👀 An inside look at DOGE’s mass firings

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An Inside Look at DOGE's Mass Firings

You probably heard about the thousands of probationary employees who were abruptly laid off over the weekend. But what was it like from the inside? Host Bridget Jones and Senior Executive Producer Priyanka Tilve break down the situation and speak with one former FDA employee about what went on behind the scenes. [City Cast DC 🎧]

Not Enough Space for In-Person Workers

Federal employees being forced back into the office are reporting shortages of desks, parking spots, and space in general. Trump’s return-to-office executive order demands that agencies meet full compliance by the end of next week. [Washington Post 🔒]

• Related: DC Reacts to Trump's In-Office Mandate. [City Cast DC 🎧]

Major DC Criminal Prosecutor Resigns

The top criminal prosecutor in the US Attorney’s Office for D.C. resigned on Tuesday, citing her oath to support and defend the Constitution. Denise Cheung’s announcement came after Trump’s U.S. Attorney pick Ed Martin, who defended several Jan. 6 defendants and supported the “Stop the Steal” movement, ordered her to investigate EPA funding. [The Hill]

Local Breweries Stiffed by Steel and Aluminum Tariffs

A local casualty of international trade wars are local DC breweries who rely on aluminum cans. One brewer estimated costs might go up 20%. [Washingtonian]

DC’s Best New Restaurants This February

February 2025 has been windy and chilly, and our team is full of recommendations for making it through. At the top of our list: trying a new restaurant! Because when it's gross outside, that's all the more reason to head indoors for a warm meal at one of DC's newest eateries. Check them out.

Buffalo and Bergen (Cleveland Park)

A new location just opened for this fresh shipped-from-Queens New York bagel shop. Their menu features everything from capers and lox to pastrami and brisket. Plus, they offer varied coffee and cocktail options.

Willowsong (The Wharf)

The new flagship restaurant at the Intercontinental on the Wharf focuses on American cuisine sourced with hyper-local products from farms throughout the DMV. Think crispy prawn and calamari from the bay, and dry-aged sirloin from Virginia and Maryland.

The Muni (14th Street NW)

It’s a Jetsons version of a mid-century golf club with state-of-the-art golf simulators, interactive darts, and laser-projector-enhanced putting greens. The warm brick interior and clean design is a great place for a cocktail, craft pizza, or a quick game.

Life Alive (West End)

This organic-forward lunch spot just opened in the West End last month. They offer everything from grain bowls to açaí, salads to ramen — all focused on natural, healthy ingredients.

Dupont Coffee Collective (Dupont Circle)

This new coffee spot just opened up where Firehook used to be. Founders Jessica Reyes and Rakesh Varma emphasize that their collective centers on community-building.

Alta Strada (Embassy Row)

James Beard Award-winning Chef Michael Schlow started this Italian restaurant in Boston. Its success meant the chain has expanded down the eastern seaboard, and has finally arrived in D.C., serving Italian-inspired breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Elmina (14th Street NW)

Chef Eric Adjepong just opened his contemporary Ghanian restaurant yesterday, which features a four-course tasting menu and brunch options. The smoked bone marrow and fufu look especially delicious.

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