📹 The new devices monitoring your driving

What's CITY Talking About?

New Traffic Safety Monitoring

Beginning tomorrow, D.C. will use new mobile traffic safety devices equipped with laser scanners to combat distracted driving, speeding, and seat belt violations. The devices are mounted on trailers and detect cellphone use and monitor drivers’ eye movement, issuing flash warnings for violators. [WTOP]

Mayor Bowser Leans Into Enforcement

Mayor Muriel Bowser has proposed new legislation with stricter prosecution for violent offenses and limiting diversion programs for gun charges among young offenders. The move comes in response to rising violence and truancy rates in the District, but critics argue that the programs could exacerbate underlying issues without addressing root causes or providing enough supportive interventions. [Washington Post 🔒]

Lawsuit Targets Prison Education Denials

Incarcerated D.C. students are being denied education by the city and Federal Bureau of Prisons, according to a new lawsuit filed by two Washingtonians serving sentences in BOP facilities. The plaintiffs allege they’ve been deprived of access to high school diploma programs and special education services while incarcerated, violating their Fifth Amendment rights and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. [Washington City Paper]

• Related: Why D.C. residents are in prisons across the U.S. [City Cast DC 🎧]

What To Do

DC Insider Trivia

First, Let’s Answer Last Week’s Question:

What unassuming D.C. bar was once the first Toys R Us ever?

• Madam’s Organ ⭐
• Players Club
• Dew Drop Inn
• The Fox and Hounds

Before becoming a bluesy watering hole, 2461 18th Street NW was home to the National Sports Shop, an establishment that primarily sold and repaired bicycles. It was there that Charles Lazarus began selling baby furniture out of his parents’ shop.

By mere happenstance and a bit of market savvy, the store was transformed into the National Baby Shop in 1952 and eventually evolved into the beloved retail chain Toys R Us. Lazarus was even the highest paid CEO in the country at one point.

Of course, the Toys R Us moved on to larger locations eventually. Madam’s Organ opened on Halloween of 1992. I like to imagine that the kids who once played with a Toys R Us product from the original location are now sipping cocktails there.

🏆 Congratulations to Hey DC readers Chris R., Shaquita E., and Mackenzie C. for the first three to respond with the correct answer.

Now Onto This Week’s Question:

When was the last time the DMV saw this much March rainfall?

1. 1981
2. 1990
3. 1998
4. 2003

Today on City Cast

Brazen Budget Cuts, James Beard Nominations, and a Russian Spy Chef

We’re breaking down the 2025 budget with City Paper’s Alex Koma, and Washingtonian’s Jessica Sidman joins us to talk about D.C.’s nominees for the James Beard awards — and a crazy spy story at a local Russian restaurant.