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Washington D.C. Spends Hundreds of Thousands on “Black Lives Matter” Street Art Amidst Soaring Crime Rates

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The Washington, D.C., government has reportedly spent $271,231 refurbishing the “Black Lives Matter” street mural in the city, drawing criticism as crime rates surge. The infamous mural, initially painted by Democrat Mayor Muriel Bowser in June 2020 during BLM protests, saw taxpayer funds allocated for its recent touch-up, including $217,680 in labor costs and $53,551 in paint supplies, according to reports from Fox News.

In a startling revelation, documents obtained by Judicial Watch have exposed the exorbitant expenses tied to Washington, D.C.’s ‘Black Lives Matter’ street mural refurbishment. Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton didn’t mince words, slamming city leaders for what he deemed the ‘waste’ of $270,000 in taxpayer money. The controversy unfolds as crime in the city skyrockets, prompting questions about priorities.

The city’s choice of D.C.-based vendor Equus Striping for the mural project raises eyebrows, especially considering the questionable allocation of funds. The company documented the mural’s makeover on its Facebook page, showcasing the process from preparation to completion. What adds fuel to the fire is that this project took shape against the backdrop of D.C. cutting millions from its police budget since 2020, resulting in a staggering reduction of 400 officers from three years prior.

As crime rates surge in the nation’s capital, a fierce battle ensues between Congress and the D.C. Council over crime proposals. Democratic D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson attempts to downplay the crisis, but stark statistics tell a different story.

Homicides spike by 34%, robberies soar by 68%, motor vehicle theft skyrockets by 93%, and arson flames up by a shocking 125%, all by November 28, 2022. The overall surge in violent crime stands at a disconcerting 40%, with a 27% increase in total crime compared to the same period last year.

Amidst the grim numbers, Councilmember Trayon White Sr. breaks ranks with a call to declare an emergency and possibly deploy the National Guard to quell the rising crime wave. The ongoing clash highlights the intricate challenges faced by D.C. leaders, juggling public safety concerns, resource allocation, and the well-being of the community.

In the midst of escalating crime, the allocation of funds to a mural raises questions about the city’s commitment to genuine solutions and the safety of its residents.

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Immigration

New York City Mayor Eric Adams Announces End to Controversial Migrant Debit Card Program

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The world is watching in amazement as so much is changing incredibly quickly once former President Donald Trump was re-elected. Among the decisive actions was progressive Democrat New York City Mayor Eric Adams announcing he will end its contentious migrant voucher program, which provided prepaid debit cards worth up to $18,500 for migrant families.

The decision was announced Thursday by City Hall, and comes as Mayor Eric Adams has taken a more critical stance toward the city’s migrant policies and has shown openness to collaborating with former President Donald Trump on immigration reforms.

The Daily Mail reports that the program, which distributed over $3.2 million in total cash value to around 2,600 families, aimed to assist migrant households in purchasing necessities. Initially, the program was designed to cover expenses at supermarkets and bodegas; a family of four with two children could receive up to $350 per week, depending on the children’s ages.

However, the program’s future grew uncertain after City Comptroller Brad Lander removed Adams’s authority to make no-bid contracts for emergency initiatives, such as the $400,000 contract granted to the financial services company MoCaFi to operate the program, adds the Daily Mail. William Fowler, a spokesperson for City Hall, confirmed that the program will end at the close of the year but left open the possibility that it could be restarted in the future—though this time through an open bidding process.

Critics of the program, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott and rapper 50 Cent, questioned why resources were allocated to migrants over struggling New Yorkers. Abbott labeled the initiative “insanity,” arguing it misplaces the city’s priorities. 50 Cent, originally from Queens, expressed his confusion on Instagram, posting, “WTF Mayor Adams call my phone…maybe TRUMP is the answer.”

Supporters of the voucher program argue that the initiative offsets strain on local resources caused by the recent surge in migrants, allowing families to spend money directly in local stores rather than the city providing boxed food and supplies. Adams has defended the program, claiming it saves New York City $600,000 a month, or $7.2 million annually, by redirecting funds into the local economy.

Joseph Borelli, the City Council’s Republican minority leader, acknowledged that the city does save some funds through this model but questioned the overall spending on migrant support, particularly as it becomes a growing political issue.

Fowler added, “We will continue to implement and learn from innovative pilot programs like the immediate response cards program as we care for hundreds of new arrivals every week.”

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