City Developers have plans for Anacostia and it may end up looking more like Georgetown’s storefront-lined main street than home to some of the District’s richest history and culture for the communities who produced it. 

However, one new business hopes to create a third space that doesn’t contribute to the gentrification that many locals have pointed to as disruptive and destructive to their communities. 

“Gentrification is inevitable.” 

That is what Mignon Hemsley, Co-owner of , a coffee-plant-wellness experience located next to the DHCD headquarters in Anacostia, said. Mignon, originally from the DMV area, along with business partner, Photographer, and Pennsylvania native Danuelle Doswell, started Grounded as an online plant shop during the pandemic. 

With a clean-earthy aesthetic that both captured the interest of their peers. Photos of friends and colleagues fill product displays and line the walls of unity that have formed around their business. Grounded thrived online, garnering business contracts from Meta, Google, and ESPN and companies like them who, Mignon explained, wanted to bring a more relaxing and healing atmosphere to their respective office spaces in the post-pandemic era. Mignon hopes that their new storefront will build a community around the cafe seating area.  The pictures of friends, Mignon told thewash.org, represent long-standing supporters of their business and the community.

The duo opened a storefront for their business earlier this year, adding a cafe, open seating and a Wellness studio to their existing plants and accessories business. 

Grounded is unique, not in its business model, but in its location in Anacostia and what it provided to some big corporations. Coffee shops that offer other bespoke services like and wellness programming are much more prevalent in other more affluent areas of the city. Still, Mignon said she and Danuelle intentionally chose Anacostia as their storefront’s location. They are both committed to continuing to serve their peers and willing ask the question themselves,  “How is your business helping the community?” 

Stephanie, who works as Grounded’s Plant Care Specialists, considers Grounded a relaxing and healing place. 

 “It’s a chill space,” Stephanie said,  “where plant care meets self-care.” 

Anacostia has always been a working-class community; like many working-class communities, families still feel the squeeze of inflation.

Fashion stylist Mo, who goes byonline and business partner, and fashion buyer, 2D, runs the

Vintage Charmed boutique in the Anacostia Arts Center is a vintage fashion shop offering high-end, lightly worn vintage garments, accessories, and styling services.

Mo said she thinks consumers can afford higher priced items, but has noticed her customers are thinking twice before making a purchase, and would like to see more businesses the community needs.

2D said, “Customers are buying, but they are being more intentional.”  2D would like to see more support for visual artists and is thinking of offering free and discounted art supplies to artists in the neighborhood. 

In the meantime, Mignon is working to bring that “third space” into existence by bringing events and workshops to the space and inviting young people to the space. Mignon and Danuelle have plans to partner with Anacostia, Ballou, and Thurgood Marshall high schools to increase young people’s experiences in nature, teach them about plant care, and provide youth programming from their wellness space. 

Mignon and Danuelle are also sensitive to the different  socioeconomic circumstances residents of their adopted neighborhood face in comparison to other parts of the city, and have promised to work to lower in-store prices to match price points advertised online, a risky decision that many businesses would avoid in favor of reaping larger profits. But Mignon, confident in her business, and the community she has built around it, said, “If we can survive the pandemic, we can survive anything.” 

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Inside the court, attorneys for transgender minors and the Biden administration argued that Tennessee’s law banning puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapy, and related surgeries for those under 18 unlawfully discriminates based on sex. The case is known as United States v. Skrmetti. 

The Tennessee law allows minors to receive treatment for early puberty or congenital disabilities, but children are not allowed to access those same treatments for transitioning purposes. 

Those gathered in front of the Supreme Court steps separated themselves by opinion – those in favor of allowing transgender youth to access puberty blockers and other similar treatments gathered on the left—those against it and in support of the current Tennessee ban gathered on the right side. 

Lawmakers and advocates spoke to their respective supporters simultaneously through bullhorns on platforms only several feet apart. Meanwhile, listeners adorned with LGBTQ+ flags, insignia and signs about protecting children cheered and booed in the cold as the justices heard arguments in the building behind them. 

A ‘distraction’ from other issues?

D.C. resident Ari Bandy, a transgender Tennessee native, underwent gender-affirming care as an adult.

“Tennessee was a dangerous environment to be visibly queer, and after moving to D.C. specifically to get out of Tennessee, I wasn’t burdened by stricter diagnostic requirements and could get it [treatment] here,” Bandy said.

“These kinds of laws have a measurable death toll,” Bandy told 91���� during Wednesday’s demonstration, adding that being denied access to this kind of care “results in alienation and really poor mental health.”

“It’s a distraction from the real healthcare reform that Tennessee needs and serving the southern opioid crisis and the immense amounts of poverty in our state,” said Bandy.

Laws restricting transgender medical treatment for youth have passed in 26 states, , so the Supreme Court’s ruling could have implications beyond Tennessee. 

Lawyer Brian Burgess represents conservative officials, advisors, and activists who want to strike down the ban, in part because it infringes on parental rights.

This is “going to be an important case for understanding how this current court is going to be approaching equal protection analysis as it implicates issues of gender and gender identity,” said Burgess, author of an amicus brief in support of the teens who brought the case to the court. 

Parents divided

The Supreme Court chose not to address the question of parental approval for these kinds of treatments during arguments, instead focusing primarily on the issue of sex discrimination. However, this was still an important issue for demonstrators outside.

“I think that parents have a right to make decisions for their child’s welfare and their medical decisions, and I don’t believe that doctors or schools or anybody should be hiding those types of things from the parents,” said Jen Donnelly, who serves as chair for the Prince William County, Virginia, Chapter of Moms for Liberty. She said she supports Tennessee’s ban.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., known for her far-right views, including on LGBTQ+ issues, spoke at the rally in support of Tennessee’s ban. She told 91���� before taking to the platform, “I’m here to declare that God only made two genders, male and female.”

“Children need to be let alone. They need to be allowed to grow up.” Greene said. “No one should mutilate their genitals, perform surgeries on them, or give them dangerous medicines and chemicals.” 

Alex Shalom, co-author of an amicus brief representing expert researchers and physicians in support of the petitioner, told 91����, “Every established medical agency that has looked at gender-affirming care for children believes that it’s appropriate in particular situations, when the child and the parents want it, and when the doctor thinks it’s appropriate.” 

He cited research from the American Medical Association and American Psychological Association.

“At the center of this case, there are real children and their families who are worried about their safety and their ability to access life-saving health care,” said Shalom. 

This is the second major transgender rights case to reach the U.S. Supreme Court. In 2020, the court ruled in a 6-3 majority that workplace sex discrimination laws protect transgender people in a case known as Bostock v. Clayton County, Missouri.

Biden administration attorneys argued Wednesday on behalf of transgender youth. That support could change with the next administration. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to

The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to issue a decision by June.

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The home is situated at the vertex of a pointed street, around where Whites Ferry and Darnestown Road converge. On Tuesday afternoon, a portion of the wall on the second floor of the building was charred and belongings lay splayed on the lawn, including a blackened mattress and broken furniture.

Neighbors and friends identified the building’s occupant as Helen White, a homebody and animal lover they estimated was in her 60’s. They said she worked closely with local rescues and nursed several animals from illness to health in her lifetime.

Catherine Sutton, a friend and neighbor who lives just behind the victim, said White lived in the home with her Siberian Husky, Happy, and a longhaired cat.

She remembered her neighbor as a deeply generous person who often brought her thoughtful gifts including a favorite dessert of Sutton’s, rosemary shortbread, from a nearby bakery. White planned on making it from scratch for her next time, Sutton said.

“She was a sweet person,” Sutton said, adding that, when she learned of her neighbor’s death on Tuesday “my heart broke for her.”

Sutton displayed a tiny bouquet of red and blue flowers and a pine tree sprig in a small vase in her kitchen. She said the flowers were picked and gifted to her by her now deceased neighbor who also made sure Sutton had flowers when her birthday rolled around in September.

“She said something like, ‘a girl has to have flowers on her birthday,’” Sutton recalled.

Crews responded around midnight after getting the call about the blaze on the 16600 block of Whites Ferry Road in Boyds, said Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson David Pazos.

91���� 75 firefighters responded to the scene, Pazos said. They found the fire on the second floor of the home and attempted to get in through the doors but “heavy storage” inhibited their ability to get inside, Pazos said, so crews propped up a ladder and entered through the window.

Once in the home, firefighters discovered the body of a woman.

Police declined to confirm the name or age of the victim.

Around midnight, Edin Pass, who lives around the corner, heard the sound of sirens and saw flames down the block and immediately knew which house they were likely coming from. He said he tried to make his way to the building, but the street was blocked off.

“I’m thinking, ‘it’s her house because she have too many thing I think around the house,’” Pass said.

He didn’t know his neighbor well, but he works as a roofer in the area and had done an inspection on her roof after a recent hail storm. He said she was always kind and friendly.

“It’s hard to now understand she’s dead,” Pass said, adding he stayed home from work Tuesday as he processed the news. “I can’t believe.”

“She was a good, good person,” Sutton said. “Good, generous, kind, big heart – I will miss her very much.”

Update (12/3 midnite) 16600 White’s Ferry Rd, fatal house fire; victim located on 2nd fl; dog got out; fire originated on 1st fl w/ multiple competent ignition sources, none of which could be ruled out; Cause, accidental, under investigation; Damage $300K structure/$100K contents

— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO)

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The event was dubbed a soft launch. It was open to the public but targeted city officials, artists, and organizers who are involved in preserving GoGo music.

Located at 1920 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue Southeast in the historic Anacostia neighborhood, the new museum honors the appreciation and study of GoGo music.  

“It’s not just about recognition,” said At-large City Councilmember  Kenyan McDuffie to a wall-to-wall packed audience.“It’s about preservation. It’s about celebration.”

At Large City Councilmember Robert White described the museum’s opening as a “celebration of resilience and community culture.” 

Mayor Bowser took the stage at 11:30 AM and was greeted by political friends, the press, and GoGo, the official music of D.C.

“We have 80 museums in Washington DC, but until today, we had one missing,” said Bowser. 

The first of its kind, the GoGo Museum is minutes away from the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site and the Anacostia Community Museum. It features a two-level outdoor event space.

Community leaders and educators reminded the packed crowd of the hard work artists have put into legitimizing GoGo, culminating in the museum’s creation. Ronald Moten, co-founder of #DontMuteDC and the GoGo Museum, spoke out about the persistent lack of funding for the arts. 

“And that’s why, that’s why what happened with #DontMuteDC was so important, because it showed that we have a voice and a say in the city,” said Moten.  

“We’re constantly criminalized, constantly being muted. Our voices are muted, our bodies are muted, our music is muted. And now that we have the GoGo Museum we have a home forever and just want to make it last forever,” said Natalie Hopkinson, Associate Professor of Journalism at American University, co-founder of #DontMuteDC, and the GoGo Museum.  

GoGo performers gave their remarks on the impact of GoGo Music as well as the potential impact of the GoGo Museum revealed itself. Performer after performer spoke of the life-changing positive impacts of GoGo music on their life. Son of Chuck Brown, D.C.’s Godfather of GoGo, and speaker of the Chuck Brown Band said.

Anwan “Big G” Glover, one of the lead vocalists of BackYard Band, urged youth to pay attention to their history and said bands like Rare Essence and Junkyard Band paved the way for him. 

“Junk paved the way for Back,” Glover said. 

Reflecting on the moment as the crowd enjoyed dueling performances from the Junkyard Band and Backyard Band, Kelsey Adams, Executive Director of Long Live GoGo, the organization behind the annual Moechella event, said she was happy to be in a space that was actually preserving DC culture. 

“This is going to be a brick and mortar, so a place where GoGo can actually live, a place where people can come to at any time to kind of witness what the GoGo community produces.”  

The GoGo Museum is set to open officially in February 2025.

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In Dearborn, Michigan, 55% of residents are of Arab descent, coming from Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Iraq and Lebanon, the largest population. Trump won 42.48% of the vote in Dearborn,  compared to Vice President Kamala Harris, who won 36.26%, according to the

From the beginning, the Trump campaign is said to have spent considerable resources hiring third-party contractors to help the campaign get out the vote in Arab American communities in the state, including Dearborn, Dearborn Heights and Hamtramck.

Wasel Yousef, who volunteered with the Trump campaign, described setting up meetings with religious leaders, community leaders, and even a mayor or two for the Trump campaign.

According to Yousef, Arab Americans recognized the importance of participating in politics and found a response from the Republican Party.

Yousef said that the “Trump campaign at least tried to listen to us,” while he said the Harris campaign ignored the community.

Imam Belal Alzuhairi, who appeared at a Trump rally on Oct. 26, told that Arab Americans in Michigan requested five demands from Trump related to stopping the war in the Middle East, especially in Gaza, fighting Islamophobia, hiring more Muslims in his administration, and ​​protecting children’s identity in schools.

“We are supporting Donald because he promised us that he will stop the war in the Middle East and Ukraine,”  he said to the crowd of Trump supporters.

Laila Alhusini, a journalist and founder of US Arab Radio, which focuses on Arab American issues across the U.S., agreed that Trump won Arab votes by appealing to Arab Americans’ desires for peace and promising economic relief. Alhunsini also said, “At least he tried to listen to the Arab community.”

Abdul Hafiz Sharaf, a Michigander who also collaborated with Trump’s campaign, said that Arab American voters in Michigan did not vote for Trump because they wanted him but instead because “they didn’t want to vote for Kamala and the Democrats.”

Of the Arab Americans interviewed, all pointed to ending the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine. Trump has promised to do that for the Arab American community, already war-weary from decades of US and US-supported conflict in their homeland.

The Arab American community, particularly in Michigan, had, until Tuesday, voted exclusively Democrat since the early ‘90s. Mohammed Haj Ali, an Arab American who is a federal employee, said 60% of Arab Americans in Michigan switched to Republicans because of the wars in Gaza and Lebanon.

According to Haj Alli, foreign policies from the Obama and Biden administrations have devastated the Syrian community.

War is an effective tool for sowing discontent, said Tamara Miller, another Michigander who has been working with Palestine Solidarity Grand Rapids. She voted for Jill Stein. “I am in no way, shape, or form going to support a genocide,” Miller said.

Miller, who started participating in activities supporting the Palestinians shortly after the Israeli bombardment of Gaza began following the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, said the Democrats are the ones who changed.

“They’re not representing us anymore,” Miller said. “I want to leave the Democratic party.”

Miller is not alone in feeling this way. 91���� half of younger adults say they wish there were more parties to choose from, according to a .

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Carla Brannum described poll workers at Fort Stanton Recreation Center as “dependable” and said she was just happy to “vote without nonsense, no paper fires, no once scratching each other.” 

Carla was referring to reports of ballot boxes that were set on fire in Oregon last week. 

Many voters we spoke to were concerned with national elections, but voters still turned out to vote for local down-ballot issues. Ward 8 voters chose to stick with embattled councilmember Tryaon White. With over 17,000 votes, about 75% of Ward 8 voters, Councilmember White clenched a victory by the end of the night for his re-election bid. 

Residents we spoke to shared mixed reactions to Trayon White’s re-election. 

Edward Ford, a longtime supporter of White and volunteer for the campaign, said, “Councilmember White is walking in the shadow of Mayor Marion Barry,” something we’ve heard before from Ward 8 residents and one that has a basis in history.

Edward said Trayon White is advocating for the people. “The FBI came against Marion Barry because he was an advocate for his people.” 

The civil rights movement From which Marion Barry came is littered with figures the government effectively targeted. 

Ermias Woldu, a D.C. resident of nine years and first-time voter, said that even though our city is divided up by wards, we are still one city. Ward 8 residents should be supported by the rest of the city as the case surrounding White unfolds. 

That’s why he voted for Initiative 83, saying that having more voting options might bring greater accountability among elected officials,  “down the road with Initiative 83, with people having more options, people might not do corruption.” 

But in a part of the district that often doesn’t receive the attention and care it deserves, having a city leader like a council member who remains as present in that community as White garners substantial support shouldn’t be a surprise. 

“His record remains strong of how he shows up in the ward and how everyone knows him because he always shows up. He supports people, he makes people feel seen and heard, and that is probably the powerful thing a candidate can do, especially outside of election season,” said Sandy Patel, who works in Ward 8. 

Despite facing a federal bribery charge, DC Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White has easily won reelection. I spoke to White earlier tonight, he says this should send a message to the DC Council that it should not vote to expel him.

— Tom Roussey (@tomroussey7news)

The D.C. council ad hoc committee leading an independent investigation of White could restrict White’s power and political influence or remove him from his seat, effectively rejecting the voters’ election day. Their decision is expected to be announced next month. 

Voters in Ward 8 echoed sentiments heard across the country. The issues that guided the voters we talked to were reproductive rights, the economy, and ending the tensions and violence that seem to have animated politics and everyday life in this country over the last 8 years. 

“I hope that we can reach some sort of unity as a country. I hope that we can accept the outcome of the elections without violence,” said Magean Hayes, who we spoke to at Arthur Capper Recreation Center

According to the D.C. Board of Elections, about 26% of Ward 8 residents attended the polls. In a ranked ballot, Councilmember White would not have necessarily won a re-election bid, and voters in Ward 8 would theoretically have more options in candidates to vote for, meaning Candidates would have to work harder for D.C. residents’ votes. 

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Lines stretched from the White House ellipse to 12th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Excitement was in the air as the crowd amassed on the White House Ellipse, bleachers packed with flag-waving Harris supporters. Overflow spilled into Constitution Avenue and covered the Washington Monument lawn.

Karen and Derrick Hicks traveled in from Northern Virginia. Despite being a Harris supporter and avid poll watcher, Derrick couldn’t predict who would win the election, saying the polls were “really tight.”

Karen was more skeptical of polls saying, “I don’t put a lot of credence in the polling.”

The statement of Harris, not Trump, holding her closing rally in D.C. was felt by rally attendees. Derrick called the rally “a push for democracy. ”

Otto, originally from the United Kingdom and working for a national organization in D.C., said the U.K.’s electoral process is nothing like it is in the US, saying there’s “so much more joy!” involved in US elections as people around us – young and old – danced to Beyonce.

Lewis, also from the U.K. and living in D.C. with his wife, said he appreciated seeing the U.S. elections on the ground rather than through the lens of foreign media.

Others thought the reason the Harris campaign chose D.C. over Savannah, GA or Columbus, OH, was more obvious. Ladonna Williams of Capitol Heights, MD, gestured across the ellipses to the other side of the stage.

“This will be home,” Ladonna said, referring to the White House. She added, “Why not D.C.?!” Harris has lived in D.C. for less than 10 years, first taking residents in the city’s west end as a Senator, then residing at the US Naval observatory where vice presidents typically live.

Surrogates from across the country, including Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Arizona, kicked off the program, connecting their personal stories to Harris’ campaign promise of creating an opportunity economy, including tax credits for first-time parents and business owners.

But as the national anthem was sung, chants could be heard in the distance calling for an arms embargo and an end to the genocide. The chants turned into a small protest on the White House lawn. Activists unfurled banners calling for an arms embargo on Israel and shouted “Stop the genocide” of Palestinian civilians.

The impromptu demonstration reminded the crowd of Harris supporters and Harris of the undecided voting demographic, alluding to the Harris campaign’s allure in the three months since she announced her candidacy. Part of the protest contingent included policy staff in the executive branch. Feds United for Peace have sent letters to various inspector generals and the Department of Justice urging for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. 

One demonstrator who agreed to speak on anonymity for fear of losing their job said the administration has “crossed lines” in terms of funding a genocide, and said the administration is “outside the laws and values of the United States.” They highlighted that have occurred from the US government over the U.S. role in the Israel-Palestine conflict and warned of more in the coming weeks.

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Deshawna Bowman, a worker at a restaurant White frequents and a Ward 8 resident, said, “I just feel as though he has honestly been sort of a target when it comes to legal troubles simply because he’s a young Black man.” 

Since his arrest in August, White has enjoyed continued support from residents. Shortly after White was released from jail, tweets surfaced on the of supporters shielding White, still in his bathrobe, from the press cameras. The crowd chanted, “We love Tray!” and “Ward 8!”

Trayon White just left the federal courthouse flanked by supporters. Said nothing.

— Nick Iannelli (@NickWTOP)

“I definitely feel like he was baited in,” Bowman said. 

Councilmember White was indicted and pleaded not guilty to bribery charges. According to the, White is accused of taking over $156,000 in kickbacks and cash payments in exchange for extending contracts between non-profit Life Deeds, Inc. and the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS), and the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONES).

According to the , On August 9, 2024, at approximately 10:30 am, White allegedly met with a  “Confidential Human Source 1” (CHS1) who allegedly gave him a $5K payment. On the same day, after meeting with White, the CHS1 signed a plea deal.   

Bowman told 91���� in response to the indictment, “It’s just so crazy because the things that they were saying were part of the bribery case; These are things that could potentially help the community.” 

Bowman was referring to the violence interruption and prevention programs District agencies oversee. One of White’s  roles on the council was overseeing the DYRS and ONES agencies as a council member. DYRS and ONES contracted with Life Deed Inc. Violence interruption has gained popularity as an alternative to – often – heavy-handed policing among communities that often experience high rates of violence. 

Jordan Payne, a Ward 8 resident and small business owner in the Anacostia neighborhood, expressed critical support for White, and said there’s more to be done in Ward 8.

“I still find myself seeing a lot of kids in the community bored, having nothing to do. There’s not the type of activities and program set in place to make sure the kids stay off the street and are doing something more constructive with their time,” said Payne. 

Ward 8 resident Keon Hill said he is familiar with White’s work in the community. Hill mentioned that White had launched several initiatives to end youth violence and bring to Ward 8. Hill, who admits he is not a particularly interested in politics, knows a good leader with good intentions when he sees one. 

“The things he’s done can’t put out the positive things he’s done,” Hill said, noting that the work White has done for the Ward 8 community and the city has bought White some social grace. 

“They know we wit ’em.” “They know he’s got that kind of power, but they don’t want to see it, for real,” Hill said

Payne, however, wants his elected officials to be accountable for their actions, stating,“I don’t think we should show them grace. I think we need to set an example out of them to try to make sure people don’t make those same mistakes because we see it time and time again.” 

Bowman feels White is being targeted, but admits the evidence has yet to play out in court. “Sometimes you do the crime, you have to do the time,” Bowman added.  

In an op-ed to East of the River news, Phillip Pannell, a longtime community activist and president of the Anacostia Coordinating Council, wrote “All of the immense good that our Ward 8 Council Member has done for our community is in no way negated by the photos and recounting of his alleged illegal activities. What is so sad is that his upward vocational, economic and political mobility was accompanied by an ethical and moral decline.” 

Pannell also announced his race for the Ward 8 council seat as a write-in candidate last month.

White is not the only elected official accused of misusing their political position for financial or personal gain. 

In August, the same month of White’s arrest, now-former Navy Yard Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (ANC8F) Commissioner Clayton Rosenberg was sentenced to five years and three months for misusing COVID-19 relief funds, according to a from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. 

His fellow commissioners removed Clayton Rosenberg from his position in a special August meeting of the 8f commission. Members of the ANC issued formal statements earlier this month. 

Edward Daniels, ANC8F Chair, wrote, “There is no place for corruption and misuse of public funds as an elected official.” 

“All of us should expect more from our elected officials, and we can do better as a city,” ANC8f Secretary Brian Strege stated.  

Bowman told 91���� that White should be held to a higher standard.“When you do get into these higher roles like a council member, it’s just a different kind of ethics you have to follow,” he said.

Since Councilmember White’s arrest in August, the D.C. Council has launched its own investigation through an ad hoc committee. On September 17th, in a closed-door session of the ad hoc committee, White was removed from his committee positions pending his trial. 

“We owe it to the residents of D.C. to conduct an independent investigation,” said Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie just before the meeting was closed to the public. 

Many people interviewed for this article label White as humble and from notoriously difficult beginnings. His continued presence in his community has bought him social credit and buoyed his political career. Yet, curiosity over the details surrounding White’s FBI case continues to grow even among his most ardent supporters. 

His case is also being compared to former Mayor Marion Barry and his legal troubles. Barry,  the city’s two-time mayor and three-time Councilmember, was perhaps D.C.’s most pivotal political figure in the 1980’s. His summer youth empowerment program, placing the city’s youth with government and private sector summer jobs, is credited with improving many young people’s lives for the better. Barry’s positive influence and politics came with controversy. 

Barry was arrested on cocaine charges in a 1990 FBI sting operation that many thought was a setup. Barry’s political comeback, however, became a part of his enduring legacy. Like Barry, White has focused most of his political career on championing programs that impact Ward 8’s most vulnerable residents. 

In its seeming embrace of Ward 8 residents, maybe White can find support, and accountability. White is running for a third term on November 5th. U.S. District Judge Randolph Contreras has given White’s defense team until Nov. 13th to review evidence in his case. Prosecutors have asked that Jury selection begin July 7, 2025. The city council’s ad hoc committee is set to deliver the findings from their independent investigation on December 16th.

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