🗳️ Ranked choice voting lawsuit shot down

What's CITY Talking About?

I-83 Lawsuit Shot Down

A city judge has dismissed a lawsuit against the initiative that would bring ranked-choice voting to local elections. Initiative 83 would allow Washingtonians to rank their preferred candidates and open elections to party-unaffiliated voters. The proposal still needs to secure signatures from 5% of all registered voters by July 8 to move forward. [Washington Post 🔒]

• Related: But it’s not a sure thing that the initiative will be on the ballot in November. Ranked choice voting does have some powerful enemies in D.C. [City Cast DC 🎧]

Baltimore Bridge Fallout

Huge crane ships and thousands of workers are working to clean up the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore after it crumbled last week after being hit by a cargo ship. Maryland received $60 million in federal relief funds and lawmakers have promised to give aid to workers who will be affected by the port closure. [🔒 Washington Post, WAMU]

Murder at Cannabis Shop

A local rapper, Phil Da Phuture, was shot and killed during a robbery at a weed gifting shop in Northwest last week. Suspects stole $2,500 cash and $1,900 during the robbery, and are still at large. [The Outlaw Report]

• Related: D.C.’s marijuana culture is constantly changing, and with new shops popping up seemingly every week, many Washingtonians are questioning whether or not they are good for the city. [City Cast DC 🎧]

Where Is It?

First, where was last week’s photo?

This was an expert-level “Where Is It,” but you all came through. This is the orangery room at Dumbarton Oaks.

The estate was once owned by Mildred Dumbarton (a laxative heiress) and Robert Woods Bliss (a U.S. diplomat). Both were collectors and philanthropists. Their home is full of gems, but the crown jewel is the garden – 54 acres of pristinely planned and groomed English-style grounds.

Spring is the perfect time to visit as all the flowers are in peak bloom. Here’s what to know before you go.

🏅Nice work, Susan W., Diane A., and Brelynn K. for guessing correctly first!

Now, onto this week’s challenge:

Sticking with the greenhouse theme - where is this garden-core drinking establishment located? Bonus points if you tell me your favorite thing to get there.

What To Do

Today on City Cast

Your Guide to April in DC

April in D.C. is about more than just cherry blossoms. The City Cast DC crew has recommendations for upcoming festivals, celebrations, and new ways to explore the city.