We’re talking about a fight over a cannabis dispensary that some parents say is too close to their kids’ school. But the real story is that the city hasn’t quite gotten its head around the sea change in laws and norms dealing with weed. Axios’ Anna Spiegel has been reporting on it and stopped by to give us the lay of the land. And big news! In one week, we're hosting our first one of 2024! It’s on Saturday, Feb. 3 at The Square Food Hall. Come meet the team and enjoy free hot chocolate and churr...
Jan 29, 2024•13 min
We’re talking about Washingtonian’s annual ranking of best restaurants with the magazine’s lead critic, our pal Ann Limpert. Plus, we’re also going to talk again about lane enforcement — but, get this, we’re talking bus lanes, not bike lanes. And there’s an update on the sexual harassment investigation in the mayor’s office. And big news! In one week, we're hosting our first one of 2024! It’s on Saturday, Feb. 3 at The Square Food Hall. Come meet the team and enjoy free hot chocolate and churros...
Jan 26, 2024•24 min
If you’ve spent any time recently at the L’Enfant Plaza Metro station, you might have noticed something about the signage: It’s different! And the new look is coming to a station near you. The system is rolling out one of the biggest visual changes in its history. We talked with Sarah Meyer, Metro’s new Chief Experience Officer, about the hidden-in-plain-sight magic of subway signs — and how this new initiative will change the way folks navigate the metro. You can submit your thoughts on Metro's...
Jan 25, 2024•16 min
Conversations about the Caps and Wizards potentially moving to Virginia are just one more strike against D.C.’s downtown as a meaningful destination. Most of us only seem to go down there to run errands or visit specific spots. But the city IS working on making downtown a more livable place. In May, Tristan Navera from the Washington Biz Journal explained how that could work. Like what we do? Sign up to be a member and get exclusive perks like first dibs on live tapings. Speaking of! We are havi...
Jan 24, 2024•15 min
A pretty popular restaurant group in D.C. just dropped its “Initiative 82” service fee after it was sued over it. Washingtonian’s Jessica Sidman is here to explain what happened there. Plus, we talk through the chaos of the boil water advisory this weekend, and try to agree on what makes a “REAL” Washingtonian. Like what we do? Sign up to be a member and get exclusive perks like first dibs on live tapings. Speaking of! We are having our first one of 2024! It’s on Saturday, Feb. 3 at The Square F...
Jan 23, 2024•23 min
We love our furry friends here in D.C. But sadly, there have been at least 11 dognappings in the city already in 2024 and thieves are going after one breed in particular. As a small dog owner, for Axios’ Mimi Montgomery who has been following this story, it’s personal. Like what we do? Sign up to be a member and get exclusive perks like first dibs on live tapings. Speaking of! We are having our first one of 2024! It’s on Saturday, Feb. 3 at The Square Food Hall. Come meet the team and enjoy food...
Jan 22, 2024•14 min
There’s more worry about the future of downtown DC. Plus: Snow! It snowed, and might snow again, and people in the city have thoughts about how we handled it. And we’re also talking about the joys of pocket parks, and how there’s a new one on the horizon. Check out the local reporting that powers our roundups: NBC Washington has you covered on all the details surrounding Fannie Mae leaving. Capital Weather Gang at the Post will keep you informed about everything snow related. WTOP breaks down th...
Jan 19, 2024•19 min
What IS the best cupcake in D.C.? We tested a bunch of them, for scientific reasons of course, to figure out which one is worth splurging for. Like what we do? Sign up to be a member and get exclusive perks like first dibs on live tapings. Speaking of! We are having our first one of 2024! It’s on Saturday, Feb. 3 at The Square Food Hall. Come meet the team and enjoy food/drink specials at noon, and the taping begins at 1 pm. RSVP here. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our mo...
Jan 18, 2024•19 min
Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto just introduced a massive 90-page crime bill to counter the uptick in homicides, carjackings, and petty theft across the city. Emily Davies, crime reporter at the Washington Post, explains what’s in it and whether or not it will really make D.C. safer. Like what we do? Sign up to be a member and get exclusive perks like first dibs on live tapings. Speaking of! We are having our first one of 2024! It’s on Saturday, Feb. 3 at The Square Food Hall. Come meet the te...
Jan 17, 2024•18 min
Sometimes the most interesting buildings in a great city are the ones that didn’t get built. Like the Lincoln Pyramid, the Washington Pedestal, and the grand idea called Dolphin America. We’re talking with architectural historian Martin Moeller about Unbuilt Washington — the grand ideas that, sometimes luckily, shaped our city by never getting off the drawing board. Plus, at the end of the episode, senior executive producer Priyanka Tilve sits down with the executive director of Tudor Place for ...
Jan 16, 2024•24 min
DC is making plans — a little late — about the future of Chinatown. Plus, some changes to DC traffic policy are on the horizon. And it’s about to be MLK day. We have a roundup of ways you can spend the day volunteering. Our roundups are powered by all the stellar local reporting in the area: Check out the Mayor’s announcement about the Chinatown Task Force. WTOP breaks down the new STEER Amendment Act. And if you’re looking for volunteer opportunities on MLK Day, there’s a bunch of official even...
Jan 12, 2024•23 min
Composting can seem like a smelly, messy, complicated affair. But City Cast DC Contributor Abi Newhouse tells us that in D.C., it’s easier than it seems and could make a whole world of difference to both local farmers and consumers. 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 voicemai...
Jan 11, 2024•17 min
Most gyms in D.C. are expensive. It’s a bummer, especially if your New Year's Resolution involves getting out and moving more. But don’t worry! Because D.C. actually has all kinds of free workouts to get you out of your house and feeling good. Onose Ijewere creator of the popular D.C. Instagram account HighVibesDC, has been tracking D.C.’s free workout options and shares her favorites. Check out Onose’s Instagram page @highvibedc for more tips like these! Like what we do? Sign up to be a member ...
Jan 10, 2024•13 min
In today’s Tuesday roundup, the team breaks down what’s going on with the Washington Post buyouts, a Herndon woman digging tunnels under her home, and the return of Barnes and Noble to Georgetown. As always, local news powers all of our roundups: Washingtonian breaks down the Washington Post buyouts. Check out Aura Bogado’s investigation into the Herndon tunnel girl. And the Washington Business Journal has the scoop on the return of Barnes and Noble. Like what we do? Sign up to be a member and g...
Jan 09, 2024•24 min
It’s the season of in-and-out lists, and Washingtonian food editor Jessica Sidman and City Cast DC Senior Producer Julia Karron are here to break down their thoughts on what’s hot and not in D.C. food and culture this year. And be sure to check out Sidman’s full compilation of restaurant ins and outs for 2024. Like what we do? Sign up to be a member and get exclusive perks like first dibs on live tapings. Speaking of! We are having our first one of 2024! It’s on Saturday, Feb. 3 at The Square Fo...
Jan 08, 2024•25 min
There’s a recall effort against a liberal DC Councilmember, more agita about shoplifting teens, and…snow! Or maybe not? Yep, it’s January and Axios’ Cuneyt Dil and contributor Dan Reed are joining us to talk about weird DC weather patterns. As always, our roundups are powered by all the stellar local reporting: Cuneyt Dil from Axios had this scoop on the potential recall effort of Councilmember Charles Allen. WTOP has you covered on the shoplifting teens at the Columbia Heights Mall. And the Cap...
Jan 05, 2024•25 min
People in D.C. are working from home pretty often. So why does it seem like traffic is getting worse? It turns out the pandemic changes have altered commuting in surprising and sometimes weird ways. Washington Post transportation reporter Ian Duncan is here to explain just who’s on the road — and when. 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 ...
Jan 04, 2024•15 min
Finding local music can be tough - where do you start? Christopher Naoum co-founded Listen Local First to support D.C.’s homegrown music scene and he’s here to share tips and tricks for making the most of 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 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...
Jan 03, 2024•15 min
It’s January, which usually means the cold weather is setting in, the holidays have wrapped up, and maybe you’re feeling a bit blah. But January doesn’t have to be blah! The team is here to share what they’re looking forward to this month for your definitive guide to January in D.C. Check out D.C.’s Best Underrated Restaurants Observing a dry January? Here’s a guide to non-alcoholic drinks in the District. Have a Rock Creek Park fire pit party! Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up f...
Jan 02, 2024•17 min
Bill Nye, yes the science guy, is also a D.C. guy. The legendary science educator is a D.C. native and has recently moved back. We talked with him back in February about how the city has changed, what it was like when he was a kid, and how it shaped him into the Bill Nye we know now. 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 thou...
Dec 29, 2023•23 min
Pretty much everyone in DC is obsessed with finding a good place to live, including Jamie Manning, the creator behind the popular Instagram and newsletter Exposed Brick. She chatted with us in March to share her tips and tricks for navigating DC’s rental market. After the interview, executive producer Priyanka Tilve joins us for a conversation sponsored by Children’s National, about the nonprofit hospital’s fundraising campaign this holiday season. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign ...
Dec 28, 2023•21 min
Virginia Ali, the woman behind one of the most historic D.C. spots, Ben’s Chili Bowl, recently turned 90. So in honor of the many late-night half-smokes Ben’s has served, we are revisiting a conversation Michael and Bridget had with her back in August about the 65 years of history that shaped the iconic D.C. restaurant. 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...
Dec 27, 2023•16 min
What are D.C.'s most overrated restaurants? Are Georgetown cupcakes actually the best in the city? And How much is too much to pay for a sandwich? In August, Washingtonian food editor Jessica Sidman joined the City Cast crew to debate her collection of 2023 restaurant hot takes. 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,...
Dec 26, 2023•22 min
In our last new episode of the year, we’re turning it over to you, the listeners. What did D.C. do right this year, and where did our city come up short? Bridget and Mike break down everything the city did right and wrong in 2023. 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 b...
Dec 22, 2023•15 min
Crime has been one of the biggest issues of the year, with high-profile incidents drawing national attention and Congressional intervention. Carjackings and thefts are on the rise all over the District. Emily Davies from the Washington Post is here to tell us where we’ve landed after a year of intense focus on crime – what’s improved, what’s gotten worse, what’s next, and what it means for the city. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Support our ...
Dec 21, 2023•19 min
There’s been a vocal contingent of Alexandria residents grumbling about the planned Washington Capitals and Wizards stadium in Potomac Yard since the second it was announced. The Washington Post’s Teo Armus is here to tell us why people are upset and how loudly they’re shouting. If you want to attend or testify at info sessions and hearings about the new arena, sign up for alerts at monumentalalx.com. Plus, sign up to support our work by becoming a member of City Cast DC. Want some more DC news?...
Dec 20, 2023•16 min
DC shows up in films and movies all the time, but how many of those projects actually film in the District? Writer Hannah Docter-Loeb tells us how D.C. has historically been short-changed on this and what the city is doing about it. Plus, check out our interview with the creators of “The Americans” about how they approached filming a show set in D.C. And Bridget wrote up this great article about how reality shows film in the District. Plus, sign up to be a member of City Cast DC today! It’s only...
Dec 19, 2023•12 min
Metro recently released a dire looking budget. Layoffs, fewer trains and stations, and higher fares are all on the table. We sat down with Metro Chief Randy Clarke for his take on what it will take to springboard Metro into the future. 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 voicem...
Dec 18, 2023•29 min
Cuneyt Dil from Axios joins us to analyze the political fallout of the shocking announcement that the Wizards and the Capitals are leaving DC for Virginia . Plus, RIP for DC’s least-beloved old hotel, a move that also tells a story of the city’s troubled downtown. Per usual, our roundups are powered by the stellar local reporting going on: Cuneyt Dil investigates how D.C. lost the Wizards and Capitals to Virginia. Learn about the history of the Harrington Hotel thanks to our newsletter! And some...
Dec 15, 2023•24 min
Well, it’s almost official. Ted Leonsis is probably moving the Capitals and Wizards across the river by 2028. Tristan Navera from the Washington Business Journal is here to explain what this means for the future of downtown 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 And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by ...
Dec 14, 2023•22 min
