Community stories in DC / Maryland / Virginia

Halloween is on Saturday—yes, this Saturday. If you’ve procrastinated your costume, here are some DIY options ripped from local headlines. Canoe Guy and Reflecting Pool Blue paint peeling off the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, June 19, 2026. Photo by Evy Mages. This costume can be done solo

DC chefs are rallying as voters prepare to decide on a ban of foie gras in local restaurants. This culinary debate highlights the clash between animal rights and culinary tradition.

Residents of Douglas Park in Arlington are engaging in a friendly competition to showcase their Halloween decorations. Families are putting their creativity to the test to see who can create the spookiest display.

McDonald's is set to reintroduce Pokémon-themed Happy Meals starting November 10, celebrating the franchise's 30th anniversary. The meals will include mini box toys and trading cards, appealing to both children and collectors.

The National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony is offering free tickets through a lottery system. Applications will be accepted until 3 p.m. ET on November 4.

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has reopened to the public following months of closures due to peeling paint and a vandalism controversy. Visitors can now enjoy the iconic site once again.

The DC metropolitan area is buzzing with various events and announcements, including comedy shows, art exhibitions, and community workshops. Highlights include a Halloween party in Alexandria and a flea market in Fairfax County, alongside important discussions on retirement communities.

A large rooster statue that was stolen from a Colorado animal sanctuary five years ago has been returned by a stranger. The return was accompanied by a letter detailing the statue's journey during its absence.

Montgomery County celebrated the opening of its new Public Safety Joint Operations Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Although officially unveiled recently, the center has been operational since March.

Terra Cafe, one of Baltimore's longest-running Black-owned restaurants, has closed its doors due to mounting debt and vandalism. Owner Terence Dickson's establishment was a community hub that showcased Black culture and cuisine.

Archive of Our Own, a popular fanfiction platform, has announced that it could be offline for as long as four weeks. This downtime may impact a large community of writers and readers who rely on the site for sharing and accessing fan-created content.

Steve Pappas, the founder of The Greene Turtle sports bar chain, died at 72 after a battle with cancer. Known for his community spirit and dedication to Ocean City, Pappas transformed the local pub into a regional franchise with 23 locations.

Patrick Stewart, renowned for his roles in 'Star Trek' and 'X-Men', has passed away at the age of 86. His death follows a battle with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy Body Dementia, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances on stage and screen.

The District is preparing to celebrate the centennial of the National Cherry Blossom Festival in 2027. This milestone event will honor a century of cultural significance and community engagement.

D.C. artist Chris Pyrate has unveiled his artwork for the upcoming 2027 Cherry Blossom Festival. This announcement highlights the ongoing preparations for one of the city's most celebrated events.

A young boy in Kentucky demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit by selling chocolate bars to motorists caught in a traffic jam caused by an accident. His initiative not only raised funds but also brought smiles to frustrated drivers.

The Trump administration successfully ended Temporary Protected Status (or TPS) for more than 350,000 Haitians – people who’d had fled violence and upheaval in their home country. The Obama administration first offered TPS to Haitians after a devastating earthquake struck the country in 2010.

Beginning in 1952, a religious service program called Hand to Heaven aired on WTTG-TV, channel 5. The Hand to Heaven Evangelistic Association paid to have the half-hour-long program carried on Sunday afternoons and evenings. Rev. Joe Uhrig, perhaps one of the earliest televangelists, hosted the prog

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office has introduced K9 Rival as the newest member of its K9 Team. This addition aims to enhance the department's capabilities in serving the community.

Cole Parvin, a Northern Virginia resident, ran 200 miles to honor his mother who died from an opioid overdose and to raise funds for addiction support. His journey aims to provide Narcan to families affected by opioid addiction.

Seis planes culturales llenan la agenda de DC entre el 29 de octubre y el 3 de noviembre, y el más grande llega el sábado 7: un festival gratuito del Smithsonian para honrar a los veteranos latinos.Festival gratuito para veteranos latinos el 7 de noviembreEl sábado 7 de noviembre, de

Baltimore is hosting a variety of Halloween-themed events this weekend, including screenings of 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' and literary discussions. Attendees can enjoy costume parties and themed crawls throughout the city.

The Nightmare in Navy Yard party is set to take place this Saturday, featuring dance floors, themed cocktails, and a costume contest. The event promises a fun night out for adults with food trucks, live DJs, and a virtual reality experience.

The 'That's So Vintage' expo at International Square showcases a vibrant array of vintage fashion and goods, attracting stylish attendees. Co-founded by Libby Rasmussen and Rajni Rao, this biannual event highlights the growing vintage culture in D.C.

The suites at Northwest Stadium were transformed into festive Halloween destinations, allowing students to showcase their costumes and enjoy trick-or-treating. The event featured a special appearance by Commanders player Sam Cosmi.

The Indoor Fall Classic of the BEST Horse Show series will take place this weekend in Upper Marlboro, showcasing regional equestrian talent. Additionally, the Old Line Market pop-up in Poolesville will feature over 60 vendors, local food, and crafts.

The Trawick Mansion at Strathmore is home to numerous ghost stories, as staff recount eerie experiences and the mansion's rich history. Manager Mary Mendoza Godbout leads ghost tours, sharing tales of the mansion's former residents, particularly Hattie Corby.

Reed Bmore, dubbed the 'Banksy of Baltimore,' creates wire street art installations that challenge political systems. His unique creations, which hang from traffic lights, aim to provoke thought and highlight societal issues.

Tennessee resident George Raines works on mobility issues with physical therapist Brad Ellis, standing, in Chattanooga, Tenn., in March 2024. A new study details soaring costs for people who care for their older parents and other family members. (Photo by Anna Claire Vollers/Stateline)Costs are soar