Some have been getting the keys to their first home with a little — or a lot — of help from Mom and Dad.

“The challenge that young buyers are facing right now is affordability. You know, they’re getting hit from multiple directions,” said Eldad Moraru, a D.C.-area real estate agent with Compass Real Estate.

In many cases, he said, parents are choosing to assist with down payments and other homebuying costs by offering their children a portion of their inheritance now.

Lender requirements differ, but a letter stating the money is a gift and not a loan is often all it takes to use the funds in the mortgage process, and it can make a big difference once the monthly payments begin.

“If you’re only putting 5% down, then you definitely have to have mortgage insurance, or 10% down, but if you get to 20% down, now you don’t have mortgage insurance, which changes the monthly payments,” Moraru said.

Parents who are not able to provide large sums of money can help out in other ways.

One strategy involves charging rent to new college graduates who are working or hunting for their first job while living at home. That money could be collected, saved and later given to the children when they find a place they want to buy.

“Essentially you’ve taught them to build a nest egg, but also to start getting used to the idea of taking some of their paycheck and putting it toward a housing payment, which you know, for kids that are right out of college is a new concept,” Moraru said.

Giving adult children a financial hand up does not mean pushing them into more home than they can afford, he said.

“You don’t want to wish upon your kids that they’re going to be house poor, so I don’t see that often,” he said.

But there is one area where parents need to be careful not to overstep.

“I think sometimes parents project their own lifestyles on the kids, and I think you’ve got to really scale that back, because something that you feel you know has worked for you might not necessarily be what’s right for the kids,” he said.

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At a Lincoln Theater rally Thursday co-hosted by Ward 6 Council member Charles Allen, musician Andrew McMahon addressed the crowd via video, saying the resale market is making concerts unaffordable.

“You do not need to pay as much as your mortgage to go see your favorite show,” McMahon, known for groups like Something Corporate, said.

The D.C. RESALE Act would target bots that snap up tickets in bulk, ban the sale of tickets that don’t yet exist and require clearer, upfront pricing for buyers.

“Every dollar that you’re having to waste buying a ticket on this market out there for egregious amounts, it’s $1 you’re not spending at our local restaurants or bars, it’s $1 you’re not spending on another show that you want to come to this venue,” Allen said.

D.C.-based artist Bartees Strange said the current system is shutting people out of live music.

“I feel like resellers kind of create this world where only the rich can really afford to have a good time,” Strange said.

Todd Dupler, chief advocacy and public policy officer for the Recording Academy, also said resale practices are affecting the connection between artists and fans.

“It’s not just a financial loss, it’s really an emotional, spiritual transgression, because for the artist, it’s pushing the fans out of reach for them,” he said.

The legislation advanced out of committee this week, but without a provision that would cap resale prices at 10% above face value.

Audrey Fix Schaefer, head of communications for I.M.P., which operates D.C.-area venues including the 9:30 Club and The Anthem, said a price cap is critical in keeping events accessible and supporting the economy.

“This is really an economic development issue, as well as a consumer protection issue,” she said.

Allen, who authored the bill, said he plans to introduce an amendment to restore the cap when the full council takes it up. The first vote is scheduled for Tuesday.��

Supporters also pointed to extreme examples of resale listings, including tickets originally priced under $40 appearing online for hundreds or thousands of dollars more.

One was a free vigil for Grateful Dead musician Bob Weir at The Hamilton Live.

“We gave out free tickets. These were listed for hundreds of dollars online in an attempt to be sold. To a vigil,” David Cooper, the venue’s manager, said.

But the Ticket Policy Forum, which represents platforms including SeatGeek, StubHub, Vivid Seats, Gametime, TickPick and Event Tickets Center, pushed back on the proposal. The group said those companies are not just resale marketplaces, but ticketing firms that compete with Ticketmaster.

In a statement, Brian Berry, the forum’s executive director, said marketplaces don’t set ticket prices, sellers do and he argued that pricing should be left to the market.

He also said resale platforms can sometimes offer cheaper tickets than face value and warned that a cap could limit those lower-cost options for fans.

The Ticket Policy Forum also said many venues backing the price cap rely on Ticketmaster for their primary ticketing and suggested the policy could benefit Ticketmaster by restricting its competitors.

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The summer storm season has already arrived, and in some parts of the D.C. area, it’s already led to power outages. Getting the power back, especially when strong storms can lead to widespread outages, takes trained crews who can brave difficult conditions to get the juice flowing again.

As a crew trained behind him in Rockville, Maryland, on how to restore power after a branch strikes a power line, Pepco Chief Operating Officer Rodney Oddoye said utilities have to be prepared because recent years have kept crews busy.

“We’re having more storms of late than we’ve ever had,” Oddoye said.

Oddoye said crews often begin responding to outages even before customers report losing power.

“We use a pretty sophisticated system that allows us to be able to really track the outages,” he said.

In addition to practicing for storm response, Oddoye said the utility is also working to put the grid in the best position to avoid damage.

“We’ve replaced poles, we’ve upgraded our transformers, we’ve put new wire up in the air, we put new cable in the ground,” he said.

Also, tree trimming happens year-round to keep branches away from power lines and poles.

Restoration typically takes time, one to three hours or more depending on the scope of the work, according to Edwin Velasquez, a lead lineman. He said in some cases, a crew will arrive to determine the work needed, followed by other crews that complete the repairs.

Velasquez said crews move as fast as they safely can, but there are many steps they must take to protect themselves.

“It’s really a dangerous job, but you know, we look out for each other and we’re our brother’s keeper,” Velasquez said.

He said they must make sure all downed lines are not energized, a process that can take time but is critical.

“We want to go back home to our families,” he said.

Rob Spelman, senior manager of overhead maintenance and construction at Pepco’s Rockville facility, said customers should take the same precautions and treat every downed line as if it’s live.

“Stay at least 30 feet away and report that downed power line either to our emergency phone number or through your Pepco app immediately,” he said.

Spelman also urged everyone to be storm-ready, including making sure devices are charged and having battery backups on hand.

Oddoye said there is also a priority list when responding to widespread outages, starting with critical facilities.

“We’re certainly prioritizing our pumping stations, because we want to make sure that people have access to water and that those amenities are working well,” he said.

Schools are added to that priority list when they are in session.

While getting the power back online for everyone may take time, Spelman urged people to keep crews in mind.

“We’re working in long hours, sometimes in 100+ degree weather, 16 hours a day to restore this power. So, we just ask for a little patience and a little understanding for the hard work that these men and women behind me are doing on a daily basis.”

Tips to keep energy bills down during summer heat

As summer temperatures climb, so can your energy bill, especially when air conditioners are working overtime.

Pepco said there are ways you can stay cool while keeping costs under control.

Chuck McDade, a communications manager at Pepco, said one of the biggest steps you can take is tracking how much electricity you’re using.

“The number one thing a customer can do is download our free app and sign up for usage alerts, and in those alerts you can actually monitor when you’re approaching your usage limit to help save money,” he said.

He says your thermostat plays a major role in how much energy you use during the summer.

“If you can, if your health permits, and your comfort level, raise that temperature up 5, 6, 7 degrees higher than you normally will,” he said.

Keeping your home a few degrees warmer can help reduce how often your air conditioner runs. He also recommended getting a smart thermostat, which can help regulate home temperature.

McDade said there are also simple ways to keep heat out of your home.

“If you’re not home, close those blinds, keep that sun outside of your house,” he said.

Timing is another factor. Appliances that generate heat, such as dryers, can make your cooling system work harder during the hottest parts of the day.

“Try to use those devices, those appliances late at night to prevent that heat usage from coming, and also to help keep your usage low,” he said.

The utility said taking small steps now can help avoid higher bills when the hottest days of summer arrive.

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After restoring cuts from Mayor Muriel Bowser’s original proposal, the council is relying in part on $150 million from reserve funds to help balance the plan.

Chief Financial Officer Glen Lee warned in a letter earlier this week that using that money could make the budget unbalanced, raising concerns about the District’s long-term financial stability.

“Should the Council persist with approving a budget that uses reserves to support spending, the Council would be approving an unbalanced budget and financial plan,” Lee said in the letter.

Council Chair Phil Mendelson argued the city is dipping into only a small portion of its reserves.

“We’re taking a tiny fraction of the reserves to support spending in FY27 that will leave our reserves well above what the gold standard is for reserve funds,” Mendelson said.

Ward 6 Council member Charles Allen said the move still leaves the District in strong financial shape.

“I’m convinced that the $150 (million) from this reserve fund leaves us with more than 60 days cash on hand, incredibly healthy bottom line for the District and our finances and our obligations,” Allen said.

Some council members raised concerns about relying on reserves.

“I’m a little bit more comfortable that there was an amendment moved today to make sure that if there’s a budget surplus, the reserves will be replenished as the first and foremost order of operations, but we have to have a responsible budget that sets us up for success, not just this year, but over the financial plan,” Ward 2 Council member Brooke Pinto said those funds.

And the public nature of the budget fight, Ward 5 Council member Zachary Parker said, could attract more unwanted attention from Congress.

“We should be mindful of the complicated political position the District is in on the Hill, and I worry that having this battle play out in the media or with letters flying back and forth spells doom for the District overall,” he said.

If the CFO refuses to certify the budget, it could trigger legal and procedural challenges as the plan moves forward for federal review.

The city administrator warned when the mayor’s budget was proposed that the District would need a $1.1 billion increase in revenue just to maintain current services.

The council ultimately restored about $400 million in cuts, including funding for housing vouchers, childcare assistance and legal services.

Open primaries funding approved

Included in the budget’s passage was funding to implement a major elections change voters approved but have not yet seen put into place.

Lawmakers signed off on funding to implement semi-open primaries, completing Initiative 83 after voters passed the measure in 2024. Until now, only ranked choice voting, the other key piece of the initiative, had been funded and used.

The change will allow voters with no party affiliation to choose a party ballot in primary elections and participate in candidate races, opening the process to tens of thousands of independents who are currently shut out of primaries that often decide elections in Democrat-dominated D.C.

Council member Christina Henderson, who introduced the amendment, said the move reflects years of effort.

“This has been a long time coming,” she said.

Advocates said because primaries are funded with taxpayer dollars, all voters should have a say.

Lisa Rice, co-founder and CEO of Grow Democracy D.C., welcomed the vote.

“I am beyond thrilled. I’m so excited. I’m pumped. I’m excited. I’m over the moon,” Rice said.

But not everyone on the council was on board. Mendelson voted against the change, saying political parties should control their own nomination process.

“It doesn’t make sense to me that non-Democrats would choose who the Democratic nominee is,” he said.

With the funding now approved, semi-open primaries are expected to be in place for the 2028 election cycle.

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Gregory Feith said FAA records also show Yoav Bomrind was not an instructor, meaning the flight was likely not for training, even though the aircraft may have been rented from a flight school.

“It would not be permitted for the actual certificated pilot, the one that had the private pilot certificate, to be providing any kind of instruction,” Feith told WTOP.

The plane belonged to the Washington International Flight Academy in Gaithersburg. Feith said investigators will take a close look at how the trip was planned, including fuel and flight time.

“How much fuel did this aircraft have when they took off out of Gaithersburg on the initial leg to Ocean City, New Jersey? How much flying did they do in that particular area, and how much flight time was involved coming back from Ocean City, New Jersey?” he said.

Federal investigators are working to piece together the pilot’s experience, the flight path and whether the aircraft was rented for the trip.

Maryland State Police said 26-year-old pilot Bomrind, of Israel, was flying the plane with two passengers: 19-year-old David Rabinovich, also of Israel, and 20-year-old Elad Naidik, of Canada. Both passengers had student pilot licenses.

The single-engine plane crashed late at night in a wooded area near a townhome community in Bowie.

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation, with help from the FAA.

The NTSB said an investigator remains on scene documenting the wreckage, which will later be moved to a secure facility for further examination. Officials said it’s too early to determine a cause.

Feith said investigators will also focus on data, along with evidence including air traffic control recordings, radar data, weather conditions and the pilot’s recent flight history.

“You start looking at the purpose of the flight, you look at the pilot’s qualifications, you look at, of course, the aircraft,” he said.

Feith said available flight data shows the plane did not follow a steady path, with speed and altitude changing significantly. That could mean the pilot was dealing with winds or climbing frequently, both of which use more fuel. Investigators will be looking closely at whether the plane burned more fuel than expected and whether the pilot may have been trying to reach another airport before the crash.

Investigators are also expected to review communications with air traffic control, maintenance records, witness statements and the pilot’s training history as they work to determine what happened.

The NTSB is asking anyone who may have seen the crash or has video to contact the agency.

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Allergist Dr. Rachel Schreiber, of Schreiber Allergy in Rockville, Maryland, said one of the biggest problems is not having epinephrine on hand at all times.

“If you have a life-threatening allergy, whether it’s to a food or to a bee sting, you need to carry your epi at all times, because you need that medication to help you recover from that allergic reaction,” she said.

Doctors recommend carrying two doses in case a second is needed, or in the event the first malfunctions. Schreiber said some people carry only one, which can be risky.

“Things can happen, you know? You could have a severe allergic reaction, and fortunately, we have these medications to treat that, so it’s really important to have your epinephrine on you at all times,” Schreiber said.

Even when people remember to bring it, where they keep it matters.

Schreiber said too many people leave EpiPens in their cars, especially during the summer. “People do, because it’s convenient, but the car gets, as we all know, it gets very hot,” she said.

High temperatures can make the medication ineffective, meaning it may not work during an emergency.

Schreiber said people should not assume an EpiPen left in a hot car is still good.

The takeaway, she said, is to keep it with you and at room temperature so it works when you need it.

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“I am feeling so just grateful. My heart is just grateful to the people of D.C.,” Lewis George said.

With ranked choice votes still being tabulated, she is now poised to become the Democratic nominee and is already signaling she’s preparing not only for the coming general election, but beyond.

“We have obviously started as a team having early conversations about transition. What we plan on having is a very professional and well-run transition, and we are excited to discuss some of that rollout in the coming weeks,” she said.

Lewis George, speaking to the media at Bus Boys and Poets in Northwest D.C., said that includes early planning for a budget and key policy priorities, while she continues to serve in her current role on the D.C. Council.

“I will be representing the residents of Ward 4 until I am sworn in as the mayor of District of Columbia,” she said.

Her main challenger, Kenyan McDuffie, conceded the race, and Lewis George said he reached out directly Thursday morning.

“Kenyan McDuffie graciously called to congratulate me, and I’m honored to be the presumptive Democratic nominee for the mayor of Washington, D.C.,” she said.

While the general election is still months away, the Democratic primary has historically been decisive in D.C. politics.

Lewis George believes her message resonating with voters fueled her projected primary win.

“I think what was clear is that affordability is an issue in this city, and there has to be leadership who’s ready to address it,” she said.

She pointed to affordability and government effectiveness as early priorities if elected mayor, including lowering utility costs, improving basic city services and expanding support for families.

She said she and her team have already begun working with budget analysts on ways to make city agencies more efficient and effective when it comes to spending and saving.

“I’m excited to have early conversations with colleagues about what our first budget will look like, how we can preserve social safety nets across the board through healthcare and housing and education, and what that looks like,” she said.

On the campaign trail, she positioned herself as a candidate willing to push back against President Donald Trump. She said if elected, she is committed to working across political lines, including with the White House if it benefits D.C. residents.

“I want to make sure that the president understands that I am willing to work with anyone to the benefit of D.C. residents, and that includes President Trump and members of his administration,” she said.

In an effort not to interfere with current Mayor Muriel Bowser’s administration, Lewis George said she would wait for a request from the Trump administration before having initial talks with the president and others.

Lewis George also said rebuilding trust between the community and law enforcement will be a focus, including working with police leaders and unions and launching a search for a new police chief.

“I’ve committed to rebuilding the trust that’s necessary within the police department and the police department with our community.”

As she moves toward the general election, Lewis George said her goal remains consistent.

“I plan to be a mayor for everyone who calls this city home, no matter who you voted for,” she said.

In the general election, Lewis George will face Green Party candidate Robert Gross. There are also 11 independent candidates vying for the job.

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Primary races in heavily Democratic D.C. often decide who ultimately wins in November, but turnout and the candidates themselves can still shape the outcome.

One political analyst said frustration over the high cost of living, along with national political dynamics, may be among the factors driving the shift.

George Washington University political science professor Matthew Dallek said the apparent results suggest a departure from the city’s more traditional governing style.

“The progressive movement has had a surge, a significant surge in popular support,” he said.

He noted that much of D.C.’s leadership in the past has come from a more moderate wing of the Democratic Party.

“Historically, much of the leadership, not all, but much of the leadership has been more center left. I would say there’s been a pragmatic streak. Mayor Bowser embodies this,” he said.

Dallek pointed to affordability as a major factor influencing voters.

“I think a lot of people across a range of demographics feel like the cities just become too expensive and Lewis George, Robert White, others, (Zohran) Mamdani in New York have tapped into that,” he said.

Frustration tied to President Donald Trump’s second term and his administration’s impact on the city is also shaping voter sentiment, he said, particularly among those seeking leaders willing to push back against the federal government.

“To the extent that people were voting for a more confrontational posture, we are seeing that in the results,” he said.

The shift also reflects a broader dissatisfaction.

“There is a discontent not just in Washington, but within the larger Democratic Party,” he said.

Dallek said developments outside the District may also be influencing local politics, including political momentum tied to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

“It’s unclear that if Mamdani had not won and emerged, it’s unclear that the progressive left in D.C. would have done quite as well as it did as it appears to have done in this 2026 primary election,” he said.

It remains unclear whether the apparent momentum will carry past the general election or translate into lasting political change in the District.

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Council member Robert White emerged from a crowded field of five candidates in a race that could ultimately decide the seat in the heavily Democratic city.

The field also included Kinney Zalesne, who worked with the Democratic National Committee and saw fundraising success during the campaign that did not translate into more votes at the polls.

The campaign was heated at times, especially between White and fellow front-runner Council member Brooke Pinto.

“It feels incredible,” White told WTOP, reflecting on the outcome of what he described as a long campaign.

White pointed to frustration over the cost of living as a driving force behind the race.

“People are tired of losing, they’re tired of feeling like they do all the right things, but can’t afford housing, groceries, health care,” he said.

He added that voters are also looking for leaders who will act, not just make campaign promises.

“Voters are less interested in what you tell them when you’re campaigning and more interested in what you show them when you have the chance to do it,” White said.

After a contentious race, White acknowledged the tone but said he is focused on moving forward.

“There were things that happened in the campaign that should not have happened, but I’m looking forward, and I spoke to everyone who ran in this race, congratulated them on their campaigns,” he said. “It is a hard race, but we all, if we’re serious about the future of our city, we have to work together.”

The race also comes as progressive momentum appears to be building across the city, though White said labels are not what voters are focused on.

“I think people are really unconcerned with labels, and they’re really concerned with the lack of leadership that is going to help everyday people,” he said.

White said affordability remains central to the city’s challenges.

“If you are not speaking to how expensive it is to have housing in this city to young professionals who can’t afford housing, for older people drowning under medical bills, then I don’t think you’re talking to D.C. residents,” he said.

He also framed the race as part of a larger moment.

“This wasn’t just a change in leadership, this was a change in leadership in a historic moment,” White said.

White credited Norton’s tenure while pointing to changes ahead.

“I’m representing and protecting everybody, and I think that they will see a change in how I use this seat because of the foundation Congresswoman Norton laid and because of the opportunity that this time in history presents”

In a statement, Pinto congratulated White on the win and emphasized unity after the election.

“Everyone needs to come together now and keep pushing the city forward,” Pinto said.

Zalesne also conceded and congratulated White.

“I have called him, wished him great success, and offered my assistance in any way he needs going forward,” she said.

White is expected to face Republican Denise Rosado in the November general election, though in D.C., the Democratic primary often points to who will ultimately take the seat.

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Voters across D.C. are heading to the polls Tuesday in a primary that could reshape several key positions in city government and, in many races, effectively decide the winners.

Polls are open at 75 locations across the District until 8 p.m.

There was a stream of voters at the Shepherd Park Community Center in Northwest early Tuesday morning and election officials told WTOP’s Luke Lukert they were pleased with the turnout so far. Another wave of voters is expected to hit the polls in the evening hours after the workday ends.

While it is a primary election, the vast majority of D.C. voters are Democrats, meaning many of the candidates who win their party’s nomination are likely to go on to win in November.

One of the most closely watched contests is the open race for D.C.’s delegate to Congress. Several candidates are competing to replace longtime Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, who is not seeking reelection.

Voters are also deciding the race for attorney general, where incumbent Brian Schwalb faces a primary challenger.

Multiple seats on the D.C. Council are also on the ballot, including competitive at-large races. There is also a special election to fill the at-large seat Kenyan McDuffie vacated to run for mayor.

Several ward races are also being decided, which could bring new members to the council.

The mayor’s race is also drawing attention, with seven candidates running to replace Muriel Bowser, who is not seeking another term.

• In their own words: Meet the DC candidates

What do DC residents think about ranked choice voting?

This election is the first in D.C. to use ranked choice voting. Under that system, voters rank candidates in order of preference. If no candidate receives a majority, the counting process continues in rounds. The candidate with the fewest votes will be eliminated each round, and their votes redistributed to those remaining, until someone crosses the 50 + 1 percent threshold.

Winners are not expected to be finalized on election night: Initial returns will reflect early and first choice vote totals, while more complete results will come in the days after as additional ballots are counted. Final certified results are expected by mid-July.

Voters who spoke with WTOP’s Lukert at a polling center in Northwest D.C. had mixed feelings on the new system.

“It was quite confusing, frankly,” Alex Howard told WTOP. “The paper ballot that I received at home was very different from the electronic ballot that I used just now at the voting precinct.”

Howard said he needed to click between screens to check which candidates he’d already ranked.

“Other than that, it was pretty seamless, but it just took a little bit of time to go back and forth to make sure that I wasn’t voting for the same candidate in the next round,” he aid.

Karen Evans called the ranked choice voting experience “terrible.”

“It’s a lot of candidates on the ballot,” Evans said. “It makes it time consuming, and some of these candidates I’ve never even heard of.”

Other voters liked the new system. Harrison Kreisberg told WTOP the system was well-explained by sponsors of the initiative.

“I think it’s great for democracy, and I’m excited that we got it here in D.C.,” Kreisberg said.

Michael Rawlings said he liked that ranked choice voting expands the options available to voters.

“For some of them, I had a very clear one, and I just kind of left it that way, but for the ones where I did have a couple of candidates I really liked, it was nice to be able to kind of prioritize,” Rawlings said.

Among the voters who showed up at the polls Tuesday was the District’s current mayor, who said her experience with ranked choice voting was “fairly straightforward.”

It’s the first time in nearly 20 years that D.C. voters won’t see Bowser’s name on the ballot.

In speaking about issues on her mind when voting, Bowser said, “It’s just important everybody knows that we’re not out of the woods with crime and we’re not out of the woods with dealing with the federal government.

“So what’s most important is that we have a mayor with good judgment that’s going to make mature decisions, that’s best for the District of Columbia, and the same is true for the council,” she added.

Other top issues voters in D.C. mentioned to WTOP included affordability, education, housing accessibility and safety.

Once polls are closed, candidates will be watching returns from events across the city, including mayoral candidates Janeese Lewis George at the Howard Theatre and Kenyan McDuffie at The Park at 14th. Among the delegate candidates, Brooke Pinto will be at Wild Days on the Eaton hotel’s rooftop, Robert White at The Point on 2nd Street and Kinney Zalesne at Barcelona Wine Bar. Mayoral candidate Gary Goodweather is planning a watch party at Bar Angie.

WTOP’s Jessica Kronzer contributed to this report.

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County officials say your tap water is safe, in a stormwater pond and nearby streams near Great Seneca Highway and Key West Avenue in the Gaithersburg and Rockville area.

At the pond, across Great Seneca Highway near where Decoverly Drive crosses, crews are putting up the fencing to keep people and pets out.

The affected waterways run near Shady Grove Hospital along Great Seneca Highway and just past Muddy Branch Road.

PFAS are manmade chemicals often called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down and can build up over time in the environment and the body.

Jennifer Macedonia, director of the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection, said testing pointed to an area near a former county site, where firefighters trained for decades until 2015.

“The state’s testing detected high levels of PFAS in an area on and adjacent to the site of the county’s former public safety training facility,” Macedonia said.

Officials said the contamination may be tied to chemicals used in firefighting foam at that training facility.

The high readings came to light after WSSC Water requested more testing in the Muddy Branch area. WSSC Water PFAS Program Manager Laura O’Donnell said despite the findings in the pond and stream, the drinking water in the area remains safe.

“I want our WSSC Water customers in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties to know that the water we provide is safe. This is not a public water supply issue,” O’Donnell said.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich said the county is working to respond and protect the public.

“The county is taking this issue and the concern very seriously, and it’s taking steps to inform the public and protect public health and the environment,” Elrich said.

The county filed a lawsuit in 2023 against companies that made PFAS, accusing them of hiding risks while profiting from the chemicals.

Elrich also noted the chemicals are widespread.

“This stuff is ubiquitous and it’s not always easy to figure out where it came from, but it’s there now,” Elrich said.

Health officer Dr. Kisha Davis said the greatest risk comes from repeated exposure over time.

“The health risks are tied to chronic exposure, meaning drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated fish every day for years, which allows the chemical to gradually accumulate in the body’s tissues,” Davis said.

She added that brief contact is less concerning.

“I don’t think that folks need to worry too much about if they were playing in that stream over the weekend,” Davis said.

For nearby homeowners with private wells, the county said it’s reaching out directly and offering free testing to make sure their drinking water is not affected.

Out of caution, the county is advising residents to stay out of the affected waterways, keep pets away and avoid eating fish caught there.

Officials said additional testing is underway to determine how far the contamination may extend.

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It’s a rare moment of turnover that could reshape how the city is led and how its leaders work together. It’s also the first time the city is using ranked choice voting in a major election, adding another layer of uncertainty to how the results could unfold.

Matt Dallek, a professor at George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management, told WTOP that the stakes are unusually high.

“This is one of the biggest elections that I think the city has certainly had in a decade,” Dallek said.

With longtime leaders stepping aside and so many open seats, Dallek said the outcome could send the city in a new direction.

“You’re looking really at an entire leadership switch for the city and it’s happening in a very fraught moment when the city is feeling more unaffordable to more district residents and, of course, the Trump administration has been cracking down, infringing on home rule in a way that maybe no other presidential administration, no other Republican Congress has since Home Rule was established,” he said.

The election comes at a time when many D.C. residents are concerned about affordability and the overall direction of the city.

Dallek said the election is also highlighting broader political divisions, not just locally but within the Democratic Party nationwide.

“I think that ideologically and politically the challenge from the left is notable and certainly reflects these larger fissures in the National Democratic Party about the direction of the country and the direction of major American cities,” he said.

He said that shift is especially clear in the mayor’s race, where voters are choosing between different approaches to governing with former D.C. Council member Kenyan McDuffie and current D.C. Council member Janeese Lewis George.

“McDuffie is seen rightly so as an extension of Mayor Bowser’s leadership. So, in some ways, this is a referendum on Mayor Bowser having a fourth term, even though, obviously, McDuffie is a different person, whereas (Lewis) George represents a more significant, more radical change from Bowser,” Dallek said.

With multiple council seats open, the results could also influence priorities on issues like business development, labor and taxes.

Dallek said the results will go beyond any one race and could influence how D.C. operates in the years ahead, particularly when it comes to its relationship with the federal government.

“The composition of the city council, the leadership of the city and the mayor’s office and the delegate to the District could shape the fight over home rule,” he said.

How a new mayor works with Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, who faces a Republican challenger in the general election and is widely expected to remain a key figure in city government, could also, according to Dallek, be key to how smoothly the city moves forward.

He said with new leadership likely across city government, the outcome could also reshape how officials work together and respond to challenges facing the District.

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At Rockville Soccer, supervisor Johan Romero says the global tournament is driving a steady stream of customers into the store, many preparing for watch parties at home or heading to sports bars to catch the matches.

“Yeah, definitely big, big week with the World Cup coming in,” he said.

Romero says the excitement is quickly translating into sales, with fans eager to support their favorite teams and players.

“With the introduction with the World Cup, we’re looking at double amounts of sales and foot traffic too,” Romero said.

He says interest spans across several countries’s teams, reflecting both the diversity of the region and the global appeal of the sport.

“You know, you definitely got the big teams, you know, you got like France, Portugal, Argentina, the U.S.,” he said.

While jerseys tied to top teams are among the biggest draws, Romero says customers are also looking for cleats and gear similar to what players are wearing on the field.

“They (customers) want to experience what their idols might be wearing out on the stage,” he said.

A similar spike in activity is happening at PJ’s Soccer Lacrosse in Bethesda, where owner Phil Gallipo Jr. says the World Cup is one of the busiest stretches for the business.

“This is Christmas for sure,” Gallipo said.

Gallipo said fans are coming into both the Bethesda and Tyson’s, Virginia, locations throughout the day to get ready for games, often picking up jerseys at the last minute.

“The atmosphere is great. We got people coming in all day long, picking up jerseys,” he said.

That demand is boosting sales too, especially compared to a typical month.

“Oh, for this month, probably maybe 30 to 40% retail up compared to last year,” he said.

Beyond jerseys, Gallipo says another popular item this year is Panini FIFA World Cup 2026 trading stickers, which have become especially popular with kids and collectors. Buyers purchase packs without knowing what they will get, then trade with others to complete collections.

Some of those stickers he said can carry serious value, especially those that feature player pictures with a black background.

“And so, the black one, there’s only one, and I know the (Lionel) Messi one, if you get a Messi black background, it’s worth about $100,000,” Gallipo said.

Both stores say the World Cup is not only boosting sales, but also bringing people together with customers sharing their excitement and passion for the game as they gear up for matches.

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When former D.C. Council member Kenyan McDuffie stepped down from his independent at-large council seat to seek the Democratic nomination for mayor, he set the wheels in motion for a special election.

The contest for the seat McDuffie vacated includes At-Large Council member Doni Crawford, the woman selected by the council to hold the seat until the special election; Elissa Silverman, a former at-large council member; and Jacque Patterson, president of the D.C. State Board of Education.

The three independent candidates are now making their case to voters about how they would handle the job, with the winner serving through January. In November, voters will decide who earns the next four-year term.

All of it is unfolding alongside a crowded primary ballot, where Democrats are deciding a second at-large seat, along with several ward contests.

Six candidates are running for the Ward 1 seat after Brianne Nadeau announced she is not seeking reelection. In Ward 5, incumbent Zachary Parker faces two Democratic challengers, and in Ward 6, incumbent Charles Allen is also being challenged by two Democrats. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson and Ward 3’s Matthew Frumin are both unopposed in the Democratic primary.

As that plays out, the spotlight is on the three candidates competing for the at-large seat.

WTOP sent a questionnaire to candidates in all of the contested races, asking about the top issues facing D.C.��Meet the candidates and read their responses here.

Candidates tout experience in bid for citywide seat

Silverman is stressing a record of results from her time on the council, from passing paid family leave to holding agencies accountable.

“I offer voters is both a track record of getting really hard things done that benefits their lives, like D.C. paid family leave,” Silverman said.

She said that experience positions her to handle big policy and budget challenges.

Crawford highlights her background before taking office, including years as a council staffer and work at a think tank, saying she understands how the system works from the inside.

“I’m new to the job, but I’m not new to the work,” she said.

Crawford said that experience has given her a deep knowledge of the legislative and budget process and shaped her focus on working with communities across all eight wards.

Patterson points to decades of experience in the community and in public service.

“I’ve lived here 30 years and my whole entire time here has been about serving the District of Columbia,” Patterson said.

He said his work in education and neighborhood engagement gives him a strong foundation to represent residents citywide.

Public safety and youth engagement emerge as key issues

Concerns about rowdy “teen takeovers” and the debate over youth curfews are shaping the conversation in the race.

Candidates agree public safety requires more than law enforcement, but differ in their overall plans.

“I didn’t want to just tell youth where they cannot be but I wanted to be a part of the solution and finding places for them to engage with each other,” Crawford said.

She also believes D.C. police are leaning too heavily on overtime because of staffing shortages, saying the overtime hours worked in fiscal 2025 were the equivalent of roughly 870 additional officers.

And long-term, Crawford said improving safety means addressing issues like housing and jobs, and tracking police response times and community trust in addition to crime numbers.

Silverman wants to focus more on the people most likely to commit violence, and ensuring agencies are working together.

“We need to better identify and focus on the people who are known troublemakers, those likely to pull a trigger on a gun,” Silverman said.

She said that requires coordination between police, housing and social services, along with consequences when crimes are committed.

Silverman also points to staffing shortages and the need to follow best practices.

“We need to staff our force, especially in certain areas such as detectives,” she said.

Patterson said safety concerns reflect years of underinvestment.

“This didn’t just happen overnight, this has been a disinvestment in youth programming and mental health for a long period of time,” Patterson said.

He supports targeted enforcement like curfews, but said reinvestment in youth programs and mental health is key.

Candidates outline approach to representing entire city

Unlike ward-based council members, at-large seats represent all residents across D.C., a role each candidate said requires strong community engagement.

Silverman said staying visible and listening is essential.

“You have to get out and meet people where they are. I think, often government expects voters and residents and businesses to come to them,” Silverman said.

Crawford said she’s focused on building relationships across all eight wards.

“I made sure to call all the ANC wards across the district, there’s over 50 of them, and I wanted to make sure that they knew that I was here and I was accessible to them,” Crawford said.

Patterson said his focus, if elected, will be on engaging directly with neighborhood leaders and residents.

“I’m going to be a very active at-large member, going to ANC meetings, going to civic association meetings, those places where communities meet to talk about the issues that involve their particular community,” Patterson said.

Candidates differ on federal role and protecting home rule

Candidates are also laying out different approaches to dealing with federal oversight and protecting the District’s autonomy.

Silverman said D.C. leaders need to improve on how they respond to federal involvement in city affairs and present a united front.

“We need to be much more coordinated and strategic,” Silverman said.

She said that includes city leaders aligning their actions across agencies and elected offices before taking steps that could lead to federal pushback.

Crawford said she supports using legislation to reflect the District’s priorities within the limits of home rule.

“I think there are things we can do through legislation, both emergency and permanent, to stand up for our values, that is within our limited home rule, and I want to continue to do that,” Crawford said.

Patterson said lawmakers should carefully consider how legislation will play out at the federal level.

“We have to be very pragmatic about our policies, our legislation that we’re putting forward,” Patterson said. “I think some of the times that we do some performative legislation because certain groups would like us to put step forward, and we really don’t coordinate between the offices that we need to, because we all need to be singing the same tune.”

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“This is a meaningful step forward,” said Dr. Adam Friedman, chair of Dermatology at George Washington University’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

He said dermatologists have been aware of bemotrizinol and how it has brought successful results overseas. Friedman is hopeful that it will bring more modern sunscreen filters to the United States.

“What’s new is finally giving Americans access to a more modern sunscreen filter that provides strong protection against both ultraviolet B and A rays,” he said.

Friedman said the chemical is more photostable, meaning once you put it on, it isn’t broken down as quickly as older sunscreen ingredients. That means its protection holds up longer in the sun.

He said it can also help stabilize other sunscreen ingredients, allowing them to last longer and maintain their protection in sunlight.

Friedman added that not only will the ingredient eventually bring about new sunscreens, he believes many manufacturers of existing sunscreens have been waiting for this approval and could use the ingredients in their existing products to improve them.

“What I think we’re going to see, and I know we’re going to see, are our oldie but goodies with this as the cherry on top,” he said.

He said being able to use this ingredient will help people better prevent the health conditions UVA rays can cause.

“From a public health perspective, this is very important, because ultraviolet A radiation is a major driver of skin aging, pigmentary disorders and contributes to skin cancer risk,” he said.

Friedman said another advantage of the ingredient is since it has been used overseas for a long time, doctors have a pretty good idea about what to expect when people in the U.S. begin using sunscreens with it.

“We have seen no downsides to date, to the point being that it’s been available overseas for so long. We have a lot of safety data showing that it both works and it’s safe to use ongoing,” he said.

He said one of the biggest issues with sunscreen overall is that people do not use it consistently, and this ingredient could help improve that.

“One of the biggest issues is adherence, in that people don’t like applying sunscreen, but bemotrizinol is actually really easy to work with, creating better feeling sunscreens that translate into better adherence,” he said.

Friedman said from a broader perspective, better sun protection is critical, pointing to how common skin cancer is in the U.S. and the role UV exposure plays in driving it.

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