Year In Review: Top DC Stories In 2020

WASHINGTON, DC — The ongoing coronavirus pandemic dominated the attention of Patch readers throughout 2020. The story impacted all aspects of daily life in D.C., from schools and churches, to how government officials and health care providers responded.

Here are the top D.C. stories Patch covered over the last year:

Episcopal Priest A Force To Be Reckoned With After Trump Photo

An Episcopal priest ejected from a plaza outside historic St. John's Church by armored police hurling flash grenades and tear gas canisters at peaceful protesters never expected to inspire the #ForceToBeReckonedWith hashtag.

House Passes Historic DC Statehood Bill

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a historic D.C. statehood bill June 26 on a 232-180 vote. This is the first time either house of Congress has passed a bill that would make the District of Columbia a state.

DC Protester: What It's Like To Be Shot In Eye With Pepper Bullet

May 31 was the third night in a row Matthew Leo Cima, a bartender and server who lives in Adams Morgan, had participated in the protests outside the White House. It was also the night that ended with him being shot in the eye with a pepper bullet.

DC Mayor Blasts Congress Over Coronavirus Relief Package

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser blasted the $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus bill Congress passed March 25, saying it shortchanged the District by treating it as a territory and not a state.

Black Families March For Racial Justice In DC

A group of mothers and their families gathered in D.C. June 27 to demonstrate for racial justice and the Black Lives Matter movement as part of the Black Mamas March.

11-Year-Old Boy Killed In July 4th Shooting: Police

Homicide detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department investigated the fatal shooting of 11-year-old Davon McNeal following a July 4th Peace Cookout in Anacostia. Police had arrested four suspects by Sept. 1 in a case that had outraged District residents.

Coronavirus Projected To Overwhelm DC Hospitals: ProPublica Study

The D.C. Department of Health reported May 17 that nine more people have tested positive for the new coronavirus, bringing the District's total number to 31 positive cases. A ProPublica study warned that the District's hospitals would soon be overrun with patients.

Washington Redskins Name And Logo Gone After 87 Years

Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder bowed to public and corporate pressure July 13, announcing the team was getting rid of the Redskins name after 87 years with it. The sports franchise announced later that the team would be know temporarily as the Washington Football Team.

A Southeast Family Wiped Out by Coronavirus

In April, community member Marie Stone wrote about the Leake family of Southeast, who was hit hard by the coronavirus.

Being Homeless Is 'The Most Horrible Feeling In The World'

For Marcellus Phillips, experiencing homelessness is a terrible feeling. "Not having your own place, not knowing where you're going to sleep at night, not having any stability at all. It's the most horrible feeling in the world," he said.

Here are the rest of the top D.C. stories Patch covered in 2020:

• Mayor Bowser Calls Out Trump For Dividing Country
• 'Black Lives Matter' Mural To Stay; 'Defund The Police' Uncertain
• DC Officials React To Death Of George Floyd In Minneapolis
• Get Your Thanksgiving Turkey Fried; Help Feed DC's Hungry
• 2 DC Pizzerias Are Among 101 Best In America: Daily Meal
• Bowser: DC Food Shoppers Must Wear Masks Due To Coronavirus
• DC Election Results: Biden Wins District; Council Seats To Come
• Mayor Calls For Redskins To Change Name; Sued Over Street Art
• Coronavirus: DC Mayor Orders District Residents To Stay Home
• DC's Women's Homeless Shelter Feels Impact Of Coronavirus