City Cast DC (City Cast)

Is Metro screwed? It’s a question that has less to do with trains and stations than with budgets and balance sheets. Wyatt Gordon wrote extensively about Metro’s challenges for Greater Greater Washington and he’s here to walk us through the wonky details.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 3rd episode: The Pew Charitable Trusts Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’ll be sharing results from our local elections and discussing what they mean for DC. But we can’t help but wonder… what’s going on with our City Cast colleagues in swing states? As America white-knuckles its way into one of the closest presidential elections in modern history, City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with the hosts of our shows in swing state cities: Madison, Philly, Pittsburgh, and Las Vegas. In this special episode, our crew of hosts gives you a locals’ look inside how their cities are preparing for the presidential election and its aftermath. From a peek inside the Pennsylvania election warehouse where mail-in ballots will be counted, to a glimpse at how Dane County, Wisconsin’s early voting is going, you’re invited to hear what the swing states are talking about…with each other. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Go-Go has been THE sound of D.C. since the late 1970’s. In 2020, Mayor Muriel Bowser designated it the official music of the District. But what happens when an art form that's intended to be subversive is embraced by those in power? Hosts Michael Schaffer and Bridget Todd discuss what Go-Go means to both of them, how it's influenced their perspective on the city, and if Go-Go could go national. Want some more D.C. news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your D.C.-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 2026422654 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, saying abortion rights should be left to the states. But what happens when the place you live isn’t a state? Kaela Roeder from Street Sense joins us to explain what D.C. can expect in the future because of this decision. And as promised from our newscast, here's more info on the CPD Action protest happening on Thursday. Need more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 2026422654 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve talked a lot about what Trump and Musk’s gutting of the federal workforce means for the District, but what about nearby Virginia? Michael Pope, a reporter with Virginia public radio and the host of the Virginia Pressroom podcast has been following the story and is here to break it down. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 4th episode: The Pew Charitable Trusts Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With everything going in DC lately, it’s understandable if maybe you’re feeling like having a few drinks on a budget. Ann Limpert, food editor for the Washingtonian, is here with the best DC happy hours where you can knock back a few responsibly, and in moderation of course.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month.  Learn more about the sponsors of this March 5th episode: The Pew Charitable Trusts The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University District Bridges Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mayor Bowser’s town hall on Wednesday hit a nerve with the city. NBC4’s Mark Segraves was there, and he’s here to give us the play-by-play of what Bowser had to say. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 6th episode: The Pew Charitable Trusts The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University District Bridges Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

US Congressman Jamie Raskin, who represents the Maryland suburbs of DC, is known nationally for leading the Democratic pushback against Trump’s sweeping federal cuts. He's here to tell us how the layoffs are affecting the DMV, how his Republican colleagues see D.C. home rule, and what citizens ought to do if they want to get involved.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Plus, keep a look out for the bonus episode we’re dropping later today, with our sponsor Alliance Francaise, about D.C.’s obsession with French culture.  Learn more about the sponsors of this March 10th episode: Urban Pace Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

D.C. is trying out a new pilot program that’s designed to give low-income people a break on traffic camera tickets. Martin Austermuehle has covered the issue for the 51st and he’s here to talk about why the program has been so controversial. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 11th episode: Urban Pace Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The House just passed a budget stopgap bill that would fund the federal government through September but would also cut $1.1 billion from D.C.’s local budget. If the Senate passes the bill without changing this provision, it would cripple the District’s budget and the effect would be immediate. NBC’s Mark Segraves is here to tell us what’s happening. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 12th episode: Urban Pace Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

DC has a whole host of rules that are the kind of thing where if you know, you know. Is it Malcolm X Park or Meridian Hill Park? Is it Reagan National Airport or DCA? We talked to ClockoutDC’s Jade Womack and Greater Greater Washington’s Dan Reed last summer about the essential rules to life in DC.  If you like culture hot takes like this, sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for just $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 13th episode: Urban Pace Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should DC rejoin Maryland!? In D.C.’s current crisis atmosphere, the idea of retrocession has gained traction. For years, David Krucoff was the lonely champion of this cause. He’s with us today to explain why he thinks it’s the best way forward. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month.  Learn more about the sponsors of this March 17th episode: Urban Pace The Pew Charitable Trusts Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center has left the DC art community reeling. How is DC’s vibrant but sometimes overlooked theater community dealing with the fallout? Chad Dexter Kinsman, arts administrator and host of Theater District podcast explains what all of this means for the future of theater in the District.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 18th episode: Urban Pace The Pew Charitable Trusts Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The District is anxiously waiting for the House of Representatives to return to session and decide the fate of D.C.’s budget. Depending on what they decide, D.C. could potentially see a $1 billion hit, right away. The Washington Post's Jenny Gathright is here to explain how D.C. leaders are trying to convince the House to vote their way. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 19th episode: Urban Pace The Pew Charitable Trusts Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So we know that the federal government fired thousands of workers in D.C. earlier this year. Now some court rulings suggest they’re being rehired?! But not fully?! It’s a mess. Emily Peck from Axios tells us what’s going down between the Trump administration and the federal workers that DOGE tried to purge. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 20th episode: Urban Pace The Pew Charitable Trusts Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The DMV is front and center in the Trump administration’s campaign to deport undocumented immigrants. Atenas Burrola Estrada of the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights is here to tell us what it means for the region and what people need to know about their rights in this legal landscape.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 24th episode: The Pew Charitable Trusts Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s spring in DC, which means it’s e-bike season. Last year, we systematically tested four different e-bike brands — Capital Bikeshare, Lime, Spin, and Veo — to figure which ones are worth the price. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 25th episode: The Pew Charitable Trusts Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A reminder for the parents out there: if you are wanting to get your kid into summer camp, it’s time to make some plans. City Cast contributor Austin Graff is here to explain why March is a critical time for summer camp planning and everything you need to know to do it right. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 26th episode: The Pew Charitable Trusts Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new plan would consolidate the District's competing violence interruption programs under a single agency after a bribery scandal last year. But just what are these programs? The University of Maryland’s Thomas Abt has spent years studying violence prevention and he’s here to explain how these efforts can and can’t nudge violence down.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 27th episode: The Pew Charitable Trusts Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new executive order by Donald Trump targets D.C. — but doesn’t, at least not yet, take it over. Mark Segraves from Channel 4 is here to explain the president’s new “"D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force", and why the city leadership feels like it doesn’t have much choice other than staying mum.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 31st episode: District Bridges Awesome Con Mosaic Theater Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’ve probably seen the ugly headlines about Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder. Most recently, he’s been … negotiating … with Congress about when and how to testify about the toxic work culture he allegedly created on the team. But Snyder’s been an unpopular figure in D.C. for years now. In this episode, sports columnist Mike Wise shares some strong opinions about the guy and how he’s run D.C.’s once-most-beloved sports team. Want more Snyder background? Check out this Politico piece by our host Michael Schaffer.  And to stay up-to-date on the latest, subscribe to our morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter at @citycast_dc. You can also share your D.C.-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 2026422654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Axios’ Cuneyt Dil and the Washington Post’s Teo Armus join us to talk about the end of Black Lives Matter plaza, immigration raids around DC, and the latest in Cherry Blossom branding. Plus, City Cast CEO David Plotz is speaking this week at Cleveland Park Library about podcasting, local news, and how CCDC got started. Register here for the March 11 event, which starts at 7 p.m.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 7th episode: The Pew Charitable Trusts The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University District Bridges Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Washington Post’s Meagan Flynn joins the show to talk about the federal budget and that weird billion-dollar hole it may blow in our own city budget, measles in the DMV, and everything you need to know about Alexander Ovechkin’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s NHL goal record. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 14th episode: Urban Pace Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re talking about why the Purple Line is taking so long to arrive. We’re talking about the takeover of DC institutions — and whether it's cool for Washington audiences to boo JD Vance. Plus, a story about stew that warmed our hearts. And this week there’s a fourth topic for members only: Is the DMV economy headed for a crater? Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 21st episode: Urban Pace The Pew Charitable Trusts Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re talking about DC’s economic plans to move beyond the federal government. Also, some people who allegedly wrote mean graffiti on Teslas are being investigated for hate crimes. And we’re talking about how to get the most out of a trip to Nats Park. Plus, stick around for an exciting member’s-only fourth segment about local DC’s endearing ability to memeify national news events like this week’s Signal scandal. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month.  Learn more about the sponsors of this March 28th episode: The Pew Charitable Trusts Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s Washington Mystics season here in the District. They’ve got a fancy new stadium, the tickets are cheap, and they’re near the top of the league (unlike most of our other local teams). Kate Yanchulis from Just Women’s Sports joins us to give us tips on the best seats in the house, the players we should love, and the opponents we should hate. Plus, the MLK Library is hosting a smart home exhibit. Check it out! Need more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter.  Follow us on Twitter at @citycast_dc. And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 2026422654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CAVA just went public, to huge success in the market. District Taco announced this year that it wants to go national soon. CYM is going national already. D.C. has SO MUCH success as an incubator for fast-casual spots! Why!? City Cast DC Contributor Tim Ebner is here, as well as one of the co-founders of the Indian fast-casual eatery, RASA to dig into it. Pun intended. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's a big debate happening in Shaw over potential new condos at 1515 Ninth Street NW. A local developer wants to replace the vacant building and parking lot with a six-story-high building. But some residents see the development as a "monstrosity" that will ruin the neighborhood. Today, two neighbors with different perspectives hash it out. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Just text “DC” to 66866. Do you live in Shaw and have strong opinions about the proposed condo development? Leave us a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This fall, DC will open its first new neighborhood high school in decades. Harold McCray, the new principal of MacArthur High School, joins us to share how you pick a mascot and traditions for a brand-new school — and why he thinks parents should enroll their kids ASAP.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc. And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Canadian wildfires are likely to keep smogging up our air on and off through October. The team is here to discuss cheap air filter alternatives, whether Metro’s new branding strategy will make you more likely to ride, and best ice cream spots in the DMV. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The city is pushing ahead with plans to build a controversial homeless shelter in a former George Washington University dorm. It’s on a block with 2 hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants, and Michael Brice-Sadler from the Washington Post is here to tell us how residents, advocates, and business owners in the area all feel about it. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc. And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If this is your least favorite time of year for D.C. weather, you’re not alone. I’m right there with you. It’s been hot, sticky, and humid the last few weeks. And you’re probably looking to be near some water. Whether you’re a lake person, a river person, or an ocean person, local travel guide Tim Ebner has got you covered.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fringe Festival kicks off today! It’s an exciting annual event that highlights the local theater scene, but … it’s in Georgetown, famously one of the most annoying neighborhoods to get to. Or maybe that’s an unfair rap! Local guide and City Cast DC contributor Austin Graff is here to tell us why Georgetown is worth your effort, and what you should see, eat, and drink once you get there.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The McMillan Sand Filtration Site is about to emerge as the Reservoir District, rebranding a part of town that for years, was the focal point of the city's most annoying debate. Mike Neibauer from the Washington Business Journal is here to tell us what the new development, with a huge swathe of townhouses, retail and office space, will look like. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc. And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

DC Council passed emergency crime legislation in its last meeting of the session. Will it actually quell the rising crime stats across the city? City Cast’s Priyanka Tilve and Washington City Paper’s Alex Koma are here to talk about that, plus potential new routes on the Metro, and what may be the best bathrooms in the region.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s an ugly fight going on about terrible conditions, tenant protests, and questionable evictions at an apartment building in DC’s Brookland neighborhood — and it raises questions about just what your rights are as a tenant in Washington. Morgan Baskin from DCist has been covering it and is here to tell us what’s going on. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Check us out on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc. And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Lotus and Water Lily Festival is in full bloom over at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens and will be running until July 22nd, where you can catch the iconic lotuses. It’s one of Cornelia Poku from the instagram Black Girls Explore DC, favorite spots in the city. She joins us today to tell us all about it.  More details about KAG’s Lily and Lotus Festival here.  Plus, sign up for our morning newsletter for more D.C. news, and follow our Twitter at @citycast_dc. We’d also love to feature you on the show! Share your D.C.-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 2026422654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July is Disability Pride Month, and we need to talk about the accessibility of D.C.’s spaces. One in four adults in D.C. have a disability and more than one in 10 have a mobility disability. Still, D.C. businesses are struggling to get up to snuff on accessibility. Kristin Duquette, Former Team USA swimmer, Truman Project fellow, and D.C. resident breaks down why and what we can do about it. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Washington is on the cusp of a new stadium debate: The Commanders, now under new ownership, want out of Landover, and the mayor wants to bring them back to the old RFK Stadium site. But it’s not a slam-dunk. Even if you ignore the question of who pays for it, plenty of people don’t think a football stadium is the best use for one of the city’s few open parcels of land. The Washington Post’s Sam Fortier is here to explain who’s who.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc. And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

D.C. has a new Police Chief. Will she find a solution to the District’s crime surge? How does her appointment change the politics of the crime bill? City Cast’s Julia Karron and Dan Reed of Greater Greater Washington talk it out. Plus, we breakdown the future of ranked choice voting and where to watch the Women’s World Cup! Check out the local reporting that powers our roundups: Peter Hermann and Emily Davies of the Washington Post have got your primer on the new Police Chief. Martin Austermuhle at DCist has the scoop on the future of ranked choice voting in the District and Arlington. Friend of the Pod Chelsea Cirruzzo from Axios breaks down where to watch the Women’s World Cup. Want some more DC news? Then you should sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc!  And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Friday, the Washington Commanders gained a new owner — and the city lost a collective enemy. Defector Media's Dave McKenna, a man who spent years chronicling the lows of the Dan Snyder era, is here to talk about what it was like to watch Snyder’s reign end — and what we should expect from Josh Harris, the new owner who fans have been greeting like a hero.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc. And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been a deadly summer in DC so far. 12 kids have already died from gunfire this year. Emily Davies, reporter at the Washington Post, has been covering this troubling and complicated story. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No matter where you live, summers in D.C. are brutal. But do you know what it feels like to wake up in a nylon tent when it's like this? Street Sense vendor Chris Cole does, and she says it’s the summers, not the winters, that are the hardest to handle. In this episode that originally aired last August, she shares her story. Call 311 if you need help or information on heat exposure and resources to deal with it. Here are some ways you can help D.C.’s unhoused communities. And be sure to check out Street Sense’s comprehensive reporting on this issue.  We’re also on Instagram at @citycast_dc, and you can leave us a voicemail by calling 2026422654. Call us!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Sietsema has spent a career eating his way through town as the Washington Post’s restaurant critic. He won’t tell us his secret aliases for reservations, but he is here to spill some other secrets, like why it’s important to check out a restaurant bathroom, his worst D.C. dining experience, and why brunch is for suckers. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc. And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s hot, even for us sweat acclimated Washingtonians. Our team is covering how to stay cool, plus an invasion of poisonous worms in the District. Also, we pitch in on the interesting debate afoot about D.C.’s ugliest buildings. Per usual, our roundups are powered by local reporting: Check out D.C.’s cooling stations using this map. Kevin Ambrose and Kasha Patel from The Washington Post have you covered on the worm situation. Got feelings on the ugliest building in D.C.? Tell Reddit about it! And big news, we're having an anniversary party and live taping on August 28 at 6:30 pm. Come join us! Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc. And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Metro is considering its largest expansion since the announcement of the Silver Line. Jordan Pascale, WAMU’s Transportation Reporter, shares details of the potential new routes and an overall vision for D.C.’s transportation future. Here’s that survey if you wanna participate! Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc. And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve had excessive heat warnings the last few days in D.C. and with the start of August, things probably aren’t cooling off any time soon. City Cast contributor Austin Graff has some tips on how we can stay cool in the city. Want some more D.C. news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

D.C.’s streets are full of hidden histories. JoAnn Hill wrote the literal book on them, and she’s here to share some of the weirdest — and darkest — stories behind famous D.C. sites, like Dupont Underground, the Supreme Court, and Soldier’s Home Cemetery. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are D.C.'s most overrated restaurants? Is $20 for a sandwich actually a reasonable price? Washingtonian’s food editor Jessica Sidman joins the City Cast crew to hash out restaurant hot takes that might make your blood boil. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While America is talking about what’s happening in a certain local courtroom, our team is talking about the mystery of a canceled Asian American book festival, the non-mystery of why DC loses power in thunderstorms, and another plan to fix Pennsylvania Avenue.  Here’s some more info on today’s stories:  Our newsletter Hey DC covered the Asian American Lit Festival cancellation Read more about DC Plug to see how it might affect your home. Hey DC also had a piece about the plans to reimagine Pennsylvania Avenue Subscribe to our newsletter to get these stories first thing in your inbox every weekday morning. Just text “DC” to 66866. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc.  And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a common attitude among foodies that gas stoves are better, but not if you ask Rob Rubba, chef at Oyster Oyster. And he would know, because he just won a James Beard Award. As D.C. Council considers legislation that incentivizes a switch from gas stoves to electric, Rob tells us why in his kitchen, it’s electric!  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc. And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mount Zion is one of the oldest Black cemeteries in D.C. and a lot of former enslaved people are buried there. Plus, it was a stop on the underground railroad! Lisa Fager from the Black Georgetown Foundation is here to tell us about the site’s unexpected and rich history, efforts to restore Mount Zion and its sister cemetery, and how Washingtonians can find their locally buried ancestors. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

D.C. can be a tough city and sometimes we all need to have a little cry. And it turns out D.C. is a great city for crying in public. Kiara McGowan from the now viral TikTok account “Crying in DC” grabs the tissues to talk about the best spots to shed some tears and how she’s making space for D.C.’s public criers.  Follow Kiara on TikTok @cryingindc Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you think of city skylines, you might picture dazzling skyscrapers and high-rises. But not in D.C., where the Height Act of 1910 has given the city its iconic shorter vista. But we’re in the midst of another conversation about tinkering with the law. Should we? WTOP’s Luke Garrett breaks it down.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, a Councilmember called for the National Guard to help curb D.C. crime, Beyonce fans came up against the famously terrible FedEx Field, and a bunch of DC restaurants announced they’re taking summer breaks. The team wraps it all up with Washingtonian’s food editor Jessica Sidman.  As always, our Friday roundup is fueled by great local journalism:  Fox5 lays out Trayon White’s call for the National Guard and how the city’s responded WTOP covers the fallout of the Beyonce concert at FedEx Field Check out Jessica’s piece to see if your fave restaurant is taking a summer break And check out these other episodes that we referenced in today’s roundup:  Kids are dying from gun violence in record numbers this year Will the Commanders return to D.C.? Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

D.C. gets a bad rep ... in a lot of ways. People say we're not fashionable, we're careerist snobs. Are they right? Co-hosts Mike Schaffer and Bridget Todd sat down to discuss D.C.’s stickiest stereotypes. Also, we're doing a live taping, and we'd love to see you. Come on by to Sonny's Pizza on Monday, Aug. 28. There will be a wine tasting from 5-6 p.m., followed by our recording at 6:30 p.m. It's also our anniversary party, so it's going to be a really special night. RSVP here. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During World War 2, women took on roles as codebreakers, pilots, butchers, and farmers to aid in the war effort. These women are “Rosies” like Rosie the Riveter. College student Raya Kenney has been trying to get a memorial to these women built in DC for half her life — since she was 11. She explains what it takes to get a new monument constructed. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pandemic changed where you work — and where the people who sell you stuff want to set up shop. In the D.C. area, this has meant jobs, and people, moving from the city to the suburbs. Will it last? And what comes next? Tristan Navarra from the Washington Business Journal is here to explain.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

D.C. has loads of parks and trails, which make it a great city for running. It also has a lot of hills, which, for a lot of people….not so much. We sat down last year with Washington Post wellness reporter Kelyn Soong to get his sense of Washington as a running town — and as some of his tips and tricks to get out there and start pounding the pavement.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 2026422654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

District Dogs day care in Northeast flooded again, but this time, 10 dogs drowned. Our team talks about what happened and how the owner’s past pleas to the city went unheeded. Plus, we break down a “freedom of speech” lawsuit by anti-abortion protesters against D.C. and size up Washington City Paper’s Best of D.C. 2023. Check out the local reporting that powers our roundups: News4 Reporter Walter Morris spoke with several pet owners whose dogs were in a flooded dog day care. John Domen of WTOP has the latest on what city officials have to say about the emergency response to the flooding. Casey Parks of the Washington Post breaks down where the lawsuit against D.C. for the arrest of anti-abortion protesters stands. Washington City Paper gave their takes in the Best Of DC 2023. Want some more DC news? Then you should sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houselessness is still below pre-pandemic levels in the District, but that good news doesn't paint the entire picture. Because there’s also been an increase in houselessness this year. The city also has a social worker shortage. Marissa Lang, reporter at the Washington Post, has been covering how this is impacting the city.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The word “iconic” gets used too much in D.C. But in the case of Ben’s Chili Bowl, the U Street Mecca for late-night half-smokes, it fits. Bridget and Mike sat down with Virginia Ali, the matriarch of the restaurant which turns 65 today! They talk about the early days serving Howard University students, living through the fires of 1968, and what business is like in spiffed-up 21st century U Street.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Roller skating became all the rage during the pandemic, but for D.C., this wasn’t really a new thing. Just ask D.C. skate enthusiast, Salleta Coleman. She tells us why the District has always had a special connection to skating.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc. And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Locals Siddharth Muchhal and Bobo Stankovikj set out to visit every Bikeshare dock in the DMV. Why did they do it and what tips and tricks do they have for the rest of us? Host Michael Schaffer found out for us. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new poll says most Americans think DC is a safe city to live in, but around here, it seems all people are talking about is crime. So how bad is it really? Bridget Todd, Priyanka Tilve, and Julia Karron are here to chat about that, plus some major drama in DC’s Little League and also the best pizza in town. As always, our Friday news roundups are powered by the fabulous local reporting around here:  Check out the latest Gallup poll about America’s safest cities. Frederick Kunkle of the Washington Post delves into Northwest Washington’s Little League drama. Eater D.C. compiled a list of essential D.C. pizza spots.   Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 911 call center is back in the news after the flooding that killed 10 pups at District Dogs daycare on August 14th. A dispatcher error delayed the emergency response, and it’s not the first time that’s happened. Veteran journalist Dave Statter has been covering the call center’s troubles for decades, and in this interview originally aired in February, he tells us why it’s such a mess. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The COVID-19 hospitalization rate in D.C. rose 29% earlier this summer. But it definitely doesn’t feel like a pandemic out here. Everything’s open, people are out and about. So how seriously are we supposed to take all this? Politico’s health reporter Chelsea Cirruzzo joins us at our live taping at Sonny’s Pizza to talk it all out. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Streateries were a feature of the pandemic. Three years on, they’re still with us — and city planners are looking at ways to make them permanent. Joe Sternlieb and Faith Broderick from the Georgetown Business Improvement District are here to talk about what that means for diners and restaurants — as well as drivers looking for a place to park. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sure, D.C. is blistering and sauna-like right now. But you don’t have to go far for a blissful, affordable vacation. Travel writer Tim Ebner’s got so many suggestions, your head will spin. That said, if you’re staying in the city, check out our Summer Bucket List, and sign up for our morning newsletter to find out how you can win some summer swag. If you’ve got any questions for us, or gripes, thoughts, hopes, and frustrations about D.C., leave us a voicemail by calling 2026422654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mayor Bowser was scheduled to unveil her 2026 budget today but she’s delayed that while waiting for the House to pass its budget fix bill, restoring $1B to DC’s budget. Trump has signaled his support for the bill — so what’s the holdup? The Washington Post’s Meagan Flynn explains where we're at with DC’s budget and what’s next.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month.  Learn more about the sponsors of this April 2nd episode: District Bridges Awesome Con Mosaic Theater Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The DC Council passed a new law to keep more meetings secret, and Mark Zuckerberg joined a whole bunch of oligarchs buying houses in D.C. Plus: the best April Fools articles in D.C. this year. And for members, a special bonus topic: Trayon White, the expelled member of the DC Council, is running to win back his old seat. Can they re-expel him? NBC4’s Mark Segraves joins the team to discuss. Want the full episode? Become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month.  And make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC for more news from around the city. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 4th episode: District Bridges Awesome Con Mosaic Theater Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WayMo, Google’s driverless taxi service company, says they want to expand to DC next. But are they safe? Would they work with DC’s many road quirks? We talked to Andrew Hawkins, who covers transportation at The Verge, to find out what driverless taxis would mean for the city.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 7th episode: PaintCare The Pew Charitable Trusts Nace Law Group Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spring has sprung, which means streateries are back! But do people really use them and like them? Senior producer Julia Karron talked to business owners and food journalists to get to the bottom of it. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 9th episode: PaintCare The Pew Charitable Trusts Nace Law Group Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Smithsonian is front and center in one of Donald Trump’s most controversial executive orders. But what does his campaign against “inappropriate ideology” mean on a day to day basis for the museums — and for the city where they’re a big part of the cultural mix? Manuel Roig-Franzia from the Washington Post is here to give us the lay of the land. If you’ve been personally affected by Trumps tariffs, we want to hear from you! Email us at dc@citycast.fm or leave a message at 202-642-2654. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 10th episode: PaintCare The Pew Charitable Trusts Nace Law Group Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There hasn’t even been a vote on a new Washington commanders stadium in DC, but a lot of folks already talk about it as a done deal. JC Bradbury is an expert on the economics of stadiums, and he thinks they’re almost never worth it. Bradbury is here to walk us through his research and what he thinks it ought to mean for DC’s looming decisions about RFK. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 14th episode: Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off Alliance Francaise Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yesterday, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced spending freezes and city cuts because of a massive crater that Congress created in DC’s budget and then never fixed. There’s a bill in the House that could immediately resolve this budget crisis, but the lawmakers have stalled on voting, and now they’re on break until April 28. Local reporter Martin Austermuhle is here to tell us how the cuts could affect life in DC right now. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 16th episode: Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off Alliance Francaise Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With everything going on in DC, maybe you’re in need of a mental health day. Whether you’re playing hooky from work, school, or endless job apps, there’s actually a ton to do in DC on a weekday when you just need some me time. In this rerun from last year, the City Cast team plan out the ultimate mental health day for cinephiles, sports buffs, and every type of Washingtonian in between.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 15th episode: Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDC for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Alliance Francaise Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are DC’s restaurants in trouble thanks to DOGE cuts? According to a new report in the Washington Post, a startling number of places have closed. But Tim Carman, one of the authors of the report, says it’s a bit more complicated than just Trump-era chaos. He’s here to explain what’s going on — and what it means for your next meal. Get more from City Cast DC when you become a City Cast DC Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC.   Learn more about the sponsors of this April 21st episode: Roda - Use code POD50 for $50 off your first service of $200+. Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST The Pew Charitable Trusts Nace Law Group Adams Morgan PorchFest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve driven on Rock Creek Parkway, then you know it has those reversible lanes - it’s actually had that traffic pattern since the 1930s. But now the National Parks Service wants to change up the roads and people both for and against the change are all yelling pretty loudly about it. The Washington Post’s Rachel Weiner has been following the controversy.  Get more from City Cast DC when you become a City Cast DC Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC.  Learn more about the sponsors of this April 23rd episode: Roda - Use code POD50 for $50 off your first service of $200+. Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST The Pew Charitable Trusts Nace Law Group Adams Morgan PorchFest Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s almost one of the most fun times of the year — porchfest season! Petworth’s is this Saturday, Adams Morgan’s is next week. City Cast’s own Mark Kulkosky and Priyanka Tilve are Porchfest pros, and they’re here with everything there is to know to do this years festivals right.  Get more from City Cast DC when you become a City Cast DC Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC.  Learn more about the sponsors of this April 24th episode: Roda - Use code POD50 for $50 off your first service of $200+. Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST The Pew Charitable Trusts Nace Law Group Adams Morgan PorchFest Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week, the Supreme Court heard arguments in a local case involving a group of conservative Montgomery County parents who want to be able to yank their kids out of classes where they talk about LGBTQ themes. It could set a precedent that frightens a lot of locals. Nicole Asbury, who’s been covering it for the Washington Post, is here to tell us about it. Get more from City Cast DC when you become a City Cast DC Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 28th episode: Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST District Bridges Gala Theatre Capitol Hill Restoration Society House & Garden Tour Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump has been in office for 100 days. And with all the big changes his administration has brought to the DMV, it’s easy for the actual impact of it to get lost in the deluge of stories. The City Cast team is here to break down what the first 100 days of his administration has meant for DC.  Get more from City Cast DC when you become a City Cast DC Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC.  Learn more about the sponsors of this April 30th episode: Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST District Bridges Gala Theatre Capitol Hill Restoration Society House & Garden TourInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ted Leonsis, who owns the Capitals and Wizards, is giving us some major whiplash. He’s had an abrupt change of heart and the Caps and Wizards will be staying in D.C. The Washington Post's Candace Buckner is here to tell us how Ted can make Washingtonians love him again and protect his long-term legacy.  Losing the teams would have been a tough blow for Chinatown, which is already dealing with the aftermath of a weird inside robbery job at the local Walgreens.   Sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey DC, to stay up to date on everything happening around the city. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Right now, through April 15, D.C. residents can apply to get up to $2000 from the city government to buy an e-bike. But there are limited funds available, and it got us thinking – how desperate ARE we really to buy our own e-bikes? Or, do the ones sprawled around town to rent do the trick? City Cast Producer Ashe Durban systematically tested all the different brands, and he’s here to give us the lay of the land. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How’s your D.C. food trivia game? Two of the city’s premier food journalists are here to match wits about the past and present of Washington culinary life. It’s Jessica Sidman versus Ann Limpert in a D.C. food trivia showdown. Jess mentioned that she doesn’t think D.C. is in the South, but we’re not sure it’s so simple. Check out the episode where we tried to figure it out. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re breaking down the 2025 budget with City Paper’s Alex Koma, and Washingtonian’s Jessica Sidman is here to talk about D.C.’s nominees for the James Beard awards — and a crazy spy story at a local Russian restaurant.  Check out our interview with James Beard award-winning chef, Rob Rubba, on why we should all be switching to electric stoves! Also! We're giving away a Hey DC mug! But you have to be a member to enter the drawing, and we're doing it later today! Sign up by 12 pm ET on April 5 to enter, plus, as a member, you'll get ad-free listening and a ton of other exclusive perks. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s been a crazy fight going on about whether to erect an apartment building on the site of an old firehouse on U Street — and it’s a fight worth watching because it says a lot about what it takes to actually build anything in D.C. Paul Schwartzman from the Washington Post has been covering it and is here to walk us through the wild details.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s roundup, we’re talking about the city sending a warning to unlicensed weed shops in the city, an update on keeping sports teams in D.C., and 1 star reviews of Capital One Arena. Parents have taken on weed shops in the past, and we explain why that’s a big deal. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve ever had to GO while out and about in D.C., we’ve got good news. Throne Labs, a high tech toilet company, is bringing  public restrooms to 5 different locations in the city as part of the D.C. Public Restroom Pilot Program. But D.C.’s track record with public restrooms has been iffy at best. Jonathan Katz joined us awhile back to explain why this is a big deal for everyone. To learn more, here are some resources Jonathan recommends:  The Big Necessity, by Rose George No Place to Go, by Lezlie Lowe The American Restroom Association Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

D.C. has an absurd amount of parks – 683! Longtime D.C. environmental reporter Jacob Fenston is hitting up all of them for us in the ultimate D.C. park's quest. We catch up with him to see how it's going, what his approach is, and to learn the weirdest thing he has seen in the Potomac so far.  And don’t forget to vote for City Cast DC as the District’s best podcast! Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reporter Michael Pope and author Briana Thomas join the show to talk about what the D.C. budget means for the cost of your child care, what the Virginia budget means for the health of our Metro system, and ways YOU can vote for D.C.’s best restaurants. You can vote for your favorite restaurants for the RAMMY awards here. Wanna win tickets to see the Washington Nationals? Become a City Cast DC member today! Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As of Sunday, 55 bodies from last week’s air catastrophe over the Potomac had been recovered. The investigation is ongoing. But a lot of the conversation is already focusing on just how crowded the space is around National Airport, and whether that makes it inherently dangerous. Aviation expert Ian Petchnick, who runs the Avtalk podcast, is here with us to explain DCA’s complicated geography and politics.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 3rd episode: District Bridges Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re feeling like the last few weeks in DC have been A LOT, you are not alone. If you’re looking for community and things to distract from everything, you’re in the right spot. From coping strategies to fun stuff to look forward to, we’ve got your guide for making the most of February in DC.  If you still haven’t gotten your REAL ID here’s our guide to get you started.  Also! Check out our daily newsletter Hey DC’s take on what to do this month. And if you're finding our recs helpful, please consider becoming a member to help us stick around long-term. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a whole guide for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to our City Cast DC community. We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month.  If you enjoyed today's interview with District Bridges' Main St. Manager, Chellee Walker, learn more here.  Learn more about the sponsors of this February 4th episode: District Bridges Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

DC Council has officially expelled Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White for violating the body’s ethics rules. The entire Council excluding Trayon White voted in favor of the expulsion, but this might not be the last we see of White yet. NBC’s Mark Segraves was at the hearing, and he’s here to share what it was like and what’s next. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month.  Learn more about the sponsors of this February 5th episode: District Bridges Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It has been a crazy few weeks for Washington, particularly when it comes to Donald Trump and Elon Musk's war on the federal government in the District. So today, we’re explaining how Trump and Musk are directly affecting our neighbors and community, from the resignation decrees to what it means for DC’s economy. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 6th episode: District Bridges Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bike lanes are weirdly one of the most emotional subjects in DC, and Washington Post columnist Marc Fischer stirred up a lot of that emotion with a recent column that was sharply critical of them, or at least sharply critical of how the city has sold them. He shares what he learned while reporting the column, and the wild reaction it got.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 10th episode: National Landing BID Gala Theatre The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the Trump administration’s deferred resignation offer even legit? Brad Moss is a DC attorney who represents federal employees, and he’s here to explain what’s happening in the courts and how federal workers are responding.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month.  Learn more about the sponsors of this February 11th episode: National Landing BID Gala Theatre The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With return-to-office mandates suddenly coming into effect, Metro is seeing a huge boost in traffic. And so we figured it was a good time to bring the City Cast team together to talk through some essential unwritten rules and quirks of taking public transit in DC.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 12th episode: National Landing BID Gala Theatre The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump’s federal downsizing could leave a lot of high profile federal buildings hitting the market. One cluster of them sits just south of the Mall on Independence Avenue and stretches down towards the Wharf. To DC planners, it could be a whole new neighborhood in a choice location. The Washington Post’s Aaron Wiener has been covering the story and is here to explain. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 13th episode: National Landing BID Gala Theatre The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the Trump administration’s overhaul of the federal workforce, a lot of people in the area are understandably wondering what all of this chaos means for DC’s housing market. Business Journal’s Michael Neibauer is here to explain what all the uncertainty means for real estate in DC.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 18th episode: National Landing BID Gala Theatre Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices