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Twenty-two years ago, it was a Tuesday just like yesterday and the sky was so blue. We don’t need to be prompted: No matter where you were on September 11, 2001, you will never forget.

What’s going on?

We are still reeling from the disappearance and murder of local photographer Joe Shymanski. Joe disappeared on September 3 in the afternoon. Joe’s ex-wife’s boyfriend, Brandon Holbrook, was arrested in connection with Joe’s disappearance and a few hours before a planned vigil on Thursday, September 7, Joe’s body was found near Holbrook’s house. At the vigil, it was touching to hear vendors, family and friends talk about Joe, someone so many considered their best friend and a “gentle giant.” Here are a couple of articles mentioning Joe and his wonderful spirit. Washington Post–– People –– WTOP

Over the weekend, a woman was killed over at Duncan Place NE. ANC commissioner Laura Gentile, she passes on this message from MPD: “We’re currently investigating a shooting at 1241 Duncan Place NE, involving a male suspect and female victim. The female was pronounced deceased while undergoing lifesaving treatment at the hospital. The male suspect fled into a building in the block. We are maintaining a heavy police presence and perimeter while we investigate and attempt to locate the male suspect.
Please advise anyone who have information or video to contact us.” Additionally, if anyone has any information to share with MPD, please contact Colin Hall, Commander, First District
101 M Street S.W.
Washington, DC 20024
202-698-0555

Kitchen Cray left H Street NE earlier this year after neighbor opposition and problems with liquor licensing and, reading this DCist piece, it’s hard not to recall the fate of District Soul Food on Barracks Row (WJLA). This quote is particularly poignant: “Black-owned businesses account for less than half of H Street businesses with active liquor licenses, but accounted for a majority of protests the ANC or neighbors filed against licenses in the last five years.”

Speaking of liquor licenses, the Distilled Spirits Council has a very fancy bar on Constitution Avenue NW, right across from the Capitol. Wonder how easy it was for them to get their license. Washingtonian

The DoorDash driver who attacked Valor Brewpub owner Gaynor Jablonski was sentenced to 8 months in jail. NBC-4

Looks like Engine 8 is getting their roof fixed and not making many friends among the neighbors. Aren’t there rules in place to prevent this from happening? PoPville

The Commanders won their first game of the season and the vibe at FedEx field and beyond is light and jubilant. Prince George’s County is set to invest in the area again. Could this help the Commies continue to make FedEx field their home? (Can we suggest they add a shuttle from Morgan Boulevard Metro?) DCist

Speaking of, Mayor Bowser will attend a Friends of Kingman Park meeting on October 18 to discuss possibilities for RFK stadium as it comes down. Residents interested in weighing in ahead of the meeting on the future of RFK are asked to fill out a survey at rfkfuture.org

The man who attacked a Rand Paul staffer along H Street NE in late March of this year has been deemed not competent and will undergo psychiatric treatment until he is able to stand trial. Washington Post

It is undeniable that crime has increased around the DC area, especially when crimes have become more brazen and carried out by young children and often in broad daylight, but while this piece from the Washington Post reports facts and statistics that are chilling and worrisome, it also creates unnecessary panic by focusing on, among other things, a northwest resident who drives short distances out of fear. (There is also dog-whistle language mentioning that crime is now happening “in places where it’s less expected” and where “prosperous areas less immune than before.”) The immediate result? A sensationalist headline via the Daily Mail: “Washington DC is now so crime-ravaged locals are driving tiny distances instead of walking and are too scared to go out during the day, as woke city sees homicides spike by 29% in a YEAR.”

You will not see the Daily Mail sensationalizing this other recent article from the Post, however, on the results of the Capital Area Food Bank report on food instability in the DC area. One-third of DC residents do not have enough to eat, and more people than in previous years are depending on supplemental food. This statistic is particularly shocking: “The 2023 study found that even among households making $120,000 – the median for the region – food insecurity is affecting one in five families.” You can read the report here.

Will there be a government shutdown come October 1? It’s quite possible. The Hill reports on the upcoming blame game for this silly, avoidable situation.

Excitement! Yellow is back at Navy Yard! They reopened on September 9 and will be open Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Yellow the Cafe

Love to see it: Local artist and neighbor Cris Clapp Logan was featured on DC Fray

Get pumped for fall festivals galore coming to the District! WTOP