Washington

Advice | Ask Amy: Reader provides update on abusive relationship

Published

2 years ago

January 4, 2024

Advice | Ask Amy: Reader provides update on abusive relationship

Dear Readers: Periodically, I ask for “Updates” regarding questions which have been published in this space. I am naturally curious about how things might have turned out for people who have received my advice. This column is devoted to a Q&A that was originally published in 2021. You can read the original question, followed by my answer. The update follows that.

Dear Amy: My boyfriend of almost three years is very childish. If I do something he does not like, he will try to get me back or even the score in some way. For instance, I do not want to do a particular act in the bedroom. It makes me super-uncomfortable. No matter how many times I explain this, he says it’s his favorite thing and if I don’t do it, then it’s a dealbreaker. So sometimes I suffer through it, but other times I flat-out refuse.

Well, the other day, I refused. Now he won’t kiss me. He says that since I won’t do that for him, kissing is off the table until I do it. How is that fair? How can we navigate through this without calling it quits? I want to make him happy, but I also don’t want to do what he’s asking me to do. Your advice would be greatly appreciated!

— Underperforming in Rhode Island

Underperforming: I wouldn’t describe your boyfriend’s behavior as “childish,” so much as “deeply troubling,” “manipulative,” and “abusive.” Those are only some words that come to mind. (There are other words, of course, but — they aren’t publishable.)

Couples definitely bargain and negotiate with one another over all sorts of things, including “acts in the bedroom.” This is not a negotiation. This is … game over. He is coercing, manipulating, and — I assume — cornering you into doing something you have stated many times that you don’t want to do. Then, when he is not able to force you to do his “favorite thing,” he punishes you. This is pretty much the definition of domestic abuse.

Now he is withholding affection. Later, he might punish you in other ways and for other reasons, if you don’t “make him happy.” This is not love. This is control. Regular readers know that I rarely say this, but — get out. I’ll come and get you, myself.

The National Sexual Assault Hotline is available 24/7. Their impressive website (RAINN.org) offers a wonderful “chat” function, available all-hours. You could “gut check” my reaction by calling or chatting online with a counselor: 800-656-HOPE (4673).

Dear Amy: I’m happy to provide this update. I was really surprised to read your response and I was even more taken aback when I realized that everything you said was true. I stayed with my now ex-boyfriend until we were a little over three years into our relationship. Sadly, nothing changed. Our relationship actually got worse. The last straw for me was when he flat-out started verbally abusing me, calling me names and yelling at me — in front of my daughter. I broke it off right then and there.

It took five months for him to move out, begging me to give him another chance. He never changed his behavior during that time and was still withholding affection whenever he felt like I needed to be punished. He tried to “propose” (with no ring), and even cried about our breakup, but when I said no to getting back together, he laughed in my face because he said he’d been lying when he said he was sorry. Thankfully, after he moved out (which was well over a year ago), I have not heard from him since!

I just want to thank you immensely for helping me to see things clearly! I am finally FREEEEE!!

— No Longer Underperforming

No Longer: Your “update” is a gift! I’m so glad I didn’t have to come get you — that drive to Rhode Island is a long one.

Dear Amy: I was quite disgusted by your sarcastic tone in your response to “Frustrated in Texas,” when you wrote: “ It’s a shame that caring for your dogs and horses is preventing you from caring for an elderly human.” Humans have choices. Animals don’t. They are helpless. You owe this person an apology.

Upset: Many readers called me out for that line. I maintained that “Frustrated” was using her responsibilities to her animals as a reason not to assist her elderly mother-in-law, who was also helpless. Regardless, I do apologize for the sarcastic tone.

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Washington

Washington faces Detroit on 6-game home skid

Published

2 hours ago

March 18, 2026

Press Room

Washington faces Detroit on 6-game home skid

Detroit Pistons (49-19, first in the Eastern Conference) vs. Washington Wizards (16-52, 14th in the Eastern Conference)

Washington; Thursday, 7 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: Washington takes on Detroit looking to end its six-game home losing streak.

The Wizards are 11-32 against Eastern Conference opponents. Washington allows 123.8 points to opponents and has been outscored by 11.0 points per game.

The Pistons are 33-11 in conference games. Detroit ranks seventh in the Eastern Conference with 27.0 assists per game led by Cade Cunningham averaging 9.9.

The Wizards’ 13.0 made 3-pointers per game this season are only 0.3 more made shots on average than the 12.7 per game the Pistons give up. The Pistons average 11.0 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.7 fewer made shots on average than the 13.7 per game the Wizards give up.

The teams meet for the fourth time this season. In the last matchup on March 17 the Pistons won 130-117 led by 36 points from Jalen Duren, while Bub Carrington scored 30 points for the Wizards.

TOP PERFORMERS: Carrington is averaging 10 points and 4.5 assists for the Wizards. Tre Johnson is averaging 1.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Duren is averaging 19 points and 10.6 rebounds for the Pistons. Cunningham is averaging 17.6 points and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 46.8% over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Wizards: 0-10, averaging 117.6 points, 38.1 rebounds, 23.8 assists, 6.8 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 48.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 129.5 points per game.

Pistons: 5-5, averaging 116.9 points, 44.1 rebounds, 28.3 assists, 9.4 steals and 6.0 blocks per game while shooting 48.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.9 points.

INJURIES: Wizards: Anthony Davis: out (finger), Cam Whitmore: out for season (shoulder), Alex Sarr: day to day (hamstring), Leaky Black: day to day (ankle), Kyshawn George: out (elbow), D’Angelo Russell: day to day (not injury related), Trae Young: day to day (quad), Bilal Coulibaly: day to day (heel).

Pistons: Cade Cunningham: day to day (back), Isaiah Stewart: out (calf).

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Washington

The latest buzz from the Washington Huskies’ 2026 Pro Day

Published

1 day ago

March 17, 2026

Press Room

The latest buzz from the Washington Huskies’ 2026 Pro Day

The Washington Huskies’ Pro Day was abuzz with optimism for both the past and future of the program.

As 17 players took the field to perform various drills and athletic testing, there were several impressive numbers for the NFL scouts in attendance to write home about. Wide receiver Omari Evans was one of the clear winners of the day, as quarterback Demond Williams Jr. posted on social media that the Penn State transfer ran an unofficial 4.25-second 40-yard dash, which would be just .04 seconds from the NFL combine record of 4.21, set by former Texas receiver Xavier Worthy (for what it’s worth, hand timing can be a little tricky; I had his two attempts timed at 4.35 and 4.30, respectively) and also displayed a 41-inch vertical jump.

Defensive tackle Anterio Thompson also showed off his impressive athleticism with a 4.73 40-yard dash, as he and several other former Huskies, including Evans, outside linebackers Zach Durfee and Deshawn Lynch, and tight end Quentin Moore, all made their cases to work into the late rounds of the NFL draft, or to be candidates to sign with a team as undrafted free agents.

And on their way out, they were very complimentary of what the next generation will bring to Montlake. While offensive lineman Carver Willis, who showed off his versatility by taking reps at center, guard, and tackle during his on-field workout, raved about guard Champ Taulealea and outside linebacker Devin Hyde—just like he did at the combine in February—other players brought new names to the table.

One person who was extremely popular among the departing Huskies was junior defensive tackle Elinneus Davis, who is projected to earn a starting role this fall.

“That’s gonna be our guy,” Lynch said. “You want a big play? You want somebody you can lean on? I think it’s Elinneus Davis. Big 90.”

Here are some other noteworthy things I jotted down.

Pro Day notebook

None of the five Huskies who went to the NFL combine participated in the 40-yard dash, meaning that wide receiver Denzel Boston and running back Jonah Coleman won’t have any number in that department ahead of April’s draft. However, that may not affect their stock too much, as NFL teams already know what they’re getting in both players from their extensive tape.

Speaking of NFL teams, 29 were in attendance according to a count from Huskies Wire’s Alex Katson. The Atlanta Falcons, Kansas City Chiefs, and Los Angeles Rams were the only teams that were not spotted.
Edge rusher Zach Durfee also put together an impressive workout, highlighted by a 39-inch vertical jump and a 4.69 unofficial 40-yard dash, confirming the long-standing stories from both Jedd Fisch and Kalen DeBoer’s coaching staff that he was one of the best athletes on the team, even though his career was unfortunately cut short due to injuries and the NCAA.
As for the NCAA, both Durfee and Thompson stated that they considered applying for NCAA waivers to return to school for the 2026 season. However, Thompson cited that seeing other players in similar cases around the country losing their appeals deterred him from the process.
After a strong performance at the combine, Prysock is starting to get buzz as a potential Day Two selection in April’s draft, as at least one team has given him a third-round grade.
As it pertains to the future, two of Washington’s freshman defensive linemen are primed for an immediate impact, as Derek Colman-Brusa is apparently weighing in at north of 295 pounds, while TI Umu-Cais is over 315 pounds.

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Washington

Kennedy Center votes to shut down operations for 2 years, names new president

Published

2 days ago

March 16, 2026

Press Room

Kennedy Center votes to shut down operations for 2 years, names new president

The Kennedy Center’s board of directors voted on Monday to shut down operations for two years following this summer’s July 4 celebrations.

The widely expected decision comes in the wake of numerous resignations and cancellations during President Donald Trump’s second term, although Trump himself has cited the need for repairs as a reason for the closure.

“We’re going to ensure it remains the finest performing arts facility of its kind anywhere in the world,” Trump told reporters at the White House before the board met Monday.

The board also voted to install Matt Floca as CEO and executive director, replacing Trump ally Richard Grenell, who oversaw far-reaching changes at the venue that prompted an outcry from many artists and exacerbated the operation’s financial challenges. Trump praised Grenell on Monday, saying he had been a longtime friend, and wished Floca “good luck with everything.”

Over the weekend, a federal judge ruled that a Democratic lawmaker was entitled to participate in the meeting. But the judge did not require that the board permit a vote for Ohio Rep. Joyce Beatty, an ex officio member through her position in Congress. Beatty was in attendance during Monday’s gathering.

Trump hosted the board meeting at the White House in a reminder of the influence he has held over the Kennedy Center during his second term. Shortly after returning to office last year, Trump ousted the center’s previous leadership and replaced it with a hand-picked board of trustees that named him chairman. He also brought in Grenell, who served in a variety of capacities during Trump’s first term, when the president mostly ignored the Kennedy Center.

The center’s lineup has since included more Trump-friendly programming, including serving as the venue for the premiere of first lady Melania Trump’s documentary, “Melania.” The board also announced it had renamed the facility the Trump Kennedy Center, a change scholars and lawmakers say must be initiated by Congress, and physically added the president’s name to the building’s facade.

The fallout from the arts community was swift and intense. Actor Issa Rae, musician Bela Fleck and author Louise Penny were among the numerous artists who withdrew from appearances, while consultants such as musician Ben Folds and singer Renée Fleming resigned. Earlier this month, the executive director of the National Symphony Orchestra, Jean Davidson, left to head the Los Angeles-based Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.

Without mentioning the abandoned performances, Trump said in February he would close the Kennedy Center to fix what he has described as a dilapidated building.

Ahead of the closure, Grenell warned staff about impending cuts that will leave “skeletal teams.”

More musicians canceled performances at the Kennedy Center after its board voted to add President Trump’s name to the venue. News4’s Dominique Moody shares what they said about their decisions.

Floca, Grenell’s successor, had been serving as vice president of operations. According to his LinkedIn page, he joined the Kennedy Center in January 2024, during the Biden administration.

A center press release from the time describes him as “an experienced facilities management professional with a construction management background and an appreciation for whole building design principles.”

Previous experience for Floca listed on LinkedIn includes a handful of positions with the District of Columbia government, among them associate director of sustainability and energy and director of facilities management. He graduated from Louisiana State University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science degree in construction management.