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Good Thursday afternoon, D.C., and welcome to 2025! The new year brings new possibilities and a degree of uncertainty for the District as Republicans are preparing to take complete control of the federal government.
Earlier this week, City Paper contributor Tom Sherwood reported that President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team is considering installing a federal public safety czar to oversee several local functions, including the police force.
Such a possible takeover could include the appointment—with congressional approval—of a new U.S. deputy attorney general or similar official and follows Trump’s rhetoric about crime and safety in the District, despite statistics indicating reductions in crime last year.
Mayor Muriel Bowser announced shortly after Sherwood’s story was published that she met with Trump on Dec. 30 at Mar-a-Lago. She said they discussed “shared priorities for the President’s second term,” including the federal workforce, underused federal buildings, parks, and infrastructure. Although Bowser’s optimistic statement did not specifically mention public safety, the Post reported that the two talked about it during their hourlong meeting. Bowser, however, has not provided more details of the discussion.
Short of a full takeover of the District’s public safety network, Sherwood reports, Trump’s transition team is considering revising or rescinding some of the more progressive criminal justice laws in D.C.
The presidential inauguration is scheduled for Jan. 20. To read more of Sherwood’s reporting, head to our website.
—Mitch Ryals (tips? mryals@washingtoncitypaper.com)
U.S. Attorney for D.C. Matthew Graves will resign effective Jan. 16. Graves was appointed by President Joe Biden and leads the office of federal attorneys who are responsible for prosecuting most crime in the District. His resignation was expected as Trump prepares to take office. [WTOP]
The bizarre underground mall in Crystal City is officially closing after decades. Crystal City Underground, the collection of shops, eateries, and other amenities, first opened in the 1970s. The mall has been in decline in recent years, likely fueled by the arrival of Amazon’s second headquarters. And none of the retail shop owners’ leases will be renewed after this month. The property’s owner, JBG Smith, has not said what it plans to do with the space. [Post]
Weather forecasts show the potential for a mix of snow and rain Friday, followed by accumulation of several inches Sunday night into Monday morning. [WTOP]
By City Paper staff (tips? editor@washingtoncitypaper.com)
Here are the new laws going into effect in D.C. as 2025 begins. [WTOP]
Top lawyer and lobbyist Earle “Chico” Horton III, a major fundraiser for Bowser and top political insider, takes over as the chair of the D.C. Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors. [Informer]
Someone was caught on video breaking into Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Tricia Duncan’s car and stealing her purse. [FOX5]
By Alex Koma (tips? akoma@washingtoncitypaper.com)
Apparently, 700 people are on the waitlist for dinner at Osteria Mozza on any given night, as the new Georgetown hot spot heads into its third month. The Stephen Starr– and Nancy Silverton-helmed restaurant has added Tom Sietsema among its fans. [Post]
More and more bars are catering to folks who strive to start the year without booze. Here are some of the spots where you can enjoy a drink without alcohol this month. [Washingtonian]
By City Paper staff (tips? editor@washingtoncitypaper.com)
Revisiting an old interview with 3, the D.C. band made up of Jeff Nelson and three former members of Gray Matter: Mark Haggerty, Jeff Turner, and Steve Niles. [Greed Vol. 2]
Scott Nash, the founder and CEO of MOM’s Organic Market, has turned his private collection of pinball machines into a new arcade in Friendship Heights: VÜK. [Washingtonian]
Check out this playlist of 2024 releases from some local artists, including the late Cat Janice, Ekko Astral, Oddisee, and the recently disbanded Bacchae. [WTOP]
By Sarah Marloff (tips? smarloff@washingtoncitypaper.com)
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