The Trump administration is pressuring public schools to abandon any programming related to what they call DEI, or else those schools will lose federal funding. And earlier this month, there was ICE activity at HD Cooke Elementary School in Adams Morgan. Scott Goldstein, the Executive Director of EmpowerEd, is here to share how schools are handling these threats and what it all means for local students. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can ...
Apr 08, 2025•27 min
WayMo, Google’s driverless taxi service company, says they want to expand to DC next. But are they safe? Would they work with DC’s many road quirks? We talked to Andrew Hawkins, who covers transportation at The Verge, to find out what driverless taxis would mean for the city. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 7th episode...
Apr 07, 2025•27 min
The DC Council passed a new law to keep more meetings secret, and Mark Zuckerberg joined a whole bunch of oligarchs buying houses in D.C. Plus: the best April Fools articles in D.C. this year. And for members, a special bonus topic: Trayon White, the expelled member of the DC Council, is running to win back his old seat. Can they re-expel him? NBC4’s Mark Segraves joins the team to discuss. Want the full episode? Become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. And make sure...
Apr 04, 2025•32 min
What are the coolest buildings in DC? Chances are your list doesn’t include the Lincoln Pyramid, the Washington Pedestal, or something called Dolphin America — precisely because they never got built. We sat down with architectural historian Martin Moeller last year to discuss the big ideas that, sometimes luckily, shaped our city by never getting off the drawing board. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Learn more about the sponsors of this April...
Apr 03, 2025•19 min
Mayor Bowser was scheduled to unveil her 2026 budget today but she’s delayed that while waiting for the House to pass its budget fix bill, restoring $1B to DC’s budget. Trump has signaled his support for the bill — so what’s the holdup? The Washington Post’s Meagan Flynn explains where we're at with DC’s budget and what’s next. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Le...
Apr 02, 2025•15 min
They say April showers bring May flowers. The City Cast squad is here to give their top tips and recommendations, from getting your winter coats dry cleaned and stored for the winter, to hitting up a Smithsonian exhibit throughout the month. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a whole guide for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to our City Cast DC community. Once you’re done listening, check out our newsletter article for even more tips about how to make the most of Apri...
Apr 01, 2025•34 min
A new executive order by Donald Trump targets D.C. — but doesn’t, at least not yet, take it over. Mark Segraves from Channel 4 is here to explain the president’s new “"D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force", and why the city leadership feels like it doesn’t have much choice other than staying mum. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of thi...
Mar 31, 2025•26 min
We’re talking about DC’s economic plans to move beyond the federal government. Also, some people who allegedly wrote mean graffiti on Teslas are being investigated for hate crimes. And we’re talking about how to get the most out of a trip to Nats Park. Plus, stick around for an exciting member’s-only fourth segment about local DC’s endearing ability to memeify national news events like this week’s Signal scandal. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC...
Mar 28, 2025•30 min
A new plan would consolidate the District's competing violence interruption programs under a single agency after a bribery scandal last year. But just what are these programs? The University of Maryland’s Thomas Abt has spent years studying violence prevention and he’s here to explain how these efforts can and can’t nudge violence down. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a ...
Mar 27, 2025•24 min
A reminder for the parents out there: if you are wanting to get your kid into summer camp, it’s time to make some plans. City Cast contributor Austin Graff is here to explain why March is a critical time for summer camp planning and everything you need to know to do it right. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 26th episod...
Mar 26, 2025•26 min
It’s spring in DC, which means it’s e-bike season. Last year, we systematically tested four different e-bike brands — Capital Bikeshare, Lime, Spin, and Veo — to figure which ones are worth the price. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 25th episode: The Pew Charitable Trusts Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find ...
Mar 25, 2025•27 min
The DMV is front and center in the Trump administration’s campaign to deport undocumented immigrants. Atenas Burrola Estrada of the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights is here to tell us what it means for the region and what people need to know about their rights in this legal landscape. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 2...
Mar 24, 2025•34 min
We’re talking about why the Purple Line is taking so long to arrive. We’re talking about the takeover of DC institutions — and whether it's cool for Washington audiences to boo JD Vance. Plus, a story about stew that warmed our hearts. And this week there’s a fourth topic for members only: Is the DMV economy headed for a crater? Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. L...
Mar 21, 2025•32 min
So we know that the federal government fired thousands of workers in D.C. earlier this year. Now some court rulings suggest they’re being rehired?! But not fully?! It’s a mess. Emily Peck from Axios tells us what’s going down between the Trump administration and the federal workers that DOGE tried to purge. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sp...
Mar 20, 2025•17 min
The District is anxiously waiting for the House of Representatives to return to session and decide the fate of D.C.’s budget. Depending on what they decide, D.C. could potentially see a $1 billion hit, right away. The Washington Post's Jenny Gathright is here to explain how D.C. leaders are trying to convince the House to vote their way. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a...
Mar 19, 2025•18 min
Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center has left the DC art community reeling. How is DC’s vibrant but sometimes overlooked theater community dealing with the fallout? Chad Dexter Kinsman, arts administrator and host of Theater District podcast explains what all of this means for the future of theater in the District. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more ab...
Mar 18, 2025•23 min
Should DC rejoin Maryland!? In D.C.’s current crisis atmosphere, the idea of retrocession has gained traction. For years, David Krucoff was the lonely champion of this cause. He’s with us today to explain why he thinks it’s the best way forward. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 17th episode: Urban Pace The Pew Charitabl...
Mar 17, 2025•26 min
The Washington Post’s Meagan Flynn joins the show to talk about the federal budget and that weird billion-dollar hole it may blow in our own city budget, measles in the DMV, and everything you need to know about Alexander Ovechkin’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s NHL goal record. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 14th episod...
Mar 14, 2025•27 min
DC has a whole host of rules that are the kind of thing where if you know, you know. Is it Malcolm X Park or Meridian Hill Park? Is it Reagan National Airport or DCA? We talked to ClockoutDC’s Jade Womack and Greater Greater Washington’s Dan Reed last summer about the essential rules to life in DC. If you like culture hot takes like this, sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for just $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this Mar...
Mar 13, 2025•26 min
The House just passed a budget stopgap bill that would fund the federal government through September but would also cut $1.1 billion from D.C.’s local budget. If the Senate passes the bill without changing this provision, it would cripple the District’s budget and the effect would be immediate. NBC’s Mark Segraves is here to tell us what’s happening. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as l...
Mar 12, 2025•20 min
D.C. is trying out a new pilot program that’s designed to give low-income people a break on traffic camera tickets. Martin Austermuehle has covered the issue for the 51st and he’s here to talk about why the program has been so controversial. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 11th episode: Urban Pace Interested in adverti...
Mar 11, 2025•26 min
Alliance Française has been bringing French language and culture to DC since 1905. So how has it shaped the city? And what’s next? City Cast DC’s Senior Executive Producer Priyanka Tilve chats with Sarah Diligenti, the Executive Director from Alliance Française, to talk about its 120-year history, the deep ties between France and the U.S., and how the organization has evolved over the decades. They also get into what’s ahead — like the big 120th anniversary soirée, a Night of Poetry, and even a ...
Mar 10, 2025•21 min
US Congressman Jamie Raskin, who represents the Maryland suburbs of DC, is known nationally for leading the Democratic pushback against Trump’s sweeping federal cuts. He's here to tell us how the layoffs are affecting the DMV, how his Republican colleagues see D.C. home rule, and what citizens ought to do if they want to get involved. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a mo...
Mar 10, 2025•31 min
Axios’ Cuneyt Dil and the Washington Post’s Teo Armus join us to talk about the end of Black Lives Matter plaza, immigration raids around DC, and the latest in Cherry Blossom branding. Plus, City Cast CEO David Plotz is speaking this week at Cleveland Park Library about podcasting, local news, and how CCDC got started. Register here for the March 11 event, which starts at 7 p.m. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, wit...
Mar 07, 2025•27 min
Mayor Bowser’s town hall on Wednesday hit a nerve with the city. NBC4’s Mark Segraves was there, and he’s here to give us the play-by-play of what Bowser had to say. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 6th episode: The Pew Charitable Trusts The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University District Bridges Interested i...
Mar 06, 2025•24 min
With everything going in DC lately, it’s understandable if maybe you’re feeling like having a few drinks on a budget. Ann Limpert, food editor for the Washingtonian, is here with the best DC happy hours where you can knock back a few responsibly, and in moderation of course. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 5th episode:...
Mar 05, 2025•16 min
We’ve talked a lot about what Trump and Musk’s gutting of the federal workforce means for the District, but what about nearby Virginia? Michael Pope, a reporter with Virginia public radio and the host of the Virginia Pressroom podcast has been following the story and is here to break it down. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this ...
Mar 04, 2025•22 min
Is Metro screwed? It’s a question that has less to do with trains and stations than with budgets and balance sheets. Wyatt Gordon wrote extensively about Metro’s challenges for Greater Greater Washington and he’s here to walk us through the wonky details. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 3rd episode: The Pew Charitable ...
Mar 03, 2025•25 min
We’re talking about the potential DC disaster in Congress’ new budget and we’re talking about what the latest Washington Post tumult means for DC. Plus, everything you need to know about renting chickens in the DMV. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 28th episode: The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University D...
Feb 28, 2025•28 min
It has been a long and cold winter, but things are finally looking up. The temperatures are in the 60’s this week! Sunset is finally past 6 pm! Hallelujah. The City Cast DC team is here with recs to make sure you don’t squander this upcoming month of warmth and sunshine, including outdoor workout classes and places to drop your compost. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast DC community. For even more ti...
Feb 27, 2025•33 min
