For most people, end-of-life planning comes down to two choices: burial or cremation. But a company in Elkridge, Maryland, is offering a third option through what it said is the first human composting facility on the East Coast.

Earth Funeral specializes in a process known as natural organic reduction, which transforms human remains into soil.

鈥淭his is the closest that is available, available for people to purchase, to actually becoming a tree at time of death,鈥� Earth Funeral co-founder and CEO Tom Harries said.

The company said its Elkridge facility is the largest of its kind in the world, with capacity for 126 vessels, the large metal cylinders where the process takes place.

According to Harries, years of research and development went into creating the technology behind the process.

鈥淲hat we are doing is effectively accelerating what would happen naturally on a forest floor, but we鈥檙e using science and technology to accelerate the process,鈥� Harries said.

The company says a body is placed inside a vessel along with organic materials.

鈥淭his vessel contains natural materials 鈥� organic mulch, wood chip, wildflower 鈥� along with the body,鈥� Harries said.

By controlling factors such as temperature, moisture and oxygen, Earth Funeral said microbes break the body down at a molecular level in about 30 days.

鈥淪o fully natural, no chemicals, no insects,鈥� Harries said.

Harries said the process appeals to people looking for a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burial or cremation.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a gentle, natural process. It鈥檚 better for the environment, and it offers a return to nature,鈥� Harries said.

小萝莉影视/Mike Murillo

小萝莉影视/Mike Murillo

小萝莉影视/Mike Murillo

小萝莉影视/Mike Murillo

(1/4)

Share This Gallery:

• Share This:
• share on email
• print

For Dave Buermeyer of Reston, Virginia, choosing human composting became part of his estate planning.

鈥淭he cost is comparable to cremation, but I think this solution is much better for me, for our family. It just makes sense. It鈥檚 ecological,鈥� Buermeyer said.

Once the process is complete, families can take possession of the soil and decide how to use it.

鈥淧eople give meaning to the soil,” Harries said. “I think there鈥檚 a really nice connection to how the soil is used, whether it鈥檚 a potted plant or tree, or really whatever you choose to do with it.”

He said some even choose unique ways with the soil to remember those they lost.

鈥淲e鈥檝e had some really beautiful stories of people recreating road trips they did with loved ones, and they scatter a little bit of soil at each stop that they did with their loved one,鈥� Harries said.

The process results in around 300 pounds of soil, and families can keep as much of the soil as they’d like. Any soil they choose not to keep is donated to conservation projects, including reforestation and ecosystem restoration efforts, according to the company.

The service typically costs between $5,000 and $6,000.

Source

The case was filed by the D.C. Preservation League and two local golfers, who argue the administration is moving too quickly toward a major makeover of the historic public golf course without first going through the required review process.

During Thursday’s hearing, Judge Ana Reyes kept coming back to a Truth Social post President Donald Trump made after touring the course over the weekend with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and golf architect Tom Fazio. In that post, Trump said Fazio, who has designed several Trump golf courses, would redesign East Potomac and that work would begin Sept. 1.

“Either the President just pulled the date out of thin air and never heard from anybody about it, or never talked to anybody about it, and it’s, who knows what he was talking about. It’s either that, or there is a Sept. 1 date that means something,” Reyes said.

Government attorney Michael Robertson argued that no contracts have been signed with Fazio or anyone else and that any major renovation would still have to go through environmental reviews and other required steps. But when pressed, they didn’t dispute Trump’s public statement that work could begin Sept. 1.

“I don’t know exactly where that came from your honor, but what I do know is NPS and Interior are now trying to meet that schedule,” Robertson said.

Reyes also repeatedly challenged lawyers for the D.C. Preservation League to explain exactly what power she had to stop the project and whether they had shown the kind of harm needed for an injunction. The group argued the court should prevent meaningful ground disturbance while the lawsuit moves forward.

The lawsuit grew out of the administration’s decision to move material from the White House East Wing demolition project to East Potomac Park. The preservation group argues the government didn’t follow proper procedures and is using the site as a first step toward creating a championship-level golf destination.

Part of the hearing focused on revising testing results of that material. Reyes noted that results presented to the court did not show contamination levels that would pose a danger to people. She did, however, question why the plaintiffs weren’t allowed to conduct their own testing. Government attorneys responded that they weren’t legally required to allow it.

She also raised concerns that someone inside the Department of the Interior signed off on the rubble as being “clean fill material” before it was moved to the park, yet there is no evidence so far of testing to back up that claim.

Throughout the hearing, Reyes stressed that federal courts aren’t supposed to manage government projects and can only step in when there’s a legal violation or a demonstrated danger. She made clear she can’t simply stop the government from redesigning a golf course if it follows the rules.

“I think that federal courts should not be involved in telling the executive or Congress what to do, unless we have to because the Constitution or law require it,” Reyes said.

In the end, Reyes denied the request for an injunction. But she also gave no indication she’s prepared to dismiss the case. Instead, she repeatedly said she wants advance notice before any major work happens at the course, making clear she doesn’t want bulldozers showing up and making dramatic changes before the plaintiffs have a chance to come back to court.

She directed both sides to work on language spelling out what kind of activity would require notice to the court and that she said would give her “comfort that we’re not sending in bulldozers in the dark of night to chop down cherry trees.”

In the meantime, government attorneys have said they would give the court notice before any major work begins at the site.

Source

鈥淵eah, so the July Fourth is basically the Super Bowl for boaters in D.C.,鈥� said Jack Maher, co-founder of Sea Suite Cruises.

Jack Maher, co-founder of Sea Suite Cruises, said the holiday typically brings huge crowds and major revenue for businesses operating on the water.

But this year, new restrictions are limiting access to core sections of the river where boats usually gather to watch the fireworks.

From 8 a.m. July 2 to 6 a.m. July 5, all waterways along the Potomac River from the Francis Scott Key Bridge to 200 yards south of the 14th Street Bridge will be closed. On July 4 from 6 p.m. to 11:59 p.m., waterways along the Anacostia River from the 11th Street Bridge to 200 yards south of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge will also be closed.

Those closures cover some of the most popular on-the-water viewing areas for the fireworks, where hundreds of boats typically anchor each year.

鈥淲e decided we’re just gonna move our operation to Navy Yard for the weekend,鈥� Maher said.

Maher said his company relocated operations before the restrictions came out keep cruises running, and he is glad he did after learning some other operators were forced to cancel tours because they couldn鈥檛 find an alternate location to dock.

鈥淭heir Super Bowl got canceled, and that’s just really unfortunate,鈥� he said.

He said even with him acting early, the timing and changes have created major challenges.

鈥淭he whole thing, even with these different security zones, planning the logistics around moving the home base of our operation to a different location for the busiest weekend of the year is insane, and it’s frustrating,鈥� Maher said.

Maher said another complication is the timing of the fireworks display, which is expected to begin close to 11 p.m.

鈥淚’ve personally never really heard of a Fourth of July fireworks show that starts at 11 p.m.,鈥� Maher said.

For customers, that could mean fewer options to watch from the water, longer outings that cost boat operators more and last-minute changes to plans.

At Adventures Unbound, co-district manager Catherine Brenner said the expanded restrictions are also affecting multiple days of operations, not just the Fourth of July itself.

While their used to shutting down their Tidal Basin rental location on July 4, this year it and the Thompson Boat Center will be closed for two days, starting July 2nd. The company has been adjusting plans because of that, including moving its fourth of July Kayak event outside of the no-go zone.

鈥淲e have heard from some boaters and the coaches that have crew teams here that are upset about those, but sadly, we just lie within the boundaries,鈥� she said.

As they come up with alternatives, co-district manager Gabi Muskett said they鈥檙e creating new experiences, including land-based ticketed event on the roof of Thompson Boat Center for the fireworks show.

“We’re rolling, we’re rolling with the punches here,鈥� she said.

Source

This stretch could bring some of the hottest conditions the D.C. region has seen in years.

鈥淲e’re looking to have historically high temperatures that could exceed 105 degrees heat index over the over the coming days,鈥� said Earl Stoddard, the county鈥檚 assistant chief administrative officer.

Officials are urging residents to slow down, take breaks, stay hydrated and look out for the people around you, especially seniors. Also, county leaders said it’s best to limit time outside during the hottest part of the day.

Council President Natali Fani-Gonz谩lez said the danger is real, pointing to a heartbreaking reminder from just last year.

鈥淥nly about a year ago we witnessed how a baby, who was left inside a car in Montgomery County, died because of heat; it happens,鈥� Fani-Gonz谩lez said.

Health leaders said one of the biggest concerns is that temperatures won鈥檛 cool down much overnight.

鈥淲e are facing record-breaking overnight lows, because the temperature will stay in the high 70s to 80s at night. Our bodies won’t have the chance to cool down naturally,鈥� Montgomery County Chief Health Officer Dr. Kisha Davis said.

That means heat stress can build over several days, especially for people with medical conditions or those without air conditioning.

She also warned that beverages like soda and alcohol are dehydrating and encouraged alternating between water and those drinks. Another must, wear sunscreen.

鈥淪evere sunburn actually destroys your skin’s ability to sweat and cool your body down and drastically increases your risk of heat stroke,鈥� Davis said.

Weather like this can bring many concerns all at once.

鈥淭his is a quadruple threat. We have the life-threatening heat, we have the demands on our power system that could cause disruption, we have possibly severe storms coming and we have special events throughout the community,鈥� said Luke Hodgson, director of the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.

The county is opening cooling centers, adjusting plans and getting crews ready for more calls, including the possibility of power outages as demand spikes. Outdoor workers are also being told to take breaks and have access to water.

Fourth of July events are still happening, just with some tweaks to try to ease the impact of the heat, according to Parks and Recreation Director Gabe Albornoz.

鈥淧ast dusk, we anticipate that the temperatures, while we’ll be uncomfortable and absolutely will be hot, they won’t reach those same dangerous levels,鈥� Albornoz said.

The county also expects larger crowds at local celebrations, as more people stay closer to home this year.

Events in Kensington and Germantown are starting a little later to help deal with the heat.

鈥淲e will be starting at 7:30 p.m. to allow a little bit of extra time for reprieve from the weather conditions,鈥� Albornoz said.

He said anyone who may be at higher risk for heat-related illness should watch the fireworks from home.

Also, at the county-sponsored events, alcoholic drinks will not be allowed in viewing areas.

With those celebrations, County Executive Mark Elrich urged residents to be mindful of the heat.

鈥淲hile we all want to celebrate this milestone occasion for our nation, we don’t want anyone pushing themselves too far, especially those older adults or anyone with heart or medical 鈥� conditions,鈥� Elrich said.

And as temperatures climb, there鈥檚 also a warning about pets.

鈥淐ars can get, within 10 minutes with your windows down in 80-degree weather, can reach temperatures that are deadly for our pets 鈥� deadly,鈥� said Caroline Hairfield with Animal Services.

She said to keep pets indoors, when possible, limit walks to early morning or later in the evening and never leave an animal in a car.

Hairfield also encouraged anyone who sees an animal that may have been left out in the heat without water to report it to police.

Source

County Council member Will Jawando is now his party鈥檚 nominee after colleague Andrew Friedson conceded, and he says the outcome wasn鈥檛 a surprise as votes were counted.

鈥淲ell, we felt good election night that the trends were in our favor, but obviously we wanted to make sure that all the votes were counted,” he said.

Jawando also says he鈥檚 already reaching out to supporters of the other candidates to bring them into a broader coalition.

Even in a heavily Democratic county, Jawando says he鈥檚 not taking anything for granted and is already looking ahead.

鈥淲e’re going to push forward, use this time to build a broad coalition of residents, develop policies, get the best team in place, so that we can hit the ground running,鈥� he said.

He also says voters are looking for candidates focused on working families, something he believes played a role in the race.

He also commented on the negative ads aimed at him during the race.

鈥淲e didn’t go negative, even though I was the subject of over a million and a half dollars of negative ads, which is pretty unique in a county executive race. The voters saw through that,鈥� he said.

On the Republican side, Esther Wells has secured her party鈥檚 nomination and says she鈥檚 ready for the general election.

鈥淚 am very grateful to the Republican Party for nominating me to represent them in the general elections,” Wells said.

Wells, meanwhile, is pitching herself as an alternative to the current direction of county leadership.

Wells says she does see a path forward for her to win in November, especially among voters she believes aren鈥檛 being reached.

鈥淚 do believe that we have a lot of the Democrat voters that feel left behind with the current nominee on the Democrat side, and then we have a lot of un-affiliates as well, almost 200,000 unaffiliated that weren’t able to vote in the primary that I believe again are fiscal conservatives that I should be able to win over,” she said.

Both candidates are now shifting their focus to November.

Source

Some have been getting the keys to their first home with a little 鈥� or a lot 鈥� of help from Mom and Dad.

“The challenge that young buyers are facing right now is affordability. You know, they’re getting hit from multiple directions,鈥� said Eldad Moraru, a D.C.-area real estate agent with Compass Real Estate.

In many cases, he said, parents are choosing to assist with down payments and other homebuying costs by offering their children a portion of their inheritance now.

Lender requirements differ, but a letter stating the money is a gift and not a loan is often all it takes to use the funds in the mortgage process, and it can make a big difference once the monthly payments begin.

鈥淚f you’re only putting 5% down, then you definitely have to have mortgage insurance, or 10% down, but if you get to 20% down, now you don’t have mortgage insurance, which changes the monthly payments,鈥� Moraru said.

Parents who are not able to provide large sums of money can help out in other ways.

One strategy involves charging rent to new college graduates who are working or hunting for their first job while living at home. That money could be collected, saved and later given to the children when they find a place they want to buy.

鈥淓ssentially you’ve taught them to build a nest egg, but also to start getting used to the idea of taking some of their paycheck and putting it toward a housing payment, which you know, for kids that are right out of college is a new concept,鈥� Moraru said.

Giving adult children a financial hand up does not mean pushing them into more home than they can afford, he said.

鈥淵ou don’t want to wish upon your kids that they’re going to be house poor, so I don’t see that often,鈥� he said.

But there is one area where parents need to be careful not to overstep.

“I think sometimes parents project their own lifestyles on the kids, and I think you’ve got to really scale that back, because something that you feel you know has worked for you might not necessarily be what’s right for the kids,鈥� he said.

Source

At a Lincoln Theater rally Thursday co-hosted by Ward 6 Council member Charles Allen, musician Andrew McMahon addressed the crowd via video, saying the resale market is making concerts unaffordable.

鈥淵ou do not need to pay as much as your mortgage to go see your favorite show,鈥� McMahon, known for groups like Something Corporate, said.

The D.C. RESALE Act would target bots that snap up tickets in bulk, ban the sale of tickets that don鈥檛 yet exist and require clearer, upfront pricing for buyers.

鈥淓very dollar that you’re having to waste buying a ticket on this market out there for egregious amounts, it’s $1 you’re not spending at our local restaurants or bars, it’s $1 you’re not spending on another show that you want to come to this venue,鈥� Allen said.

D.C.-based artist Bartees Strange said the current system is shutting people out of live music.

鈥淚 feel like resellers kind of create this world where only the rich can really afford to have a good time,鈥� Strange said.

Todd Dupler, chief advocacy and public policy officer for the Recording Academy, also said resale practices are affecting the connection between artists and fans.

鈥淚t鈥檚 not just a financial loss, it鈥檚 really an emotional, spiritual transgression, because for the artist, it鈥檚 pushing the fans out of reach for them,鈥� he said.

The legislation advanced out of committee this week, but without a provision that would cap resale prices at 10% above face value.

Audrey Fix Schaefer, head of communications for I.M.P., which operates D.C.-area venues including the 9:30 Club and The Anthem, said a price cap is critical in keeping events accessible and supporting the economy.

鈥淭his is really an economic development issue, as well as a consumer protection issue,鈥� she said.

Allen, who authored the bill, said he plans to introduce an amendment to restore the cap when the full council takes it up. The first vote is scheduled for Tuesday.聽

Supporters also pointed to extreme examples of resale listings, including tickets originally priced under $40 appearing online for hundreds or thousands of dollars more.

One was a free vigil for Grateful Dead musician Bob Weir at The Hamilton Live.

鈥淲e gave out free tickets. These were listed for hundreds of dollars online in an attempt to be sold. To a vigil,鈥� David Cooper, the venue’s manager, said.

But the Ticket Policy Forum, which represents platforms including SeatGeek, StubHub, Vivid Seats, Gametime, TickPick and Event Tickets Center, pushed back on the proposal. The group said those companies are not just resale marketplaces, but ticketing firms that compete with Ticketmaster.

In a statement, Brian Berry, the forum鈥檚 executive director, said marketplaces don鈥檛 set ticket prices, sellers do and he argued that pricing should be left to the market.

He also said resale platforms can sometimes offer cheaper tickets than face value and warned that a cap could limit those lower-cost options for fans.

The Ticket Policy Forum also said many venues backing the price cap rely on Ticketmaster for their primary ticketing and suggested the policy could benefit Ticketmaster by restricting its competitors.

Source

The summer storm season has already arrived, and in some parts of the D.C. area, it鈥檚 already led to power outages. Getting the power back, especially when strong storms can lead to widespread outages, takes trained crews who can brave difficult conditions to get the juice flowing again.

As a crew trained behind him in Rockville, Maryland, on how to restore power after a branch strikes a power line, Pepco Chief Operating Officer Rodney Oddoye said utilities have to be prepared because recent years have kept crews busy.

鈥淲e’re having more storms of late than we’ve ever had,鈥� Oddoye said.

Oddoye said crews often begin responding to outages even before customers report losing power.

鈥淲e use a pretty sophisticated system that allows us to be able to really track the outages,鈥� he said.

In addition to practicing for storm response, Oddoye said the utility is also working to put the grid in the best position to avoid damage.

鈥淲e’ve replaced poles, we’ve upgraded our transformers, we’ve put new wire up in the air, we put new cable in the ground,鈥� he said.

Also, tree trimming happens year-round to keep branches away from power lines and poles.

Restoration typically takes time, one to three hours or more depending on the scope of the work, according to Edwin Velasquez, a lead lineman. He said in some cases, a crew will arrive to determine the work needed, followed by other crews that complete the repairs.

Velasquez said crews move as fast as they safely can, but there are many steps they must take to protect themselves.

鈥淚t’s really a dangerous job, but you know, we look out for each other and we’re our brother’s keeper,鈥� Velasquez said.

He said they must make sure all downed lines are not energized, a process that can take time but is critical.

鈥淲e want to go back home to our families,鈥� he said.

Rob Spelman, senior manager of overhead maintenance and construction at Pepco鈥檚 Rockville facility, said customers should take the same precautions and treat every downed line as if it鈥檚 live.

鈥淪tay at least 30 feet away and report that downed power line either to our emergency phone number or through your Pepco app immediately,鈥� he said.

Spelman also urged everyone to be storm-ready, including making sure devices are charged and having battery backups on hand.

Oddoye said there is also a priority list when responding to widespread outages, starting with critical facilities.

鈥淲e’re certainly prioritizing our pumping stations, because we want to make sure that people have access to water and that those amenities are working well,鈥� he said.

Schools are added to that priority list when they are in session.

While getting the power back online for everyone may take time, Spelman urged people to keep crews in mind.

鈥淲e’re working in long hours, sometimes in 100+ degree weather, 16 hours a day to restore this power. So, we just ask for a little patience and a little understanding for the hard work that these men and women behind me are doing on a daily basis.鈥�

Tips to keep energy bills down during summer heat

As summer temperatures climb, so can your energy bill, especially when air conditioners are working overtime.

Pepco said there are ways you can stay cool while keeping costs under control.

Chuck McDade, a communications manager at Pepco, said one of the biggest steps you can take is tracking how much electricity you鈥檙e using.

鈥淭he number one thing a customer can do is download our free app and sign up for usage alerts, and in those alerts you can actually monitor when you’re approaching your usage limit to help save money,” he said.

He says your thermostat plays a major role in how much energy you use during the summer.

鈥淚f you can, if your health permits, and your comfort level, raise that temperature up 5, 6, 7 degrees higher than you normally will,鈥� he said.

Keeping your home a few degrees warmer can help reduce how often your air conditioner runs. He also recommended getting a smart thermostat, which can help regulate home temperature.

McDade said there are also simple ways to keep heat out of your home.

鈥淚f you’re not home, close those blinds, keep that sun outside of your house,” he said.

Timing is another factor. Appliances that generate heat, such as dryers, can make your cooling system work harder during the hottest parts of the day.

鈥淭ry to use those devices, those appliances late at night to prevent that heat usage from coming, and also to help keep your usage low,鈥� he said.

The utility said taking small steps now can help avoid higher bills when the hottest days of summer arrive.

Source

After restoring cuts from Mayor Muriel Bowser鈥檚 original proposal, the council is relying in part on $150 million from reserve funds to help balance the plan.

Chief Financial Officer Glen Lee warned in a letter earlier this week that using that money could make the budget unbalanced, raising concerns about the District鈥檚 long-term financial stability.

“Should the Council persist with approving a budget that uses reserves to support spending, the Council would be approving an unbalanced budget and financial plan,” Lee said in the letter.

Council Chair Phil Mendelson argued the city is dipping into only a small portion of its reserves.

“We’re taking a tiny fraction of the reserves to support spending in FY27 that will leave our reserves well above what the gold standard is for reserve funds,” Mendelson said.

Ward 6 Council member Charles Allen said the move still leaves the District in strong financial shape.

“I’m convinced that the $150 (million) from this reserve fund leaves us with more than 60 days cash on hand, incredibly healthy bottom line for the District and our finances and our obligations,” Allen said.

Some council members raised concerns about relying on reserves.

“I’m a little bit more comfortable that there was an amendment moved today to make sure that if there’s a budget surplus, the reserves will be replenished as the first and foremost order of operations, but we have to have a responsible budget that sets us up for success, not just this year, but over the financial plan,” Ward 2 Council member Brooke Pinto said those funds.

And the public nature of the budget fight, Ward 5 Council member Zachary Parker said, could attract more unwanted attention from Congress.

“We should be mindful of the complicated political position the District is in on the Hill, and I worry that having this battle play out in the media or with letters flying back and forth spells doom for the District overall,” he said.

If the CFO refuses to certify the budget, it could trigger legal and procedural challenges as the plan moves forward for federal review.

The city administrator warned when the mayor鈥檚 budget was proposed that the District would need a $1.1 billion increase in revenue just to maintain current services.

The council ultimately restored about $400 million in cuts, including funding for housing vouchers, childcare assistance and legal services.

Open primaries funding approved

Included in the budget鈥檚 passage was funding to implement a major elections change voters approved but have not yet seen put into place.

Lawmakers signed off on funding to implement semi-open primaries, completing Initiative 83 after voters passed the measure in 2024. Until now, only ranked choice voting, the other key piece of the initiative, had been funded and used.

The change will allow voters with no party affiliation to choose a party ballot in primary elections and participate in candidate races, opening the process to tens of thousands of independents who are currently shut out of primaries that often decide elections in Democrat-dominated D.C.

Council member Christina Henderson, who introduced the amendment, said the move reflects years of effort.

“This has been a long time coming,” she said.

Advocates said because primaries are funded with taxpayer dollars, all voters should have a say.

Lisa Rice, co-founder and CEO of Grow Democracy D.C., welcomed the vote.

“I am beyond thrilled. I’m so excited. I’m pumped. I’m excited. I’m over the moon,” Rice said.

But not everyone on the council was on board. Mendelson voted against the change, saying political parties should control their own nomination process.

“It doesn’t make sense to me that non-Democrats would choose who the Democratic nominee is,” he said.

With the funding now approved, semi-open primaries are expected to be in place for the 2028 election cycle.

Source

Gregory Feith said FAA records also show Yoav Bomrind was not an instructor, meaning the flight was likely not for training, even though the aircraft may have been rented from a flight school.

“It would not be permitted for the actual certificated pilot, the one that had the private pilot certificate, to be providing any kind of instruction,” Feith told 小萝莉影视.

The plane belonged to the Washington International Flight Academy in Gaithersburg. Feith said investigators will take a close look at how the trip was planned, including fuel and flight time.

“How much fuel did this aircraft have when they took off out of Gaithersburg on the initial leg to Ocean City, New Jersey? How much flying did they do in that particular area, and how much flight time was involved coming back from Ocean City, New Jersey?” he said.

Federal investigators are working to piece together the pilot鈥檚 experience, the flight path and whether the aircraft was rented for the trip.

Maryland State Police said 26-year-old pilot Bomrind, of Israel, was flying the plane with two passengers: 19-year-old David Rabinovich, also of Israel, and 20-year-old Elad Naidik, of Canada. Both passengers had student pilot licenses.

The single-engine plane crashed late at night in a wooded area near a townhome community in Bowie.

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation, with help from the FAA.

The NTSB said an investigator remains on scene documenting the wreckage, which will later be moved to a secure facility for further examination. Officials said it鈥檚 too early to determine a cause.

Feith said investigators will also focus on data, along with evidence including air traffic control recordings, radar data, weather conditions and the pilot鈥檚 recent flight history.

鈥淵ou start looking at the purpose of the flight, you look at the pilot’s qualifications, you look at, of course, the aircraft,” he said.

Feith said available flight data shows the plane did not follow a steady path, with speed and altitude changing significantly. That could mean the pilot was dealing with winds or climbing frequently, both of which use more fuel. Investigators will be looking closely at whether the plane burned more fuel than expected and whether the pilot may have been trying to reach another airport before the crash.

Investigators are also expected to review communications with air traffic control, maintenance records, witness statements and the pilot鈥檚 training history as they work to determine what happened.

The NTSB is asking anyone who may have seen the crash or has video to contact the agency.

Source

Allergist Dr. Rachel Schreiber, of Schreiber Allergy in Rockville, Maryland, said one of the biggest problems is not having epinephrine on hand at all times.

“If you have a life-threatening allergy, whether it’s to a food or to a bee sting, you need to carry your epi at all times, because you need that medication to help you recover from that allergic reaction,” she said.

Doctors recommend carrying two doses in case a second is needed, or in the event the first malfunctions. Schreiber said some people carry only one, which can be risky.

“Things can happen, you know? You could have a severe allergic reaction, and fortunately, we have these medications to treat that, so it’s really important to have your epinephrine on you at all times,” Schreiber said.

Even when people remember to bring it, where they keep it matters.

Schreiber said too many people leave EpiPens in their cars, especially during the summer. “People do, because it’s convenient, but the car gets, as we all know, it gets very hot,” she said.

High temperatures can make the medication ineffective, meaning it may not work during an emergency.

Schreiber said people should not assume an EpiPen left in a hot car is still good.

The takeaway, she said, is to keep it with you and at room temperature so it works when you need it.

Source

鈥淚 am feeling so just grateful. My heart is just grateful to the people of D.C.,” Lewis George said.

With ranked choice votes still being tabulated, she is now poised to become the Democratic nominee and is already signaling she鈥檚 preparing not only for the coming general election, but beyond.

鈥淲e have obviously started as a team having early conversations about transition. What we plan on having is a very professional and well-run transition, and we are excited to discuss some of that rollout in the coming weeks,” she said.

Lewis George, speaking to the media at Bus Boys and Poets in Northwest D.C., said that includes early planning for a budget and key policy priorities, while she continues to serve in her current role on the D.C. Council.

鈥淚 will be representing the residents of Ward 4 until I am sworn in as the mayor of District of Columbia,” she said.

Her main challenger, Kenyan McDuffie, conceded the race, and Lewis George said he reached out directly Thursday morning.

鈥淜enyan McDuffie graciously called to congratulate me, and I’m honored to be the presumptive Democratic nominee for the mayor of Washington, D.C.,” she said.

While the general election is still months away, the Democratic primary has historically been decisive in D.C. politics.

Lewis George believes her message resonating with voters fueled her projected primary win.

鈥淚 think what was clear is that affordability is an issue in this city, and there has to be leadership who’s ready to address it,” she said.

She pointed to affordability and government effectiveness as early priorities if elected mayor, including lowering utility costs, improving basic city services and expanding support for families.

She said she and her team have already begun working with budget analysts on ways to make city agencies more efficient and effective when it comes to spending and saving.

“I’m excited to have early conversations with colleagues about what our first budget will look like, how we can preserve social safety nets across the board through healthcare and housing and education, and what that looks like,” she said.

On the campaign trail, she positioned herself as a candidate willing to push back against President Donald Trump. She said if elected, she is committed to working across political lines, including with the White House if it benefits D.C. residents.

鈥淚 want to make sure that the president understands that I am willing to work with anyone to the benefit of D.C. residents, and that includes President Trump and members of his administration,” she said.

In an effort not to interfere with current Mayor Muriel Bowser鈥檚 administration, Lewis George said she would wait for a request from the Trump administration before having initial talks with the president and others.

Lewis George also said rebuilding trust between the community and law enforcement will be a focus, including working with police leaders and unions and launching a search for a new police chief.

鈥淚鈥檝e committed to rebuilding the trust that鈥檚 necessary within the police department and the police department with our community.鈥�

As she moves toward the general election, Lewis George said her goal remains consistent.

鈥淚 plan to be a mayor for everyone who calls this city home, no matter who you voted for,” she said.

In the general election, Lewis George will face Green Party candidate Robert Gross. There are also 11 independent candidates vying for the job.

Source

Primary races in heavily Democratic D.C. often decide who ultimately wins in November, but turnout and the candidates themselves can still shape the outcome.

One political analyst said frustration over the high cost of living, along with national political dynamics, may be among the factors driving the shift.

George Washington University political science professor Matthew Dallek said the apparent results suggest a departure from the city鈥檚 more traditional governing style.

“The progressive movement has had a surge, a significant surge in popular support,” he said.

He noted that much of D.C.鈥檚 leadership in the past has come from a more moderate wing of the Democratic Party.

“Historically, much of the leadership, not all, but much of the leadership has been more center left. I would say there’s been a pragmatic streak. Mayor Bowser embodies this,鈥� he said.

Dallek pointed to affordability as a major factor influencing voters.

“I think a lot of people across a range of demographics feel like the cities just become too expensive and Lewis George, Robert White, others, (Zohran) Mamdani in New York have tapped into that,” he said.

Frustration tied to President Donald Trump鈥檚 second term and his administration鈥檚 impact on the city is also shaping voter sentiment, he said, particularly among those seeking leaders willing to push back against the federal government.

“To the extent that people were voting for a more confrontational posture, we are seeing that in the results,” he said.

The shift also reflects a broader dissatisfaction.

“There is a discontent not just in Washington, but within the larger Democratic Party,” he said.

Dallek said developments outside the District may also be influencing local politics, including political momentum tied to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

“It’s unclear that if Mamdani had not won and emerged, it’s unclear that the progressive left in D.C. would have done quite as well as it did as it appears to have done in this 2026 primary election,鈥� he said.

It remains unclear whether the apparent momentum will carry past the general election or translate into lasting political change in the District.

Source

Council member Robert White emerged from a crowded field of five candidates in a race that could ultimately decide the seat in the heavily Democratic city.

The field also included Kinney Zalesne, who worked with the Democratic National Committee and saw fundraising success during the campaign that did not translate into more votes at the polls.

The campaign was heated at times, especially between White and fellow front-runner Council member Brooke Pinto.

鈥淚t feels incredible,鈥� White told 小萝莉影视, reflecting on the outcome of what he described as a long campaign.

White pointed to frustration over the cost of living as a driving force behind the race.

鈥淧eople are tired of losing, they’re tired of feeling like they do all the right things, but can’t afford housing, groceries, health care,鈥� he said.

He added that voters are also looking for leaders who will act, not just make campaign promises.

鈥淰oters are less interested in what you tell them when you’re campaigning and more interested in what you show them when you have the chance to do it,鈥� White said.

After a contentious race, White acknowledged the tone but said he is focused on moving forward.

鈥淭here were things that happened in the campaign that should not have happened, but I’m looking forward, and I spoke to everyone who ran in this race, congratulated them on their campaigns,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t is a hard race, but we all, if we’re serious about the future of our city, we have to work together.鈥�

The race also comes as progressive momentum appears to be building across the city, though White said labels are not what voters are focused on.

鈥淚 think people are really unconcerned with labels, and they’re really concerned with the lack of leadership that is going to help everyday people,鈥� he said.

White said affordability remains central to the city鈥檚 challenges.

鈥淚f you are not speaking to how expensive it is to have housing in this city to young professionals who can’t afford housing, for older people drowning under medical bills, then I don’t think you’re talking to D.C. residents,鈥� he said.

He also framed the race as part of a larger moment.

鈥淭his wasn’t just a change in leadership, this was a change in leadership in a historic moment,鈥� White said.

White credited Norton鈥檚 tenure while pointing to changes ahead.

鈥淚’m representing and protecting everybody, and I think that they will see a change in how I use this seat because of the foundation Congresswoman Norton laid and because of the opportunity that this time in history presents鈥�

In a statement, Pinto congratulated White on the win and emphasized unity after the election.

鈥淓veryone needs to come together now and keep pushing the city forward,鈥� Pinto said.

Zalesne also conceded and congratulated White.

鈥淚 have called him, wished him great success, and offered my assistance in any way he needs going forward,鈥� she said.

White is expected to face Republican Denise Rosado in the November general election, though in D.C., the Democratic primary often points to who will ultimately take the seat.

Source

Voters across D.C. are heading to the polls Tuesday in a primary that could reshape several key positions in city government and, in many races, effectively decide the winners.

Polls are open at 75 locations across the District until 8 p.m.

There was a stream of voters at the Shepherd Park Community Center in Northwest early Tuesday morning and election officials told 小萝莉影视’s Luke Lukert they were pleased with the turnout so far. Another wave of voters is expected to hit the polls in the evening hours after the workday ends.

While it is a primary election, the vast majority of D.C. voters are Democrats, meaning many of the candidates who win their party鈥檚 nomination are likely to go on to win in November.

One of the most closely watched contests is the open race for D.C.’s delegate to Congress. Several candidates are competing to replace longtime Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, who is not seeking reelection.

Voters are also deciding the race for attorney general, where incumbent Brian Schwalb faces a primary challenger.

Multiple seats on the D.C. Council are also on the ballot, including competitive at-large races. There is also a special election to fill the at-large seat Kenyan McDuffie vacated to run for mayor.

Several ward races are also being decided, which could bring new members to the council.

The mayor鈥檚 race is also drawing attention, with seven candidates running to replace Muriel Bowser, who is not seeking another term.

• In their own words: Meet the DC candidates

What do DC residents think about ranked choice voting?

This election is the first in D.C. to use ranked choice voting. Under that system, voters rank candidates in order of preference. If no candidate receives a majority, the counting process continues in rounds. The candidate with the fewest votes will be eliminated each round, and their votes redistributed to those remaining, until someone crosses the 50 + 1 percent threshold.

Winners are not expected to be finalized on election night: Initial returns will reflect early and first choice vote totals, while more complete results will come in the days after as additional ballots are counted. Final certified results are expected by mid-July.

Voters who spoke with 小萝莉影视’s Lukert at a polling center in Northwest D.C. had mixed feelings on the new system.

“It was quite confusing, frankly,” Alex Howard told 小萝莉影视. “The paper ballot that I received at home was very different from the electronic ballot that I used just now at the voting precinct.”

Howard said he needed to click between screens to check which candidates he’d already ranked.

“Other than that, it was pretty seamless, but it just took a little bit of time to go back and forth to make sure that I wasn’t voting for the same candidate in the next round,” he aid.

Karen Evans called the ranked choice voting experience “terrible.”

“It’s a lot of candidates on the ballot,” Evans said. “It makes it time consuming, and some of these candidates I’ve never even heard of.”

Other voters liked the new system. Harrison Kreisberg told 小萝莉影视 the system was well-explained by sponsors of the initiative.

“I think it’s great for democracy, and I’m excited that we got it here in D.C.,” Kreisberg said.

Michael Rawlings said he liked that ranked choice voting expands the options available to voters.

“For some of them, I had a very clear one, and I just kind of left it that way, but for the ones where I did have a couple of candidates I really liked, it was nice to be able to kind of prioritize,” Rawlings said.

Among the voters who showed up at the polls Tuesday was the District’s current mayor, who said her experience with ranked choice voting was “fairly straightforward.”

It’s the first time in nearly 20 years that D.C. voters won’t see Bowser’s name on the ballot.

In speaking about issues on her mind when voting, Bowser said, “It’s just important everybody knows that we’re not out of the woods with crime and we’re not out of the woods with dealing with the federal government.

“So what’s most important is that we have a mayor with good judgment that’s going to make mature decisions, that’s best for the District of Columbia, and the same is true for the council,” she added.

Other top issues voters in D.C. mentioned to 小萝莉影视 included affordability, education, housing accessibility and safety.

Once polls are closed, candidates will be watching returns from events across the city, including mayoral candidates Janeese Lewis George at the Howard Theatre and Kenyan McDuffie at The Park at 14th. Among the delegate candidates, Brooke Pinto will be at Wild Days on the Eaton hotel’s rooftop, Robert White at The Point on 2nd Street and Kinney Zalesne at Barcelona Wine Bar. Mayoral candidate Gary Goodweather is planning a watch party at Bar Angie.

小萝莉影视’s Jessica Kronzer contributed to this report.

Source