City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
DC Council passes contested crime bIll
March 6, 2024
Morning! You can preview Metro’s new 8000-series railcar and bus designs at WMATA’s showcase on the National Mall, March 20 to April 3. The train cars will have open walkways between cars and the buses will be totally electric ⚡
What's CITY Talking About?
DC Council Passes Omnibus Crime Bill
D.C. Council passed a hotly-contested public safety package that increases the possibility of pre-trial detentions, redefines some crimes to make them easier to prosecute, and allows police to establish temporary “drug-free zones.” It will also allow the pre-trial DNA collection from people charged with certain crimes, a provision the council added back yesterday after previously removing it. Charles Allen and Brianne K. Nadeau, both facing recalls over the issue of crime, voted in favor of the bill. [Washington Post 🔒, City Cast DC 🎧]
Restaurant Revitalization Bill Passes
D.C. Council also gave the green light to a massive restaurant relief bill yesterday that will cap restaurant service fees at 20%, regulate food delivery apps, and lower the cost of liquor liability insurance. However, the council voted against an amendment that would have sped up the rollout of Initiative 82 – the voter-approved legislation that slowly phases out D.C.’s tipped minimum wage. [Washington Post 🔒]
14th St. Rezoning Push
A plan to increase the maximum height of certain buildings on upper 14th Street NW is heading to the zoning commission. The change, proposed by a group of property owners, would encourage residential and commercial development in the area between 4600 and 4700 14th St. NW. [Urban Turf]
UMD Suspends Greek Life
UMD has suspended all fraternity and sorority activities on campus following reports of multiple chapters “conducting activities that have threatened the safety and well-being of members of the university community”. The suspension is indefinite, pending an investigation. [CBS News]
Sponsored Content
Ancestral Spaces: People of African Descent
Visit Tudor Place through April 21 to experience this unique guided tour experience. Curated in collaboration with the descendant community, this multifaceted tour gives voice to the enslaved and free people who lived and worked here. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Registration recommended at tudorplace.org.
What To Do
Wednesday, March 6
- ✍️ Wordplay Wednesday at Planet Word | 5 - 8 p.m. | Free | Downtown
- 👖 Vintage Market at Dew Drop Inn | 6 - 9 p.m. | Free | Eckington
- 🎉 Spice Girls-themed Party & Fundraiser | 6 p.m. | Free | Navy Yard
Thursday, March 7
- 🎞️ Wild & Scenic Film Fest | 6:15 p.m. | $20 | Capitol Hill
- 📖 Queer Reading Night | 6 - 8 p.m. | Free | Capitol Hill
- 🍹 Born to Rum: A Look at Cocktail Culture | 6:30 p.m. | $25 | Georgetown
Friday, March 8
- 📚 Book Talk: “Wandering Stars” | 7 p.m. |$45 | McClean Gardens
- 🌳 Community Tree Planting | 8:30 a.m. | Free | Howard University
- 🤓 Awesome Con | All Day | $55+ | Mt. Vernon Square
- 🧑🎨 SHE:DC Art Show | 5 - 9 p.m. | $20 | Union Market
Today on City Cast
GambetDC, the District’s sports betting platform, is marred with issues. So much so that the city was willing to find a new contractor. But it turns out that maybe they’re too late and will have to stick with Intralot for another year. Journalist Danny Funt tells us about the whole mess.
Where To Watch Dune 2
There is a right and a wrong cinema to watch Dune 2 in the DMV. Georgetown is undeniably wrong. Here’s a chart of how all the DMV’s IMAX theaters compare.
💌 Kaela
Today’s newsletter was edited by Priyanka Tilve. News was written by Ashe Durban.
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