Beware, Carjackings Are Up

Carjackings are dramatically increasing across the DMV. In fact, D.C. now averages one reported carjacking per day. Most of the carjackings occur in Wards 5, 7, and 8, along the border with Prince George’s County. [Washington Post 🔒]

• We’ve been monitoring the rising carjacking stats for a while as the numbers have grown steadily every year since 2018. [City Cast DC 🎧]

Bikes are Booming!

Capital Bikeshare had its highest ridership month ever in May, with a record 428,000 rides. Also, a third of rides last month were on e-bikes, the highest proportion in Capital Bike history. [DCist]

DC Chef Wins James Beard Award

Rob Rubba, the chef at Oyster Oyster, won a prestigious James Beard Award on Monday night. Taking home the award for Outstanding Chef, Rubba’s win was the first for D.C. in four years. He’s known for his focus on sustainable cooking. [Axios DC]

New Cap For Rent Increases

D.C. Council unanimously approved a new cap on rent increases for senior citizens and in rent-controlled units. The bill caps increases for seniors at 4% a year and 6% for rent-controlled units. The change comes in response to outcry over the 8.9% cap D.C. Council passed earlier this year. [Twitter]

Metro Shooter Walks Free

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for D.C. will not to charge the FBI agent who fatally shot a man in Metro Center station back in December. The office says the off-duty agent saw 28-year-old Troy Bullock challenge someone to a fight, tried to intervene, and ended up killing him. Prosecutors say they can’t prove the officer “used excessive force under the circumstances.” [DCist]

This weekend, the Capital Pride Parade will march down 14th Street Northwest and through Dupont Circle, the historic queer center of the city. But a lot has changed since the first Pride in ‘75. Does Dupont still serve as the city’s “gayborhood”? And if not, where does?

Logan Circle: Number 9, Trade, and Green Lantern are heavy hitters in the city’s queer club scene. Ed Bailey, the owner of the famous gay nightclub The Town, told City Cast DC, “Logan circle certainly is a hub for gay activities. A number of the restaurants and pubs in Logan circle are queer-friendly.”

Barracks Row: Eighth Street Southeast used to be known as “Gay Way” because of the many LGBTQ establishments there in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Many of these were closed due to the AIDS crisis and then gentrification. Now, spots like As You Are and Crazy Aunt Helen’s are working to make it a LGBTQ neighborhood once again.

U Street Corridor: While not historically queer, U Street Northwest now holds the majority of gay nightlife in the city. Bailey says “U Street has become a real hub. There’s Uproar, Dirty Goose, Kiki’s, Nellie's, and Flash.” Bunker also opened this year, aiming to fill a hole in D.C.’s LGBTQ dance club scene.

Dupont: Between Pride parade, the high heel race, and the rainbow crosswalks, Dupont is certainly seen as a center for queerness in D.C. The intersection of 17th & R streets Northwest is even named after Dr. Frank Kameny, the grandfather of the gay rights movement. However, high rent and gentrification have also pushed out many members of the LGBTQ community.

Do you think D.C. still has a gay neighborhood? If so, where?

When Amsterdam Falafel closed last month, we asked you where you’ll get your falafel fix now, and you didn’t disappoint. Here’s the best falafel in D.C. according to you, with a few of our team’s favorites thrown in.

Byblos Deli (Cleveland Park) – Reader Cassandra H. recommends this classic Greek deli. It’s got huge portions, cheap prices, and some of the best falafel in town.

Hilana Falafel (Multiple locations) – Tragically, this falafel joint is only open during the Mt. Pleasant and Broad Branch farmers markets, but it's well worth the wait. The "Jerusalem-style" falafel uses fresh local ingredients and is fried to perfection.

Giza Middle Eastern Food (Ivy City) – Think of this like a better, more authentic Cava. The falafel is good, but the sauces are critical. Reader Valerie K. says, “They are always so kind and friendly when we go. They have smoothies too!”

Dalia’s Falafel (Kensington) – This pop-up does one thing, and they have perfected it. They are in the process of getting a brick-and-mortar near the Bethesda metro stop. Caitlin M. says they have a “simple but delicious menu. I literally can’t wait for their first day!”

Falafel Inc (Multiple locations) – For a $4 dollar falafel sandwich, you can’t beat Falafel Inc. If you’re hungry, I’d also recommend getting the za’atar fries as the portions are understandably on the smaller side. They have locations at the Wharf, Georgetown, and Foggy Bottom.

🍷 Aperitivo Hour | Wednesday | 6 - 8 p.m.

Join Sonny’s Wine Club to taste a selection of red, white, skin contact, and sparkling natural wines. [Park View, $10]

🌊  Anacostia River Restoration | Thursday | 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Learn about and provide feedback on strategies for improving water quality, wildlife habitat, equitable access, and public amenities on the river. [Online, Free]

🐟  Fish Rubbing | Thursday | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Learn the traditional Japanese art of Gyotaku, or fish rubbing, at the National History Museum for World Oceans Day. Unclear if live fish are involved. [National Mall, $30]

🍑  Booty Rex Party | Friday | 8 p.m.

This annual queer Pride party at Black Cat has DJs, performers, live drummers, and a wide-open dance floor. [U Street Corridor, $20]

D.C. residents voted to phase out the tipped minimum wage, and it’s finally now happening, but it’s confusing. What’s happening to prices? What does the service charge mean? And are you still supposed to tip? Jessica Sidman from Washingtonian is here to walk us through it all.

Thanks for reading!

Kaela