07.22 - flush with cash
what’s going on in d.c.
Friday: Don't Mute DC, a movement focused on preserving go-go music culture, heads to the Kennedy Center incorporates free shows and discussions (5 pm, also on Saturday) | The Hirshorn hosts a Polka Dot Party inspired by the Yayoi Kusama exhibit (7 pm)
Saturday: 90s rock band Third Eye Blind headlines at Merriweather Post Pavilion (7 pm), while another 90s sensation, New Kids on the Block, takes to Capital One Arena (8 pm) | Comedian Ben Schwartz (perhaps best known for playing Jean-Ralphio in Parks and Rec) tours at Warner Theatre (7 pm - tickets are sold out, but available on resale sites)
Sunday: Bonbon, a mini-festival and LGBTQ+ fundraiser, incorporates DJs throughout the night (5 pm, Songbyrd) | Vibey pop duo Beach House performs at The Anthem (8 pm)
All weekend: Lotus flowers and water lilies are in peak bloom at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, timed with the annual Lotus and Water Lily Festival (Sat and Sun) | It’s going to be hot this weekend (potentially over 100 degrees) and D.C. pools are extending hours - staying open until 8 p.m. instead of 6. | D.C. Movie Tours start up this weekend, with a new company incorporating iconic D.C. film locations, such as Wonder Woman or The Exorcist, into their 90 minute tours.
looking ahead: The Citi Open, D.C.’s largest tennis tournament, begins next weekend. In a major get for the tournament, Venus Williams announced she’ll join the competition in her first match back in about a year.
let’s talk food and drinks
my weekly best bite: Basil eggplant at 17th St.’s Astoria
It’s Black Restaurant Week in the D.C. and Baltimore area, as 90+ restaurants incorporate specials.
After a lot of buzz the past few years about thick Detroit-style pies, Washingtonian notes that tavern pies - ultrathin pizzas - are having a moment. Find them at Arlington’s Nighthawk or Logan Circle’s ChurchKey.
Interested in an afternoon tea? Eater compiled some of the region’s top choices, including an updated St. Regis menu and private tea parties at The Mansion on O.
what’s on our minds?
A cyclist, Shawn O’Donnell, was killed after being struck by a large construction truck at 21st and I St NW on Wednesday. Her death marks the second such death in two weeks, after another cyclist, Michael Gordon, was killed in Shaw - also after being hit by the driver of a large truck. In O’Donnell’s case, the truck didn’t have guards installed to prevent individuals from being pulled under the truck.
Over 4,000 beagles were rescued from a Virginia breeding facility last week. The pups headed to shelters in the D.C.-area that have about two months to rehome the dogs - one of the largest single rescue efforts. Homeward Trails will place about 1,500 of the dogs and are seeking foster and adoption applicants.
National membership-based primary care operator One Medical (with 9 D.C.-area locations) is about to be part of Amazon, as the companies announced the $3.9BN sale yesterday. The deal marks Amazon’s third largest acquisition (after Whole Foods and MGM) and adds to the company’s push into pharmacy and medical care.
Quick links to other weekly #goodreads:
Casa Ruby shuts down the rest of its operations, and workers go unpaid - per Washington Post, “The city canceled an $800K contract with the nonprofit last fall. Executive Director Ruby Corado stepped down soon after. Questions remain about where its funding and donations went.” (There’s been a good amount of follow-up reporting on this, including in DCist and Washington Blade)
Meet the Lobbyist Next Door - per Wired, “Experts say the Arizona lawsuit shows how civil suits could be used to intimidate providers and punish people who’ve had abortions.”
Pregnant, homeless and living in a tent: Meet Mckenzie - per LA Times. This is a major series by the publication that includes substantial photojournalism and videography.