Washington is the rare city where locals have three airports to choose from. And even if you’re aiming to buy tickets just based on price, it’s not always that simple to figure out what works best. Scott Keyes, the founder of Going — formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights — is here to walk us through the secret strategies of Dulles, National, and BWI. 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 a...
Jun 22, 2023•24 min
The DC public library is officially kicking off its annual dinosaur roar competition. In the past, the contest has been so popular it’s gone global, and the children’s librarian behind the whole thing, Elaine Pelton, explains what that says about our city, and how you can join the competition. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can subscribe by just texting “DC” to 66866. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Learn mo...
Jun 21, 2023•18 min
Today we’re all about festivals — summer in D.C. is full of them, and Nicole Schaller from District Fray is here to tell you which ones to hit, which to skip, and how to get the most out of them. This is the final episode of our Summer Entertainment Guide, presented by Clyde’s Restaurant Group, where we help you make sense of summer’s overwhelming options for how to spend your days. Check out the other two episodes here: D.C.’s Best Outdoor Movie Screenings Why You Need to Visit Anacostia Park L...
Jun 20, 2023•19 min
There’s a big fight going on over adding more flights to DCA — which side should you be on? Plus, Britt Peterson is here to talk about her Washingtonian expose about the scandal that brought down Casa Ruby, a once-celebrated refuge for Trans kids in D.C. And City Cast DC’s Priyanka Tilve is here with some Juneteenth events you gotta attend. Check out these stories that fueled our episode: Cuneyt Dil from Axios has the latest on the DCA fight. Britt’s piece about Casa Ruby is a must-read. Subscri...
Jun 16, 2023•27 min
The fight for statehood has been a longstanding wish for residents of the District. Will D.C. get it? Who is against it? And what would it look like if the District got it? D.C. broadcast legend Kojo Nnamdi gives us his perspective on what D.C. statehood could look like if it’s granted. This episode won a Dateline Award, from the Society of Professional Journalists. It was one of three awards we won from the organization this week. Thank you for your continued support! Subscribe to our morning n...
Jun 15, 2023•23 min
D.C. is in prime season for snake sightings. That might sound a little scary for some, but local wildlife educator Caroline Seitz says they're more afraid of us than we are of them. Her love for the scaly, slithery creatures is infectious, and she explains what to do when you see one. Text “DC” to 66866 to subscribe to our newsletter Hey DC. Our editor Kaela has a brilliantly curated list of news, events, and cool features every weekday morning. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find mor...
Jun 14, 2023•19 min
D.C. has one of the most dynamic parks around. It’s bigger than NYC’s Central Park, and you can roller skate, go boating, or even take a class. Richard Trent is the Executive Director of Friends of Anacostia Park and he tells us what it has to offer. This episode is part of our Summer Entertainment Guide series, presented by Clyde’s Restaurant Group. We’ve also got guide content in our newsletter. Be sure to subscribe here, or by texting “DC” to 66866. Interested in advertising with City Cast? F...
Jun 13, 2023•16 min
Did you know that Dave Thomas Circle — that weird, notoriously chaotic triangle-shaped block out in Northeast where there used to be a Wendy’s — was never actually officially designated Dave Thomas Circle? Now there’s a plan to give it a new name and redesign the space. Maura Brophy runs the NoMa Business Improvement District and she tells us what‘s in store for the space. Got a name you think would work? Submit it here. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newslette...
Jun 12, 2023•13 min
It’s hazy out there! We chat about what to do about the Canadian smoke spreading across D.C. Plus, Congress has some thoughts on voting rules in the District. And of course, it’s pride month, and CCDC contributor Dan Reed has been reading up on that month’s local history. As always, our Friday episode is fueled by local journalism: Capital Weather Gang is all over the haze and smoke status around the city. WAMU’s got you covered on what went down with Congress. Check out all the local Pride even...
Jun 09, 2023•24 min
D.C.’s craft brewery scene is young, but prolific. There are 16 craft breweries in the city, and it’s home to the largest percentage of Black beer brands in the U.S. So where should you start with your tastings? Kim Bender, the CEO of Heurich House and Executive Director of the D.C. Brewers Guild is here with recs. Plus, we’ve got a room full of beer lovers with us at this live taping at Right Proper’s Brookland location. We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners, so we can make Cit...
Jun 08, 2023•26 min
D.C. residents voted to phase out the tipped minimum wage, and it’s finally now happening, but gradually and confusingly. In the meantime, what’s happening to prices? What does the service charge mean? And are you still supposed to tip? Jessica Sidman from Washingtonian is here to walk us through it all. We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners, so we can make City Cast [City] an even better, more useful podcast for you. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey...
Jun 07, 2023•20 min
Grab your blanket and popcorn, because we’re kicking off our Summer Entertainment Guide series by talking about outdoor summer movies! Which has the best location? Which has the best movies? We ranked them so you don’t waste your time going to the wrong ones. We’ll have more Summer Entertainment Guide episodes for you the next two Tuesdays, all presented by Clyde’s Restaurant Group. Be sure to tune in! Also, check out our episode on the Reeves Center development. We’re doing a survey to learn mo...
Jun 06, 2023•27 min
Moon Rabbit, the award winning restaurant that was at the base of the Wharf’s Intercontinental Hotel, closed down abruptly two weeks ago. The Washington Post reports that the shocking closure might have been the hotel’s attempt to union bust the staff’s labor organizing efforts. In the fallout, chef Kevin Tien legally got ownership of the name Moon Rabbit, and his recipes. We chatted with him about his search for a new D.C. location, and his reflections on D.C.’s restaurant industry so far. We’r...
Jun 05, 2023•17 min
On this week’s CCDC roundup, we’re talking crime on the Metro, more drama around the name of our football team, and — now that it’s summer — we’re breaking down places to swim. Thanks to this local reporting that helped inform this episode: Check out the Washington Post’s reporting on Metro crime SBNation’s got the scoop on the Commanders’ potentially changing their name again And subscribe to our newsletter Hey DC for more tips like best DC pools! Per WAMU Housing Reporter Morgan Baskin’s hot t...
Jun 02, 2023•21 min
DC’s police chief is moving on after just two years atop the force. It’s a moment of rising crime, Congressional meddling, and lingering worries about policing. We’re talking with Washington City Paper’s Mitch Ryals about Robert Contee’s legacy and how the city might replace him. We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners, so we can make City Cast DC an even better, more useful podcast for you. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 5 minutes long. Yo...
Jun 01, 2023•21 min
WAMU’s food culture podcast Dish City is nominated for yet ANOTHER James Beard Award this year. It’s a huge accomplishment, and in celebration, we’re rerunning this conversation about all things D.C. food, with the show’s creators, Ruth Tam and Patrick Fort. 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 survey to learn more about our listeners, so we can make City Cast D.C. an even better, more useful podcast ...
May 31, 2023•20 min
Did you know that D.C.’s public housing authority is the poorest performing one in the country? Yikes. The federal government gave DCHA a scathing review and some time to improve. The deadline is up tomorrow. So how is it doing? Morgan Baskin, WAMU’s Housing & Development Reporter, is here to fill us in. 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 @cityca...
May 30, 2023•18 min
One of D.C.’s top restaurants abruptly shut down Monday under mysterious circumstances. It turns out its an issue that has to do with unions, money, and culture, and Washington Post food reporter Tim Carman walks us through it. Plus, City Cast DC contributor Dan Reed and Mike talk about D.C.’s embrace of ranked choice voting, and the scary specter of extremists on D.C.’s police force. Check out all the local reporting that powers our Friday news roundups: Tim Carman’s reporting on Moon Rabbit’s ...
May 26, 2023•25 min
Mike and Bridget sit down with “Big Tony” Fisher, from the seminal D.C. go-go band Trouble Funk. He talked about growing up in D.C., getting his start in the heyday of go-go, and what life was like for a musician back when go-go was treated with suspicion instead of being celebrated as D.C.’s official music. Plus, come to our live taping on Saturday, June 3! It’s at Right Proper’s Brookland location, and true to the venue, we’ll be talking about D.C.’s craft brewery scene. See you there! Want so...
May 25, 2023•28 min
From 1971 to 1972, a serial killer who called himself the Freeway Phantom killed at least six Black girls in D.C. and terrorized their families and communities. He was never caught, but veteran journalist Celeste Headlee thinks someone out there knows something, and she’s trying to get justice. Listen to Celeste’s podcast The Freeway Phantom for a deeper dive into this story. Episodes drop every Wednesday. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC! Inter...
May 24, 2023•22 min
Look out for all those tourists, because in a recent poll, D.C. was ranked the third best destination in the US for tourism this summer. But giving and taking tours in the District isn’t so cut and dry. Kaitlin Calogera and Rebecca Grawl, who founded A Tour of Her Own, explain what makes tours in D.C. tick, and which ones you should try, even if you’re a local. 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...
May 23, 2023•18 min
D.C. ranks in the top 10 cities for lead pipes. As environmental reporter Kayla Benjamin will tell you, that’s not an honor. But it’s also an expensive thing to fix — expensive enough that the mayor has cut it out of her current budget proposal. Kayla’s here to lay out where things stand and what needs to happen next. Check out our episode about Chief Contee leaving the force and what it means for MPD. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Intereste...
May 22, 2023•21 min
DC’s mayor made a trip to Congress this week and it maybe wasn’t as bad as it could have been? City Cast’s Priyanka Tilve and Julia Karron join Mike Schaffer to chat about that. Plus, they’re also talking about the latest twist in the push to reinvent Union Station. And the Washington Mystics season is just kicking off — we’ll discuss how to be the best possible fan. Check out all the local coverage that powers our roundups: Meagan Flynn from the Washington Post has you covered on Bowser’s trip ...
May 19, 2023•24 min
DC Council passed a first vote on the 2024 budget, and there were a lot of sticking points. Like, should transportation be free? Should there be police officers in school? Should the city be doing more to support low-income residents? Michael Brice-Saddler from the Washington Post is here to tell us what made it into the budget, what was cut, and who won which battles. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Interested in advertising with City Cast? F...
May 18, 2023•21 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 last fall to learn about it all from founder and chief science officer Tyler Baras. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter! F...
May 17, 2023•22 min
The D.C. police have been trying to fire an officer named Michael Thomas, but he’s managed to appeal and arbitrate his way out of it for 13 years. And he's not the only one. It’s a tale of public safety, organized labor, and how the city government works (or doesn’t) and Alex Koma from City Paper has reported out the whole crazy 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 T...
May 16, 2023•22 min
D.C.’s mayor is due on the Hill this week for a hearing where she’s almost certain to sit there as a line of Congressional Republicans lambaste her city, and probably inaccurately. NBC Reporter Mark Segraves is here to explain why we should keep our eyes on the train wreck anyway. Watch the hearing tomorrow (if you dare) here. Also, if you’re excited about the new Kraken Kourts and Skates that just opened up in Northeast, you’ll probably like this episode about D.C. as a playground for adults. E...
May 15, 2023•24 min
Maryland has suddenly got a hot, open senate seat race and it’s likely to feature at least three DMV icons, with major implications about race, ideology, and public safety. Plus, the Washington Post’s Editorial Board issued a mea culpa about a key race in D.C.’s last election, and the team reflects on lessons from Spy Week to defend their personal spy spot suggestions. As always, check out the local news that powers our roundups: Politico has all the details on Angela Alsobrooks’ campaign for Ma...
May 12, 2023•24 min
Why do restaurants play such a big role in spy stories? And which DC eateries should you hit if you want to dine where the secret agents met their sources? Andrew Hammond from the International Spy Museum fills us in. 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 mo...
May 11, 2023•19 min
It’s the 10th anniversary of the hit FX show The Americans, which is all about the spies living among us in D.C. But despite being set in D.C., the show was actually filmed in Brooklyn. Its creators Joe Weisberg and Joel Fields tell us how they painstakingly recreated '80s era D.C. digitally. 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...
May 10, 2023•19 min
