The Transformers fought a DC committee yesterday

What's CITY Talking About?

Bowser’s Got a Plan

Mayor Bowser awarded the Downtown BID $200,000 to create a “Downtown Action Plan” that will hopefully boost the area’s economy. They’ll be looking to build out more public spaces and retail and maybe also some more office-to-residential conversions. It’s all part of Bowser’s attempt to lure residents back downtown and stop the neighborhood’s declining tax revenue. The Downtown BID and its partners will study what’s driving population and economic trends in the area and deliver proposals to Bowser this fall. [Washington Post 🔒]

Lawsuit Against Pride Books

Three families are suing the Montgomery County Board of Education over pride-related books. The plaintiffs say the pride books are inappropriate for kids pre-K to fifth grade and run counter to their Christian and Muslim religious beliefs. The lawsuit argues that the school system is violating the 1st and 14th amendments, along with a Maryland state law that allows parents to opt their students out of sex ed. [WTOP]

Amsterdam Falafel Closes for Good

dcAfter 18 years of dishing out Adams Morgan’s best falafel, Amsterdam Falafel is closing tomorrow. “The Falafelshop was our child. The community loved it and allowed it to grow beyond anything we could have anticipated,” said the owners. They added they were sad to see it close. “It gave us so much joy, and allowed us to build relationships with amazing people.” With Amsterdam Falafel closing, where are you going to get your falafel fix? [Hey DC]

What To Do

🕺🏿 Clean Up, Get Down | Friday | 9 p.m. - 3 a.m.

Come out for a night of house music by local DJs in support of Potomac Riverkeeper Network at Sudhouse. [$10, U Street]

🎡 Viva Vienna | Saturday - Monday | All Day

This fair has a midway and activities for the kids, as well as a beer garden and BBQ for the adults. [Free, Vienna]

🎨 Black is Beautiful Art Market | Saturday | 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

This "Little Mermaid"-themed art market at Metrobar will have black women artist vendors, DJs, and live painting. [Free, Edgewood]

🛍️ AANHPI Pop-up | Saturday | 12 - 5 p.m.

Celebrate AANHPI Month at this pop-up market with local makers selling unique goods and crafts, food, and live henna body art. [Free, 14th Street]

📗 Zine Workshop | Saturday | 2 p.m.

Learn to make your very own zine on anything you want, with local artist Sierra Barnes at Fantom Comics. [Free, Dupont]

🛼  Afro-Caribbean Roller Night | Saturday | 5 - 10 p.m.

Head to the roller skate pavilion at Anacostia Park and skate along to local DJs with your neighbors. [Free, Anacostia]

🪦 Forgotten Women of Arlington | Saturday | 9 - 11 p.m.

Sure, you’ve been to Arlington Cemetery, but have you ever visited the nurses section? Or the female war correspondents? Join a Tour of Her Own to learn about the women of Arlington Cemetery. [$40, Arlington]

🎺 National Memorial Day Concert | Sunday | 8 p.m.

Head to the Capitol for this nationally streamed concert commemorating the country’s veterans. [Free, Capitol Hill]

🎭 AYA Art Exchange | Monday | 6 - 9 p.m.

Eaton House is hosting this performance night showcasing Black, queer, and trans performers in the DMV. [$8, Downtown]

🎤 Indigo de Souza | Monday | 7 p.m.

One of my new favorite artists, Indigo de Souza’s soft-spoken indie tunes hit some seriously intimate and challenging topics. [$25, U Street Corridor]

Today on City Cast

Moon Rabbit Closure, MPD Arrest, and Proposed Election Changes

One of D.C.’s top restaurants, Moon Rabbit, abruptly shut down Monday under mysterious circumstances. It turns out it's an issue that has to do with unions, money, and culture, and Washington Post reporter Tim Carman walks us through it. Plus, we cover D.C.’s embrace of ranked choice voting, and the scary specter of extremists on D.C.’s police force.