What the Helen of Troy is This

WTF

“Dear PoPville,

I need to know EVERYTHING about this. I could barely focus my eyes or camera on what was going on, but this strange vehicle was going west on Rhode Island Ave, NE at the South Dakota intersection a little before 1am (January 1st) blasting about Trump and the Epstein files. It sounded so demonic at first a couple of neighbors came out with me to see what was happening.”

Anyone else hear this? If so what part of town were you in?


Sponsored

This article is sponsored by RLAH @properties.

609 Independence Ave SE
609 Independence Ave SE

Want to Build Something in D.C.? Start Here.

A shovel-ready, extraordinarily rare opportunity in Capitol Hill, fully permitted for an already approved plan for 2 two-unit residential buildings: 609 Independence Ave SE

  • 2 residential adjacent lots

  • Each building is a 3-level 2,700 sq. ft. residence

  • Each building features a lower-level apartment suite

  • Approved permit package includes full architectural, civil and MEP engineering drawings

  • Convenient location behind Eastern Market, near Library of Congress, Barracks Row and Capitol

Other Notable Fresh Listings:

  • The Most Expensive Home of the Week is a 6BR/7.5BA contemporary-classical showpiece in Observatory Circle, directly across from the Vice President’s residence, complete with a pool, elevator, and separate guest house—all for $9.5M.

  • “A beautifully maintained row house in Columbia Heights that pairs original DC charm with true move-in-ready condition. This exceptional home offers 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths total, including a fully separate basement rental unit with its own entrance — ideal for rental income, an au pair suite, or multigenerational living.”

  • “With more than 3,400 square feet across four finished levels, this expansive Brightwood rowhouse offers a scale and flexibility rarely found in the neighborhood. The fully finished lower level is a true second unit with its own kitchen, bath, private walkout entrance, and Certificate of Occupancy.”

  • Your REO/Bank-Owned Property of the Week is a “classic rowhome” on Capitol Hill offering “three levels of living space and plenty of opportunity to make it your own” and “a great opportunity for a buyer looking to renovate and add their own finishes while preserving the character of a traditional DC rowhome.”


Rant/Revel


photo by Fritz Myer

You can talk about whatever is on your mind – quality of life issues, a beautiful tree you spotted, scuttlebutt, or any random questions/thoughts you may have. But please no personal attacks and no need to correct people’s grammar. This is a place to vent and/or celebrate things about daily life in D.C.

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Event

The Triumph Trek at the Rio is the ultimate celebration of strength, recovery and hope — and everyone is invited.

On Sunday, September 20, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation and Adventist HealthCare Home Care Services will gather at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg for an untimed walk-or-wheel around the accessible lakeside path. This is not a race. Scooters, wheelchairs, walkers, strollers and every pace are welcome, and no one finishes last.


Golf


photo by Phil

ICYMI: December 18, 2025 – National Links Trust could be in trouble

Thanks to B. for passing on the sad update from National Links Trust:

“Dear Friends of National Links Trust,

As supporters of the National Links Trust, our community programming, and our ongoing efforts to rehabilitate DC’s three municipal golf courses, we wanted to update you on recent developments around the National Links Trust stewardship of East Potomac, Langston, and Rock Creek.

We are devastated to report that the Trump administration is officially terminating our 50-year lease with the National Park Service to manage and renovate the three courses. We remain in fundamental disagreement with the administration’s characterization of NLT as being in default under the lease. We have always had a productive and cooperative working relationship with the National Park Service and have worked hand in hand on all aspects of our golf course operations and development projects. The termination is effective immediately. (more…)


metro

REMINDER:

“Holiday service information for New Year’s Eve; Fares free after 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve

Metro will offer free bus and rail fares from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. on New Year’s Eve to support safe, responsible travel across the region. Metro will also operate on modified schedules for New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.”

From WMATA:

“Winter construction on the Green Line between Georgia Av-Petworth and U Street will be finished tonight, concluding 13 days of work that started on Dec. 16. Winter work wraps up in time for customers to ring in the new year and celebrate *every other Yellow Line train traveling to Greenbelt which begins at 5 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31. (more…)


Columbia Heights

“Dear PoPville,

I am a Columbia Heights resident writing to highlight some extremely kind strangers in my neighborhood this morning. This AM I was walking two dogs when one slipped out of his harness and proceeded to run away. I left the second dog behind and gave chase. The dog ran for blocks and was approaching Georgia Ave, where I was very sure he was going to be hit by a car, when (more…)