🧑‍🍳 One year in, was I-82 a mistake?

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Details on Bowser’s Golf Trip

Last month, Mayor Bowser went to the very expensive Masters golf tournament for a “sports and economic development visit.” D.C. development company EDENS fronted the travel expenses with the expectation that it would be reimbursed by Events DC. But sources say they are still waiting on invoices for the trip. It’s still unclear what benefit this trip might have for D.C. [Washington City Paper]

Purple Line Gaining Traction

Metro said the Purple Line is FINALLY making progress. Station construction is underway for the above-ground light-rail line on Connecticut Ave, Lyttonsville, and College Park, while track installation has begun throughout the route. Officials expect the Purple Line to be open for service in winter 2027. We’ll believe it when we see it. [DC News Now]

• The Purple Line is meant to help connect east and west D.C. but has been in the works for decades. [City Cast DC 🎧]

Viral DC TikToker Returns Money Raised for Houseless Man

A college student who raised nearly half a million dollars for a local houseless man returned all the money after troubles obtaining an ID for the man. Sanai Graden started a GoFundMe after TikToks of her helping a man in need went viral last year. Graden decided to return the money to donors after she lost contact with the man she was trying to help. [Washington Post 🔒]

Brookland Bear Sighting

A black bear – affectionately nicknamed “Otis” – was spotted in Brookland earlier this week. A resident saw the bear and reported it to the Humane Rescue Alliance while on a walk. You know what they say: “If it’s black, fight back. If it’s brown, lay down.” [DC News Now]

• Related: Why are bears popping up across the DMV? [City Cast DC 🎧] 

What To Do

Today on City Cast

One Year In, Was I-82 a Mistake?

It’s been a year since D.C. voters passed I-82, a referendum to phase out the tipped minimum wage. The transition has been rough, largely because no one agrees on what the new normal should be. Washingtonian’s Jessica Sidman is here to walk us through I-82’s fallout and what it means for customers.