Mayor Bowser awarded a $500k contract to a friend's firm for an opioid PR campaign. A commission convened to guide the spending of $80 million in opioid settlement money fears the incident is proof they’re being ignored. buff.ly/449byqt

Don’t miss the final performances of Islander, an innovative new musical from Olney Theatre Center that blends loop technology and transcendent performances for a touching story of heart and home. buff.ly/3JBl0ct

This Week's Page Three Photo Washington City Paper washingtoncitypaper.com/article/657207…

One’s a photographer, the other’s a painter, but dual exhibits from brothers Tom and McCain McMurray, running through April 28 at Touchstone Gallery, demonstrate the siblings’ visual echoes. buff.ly/3w3rM7N

Can’t recall the last good superhero movie you saw? The People’s Joker is here to change that. Vera Drew reminds us that malleability is what makes these heroes and villains so special. buff.ly/3UpIFTH

Joia Burger in Mt. Pleasant adds Filipino flourishes to “utterly crushable” smash burgers made with Wagyu beef. And don’t sleep on the ube soft serve. buff.ly/3xKXtU3

In 2023, an MPD investigator faced a 10-day suspension for violating undercover operation policies during Jan. 6 insurrection; and MPD issued discipline in more than 300 cases for on- and off-duty misconduct last year. buff.ly/3UpQnx9

Employees at The Wydown coffee shops are forming a union after their concerns about mismanagement and mistreatment went unaddressed. Read the full story here: buff.ly/49F0MsZ

This weekend in D.C.: Experimental cinema at National Gallery of Art, wine, chocolate, and Ennio Morricone’s iconic film scores at AFI Silver, new works at local galleries, and more. buff.ly/49NgUsp

In the Ward 4 Council race, tough-on-crime challengers face off against incumbent Janeese Lewis George. But is their approach actually working? buff.ly/3W28b2m

From ancient mythology to contemporary conservation debates, The Age of Deer by Erika Howsare offers profound insights into our relationship with wildlife. Howsare will discuss the book tonight at People's Book Takoma Park. buff.ly/3Q5sIzo

Shakespeare Theatre’s star-powered Macbeth is bold, bloody, and resolute, but less radical than anticipated, writes Chris Klimek. Ralph Fiennes and Indira Varma shine, adding layers of complexity to familiar characters. buff.ly/4aZqbyE

For D.C. noise punk band Ekko Astral, music acts as a means of challenging preconceived ideas, offering connection and communal release. Taylor Ruckle sat down with the band to discuss their debut album, pink balloons. buff.ly/3U18bgC

Local theaters are going all out with star-studded casts, Broadway mega-musicals, and big funding opportunities, hoping to leave an impression on the struggling industry. buff.ly/4d29gO2

#BreakingNews : Theater Alliance locked out of its residence at Anacostia Playhouse over rent disputes and mismanagement. Stay tuned for updates. buff.ly/43YhvGF

Just announced: All Things Go's 2024 lineup... a bit more eclectic than usual for the 10th-anniversary edition Washington City Paper

Pro-Palestinian activists chained themselves to the doors of Lockheed Martin in Arlington, demanding an end to military funding and arms sales to Israel. buff.ly/3JmE2DG

In Ward 7’s Council race, it’s a crowded field with no clear front-runner yet. Loose Lips looks at the current state of the race: buff.ly/4d0Hv8a