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🌱 Patch AM: How tonight’s Freedom250 monument show will transform New Year’s on the Mall

Happening soon: New Year's Day $14 Million Great Falls Luxury Online Auction on the Washington Patch calendar

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Good day Washington! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How tonight’s Freedom250 monument show will transform New Year’s on the Mall
  • Why DC regulators abruptly shut down Shaw’s controversial PlayDC lounge
  • Why Georgetown’s beloved Sprinkles cupcake shop suddenly closed its doors

Also on today's calendar: New Year's Eve Showcase (stand-up comedy) and 6 more events.

Find out what's happening in Washington DCfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: Playing golf is bad for your brain. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Washington DCfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Cloudy with a flurry; cold, with a high of 35 and low of 24 degrees.
  • Friday: Mostly cloudy, temps: high: 40, low: 28.
  • Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 38 and low of 25 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Freedom 250: New Year's Eve celebration kicks off at National Mall (fox5dc.com) — Washington, D.C. is hosting a free Freedom250 New Year’s Eve light show at the Washington Monument, with 25‑minute projections each hour and midnight fireworks on the National Mall. The display kicks off a year‑long America 250 celebration expected to boost tourism, and residents should plan for Independence Avenue closures between 17th and 23rd Streets around midnight.
   

2. DC shuts down PlayDC (wusa9.com) — Shaw neighbors won’t see a New Year’s Eve bash at PlayDC after DC licensing officials revoked the lounge’s temporary permits and ordered it closed. Residents link the venue to nearby shootings and other crime, while a new operator, Legacy Inc., says it’s pausing operations, reviewing permits, and working with MPD as city regulators examine how licenses were granted.
   

3. 'Blindsided, confused, really disappointed' (wusa9.com) — Georgetown’s Sprinkles cupcake shop on M Street has closed for good, abruptly laying off nearly 30 workers and drawing long lines of customers seeking one last treat. Staff describe feeling blindsided and hope to donate leftover baking ingredients to help struggling DC residents, while corporate leaders have yet to explain the shutdown.
   

4. Pop Artists Covered Gospel Hits by Richard Smallwood (newser.com) — Washington is mourning gospel legend Richard Smallwood, who grew up in the city and helped pioneer gospel music at Howard University before influencing churches worldwide with songs like “Total Praise.” The 77-year-old composer and pianist died Tuesday in Maryland from complications of kidney failure, leaving a legacy embraced by stars from Whitney Houston to Destiny’s Child.
   

📸 Around Washington

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🪧 Patch Classifieds

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    We recently completed a full Trex composite deck rebuild at a residential property in Washington, DC. This project included removing the old... (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Hair Loss in Your 20s in Washington: When to Seek Treatment and What Works —Jordan McDowell Read on Patch
  • Hi wonderful neighbors, thank you so much for all of you who responded to my urgent call for living space.
    I want to send my gratitude to all of you. This is what community is all about. The amount of response I got really warms my heart. Thank you so much… (Nextdoor North Petworth)
  • I am so thankful for honest people.
    Thanks to the kind lady that returned my package. (Nextdoor North Michigan Park)
  • Giant Food posted a job opening for PT Service Clerk - Front End - 2379 in Washington. Apply here.
  • Target posted a job opening for Overnight Inbound (Stocking) (T3351) in Washington. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Washington here.

Ok Washington! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I just heard a golfer say he had four strokes on the first hole!
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