Counterpoint: This is probably the most important time of year to be paying attention to what's happening in your local government. D.C.'s 2026-27 budget is about $22 billion, larger than that of some states, and there are real services at stake (did you know the mayor proposed cutting library hours back by a third?). So we've done our best to break it down for you in a way that's digestible and easy to understand, and also not boring. Give it a read.
Summers in our city are notoriously brutal. The heat dome currently swallowing D.C. has created miserable, dangerous temperatures all week, and we're set to see more days like this over the coming months. So we want to know: What are your favorite ways to escape, beat, or simply weather the heat? Your answer could be included in a story next week.
After this week's brutal heat wave, take the weekend to cool off (either outside or inside) with an Open Streets festival, comedy shows, and parties for a good cause.
Attend the Ward 8 special election debate, head to a storytelling night for LGBTQ+ refugees and immigrants, or help remove invasive plants from Kingman Island.
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
Jazmyn Gray
