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2023 RAMMY’s Nominees Announced at Food, Spirits, Fun-Filled Event

The 2023 RAMMY’s Nominations event at Hamilton Live DC on 14th Street NW, had an abundance of craft cocktails, exquisite nibbles to taste, wine, spirits and beverages to sip, and bites such as spicy tuna on cucumber and crab cakes— a show-stopping crowd favorite— circulating the room. With the sounds of DJ 100 pinning hot dance tracks and the celebratory vibe as nominees were announced by NBC Washington anchor Jummy Olabanji, the nominations event was a perfect preview to what’s in store for the 41st RAMMY Awards Gala.

“Mark your calendars for the RAMMY Awards Gala, which returns on Sunday, July 9,” said Shawn Townsend, president and CEO of Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW). “We’ll recognize all of you, our region’s incredible restaurant and food service industry at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center with our partners at Events DC.”

Voting for public categories opened today and can be submitted on the NBC Washington website until May 31.

With many of their food and drinks offered around the room, nominees for New Restaurant of the Year include: Barry Ivy,

Causa | Amazonia, Nama Ko, Opal and Rania and Cocktail Program of the year nominees are: Jane Jane, Salt, Service Bar, Silver Lyan, and The Green Zone.

“I want to thank some of the 2023 finalists for New Restaurant of the Year and Cocktail Program of the Year, who are sampling bites, spirits and cocktails and other delicious things here tonight,” Townsend said. For the full list of nominees visit: www.ramw.org. Read the full story on www.washingtoninformer.com. WI

Despite Controversy LSU Will Accept White House Invitation

Louisiana State University’s (LSU) Angel Reese’s celebratory NCAA tournament post-game gesture and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden’s invitation to both the winning team and runners up has sparked a conversation about double standards. \

As the final seconds ticked off the clock in LSU’s dominating 102-85 victory over Iowa, Reese waved her hand in front of her face, stared at Iowa guard Caitlin Clark, and pointed towards her ring finger.

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Reese made it clear; she was the one going home with the championship ring.

For all the trash-talking and lack of sportsmanship on Clark’s part, Reese received the backlash from commentators including longtime sportscaster and former MSNBC anchor Keith Olbermann.

Olbermann called Reese a “f-ing idiot,” while others called her a hoodrat.

The response was telling.

Then, after the win and Reese’s highly debated gesture, the first lady alluded that both LSU and Iowa should get an invite to the White House– an invitation generally limited to the winning team.

“I know we'll have the champions come to the White House; we always do. So, we hope LSU will come,’" the First lady said, according to NPR. "But, you know, I'm going to tell Joe I think Iowa should come too, because they played such a good game."

In this case, the focus was on double standards, as historically solely winners come, but when the victorious team was predominantly Black, the First Lady extended an invitation to both.

While Reese first claimed she and the team would not accept Biden’s invitation, LSU and the basketball star have since said they would certainly accept an opportunity to attend the White House. WI

Families That File Taxes Can Earn a Basic Monthly Income

With the tax filing deadline soon approaching, D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen (D-Ward 6) is reminding D.C. residents, especially those with children and an annual household income below $60,000, to file their taxes. Doing so automatically enrolls them in the District’s monthly basic income program, through which they can receive monthly checks between $50 and $250.

In 2021, the D.C. Council approved Allen, Ward 1 D.C. Councilmember Brianne Nadeau (D) and Ward 4 D.C. Councilmember Janeese Lewis George’s (D) Homes and Hearts Amendment Act, which establishes the D.C.’s monthly basic income program. This year, the District dedicated $30 million toward this endeavor. That means that low-income families who file taxes and receive the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) can earn between $50 and $250 extra in monthly payments.

In a few years, the District’s matching funds will grow to $50 million, or up to $500 per month for each qualifying household. Earlier this year, the D.C. Office of the Chief Financial Officer estimated that nearly 35,000 D.C. households that already benefit from the EITC stand to receive the monthly basic income program -- if they file taxes on or before April 18.

With the federal government having recently brought Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) allocations back to pre-pandemic levels, this program starts just in time for some families

“This has the potential to be one of the most important policies to go into effect in years in the District,” Allen said. “This isn’t a pilot program or an experiment. We know providing extra funds to families who have desperately few resources can have enormous benefits for everyone.” WI

DMV’s Music Scene Gets Litty, Celebrating Legends, Rising Stars

By WI Bridge Staff

The 35th Annual Wammie Music Awards, presented by The MusicianShip, just wrapped up, and let us tell you, it was straight fire! “The Hitmakers Ball” went down on April 1st at Capital Turnaround, with WUSA 9’s Allison Seymour and Darren Haynes hosting the lit event. The 900-seat venue was completely sold out and buzzin’ with excitement as the DMV’s music scene came together to celebrate the Wammie Winners and flex their fits on the red carpet.

The @wammiesdc socials were poppin’ with tags and posts of everyone flexin’ their drip and showing love to the winners. The DMV music fam played a major role in deciding the Wammie winners, with over 1,000 public nominations and around 20,000 votes. The top 5 most nominated awards included Best Music Video, Best Hip-Hop Song, Best Pop Song, Best R&B/Soul Song, and Best Rap Song. In total, 51 Wammie Awards were announced.

The night also honored some serious game-changers in the DMV music scene with special community awards, including Lifetime Achievement Award, Hitmaker

Read the full story on www.wibridgedc.com or scan the QR Code. WI

THE DC EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (DC EITC) is a special tax break, based on the federal EIC, designed specifically for low- and moderate-income workers.

NEW THIS YEAR, the DC EITC has been increased to 70% of the federal EIC. Additionally, individuals with qualifying children receiving the DC EITC will be paid differently than in previous years.

● Taxpayers will receive a refund equal to 40% of their federal EIC as usual after their return is processed.

● The balance of the EITC will be paid in equal monthly installments over the next 11 months.