Axios D.C.

A Republican-led House committee is planning to hold a hearing next week scrutinizing D.C. officials for not clearing a pro-Palestinian encampment at George Washington University.

Why it matters: It's part of a larger effort by House Republicans to crack down on the demonstrations erupting at college campuses across the country.

Driving the news: The hearing, first reported by the GW Hatchet, will be held next Wednesday, a committee spokesperson confirmed to Axios.

• Mayor Muriel Bowser and Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith are being invited to testify, the spokesperson said.

Several Republicans on the committee also met with GW leadership and visited the encampment yesterday.

• "Our message here today is that help is on the way," Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) told a Hatchet reporter. "We're going to use every legislative authority we have to ensure the Metro Police Department is protecting students here at George Washington."

State of play: The GW encampment sprang up last week after similar protests broke out at Columbia University and other colleges to protest Israel's war effort in Gaza. More than 100 tents are currently occupying GW's University Yard and part of H Street NW.

• D.C. police reportedly ignored requests from GW officials to clear protesters from the encampment last week, per the Washington Post.

Meanwhile, several GW students have been suspended; no protesters have been arrested.

What they're saying: Comer said his panel is "deeply concerned" that D.C. police "rejected George Washington University's request for help in removing" the encampment.

• MPD's refusal to assist GW in their efforts to protect the Jewish student body is "disturbing and unacceptable," he said, vowing to "seek answers from local leaders on steps being taken to ensure this unlawful activity ends."

Plus, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) sent a letter to Bowser criticizing D.C. police's decision not to clear the encampment, writing, "Your actions are a good reminder of why Washington, D.C. must never become a state."

The other side: Bowser said she is in "constant communication with GW officials."

• "I haven't ever turned down requests for help. We support all of our employers, all of our universities," Bowser said, adding that the Metropolitan Police Department will enforce "the laws of the District of Columbia."
• GWU's campus police is taking the lead on the response, MPD said in a statement.

Keep reading

"Financial divestment" is a big demand of pro-Palestinian protesters at GW and private colleges across the country. But most don't know where their school's money is invested. Nor does almost anyone else.

Reality check: Most private schools keep financial information under wraps.

• Columbia's trustees publish annual financial reports, including top-line investment performance and asset class allocations from its $13.6 billion endowment.
• But those reports don't detail specific investments, such as stocks and private equity funds — let alone their geographies.

🔍 Between the lines: Divestment appears to be more of a rhetorical demand by those seeking an end to the Israel-Hamas war than it is a pragmatic strategy to bring about that end.

• Historically, institutional divestment is much less powerful than corporate divestment (i.e., when companies stop doing business in or with a country).

Go deeper

Foodie favorite Green Almond Pantry just reopened in Georgetown, and it's expanding soon to include a full-service Turkish restaurant.

Why it matters: The Mediterranean market and café has earned big awards and a loyal following — despite its small, humble digs — and we've been hoping for a full-service sibling for years.

Catch up quick: Turkish chef Cagla Onal-Urel cooked at Obelisk and Etto before launching her own farmers market business. Her first brick-and-mortar opened in Shaw in 2018 and later suffered a fire, after which she relocated to the tucked-away Grace Street Collective in Georgetown.

Zoom in: Despite setbacks and tight spaces, Onal always turns out gorgeous focaccias, seasonal vegetable mezze and dips, and homey dishes like lamb meatballs or whole salt-baked fish.

• Recent spinal surgery forced Onal-Urel on bed rest — hence the temporary closure — but the market is back with the same menu and new daytime hours.

🌼 What's next: My Little Chamomile, a 42-seat restaurant in an adjoining space, which is slated to open this summer. It'll be dinner-only and home in on Turkish specialties.

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🏍️ D.C. Council members are paying attention to the rise in mopeds, introducing legislation that would require registration of the vehicles. "Some drivers are flouting rules and creating dangerous situations without accountability," Council member Brianne Nadeau said. (WTOP)

📚 Barnes & Noble is reopening in Georgetown on June 19th, at the same site on M Street it vacated in 2012. (Georgetown Metropolitan)

🍽 Fine dining stalwart Marcel's is closing after 25 years off Washington Circle. The haute European restaurant from chef Robert Wiedmaier cited lease complications with a new building owner. The last day for boudin blanc is May 12.

💼 Check out who's hiring on our Job Board.

1. Program Manager - Center on Civility and Democracy at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute.
2. Senior Manager, Federal Policy and Regulatory Affairs at American Academy of Family Physicians.
3. Data Analyst at KFF.
4. Manager, BPC Action at Bipartisan Policy Center.
5. Director, Media and Digital Communications at Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

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A rare book fair is coming to D.C. this weekend with coveted titles like a first-edition Jane Austen, presidential memorabilia, and British royal experts.

Why it matters: Rare books are niche, but organizers say the Capital Rare Book Fair will appeal to serious collectors, history nerds, and curious Joes alike.

🤑 Zoom in: This year's fair features 35 dealers and local shops like Capitol Hill Books, offering everything from early editions to modern sci-fi. A sampling of cool collector's items:

• First edition 1814 "Mansfield Park" by Jane Austen ($40,000)
• First 1908 printing of "Anne of Green Gables" ($40,000)
• First 1861 edition of Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations" ($25,000)
• A prized letter from George Washington ($550,000)

Still, "don't be intimidated," says founder Edward Lemon. "There's stuff at our fair that costs as much as a D.C. coffee these days."

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