Hello from the District of Dystopia! How are you holding up this week? Feeling weird? Powerless? Desperate for some connection? Read on.
First off, if you haven’t joined the Free DC movement, I strongly suggest doing so. Whether you want to use your talents to build community, do advocacy, amplify their message, join a protest, learn more about why DC should be free or just keep an eye on what is going on in our District, there is a place for you in this incredible organization. Sign up here. You can also join an orientation or simply keep an eye on their events calendar until you find one that speaks to you. (For instance, the DC Bike Party is doing a collab with Free DC this Wednesday.)
Just got back from vacation and unsure what’s going on in DC? You might want to start with President Trump’s August 11 announcement of a crime emergency and operational control of MPD by the Federal government, as well as the activation of the National Guard. Isn’t it weird how now he can command MPD and the National Guard, but somehow that was impossible on January 6, 2021? Huh.
Once you’re done there, check out Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen’s latest newsletter, in which he discusses the current situation in his typical calm and concise manner.
The ACLU also released a statement on the President’s actions, as did our Delegate, Eleanor Holmes Norton.
In pet news, by now you may have heard the news that Parker & Ace, the veterinarian in the 500 block of H Street NE, has closed their doors very abruptly. You can read their final client message here and make sure you email cindy.sanchez@parkerandace.com in case you haven’t received your pet’s records. Several veterinarians in the area are also offering a free appointment for clients switching to their offices.
If the Trump administration wants to fix something around DC, why not focus their efforts on making the Office of Unified Communications (a.k.a. 911) more efficient? It took 20 minutes for units to respond to the recent fireworks incident at Rosedale Library, for instance. WJLA
This morning, there was a fire in the 500 block of F Street NE and a neighbor was badly injured but was rescued by DCFEMS. More info via WJLA. The photo above was sent by neighbor Libby Quaid.
ANC 7D discusses the future of the Streetcar. Hill Rag
More fun things coming to H Street. PoPville
Silly but heartwarming: There is a soda machine in the halls of Congress that keeps its prices honest. Washingtonian