Good afternoon, Capitol Hill and all the lovely people who are Hill-adjacent, whenever you are! First off, let’s start by saying what DID NOT happen yesterday: After the Chauvin verdict was announced, there was no rioting, unrest, closed streets or any other kind of civil unrest. People gathered at Black Lives Matter plaza, went to the ballgame, enjoyed dinner al fresco, or just stayed home because, you know, it was a Tuesday.
What else is going on?
First up, an impassioned plea from the FBI to help identify the person who may have left pipe bombs around the RNC and DNC on January 5. WUSA-9
Vaccines have not been distributed equitably, and now schools are not reopening equitably either. The Washington Post takes a look at how schools in wealthier areas of town are the ones offering the most seats.
Incidentally, it’s time to enroll or re-enroll your child in school, as DCPS is expecting to start in-person next year on August 30. Can we hope that all DC and many older children will be vaccinated by then? Have you pre-registered for your vaccine yet? Go to Vaccinate DC if you haven’t.
The inhumane conditions that our neighbors at the DC Jail have suffered for over 400 days cannot continue. Washington Post
DC reacted to the murder of Daunte Wright last week, and much hatred was focused on Columbus Circle– which has since been cleaned and power-cleaned. Photojournalist Erin Scott captured this image over the weekend:
Gregory’s Coffee is coming to Navy Yard, near the metro station in the old Peet’s spot. PoPville
Larry at Capitol Hill Corner had a busy week breaking new restaurant news. Bodegón is coming to Barracks Row, in the former Medium Rare space. Let’s hope that Bodegón doesn’t suffer as much in the hands of their landlord as Medium Rare did. Over on 7th Street, the former Acqua al 2 spot will become Harvest Tide Steak House. This contradicts earlier rumors that a Mexican restaurant was coming to replace Acqua. While it’s not nice to speak ill of the dead (restaurants), it’s important to reshare this Washington Post story from 2018, where Maura Judkis recounts how Mindful Restaurant Group, which dissolved back in September of last year, refused to fire a known sexual harasser in their staff.
She Loves Me, a flower shop, is opening its doors in partnership with Rose’s Luxury sometime in late June. Get ready for all the romantic dates to come with an Instagrammable bouquet. Via Barred in DC on twitter, and She Loves Me on Instagram.
Weekend plan: Why not have a picnic aboard a boat? FloatDC makes your dreams a reality. WTOP
Reminder: There are many areas still fenced off around the Capitol complex and, as it turns out, even this painter cannot set up her easel to document the ugliness of the fence. Washingtonian