🚨 MPD drone program draws critics

What's CITY Talking About?

New Laws in Order

There are a host of new laws going into effect in the DMV on July 1, including moving D.C.’s minimum wage from $17 to $17.50 per hour. In Maryland, new laws will allow retail alcohol delivery and regulate ticket resales. Virginia finally repealed a law that allowed emancipated minors to get married. [WTOP]

More Questions Over Falcicchio Investigation

A city council hearing revealed more missteps by the mayor’s office in their investigation of sexual misconduct allegations against John Falcicchio. The mayor’s lawyers admitted to neglecting to search Falcicchio’s phone, despite having access to it since his resignation. The revelation led critics to further question the credibility of the entire investigation. [Washington City Paper]

Robo-Drone-Cops

Critics are worried about the potential for abuse of AI and face recognition technology with the MPD’s new drone program. The D.C. police announced they are rolling out five $15,000 police drones to assist with crowd management and major crash reconstruction. Currently, the drones will not be responding to 911 calls. [City Cast DC 🎧]

Organ Failure

The National Cathedral’s 86-year-old organ is getting renovated, and it’s going to cost $14.5 million. The project will refurbish the organ’s 10,000 pipes, each of which can weigh up to 400 pounds, and leave it sounding brand new. [Washington Post 🔒]

DC Insider Trivia

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

How much hummus does the popular D.C. fast-casual chain, Little Sesame, make per week?

1. 500 pounds
2. 2,000 pounds
3. 10,000 pounds
4. 25,000 pounds ⭐

Better believe it. Little Sesame, which started as a little hummus shop in Dupont seven years ago, is now grinding up 25,000 pounds of hummus a week and is in every Whole Foods in the country.

The DMV has become a hummus hub, pumping out more commercial-grade hummus than the Middle East. Sabra, one of the county's largest hummus manufacturers, set up their hub outside Richmond, paving the way for local brands like CAVA and Little Sesame. Thus the hummus empire was born.

🏆 Congratulations to Emily P., Marcy R., and Reena S. for getting it right first!

Now Onto This Week’s Question:

D.C. has over 30 traffic circles, mostly designed by famous city planner Pierre L'Enfant. Why did he design the city to have so many circles?

1. They were meant to be artillery bases to defend the city.
2. He wanted to make D.C. feel like Paris, where he was born.
3. He designed them as park-like public spaces for downtown workers.
4. He imagined that each circle would honor a state — complete with state embassies in them.

What To Do

Today on City Cast

Police Drones, New Bike Trails, and Melting Lincoln

D.C. police are getting drones, D.C. bicyclists are getting a new trail, and Abraham Lincoln has melted! Washington City Paper’s Alex Koma and City Cast’s Julia Karron join the show to round up the week.