Latest news with #Potomac
Washington Post
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
Live updates: Nationwide protests planned ahead of Trump military parade for Army's birthday
Thousands of Americans are gathering Saturday in cities across the country for an organized day of protests — dubbed 'No Kings Nationwide Day of Defiance' — ahead of President Donald Trump's grand military parade in Washington. The parade celebrates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and falls on Trump's 79th birthday. It is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. Eastern time after other festivities. Weather could be an issue both in Washington and at protests across the nation. Roads in Washington will be closed to vehicles roughly between Seventh Street NW and the Potomac and from E Street to Independence Avenue. That includes the entire area encompassing Lafayette Square, the White House, the Ellipse, the Washington Monument, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial and West Potomac Park. For more details on street, Metro and waterway closures, click here. Roads in Washington will be closed to vehicles roughly between Seventh Street NW and the Potomac and from E Street to Independence Avenue. That includes the entire area encompassing Lafayette Square, the White House, the Ellipse, the Washington Monument, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial and West Potomac Park. For more details on street, Metro and waterway closures, click here. Nearly two-thirds of American adults, 64 percent, oppose using government funds to throw a military parade to celebrate the Army's 250th anniversary on Saturday, according to a new poll from NBC News Decision Desk and SurveyMonkey. Opinions differed sharply between parties. Most Democrats and independents — 88 percent and 72 percent, respectively — said they opposed the use of government funds for the parade, while 65 percent of Republicans said they supported it. In the hours before tanks barrel down the streets of Washington for President Donald Trump's grand military parade Saturday, thousands of Americans will gather across the country in defiance of what they call his dangerous brand of authoritarianism. A little over a week ago, thousands of veterans from across the country poured onto the National Mall to rally against the Trump administration's slashing of staff throughout the government and handling of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Mentions of today's parade largely stirred frustration among the crowd. Among the event's speakers was Cecil Roberts, a sixth-generation coal miner and combat veteran of the Vietnam War.
Associated Press
14-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Benson Fischer – Restaurant Industry Veteran Launches Revolutionary Restaurant Marketing Program
Benson Fischer ZivZo, led by CEO Benson Fischer, launches its restaurant marketing program. With 40+ years of hands-on industry experience, Fischer has owned, operated, franchised, and consulted for restaurants nationwide. ZivZo's real-world expertise drives tailored marketing solutions that deliver proven results, like generating $140K in sales from a $5K campaign. As a certified Toast Partner, ZivZo empowers restaurants with strategic growth tools. Potomac, Maryland - June 13, 2025 - ZivZo, a marketing agency unlike any other, is proud to announce the official launch of its specialized restaurant marketing program, spearheaded by Founder/CEO and seasoned entrepreneur, Benson Fischer. With over four decades of unparalleled hands-on experience in the restaurant industry, Fischer brings a unique and invaluable perspective to helping restaurants thrive in today's competitive landscape. ZivZo's approach is rooted in real-world understanding, not just marketing theory. Benson Fischer's extensive background includes the design, construction, and operation of over 50 restaurants, the successful franchising of one of his concepts, and his role as an area developer/franchisee for Papa John's. He has personally navigated every facet of the restaurant business, from site selection and lease negotiations to daily operations, franchising, and even the manufacturing and national distribution of food and beverage products. This deep, comprehensive insight, further bolstered by his ownership of a commercial real estate brokerage focused on restaurant consulting, sets ZivZo apart. 'I've walked a mile in the shoes of every restaurant owner and operator,' says Benson Fischer. 'I understand the daily challenges, the operational complexities, and the critical need for effective strategies that deliver tangible results. At ZivZo, we don't just offer marketing buzzwords; we offer strategic insights and solutions specifically tailored to the unique needs of restaurants, because we've lived and breathed this industry.' ZivZo's experience directly translates into a proven track record of success. In a recent example, a struggling restaurant partnered with ZivZo for a targeted marketing intervention. After a thorough analysis of their offerings, customer base, and competitive landscape, ZivZo implemented a multifaceted marketing campaign. This campaign integrated organic and paid digital strategies, compelling video content, and a targeted email marketing program. The results were remarkable: within just 30 days, and with a modest $5,000 budget, the campaign generated over $140,000 in restaurant sales – a staggering 28X return on investment. ZivZo is eager to share the full details and results of this campaign upon request. ZivZo's new restaurant marketing program is poised to empower national, regional and local restaurant groups with the strategic guidance and effective marketing solutions they need to achieve significant growth and profitability. ZivZo is also a certified Toast Partner. About ZivZo: ZivZo is a specialized marketing agency led by CEO Benson Fischer, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 40 years of hands-on experience in the restaurant industry. ZivZo offers strategic marketing insights and solutions tailored to the unique needs of restaurants, leveraging real-world operational understanding to deliver exceptional results. Click To Learn About Benson Fischer & ZivZo's Restaurant Marketing: Media Contact Contact Person: Benson Fischer Email: Send Email Phone: (833) 948-9663 City: Washington State: DC Country: United States Website: Source: Ok Omni LLC
CTV News
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Trump plans to attend ‘Les Misérables' at the Kennedy Center after taking over the institution
WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump is set to take a seat at Wednesday's opening night of the award-winning musical 'Les Misérables' at the Kennedy Center, where he replaced the previous leadership with loyalists, had himself installed as chairman and pledged to rid the performing arts venue of programming he has complained is 'woke' and too focused on leftist ideology and political correctness. The Republican president's attendance at the sold-out showing of the Tony Award-winning tale of redemption in 19th century France comes as he has focused more than any recent predecessor on the arts centre along the Potomac River that is a memorial to a slain Democratic president. Presidents' involvement in the Kennedy Center's affairs had been limited to naming members to the board of trustees and attending the taping of its annual honours program in the fall. But after returning to office in January, Trump stunned the arts world by firing the Kennedy Center's longtime director and board and replacing them with loyalists, who then named him as chairman, and promising to overhaul its programming, management and even appearance as part of an effort to put his stamp on the national arts scene. Trump's appearance in the Opera House on Wednesday, accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, will also mark his first time at a Kennedy Center performance as president. He avoided the venue after entertainment industry pushback to his policies in his first term in office, breaking with presidential tradition by never attending the annual Kennedy Center Honors taping. His moves have upset some of the centre's patrons and performers. In March, the audience booed Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, after they slipped into upper-level seats in the Concert Hall to hear the National Symphony Orchestra. Trump appointed Usha Vance to the Kennedy Center board along with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Fox News Channel hosts Maria Bartiromo and Laura Ingraham, among other supporters. Sales of subscription packages are said to have declined since Trump's takeover, and several touring productions, including 'Hamilton,' have cancelled planned runs at the centre. Artists such as actor Issa Rae and musician Rhiannon Giddens scrapped scheduled appearances, and Kennedy Center consultants including musician Ben Folds and singer Renée Fleming have resigned. Understudies may perform Wednesday night due to boycotts by 'Les Misérables' cast members. Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has adopted a more aggressive posture toward the arts. The White House has taken steps to cancel millions of dollars in previously awarded federal humanities grants to arts and culture groups, and Trump's budget blueprint proposed eliminating the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Trump has also targeted Smithsonian museums by signing executive orders to restrict their funding and by attempting to fire the director of the National Portrait Gallery. Trump hosted the board at the White House for dinner in May and said congressional Republicans have pushed for more than US$250 million for repairs and maintenance at the Kennedy Center. He claimed that 'tremendous amounts of money' had been spent at the centre but 'they certainly didn't spend it on wallpaper, carpet or painting.' He characterized previous programming as 'out of control with rampant political propaganda' and said it featured 'some very inappropriate shows,' including a 'Marxist anti-police performance' and 'Lesbian-only Shakespeare.' Trump cited some drag show performances as a reason to take control of the centre, though next season's theater lineup includes 'Mrs. Doubtfire," which tells the story of a divorced man who disguises himself as a female nanny so he can spend time with his children. Trump also visited the Kennedy Center in March to preside over a board meeting and take a tour. The Kennedy Center, which is supported by government money and private donations, opened in 1971 and for decades has been seen as an apolitical celebration of the arts. It was first conceived in the late 1950s, during the administration of Republican President Dwight Eisenhower, who backed a bill from the Democratic-led Congress calling for a National Culture Center. In the early 1960s, Democratic President John F. Kennedy launched a fundraising initiative, and his successor, President Lyndon B. Johnson, signed into law a 1964 bill renaming the project the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. Kennedy had been assassinated the year before. Darlene Superville, The Associated Press
Associated Press
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Trump plans to attend 'Les Misérables' at the Kennedy Center after taking over the institution
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is set to take a seat at Wednesday's opening night of the award-winning musical 'Les Misérables' at the Kennedy Center, where he replaced the previous leadership with loyalists, had himself installed as chairman and pledged to rid the performing arts venue of programming he has complained is 'woke' and too focused on leftist ideology and political correctness. The Republican president's attendance at the sold-out showing of the Tony Award-winning tale of redemption in 19th century France comes as he has focused more than any recent predecessor on the arts center along the Potomac River that is a memorial to a slain Democratic president. Presidents' involvement in the Kennedy Center's affairs had been limited to naming members to the board of trustees and attending the taping of its annual honors program in the fall. But after returning to office in January, Trump stunned the arts world by firing the Kennedy Center's longtime director and board and replacing them with loyalists, who then named him as chairman, and promising to overhaul its programming, management and even appearance as part of an effort to put his stamp on the national arts scene. Trump's appearance in the Opera House on Wednesday, accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, will also mark his first time at a Kennedy Center performance as president. He avoided the venue after entertainment industry pushback to his policies in his first term in office, breaking with presidential tradition by never attending the annual Kennedy Center Honors taping. His moves have upset some of the center's patrons and performers. In March, the audience booed Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, after they slipped into upper-level seats in the Concert Hall to hear the National Symphony Orchestra. Trump appointed Usha Vance to the Kennedy Center board along with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Fox News Channel hosts Maria Bartiromo and Laura Ingraham, among other supporters. Sales of subscription packages are said to have declined since Trump's takeover, and several touring productions, including 'Hamilton,' have canceled planned runs at the center. Artists such as actor Issa Rae and musician Rhiannon Giddens scrapped scheduled appearances, and Kennedy Center consultants including musician Ben Folds and singer Renée Fleming have resigned. Understudies may perform Wednesday night due to boycotts by 'Les Misérables' cast members. Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has adopted a more aggressive posture toward the arts. The White House has taken steps to cancel millions of dollars in previously awarded federal humanities grants to arts and culture groups, and Trump's budget blueprint proposed eliminating the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Trump has also targeted Smithsonian museums by signing executive orders to restrict their funding and by attempting to fire the director of the National Portrait Gallery. Trump hosted the board at the White House for dinner in May and said congressional Republicans have pushed for more than $250 million for repairs and maintenance at the Kennedy Center. He claimed that 'tremendous amounts of money' had been spent at the center but 'they certainly didn't spend it on wallpaper, carpet or painting.' He characterized previous programming as 'out of control with rampant political propaganda' and said it featured 'some very inappropriate shows,' including a 'Marxist anti-police performance' and 'Lesbian-only Shakespeare.' Trump cited some drag show performances as a reason to take control of the center, though next season's theater lineup includes 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' which tells the story of a divorced man who disguises himself as a female nanny so he can spend time with his children. Trump also visited the Kennedy Center in March to preside over a board meeting and take a tour. The Kennedy Center, which is supported by government money and private donations, opened in 1971 and for decades has been seen as an apolitical celebration of the arts. It was first conceived in the late 1950s, during the administration of Republican President Dwight Eisenhower, who backed a bill from the Democratic-led Congress calling for a National Culture Center. In the early 1960s, Democratic President John F. Kennedy launched a fundraising initiative, and his successor, President Lyndon B. Johnson, signed into law a 1964 bill renaming the project the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. Kennedy had been assassinated the year before.
Washington Post
09-06-2025
- Washington Post
Army Ranger accused of raping, assaulting women he met on dating apps
When they first met Jonathan Batt, mostly through dating apps, it was exciting and promising, the women testified. He seemed like a good guy, a well-sculpted military officer with a killer smile who kept a boat on the Potomac River. As things turned intimate though, they said, they saw another side of Batt.
