🚫 The Conn Ave. bike lane is dead

What's CITY Talking About?

Record High Opioid Deaths

Opioid overdoses killed 518 Washingtonians last year, the most recorded in D.C. history. It’s the fifth consecutive year opioid deaths have increased and is a 12% jump from 2022. The majority of victims were Black men. D.C. has funneled millions in federal funding to combat the issue, but it doesn’t seem to be making a dent. [City Cast DC 🎧, Washington Post 🔒]

City Cuts Off Connecticut Ave Bike Lane

DDOT says they won’t move forward with a controversial bike lane on Connecticut Ave NW. Instead, a dedicated parking lane will be maintained on the busy street. The battle over this bike lane has gone on for over a year, with protestors arguing that removing parking spaces would destroy businesses in Cleveland Park. [NBC4/City Cast DC 🎧]

Foul Smell Leads to Factory Inquest

Ivy City residents called on the D.C. to shut down a factory after a foul smell led to concerns about toxic emissions. The company, National Engineering Company Inc., uses a multitude of potentially cancerous chemicals to make sealant for the Navy. City officials maintain the emissions pose no immediate health risks to residents. [Washington Post 🔒]

What To Do

DC Insider Trivia

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

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

1. 1981
2. 1990
3. 1998 ⭐
4. 2003

According to the National Weather Service, last month was the rainiest March in D.C. since 1998. We got almost 5 inches of rain, compared to just 1.6 inches last March. So, it’s not just you, it really is coming down out there!

Unfortunately we are going to extend that trend in April. The Capital Weather Gang is calling for 4 to 5 inches of rain this month, significantly more than normal. But luckily, most of that was in the first week of the month. Bring on the May flowers already 😤

🏆 Congratulations to Hey DC readers Michael C., Karen G., and Anthony for being the first three to respond with the correct answer.

Now Onto This Week’s Question:

What vegetable can be found on the columns in the Capitol Building?

1. Carrots
2. Corn on the cob
3. Green beans
4. Pumpkins

Today on City Cast

Slashing Metro and Childcare Funding, and Voting For Your Favorite Restaurants

Reporter Michael Pope and author Briana Thomas join the show to talk about what the D.C. budget means for the cost of child care, what the Virginia budget means for the health of our Metro system, and ways YOU can vote for D.C.’s best restaurants.