Mayor Bowser writes yesterday:
“NEWS: We’re launching a new pilot program to fight rats in DC.
This spring, we’re combining baiting, tracking powder, & an innovative fertility suppressant to target the rodent population. (more…)
DC Government
Mayor Bowser writes last night:
“I am deeply disappointed by the Council’s decision to allow the juvenile curfew zones to expire.
We all want our young people to be able to socialize in age-appropriate ways and in environments that are safe for themselves, for their peers, and for the entire community.
But as adults, we cannot abdicate our responsibility to respond to behaviors that put young people or our community at risk.
I urge the Council to reconsider.
My full statement: (more…)
“Dear PoPville (and DDOT),
I’ve lived here a very long time and I still don’t know what this means. When does “24 hours” start and end? Noon to noon? 24 hours on both days? I think an entire metro area of millions would like to know.”
Also apparently one/one’s building can’t just write themselves a free parking pass: (more…)
From the DC Council:
“In commemoration of the District’s 51st year of Home Rule government, the DC Council will convene a panel discussion of key figures from the critical eight years (1967-1975) when our local government transitioned twice between three entirely different forms of government. We are lucky enough to hear about our history from the people who made history through their work.
Questions to reflect on: What is it like to create a new form of government from scratch? How do you run a government in its infancy? How do you shut down a defunct form of government? And what lessons from those early days carry through to the unique challenges we are facing today?
Who: Open to the public, all are invited to attend
When: Thursday, March 26 at 5:30PM
Where: Council Chambers, 5th Floor, John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Panelists (more…)
From the office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton:
“After the Committee on Oversight & Government Reform (COGR) marked up and passed a bill introduced by Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) to repeal two D.C. traffic laws, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) highlighted the hypocrisy of Rep. Perry’s five year long quest to end D.C.’s use of the same traffic safety measures his home state uses extensively and vowed to fight to prevent the bill from advancing further.
“Today the Oversight Committee, for the third time this Congress, advanced a paternalistic, undemocratic, and frankly petty bill to overturn two traffic safety laws enacted by D.C.,” Norton said. “The hypocrisy behind this legislation is astounding. The bill’s sponsor represents a district in Pennsylvania, a state that uses automated traffic enforcement extensively to improve roadway safety for its own residents. Yet he has spent years attempting to deny the District the same tool his own constituents benefit from.
“D.C.’s elected officials enacted these measures to protect pedestrians, cyclists and drivers in our city. If D.C. residents disagree with those decisions, they can vote their local leaders out of office. That is how democracy works. What is undemocratic is members of Congress from distant states repeatedly trying to override local D.C. laws.
“Congress should focus on the many pressing challenges facing the nation, not continue this pattern of unnecessary and unjustified interference in the District’s local affairs. I’ll work to stop this bill from advancing further.”
From DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson: (more…)
Either we release WAY MORE hawks or…
From the office of Councilmember Christina Henderson:
“Yesterday, Councilmember Christina Henderson introduced the Public Trash and Recycling Container Budgeting Act of 2026. This bill would require proactive budgeting for replacing public trash and recycling containers around the District by including the cost of modernizing trash containers in future capital projects.
“We need a different strategy when it comes to waste collection in our public spaces. Between overflowing containers due to infrequent collection and the current design of our containers – which does nothing to deter rodents or illegal dumping – our public waste problem is quickly becoming a public health problem,” stated Councilmember Henderson.
Currently, the District’s standard container is called a Victor Stanley SD 42 which does not have a lid or rodent resistant liner. (more…)
photo by Jeffrey Morris
From DC’s Office of the Attorney General (OAG):
“Following DOJ Settlement, Bipartisan 27-AG Coalition Will Keep Fighting to Restore Fair Competition to Live Music Marketplace
Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb released the following statement regarding the ongoing antitrust case against Live Nation, which owns Ticketmaster, for illegally monopolizing the live entertainment industry and concert ticketing services:
“DC’s live entertainment scene is vital to our local economy and culture, and the recently announced settlement is simply not adequate,” said Attorney General Schwalb. “Live Nation has raked in billions from an illegal monopoly that stifles artists, harms venues, and makes it harder for fans to see the performers they love. We will continue fighting to hold Live Nation accountable and restore competition to the live entertainment industry.”
Background on Lawsuit (more…)
photo by Diane Krauthamer
From the Mayor’s Office:
“Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that DC Public Schools will open on a two-hour delay tomorrow, Monday, February 23. DC Government will open on time. (more…)
ICYMI: On Monday – Has Your Trash Still Not Been Collected? You are not alone. “Our goal is to be fully back to normal this week.”
“Dear PoPville,
My family and I live with the back of our rowhouse facing an alley, where our trash and recycling, alongside many other households’ is supposed to be picked up. We haven’t had trash or recycling pickup in over three weeks, this being a week after the DC government plowed out alley to facilitate trash pickup.
I would be more patient with this, but for the last 3 months or so our recycling has been missed at least every other week. What gives?! The rodent outbreak from this will be epic.”
Last night DC Department of Public Works shared the following note:
“The Department of Public Works continues working to restore full residential trash, recycling, and food waste collections. We recognize some residents are experiencing missed collections, and we understand how frustrating and disruptive the situation is.
To address these delays, DPW has activated seasonal employees as part of a dedicated escalation protocol. This will (more…)
This morning in a bout of frustration I posted on our social media channels:
“Perhaps DC should issue some guidance about what we should do if our trash has STILL not been collected coming on week 3. Should we stack bags next to our cans? You have said collection would be back to normal last Monday. Please be aware that did not happen for all. Please advise us what to do while we wait.”
The City Administrator responds: (more…)