🚽 Why it’s hard to pee around D.C.

What's CITY Talking About?

How a Lack of Public Restrooms Affects DC

You might’ve noticed those shiny new public bathrooms popping up around the city. They're a high-tech toilet startup from a company called Throne Labs, but they’re just the beginning. Marcie Bernbaum, a local human rights advocate, says D.C.’s lack of public restrooms isn’t just inconvenient — it’s a human rights issue. [City Cast DC 🎧]

Smithsonian to Restore Trump Impeachment Reference

After removing references to President Trump’s two impeachments in July as part of a content review, the Smithsonian has announced it will update the exhibit at the National Museum of American History with all impeachment proceedings in U.S. history “to tell accurate and complete histories.” The museum group insists they were not asked by any government agency or officials to remove the content. [CBS News]

Is Pepco Profiting Too Much?

The utility company earned $108 million after a 2019 rate hike, and they are expected to profit more this year. But the Office of People’s Counsel has filed a lawsuit against Pepco’s recent rate increase, arguing it’s unjustified and lacks transparency. As electricity bills surged by 17.7% this summer, residents are questioning if Pepco is profiting excessively. [Washington City Paper]

Funds for High-Speed DC-Baltimore Train Cancelled

The Federal Railroad Administration canceled $26 million in grant funding for the Baltimore-Washington Superconducting Magnetic Levitation Project. It’s been in the works for about a decade, aiming to connect DC, Baltimore and BWI Airport with an above-ground line with trains running 300 mph. [Urban Turf]

Howard Students Contest Debt Collection

After about 1,000 Howard University students were informed of overdue tuition due to a faulty payment system, students have launched the “Whose Howard Is It?” movement, demanding improved financial transparency and the resignation of top university officials. The technical issue meant some students were at risk of being sent to collections or having their degrees withheld. [Washington Post 🔒]

Your DC Local Music Guide for August 2025

While most of us were spending March 2020’s initial COVID lockdown collecting shells in Animal Crossing or messing with ill-fated sourdough starters, Syd was honing their mixing skills. “I started DJing 'cause I was fucking bored. Like really and truly.” Some friends gave Syd their first board while cooped up in Friendship Heights and after some pointers from local spinners, like Amal of Black Rave Culture, Syd turned boredom into b2bs. Five years on, they’ve played some of D.C.’s biggest stages and even have a Boiler Room set to show for it.

Born in Silver Spring, Syd’s musical life really started when they got into an arts-focused high school in Hagerstown. First it was choir, then musicals and opera, then it was cheerleading. “A lot of the reason why I play what I play is because I did competitive cheerleading. That music is fast, high energy. It has jersey cuts, drum and bass cuts, hip hop cuts. It has literally everything that you could want in a span of six minutes for a routine.” And you can hear it in their mixes. At one point in their Book Club Radio set, they blend a version of Steely Dan’s Black Cow into a Jersey Club remix of Migos’ Fight Night.

What is it about the DMV that makes you want to have a concerted effort to be a presence here?

“The DMV is home. It's where I really came into myself, both personally and creatively. I feel a deep responsibility to give back to the community that’s continuously poured into me. I love this city, and I truly feel that love reflected back.

I want to see D.C. thrive on every level. I want the people who are constantly pushing boundaries—creatively, culturally, and communally—to grow and be recognized. If I can be a part of that momentum, if I can help amplify that work in any way, I’ll do it.

There are so many facets of creativity here that go beyond just making art. Most party series I know, including my own, find ways to give back to a range of causes. In comparison, those causes often use creative approaches to uplift and empower their communities.”

How has the DMV’s music scene influenced your mixes? Is it a conscious decision or does it make its way in subconsciously?

“Those choices are very intentional. Sometimes I just feel it, “Tonight is a real D.C.-ass night.” There’s something specific about the energy here. The DMV is stacked with incredibly talented artists, both underground and mainstream. So many have already broken through from this area, and plenty more are on the rise.

The thing is, people don’t think of D.C. as a creative city. It gets overlooked. But once people actually take the time to tap in, even just a little, they’re blown away. They realize there’s a whole underground world here: unique sounds, stories, aesthetics, all rooted in this region. And what’s wild is that the DMV flow? It’s not just part of the culture anymore—it’s influencing the culture. It’s the blueprint now.”

What’s a “D.C.-ass night” sound like?

“If the homies make an edit, hell yeah, I'm playing that shit. Auto Lola dropped this song called Waikiki, and it has this cute Jersey beat underneath of it. Amal produced it. I play that all the time.

I play a lot of Black Rave Culture, Nativesun, James Bangura, and Baronhawk Poitier. The electronic music coming out of the DMV is super crazy and there's so much to tap into.”

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