D.C.'s police department is in turmoil after its interim chief said 13 officials were served termination letters amid a widening investigation about crime stats being downplayed.

Why it matters: The Metropolitan Police Department was already dealing with low staffing and eroding morale.

• Now, less than a year since President Trump briefly took over the department, the allegations that police leaders misclassified some crimes to juke the numbers have renewed Republican pressure on the city.

🔎 The latest: MPD is investigating the accuracy of its own record-keeping after 2023's spike in violence.

• Top officials facing termination include Commander Michael Pulliam, who was already on leave and denied allegations he manipulated stats, NBC4 reported. Among the brass are another commander and a captain.
• Interim chief Jeffery Carroll didn't detail specifics about the officials, but said at a press conference yesterday that their terminations are tied to the probe.
• They will have the right to defend themselves through MPD's internal disciplinary process.

🚔 By the numbers: Homicides have been dropping from a 26-year high in 2023, when 274 killings were reported — and violent crimes like carjackings and robberies soared.

• There were 128 homicides last year.
• "We have made meaningful progress over the last three years in reducing crime," said Carroll, though the ongoing probe calls into question the accuracy of specific stats.

Catch up quick: Trump claimed last summer that D.C. police were putting out "phony" stats.

• The DOJ and congressional Republicans are also investigating MPD supervisors. Republicans cast blame on the last police chief, Pamela Smith, who, in a fiery farewell speech last year, denounced allegations she ever directed anyone to alter stats.

📑 On Monday, the House GOP Oversight Committee said MPD "must release EVERY document from their internal investigation into manipulated crime data."

• The committee, which has sometimes worked with Mayor Bowser on topics like RFK Stadium's redevelopment, has been adversarial on policing: "We're not stopping until the full truth is out."

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An exciting crop of restaurants is opening around D.C. this week.

Why it matters: Early May is stacked with openings — from splashy steakhouses to vibey cocktail spots and all-day cafés — giving the DMV dining scene a boost.

Happening this week:

District Larder | Petworth

Chef Matt Sperber's new sandwich shop and market is all about housemade charcuterie stacked into serious sandwiches.

• Dinner service launches Thursday, leaning into whole-animal butchery and seasonal veg plates. Brunch is coming.

Kathmandu Tapas & Cocktails | U Street

With Nepal's cocktail scene taking off, Dipesh Acharya (Tempo Shack) is opening a pioneering Himalayan-style craft bar tonight.

• Expect rarely seen Nepali spirits and playful drinks (think tea-infused Manhattans and jaggery-sweetened espresso martinis), plus shareables like momos and lamb chops.

Ox & Olive | Georgetown

Chef Ryan Ratino (Bresca, Jônt) brings gothic-chic flair to the steakhouse playbook.

• It's steak and martinis — but with fun cheffy twists, from mini wagyu dogs to a throwback apple martini. Opens Thursday.

Hank's Pasta Bar | Old Town

Restaurateur Jamie Leeds debuts a trattoria inside Hank's Oyster Bar, teaming up with chef Darren Norris (Shibuya).

• The vibe: fast-casual meets full service. Build-your-own pasta bowls with homemade sauces start at $13, alongside classics like lasagna, meatballs and focaccia. Opens Thursday.

Café Monet | McLean

An all-day pan-European cafe lands in the new MPA Berlage Arts & Education Center.

• Swing by for a jambon-beurre at lunch or steak frites and spritzes under a glass rotunda.

The Salty Donut | Georgetown

The Miami-born cult favorite arrives Friday, bringing its hyped doughnuts, specialty coffee and breakfast sandwiches — plus opening-day giveaways.

Next week:

• Uchi (Dupont): The buzzy Austin sushi import lands May 12.
• Catahoula (Navy Yard): A waterfront Creole/Cajun spot opens May 14 with po' boys, frozen cocktails and a wine terrace.
• Marv's Dogs (Tenleytown): From the Cork crew, expect fun hot dogs, fro-yo and family-friendly vibes (opening May 13).

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💲 Republicans are proposing $1 billion in taxpayer funding for security upgrades tied to Trump's White House ballroom, despite his repeated claims it would be privately funded. The proposal is drawing pushback from Democrats and adding to ongoing ballroom disputes. (Axios)

• Meanwhile, a new NPS report shows soil dumped at East Potomac Golf Links from the ballroom's East Wing demolition contains elevated levels of toxic metals and chemicals, fueling environmental concerns. (WTOP)

🖋️ A Virginia prosecutor declined to charge an activist who allegedly distributed fliers with Stephen Miller's home address, citing insufficient evidence of intent to harass and warning prosecution could chill protected speech. (Washington Post)

🪧 The one-man protest on top of the Frederick Douglass Bridge against AI and the war in Iran entered its fifth day yesterday. The activist said he'd depart soon.

🧇 The National Mall's food kiosks are getting a much-needed upgrade — plus 25 new carts — with offerings like Lincoln-inspired waffles and cherry blossom ice cream. (Washingtonian)

Surging gas prices have reignited political chatter about suspending the federal fuel tax to help consumers, thanks to a recent round of populist proposals from some high-profile Democrats.

⛽️ The big picture: Pump costs are spiking anew this week — and more increases are looming.

• The average price per gallon in D.C. hit $4.58 yesterday and $4.48 nationwide, per AAA.

Context: It's one of those go-to ideas that never actually happens, but often surfaces when prices climb.

• Congress would have to approve a suspension of the gas tax, and so far, it never has.
• But political winds could shift in these not-normal times, with no end in sight to the throttling of global oil shipments.

Between the lines: Suspending the 18.3-cent-per-gallon gas tax and 24.3-cent diesel tax would bring some relief to consumers.

• But it wouldn't come close to offsetting the nearly $1.50-per-gallon gas price jump since the war started.

🔮 State of play: The respected energy consultancy Rapidan Energy Group sees 25% odds that Congress takes the leap.

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