City Cast DC

Halloween is here! Which means it’s time to tell scary stories. And rather than make brand-new ones, we chatted last October with Washingtonian senior editor Andrew Beaujon about the best creepy urban legends. 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 v...

Is National Landing the next big thing in the DMV? That bit of Northern Virginia — including Crystal City, Pentagon City, and Potomac Yard — is on a mission to be the next great live-and-work center. Axios’ Cuneyt Dil says it’s hoping to compete with D.C.’s downtown.  To learn more about our sponsor Alliance Francaise, the group's trip to Paris, or any of the classes it offers, go to francedc.org....

The weight of what’s happening in Israel and Palestine is so heavy that it’s palpable for many of us here in D.C. We’ve got some suggestions for what YOU can do to aid the peace and humanitarian efforts. Plus, we’re talking about some tricky stop sign cameras in D.C., and the best speakeasies now that the Gibson is shuttering its doors. Priyanka wrote up this piece, summarizing all of the Palestin...

Thomas Jefferson High School, the math and science magnet school in Northern Virginia, is one of the most famous public schools in the country — and one of the toughest to get into. But some parents say the school’s new admissions process — which aims to improve diversity — actually discriminates against Asian students. They want the Supreme Court to get involved. Karina Elwood from the Washington...

The team chats about the latest twist in a goofy Adams Morgan development saga — and why it oughta matter to you even if you never hang out at the late, unlamented SunTrust Plaza. Plus, we’ve got some thoughts on school renamings and suggestions for how to get in a haunted mood this Friday the 13th. As always, our Friday episode is fueled by great local journalism:  Read up on the AdMo Plaza updat...

In D.C., you’re only allowed to use one sports betting app — and the company behind it is a WRECK. It’s a status quo that has real costs — even if you don’t bet on sports. How did this happen? And what does D.C. do now? We break it down with Danny Funt, who has broken some of these stories for The Washington Post. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC....

There have been a lot of buzzy new restaurant openings in DC lately, but don’t forget about the durable, DC staples that fly under the radar, but endure for a reason. The Washingtonian’s Food Critic Ann Limpert joins me and newsletter editor Kaela Coh-tee-Stemmerman to dish on DC’s most underrated restaurants. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Int...

D.C. has had intense floods this year, and with climate change, it’s only poised to get worse. Marcelo Jauregui-Volpe, a journalist at Hola Cultura, is here to explain why the old way of mapping flood risk in D.C. is out of date and what we need to know to be more prepared.  Check out our episode about D.C.’s troubled 911 call center, and some of the fatal mistakes it’s made.  And if you need a re...

Mike is joined by Julia Karron and Kaela Cote-Stemmermann and they’re talking about taxpayer money — first for a stadium scoreboard, then for a boost in food assistance. And, in both cases, what the debate says about where DC stands right now. Plus: Pandas! They’re leaving, and they have feelings.  If you want to help choose the zoo’s next favorite animal, vote here. And afterward, catch up on thi...

The House Oversight Committee actually agreed on something, and that was to possibly bring the Washington Commanders back to the old RFK site. The legislation would give DC a 99-year lease on the site with fewer restrictions on how the site can be redeveloped. The Washington Post’s Sam Fortier chatted with us a few months ago about what that land could mean for the team’s future and the city’s. Wa...

Some Shaw residents are calling for a three-year moratorium on new bars and nightclubs on 9th Street between T St and U St. NBC Reporter Mark Segraves tells us why, and how business owners in the area feel about it. Let us know what you think of the newscast at the end of our episodes with this short, multiple-choice survey: https://forms.gle/7mggSwc1jNSETNoP7 Want some more DC news? Then make sur...

The team discusses new details about how D.C. government handles sexual harassment complaints. Short answer: not well. Plus, D.C. is considering a new tax to save Metro’s budget, and we read out surprisingly hilarious one-star reviews of the Washington Monument. Check out these articles for more background on our three topics today:  The Washington Post update on how D.C. handles sexual harassment...

It’s no secret that homicides are up in DC: Last week, we recorded our 200th murder of the year. But there’s more confusion about why this is happening. ProPublica's Alec MacGillis has been writing about violence in America, and one of his reports touched on an idea that hadn’t gotten much notice: that social media is propelling the carnage. Let us know what you think of the newscast at the end of...

DC passed a grim homicide milestone this week — 200 murders before October, for the first time since 1997. Plus, we’re on the cusp of a government shutdown in a city where 25% of the jobs are for Uncle Sam. But it’s not all heavy duty: McDonalds is about to start serving Mumbo Sauce, and we have some thoughts.  We mentioned a few other episodes you might want to hear: The Giant in Southeast is pul...

D.C. is not always known as a fashionable city. But as you’ll see this weekend, at D.C.’s fashion week events, that doesn’t mean there aren’t stylish people making waves here, through new clothing lines and creative accessorizing.  Digital creator Libby Rasmussen was recently named one of Washington D.C.’s most fashionable people. She explains the city’s distinct take on style.  Fashionable D.C. f...

It’s the last installment of our fall guide, and we’re talking wineries and vineyards. You might not realize the DMV is a place that grows award-winning wine, but Dave McIntyre of the Washington Post is here to tell us which we should try for ourselves. Let us know what you think of the newscast at the end of our episodes with this short, multiple-choice survey: https://forms.gle/7mggSwc1jNSETNoP7...

It’s day two of our fall getaway guide and we’d be remiss if we let this week go by without talking about the most obvious of fall activities: leaf peeping!! We’ve got a studio full of producers today to talk through the best local spots to see beautiful foliage, all without a car. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with C...

With the humidity finally abating, we’re eagerly looking forward to fall festivities. In the first installment of our three-part fall getaway series, we’re talking about the many fairs in the area, from pumpkin picking and hay rides to dressing up and getting scared. Local journalist Chelsea Cirruzzo breaks down which ones are worth your time. If you enjoyed the section where Chelsea, Mike, and Br...

Amanda Michelle Gomez from WAMU tells Mike and Julia about her reporting on liquor licenses and allegations of discrimination against Black businesses. Plus, we’re discussing a big renovation at the Smithsonian’s American Art Museum and Metro’s scheme to rename bus lines — with your help.  Learn more about these stories through some great local reporting: Read Amanda’s investigation into ANC liquo...

How well do you know our city? Actually, how well does City Cast know our city? City Cast CEO David Plotz and Michael Schaffer, both D.C. natives, squared off in a trivia showdown. Listen in, and let us know how you did.  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...

Things are getting TENSE up in Cleveland Park over a plan to install bike lanes on Connecticut Avenue. Arguments over a plan to install bike lanes on Connecticut avenue have reached a boiling point. Last week, protestors argued that removing valuable parking spots to make way for bike lanes would kill businesses along the strip. The city is still reviewing the design plans for the bike lanes, but...

After slavery, D.C. paid financial restitution...to former enslavers that is. Now, DC Council is considering creating a task force to explore paying reparations to the descendants of enslaved people. The Washington Post’s Michael Brice-Saddler explains how it would work and if it’s likely to pass. If you’re interested in the episode we mentioned about racial inequities in traffic enforcement, list...

Metro is planning to redevelop the Brookland Metro stop, but what should the new version look like? Considering this project touches on Metro, housing, parking, and retail, it's no surprise that the public hearing on it on Sept. 12 was SPICY. Washington Business Journal's Tristan Navera tells us what folks said and what WMATA is planning to do about it. If you want to learn more about the views, a...

A NIMBY fight in the suburbs is pitting mental health advocates against disability rights activists. Plus, there have been shocking reports about a toxic and racist work environment over at Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen on The Wharf. Contributor Dan Reed and Washingtonian’s Jessica Sidman chat with us about those two stories plus some exciting restaurant openings.  As always, our Friday roundup i...

How can you tell if someone’s from D.C.? Minnie Quartey can do so with her eyes closed: As the coordinator of Georgetown’s Language and Communications in Washington DC project, she’s the world expert on the way locals talk — and has a bunch on pointers on what to do if you want to up your hometown accent and slang game. Check out our episode on the fate of Washington Commanders.  Want some more DC...