Should DC call in the National Guard?

What's CITY Talking About?

National Guard Intervention In DC?

In a press release about rising crime, Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White suggested the city call in the National Guard to assist MPD. The Deputy Mayor for Public Safety responded that the city is focused on attracting and retaining more police officers. Meanwhile, the D.C. Police Union blamed D.C. Council’s emergency police reforms for the staff shortages. [DCist]

Demystifying Service Fees

D.C.’s Attorney General released new guidelines to increase transparency around restaurant service fees. Restaurants must clarify if the money goes toward base wages or is distributed on top of wages, like a tip. The new guidance also requires them to display fees more prominently on menus. [Washingtonian]

• Related: Extra fees are the new norm of dining in D.C, so should you still tip? [City Cast DC 🎧]

Metro Skips Trainings

Metro is skipping employee trainings and certifying rail operators without the required testing, according to the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission. The regulatory agency flagged similar concerns last year, which resulted in an operator shortage and key resignations. The report could delay Metro’s planned return to automatic train operations this year. [Washington Post 🔒]

What To Do

🎶 Summer in the Park | Thursday | 6 - 8 p.m.

This weekly summer party in Rock Creek Park will feature DJ Lance Reynolds, plus family games and activities. [Free, Rock Creek Park]

😂  Zine Launch | Thursday | 6 p.m.

This zine launch at Rhizome DC will have an open mic upstairs and a dance party downstairs. [$8, Takoma]

🎣  Fridays Are For Fishing | Friday | 5 - 8 p.m.

Learn to fish across from Nats Stadium. Bait, tackle, and rods will be provided, and there will be staff to help catch your white whale. [Free, Navy Yard]

📚 National Book Fest | Saturday | All Day

The Library of Congress is hosting its annual book festival with free author talks, signings, and literary activities. [Free, Mt. Vernon Square]

Today on City Cast

Should We Keep the DC Height Act?

Thanks to a law that’s more than a century old, D.C. is flat as a pancake (and we’re here for it). But we’re in the midst of another conversation about tinkering with D.C. Height Act. WTOP’s Luke Garrett breaks it down.