Ticketmaster isn't the biggest problem facing the Kennedy Center. But the decision to hand its ticketing operations to Ticketmaster/Live Nation is a particularly troubling example of what's happening under the current leadership.

Today's Washington Post reports that newly appointed artistic director Rick Canny helped negotiate the Ticketmaster agreement, shaping many of its terms.

Why would the Kennedy Center voluntarily put its audiences in the hands of a company notorious for excessive fees and predatory business practices? It is also wildly unpopular with the ticket-buying public. (Judging by the enthusiastic reactions to my sign on the Kennedy Center Plaza today, from passers-by, cyclists, and drivers, that unpopularity is alive and well.)

The Kennedy Center is a nonprofit performing arts institution. Its existing ticketing system, Tessitura, was designed for nonprofits and integrates ticket sales with subscriptions, fundraising, and donor relationships.

Today's reporting: https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/2026/10/14/kennedy-center-names-artistic-director-with-deep-ties-trump-era-overhaul/

Gift link https://wapo.st/4jmabhS

Can't say for sure that means they're marked to be torn down, but it sure seems that way. Many of the trees marked are the largest and most beautiful trees out there.

Dear DoorDash,

I’d be happy to resume using your service if you fire your dc lobbyists and disavow their dumbass plan to fight home rule. It’s that simple!

(EDIT 4:45PM - JONNIE HAS BEEN FOUND AND IS SAFE)

Please help find my friend Jonathan Plass!!

From @DCPolice:

Critical #Missing 27-year-old Jonathan Plass, who was last seen in the 2400 block of Virginia Avenue, Northwest, on Friday, October 9th, 2026.

The incident was reported to MPD on Tuesday, October 13th, 2026.

Have info? Call 202-727-9099 or text 50411.

I was at Residents in DuPont for HH, and the guy on the next barstool exposed himself and was masturbating. After coming to terms with what I was seeing (he was trying to be discrete), I reported him to the host stand. While I was gone he paid his tab and left. He definitely knew what was going on and left before he could be held accountable. No one had any idea what he was doing, except for the two women on the other side of him who later corroborated what I saw.

He was a late 20s-mid 30s Black man with longer hair. He wore workout tights with shorts over them, and definitely cut a hole in the tights with his shorts as a cover. Before engaging in this behavior, he made normal small talk with me and the bartender. Nothing in his behavior or appearance was weird or abnormal. And he didn’t hit on me, make me feel uncomfortable, or say anything inappropriate. Him literally jacking off at the bar seemingly came out of no where.

I’m making this post so that if others see this man doing this, PLEASE believe your eyes and say something. Don’t gaslight yourself (yes, it is crazy, but your eyes saw what they saw). Trust yourself to make a report when you see something that makes you uncomfortable. And don’t wait for others to say something, because the guy might cause harm to others (and we should report fuxkin weirdos).

Caught this crew during my morning run.

We each were looking at the same website and at the exact same time. She makes more money than I do. Is this legal? It pisses me off but I want to know - is this something that Postmates is doing are the restaurant is deciding to do on its own?

Are we just missing something obvious? Neither of us at selected an option for delivery or pick up yet.

Was downtown and just watched a car repeatedly honk at a scooter in the street. The scooter was totally within its rights and instead of getting over one lane, the driver just continued to honk at the scooter. I just see so many people in the sub complaining about scooters on the sidewalk and thought it was a good example of how it works the other way in the street.

The new food critic at Washington Post published the list.
As always, there are hits and misses. Thoughts?

It seems like so many more people are smoking in the city than in recent years. I know I read a report that a lot of people are taking up smoking in order to quit vaping. Is that what yall are doing? If so, you’re an idiot and you should know that. That’s like shooting up heroin to quit an oxy addiction

TIL there were not one, but two (kinda) I. M. Pei fixtures at L'Enfant Plaza? For the fountain this is the only picture I can find and there is really not any information about it at all -- I assume they took it down and replaced it with the pyramid to allow more road traffic?

Note: I. M. Pei designed the Fountain, not the Pyramid, though the latter certainly pays homage to him.

by M st. SE. Never seen that many cops respond to something like that.

Does anyone have recommendations for take-out Thanksgiving dinners in the city?

I have to host family (5-6 people), but I won’t be able to cook everything by myself this year. (Heating up is fine - just can’t be cooking anything from scratch).

TIA!!!

I've been getting off the metro at Waterfront recently for the first time, and noticed the giant, empty lots in front of the station (425 M and 375 M). From Googling I found a couple articles saying they'd been sold in 2025 and that there is some kind of plan to develop them, but the articles are paywalled and I'm having trouble finding details, like what the development plans are, or what the timeline is.

The neighborhood could really use more retail shops, so I'm hoping it won't just be all new offices or apartments, but either way I'm curious.

Wondering if there are any groups or locations in the DC area that hosts games of Vampire The Masquerade, and would welcome a new player, who has never played the tabletop version of the game.

Folks, good evening! I am going to be a first time mama and I have to tell you; I am feeling a little put off by the options for maternity wear in the box stores and am curious if anyone has any suggestions for shops or stores in DC that have great stuff for pregnant ladies? I am looking for things that are reasonably priced, warm for the winter and can be worn to work as well as social outings as time (and bebe) allows. Thanks for your consideration and recs!

P.s. I know there are lots of online shops but while I can still move around without waddling I want to shop IRL if possible.

Update: thank you for such warm words and suggestions area moms. It means a lot. This has been a long time coming and a baby i didnt think would be possible ever. My parents are gone and his parents are deceased so its felt sort of crazy trying to figure this out without my own mom or even a meddling MIL lol so lovely mamas, thanks for helping.

Was everyone aware of this? Takes me by surprise.

Snippet from the article:
Consider a voter who ranks Candidate A first and Candidate B second. If Candidate A remains in the race through the final round, that ballot stays with Candidate A. Candidate B gets no vote from that ballot.
If Candidate A is ranked second, the ballot reaches Candidate A only if the first choice is eliminated. Once transferred, it counts for Candidate A unless that candidate is later eliminated.
That means once a ballot helps elect one at-large member, it will not count toward the second. Every vote for a candidate ranked below the first winner on those ballots is skipped.

WHERE?

First Round (recently changed their name from Step-Childe Harold)

1610 20th St NW (basement level)

Happy hour deals: Specials until 7 pm

Convenient to the red line @ Dupont Circle

WHO?

We’ll be there starting at 6:30pm. Each week's host will let you know where we are in the bar and who to look for via the comment section. Keep in mind that we may move around, so check the comments for updates.

WHAT?

We are an informal meetup group gathering at bars around the District. All we want is to socialize after a long week and make new friends. All are welcome - whether you’re an old school Washingtonian, a recent transplant, or (gasp) not a Redditor, this group is for you! Here’s a link to a FAQ.

This happy hour is a welcoming place to meet new people or hang out with old friends. Please remember to treat each other respectfully. Anyone who cannot do this may be asked to leave at the host's discretion.

Hi! I moved to DC recently and would love to get more involved.

I’m curious for yall’s recommendations on places to volunteer weekly that are interesting/cool (like the smithsonian but that’s pretty limited) or feel really rewarding (like where you can see the impact)? Bonus points if it’s social and you’ve made a friend or two from there!

Thanks!!!