Federal Overreach, Council's Next Legislative Meeting, and WARD 5 DAY!
DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage catch up on the latest news about federal overreach in the District, sharing lots of resources including ward5.us/toolkit, ward5.us/report, ward5.us/resist, and ward5.us/onthehill. Councilmember Parker also shares information about what to expect at the Council's next Legislative Meeting on September 17, and hypes up the bigger-and-better-than-ever Ward 5 Day! coming on Saturday, September 20. Read the latest Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter at ward5.us/news, subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.
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25:42
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25:42
Threats to DC Autonomy, DYRS Lawsuit, and Reflections on Second Budget Vote and RFK Redevelopment
DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage talk about the federal government's latest threats against DC's autonomy, as well as a civil lawsuit against the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS). Councilmember Parker also reflects on the Council's second vote on the FY26 budget and the vote on the RFK Redevelopment deal. There are quick plugs for upcoming back-to-school events and Ward 5 Day on September 20 (mark your calendar!). Melissa shares highlights from this week's Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.
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37:15
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37:15
First Budget Vote Reflections and I-82 with Andy Shallal
DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Busboys and Poets Founder and CEO Andy Shallal talk about the Council's first vote on the FY26 Budget, including discussions around Initiative 82 and the tipped minimum wage. Andy shares his insights as the owner of Busboys and Poets, which has 8 locations in the DMV (5 in the District). They also reflect on the state of the RFK Redevelopment deal. Councilmember Parker discusses his proposal for a capital gains surchage to address growing economic inequality in DC, and shares his thoughts on the Council funding part of Initiative 83 to bring ranked choice voting to the District. Communications Director Melissa Littlepage gives highlights from the latest edition of the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.
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46:32
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46:32
Updates on RFK, Budget Oversight, and Cell Phones in DC Schools
DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage discuss recent news about the RFK Stadium site redevelopment and reflect on a week full of budget oversight hearings. Phelps ACE High School (in Ward 5!) Principal, Cara Fuller, joins the episode to discuss new policies banning cell phones in DC Public Schools. The episode wraps up with reflections on last weekend's WorldPride festivities and preparations for this coming weekend's military parade and the forthcoming changes to Metro's bus network. Melissa also shares the latest highlights from the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news, subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.
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24:31
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24:31
I-82, RFK, WorldPride, and More
DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker and Communications Director Melissa Littlepage catch up on a busy week including a vote on emergency legislation about I-82 (Tipped Minimum Wage) on the Council, a letter to the Washington Commanders about labor agreements for the RFK stadium site redevelopment, the June 7th WorldPride Parade, and highlights in the midst of budget oversight season. Melissa also shares the latest from the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter. Read at ward5.us/news and subscribe at ward5.us/newsletter.
Join DC Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker each week for updates on Council activities, highlights from the Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter, and interviews with DC agencies and community partners. You can also send in questions for him to answer on the podcast!
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