One of City Cast DC's resolutions is to not just present problems about the city, but also find a way to help YOU solve them. So in that vein, here’s our chat from August, with the Head of DC Health’s Rodent Control Program Gerard Brown, to talk about the rat problem in the District and how you can be a good neighbor and help solve it. If that gets you thinking about any solutions you’ve come across in D.C., email us about them at dc@citycast.fm! Check out our newsletter Hey DC and follow us on ...
Dec 29, 2022•20 min
A big resolution for us here at City Cast is to continue picking stories that make people smile, have fun, and also get them out of their comfort zones! And if you need inspiration, well, a story that took us out of our comfort zones was the one at Markoff’s Haunted Forest, since none of us had ever been! We had a blast making this, and we know you'll have a blast listening to it if you missed it in its original October run, so here’s our adventure through the forest. Our sister newsletter Hey D...
Dec 28, 2022•19 min
One resolution we have at City Cast DC is holding those in power to account. We are local journalism after all! But we rely on listeners like you to help us find those institutions to hold accountable. One episode from earlier this year that fit in that camp, was our chat with Washington Business Journal’s Hannah Denham this August, about her investigation into the now defunct international education center The Whittle School, and it’s the type of accountability journalism we want to bring you e...
Dec 27, 2022•19 min
What’s the best bread in DC? Jill Nguyen, the Bread Lady of Capitol Hill, dove into baking during the pandemic, and has some thoughts — about what’s coming out of her oven, and beyond. Our sister newsletter Hey DC has tons of great baked good suggestions, and other fun lists. Be sure to subscribe. You can also follow us on Twitter at @citycast_dc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 22, 2022•17 min
George Mason University started 50 years ago as a pokey little commuter school. Since then, it’s evolved into a global institution that helped lure Amazon to the DMV. And in a weird way, the evolution tracks that of the Virginia suburbs it calls home. We’re talking to GMU’s in-house historian about how we got from there to here. Our sister newsletter Hey DC is putting out all kinds of cool holiday content next week. Subscribe now so you don’t miss it. Plus, we’re on Twitter! Follow us at @cityca...
Dec 21, 2022•20 min
The National Mall has limited space. So what happens when you want to add a new monument or site? This is actuallu poised to take place with the addition of two new museums. Philip Kennicott, the Washington Post’s Art and architecture critic, has a big vision for a better National Mall. Be sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and 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...
Dec 20, 2022•16 min
Street Sense is a newspaper with a mission- to end homelessness in DC. In honor of the paper’s 20th anniversary, two vendors, Aida Peery and Jackie Turner, are putting together an oral history of how Street Sense has helped so many Washingtonians find confidence, hope, and housing. In case you missed that exciting live taping we mentioned in the newscast (about D.C. judges, the National Zoo, and holiday books), listen here. Our morning newsletter has so many more great stories like this one, and...
Dec 19, 2022•16 min
The D.C. Housing Authority's troubles seem to just dig deeper and deeper. Lead Producer Priyanka Tilve and Mitch Ryals from the Washington City Paper are here to talk about that, plus we’re dreaming up new uses for the RFK stadium space as it finally nears demolition. Need more DC news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter. You can also check us out on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc And we wanna hear from YOU on our show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in ...
Dec 16, 2022•24 min
Area 2 Farms in Arlington is not what you imagine when you think of a farm. It's indoors and has bizarre plants that taste like roasted garlic, cheese, or oysters. And for the cherry (tomato) on top, this vertical farm is fighting climate change with all kinds of sustainable techniques. We road-tripped out there to learn about it all from founder and chief science officer Tyler Baras. If you subscribe to our morning newsletter, you'll have seen a bunch of extra pics and newsletter-only content a...
Dec 15, 2022•23 min
D.C. has it own sound that sticks with you. And nobody knows that more than D.C. rap legend Kokayi. He joins us today to talk about his new book, You Are Ketchup and how D.C. influenced everything in his life, from the music he makes to where he sends his kids to school. You can check out Kokayi's book here. Want some more DC news? Then 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, h...
Dec 14, 2022•20 min
It’s a big week of changes for Metro — more service and shorter waits on trains, free rides on D.C. buses. But there will also be some fare hikes and other wrinkles. WAMU transportation reporter Jordan Pascale is here to walk us through it all. We're going to continue covering this story on the pod, as well as on our sister newsletter, so make sure to subscribe. 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 ...
Dec 13, 2022•23 min
Bottoms up! But hold the hangover? Booze free bars are becoming a new trendy thing with one called Binge Bar opening right here in D.C. in January. We’re joined by Jessica Sidman from Washingtonian to get the mix on what’s behind this thirst for mocktails in the district. Need more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. And give us a follow on Twitter at @citycast_dc. Wanna hear yourself on the show? Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voi...
Dec 12, 2022•14 min
For this week's roundup, we’re talking about some pretty notable D.C. renovations — one for an outdoor music venue and the other that’s at the heart of the U Street Corridor. Plus we’re going to get hype about some women’s soccer news. Check out more about these stories, from our colleagues around town: https://dcist.com/story/22/12/02/carter-barron-amphitheatre-rock-creek-park-renovation-alliance/ https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2022/12/02/muriel-bowser-dc-reissue-reeves-center-rfp....
Dec 09, 2022•23 min
There’s a plan to rename Good Hope Road after Marion Barry. Is this a good idea? Performative nonsense? Both? Cohosts Bridget Todd and Michael Schaffer spent some time breaking it down. Subscribe to our morning newsletter for more news and events (like the public hearing about Marion Barry Ave., happening on Tuesday). Those who wish to testify must register at http://www.ChairmanMendelson.com/testify by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 9, 2022. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc. And ...
Dec 08, 2022•21 min
DC Council is closer than ever to decriminalizing unlicensed street vending, but … as the year end nears, sellers pushing for the change may be running out of time. DCist’s Hector Arzate has been talking to vendors about why these changes matter, and how they would affect street vendor corridors like the one in Columbia Heights. Sign up for our morning newsletter for more news about the city (and the 'burbs!). And follow us on Twitter for the same. We're at @citycast_dc. And we’d love to feature...
Dec 07, 2022•17 min
The holidays are here! Which means it’s time to entertain yourself and your visiting family. City Cast DC contributor Cornelia Poku is here to tell us how to hit up the local Christmas markets, ice rinks, and of course, which bar and restaurant pop-ups are worth your money. 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 D.C.-related thoughts, hopes, and frustratio...
Dec 06, 2022•15 min
On November 18, a mass shooting DIDN’T take place at D.C.’s Jackson-Reed High School. But the day was still traumatic. After reports of gunshots, the school went into lockdown. Kids huddled in rooms, some sent goodbye texts to families; others sat in classrooms where the teachers kept on teaching. We talked to the school newspaper’s Co-Editor-In-Chief Benjamin Chait about what happened, and the aftermath. Check out The Beacon, Jackson-Reed High School’s paper, where they’re covering this story i...
Dec 05, 2022•19 min
It’s our first ever live taping! We’re at Politics and Prose Union Market, but we’re still talking about the news in D.C. — like the far too many judicial vacancies, some National Zoo news, and holiday book suggestions. City Cast CEO David Plotz and Anton Bogomazov, who is the Chief Adult Book Buyer at Politics and Prose, join host Michael Schaffer to chat about it all. Here are some of the other episodes we called back to in this one: -Our team breaks down D.C.'s new criminal code -Jamie Kirchi...
Dec 02, 2022•29 min
There’s been a push to require that all D.C. childcare workers have college degrees, and the first set of new regulations go into effect today. But, people who disagree with the law say it’s putting a lot of qualified people out of work. Today we're hearing from Robert McNamara from the Institute For Justice and Councilmember Christina Henderson as they try to make their case. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @cityc...
Dec 01, 2022•17 min
Today is the last day of Native American Heritage Month, but we shouldn’t limit conversations about Indigenous culture to November. So we’re joined by Dana Hedgpeth and Mary Phillips to chat about the rich history of D.C.’s indigenous communities and all the ways to celebrate them. Also, we’re doing our first live taping TODAY! It’s happening at the Politics and Prose at Union Market. We start at 6:30 pm. Our whole team will be there, along with City Cast CEO David Plotz and Anton Bogomazov from...
Nov 30, 2022•18 min
It’s Giving Tuesday. And whether you’re writing a check or planning to volunteer your time, you’ll want to know whether you can trust the organizations you’re donating to. The Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington publishes an annual guide to local giving, and they’re here with some timely advice. This year, make your Giving Tuesday donations through GiveLocalTogether.org. And in case you missed it, our sister newsletter Hey DC also put out a great guide to local giving. Subscribe now t...
Nov 29, 2022•18 min
Washington is full of world-famous tourist sites, but there are so many hidden gems you’ve probably never heard of. Today, we’re sitting down with Clockout DC’s Jade Womack to talk about lesser-known spots where you can take the out-of-towner who thinks they’ve seen it all. For more details about the Heurich House Christmas Markt, go here. And our sister newsletter Hey DC has tons more event and neighborhood recs for you. Subscribe now. And while you’re at it, follow us on Twitter too, at @cityc...
Nov 28, 2022•18 min
For some reason, we all just take it for granted that every Thanksgiving, the White House pardons a turkey. Have you ever stopped to think about how the turkeys are chosen? Where they come from? Where they stay in D.C., and where they go afterwards? We found out for you, and learned more about turkey personalities than we ever thought possible. Also, big news, our first-ever live taping is one week away. Come hang with us as we record our weekly news roundup, at Union Market’s Politics & Pro...
Nov 23, 2022•14 min
In March 1977, a group of Hanafi Muslim gunmen took 149 people hostage in Washington, D.C. Marion Barry was shot. A Howard journalist was killed. But today, almost no one remembers the siege. With a big new book that drops today and has already drawn rave reviews, author Shahan Mufti is out to change that. You can find Mufti’s book, American Caliph: The True Story of a Muslim Mystic, a Hollywood Epic, and the 1977 Siege of Washington, DC here. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up fo...
Nov 22, 2022•25 min
D.C. has a ton of bookstores with their own personalities. So how can you possibly pick one? Coralyn Maguigad, who’s been exploring every bookstore in the District, gives us her tips. Plus, check out this recent roundup, where we talk about the sidewalk vending controversy. For more D.C. news, sign up for our morning newsletter and follow us at @citycast_dc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 21, 2022•19 min
DC Council this week agreed to overhaul the city’s ancient criminal code, but not everyone’s thrilled about it, including the mayor and police chief. Plus, we’re talking Thanksgiving plans, and where to watch the World Cup. Our roundup relies on local journalism. Here’s what we pulled from this year: NBC Local’s piece about D.C.’s new criminal code DCist’s guide to World Cup viewing around town Hey DC’s list of Thanksgiving dinner spots And if you’re traveling this Thanksgiving, check out our ep...
Nov 18, 2022•24 min
The Washington Commanders are looking for a new home. They currently play at the much-maligned FedEx Field in Landover, MD. But could they ever return to the District at the old RFK Stadium site? Sports columnist Rick Snider tells us why it’s not as far-fetched as it seems. And we're doing a holiday giveaway!! You can win two free tickets to the Heurich House Christmas Markt by sending us a voicemail about your D.C.-focused New Year's Resolutions. How do you want to see the city improve in 2023?...
Nov 17, 2022•17 min
Ruth Tam and Patrick Fort, the team behind WAMU’s Dish City, join us to chat about all things D.C. food. Whether it’s Old Bay on crabs, the history of D.C.’s Chinatown, or half smokes and pupusas, we’ve got you covered. And we're doing a holiday giveaway!! You can win two free tickets to the Heurich House Christmas Markt by sending us a voicemail about your D.C.-focused New Year's Resolutions. How do you want to see the city improve in 2023? Tell us, by calling 2026422654, and you'll be entered ...
Nov 16, 2022•22 min
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 should it be? Hosts Michael Schaffer and Bridget Todd discuss what Go-Go means to both of them, how its influenced their perspective on the city, and if Go-Go could go national. Sign up for our morning newsletter for more cultural tidbits like this. And we’re gearing up for our first live taping ever!! Come meet the team and see how the sausage gets made at P...
Nov 15, 2022•20 min
Dulles Airport used to be in the middle of nowhere. But 21st century suburban sprawl caught up to the Space Age airport — and as of this month, so has Metro. Will people use it? We’re talking to Washington Post transportation reporter Lori Aratani about the airport’s future — and her secret tips on how to navigate the place. To find out how to reuse and recycle some of your second-hand household goods, check out the District’s new website. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for ou...
Nov 14, 2022•18 min
