⛺ Pro-Palestine encampment reassembles

What's CITY Talking About?

Pro-Palestine Encampment Reassembles

Almost 200 pro-Palestine protesters gathered on F Street NW outside the George Washington University admin offices last night, pitching nine tents. The demonstration comes just one day after police cleared an encampment on campus and arrested 33 people. Since then, GW has fenced off almost all its outdoor spaces. And, last night, more than 100 police blocked off F Street NW. [X/GW Hatchet]

GW Parents Demand Resignations

A group of parents wrote to George Washington University’s board, demanding the resignations of the university president and provost for how they dealt with the pro-Palestine encampment. The parents also asked for the “release of all students arrested for peacefully protesting,” the reversal of any suspensions, and that the school allows students to make up final exams. [WJLA]

Harassment Payout for Falcicchio Staffers

D.C. reached settlements with two women who were sexually harassed by former deputy mayor John Falcicchio. One woman got a payout of several hundred thousand, and both were allowed to keep their government salaries and benefits.

• RELATED: Falcicchio abruptly resigned following the allegations last year, casting doubt on the mayor’s team. [NBC4, City Cast DC 🎧]

Critics Slam Bowser’s Green Cuts

Lawmakers and environmental advocates criticized Mayor Bowser’s “short-sighted” decision to redirect $182 million from D.C. clean energy projects to fill the city’s budget gaps. An initiative to switch low-income families to cheaper electric appliances is on the chopping block, as well as many other green programs. Bowser claims that green initiatives are raising energy costs in a tight budget year, but critics say these cuts could set the city’s green initiatives back “years.” [Washington City Paper]

What To Do

DC Insider Trivia

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

What is D.C.’s oldest restaurant/bar?

1. The Bier Baron
2. Old Ebbitt Grill ⭐
3. Iron Gate
4. Dew Drop Inn

Yes! Old Ebbitt Grill is the oldest saloon in D.C. It was founded in 1856 when innkeeper William E. Ebbitt bought a boarding house in what was most likely the edge of present-day Chinatown. The boarding house's guest list boasted names of almost a dozen different presidents, military heroes, and famous statesmen.

As the years passed, it moved to many new locations. But in 1983, it moved to its current location on 15th Street NW to the Beaux-Arts building that was once an old theater.

The craziest part? It’s shockingly delicious! It even made it onto our list of “Tourist Traps That Are Actually Good.” Their seafood is the star of the show (get the oysters and calamari!), but they also make a decent steak and burger. Just be sure to reserve your spot because it gets slammed in the summer!

🏆 Congratulations to Hey DC readers Joan L., Bernae G., and Will R. for being the first three to respond with the correct answer!

Now Onto This Week’s Question:

D.C. has a lot of strange laws. Which of the following is NOT illegal in D.C.?

1. Posting a public notice that calls another person a 'coward' for refusing to accept a duel.
2. Small boys throwing stones, at any time, in any place in D.C.
3. Fishing while driving across a bridge.
4. Giving a false weather report.

Today on City Cast

Revamping Chinatown, MPD vs Protesters, and Uber Wait Times

We’re talking about a big plan for D.C.’s Chinatown, the controversy over D.C. police clearing the pro-Palestine encampment, and the cost of Uber.

Pssst! Like our podcast? Vote for us as “Best Local Podcast” in Washington City Paper’s “Best of DC 2024” competition.