Your guide to DC Fringe Festival

What's CITY Talking About?

Questioning Police as Crisis Responders

The ACLU is suing D.C. over its protocol of sending police officers as “default first responders” for people experiencing mental health crises. The lawsuit claims the policy unnecessarily escalates the situation and also discriminates against people with mental health disabilities by denying them access to appropriate emergency care. [Washington Post 🔒]

Legacy of Famous 1984 DC Murder

The six living men (of eight) convicted of the murder and rape of Catherine Fuller in 1984 are fighting for their innocence. Even though they have been released after decades-long sentences, they want their records formally expunged and for the government to admit it's wrongdoings from the trial. [Washington Post 🔒]

• Related: We discussed the full, infamous case of Catherine Fuller’s murder and the dubious investigation that followed. [City Cast DC 🎧]

Grass is Greener

Cannabis sales in Maryland surpassed $10 million last weekend after becoming legal for adult recreational use on July 1. That’s over $6 million more than the same time in 2022, when only medical marijuana was allowed. [WTOP]

• Related: “Legalization” doesn’t mean anything goes. Here’s what’s allowed and what’s not in Maryland now. [City Cast DC 🎧]

What To Do

🎵 Memorias de agua | Friday | 6 - 8:30 p.m.

This concert celebrates the enduring African legacy in Caribbean music and dance. A short film will be followed by performers from Cuba, Puerto Rico, and New York. [Free, National Mall]

🌿 Invasive Ivy Removal | Saturday | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Head to Missionaries of Charity to remove invasive English Ivy from the old trees on the property. [Free, Woodridge]

🧘 Free Yoga | Saturday | 10 a.m.

Equinox is hosting free biweekly outdoor yoga classes on the Great Lawn to get you moving and mindful. [Free, Tenleytown]

🍅 The Summer Doldrums | Saturday | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Join the garden team at the Anacostia Community Museum to learn about summer soil work and how to help plants thrive in the hottest of summers. [Free, Anacostia]

👙 SPLASH | Saturday | 12 - 3 p.m.

Take part in the first sanctioned swim in the Anacostia River in over 50 years! [Free, Anacostia]

👟 Sneaker Con | Saturday - Sunday | 12 - 7 p.m.

There will be more than 350 sneaker vendors at this convention. Buy, sell, and immerse yourself in all things sneakers. [$30+, Mt. Vernon]

🪐 Return of the Jedi Screening | Saturday | 8 p.m.

The National Symphony Orchestra will perform the iconic score from Return of the Jedi live with the film. [$30, Vienna]

🕺🏼 Doo-Wop in DC | Sunday | 1 - 4 p.m.

Head to MLK Library for this discussion and dance showcase on the history of Doo-Wop in the District. [Free, Penn Quarter]

🏆 RAMMYS 2023 | Sunday | 6 p.m. - 12 a.m.

The D.C. region’s biggest night for restaurants is back. Watch the nominations then dance and drink the night away. [$325, Mt. Vernon]

Today on City Cast

Cheap Air Filters, Best Local Ice Cream, and Branded Metro Cars

The team is here to discuss if Metro’s new branding strategy is working. Also, the Canadian wildfires are likely to keep smogging up our air on and off through October, so we’re talking cheap air filter alternatives. Plus, we’re ranking the best ice cream spots in the DMV.