City Cast DC

Last week, The Washington Post’s Perry Stein broke news that US Attorney Jeanine Pirro has convened a special grand jury in what looks like a probe of how the District does or doesn’t protect youth. One particular focus: The city’s truancy problem. It’s an unusual probe — but one that also seems to be touching on a genuine problem. Perry is here to explain. Want some more DC news? Then make sure t...

This September – we’ve got D.C.’s middle-school-girl-pop concert lineup, another chance to eat fruit in Malcolm X Park, and the best way to see (and taste) the District by bike. As the leaves start to change, the September Guide has you covered. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter City Cast DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: ‪(202) 642-2654‬. You...

You may know Sara Polon as the woman behind Soupergirl, the D.C. company whose soups are now in hundreds of supermarkets. But before that, she was a comedian. And after launching the company, she went through – as Sara puts it – a personal explosion. This week, her struggles are the subject of a one-woman show she’s launching in D.C. Sara’s here to explain. Want some more DC news? Then make sure t...

The D.C. airports definitely have a lot going for them, but they don’t have their own electrical grids, like Pittsburgh’s airport does. For the past few years, Pittsburgh International Airport has been generating on-site electricity, more than it needs even at peak operation, to fortify itself against the kind of power outages that hit airports (unsettlingly often) across the world. City Cast Pitt...

This week, we’re talking about a Sunoco station on U Street and what it says about actually getting things built in D.C. We also look at the fate of a park that was supposed to be our version of NYC’s High Line. Finally, we discuss a lawsuit against a think tank and what it means for that crucial industry. Plus, in a members-only fourth segment, we talk about how the District is mourning our Earth...

Police say license plate reader cameras like Flock are an important tool for solving crimes. But a new Washington Post investigation found dozens of cases where officers have been accused of using license plate readers for unauthorized purposes, including tracking exes and spouses. Today we’re joined by Washington Post technology reporter Douglas MacMillan, whose investigation uncovered some of th...

A new organization plans to fight for D.C.’s rights — by going into Congressional districts to unseat Republicans. Defend D.C. was announced this week by Robert White, D.C.’s all-but-certain next Congressional delegate. Ike Allen just profiled White in Washingtonian and is here to explain the PAC and its organizer. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to⁠ sign up⁠ for our morning newsletter City...

D.C. Public Schools is the national leader — by a lot — in at least one category: enrollment in pre-kindergarten programs. Almost every D.C. 4-year-old goes to pre-K; about 80 percent of 3-year-olds do. That’s more than twice the national average. Sara Mead recently wrote an essay for Capital Commonsense describing this as a D.C. triumph. She’s here to explain how it happened, and what it means. W...

In a few weeks, D.C.'s Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White will stand trial for allegations of corruption. This is embarrassing for any city, but especially so in D.C., where some say we don’t have the right to self-government. City Cast reporter Emma Uber covered White's preliminary hearing last week, and she’s here to set the scene. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning...

How often are you out in nature in DC? It’s not always easy to know which natural resources are clean and safe to use in an urban setting, and city rivers get a particularly bad rap. It’s true that cities have had eras of sewage mishandling and high boat traffic — but many have also cleaned up their act, through the tireless work of local advocates and politicians. Portland, OR, is one of those ci...

D.C. public schools open on Monday — we'll get into the politics of it all. Plus, six DC police employees have been charged for $440K in overtime fraud. And the latest on the Kennedy Center and the beleaguered National Symphony Orchestra. In a members-only fourth segment: is Obama’s tan suit somewhere in DC? We’re joined by City Cast reporters Ben Brasch and Emma Uber. Want some more DC news? Then...

Jeanine Pirro, the US attorney for D.C., really wants to throw the book at the woman accused of vandalizing the World War II Memorial. According to Politico’s Josh Gerstein, it’s one way for her to get back in the good graces of her boss, Donald Trump. Josh puts the national politics of the case in context — and explains what it may mean for the District. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to...

We’re a few days out from the IndyCar race that will be taking over the National Mall this weekend. And while D.C. types are mostly talking about the massive road closings, we figured we ought to chat up someone who actually knows car racing. Jordan Bianchi covers motor sports for the Athletic and caught us up on the race itself — plus what D.C. can learn from other cities that have hosted their o...

Last week, the Kennedy Center’s board voted to uphold its previous decision to close for two years of renovations, while also approving a new inscription crediting Trump for restoring the building. But — these plans are still subject to court approval. The Washington Post’s art, architecture and performing arts critic Philip Kennicott has been closely following the turmoil at the Kennedy Center, a...

President Donald Trump wants to renovate the East Potomac Park golf course, but there’s one big problem: the park — and the island it’s on — is sinking. Mother Jones reporter Stephanie Mencimer examines the problems facing Trump’s latest local project. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter City Cast DC. You can text us or leave a voic...

What will DC do when it runs out of space for trash? Madison, WI, has a plan, and it’s one that other cities could follow. What could’ve just been another county landfill, slated to open in 2027, will instead be a “sustainability campus”, where local businesses will unite to more intentionally sort incoming waste, increase recycling intake, and generally aim to slow the flow of trash. And Dane Cou...

We're talking about the metro union's fight back against bus fare quotes, D.C.’s slump in condo sales, and Republicans’ efforts to repeal the motorcycle helmet requirement. Plus, in a members’ only fourth segment, we’ve got the latest on RFK Stadium and the Commanders’ chances this year. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to⁠ sign up⁠ for our morning newsletter City Cast DC. You can text us or...

Many people don't realize that the D.C. region sits on Indigenous land. But recently, one local tribe made history by reclaiming a piece of its ancestral homeland after centuries of displacement. Washington Post reporter Dana Hedgpeth talks with us today about the Pamunkey Tribe's return to Windsor Shades in Virginia. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning news...

Ice cream is the best antidote to D.C's hot, muggy August days. Washingtonian’s Jessica Sidman serves up the scoop on the city's best ice-cold treats. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter City Cast DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: ‪(202) 642-2654‬. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more abou...

It’s been one year since President Donald Trump launched what he called a federal takeover of D.C., sending National Guard troops into the city and dramatically expanding the federal law enforcement presence on our streets. His stated goal was to make D.C. safer -- looking at the crime stats, it hasn’t necessarily worked out that way. But it has had a huge impact on the lives of D.C. residents. Bl...

Now that August is here, you might be feeling the stress of trying to wrap up that summer bucket list. Today we’re helping you check off that weekend camping trip you’ve been telling everyone you want to do… but haven’t actually planned! Let’s revisit our conversation from last fall with Leo Murray, founder of Kibiboyz and leader of Concrete Escapes. Leo’s been breaking down barriers around campin...

As much as you love DC, city living inherently means sharing space and resources with your neighbors, and y’all certainly have complaints, questions, and quandaries. On our first call-in episode, DC’s very own Bridget Todd joins City Cast Seattle host Jane C. Hu and City Cast CEO David Plotz to respond to your dilemmas, from when it’s acceptable to intervene on a bike path to what to do about that...

President Donald Trump has unveiled a $22.5 billion vision to remake Dulles International Airport, with plans to replace its iconic people movers, build a new passenger train, and totally transform one of the region's biggest transportation hubs. But how much of this is actually likely to happen? Who will pay for it? And what could it mean for the millions of people who use Dulles every year? Kris...

The very likely next mayor of DC wants to make buses free for public-assistance recipients. If that sounds familiar, it should: over the last few years, there have been a bunch of proposals to make buses free for some — and sometimes all — Washingtonians. Zara Norman from NOTUS has been reporting on this, and is here to explain. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to⁠⁠ sign up⁠⁠ for our morning...

George Pelecanos is maybe the greatest Washington novelist — and he never writes about the Senate. Over the years, his crime stories have doubled as a kind of history of our city. And his most recent novel, The Blue Flame, drops today. I talked with Pelecanos about growing up in the city, working on The Wire, and where he finds his stories. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to⁠⁠⁠ sign up⁠⁠⁠ f...