Wendell Felder, a 33-year-old local political leader in Ward 7, has narrowly clinched the Democratic nomination in the heated Ward 7 D.C. Council race, the Associated Press projected Thursday — making him the likely successor to retiring council member Vincent C. Gray.
Washington, D.C
Wendell Felder projected to win D.C. Council Ward 7 nomination
Because of the relatively thin margins, the race took longer to call, as ballot-counting proceeded slowly at the D.C. Board of Elections after initial tabulations Tuesday night. Declaring victory at his watch party before the race had been called Tuesday night, Felder acknowledged the big shoes to fill as he thanked Gray, who endorsed Felder to succeed him.
“As the next Ward 7 council member, I have a lot of hard work ahead of me, and look forward to building on his legacy,” Felder said.
The crowded Ward 7 race was the banner contest in an otherwise low-key election year for D.C., which had just a few other local lawmakers on the ballot along with nonvoting federal representatives. Yet at a time when two other council members are facing recall efforts — and as residents have voiced escalating concerns about crime or issues such as education disparities — voters broadly opted for the status quo as incumbents coasted to victory. Council members Trayon White Sr. (D-Ward 8), Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4) and Robert C. White Jr. (D-At Large) held off challengers, while council member Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2) was unopposed. Ankit Jain, a voting rights attorney, is likely to join the federal delegation after his projected victory in a competitive Democratic nominating race for shadow senator against Eugene Kinlow, a former Bowser administration federal lobbyist.
The Ward 7 seat was open after Gray, the former mayor and council chair who has held public office since 2005, announced in December he would not seek reelection amid ongoing health challenges. Gray had a stroke in 2021, and another in late April, and has generally been less visible in the ward as a result of mobility and speech difficulties.
For some voters, Gray’s endorsement sealed their vote — especially as they were otherwise bombarded by mailers and campaign ads and calls and texts from the candidates.
“I just felt like with Vince Gray’s endorsement, it kind of leaned it more in his direction, especially given how crowded the field was,” said Larry Evans, a 50-year-old social worker who said hearing Felder discuss initiatives to reduce crime — a top issue for Evans — “resonated with me.”
Several voters who selected Felder said they believed he had the political connections needed to be effective on the council and described a retail politics style that felt personal.
Colleen Kincaid, who has lived in Hill East since 2016, said that after a shooting on her block in February, Felder showed up on her doorstep to see how she and her husband were doing. It was one of a number of shootings in her neighborhood this year, and their cars were pocked with bullet holes, she said.
“People were scared, looking for support, looking for ideas. He was the first one to show up,” she said at Felder’s election night party, blocks from her home. “That’s not just good politics — that’s good people.”
Felder’s campaign was not without stumbles. He raised eyebrows among Democrats and home-rule advocates when he told the ACLU in a questionnaire that if the D.C. Council passed a law with which he disagreed, he’d advocate for Congress to overturn it. Felder later called the response a mistake, while insisting in “no way, shape or form do I support congressional interference” — but overall, the flap didn’t prove consequential.
In an interview at his election night party, Felder cited aggressive canvassing and relationship-building as key to his victory, with a message that blended focusing on turning around public safety problems, boosting economic development and improving neighborhood schools. He said he had “a pair of shoes with a hole in them” due to hours spent door-knocking each week in the lead-up to the election.
Felder had previously worked in the administration of Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) as a community relations representative and in project management in her economic development office. Those roles, combined with some of the flashiest endorsements, made Felder the closest thing to the establishment candidate in the race, and moments after Felder declared victory, Bowser arrived to congratulate him Tuesday night.
But Felder’s win is far from decisive. He was projected to win with significantly less than 50 percent of the vote, according to unofficial returns from the D.C. Board of Elections — indicative of a highly splintered electorate that Felder will need to get behind him. Felder said the work to unite the ward was “just beginning,” adding he would also be reaching out to each of his opponents.
Ebony Payne, the founder of a medicinal herb business and a Kingman Park advisory neighborhood commissioner, and Eboni-Rose Thompson, president of the State Board of Education, were each trailing Felder by several hundred votes, according to unofficial returns.
For Ward 7 voters eager for change, some weren’t yet sure what to think about Felder but were willing to hear him out.
“For Wendell, I wondered if are there ways in which he’s an extension of Gray,” said Erin O. Crosby, a newer Ward 7 resident. “I think about my community and the changes that I would love to see, and I wonder if the community that I have is the result of past representation. Would Wendell be a changemaker, or an extension of that?”
Jasmine Hilton and Omari Daniels contributed to this report.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
“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.
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.
A White House spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Independent.
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.
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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