🚲 Shaw residents protest new bike lanes

What's CITY Talking About?

Little League, Big DC Drama

Over the last year, D.C.’s little league has been roiled with drama. With cheating accusations, threatening emails, lawsuits, and other things that only happen when youth sports take place in a neighborhood thick with power lawyers, maybe there is crying in baseball after all. [City Cast DC 🎧]

Metro’s Plan to Lower Bus Fare Evasion

Under Metro’s operating budget, local governments pay for the number of paying riders in their jurisdiction. But with about 70% of D.C. bus riders not paying, Metro’s board is expected to introduce a new model Thursday where jurisdictions can get credit for paid ridership and subsidize unpaid riders. [Washington Post 🔒]

Shaw Residents Protest Bike Lanes

A group of Shaw residents and business owners are protesting the proposed bike lanes along 11th Street NW, saying it would limit their parking spaces and increase traffic safety concerns. The group plans to meet with DDOT soon. [NBC4]

• Related: Could Connecticut Avenue NW’s bike lanes be resurrected?

Man Charged with Murder in DC House Fire

Robert Simpson, 56, has been arrested and charged with three counts of murder and arson after starting a townhouse fire in Southeast that killed three people. D.C. police say it’s “clearly a case of domestic violence,” since Simpson had a romantic relationship with one of the victims. [WTOP]

Halloween Pop-Ups and Specials

I’ve learned that, bizarrely, some members of the City Cast DC team need convincing that October is one of D.C.’s best months. As a joy that’s only available to experience right now, Halloween pop-ups are an excellent way to sell the month. Share this list with the skeptic in your life.

Tap 99 (Navy Yard)

A bar after my own heart, Tap 99 has gone full Harry Potter. All month, they’ve got elaborate decor and great specialty cocktails, including their take on butterbeer. They’re also showing Harry Potter movies every Wednesday this month starting Oct. 9, and will host Harry Potter-themed trivia, bingo, and a costume contest on Halloween.

Nightmare Before Bar (Penn Quarter)

The second floor of the National Union Building has been transformed into an homage to director Tim Burton. Brush up on “Edward Scissorhands,” “Beetlejuice,” and other Burton classics to excel in trivia and the scavenger hunt, and dress up to win the costume contest. Reserve tickets to visit the pop-up any Wednesday through Sunday this month. $14 to enter; drinks and food available to purchase.

Trouble Bird (Navy Yard)

The Black Lagoon pop-up has turned this fun, disco bar into an immersive, “creepy-as-hell” experience (their words, not ours). Created by bar industry legends and featured in 35 bars nationally this year, Black Lagoon’s team knows what it’s doing. Come try some creative cocktails and get thoroughly creeped out. Opens Friday.

McClellan’s Retreat (Dupont Circle)

Announced with a cute Halloween poem, this beloved Dupont dive is serving a Monster Mash cocktail menu all October. Perhaps you’re into the Frankenstein’s Monster, with Dogfish Head Punkin Ale, amaro and crème de cacao? Or maybe the Coffin Banger is more your speed, with apple brandy, carrot cumin syrup, lemon, and bitters. With seven new mixes, there’s lots to try.

MI VIDA (Various locations)

Don’t forget, it’s also Day of the Dead season. MI VIDA is honoring the holiday at all of its locations, with vibrant ofrendas, a festive special menu, mariachi performances, and exciting activities for all ages. Specials available Oct. 31 to Nov. 3.

What To Do