Good morning, everyone!
Citywide, the District budget is being finalized. Mayor Bowser asked for $11 million for new police officer recruitment but after much back-and-forth, was only able to secure $5 million. The other $6 million will be used for violence interruption programs . The Washington Post and Law Officer have additional details.
Read Councilmember Charles Allen’s Ward 6 update. It has useful information about the District FY22 budget, with a breakdown of the investments coming to our ward. There is also information about the re-opening of schools, which is still slated for August 30, as well as a survey for students.
The day the District’s indoor mask mandate started again, July 31, Mayor Bowser was caught by Examiner reporter Tiana Lowe indoors without a mask. When confronted by Lowe, the Mayor was removed by her security retinue. Later, her office sent a statement out to WTOP, stating that the Examiner piece was riddled with “disinformation.”
Last week, handmade anti-vaccination signs went up around the Hill. They equated vaccinations to rape and many of you wrote in about them– mostly to say that you’d taken them down as soon as they went up. A couple of people said they spotted a middle-aged man putting the signs up, but otherwise, there was no clear idea as to who was behind the signs. WDVM
Dim Sum is coming to Barracks Row this fall. The good news comes via Washingtonian: Chris Zhu, who owns dim sum place Han Palace out in Tysons, is expanding to Woodley Park and to Barracks Row. The restaurant will be at 522 8th Street SE, next door to Extreme Pizza.
Daru opened yesterday and the flavors sound magical. Eater DC
A restaurant called Hakuna Matata is coming to the former Cusbah space at 12th and H NE. PoPville
Restaurant Week starts on Monday! Click here for a thorough list of participating restaurants.
The Circulator will remain free through September 30. WTOP
By the way, DDOT is accepting applications for PARKing Day through August 27. PARKing Day is a day where individuals, businesses and community organizations take over parking spots all around the city and design fun and interactive parklets. This year it’ll take place on September 17. It costs $55 to apply for a spot, but this year, meter fees will be waived. For more details and to apply, visit ddot.dc.gov/page/parking-day-dc.
Last night’s National Night Out was celebrated with much fanfare at Lincoln Park among other places. There was a choo-choo and a boat!