Photo by María Helena Carey
Hey y’all. Did you know President Trump *finally* talked about the DC that no one talks about? Well, far-right publications such as Blaze News and Federalist are super happy that 47 is finally talking about crime, as if no one else did, ever. Though I will add that some people might think AI wrote at least one of these columns if for no other reason than because they call it “the Eastern Market.” Also, who drives to Eastern Market for ice cream? So many unanswered questions. Also, also: Do they no longer teach people in journalism school that taking photos of the unhoused without their consent is a cheap shot? How else are you going to prove that very poor people exist?
Anyway. We’re entering our second week of being overtaken by friendly, bored National Guard troops, some of which are poor drivers. Now more states have sent, uh, support. Never mind that many of these states have cities with worse crime problems than ours. NPR
It doesn’t help that the National Guard is, quite literally, running us over here on the Hill– specifically at 8th and North Carolina, SE. NBC-4
There have been about 465 arrests since all this began and it looks like the administration wants to be more aggressive with the charges– no surprises there. Reuters
The Washington Post spent some time asking locals about crime and Trump’s actions. It’s an interesting read and listen.
AFP via Straits Times has another vignette on the early days of the National Guard’s deployment.
In slightly more savory news, Federalist Pig will be opening in the former Cava Mezze/Barracks Row Joey’s space around Labor Day 2026, according to Washington Business Journal.
And there seems to be new life being breathed into the Rock n’ Roll Hotel space on H Street NE. PoPville
DC Summer Restaurant week started this past Monday and will last two weeks. Already, there are breathless conclusions about the dip in reservations (DC News Now) and about rallying around restaurants (WUSA-9). You know DC is quiet in August and THAT is why we have Restaurant Week, right?
Must-read: This piece by Philip Bump is a bit over a month old, but it’s so well-written and thorough, it deserves your eyeballs. Including a gift link– that’s how good I think it is. It’s a pity that he won’t be writing for the WaPo anymore, but if you, like I do, want to keep up with his output, subscribe to his newsletter. Washington Post (gift link)