Welcome to The Washington D.C. Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Bonaventure buys Alexandria apartment community for $49.5 million.

• Upcoming Washington Capitals match

• A deep-dive into the life of William Howard Taft

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage."

— Anaïs Nin

Sponsored

This offer is scary good

Why bob for apples when you can get one, guaranteed? That's right, take a demo of BILL Spend & Expense and we'll give you new AirPods 4.¹

See how you can take control of overspending, prevent fraud, and close the books in record time thanks to automated expense reports.

Demo BILL² and get a pair of AirPods 4—with noise canceling—so you don't have to hear that cackling witch decoration go off for the thousandth time.

_{¹Terms and Conditions apply: See offer page for more details.}
²_{Card issued by Cross River Bank, Member FDIC, and is not a deposit product.}

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

In Washington DC, which building serves as the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States?

A) The Capitol Building

B) The Supreme Court

C) The White House

D) The Library of Congress

Answer to Week 8's Trivia:

The Washington DC museum dedicated to the history of aviation and space exploration is: A) The National Air and Space Museum

News

💼Business

Vegetarian restaurant backed by Panera founder planning first D.C. location. (Link)

McLean startup launches zero-commission online tool for buying and selling homes. (Link)

🏒Sports

Capitals snap the Stars’ season-opening winning streak at 4 with a 3-2 victory. (Link)

Fry’s 2-run homer in 10th sends Guardians to stunning 7-5 win over Yankees, close to 2-1 in ALCS. (Link)

🏦Finance

Bonaventure buys Alexandria apartment community for $49.5 million. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports Events

🏀 Boston Celtics at Washington Wizards
Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
Thursday, Oct. 24th | (More info)

🏈 Bucknell Bison at Georgetown Hoyas Football
Cooper Field, Washington, DC
Saturday, Oct. 26th | (More info)

Concerts

🎶 American Football
Howard Theatre, Washington, DC
Thursday, Oct. 24th | (More info)

🎧 MEDUZA
Echostage, Washington, DC
Friday, Oct. 25th | (More info)

Family

👨‍👩‍👧 Conscious Parenting - Kids Connection
1450 P Street Northwest #Ste 200, Washington, DC
Saturday, Oct. 26th | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Futuristic Washington DC with a network of sky bridges” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Washington D.C. Historical Events

Compromise of 1877 Ends Reconstruction - Informal deal that led to the withdrawal of federal troops from the South, affecting African Americans in D.C.

The Compromise of 1877 marked a pivotal moment in American history, effectively ending the era of Reconstruction following the Civil War. This informal, unwritten deal arose out of the disputed presidential election of 1876 between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel J. Tilden. In order to resolve the impasse and secure Hayes's presidency, a bipartisan agreement was reached. Central to this compromise was the withdrawal of federal troops from the Southern states, where they had been stationed to enforce the post-war policies and protect African Americans and their newfound rights. This decision had far-reaching implications, not just in the South but across the nation, including in Washington D.C.

In Washington D.C., the Compromise of 1877 had a nuanced impact, especially on African Americans. The capital, though not a Southern city per se, was profoundly influenced by Southern politics and attitudes towards race. The withdrawal of federal troops from the South sent a clear message about the Federal Government's stance on civil rights enforcement and the priority of national unity over individual rights. This shift in priorities was felt in D.C., where African Americans, who had seen significant advancements during Reconstruction, found those gains increasingly under threat as the federal commitment to their rights waned.

The Compromise of 1877 thus signaled the beginning of a dark era for African Americans, ushering in the age of Jim Crow laws and segregation that would last well into the 20th century. In Washington D.C., as in the South, this meant the slow erosion of the political and social advancements that African Americans had made during Reconstruction. While the city remained a symbolic beacon of freedom and democracy, the reality for its African American residents became one of disenfranchisement and increased racial discrimination. The promise of Reconstruction had been compromised, with lasting effects on the nation's capital and its African American community.

Famous People From Washington D.C.

William Howard Taft (1857–1930) - The 27th President of the United States and later the Chief Justice of the United States, served and died in Washington, D.C.

William Howard Taft was born into a prominent Cincinnati, Ohio, family. His early life was marked by academic achievement and a clear path toward public service, fostered by his family's involvement in law and politics. Taft excelled at Yale, where he graduated second in his class, before returning to Cincinnati to attend law school.

Rising Legal Career and Marriage (1878-1900)

After passing the Ohio bar, Taft quickly made a name for himself in the legal field. His career saw a rapid ascension through various judicial appointments, culminating in his appointment as Solicitor General of the United States. It was during these formative years that he married Nellie Herron, forming a partnership that would be crucial to both his personal happiness and political career.

Governor of the Philippines (1900-1904)

Taft's ability to navigate complex political waters caught the attention of President William McKinley, who appointed him as the first civilian Governor-General of the Philippines. In this role, Taft demonstrated a commitment to reform and improvement of the lives of Filipino people, earning respect from both local populations and American officials.

Secretary of War (1904-1908)

Under President Theodore Roosevelt, Taft served as Secretary of War, where he oversaw numerous projects, including the oversight of the construction of the Panama Canal. His tenure was marked by effective administration and the strengthening of American military infrastructure.

Presidency (1909-1913)

Elected as the 27th President of the United States, Taft's presidency focused on trust-busting, civil service reform, and the expansion of the United States' role on the world stage. Despite his achievements, his presidency was often overshadowed by his predecessor's larger-than-life personality and his own rifts within the Republican Party.

Post-Presidency and Law (1913-1921)

After losing the 1912 election, Taft returned to Yale as a professor of law, where he became an influential voice in legal education, advocating for the expansion and improvement of the judicial system and legal practices.

Chief Justice of the United States (1921-1930)

Taft's lifelong ambition was realized when President Warren G. Harding appointed him as Chief Justice of the United States. His tenure on the Supreme Court was characterized by efforts to reform the court system and reduce the backlog of cases. Taft is the only person to have served both as President and Chief Justice of the United States.

Connection to Washington, D.C. (Throughout Career)

Washington, D.C., played a significant role in Taft's life, serving as the backdrop for his most significant career milestones, including his presidency and tenure as Chief Justice. He was deeply integrated into the city's political and social scenes.

Retirement and Legacy (1930)

Taft retired due to health issues and passed away in Washington, D.C., in 1930. His legacy is marked by his contributions to the judiciary and his moderation in the presidency, which strikingly contrasted with the Progressive Era's fervor.

Remembering William Howard Taft (1930 and Beyond)

Taft is remembered as a man of great integrity and dedication to his country. His unique distinction of having served both as President and Chief Justice underscores his profound impact on American law and governance.

Key Achievements of William Howard Taft:

• Served as the 27th President of the United States and later as the Chief Justice of the United States.

• Played a pivotal role in the establishment of civil governance in the Philippines.

• Implemented significant antitrust legislation and promoted civil service reform during his presidency.

• Oversaw major construction projects such as the Panama Canal as Secretary of War.

• Worked to improve the efficiency of the Supreme Court and the federal judiciary system as Chief Justice.

William Howard Taft's life and career encapsulate a commitment to public service, law, and governance. His unique position as both President and Chief Justice of the United States showcases his wide-ranging impact on American society and its legal system. Taft's legacy is one of dedication, reform, and the pursuit of justice, leaving an indelible mark on the nation's history.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Yannick Lyons

Poll