From left: DC Black History Celebration Committee Director Chuck Hicks presents the Black History Community Service Award to Sandra Butler-Truesdale with African American Civil War Museum founder Frank Smith and Aaron Holmes present during an event at the museum in northwest D.C. on Feb. 1, 2020. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)
**FILE** From left: DC Black History Celebration Committee Director Chuck Hicks presents the Black History Community Service Award to Sandra Butler-Truesdale with African American Civil War Museum founder Frank Smith and Aaron Holmes present during an event at the museum in northwest D.C. on Feb. 1, 2020. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

Today’s Headlines – October 31, 2023

Discover DC’s Music Legacy, Battery Recycling Program, Lawsuits Spark National Debate

Good morning. Today’s newsletter covers stories from the D.C. music scene, a new battery recycling program in the District, a lawsuit against Meta (parent company of Facebook and Instagram), and a potential lawsuit to prevent former President Donald Trump from appearing on Colorado’s 2024 ballot.

Jazz historian and community organizer Rev.Dr.Sandra Butler- Truesdale passes away at 83

The Washington, D.C. music scene lost a passionate advocate and historian with the passing of Reverend Dr. Sandra Butler-Truesdale at the age of 83. Butler-Truesdale’s contributions to preserving and promoting the artistic legacies of professional musicians in the DMV area were numerous, including her founding of DC Legendary Musicians, Inc.

Battery recycling in D.C.: a step towards a circular economy and environmental protection

Starting November 1st, residents in the District of Columbia can drop off their used batteries for recycling at various locations around the city. The initiative is funded by battery makers and is the first battery recycling program in the U.S. that accepts both rechargeable and single-use batteries.

State attorneys general sue Meta for exploiting children through Facebook and Instagram’s addictive features

Maryland, Virginia, and 39 other states have filed a lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, alleging that the social media giant has been intentionally targeting children with addictive features. The lawsuit claims that Meta’s actions have violated federal laws and contributed to a youth mental health crisis.

Colorado court considers lawsuit to bar Trump from running for president in 2024

A lawsuit is being considered to prevent former President Donald Trump from appearing on Colorado’s 2024 ballot due to his alleged involvement in the U.S. Capitol attack on Jan. 6, 2021. The lawsuit is based on Section 3 of the 14th Amendment and argues that people who have participated in insurrection or rebellion after promising loyalty to the Constitution should not be able to hold office.

Desmond Barnes was born in Washington, DC. He is the son of Washington Informer Publisher Denise Barnes. He has been a part of the Washington Informer family all of his life. He helps produce Sounds Of...