Slow Roads Save Lives
@districtaters.bsky.social
District resident who impatiently wants things to be better
Schools are the symtomps of the larger problem, DC's inability to clear the sidewalks & roads.
But, I'm not sure it's fixable bec (1) we rarely get this much snow, we won't invest in dealing with it and (2) this snow situation followed by a week of sub freezing temps is unprecedented.
But, I'm not sure it's fixable bec (1) we rarely get this much snow, we won't invest in dealing with it and (2) this snow situation followed by a week of sub freezing temps is unprecedented.
It's frustrating for some that @dcpublicschools.bsky.social is closed for a third day, but recall that roughly 72% of school kids in D.C. attend a school other than their by-right option. (So they attend an out-of-boundary school, a citywide school, or a charter school.) Many kids travel.
January 28, 2026 at 5:03 AM
Schools are the symtomps of the larger problem, DC's inability to clear the sidewalks & roads.
But, I'm not sure it's fixable bec (1) we rarely get this much snow, we won't invest in dealing with it and (2) this snow situation followed by a week of sub freezing temps is unprecedented.
But, I'm not sure it's fixable bec (1) we rarely get this much snow, we won't invest in dealing with it and (2) this snow situation followed by a week of sub freezing temps is unprecedented.
Reposted by Slow Roads Save Lives
we’ve got a ways to go until 2030 so this could change but it’s pretty much an across the board disaster if it doesn’t
building more housing isn’t just good policy, it’s existential politics
building more housing isn’t just good policy, it’s existential politics
#NEW: 2030 Apportionment Forecast based on 2025 Census Bureau Population Estimates (January 27, 2026).
Forecast prepared by Dr. Jonathan Cervas (CMIST) at Carnegie Mellon University
Forecast prepared by Dr. Jonathan Cervas (CMIST) at Carnegie Mellon University
January 27, 2026 at 4:59 PM
we’ve got a ways to go until 2030 so this could change but it’s pretty much an across the board disaster if it doesn’t
building more housing isn’t just good policy, it’s existential politics
building more housing isn’t just good policy, it’s existential politics
Also, most of the "plowed" DC streets that aren't major roads are now basically one way streets. I can't see how a normal morning commute could work.
Other than D.C. side streets that haven't yet been plowed, most alleys similarly remain untouched. (DPW is supposed to clear some of them, but not all.) That means trash and recycling collection is going to be delayed; there's no timeline yet on when it might return to normal.
January 27, 2026 at 5:27 PM
Also, most of the "plowed" DC streets that aren't major roads are now basically one way streets. I can't see how a normal morning commute could work.
While I (and many other people) don't love @chmnmendelson.bsky.social, I have a bridge or two to sell you if you think anyone is going to vote for Jack Evans. He couldn't even get 4% of his own ward back in 2020.
"'This is going to sound so politician-ish, but it’s true,' he said. 'I’m out all the time, and no matter where I go in the city, people come up to me and say, "We wish you were back on the council. We really need your expertise."'"
Jack Evans may find that those people aren't representative.
Jack Evans may find that those people aren't representative.
January 27, 2026 at 5:26 PM
While I (and many other people) don't love @chmnmendelson.bsky.social, I have a bridge or two to sell you if you think anyone is going to vote for Jack Evans. He couldn't even get 4% of his own ward back in 2020.
When @mayorbowser.dc.gov starts clearing sidewalks, we'll start walking on them....
DC, please stay out of the street. As it gets darker, icy roads and low visibility make travel more dangerous. Let's stay safe and rely on sidewalks!
January 26, 2026 at 10:28 PM
When @mayorbowser.dc.gov starts clearing sidewalks, we'll start walking on them....
A giant, hazardous hole in the ground is basically the right depiction of the administration.
Trump tearing down the East Wing and then being unable to build anything in its place would certainly seem like potent symbolism www.cnn.com/2026/01/22/p...
Federal judge appears skeptical that Trump has legal authority to proceed with White House ballroom | CNN Politics
A federal judge expressed deep skepticism Thursday that the White House has legal authority to construct President Donald Trump’s massive new ballroom without express authorization from Congress.
www.cnn.com
January 23, 2026 at 5:05 PM
A giant, hazardous hole in the ground is basically the right depiction of the administration.
Seems like a specific dig at a specific former council member who clashed often with Mendelson and is running for the special election.
"There were a number of former councilmembers who talked with me or other members. They might have had experience with the budget when they were on the council, but that was a while ago and doesn’t translate to the issues we’re having today," says Mendelson.
January 20, 2026 at 12:01 AM
Seems like a specific dig at a specific former council member who clashed often with Mendelson and is running for the special election.
Reposted by Slow Roads Save Lives
I hate that our government is just destroying everything that makes America wonderful: people from all over the world can come here, build a life, and feel safe.
But no longer, because our government is run by and for gutter racists who hate everyone who is even a tiny bit different from them.
But no longer, because our government is run by and for gutter racists who hate everyone who is even a tiny bit different from them.
BREAKING — Mayor of Lewiston, Maine posts on FB that ICE is coming to the city imminently. This confirms my reporting the agency is planning a surge in the city and state generally.
Lewiston is home to a large Somali-American population, which made up 4.6% of the population as of the 2020 census.
Lewiston is home to a large Somali-American population, which made up 4.6% of the population as of the 2020 census.
January 14, 2026 at 9:20 PM
I hate that our government is just destroying everything that makes America wonderful: people from all over the world can come here, build a life, and feel safe.
But no longer, because our government is run by and for gutter racists who hate everyone who is even a tiny bit different from them.
But no longer, because our government is run by and for gutter racists who hate everyone who is even a tiny bit different from them.
McDuffie was a democrat, wasn't a democrat, and now is again one, all in a span of ~2 years. Showing that he'll do whatever he needs to get power.
Not exactly the ringing endorsement of principled leadership
Not exactly the ringing endorsement of principled leadership
NEWS: At-Large Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie says he will be resigning from the D.C. Council on January 5, 2026. That's in preparation for his run for mayor, since he will be changing his party affiliation to Democrat and he's currently in an At-Large seat reserved for non-Democrats.
December 16, 2025 at 4:19 PM
McDuffie was a democrat, wasn't a democrat, and now is again one, all in a span of ~2 years. Showing that he'll do whatever he needs to get power.
Not exactly the ringing endorsement of principled leadership
Not exactly the ringing endorsement of principled leadership
Reposted by Slow Roads Save Lives
Streateries continue to come down on 18th street.
Soon we'll have space for a handful more people to park, and all we had to give up was space where hundreds of people could eat a meal!
Soon we'll have space for a handful more people to park, and all we had to give up was space where hundreds of people could eat a meal!
December 8, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Streateries continue to come down on 18th street.
Soon we'll have space for a handful more people to park, and all we had to give up was space where hundreds of people could eat a meal!
Soon we'll have space for a handful more people to park, and all we had to give up was space where hundreds of people could eat a meal!
Also because he didn't have a chance in hell. George, Allen, R. White, Henderson, and Nadeau would have sunk the bill (not to mention likely no votes by Pinto, Frumin, and Parker)
Update: Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder withdrew his bill that would have delayed ranked-choice voting in D.C., mostly over procedural concerns with his bill. Emergency legislation can't carry a cost, and there were arguments that Felder's bill would cost the elections board money.
NEWS: Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder is introducing emergency legislation that would delay ranked-choice voting, which is currently set to be rolled out in D.C. in 2026. His bill would mandate that Board of Elections conduct an assessment on what it would need to implement RCV.
December 4, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Also because he didn't have a chance in hell. George, Allen, R. White, Henderson, and Nadeau would have sunk the bill (not to mention likely no votes by Pinto, Frumin, and Parker)
How many damn times am I going to need to vote to pay tipped workers a minimum wage before the @councilofdc.bsky.social stops messing with it?
Update: Who needs a referendum when you can just do another ballot initiative? The same group that put Initiative 82 on the ballot created a campaign committee for a new ballot initiative this week. The fight over the tipped wage in D.C. may well continue.
NEWS: An attempt to reverse the D.C. Council's move over the summer that partially repealed Initiative 82 has hit a significant and potentially fatal hurdle. A D.C. judge has ruled the D.C. Board of Elections improperly advanced a proposed referendum on the council's action.
December 4, 2025 at 2:22 PM
How many damn times am I going to need to vote to pay tipped workers a minimum wage before the @councilofdc.bsky.social stops messing with it?
Big urbnaist energy in @janeese4dc.bsky.social announcement video. Hoping we'll finally have a mayor who cares more about residents than cars.
December 1, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Big urbnaist energy in @janeese4dc.bsky.social announcement video. Hoping we'll finally have a mayor who cares more about residents than cars.
The best people on the council out there to "help" RCV... into its grave.
If they actually cared, they'd get BOE more funds.
If they actually cared, they'd get BOE more funds.
Now, it's worth recalling that during the budget process this summer Bonds and Felder unsuccessfully tried to delay ranked-choice voting. But with today's hearing they may have some ammunition to try again. If they will, it would have to be next month or January at the latest.
November 25, 2025 at 2:11 AM
The best people on the council out there to "help" RCV... into its grave.
If they actually cared, they'd get BOE more funds.
If they actually cared, they'd get BOE more funds.
Yes! Love the leadership of @wmatagm.bsky.social!
Major announcement in just-posted board documents: DC's Metro is moving fast toward automation.
Over 15 years, Metro plans full automation & platform screen doors, which the agency says will improve safety, reliability, & travel times—at reduced costs.
www.wmata.com/about/board/...
Over 15 years, Metro plans full automation & platform screen doors, which the agency says will improve safety, reliability, & travel times—at reduced costs.
www.wmata.com/about/board/...
November 17, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Yes! Love the leadership of @wmatagm.bsky.social!
This public pressure from her close friend probably means that @eleanornorton.bsky.social is determined to run.
It's likely going to be up to DC voters to make sure we have actual representation in congress.
It's likely going to be up to DC voters to make sure we have actual representation in congress.
Wow: In WaPo op-ed, Donna Brazile, a Democratic Party heavyweight who is close to D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, is calling on her longtime friend not to run for re-election. Norton has been noticeably diminished in recent years; she’s now 88. www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
September 15, 2025 at 11:01 PM
This public pressure from her close friend probably means that @eleanornorton.bsky.social is determined to run.
It's likely going to be up to DC voters to make sure we have actual representation in congress.
It's likely going to be up to DC voters to make sure we have actual representation in congress.
Also been there and 100% agree. Scary as hell.
Especially the vaccines for covid, flu, RSV, measles, etc. I know our collective brain is fried because Covid was deeply unhappy for so many people, but I guarantee you that seeing your kid struggle breathe is not something you ever want to experience.
September 15, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Also been there and 100% agree. Scary as hell.
If the @washingtonpost.com editorial board can see that the commanded deal is bad for DC taxpayers, what excuse does @mayorbowser.bsky.social or the council have?
Opinion | Reject the Commanders stadium deal
Even after tweaks, the deal still amounts to corporate welfare that the NFL team and its billionaire owner do not need.
www.washingtonpost.com
July 31, 2025 at 5:40 PM
If the @washingtonpost.com editorial board can see that the commanded deal is bad for DC taxpayers, what excuse does @mayorbowser.bsky.social or the council have?
Reposted by Slow Roads Save Lives
We hear "DC Restaurants are Dying!" hot takes like clockwork every time one restaurant closes, meanwhile two more open to replace it and then some but that always gets ignored by the anti-I82, etc. people, enough is enough.
As the I-82 debate heats up, the Council budget office recently prepared a report on the state of the DC restaurant industry since its passage.
Essentially, they found that the city is adding more employees and new restaurants than its neighbors:
www.documentcloud.org/documents/25...
Essentially, they found that the city is adding more employees and new restaurants than its neighbors:
www.documentcloud.org/documents/25...
2025-05-20 Restaurant Industry Memo FINAL
www.documentcloud.org
June 2, 2025 at 3:05 PM
We hear "DC Restaurants are Dying!" hot takes like clockwork every time one restaurant closes, meanwhile two more open to replace it and then some but that always gets ignored by the anti-I82, etc. people, enough is enough.
The commanders stadium is a net loss for DC taxpayers, regardless of what Bowser and Mendelson pretend.
There is zero excuses to pay the Commanders to take even more of DC's money.
There is zero excuses to pay the Commanders to take even more of DC's money.
Interesting: A new economic analysis released today by the D.C. Council's Budget Office finds that mixed-use development without a stadium at RFK would eventually produce more tax annual revenue for the city than mixed-used development *with a stadium*. But...
July 25, 2025 at 11:26 AM
The commanders stadium is a net loss for DC taxpayers, regardless of what Bowser and Mendelson pretend.
There is zero excuses to pay the Commanders to take even more of DC's money.
There is zero excuses to pay the Commanders to take even more of DC's money.
Big wins for key ballot initiatives. I appreciate that most of the council beat back attempts to overrule the direct will of DC voters.
It was a day for ballot initiatives in the D.C. Council, as an attempt to repeal Initiative 82 was defeated (but could come back) while lawmakers funded ranked-choice voting, which was approved by voters last year as Initiative 83. For @51st.news: 51st.news/d-c-council-...
D.C. Council approves ranked-choice voting, rejects rollback of tipped wage law (for now)
There was plenty of action on two of D.C.'s ballot initiatives.
51st.news
July 15, 2025 at 12:34 PM
Big wins for key ballot initiatives. I appreciate that most of the council beat back attempts to overrule the direct will of DC voters.
Are DC voters going to need to pass a third intative? Stop listening to the whining of RAMW, this is just dragging out the inevitable which makes it more painful for everyone involved.
NEWS: Tomorrow D.C. Council will vote on repealing Initiative 82, which phases out the tipped minimum wage. Under proposal, base wage for tipped workers would be $8 (down from $10 now), but min. wage they’d earn would be $20. That’s more than $17.50 non-tipped workers make.
July 13, 2025 at 8:37 PM
Are DC voters going to need to pass a third intative? Stop listening to the whining of RAMW, this is just dragging out the inevitable which makes it more painful for everyone involved.