On Monday, over 300 D.C. residents packed into MLK Library's auditorium, jostling for space to stand in the aisles and squat on the stairs, to hear from six candidates for D.C. mayor.
At the forum, which we co-hosted with The Washington Informer and Spotlight DC, the candidates fought to differentiate themselves on issues including housing, Pepco bills, teen curfews, the federal incursion, and the city's anemic budget. (By answering questions submitted by hundreds of 51st readers like you!)
In addition to the issues, we also pressed them on their experiences of the city. We learned which places candidates think more people should visit (Kenyan McDuffie says the GoGo Museum), the shuttered establishments they miss the most (Janeese Lewis George says Marvin's was a vibe, Rini Sampath says Tropicalia was lit), how the candidates get around (Vincent Orange drives, Hope Solomon takes the Metro), and that Gary Goodweather's favorite view in the city is looking at his wife.
Meanwhile, in the debate over teen curfews, Martin reported on the unseen role of the White House. He also has the latest win for bike advocates and news of a personal transition. And if you’re planning to spend any time clearing the cobwebs and cleaning out closets amid spring cleaning season, check out Sam’s new (and very comprehensive) guide to the best ways to get rid of all your unwanted stuff.
If there's one thing that nearly everyone in D.C. can agree on, it's that we have too many rats. For an upcoming story, we want to hear your most harrowing rat tales in gruesome detail. Share them using this form!
Here are some stories you may have missed this week:
Live Nation has to cough up $9.9 million to D.C. for "boosting profits by charging predatory, hidden fees," according to Attorney General Brian Schwalb. This came days after a federal jury found that Live Nation, the parent company of Ticketmaster, is an illegal monopoly. With over 20 live music venues, we have some of the highest per-capita Ticketmaster sales nationwide. [Informer]
When Georgetown expanded into downtown, housing advocates were surprised (pleasantly) by the university's decision to engage directly with the unhoused people who lived there, connecting them with housing and other services. [Street Sense]
A federal lawsuit argues that the pipeline collapse that dumped 240 gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac could have been avoided, alleging that authorities ignored the corroding pipe for years. [The Post]
TMZ has come to town, and if their recommendation that locals grab breakfast at Tatte seems like rage bait made in a lab specifically for D.C. residents, well, you might be on to something. [DCist/Washingtonian]
Eleven people were injured when a work vehicle struck an idling Silver Line Metro train late Wednesday evening. [AP]
Ranked choice voting is here, and it's already changing the crowded Ward 1 councilmember race. ANCs Rashida Brown and Miguel Trindade Deramo are teaming up to ask voters to rank them both, likely in the hopes of challenging DSA-backed candidate Aparna Raj — the current frontrunner, according to a recent GG Wash poll. (Learn more about all the Ward 1 candidates here) [City Cast/GG Wash/The 51st]
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