Why some D.C. renters are stuck without water
Plus, urination without representation.
Hey friends,
Don't forget, this Friday, July 11, we're hosting a Summer Happy Hour at Heurich House Biergarten. We have some exciting announcements, new merch, and fun stuff to get into with fellow local news nerds.
This week, Martin has been busy! He's reported on how some renters are now living without water because their landlords fell behind on the bill. He explained the truth behind a viral rumor of missing kids in D.C., covered the latest at the Wilson Building on new housing laws and the Commanders deal, and told the story of how Congress has — yet again — crapped on D.C.
Plus, we've got opinion pieces arguing against continuing to raise the tipped minimum wage and a proposal to slash access to the DC Health Alliance Program, ways to have fun and get civically engaged in the city, and a message from our new Community Connector for D.C. Natives.
Read on, and I hope to see you on Friday!
Christina
At DCA, waiting to board an already delayed flight to Nashville, an announcement is made that the ground has just been closed:
A small child, maybe 5: “We’re the boss of you, Mommy! We’re the boss.”
Building tenants now face water shut-offs when landlords don’t pay the bill
Earlier this year, DC Water changed its policy for multi-unit buildings: If a bill isn’t paid, the water will be shut off – for everyone who lives there. Now, renters are stuck between owners and the utility company.
While there hasn’t been a sudden spike in missing girls, D.C. should still pay attention
Advocates say a recent viral rumor both clouds and clarifies what remains a problem the public should focus on: kids, many of them Black, who do go missing.
Wilson Building Bulletin: Housing laws move forward, while Commanders deal stalls
At-Large Councilmember Robert White advanced a sweeping bill that makes significant reforms to D.C.’s housing and tenant laws, while Chairman Phil Mendelson maintains that the Commanders deal is still too vague.
Opinion: Initiative 82 was supposed to help D.C.'s tipped workers. It did the opposite
A professional server says her work has been cut by up to 10 hours a week and service fees have lead to a decrease in her tips since Initiative 82 took effect.
Introducing our new Community Connector for D.C. Natives
"I'm aiming to amplify the voices of fellow native Washingtonians and remind us that there is not only a seat at the table for us, but that nobody eats unless we’re in the kitchen," says Dwayne Lawson-Brown.
Opinion: The D.C. Council must act to save health care for immigrants
Jaime Contreras, executive vice president at 32BJ SEIU, argues that the city owes its workers better than the changes made in Mayor Bowser's budget.
In crappy move, Congressional interference forced D.C. to close its public bathrooms
Last Saturday, D.C.’s six free public toilets were locked because a House bill needlessly forced the city to cut its current operating budget.
13 things to do around D.C. this weekend
Outdoor movies, forest bathing, and more ways to make the most of your weekend.
SNAP Training: Your weekly civics roundup
A violence prevention block party, comedy with a cause, a walk to the polls, and more ways to get engaged this week.
Here's more news you may have missed this week:
- The new $434 million hospital in Congress Heights faces challenges amid a national nursing shortage. [The Post]
- What market-rate renters could lose with Bowser's proposed TOPA exemptions. [WCP]
- DDOT is launching a pilot program to test e-bikes for food delivery. [WUSA9]
- Mayor Bowser talks BLM Plaza, D.C.'s loss of federal jobs, the Commanders deal, and more. [Washingtonian]
- Ward 8 is without representation as the D.C. Council considers major changes to tenant protections. [WCP]
- In April, UDC launched a cybersecurity apprenticeship program with 50 participants at its Congress Heights campus. [Afro News]
You've made to the end — congrats, and thanks for reading!
Christina
