House bill could upend city funding

What's CITY Talking About

House Bill Could Flip DC Tax Code, Upend City Funding

The House is voting this week on a bill that would force D.C. to adopt Trump’s federal tax cuts. The result would lessen the city’s anticipated revenue by $600 million and upend D.C.’s tax code mid filing season. [Washington Post 🔒]

Government Reopens, ICE Talks Remain

The House passed spending bills on Tuesday ending the government shutdown. But, money for the Department of Homeland Security lasts just through next week, instigating a 10-day sprint for Republicans and Democrats to agree on changes to ICE protocols. DHS will shut down Feb. 14 if they fail to reach a deal, although ICE would remain operational. [Washington Post 🔒]

Silver Spring Bike Lane Is Rolling

A new two-way bike lane along Silver Spring’s 16th Street was approved by the Montgomery County Planning Board. The .6 mile path is already funded and could start construction this year. [Bethesda Magazine]

Please, Don’t Walk Across the Potomac

First responders want to remind everyone that walking/skating on a body of water is not only extremely dangerous but also illegal in D.C. Even if it does look sickkkk, fines are up to $100. [NBC4]

How DCPL Preserves DC's Unseen Black History

The MLK library is home to D.C.'s People’s Archive, a living collection honoring the city's cultural and political history. Program Coordinator Maya Thompson and Archivist Derek Gray explain how it preserves and celebrates Black History, and why it’s more important than ever. [City Cast DC 🎧]

DC's Best New Restaurants and Bars

While some people have a “TBR" (to be read) list, I have a “TBE” (to be eaten) list, and this month it is absolutely stacked. From Nikkei-style hand rolls to celeb cocktail bars to pour-over coffee, these are D.C.'s best new spots to try.

Maru San (Eastern Market)

This moody, 25-seat counter restaurant by Chef Carlos Delgado of Causa specializes in Nikkei-style hand rolls — a Japanese immigrant-inspired cuisine from Peru. Think cigar-sized handrolls with fillings like ceviche, fatty tuna, and scallops with parmesan sauce. It opens on Feb. 20 and is primarily walk-in only.

Elegancia (Union Market)

Opening Feb. 8 at La Cosecha, this cocktail bar is the brainchild of actor Wilmer Valderrama (from “That '70s Show”) and Colada Shop co-founder Daniella Senior. It draws inspo from Latin American traditions and communal hospitality and will serve complimentary hangover soup at last call.

CIVIC. On Eighth (Barracks Row)

This new cafe refers to itself as a “neighborhood salon.” By day it is a sun-lit cafe serving Swing’s coffee and pastries from Souk. After 4 p.m., it turns into a cocktail bar. Currently only the cafe is open, with bar operations coming soon.

Taco Taco by Cranes (Downtown)

Inspired by Cranes’ sold-out taco omakase collab, Chef Pepe Moncayo is transforming Cranes into a high-energy taqueria by day. The casual lunch menu combines Spanish and Japanese flavors into tacos like chicken karaage with napa cabbage and togarashi crema, garlic shrimp a la plancha with chili oil, and koji-marinated skirt steak with salsa macha and lime. Plus, if you go between 11-11:45 a.m. you get a free taco!

Black Crown Coffee Collective (Capitol Hill)

Real D.C. coffee snobs know Black Crown has been pumping out the best espresso on Capitol Hill for a while, but their gorgeous new cafe space on the 2nd floor of the Cannon House Office Building has brought it to a new level. You do have to pass security to get in. But, it’s worth it.

Red Lantern (H Street)

Located above Sushi Sato, this cocktail and karaoke lounge has $1 dumplings after midnight to keep the party going. Cocktails include a matcha martini, a miso whiskey sour, and a deadly long Thailand iced tea.

PubKey (Penn Quarter)

Aka the Bitcoin bar (don’t worry, they also take card), this part dive bar, part tech hub is one of the oddest establishments we’ve been to. The massive space hosts two bars, a huge stage, a podcast studio, and bitcoin think tank offices. The drinks are strong and everything is fried in beef tallow.

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