As D.C. residents race to complete their holiday shopping, the competition between local holiday markets heats up.Ěý

The DowntownDC Holiday Market has operated along F Street near the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station since 2005. Businesses in Christmas lit booths line closely together down the streets, waiting for crowds of customers to fill them. Lines of people file down for blocks on weekends.Ěý

Just across town, located on the 1500 block of 19th Street NW in Dupont Circle, another market opened for the first time ever. A calmer setting sits for the businesses on the street, as customers calmly shuffle to eye trinkets.Ěý

While the Dupont Circle market is smaller than the Downtown market, the foot traffic and business sales have been better than expected.Ěý

“We never believed a market with 34 vendors would bring so much traffic to the neighborhood,” Bill McLeod, executive director of the Dupont Circle BID, said. “Not just on weekends, weekdays as well.”

The Makers Show, the company recently hired by the Downtown DC BID to run the market, did not respond to requests for comment from 91ÇŃ×Ó.Ěý

The DowntownDC market includes more than 100 vendors this year, ranging from festive food to live entertainment. Gerren Price, president and CEO of the DowntownDC BID, said the number of businesses that participated this year “brings a fresh, festive energy to a beloved D.C. tradition.”

“This year’s DowntownDC Holiday Market has seen record-breaking attendance, with positive feedback from both vendors and visitors,” Price said.Ěý

Naj Ajround, owner of Tunisian Touch shop, has participated in the DowntownDC market for 12 years. This year, he decided to also open a booth at the Dupont Circle market. Ajround said he had an existing relationship with Berman and wanted to support the additional market.Ěý

He described the two markets as having “totally different customers and totally different energy.” 

“We have a lot of tourists here at the Downtown market,” Ajround said. “This is a destination because it’s downtown. In Dupont Circle, we have more of a mix for customers.” 

D.C. resident, Helen Meek, also agreed the two markets have different customer bases. She said it does not affect where she makes holiday purchases, but helps residents like herself decide when to attend each market.

“I know the Downtown market will be packed with tourists on the weekend, so I know to go during the week,” Meek said.Ěý

The Makers Show, which describes itself as a “mixed-use retail market platform rooted in social justice” on its website, also manages similar markets in Boston and Brooklyn.Ěý

Aidan Dunbar, co-owner of the Vintage Underground shop, operates their store in Boston and has participated in the city’s holiday markets in the past. He said the new management of the downtown market invited them to participate in D.C. for the first time.Ěý

He said sales for the first few weekends have been great across the market and operates similar to markets out in Boston.Ěý

“I think there’s a pretty good mix between tourists and residents,” Dunbar said. “Whenever there’s an event downtown, we get a host of folks that come down here.” 

No matter the type of customer that heads to the markets, businesses in the Downtown DC market have not taken a hit this year. As for competition in the city, the Dupont Circle BID believes both markets can thrive on their own.

“I believe there is room for two holiday markets in D.C.,” McLeod said.Ěý

The post Businesses, residents react to competing D.C. holiday market sales first appeared on 91ÇŃ×Ó.

Police report a suspect was wounded in an officer-involved shooting late Tuesday afternoon at the Rosslyn Metro station in Northern Virginia.Ěý

The police department also said the shooting involved an Arlington County police officer inside the station near the exit to N. Moore Street.Ěý

Arlington police said the male suspect was being taken to a hospital with serious injuries.Ěý

Police said there was no ongoing threat to the public, but roads near the station have been temporarily blocked off to pedestrians and vehicles.Ěý

A police investigation is still under way.Ěý

The post Shooting involving Arlington police at Rosslyn Metro Station first appeared on 91ÇŃ×Ó.

The clause specifically states, “No state can deny equal protection of the laws to anyone within its jurisdiction.” 

Last year, Tennessee adopted a law that prohibits providers from delivering gender-affirming care such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy to transgender minors. Tennessee has a transgender population of over 25,000. The law was signed in March 2023, and it mirrored more than 20 other states with bans on gender-affirming care for transgender minors.Ěý

Human rights groups and families of transgender youth . The case worked its way to the 6th Circuit, which upheld the ban, before the Supreme Court said it would hear the case.

U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar not only argued the impact of the ruling for other states, but warned ruling in favor of Tennessee could lead to nationwide restrictions on healthcare for transgender minors.Ěý

Treatment risks vs. benefits

Throughout the oral arguments, some justices stressed concerns of irreversible side effects of gender-affirming care, such as impacts on fertility and bone density. However, such medical speculations have been debunked by professionals.

“Every medical treatment has a risk, even taking aspirin,” Justice Sonia Sotomayor said. “There’s always going to be a percentage of the population under any medical treatment that’s going to suffer harm.” 

Prelogar argued the Court should send the case back to the 6th Circuit to be reconsidered under a higher standard of scrutiny or strict scrutiny.Ěý

That means the government must prove the law is narrowly tailored to achieve its result. The Court has applied strict scrutiny in several cases, such as Loving v. Virginia, which ended all racial restrictions on marriage.Ěý

Prelogar also suggested an alternative approach, mentioning West Virginia’s law on the matter. Instead of a total ban on care for minors, the state requires two different doctors to diagnose treatment and a mental health screening.Ěý

“The West Virginia legislature changed course and imposed a set of guardrails that are far more precisely tailored to concerns surrounding the delivery of this care,” Prelogar said.Ěý

Conservative justices appeared skeptical to rule the law as unconstitutional. Chief Justice John G. Roberts and Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh repeatedly suggested that policies involving gender-affirming care should be determined by state governments.Ěý

“Why isn’t that a choice for policymakers?” Kavanaugh asked.Ěý

Liberal justices initially approached the argument with apprehension. After further discussion of – suicidal ideation, anxiety and depression to transgender youth, they seemed to favor overturning the law.Ěý

Justice Elena Kagan challenged Matthew Rice, the Tennessee solicitor general defending the law, after he denied the law is based on sex. He argued that youth can use puberty blockers for medical reasons such as “precocious puberty,” but not for transitioning.

Kagan pushed back on such arguments. “Sounds to me like we want boys to be boys, and we want girls to be girls,” Kagan said.Ěý

Transgender advocates argue the only way to provide support for people experiencing gender dysphoria is through trans-affirming healthcare.

Supporters outside agreed. “I have never been a more efficacious, proud and effective person in the world if it were not for medical transition,” Junes Romero said.Ěý 

Joan Cifredo, a 37-year-old transgender woman, said it was difficult to watch doctors who originally cared for transgender individuals now being pulled from providing such care. She says trans-affirming healthcare is a basic right they’re now fighting for.

“What makes the trans experience difficult is the inability of society to accept us and affirm us for who we are,” Cifredo said.

The justices are expected to issue their ruling before the end of the term.

The post Will the Supreme Court uphold a controversial Tennessee transgender law? first appeared on 91ÇŃ×Ó.

Recent attacks in the Northwest D.C. area were perceived by many as an uptick in bias-related crimes. The Metro Police Department reported that’s simply not the case.Ěý

Local police report a decrease in bias-related crimes pertaining to sexual orientation, despite recent investigations.Ěý

in October, showing bias-related crimes related to sexual orientation have actually decreased since 2022. There have been 22 crimes through October 31, 2024.Ěý

“[The department] is seeing a decrease in all crime,” Tom Lynch, supervisory public affairs specialist for MPD, said. “We’ve seen crime come down in nearly every category.” 

One case that MPD is still investigating as “potentially being motivated by hate or bias” occurred earlier in October, according to MPD. Sebastian Thomas Robles Lascarro stopped at a McDonald’s located on the corner of 14th Street and U Street and was confronted by a woman in line behind him for not saying “excuse me.” 

When Lascarro tried to leave the restaurant, multiple people blocked the door and insisted he apologize to the woman. According to a police report, multiple people then started assaulting Lascarro and screaming homophobic slurs at him. One suspect reportedly said, “I’m going to teach you how to say sorry, f- – – – -.”

On November 5, and charged with assault with significant bodily injury. Multiple suspects were caught by nearby surveillance cameras and are still being searched for by MPD.Ěý

The case is still being investigated as a potential hate crime. However, Lynch said the designation can “be changed at any point as an investigation proceeds and more information is gathered.”

“A designation as a hate crime by MPD does not mean prosecutors will prosecute it as a hate crime,” Lynch said.Ěý

In August, local police investigated an attack outside of a Shake Shack in Dupont Circle. According to police reports obtained by 91ÇŃ×Ó, Christian Dingus was attacked by multiple people and received EMS care for injuries to his jaw and face.Ěý

the incident started after one of the restaurant employees aggressively responded to him asking where his food was. His partner, an unidentified male, pulled himself aside and gave Dingus a kiss to diffuse the situation.Ěý

Both Dingus and his partner were escorted out of the restaurant by employees. Employees wearing Shake Shack uniforms were also seen hitting Dingus outside, as previously reported by NBC Washington.Ěý

While the incident was intially suspected as an “anti-gay” hate crime, according to a previous police report, it is no longer being investigated as a bias-related crime. Lynch said findings of the investigation did not find the offense was motivated by bias.Ěý

There have not been any arrests made in the case.Ěý

As previously reported by 91ÇŃ×Ó, the number of hate crimes in the District reached a new high in 2018. Based on mid-year data, 2019 was on track to meet or exceed those numbers.Ěý

Aside from law enforcement, several other government agencies are attempting to prevent hate crimes across the District. The DC Office of Human Rights, as also previously reported by 91ÇŃ×Ó, has been working to respond to hate crimes since 2017.Ěý

James Yu, associate director of communications and equity for the office, said the Office of Human Rights cannot disclose details regarding individual complaints.Ěý

“We continually work with the Mayor’s Office Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Affairs, local LGBTQIA+ organizations and partners to provide OHR’s training on the 23 Protected Traits in the District,” Yu said.Ěý

A number of LGBTQIA+ organizations and advocacy groups contacted by 91ÇŃ×Ó declined to comment regarding D.C. hate crime numbers.

The post D.C. police report decline in anti-gay hate crimes first appeared on 91ÇŃ×Ó.

Madhatter, located at 1319 Connecticut Ave NW, held an election viewing party across the bar and restaurant. Patrons packed into the establishment as screens projected the results live. Cheers and boos echo across the dining room as projections come in.Ěý

Georgetown University student Matthew Buscarino watched the results before leaving for the White House. He said watching the votes on screens can be an overwhelming experience.Ěý

Nevertheless, as a first-time voter, Buscarino called voting for Vice President Kamala Harris “rewarding.” 

“I feel like that was a very releasing experience,” Buscarino said.Ěý

Similarly, Maya Feron expressed anxiety as more news outlets reported the results. Another Georgetown student described the experience as a “nail-biter.”

“I’m from Ohio, and I just can’t stand JD Vance,” Feron said. “Obviously, abortion is important to me, but I just can’t stand to see that man in any sort of higher office.” 

Across the area, a line wrapped around the block for The Admiral, located at 1 Dupont Circle NW. Both the outside and inside areas cheered as Harris was projected as the winner of D.C.Ěý

Anthony Trianis and other family members waited in the stacked line to get into the bar and restaurant. Trianis was eligible to vote in this election but opted not to. He said he would’ve voted for former President Donald Trump.Ěý

“There’s been a lot of things as far as immigration and gas prices that I’ve been following,” Trianis said. “I agree with him as far as those.” 

Later, Loring Telleen also waited to spend the evening inside The Admiral. She said she wanted to spend the evening outside the house to continue “compartmentalizing” her nerves.Ěý

Telleen said she voted for Harris because of Trump’s “threat to democracy” and that he “sounds like a tyrant.”

“The way he’s signaled about undermining our democratic institutions and talked about having a first-day plan is the primary reason that I didn’t vote for him,” she said.Ěý

As bars and other local businesses open their doors, other businesses board theirs in preparation for results. Many businesses across the city have opted to prepare for the worst, which has caused tension for residents.Ěý

Telleen said it is “disappointing” that local businesses feel the need to close up following the Capitol Attack on January 6, 2021.

“I think there could be chaos no matter what happens,” she said.Ěý

Other Democratic voters in D.C. are preparing for potential problems regardless of the presidential winner.Ěý

“If Harris wins, it will be exciting,” Feron said. “Then, we’ll immediately have to prepare ourselves for all of the lawsuits and challenges and potential threats.”

The post Voters react to election results in local bars first appeared on 91ÇŃ×Ó.

Dozens of voters wrapped around the West End Neighborhood Library earlier this afternoon, many of whom were young voters casting their ballots for the first time ever in the 2024 presidential election.Ěý

“It’s a little nerve-wracking,” Nicholas Fabian, an undergraduate student at George Washington University, said. “There’s no pressure to vote, but it’s a meaningful experience.”

According to the , roughly 160 million people will vote in the 2024 presidential election. 91ÇŃ×Ó 8 million of those voters will be first-time voters.Ěý

Originally from Connecticut, Fabian voted for the first time at the neighborhood library. He said he registered to vote in D.C. because it is a “simpler” process than voting by absentee ballot.Ěý

“Something about being in-person to vote, instead of mailing in your ballot…there’s something very patriotic about it,” Fabian said.Ěý

Sophia Pan, another undergraduate student at G.W., also voted in her first election. She said the voting process is a little worrisome because she is fully “immersed” now.Ěý

“It gets more real,” she said. “It’s a lot more important when you’re actually voting, instead of just watching it happen around you.”

Both students cast their vote for Vice President Kamala Harris, stating they agree with her policies more than former President Donald Trump.

Fabian described Trump as a “complete threat to our democracy,” and Harris would be better for the position after the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021.Ěý

“I just think Kamala Harris’s policies will benefit the middle class much better and more effectively than Donald Trump’s policies,” he said.Ěý

As for Pan, she said Harris’s positions on significant issues such as abortion and environmental issues make her more qualified for the position.Ěý

Olivia Morris, a graduate student at G.W., said she came out to vote because she is passionate about politics. Identifying as a “pretty dedicated conservative,” she felt it was her “civic duty and honor” to be able to vote.

“I love my country, and I love thinking about these deeper questions,” she said. “There’s a lot of moral weight to a lot of things surrounding this election.”

She said she voted for Trump because of his international policies, such as imposing tariffs on other countries “to support growth with the United States.” This is her third time voting for the former president, and she “supports everything he stands for.” 

While many individuals have clear stances on who they support, some potential voters have previously voiced their concerns for both candidates.they will not vote for Harris unless the Democratic nominee commits to stop sending weapons to Israel.Ěý

Avery Archer, a West End resident, felt conflicted on the issue because of his pro-Palestinian beliefs toward the Israel-Hamas war. Nevertheless, he decided to vote for Harris because she seemed more “persuasive” in taking a stance on the conflict.Ěý

“Even though she isn’t where I want to be on [the war,] I think she’s more receptive to pressure,” Archer said.Ěý

Fabian said it is important for other undecided voters to still vote in this “historic election.”

“Even if neither of the candidates really represent your beliefs, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t do it,” he said.

The post Young voters turnout near George Washington University, West End first appeared on 91ÇŃ×Ó.

The beginning of November officially marks hypothermia season, meaning more people will look for city resources to stay out of the cold. With more homeless people across the DMV than the previous year, city officials were gearing to the Aston shelter in West End earlier this month – until problems struck.Ěý

With failed inspections and residents complaints getting in the way, it is still unknown as to when the shelter will be ready to open its doors.Ěý

The West End housing project to convert the Aston into a housing shelter has been further delayed due to repair needs and pending litigation from West End residents.Ěý

A recent facility condition assessment performed by the D.C. The Department of General Services revealed the building failed its final housing code inspection. Officials concluded the building still lacks sufficient fire exits and other repairs throughout the building.Ěý

As  a 2023 building condition assessment performed by the same agency revealed substantial is needed for the building to remain up to code. The building is also estimated to cost the city about $8 million in repairs over the coming years.

As plans for the remodel of the former George Washington University dorm are continuously met with backlash, residents grow concerned for safety concerns regarding building conditions and surrounding issues.Ěý

Following the news of the assessment, the West End DC Community Association (WEDCCA) filed another lawsuit against the city’s Board of Zoning office. The group calls for the Aston permit to be revoked and that it was issued on “incomplete, stale, and inaccurate information,” regarding the building’s safety standards.Ěý

“You’re putting lives at risk when you can’t pass a fire code inspection,” attorney Scott Morrison, on behalf of WEDCCA, said. “You’re talking about whether the building itself meets the very minimal building code standards for life safety.” 

This is the third lawsuit the group has filed to halt construction of the project, as the filing claims the temporary shelter with medical support services would violate the area’s zoning regulations. The group claims the area only permits residential buildings, and the Aston’s special exception permit was “fundamentally defective.” 

“The district’s conduct has been deplorable,” Morrison said. “They’re trying to downplay everything.” 

The community group previously filed lawsuits last year regarding the approval process the city used, but voluntarily withdrew their first lawsuits, as .Ěý

A spokesperson for the Department of Building did not respond to requests for comment. The office of Mayor Muriel Bowser has declined to comment on pending litigation and maintenance issues surrounding the Aston.Ěý

While the building was slated to open in early October, the Aston is expected “to begin serving clients in the upcoming hypothermia season.” The season begins on November 1.Ěý

Jim Malec, the ANC 2A Chairperson, said he expected the needed repairs on the building are expected to take “weeks, not months.”

“I wish we would have been able to address this sooner, but this is a process,” Malec said. “…We conducted ourselves in accordance with the timeline set forth by the law.” 

Malec also expressed frustration that the members of WEDCCA have continued to remain anonymous under the litigation proceedings. He said the group that opposes the construction should “take a long look in the mirror and think about their priorities.”

In a declaration to the court, the association’s members include residents from the 22 West Condo association, as well as other neighborhood residents and “multiple businesses that own or occupy properties in the immediate vicinity of, including properties on the same block as, the Aston.”

The shelter, located at 1133 New Hampshire Avenue NW, is near businesses such as Casta’s Rum Bar, Rasika West End and a Call Your Mother deli location.Ěý 

91ÇŃ×Ó reached out to the Department of Human Services to get the latest update on the delays. Kevin Carpenter, director of communications for the department, said in an emailed statement the city “has continually engaged with neighbors, nearby businesses, and community representatives throughout the development process.”

The next Board of Zoning meeting is set for Wednesday, November 6, where it will be determined as to whether the Aston deserved a special permit for opening.Ěý

As the fight to open its door to tenants continues, Morrison said WEDCCA will continue to fight against the city’s lack of transparency to residents on the “dangers” of the Aston.Ěý

“The district has manipulated the system to its advantage to try to get the Aston open for a homeless shelter, and [the district is] doing everything they can to keep this quiet,” Morrison said.

The post West End housing project still faces facility issues, pending litigation ahead of hypothermia season first appeared on 91ÇŃ×Ó.

“America is a first-world country,” said Roula El Riachi, a Washington correspondent for the Kuwait News Agency, founded in 1956. “The presidential election is a matter of concern to the whole world.” 

While some issues may not directly impact certain groups of viewers, the arc of American politics is still a “head-scratching ” fascination for international audiences.Ěý

Julie Asher, a Washington bureau producer at the French TĂ©lĂ©vision Française 1 news station, has had to shift coverage of the election from daily updates to in-depth pieces.Ěý

Compared to previous elections, Asher said TF1’s audience does not have “a great appetite for political stories.Ěý

“Our stories are offering more context to issues that are important or weighing on the minds of American voters as they head to the polls,” she said. “Instead of doing the horse race every day… we focus on the big issues,” such as unusual issues like redistricting in Idaho.Ěý

Beyond Washington and global borders

For election night, TF1 will have three teams of reporters from Paris traveling to different battleground states for coverage. Similar to other U.S. networks, the station plans to update all night, choosing perspectives carefully.

“The challenge is to explain what may seem inexplicable to a foreign audience,” Asher said. “That includes some of the big issues but also includes the possibility of a second Trump presidency. I think a lot of Europeans are scratching their heads and wondering how that can happen.”

Other networks are hyperfocusing on specific issues.

Kuwait News Agency’s El Riachi said the coverage of American policy around the Israel-Hamas conflict has become a priority for the news service.

“Other issues, such as LGBTQ+ rights or abortion, that are taking so much attention in the United States are not important to our viewers,” El Riachi said. “Middle Eastern viewers have more existential issues now more than ever. The conflict situation is pressing.” 

In general, the news service covers U.S. news broadly, regardless of its direct impact on viewers in the Middle East. For example, the Kuwait News Agency covered Hurricane Helene and Milton directly.Ěý

For the 2024 presidential election, El Riachi and her team have covered topics such as Arab and Muslim voters and Black and Latino voters.Ěý

“You can look at them as matters of concern to the Middle East, but you can also look at them as matters of interest to U.S. leaders,” El Riachi said. “What differs sometimes, in our coverage, is the angle.” 

Ripple effects worldwide

Kristen Talman, an editor at Al-Monitor, is covering an American election for the first time. Based in Washington, D.C., the news website provides analytical reports from and about the Middle East.Ěý

Talman said much of Al-Monitor’s coverage has focused on policies on the Israel-Hamas war. In addition to covering the individual candidates, Talman and other staff have focused on cities all over the country voicing concerns about the war.Ěý

News coverage has explored both candidates’ potential policies with the Middle East, their and .Ěý

“America is one of the most powerful countries in the world, and many of its citizens are passionate about what’s going on,” Talman said. She said whichever candidate wins will instantly have “a ripple effect” on the site’s Middle Eastern audience.Ěý

International organizations prepare global journalists for coverage through training and field reporting.

“Many journalists don’t have a positive image on U.S. elections with all the things that happened in the past election,” said Juan Zuniga, program director at the International Center for Journalists.Ěý

Zuniga facilitates the U.S. elections program for the center, a nonprofit newsroom that trains international journalists. The program is bringing in journalists from Algeria, Zimbabwe, and Ireland to discuss how to cover the upcoming election.

Industry professionals will talk to them about fact-checking, combating misinformation and on-the-ground reporting skills. These journalists will then be placed in newsrooms across the country to help with coverage surrounding the night.Ěý

“Many journalists don’t have free elections like we have in the United States,” Zuniga said. “Being able to help them learn about our election system, these journalists are going to transfer that knowledge they gain.” 

Zuniga said the center’s training is essential for the upcoming election, as domestic journalists continue to struggle with disinformation and the use of AI-created materials.Ěý

As journalists prepare for the unprecedented cycle, Zuniga said it is important for all journalists to be cautious of what the results could entail.Ěý

“The work journalists do, putting their lives at risk, just to keep us informed is very important,” he said. “…We have a lot of polarization in this country, nowadays, and I would recommend [journalists] to be safe while doing the work.” 

The post International journalists follow presidential race closely for home audiences first appeared on 91ÇŃ×Ó.

George Washington University resident doctors Maryssa Miller and Jason Robart, among others, led efforts to form a union among other students. With almost 90% of the residents signed on, they are still negotiating with the university for a fair contract one year later.Ěý

“We want the university to know that we are taking this seriously,” Robart, an anesthesiologist resident physician, said. “We are united as a group, and we can mobilize as a group.” 

Over 200 unionized resident doctors at George Washington University gathered last week to picket for new contract negotiations, including pay and other benefits.Ěý

Residents claim they work up to 80-hour weeks during the academic year and earn as little as $15 an hour. The union is asking for higher wages and better mental healthcare benefits, among other non-economic things such as lactation accommodations.Ěý

Hospital residents also claim 51-52% of their take-home pay goes to rent on average, and the university has not helped with increasing costs.Ěý

After completing his master’s degree and medical residency at the University of Virginia, Robart began his studies at GW in 2022.

He, along with other residents, decided to form a union because of the extreme working conditions of the program. Residents also argue the impact of their health and well-being could potentially affect patient care.Ěý

“We are not asking for the world,” Robart said. “We just want a little bit more to help us take care of ourselves so we can better take care of our patients.” 

Nearly 500 medical residents are employed by George Washington University’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences and work in the Foggy Bottom area hospital. The union first set out to organize in March 2023 with the Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR), an organization part of the D.C.-based Service Employees International Union (SEIU).Ěý

The union and the university started contract negotiations last fall.

The union voted to officially form in March 2023 and worked with CIR to start contract negotiations.Ěý

“Each time we proposed something, [the university] would propose something back that we thought was woefully inadequate,” Robart said.Ěý

Union members said the contract negotiations have been taking longer than expected because the university’s bargaining team has not been acting “in good faith.” Residents claim university decision makers do not attend negotiation meetings, only sending their appointed lawyer.Ěý

“I feel so morally defeated because I just had to listen to someone who’s never taken care of a patient in their life and never gone through what we go through on a daily basis, tell me why I don’t deserve a higher salary to be able to afford groceries,” Dr. Maryssa Miller, an internal medicine resident physician, said.Ěý

Miller, a first-generation college student, also began her residency at GW in 2022. She said the university garnered her interest because of its HIV medicine track and working for “a diverse and underserved population that really needs care.” 

She feels as though the university takes advantage of how she and other residents care about their jobs and their patients. However, she continues to fight for a fair contract because she believes it is in the best interest of future residents and patients.

“We still show up, and we still have a job,” she said. “The university capitalizes on that. I will always make the conscious decision to choose my patients over myself.” 

Residents say the built-up tension with the university resulted in a planned picketing last week. Many community members showed up to spread their support to the union and learn more about the cause.Ěý

“It was a really cool opportunity to be able to educate the public because there are a lot of misconceptions about residency training,” Miller said. “I think a part of that is the healthcare institution continues to treat us and call us students.” 

The GWU Hospital has declined to comment on this story. The university did not respond to multiple requests for comment.Ěý

Union members said they have not heard back from the university following Wednesday’s demonstration.Ěý

As the next meeting for contract negotiations is set for October 17, residents said they hope the fight does not lead to a strike. Nevertheless, they said they will keep fighting for themselves and the well-being of their patients.Ěý

“We have a strong voice and a strong leverage that we can use to make medicine as a career more affordable, more diverse and essentially to look more like the people we’re taking care of in this community,” Miller said.Ěý

The post George Washington University resident doctors picket for pay, benefits first appeared on 91ÇŃ×Ó.

Tatum Oliver, a fourth-year student at George Washington University, is one of many students who sought off-campus housing for the academic year. After spending thousands of dollars every month on a dorm, she had a plan to find an alternative.

However, she said, the already competitive housing market has made it much more difficult to find property in the Foggy Bottom area.

“We definitely toured and talked to umpteen realtors without response,” she said. “I have a spreadsheet where we probably reached out to 100 different properties.”

Housing and Residence Life officials dropped the on-campus housing requirement for the academic year. As of last year, approximately 2,500 students chose to live off-campus per year, with 25 to 35% of the third-year class requesting a housing exemption annually.

“Typically, pricing with on-campus and off-campus housing is comparable if you’re pretty good about it,” Tatum Oliver, a fourth-year student at G.W., said.

Oliver spent last year studying abroad, so she is now living off-campus for the first time. She and a roommate started looking for off-campus housing in May, but were not able to find anything in the Foggy Bottom area.

She said her original budget was between $1,500 and $1,800 per month, compared to about $1,600 per month in an on-campus dorm. Because of the lack of responses from realtors and affordable options in the area, Oliver chose to live in a townhouse in Georgetown instead for about $2,000 per month, not including utility costs.

According to the university’s housing and residence life, students following their second-year were not required to file a housing exemption to live off-campus for the 2024-2025 academic year. Third and fourth-year students who wanted to cancel their housing could before the June 30 deadline.

After the deadline, students would be charged a $1,000 cancellation fee, according to the university’s housing guidelines.

Sophia Johnson, also a fourth-year student at G.W., wanted to live off-campus because of the expenses of on-campus housing and dining plans. In her first year living in an on-campus dorm, Johnson paid about $7,000 per semester. She described her experience finding off-campus housing as a “huge pain.”

“I’m not from D.C., and I go back home to the West Coast for summers,” she said. “I did all of my apartment searching online and couldn’t do any in-person touring. I think the difficulty was finding a convenient, affordable option.”

Johnson said many of the bigger student apartment buildings charged more than her budget allowed. After searching, she found a studio apartment in the Foggy Bottom area for $1,650 per month plus electric and WiFi expenses.

“It’s very hard to find property,” Samer Kuraishi, real estate agent and president of The ONE Street Company, said. “We’re in a low inventory market, and demand is super high.”

Kuraishi launched the real estate company in 2017, focusing on residential and commercial real estate and developments. He said because of increasing homeownership prices, there is a need for more housing opportunities in the area.

“There is going to be competition across the board that could put a lot of pressure on student housing,” he said.

Kuraishi said the company consistently works with G.W. students to find housing rentals in the area. The application process for rentals is the same for students, but he said they typically include a co-signer because of a student’s lack of income.

The company is also developing a 48-unit apartment building at 2121 Ward Place NW. Kuraishi said the building will be marketed toward G.W. students, as well as other young professionals and families in the area.

As for other future housing options, Kuraishi said there will constantly be a need for more options for both residents and students in the area.

“D.C. ‘s like the Vatican,” Kuraishi said. “The prices are going to keep going through the roof.”

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