Reading archive 2024-10-16

Fired D.C. government whistleblower wins $3.4 million judgment against city: The whistleblower alleged instances of contract splitting involving Department of Health contracts for amounts less than the $1 million threshold that triggers D.C. Council scrutiny.

Teen charged in fatal crash that killed 19-year-old in Arlington: Police identified the victim as Nicholas Rados, 19. Online records show he graduated from Washington-Liberty High School this year.

Harris releases agenda for Black men as she ramps up effort to court them: Obama and other Democrats have signaled concern that Black men are showing hesitancy to rally behind Harris.

How choosing solitude can free your mind and lift your mood: Being alone is not the same thing as being lonely. In fact, it’s associated with positive feelings.

‘Off the charts’: How Trump tariffs would shock U.S., world economies: If implemented, the former president’s tariff plans would lead to higher costs, stock market volatility and feuds with the rest of the world.

Son writes hilarious, loving obituary for his dad: ‘He is God’s problem now’: “There are some people who might think it was irreverent and offensive, but I think it sounds about perfect,” Charles Boehm said of his father’s obituary.

Everyone loves rooftop solar panels. But there’s a problem.: One of the most popular methods to cut your household’s carbon footprint may be a mixed bag.

Zelensky reveals ‘victory plan,’ calls for urgent NATO membership: The plan includes permission for strikes inside Russia and assistance with air defenses, but Western reaction to it has been muted so far.

Opinion Democrats thought their Senate hopes were dead. They were just in Nebraska.: Dan Osborn, an independent, could win the state’s Senate race — and determine control of the chamber.

Teen girl sentenced to 3 years in fatal beating of Reggie Brown in D.C.: In pleading guilty, the 15-year-old girl is the first of five teenage co-defendants convicted in the 2023 fatal beating and stomping of an unarmed, elderly disabled man who was taking a late-night walk in Northwest Washington.

Teen said she and 4 friends sought random victim before fatal beating: The 15-year-old, who pleaded guilty to assault in the 2023 death of Reginald “Reggie” Brown, testified against two of her friends at trial Tuesday, saying they were “bored” and were “looking for someone to beat up” when they noticed the disabled District native.

Five are arrested after months of ATM break-ins, officials say: String of D.C.-area crimes involved millions in losses, officials say.

Opinion What Hamas hoped would happen after Oct. 7: The group wanted its terrorist attack to spark a wider war. That should give Israel pause.

Opinion Democracy woes: When getting indicted wins votes: Voters in D.C.’s poorest ward will re-elect council member Trayon White Sr. despite his indictment on bribery charges. Why?