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D.C. almost lost its Fort Reno concert series this summer. Our latest cover story looks at why it was canceled, why it was uncanceled, and what the fight was really about.

LEADING THE MORNING NEWS:

  • How the great Supercan saga of 2014 left the Gray administration looking like “idiots.” [Loose Lips]
  • The number of HIV and AIDS cases in D.C. continue to decline, according to a new report from the D.C. Department of Health. [City Desk]
  • D.C. Mayor Vince Gray is urging residents to boycott the Eastern Shore of Maryland after the area’s congressman, Rep. Andy Harris, introduced an amendment to block D.C.’s marijuana decriminalization bill. [AP]
  • Councilmember Mary Cheh wants animal rescue workers to be able to use sirens for animal emergencies. [Post]

RECENT CITY PAPER STORIES TO HELP YOU MAKE SENSE OF YOUR DAY:

Old Timer: Meet Stelios Alexandris, a waiter at 1789 for the past 34 years and D.C.’s recent food industry employee of the year.

Tunnel Trouble: Navy Yard residents once again packed a community meeting to speak out against current plans involving the reconstruction of the Virginia Avenue tunnel.

And Another One: Creme Restaurant & Bar reopened on 14th Street NW this week.

LOOSE LIPS, by Will Sommer. (tips? wsommer@washingtoncitypaper.com)

  • Politically connected contractor Fort Myer Construction landed a rare equipment deal from the District Department of Transportation. [LL]
  • As botched Supercan replacement program worsened, Vince Gray administration officials fumed. [LL]
  • Republican lawyer Kris Hammond will take on Phil Mendelson for D.C. Council chairman. [LL, Post]
  • Gray says District residents should consider boycotting Ocean City over Maryland Rep. Andy Harris‘ meddling in District marijuana laws. [Post]
  • New number of new HIV cases are down in the District. [City Desk, Post, WAMU, Blade]
  • Former Prince George’s County Executive Wayne K. Curry dies at 63. [Times, Post, Post]
  • The Fort Reno concert series saved for this year, thanks to some help from Shadow Sen. Paul Strauss. [WCP]
  • Residences outpace office space in Capitol Riverfront. [Housing Complex]
  • Wilson High principal Pete Cahall reflects on coming out during Pride Week. [Blade]

HOUSING COMPLEX, by Aaron Wiener (tips? awiener@washingtoncitypaper.com)

  • Rents continue to rise faster than incomes. [WSJ]
  • The pop-up debate should be about inequality, not aesthetics. [CityLab]
  • Hill East gets an attractive pop-up called The Laundry. [Curbed]
  • The Supercan debacle left administration officials worried they looked like “idiots.” [LL]
  • The full roster of Capitol Riverfront office projects that became residences. [JDLand]
  • The 15th Street cycletrack will extend up the hill next year. [GGW]
  • A playground is coming to D.C. General after all. [DCist]
  • Former presidential press secretary can’t turn a profit on Kalorama house. [WBJ]
  • D.C.’s ex-transportation chief urges planning for biking and self-driving cars. [CityLab]
  • To minimize the press’s visual impact, the White House could get green canopies. [WBJ]
  • Today on the market: 2BR condo across from the Columbia Height Giant—-$525,000

ARTS LINKS, by Christina Cauterucci (tips? ccauterucci@washingtoncitypaper.com)

  • Advocacy coalition Save the Corcoran filed a court motion to stop the Corcoran’s dissolution. [Arts Desk]
  • At the Folklife Festival, “arabbers” sell fruit with vocal panache. [Post]
  • DC to BC released its Trillectro lineup. [Arts Desk]
  • Fotoweek winners offer tips for amateur photographers. [BYT]
  • The dancers of Pilobolus are more than just beautiful bodies (but their bods ain’t bad). [Post]
  • In town this weekend? Go to some shows. [D.C. Music Download]
  • Five local artists who get down with the red white and blue [East City Art]
  • Here’s where to see comedy in July. [BYT]
  • Faith Hayden and Kendra Keller bring a cabaret on the D.C. dating scene to Capital Fringe. [DC Theatre Scene]

FOOD LINKS, by Jessica Sidman (tips? jsidman@washingtoncitypaper.com)

  • A guide to D.C. ice cream [BYT]
  • Five All-American beers to drink over Fourth of July [Washingtonian]
  • The best hot dogs in D.C. [DCist]
  • Behind the scenes of David Guas‘ new TV show American Grilled. [Post]
  • Bangkok Golden chef plans Laotian restaurant for D.C. [Eater]
  • Nine refreshing summer soups [Zagat]
  • Lawsons closes in Metro Center. [PoPville]