What to know about Bowser’s budget

Happy Thursday,

In this week's newsletter, we have an overview of Mayor Bowser's long-awaited budget, details on her request to repeal D.C.'s "sanctuary city" status, and an opinion piece about how a returning citizen is adjusting to life in a D.C. (and society) that's consumed with technology.

Plus, our Ward 7 Community Connector shares thoughts from residents closest to the RFK stadium site, and we get a bird's eye view of changes to an infamous Northeast intersection. Keep scrolling for weekend events, ways to get civically engaged, and some news you may have missed this week.

Enjoy,

Christina

What's in the mayor's long-awaited budget proposal?

In a difficult economic climate, Mayor Muriel Bowser unveiled her budget for the 2026 fiscal year, which include series of “growth” initiatives, cuts to social services, and plans to replace the streetcar.

Bowser moves to formally repeal D.C.’s ‘sanctuary city’ status

Buried deep in Mayor Bower's 300-page budget bill are four lines that reflect how D.C. officials are changing their posture on immigration.

Opinion: Fresh out of prison, I am discovering the good, bad and ugly of technology

D.C. resident Robert Barton says his "newness" to the world after 30 years in prison has given him a fresh perspective on the role of technology in society.

Ward 7 residents weigh in on the Commanders stadium deal

Thanks to everyone who completed our form about the RFK deal, including the Ward 7 residents who sounded off. We compiled their expressions of frustration, hope, and desires for the site.

Behold: The new Dave Thomas Circle is done, and it's glorious

The infamous Northeast intersection, known best for a Wendy's and epic traffic jams, has been reconfigured and spruced up.

15 things to do around D.C. this weekend

The rain has been relentless, but so is the lineup of reasons to step outside.

Budget testimony and Bezos: Your weekly Civics Roundup

Let the D.C. Council know what you think of the mayor's new budget, attend a Rising Organizers workshop, learn about Amazon's impact on local businesses, and more ways to get involved.

Here's more news you may have missed this week:

• A person was shot and killed while walking on the sidewalk near Spingarn Track Field as an elementary school track meet took place. [NBC]
• D.C.’s police chief abruptly reassigned two lead officers of a juvenile crime unit, just a week after creating the youth division. [The Post]
• You can finally tap your credit card to use the Metro. [Washingtonian] 
• Washington Post tech workers voted to unionize. [HillRag] 
• The redevelopment of Howard University’s campus is closing some Georgia Avenue restaurants indefinitely. [Washington Informer] 
• Hiraya on H Street and Half Smoke in Shaw also announced closures. [Popville]
• According to hotel bookings, WorldPride turnout is kind of flopping. [Washington Blade] 
• Meanwhile, D.C.’s queer theater scene is keeping the energy high all month long. [WCP] 
• All of Mount Pleasant Street is a stage in a new interactive play about D.C. dating from the Folger Shakespeare Library. [Washingtonian] 

That's all for now!

Christina