The fight over a very important map

Hello, and happy Thursday. We've got a full newsletter on deck for you today, including:

• Everything you need to know about the Future Land Use Map, or FLUM, which will guide land use and development decisions in D.C. for next quarter-century (it sounds boring but we promise it's important).
• An explanation for why you're smelling chlorine in the shower.
• The latest from the Wilson Building, including the council's recent attempts to address skyrocketing electricity bills.
• An opinion piece from a resident who's unhappy with the National Park Service's handling of the Malcolm X Park closure.
• The usual rundown of weekend events and ways to get involved in your community.
• And finally, a request to hear from you: What's your favorite recurring event in D.C.?
• P.S. We're hiring!

—Natalie

P.S. We're hiring!

A new map is fueling a debate on housing and displacement in D.C.

Critics of the proposed Future Land Use Map, or FLUM, say it isn't thinking big enough.

Does your tap water smell like chlorine? There’s a reason why.

It’s not just you: DC Water has begun its annual cleaning of our water lines, which uses chlorine to refresh and flush the city’s water system. 

ICYMI:

What to know about Meridian Hill Park’s closure

From the schedule to Trump’s role in the park’s restoration.

The 51stSam Delgado

Wilson Building Bulletin: Pepco and politics

Also: The fight over the youth curfew in D.C. intensifies, and the council overrides Bowser.

Opinion: Parks are crucial public spaces. The National Park Service owes us better.

The upper lawns at Malcolm X Park are a vital community space, writes local resident Aliya Bhatia.

13 things to do around D.C. this weekend

Can peak bloom stay forever? Break out the allergy meds for this weekend’s stacked local events calendar — from birding to fireworks.

What's your favorite recurring event in D.C.? We publish event recommendations every weekend, but in addition to the one-off parties, classes, and activities, there are plenty of events that happen weekly, biweekly, and monthly across the city. We want your suggestions to make an events guide that our readers can reference any day of the week. 

Supper club solidarity: Your weekly Civics Roundup

Plus, a digital security workshop, an open mic, and more.

Some personnel news

Thanks to you, we’re hiring two journalists — and looking for one more.

Here are some stories you may have missed this week:

• DC Water had planned to repair an aging sewage line years before the catastrophic spill into the Potomac. Environmental reviews delayed construction. [The Post]
• A new drop-in center for homeless youth has opened in Capitol Hill. [Street Sense]
• One local mom on why she made the decision to send her child to the low-ranked public school in their neighborhood. [Substack]
• A $50 million Saudi-funded habitat will bring the Arabian Leopard to the National Zoo. [Axios]
• Before an elevator severed a woman's arm, residents in this building complained about safety. [The Post]
• Maru San is the best new restaurant to open in D.C. this year. [Washingtonian]
• Could a new D.C. neighborhood take shape amid a cluster of federal buildings for sale to private developers? [WTOP]

See you next week,

Natalie