The dark open secret in the mayor's office

What's CITY Talking About?

Hotly Debated Crime Bill

More than 160 people testified at D.C. Council’s public safety hearing this week to discuss Mayor Muriel Bowser’s crime bill. Those in favor want to see longer sentences and stricter pretrial release policies. Others find the bill a return to the failed “tough on crime” policies of the past. Members of D.C. Council will debate the bill and amendments in the coming weeks. [DCist]

• Related: D.C.’s rise in crime is particularly evident at Metro stations. Learn how the District is responding. [City Cast DC 🎧]

Return Of The Smog

Smoke from the Canadian wildfires has returned to D.C., putting the District’s air quality at dangerous levels, and it could get worse in the coming days. Try to limit outdoor activity and wear a mask if possible. Luckily, it's not quite as bad as the code purple we had earlier this month. [WTOP/City Cast DC 🎧]

Drug and Gun Trafficking Ring Caught

A dozen members of a violent D.C. drug-trafficking organization called the Kennedy Street Crew have been arrested. They’re accused of carrying out 19 shootings and seven murders along Kennedy Street NW between 1st Street and 12th Street. Along with the arrests, officials seized hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of drugs and more than 40 guns. [NBC4]

Take a Dip In … the Anacostia?

For the first time in 50 years, you can swim in the Anacostia River. Swimming has been illegal in D.C.’s rivers due to pollution from sewage overflow, fun! Over the past two decades, DC Water spent $2.7 billion working to keep the water clean. On July 8, there will be a one-time swim event at Kingman Island, with a quality check beforehand, don’t worry. Be sure to register. [DCist]

What To Do

🇨🇩DRC Independence Day | Thursday | 5 - 7:30 p.m.

Head to Article 15 Gallery to celebrate the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Independence Day with Congolese music, food, art, and fashion! [Free, Georgetown]

🎬 Decision to Leave | Friday | 7 - 9:30 p.m.

Check out the latest film from director Park Chan-wook at the Asian Art Museum. The dark mystery follows a married detective as he falls for a femme fatale. [Free, National Mall]

🕺Uptown Disco | Friday | 10 p.m. - 3 a.m.

Philly's Universal Cave will be mixing up rare vinyl sounds with DJ Eddy Bauer on support. The event says to expect “elite party energy.” [Free, Brightwood Park]

🧘‍♂️ Joy of African Movement | Saturday | 9 - 10 a.m.

Work out with Afro-Brazilian movements, contemporary West African dance, and kemetic yoga at the Museum of African Art. [Free, National Mall]

Today on City Cast

What the Falcicchio Saga Says About Mayor’s Office Culture

Alex Koma from City Paper broke the story on the most recent Falcicchio accusation. He tells us what’s happening and what it may say about the office culture around D.C.’s mayor.