This midsummer weekend features all the charm of a D.C July. Unique opportunities to celebrate culture and build community — worth it, no matter the humidity.
When the weather gets this hot, I sometimes have to remind myself that yes, I do love living in D.C. — even if it means sweltering, muggy days. That’s the theme of today’s newsletter, which features some of our favorite stories on how to navigate the highs and lows of a D.C. summer.
That includes our profile of Banneker pool operator and emcee extraordinaire Marcus Truman from last summer (he’s since been promoted, but he makes special appearances on weekends, to the people's delight). And our story onD.C.’s thriving fishing community. Meet “Ernie the Hog Snatcher” and, if you're so inclined, learn how to fish in our city’s waterways.
Of course, summer means the return of our collective enemy: mosquitoes. But did you know that you and your neighbors can actually fight back against these pesky bloodsuckers?
And of course, this weather can be dangerous. Right now, there’s a code orange air quality alert in effect, storms are brewing this weekend, and temperatures feel above 100 degrees. Be sure to check out our collection of tips for staying cool in D.C. And if you’re having trouble with the temps in your own home, we explained renters’ rights around air conditioning. You can also download our (award-winning!) zine version to share with your neighbors.
And we have a staff Q&A with our lead community connector, George Kevin Jordan. Get to know him and the critical work he’s doing at The 51st to build the bridge between Ward 7 residents and local news.
You can see that work in action by meeting George and me at The Nicholson Project this Saturday for a conversation, listening session, and collaborative art project about what a thriving arts community in Ward 7 looks like. We want to hear from you – whether you’re an artist or just a neighbor who believes in the power of the arts – to learn how journalists can better tell the stories of D.C.’s creative communities. RSVP here!
You can fill out the rest of your plans for the next week by checking out our civic and weekend guides. And take heart, (somewhat) lower temperatures are on their way.
On D.C.’s 236th “birthday,” commemorating when George Washington signed the bill to move the U.S. capital from Philadelphia to here, the D.C. Archives published thousands of historic photos online.
Weeks after a cyberattack on the D.C. Housing Authority website, residents still don’t know if their personal information was actually stolen. [City Paper]
Potter’s House, a decades-old historic community hub, has an uncertain future ahead. [The Post]
After years of limbo around self-driving cars, a bill has been introduced at the D.C. Council – though at the earliest, we’d be looking at 2028 for Waymo to begin carrying commercial passengers. [The 51st, Post]
More than 20 families came together to buy a historic mansion in Rock Creek Park and turn it into a members-only club. No way everyone is thrilled about it. [Post]
How local restaurants and farmers are responding to the cyclospora outbreak. [Axios DC]
Catch live music at Carter Barron Amphitheater for the first time in a decade. [Popville]
Washingtonian’s annual best of issue proclaims where to shop and what to eat, know, and do. [Washingtonian]
While the editors over at the Washington City Paper declare the best hangout for elder millennials, the best spot to cry publicly, the best hyped up place that’s worth the hype, and other very specific picks. [WCP]
With your help, we pursue stories that hold leaders to account, demystify opaque city and civic processes, and celebrate the idiosyncrasies that make us proud to call D.C. home. Put simply, our mission is to make it easier — and more fun — to live in the District. Our members help keep local news free and independent for all:
Colleen Grablick
Sam Delgado
Herbert Meisner
Sam Delgado
Colleen Grablick
