🚗 DC doubles down on dangerous drivers

What's CITY Talking About?

Traffic Law Racing to Finish

D.C. Council passed a $77 million bill on Tuesday to allow harsher punishment for dangerous drivers. The legislation would create a point system for repeat offenders and allow the city to sue drivers from outside the city. It’s currently pending mayoral and congressional approval. [Washington Post 🔒]

• D.C. had 52 traffic fatalities last year. Is this bill the answer? [City Cast DC 🎧]

Castón Appointed to Sentencing Commission

On Tuesday, Joel Castón became the first formerly incarcerated person appointed to D.C.’s criminal sentencing commission. Castón served 27 years for murder and was elected to Ward 7’s ANC before his release in 2021. Supporters of the appointment say incarcerated perspectives add valuable diversity to the commission. [WTOP]

Potomac Yard Not Ready for Prime Time

A new report says the Potomac Yard Metro station can’t handle the thousands of fans that Monumental Sports arena would bring. The necessary expansion would cost up to $70 million to ensure post-game wait times stay under an hour. [WTOP]

Black History Month Spotlight: Art & Museums

For our last Black History Month segment, we’re highlighting local exhibits that provide insight and inspiration on the Black experience, both local and national. Make sure to check out our full list of BHM activities.

Hirshhorn: Simone Leigh (National Mall):

Simone Leigh’s work landed at the Hirshhorn Museum last year and will depart on March 3. The Chicago-born artist is best known for her stunning bronze sculptures that explore the experiences of Black women across the diaspora, particularly Black women at work.

Art of Noize Gallery (Petworth):

This small Black-owned art gallery in Petworth showcases Black, local artists and hosts community events. The current exhibition "F is For February,” features D.C.-based artists BUCK! Herring and Alanzo Robles-Gordon.

Phillips@THEARC: To The East (Anacostia):

This exhibition presents 40 photographs that feature the work of artists who created the earliest documented murals on the east side of D.C. in the 1970s-90s. Today is the last day to see “To The East,” but the museum is offering other BHM programming throughout the month.

NMAA: Five Murmurations (National Mall):

This visual essay by artist and filmmaker John Akomfrah addresses the global COVID-19 pandemic, murder of George Floyd, and worldwide protests in support of Black Lives Matter. It also considers Akomfrah’s insights into post-colonialism, diasporic experience, and memory.

NMAAHC: Black History Month Programing (National Mall):

The National Museum of African American History and Culture has permanent exhibits on display with pieces by renowned Black artists. But, it's also hosting several events this month from chef talks to printmaking workshops.

What To Do

Today on City Cast

What DC’s New Environmental Laws Mean For You

A bunch of new environmental proposals in D.C. could change the way you drive, bike, and even cook. Jacob Fenston from WAMU is here to give us the lay of the land.