Is it Meridian Hill or Malcolm X Park?

What's CITY Talking About?

MPD’s Proud Boy Connections

D.C. police lieutenant Shane Lamond was arrested Friday for allegedly leaking information to the leader of the Proud Boys. Lamond is accused of warning the radical right-wing group’s boss of an impending arrest and sharing other information about police efforts to protect the city against post-election violence. He was indicted on one count of obstruction of justice and three counts of making false statements. [Washington Post 🔒]

Interim Police Chief Named

Mayor Muriel Bowser has named Ashan Benedict, the current executive assistant chief of police, as the interim head of MPD. She’s still searching nationwide for a new, permanent police chief. Robert Contee, who holds the position right now, has resigned to join the FBI. His last day will be June 3. [NBC4]

• Related: Contee’s resignation comes as a key time for the MPD, with critical staff shortages and a rise in crime. We chatted about how his departure affects public safety. [City Cast DC 🎧]

No Need To Be Crabby

Last year had the lowest crab population on record, but things are looking up for the crabs (and those who like to eat them) with a 42% increase over last year. Experts say the change could be due to warmer weather and new harvest limits put in place last summer. [DCist]

That Strange Orange Haze in the Sky? It’s from Canada.

Wildfires all the way in Alberta are bringing smoke to the DMV. The smoke goes into the upper levels of the atmosphere and gets  pushed to D.C. via jet stream. But don’t worry, the smoke is only impacting the appearance of the sky— not the air quality. [WTOP]

• Related: This isn’t the first time natural disasters from afar have impacted D.C. And the last time was more recent than you might realize. [City Cast DC 🎧]

Where Is It?

Ok, D.C.! It seems like all of you enjoy a good dive bar. Yes, this is the Dew Drop Inn in Edgewood. They have some of the best (cheapest) beer and shot combos in town, and excellent hot dogs, according to reader Brett H. They are also hosting a magical fairy party tomorrow night, details below!

Nice detective work, Aisha K, Brett H., and Mary H. for being our first three correct guessers. This week's will be a little easier.

Can you tell me what and where this statue is? Bonus points if you can tell me some history about it.

What To Do

📚 Tolkien's Untold Tales | Monday | 6 - 8:30 p.m.

Explore hidden stories underlying The Lord of the Rings and learn the important role they played in Tolkien’s fantasy masterpiece. [$15, Penn Quarter]

🚜 Night On the Farm | Tuesday | 5 - 8:30 p.m.

Enjoy dinner at Common Good City Farm with local AAPI chefs using fresh picked veggies from the grounds. [$45+, Le Droit Park]

🎨 Cocktails In Watercolor | Tuesday | 6 - 8 p.m.

Join local artist Marcella Kriebel for a two-hour watercolor workshop to celebrate the season and sip seasonal cocktails. [$85, Dupont]

🧚 Faerie Party | Wednesday | 7 p.m.

There are many magical springtime holidays such as May Day, the Celtic holiday of Beltane, and the Roman Festival of Flora. Head to Dew Drop Inn to celebrate them all. [Free, Eckington]

Today on City Cast

Can D.C. Fix Its Lead Pipe Problem?

D.C. ranks in the top 10 cities for lead pipes. As environmental reporter Kayla Benjamin will tell you, that’s not an honor. But it’s also a devilishly tricky problem. Kayla joined us to lay out where things stand and what needs to happen next.