About Washingtonian Today
Washingtonian Today is not just another political news roundup. Instead, this daily morning brief provides local context on national news, catches you up on what’s happening at Washingtonian, points you toward super duper awesome things to do around town, and lets you in on some special events going on in-house. Sign up here to receive Washingtonian Today in your inbox every morning.
It’s Thursday (or, for longtime readers, Friday Jr.). You’ve already conquered so much of the week. Congrats and good morning!
Are you the Virginia winner of the $1 Million Mega Millions Prize? Consider putting some of your earnings to the new $2.5 million condo in NE that has sweeping scenic views of a Chick-fil-A.
WIN SOME, LOSE SOME: Just as Navy Yard was celebrating the newest pour-your-own-wine-outfitted Whole Foods, the neighborhood suffered a striking loss: Justin’s Cafe, the only bar in the neighborhood resembling a dive, is closing for good. As a resident, I’m heartbroken. Where will I go for a cheap meal and a beer now: Buffalo Wild Wings?!
Last week, I asked you all to share your favorite parts of your commute, and Meghann Klein‘s really stood out to me. She writes:
Walking down 5th Street NE, seeing all of the vendors opening up, from the electronics shop (where I really need to buy a new pair of headphones) and getting my fave cortado from Mahammad, Kevon and Ryan at The Village Café. It’s really pretty much the best. I think some Drake song should be playing in the background.
I’m glad it’s not just me who pretends they’re in a music video while they’re on their way to work. But instead of Drake, the Talking Heads are playing.
(PS—I need a favor from you guys. Check out the “big events” section of this newsletter to see what’s up.)
What we have cooking at Washingtonian:
- Marisa Kashino spent the night in a haunted asylum and lived to tell the tale.
- The Kennedy Center added improvisers to the red carpet to let both the press and public loosen up during lulls. Who wants to join me to petition to get performers in the White House briefing room?
- Here is the definitive guide to the Smithsonian African American Film Festival, from what to watch to where to go.
- Want to get RIPPED while tossing a pumpkin around because you’re HARDCORE like that? Here are seven Halloween-themed workouts that will get you out of Vida and into the holiday spirit.
Our pick for things to do around the District:
COMEDY Brightest Young Thing’s annual Bentzen Ball Comedy Festival, curated by Tig Notaro, is hosting stand-up shows in Lincoln Theatre and various other venues around the city. A few shows are already sold out, but highlights of the remaining available include opening night with comedian/actress Phoebe Robinson of 2 Dope Queens on Thursday (Lincoln Theatre), “Off Book: The Improvised Musical Podcast” on Friday (Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage), and comics Cameron Esposito and Rhea Butcher of Take My Wife on Saturday (Lincoln Theatre). Jokes aside, some of the Bentzen Ball talent will participate in the Walk & 5K to End HIV on Saturday morning at Freedom Plaza and free HIV testing will be offered on site. Bentzen Ball shows: through October 28, free – $45. Walk/5K: Saturday, $15-$21.
Good reads:
- Sarah McCammon explores how evangelicals both for and against Trump find unity during the midterms. (NPR)
- Gifted kids often struggle with the label as they become adults. And, often times, they mature into not-so-gifted adults, as Brandy Jensen chronicles in her latest essay. (The Outline)
Big events from Washingtonian
Would you like personalized advice from a food critic? Ann Limpert chats with readers every week, and any questions you submit now will be high on her list Friday at 11 AM.
Here’s the favor—Have you eaten food, purchased items, or maybe *whispers* had sex recently? Or some combination of all three? If so, I encourage you to submit to our totally anonymous weekly feature. That’s right, we’re bringing back our Food Money Sex column, and we want it to start off with a figurative and literal bang. Email ideas@washingtonian.com or reach out to me directly if you’re interested in learning more. (And check out some of my fav past submissions.)
Whiskey fans unite! Our annual Whiskey & Fine Spirits Festival will take place on Thursday, November 15. Head to Union Market’s Dock 5 for a festive evening of tasting whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, rum, tequila, and more. Tickets are selling fast, but you can still score some. It’s already a good deal, but we have an even better one for you: Washingtonian Today readers can save 10 percent with the code POURITUP.
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Brittany Shepherd covers the societal and cultural scene in political Washington. Before joining Washingtonian as a staff writer in 2018, Brittany was a White House Correspondent for Independent Journal Review. While she has lived in DC for a number of years now, she still yearns for the fresh Long Island bagels of home. Find her on Twitter, often prattling on about Frasier.
