🚨 Local cop acquitted of murder

What's CITY Talking About?

Cop Acquittal Causes Courtroom Chaos

The Prince George’s County police officer charged with murder for shooting a handcuffed man was found not guilty. People in the courtroom reacted to the verdict by shouting, collapsing, vomiting, and someone was even punched unconscious. The officer was PG County’s first to be charged with murder while in uniform. [Washington Post 🔒]

• Related: MPD has been having an issue with firing bad cops. It’s a complicated tale of public safety, organized labor, and how the city government works. [City Cast DC 🎧]

New Potomac Bridge Underway

Virginia is getting $729 million in federal funding to finance several train projects, including a two-track rail bridge between Arlington and D.C. The Long Bridge project will double Amtrak’s capacity and increase VRE commuter train service from Fredericksburg by 75%. Construction is expected to be complete by 2030. [DCist]

Is the Rise in Crime Shutting Down Restaurants?

D.C. restaurants are closing with abandon: Flora Flora, Great Wall Szechuan House, Ollie’s Trolley, Brine, and Buttercream Bakeshop to name a few. Many cite crime as the reason why. What exactly is going on and how much validity is there to these claims? [City Cast DC 🎧]

Where Is It?

First, where was last week’s photo?

Yes, these are the National Capitol Columns at the National Arboretum. They were built for the original Capitol building but didn’t stay long because they were too small for the dome. They were moved to the arboretum in the 1980s per the wish of Arboretum benefactress Ethel Garrett.

🏅 Nice work, Hannes B., Tiana T., and Tia R. for being the first three to guess the photo correctly! And thank you all for the great tidbits you sent in about this place. Here are some favorites:

“These columns were part of the East Portico of the original Capitol Building in 1828. But when the Capitol dome was completed later, the dome was too large to be supported by them.” - Danyelle H.

“I proposed to my wife here!” - Corey G.

“The columns surrounding the reflecting pool are set on a foundation made from the former Capitol steps! I go here at least once a year to have a picnic.” - Kiara H.

Now, onto this week’s challenge:

We are going allll the way to the other side of town. Can you tell me where this photo was taken? As always, bonus points if you can tell me any history or stories about the place!

P.S. Have a picture that would make a good picture for “Where Is It”? Send it along!

What To Do

Today on City Cast

Is Crime to Blame for Recent Restaurant Closures?

Is rising crime driving D.C. restaurants out of business? That’s what some recently closed eateries say — but the stats are less clear. The man behind the popular Eat DC account is here to explain what’s up.