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☆ DC Mayor Muriel Bowser wants to expand tax breaks for developers turning empty downtown offices into much-needed housing
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-08 | by ( Eliza Relman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

DC's mayor has proposed an expansion of tax relief for developers who convert offices into residences. The city has more than 20 million square feet of unused office space — an unprecedented vacancy rate, according to the DowntownDC Business Improvement District's 2021 report. —Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) December 15, 2022The mayor and city officials say the tax relief, called the Housing in Downtown (HID) Abatement, is necessary to incentivize and speed up costly commercial building transformations. "We know that creating new housing in downtown will lead to a more vibrant neighborhood and 24/7 economy. The Housing in Downtown Abatement Program will incentivize more conversions, and bring about more housing affordability and retail opportunities."

☆ White House asks agencies to step up workers' return to offices
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-13 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

WASHINGTON, April 13 (Reuters) - The White House on Thursday asked federal agencies to revise workforce plans as it aims to "substantially increase" in-person work by government employees at headquarters offices and improve services, according to a memo seen by Reuters. The memo to executive branch agencies from White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) director Shalanda Young directs agencies to refresh work environment plans and policies. Some Republican lawmakers have pressed federal agencies to require more government workers to return to offices. "It’s time for the federal workforce to get back to work in-person for the American people. Aiming to cut long wait times and delays in processing federal services, OMB's memo said: "Agencies should prioritize improving experiences and services that directly impact the public."

☆ 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' smashes box office records with the biggest global opening for an animated film ever
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-10 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

"The Super Mario Bros. Movie" had the biggest opening for an animated film on record. The movie, based on Nintendo's video game, stars Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Jack Black. In the US the film took $31.7 million on Wednesday, $26 million on Thursday and a further $146.4 million Friday to Sunday. It's also the biggest opening of any film so far this year, beating "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania," according to The Hollywood Reporter. The Hollywood Reporter said "Super Mario" was set to be "the first all-audience blockbuster of 2023."

☆ 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' is set for a big opening weekend — despite bad reviews
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-05 | by ( Sarah Whitten | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

In this article 7974.T-JP Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNTChris Pratt and Charlie Day voice Mario and Luigi in Universal and Illumination's "The Super Mario Bros. Universal"The Super Mario Bros. Movie" isn't looking like a smash with the critics. And box office analysts don't foresee poor critical reviews deterring moviegoers, particularly families, from venturing to the cinema to see "The Super Mario Bros. Jack Black voices the villainous Bowser in Universal and Illumination's "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" UniversalRadheyan Simonpillai, Globe and MailLong before critics sat down to watch "Super Mario Bros.," there was a big question about the film's top-billed voice actor — Chris Pratt. "I wonder whether the filmmakers were too timid to draw outside the lines with this copyright protected material, lest they end up with something like the disastrous live-action 1993 movie, 'Super Mario Bros.,'" he said.

☆ These 14 Democratic senators broke with Biden and voted against striking down the DC criminal code
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-09 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Most Democratic senators voted for a GOP-led resolution overruling recent changes to DC's criminal code. The 14 who voted against the resolution framed it in part as a show of support for DC statehood. Just 14 Democratic senators voted against the resolution. Ahead of the vote, DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson even attempted to withdraw the criminal reform legislation in an attempt to prevent a Senate vote. Here are the 14 Democratic senators who voted against the resolution:

A spike in carjackings and an assault on Democratic Representative Angie Craig has stirred concerns about crime in the city in recent years. Police statistics show that homicides and gun crimes in Washington have nearly doubled since 2017, though crime has fallen overall. City council members say their law is the result of years of compromise and say the reduced penalties for crimes like carjacking and robbery reflect the actual sentences imposed by judges. But that argument has gotten little traction on Capitol Hill, where Republicans who represent rural areas have often clashed with leadership of the overwhelmingly Democratic city. Washington's city council, sensing defeat, withdrew its crime overhaul on Monday in an unsuccessful attempt to head of the Senate vote.

Right now, Best Buy is taking $20 off popular Switch games like Super Mario Odyssey and Mario Kart 8. Deal Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey Down to $40, this is an excellent chance to save on the most recent of Nintendo’s flagship Super Mario games. Great Price Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Mario Kart 8 lets you bring the classic racing game to wherever the party may be with your Nintendo Switch. Deal Nintendo Super Mario Maker 2 A Mario game designed for the most creative of fans, Super Mario Maker lets you play, create, and share your very own side-scrolling Super Mario courses. Lowest Price Nintendo Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit Nintendo Switch Set Mario Kart Live brings the classic racing game to life by letting you control a real-life Mario Kart alongside your game.

☆ Democrats are venting over Biden's 'very infuriating' position on DC crime law
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-03 | by ( Nicole Gaudiano | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Democrats are "disappointed" and angry with Biden's position on a GOP move to block a DC crime law. "If the President supports DC statehood, he should govern like it," tweeted Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez. "If the President supports DC statehood, he should govern like it," she tweeted. The resolution's passage would mark the first time the federal government has voted to overrule DC legislation in decades and undermines the campaign for DC statehood. Asked about Biden's decision, Bowman said police unions are powerful.

☆ Look inside Super Nintendo World, which just opened at Universal Studios Hollywood
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-17 | by ( Sarah Whitten | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

Mario poses at the "SUPER NINTENDO WORLD" welcome celebration at Universal Studios Hollywood on February 16, 2023 in Universal City, California. Princess Peach's castle in Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood. Mario Kart visors from Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge at Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood. Merchandise available at 1-UP Factory inside Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood. Toadstool Cafe during a media preview of Super Nintendo World theme park at Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City, California, US, on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023.

[1/5] A general view of the grand opening of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City, Los Angeles, California, U.S., February 15, 2023. The theme park world is meant to ignite interest from both new and seasoned fans of the Mario games through an immersive experience. It follows in the footsteps of its predecessor in Universal Studios Japan, also owned by the Comcast Corp (CMCSA.O) unit. Super Nintendo World will also be added to Universal Studios Florida in 2025. The opening of the park will be followed by the “Super Mario Bros” movie, which arrives in theaters on April 7 and stars “Guardians of the Galaxy” actor Chris Pratt, who voices Mario.

☆ D.C. Crime Code Overhaul, Noncitizen Voting Spark Clash With Congress
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-09 | by ( Eric Bazail-Eimil | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser had vetoed the crime bill, but the D.C. Council overturned her veto. WASHINGTON—The House passed two bills Thursday that aim to overturn recent changes to the District of Columbia’s criminal code and voter eligibility laws, using a provision in federal law that allows Congress to reject measures passed by the city’s local government. The first resolution, introduced by Rep. James Comer (R., Ky.) and other Republican lawmakers, would block the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022, which expands voting rights in local elections to residents who aren’t citizens. The bill passed 260-162, with 42 Democrats joining Republicans.

☆ Universal's new Mario Kart ride is receiving high marks, but critics say its size restrictions exclude some
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-05 | by ( Aidan Pollard | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Early reviews have praised Universal's Super Nintendo World for bringing the Mario Bros. to life. Super Mario World is set to open in Florida February 17. But its flagship Mario Kart ride has spurred backlash, because its seat-size limits riders to those with a waistline smaller than 40 inches. "Man, Universal Studios' Mario Kart ride is a bummer for those of us who don't fit the size requirements!" one user wrote.

☆ Washington D.C.'s free bus bill becomes law as zero-fare transit systems take off
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-30 | by ( Rebecca Picciotto | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

A bus is seen in Washington, DC, on December 12, 2022. - The Washington government voted to institute free bus rides for all starting in the summer of 2023. Washington, D.C., has enacted a zero-fare bus bill into law, according to the D.C. Council. Kansas City, Missouri, previously the largest city with such a law, made its own transit system zero-fare in 2019, though that city doesn't have a train system. The council officially announced the mayor's decision on Monday.

☆ At Theme Parks, You Must Be This Tall—and This Thin—to Ride
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-28 | by ( Jacob Passy | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The newest ride at Universal Studios Hollywood, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, takes visitors into the classic Nintendo game using augmented reality and animatronics. It also warns that they might not be allowed to ride if their waistline measures 40 inches or more. The ride, one of several at the California park with that admonition, illustrates how navigating theme parks has grown tougher for plus-size visitors as parks balance accessibility with heightened safety requirements.

☆ Super Nintendo World opens in Los Angeles next month with a Mario Kart-themed ride, gigantic Bowser statue, and Princess Peach cupcakes — take a look inside
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-22 | by ( Bethany Biron | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

Guests were invited to a preview of the park on January 13, where they wandered around what looks like a Super Mario Bros. game come to life. Guests explore during a preview of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios in Los Angeles, California, on January 13, 2023. Chris Delmas/AFP via Getty Images

☆ The zero-fare public transit movement is picking up momentum
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-14 | by ( Rebecca Picciotto | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

In late 2019, Kansas City, Missouri, became the first major U.S. city to approve a fare-free public transit system. The public transit crisisKansas City's bus system, called RideKC. Alexandria and Richmond in Virginia have successfully integrated fare-free transit into their annual budgets. Source: Kansas City Area Transportation AuthorityIn Kansas City, zero-fare transit has become a hallmark of life. The zero-fare bus started in December 2019 as a pilot program.

Protecting property does not typically justify the use of lethal force under Washington, D.C., law, legal and criminal justice experts said as police investigate the fatal shooting of a 13-year-old boy in Washington over the weekend. Legal experts agreed that deadly force is not a legally justifiable way to defend property, except, perhaps, in cases of self-defense or home intrusion. "I know of no law that allows for deadly force purely in the defense of property," NBC News legal analyst Danny Cevallos said. "It’s always been the case that you can’t use deadly force to protect your property." But he added that in Washington and in most of the country, the use lethal force is not allowed in defense of property.

The man who fatally shot 13-year-old Karon Blake early Saturday, in a case that has outraged some in the community, is a Washington, D.C., employee, the mayor said Wednesday. Mayor Muriel Bowser said Wednesday that the person who shot Karon is a district government employee who is not involved in public safety. Karon Blake. She said the person is on administrative leave, which is standard whenever a city employee is accused or criminally charged. The man who shot him is Black and has a concealed-carry license and a registered firearm, Contee said.

☆ Outrage mounts in D.C. after man fatally shoots boy, 13, he suspected was breaking into cars
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-10 | by ( Marlene Lenthang | Marlene Lenthang Is A Breaking News Reporter For Nbc News Digital. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +5 min

Outrage is simmering over the fatal shooting of a 13-year-old Black middle school student in Washington, D.C., by a man who suspected the teen was breaking into cars in his neighborhood. Members of the District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences investigate the crime scene of a shooting in Washington, D.C. via WRCDetectives are working with the U.S. Attorney's Office to determine any potential criminal charges. "Although he loved his neighborhood, he loved Brookland MS (the faculty & his peers) and the structure it presented to him even more,” Richardson wrote. Community groups DC Safety Squad, Ward 5 Mutual Aid and Harriet’s Wildest Dreams are demanding the release of the shooter's name and any visual evidence. In a statement, DC Safety squad said: “Karon Blake was senselessly murdered.

☆ Washington, D.C. to Overhaul Criminal Code Despite Mayor’s Objections, Council Member Says
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-05 | by ( Scott Calvert | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser objects to a proposed overhaul of the city’s criminal code, saying it wouldn’t make the city safer. A Washington, D.C. council member says officials plan to push through an overhaul of the district’s criminal code despite a veto issued Wednesday by Mayor Muriel Bowser, who said the proposed changes would weaken public safety at a time of heightened concern about crime. Council member Charles Allen, who led the public-safety committee when the district council passed the overhaul bill in November, indicated that the council would vote to override the veto. The body’s next legislative meeting is scheduled for Feb. 7, but a representative for Mr. Allen said it is possible a meeting could happen sooner.

☆ Jan. 6 transcripts detail numerous warning signs of potential for violence before Capitol attack
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-30 | by ( Ryan J. Reilly | Ryan J. Reilly Is A Justice Reporter For Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +7 min

WASHINGTON — Transcripts of interviews with law enforcement officials released this week by the Jan. 6 committee reveal the panel learned that numerous security concerns had been raised in the days leading up to the attack on the Capitol. For the most part, Jan. 6 committee leaders decided against focusing the final report on how law enforcement came to be so underprepared for the attack. The Jan. 6 committee transcripts detailed the challenges facing the FBI in the lead-up to Jan. 6. An FBI intelligence analyst raised concerns about that on New Year's Eve, as threats about Jan. 6 continued to increase. “He said it was intelligence failure," Harvin said.

☆ House Jan. 6 committee found military officials were concerned Trump would use troops to overturn the election
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-23 | by ( Brent D. Griffiths | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The House January 6 committee found evidence that top military officials had "genuine concerns" about Trump using the military to overturn the election. The revelation adds further context to why top officials were so outspoken about clarifying the military's role. "Again, at this time, there is no evidence the Department of Defense understood exactly what President Trump and his associates planned for January 6th." . . and the employment of forces, and you know, that was something that we were all, you know, conscious of," McCarthy told the committee. "They may try, but they're not going to f**king succeed," Milley told his deputies, according to the book.

☆ ‘Super Mario Bros. Movie’ trailer shows being a hero isn’t all fun and games
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-30 | by ( Marianne Garvey | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: 1 min

The new trailer comes more than a month after fans got a glimpse in a teaser trailer that lit up the internet. The upcoming movie does have lots of references to the video games, like the obstacle course in Super Mario Bros. and Mario Kart, with a visit to Rainbow Road. Princess Peach in 'Super Mario Bros. IlluminationFans also get a peek inside Peach’s castle in the movie. The “Super Mario Bros. Movie” is set for release on April 7, 2023.

☆ Former Trump deputy chief of staff Ornato, a key witness on Jan. 6, to appear before House committee
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-29 | by ( Ryan Nobles | Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Rebecca-Shabad-Circle-Byline-Template.Jpg | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

WASHINGTON — Tony Ornato, who served as deputy White House chief of staff under Donald Trump, is expected to appear Tuesday for an interview before the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol, a person familiar with the panel's plans said. Ornato is considered a key witness on the events surrounding the Capitol riot and will likely be questioned about testimony from star witness Cassidy Hutchinson, who was an aide to former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows. She said Ornato told her Trump lunged at the steering wheel of the SUV he was in, demanding to be taken down Pennsylvania Avenue to the Capitol. Officials from the Secret Service have questioned Hutchinson’s testimony, prompting the committee to bring some of them back for questioning under oath. After serving in the Trump White House, Ornato was an assistant director at the Secret Service until he left the agency in August for a job in the private sector.

WASHINGTON — Former Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway appeared Monday before investigators of the House select committee probing the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol. Conway spoke to the committee on the record, two sources familiar with her appearance said. Conway was seen entering a conference room in the O’Neill House Office Building with attorney Emmet Flood, who was a lawyer in former President Donald Trump's White House. When she left the meeting room for a break, Conway told reporters “I’m here voluntarily.” Asked when she last spoke with Trump by a reporter, Conway said he called her last week. Conway worked as a senior counselor to Trump from the beginning of his term through Aug. 2020.

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