative is the public’s input on how best to alleviate congestion in the I-495/I-270 corridor. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has recently released a Request for Information (RFI) to gather feedback on potential solutions. The aim is to develop a multi-state plan to address the congestion that affects both Maryland and Virginia, directly benefiting travelers heading into Washington D.C. This effort is seen as vital for improving the overall travel experience in the region, particularly for tourists navigating the Beltway.

Improving Access for Washington D.C. Tourists

Tourism in Washington D.C. is a significant economic driver for the region. Each year, millions of tourists flock to the nation’s capital to visit iconic landmarks such as the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial and the Smithsonian museums. However, these visitors often face traffic delays that hinder their ability to enjoy their trip. The ongoing congestion on the I-495 Beltway and critical bridges like the American Legion Memorial Bridge and the Francis Scott Key Bridge directly impact the ease with which tourists can access these sites.

Improving these key transportation routes will not only benefit local commuters but also enhance the tourism experience in Washington D.C. Faster and more efficient access to the city’s major attractions can encourage more visitors, boosting local tourism revenue and supporting the area’s hospitality sector. By addressing Beltway congestion and modernizing key infrastructure, Maryland is taking a proactive approach to ensuring that tourists spend less time stuck in traffic and more time exploring the capital’s many cultural and historical offerings.

The Role of the Capital Beltway Accord

Maryland’s commitment to improving transportation in the region is also evident in its collaboration with Virginia through the “Capital Beltway Accord.” In 2019, Maryland and Virginia announced a bipartisan agreement to build express lanes on the Beltway, designed to ease congestion. Virginia completed the 495 Express Lane Extension in November 2025, a move that aims to improve the flow of traffic between the two states.

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The express lanes offer an expedited route for drivers and are expected to have a direct impact on reducing congestion, particularly in areas where traffic delays have historically been the most severe. For tourists traveling to Washington D.C., these lanes represent a potential shortcut that could significantly shorten travel times to key attractions. The implementation of such infrastructure upgrades helps ensure that both residents and tourists benefit from improved access to the region.

Public Input and Community Involvement

Secretary Duffy has emphasized the importance of involving the public in the planning and development of these transportation projects. The release of the Request for Information (RFI) for the American Legion Memorial Bridge reconstruction is a clear indication of Maryland’s commitment to ensuring that local communities, commuters and tourists alike have a say in how congestion is addressed. Public input is vital for shaping the future of transportation in the region, particularly when it comes to making improvements that impact everyday lives and travel experiences.

A Brighter Future for Maryland’s Transportation Network

With ongoing efforts to tackle Beltway congestion, rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge and improve the American Legion Memorial Bridge, Maryland is positioning itself to enhance travel to Washington D.C. for years to come. The state’s focus on modernizing key infrastructure projects is crucial for easing traffic delays and improving the overall experience for both residents and tourists. As these projects progress, they promise to unlock smoother, more efficient travel, benefiting everyone who relies on these critical routes.

Conclusion: Enhancing Travel Through Strategic Infrastructure Investment

Maryland’s commitment to addressing traffic delays in Washington D.C. through key infrastructure upgrades is set to have a significant impact on both local commuters and tourists. The reconstruction of the American Legion Memorial Bridge and the Francis Scott Key Bridge will not only ease Beltway congestion but also improve access to the capital’s major attractions. By ensuring that these vital projects are completed on time and within budget, Maryland is making strides in improving travel for everyone who relies on these roads. With the ongoing public input process and collaboration with neighboring Virginia, the future of travel in the Washington D.C. metro area looks brighter than ever.



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Trump sets sights on next renovation project – Washington DC’s public golf courses

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20 hours ago

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December 13, 2025

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Trump sets sights on next renovation project – Washington DC’s public golf courses


President Donald Trump has set his sights on his next renovation project: Washington, D.C.’s golf courses, according to a new report.

The president, who frequently spends weekends on the fairways at his various properties, is seeking to redevelop the three public golf courses in the nation’s capital, The Wall Street Journal reported.

“If we do them, we’ll do it really beautifully,” he told the outlet on Friday after reportedly describing the courses as run down and neglected. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum echoed this sentiment, describing one course as “in total disrepair,” adding that Trump is trying to bring it “back to what it was originally envisioned to be, which is the finest municipal golf in the country, right here in our capital.”

In his pursuit to remake the green spaces, he is attempting to wrest control from the National Links Trust, a non-profit with a 50-year lease to operate, restore and maintain the affordability of East Potomac Golf Links, Rock Creek Park Golf and Langston Golf Course.

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Earlier in 2025, the administration ordered the group to take dirt resulting from the demolition of the East Wing of the White House or risk defaulting on its lease with the government, people familiar with the matter told the outlet. The group accepted and trucks were seen dumping piles of soil onto one of East Potomac’s courses.

Despite this, the Interior Department told the National Links Trust that it violated its lease and delivered an official default notice. Trump said that the courses will fall under the administration’s control if the group does not remedy alleged violations by the end of the year.

President Donald Trump has set his sights on his next renovation project: Washington D.C.'s public golf courses, according to a new report.

President Donald Trump has set his sights on his next renovation project: Washington D.C.’s public golf courses, according to a new report. (Getty Images)

“Such a move could make it easier for Trump to implement his vision for the East Potomac course, which sits on a prime stretch of Washington real estate along the river,” the outlet reported, noting that the course is “at the top of his list.”

In a statement, the group disputed the administration’s assessment.

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“National Links Trust respectfully disagrees with the characterization that we are in default,” a spokesman for the National Links Trust told the newspaper. “National Links Trust appreciates the president’s interest in the D.C. golf courses and looks forward to the opportunity to partner with the administration to improve these historically significant facilities.”

But the Republican president has no interest in working with the organization.

“I think what we’re looking to do is just build something different, and build them in government,” he said.

He’s also shown interest in hiring Tom Fazio, a famed golf course architect, to create designs for a new East Potomac course and hopes to host a professional golfing event in the capital in the near future.

East Potomac Golf Links, located near the Potomac River, is

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East Potomac Golf Links, located near the Potomac River, is “at the top of the list,” according to The Wall Street Journal. (East Potomac Golf Links, Facebook)
The course, which dates back over a century, offers views of the Washington Monument.

The course, which dates back over a century, offers views of the Washington Monument. (East Potomac Golf Links, Facebook)

The president’s renovation attempts have triggered consternation among some golfers in Washington, D.C., who fear Trump’s beautifying efforts could boost prices and render the courses unaffordable for residents.

But, Trump said that, if he takes over the three courses, D.C. inhabitants will receive lower rates than visiting golfers.

If Trump is successful in his bid, it would add to the many changes he’s made to the nation’s capital since returning to office in January. At the White House, he’s paved over the Rose Garden, installed towering flag poles on the lawn, affixed gilded furnishings to the Oval Office and began constructing a massive ballroom where the East Wing once stood.

He’s also proposed building a victory arch on the banks of the Potomac and is considering renovating the Reflecting Pool that sits in front of the Lincoln Memorial.

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A White House spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Independent.



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DC teacher accused of climbing through student’s window to sexually abuse her

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December 13, 2025

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DC teacher accused of climbing through student’s window to sexually abuse her


A D.C. high school teacher is accused of climbing through a student’s window at night to sexually abuse her on numerous occasions.

At least twice, the teacher used the 16-year-old student’s phone to record explicit videos of himself with the girl, the U.S. attorney’s office said.

The abuse began last spring. The most recent incident happened last month.

FBI agents arrested 35-year-old John Gass at his Hyattsville, Maryland, home Thursday.

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Gass taught at the D.C. International School. He has been fired.

Gass is charged with production of child pornography and enticement of a minor.

Detectives say there could be other victims. Anyone with information should call the FBI.



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