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City Cast DC

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City Cast is the daily, local audio companion you knew DC needed. Washingtonians are gritty, proud, and resilient — necessary qualities for a community facing issues that range from an affordability crisis to the fight for statehood to the movement for racial justice… and useful qualities for a region full of whip-smart people, dynamic culture, and constant change. Washingtonians are deeply passionate about our city, whose story is still being written, and City Cast DC is here to tell it. Every weekday morning, our hosts Michael Schaffer and Bridget Todd will engage people from all over the eight wards in conversation about DC’s crises and its beauty, both literal and figurative. It’ll have the feel of eavesdropping on an energetic and informative coffee shop chat, except that with City Cast DC, consider this your official invitation to listen in.
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Episodes

Best DC Summer Trips for Under $150

Memorial Day is right around the corner! If you’re watching your budget but still dreaming of that summer getaway, City Cast contributor Tim Ebner is here with the best summer trips you can take from D.C. for around $150. 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 $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this May 20th episode: Folger Shakespeare Library PaintCare The Pew Charitab...

May 20, 202531 min

Dupont Circle’s Controversial New Public Plaza

Construction is expected to begin this fall to “deck over” a busy section of Connecticut Avenue NW in Dupont Circle — transforming it into a vibrant new public plaza. But some residents and local businesses say they’re not getting enough information about how the project will affect them. NBC4 Transportation Reporter Adam Tuss breaks down what this all means for Dupont Circle — and the city beyond. We’ll be talking to DDOT about the details of the project in a couple weeks. So if you have questi...

May 19, 202518 min

Will Bowser Get a 4th Term? Plus, Stadium Updates, and RFK Jr’s Rock Creek Plunge

We’re talking about the prospect of a fourth term for Muriel Bowser, a poll of where the public stands on the RFK Stadium site, and also some news about the other RFK — Junior, who took an odd dip in Rock Creek this week. And today our fourth topic is by our sponsor PaintCare, and if you’re looking to tackle your spring cleaning we’ve got you! 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 a...

May 16, 202530 min

Why DC Keeps Flooding And How To Make It Stop

Do you feel like you’re hearing a lot of reports about flooding in DC these days? You’re not alone. A lot of the city sits atop what used to be creeks and streams. Charlotte Taylor Fryar wrote a whole book about Washington and water. It’s called “Potomac Fever”. Charlotte is here to explain the water that sits beneath your sidewalk. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. Learn more about the sponsors of this May 15th episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% o...

May 15, 202523 min

Everything to Know about WorldPride 2025

WorldPride, the largest global LGBTQ+ celebration, is coming to DC. The festivities start this weekend, with the headline events from May 28 to June 8. The Washington Blade’s Joe Reberkenny is here with what you need to know from heightened travel concerns for trans visitors to increased security city-wide. 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 $10 a month. Learn more about the s...

May 14, 202521 min

1 in 5 Residents Consider Leaving DC

The Trump administration is already deeply impacting DC’s way of life. And now, a new Washington Post poll says a huge portion of the local population is considering leaving DC altogether as a result. The Post’s Olivia George is here to put voices behind the data. 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 $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this May 13th episode: Babbel - G...

May 13, 202531 min

Why Trump Picked a Fox News Icon as DC's Top Prosecutor

At the end of last week, there was a big switcheroo in an office that’s really important to local DC: The US Attorney, which in our city also acts as the local prosecutor. Donald Trump abruptly pulled the nomination of Ed Martin, the January 6 firebrand who’d been the most controversial appointee in memory. But the replacement was also quite a shock: Jeanine Pirro, the bomb-throwing Fox News personality. What does this mean for us? NBC4’s Ted Oberg covers the office and he’s here to explain. Wan...

May 12, 202527 min

ICE at DC Restaurants, Tourism Struggles, and Nats Park Taste Test

We’re talking about ICE raids at restaurants, we’re talking about what plummeting international tourism means for DC, and we’ve got some results from City Cast’s highly unscientific Nats Park taste test. Plus, our members-only fourth topic: The strange story of the LGBT exhibit the Smithsonian just canceled. 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 $10 a month. Learn more about the ...

May 09, 202531 min

Is Bowser's New Growth Plan Too Pro-Development?

DC’s Mayor is slowly rolling out her budget — and it’s all about trying to brace the city for the unprecedented Trump-era challenges that are hitting Washington’s biggest employer, the government. For Muriel Bowser, the answer seems to be giving business a freer hand to do what it wants. Until recently, that would have been a nonstarter for the DC Council. Axios’ Cuneyt Dil is here to explain why it could be different this time. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning n...

May 08, 202525 min

Mayor Bowser Wants to Repeal DC’s Tipped Minimum Wage ... Again

Mayor Bowser announced Monday that she wants to repeal initiative 82, the hugely popular DC plan to eliminate the tipped minimum wage. Three out of four voters were in favor in 2022, so how do people feel about the mayor potentially overriding them? Jessica Sidman from Washingtonian is here to explain why this is happening now and how all the stakeholders feel about it. 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...

May 07, 202534 min

Best Free Things to Do in DC This Summer

Let's face it - a lot of us in the DMV area are tightening our belts in preparation for an uncertain economic climate. BUT that doesn't mean you can't still have a good time, especially with the nice weather returning. Be sure to mark your calendars because we have your guide for fun FREE things to do in DC this summer. https://dc.citycast.fm/dc-life-hacks/the-best-washington-dc-birthday-freebies-discounts-deals https://dc.citycast.fm/best/the-best-free-workouts-in-dc Want some more DC news? The...

May 06, 202530 min

The Conversation No One Wants to Have About Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton

DC’s Congressional Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton has an impressive 35 year track record of being an accomplished fighter for DC. But at 87, she’s also the second oldest member of Congress. Washingtonian reporter Ike Allen spent time with Eleanor Holmes Norton while investigating a complicated question — does Eleanor Holmes Norton still have what it takes to fight for DC? Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with...

May 05, 202528 min

Council vs RFK Stadium Deal, Ed Martin vs Weed, and an Exclusive MAGA Club

We’re talking about the RFK deal, Ed Martin’s moves against a DC medical-marijuana dispensary, and an ultra-pricey new private club for Trump allies. Plus, our special members-only fourth topic: The investigation of the DCA crash. 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 $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this May 2nd episode: Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping ...

May 02, 202536 min

Your Guide to May 2025 in DC

May is one of the BEST times in DC. We have that narrow window of perfect springtime weather. There’s a lot going on and people actually seem…excited to be out and about. To help you stave off FOMO, the City Cast DC gang has your guide to making the most of May in DC, including a Hong Kong-style night market, a flower festival, and camping recommendations. 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 community....

May 01, 202529 min

How Trump’s First 100 Days Changed DC

Donald Trump has been in office for 100 days. And with all the big changes his administration has brought to the DMV, it’s easy for the actual impact of it to get lost in the deluge of stories. The City Cast team is here to break down what the first 100 days of his administration has meant for DC. Get more from City Cast DC when you become a City Cast DC Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm. Want some...

Apr 30, 202534 min

The $3.7B Deal to Revive RFK Stadium

The Washington Commanders announced plans to build a stadium on the RFK site, and a whole neighborhood around it. But there are still a few hurdles to jump before this stadium actually becomes a thing. Axios’ Cuneyt Dil was at the announcement, and he’s here to tell us if we should be excited or skeptical. 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 $10 a month. Learn more about the sp...

Apr 29, 202536 min

The Local LGBTQ Backlash with National Implications

Last week, the Supreme Court heard arguments in a local case involving a group of conservative Montgomery County parents who want to be able to yank their kids out of classes where they talk about LGBTQ themes. It could set a precedent that frightens a lot of locals. Nicole Asbury, who’s been covering it for the Washington Post, is here to tell us about it. Get more from City Cast DC when you become a City Cast DC Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only e...

Apr 28, 202525 min

DC's Hated Top Prosecutor, Local War on Encampments, and Kristi Noem's Stolen Purse

The Washington Post’s Marc Fisher joins our roundup to talk about the controversies around DC’s US Attorney nominee, the city’s efforts to dismantle homeless encampments, and the very weird theft of Kristi Noem’s purse. Plus, a members-only fourth section about the surprising local history of Toys R Us, soon to be a major motion picture. Get more from City Cast DC when you become a City Cast DC Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join...

Apr 25, 202537 min

Your Guide to Porchfest in DC

It’s almost one of the most fun times of the year — porchfest season! Petworth’s is this Saturday, Adams Morgan’s is next week. City Cast’s own Mark Kulkosky and Priyanka Tilve are Porchfest pros, and they’re here with everything there is to know to do this years festivals right. Get more from City Cast DC when you become a City Cast DC Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm. Want some more DC news? The...

Apr 24, 202521 min

Why Everyone's Mad About Rock Creek Parkway

If you’ve driven on Rock Creek Parkway, then you know it has those reversible lanes - it’s actually had that traffic pattern since the 1930s. But now the National Parks Service wants to change up the roads and people both for and against the change are all yelling pretty loudly about it. The Washington Post’s Rachel Weiner has been following the controversy. Get more from City Cast DC when you become a City Cast DC Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only ...

Apr 23, 202523 min

DC’s Most Underrated Brunch Spots

We love our brunches in DC. It’s kind of our thing here. But what about brunches that might be a little off the beaten path? Cornelia Poku of the popular food blog Black Girl Explore DC is here to share her menu of the best DC brunches. Get more from City Cast DC when you become a City Cast DC Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsl...

Apr 22, 202526 min

Is the New Tipped Minimum Wage Killing DC's Restaurants?

Are DC’s restaurants in trouble thanks to DOGE cuts? According to a new report in the Washington Post, a startling number of places have closed. But Tim Carman, one of the authors of the report, says it’s a bit more complicated than just Trump-era chaos. He’s here to explain what’s going on — and what it means for your next meal. Get more from City Cast DC when you become a City Cast DC Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at ...

Apr 21, 202527 min

DC Close to $3B RFK Deal, New Bus Map, and Local ASMR

We’re talking about the big Commanders stadium news, some serious changes coming to Metro, and a podcaster who reads DC menus to help put you to sleep. Plus, members get a bonus segment today, about the Kennedy Center going full patriotism. In case you missed our episode with sports economist JC Bradbury, listen to learn whether stadiums are worth what they cost cities. And here’s the new WMATA bus map, which goes live June 29. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning ne...

Apr 18, 202532 min

The Best DC Day Off, For Every Type of Washingtonian

With everything going on in DC, maybe you’re in need of a mental health day. Whether you’re playing hooky from work, school, or endless job apps, there’s actually a ton to do in DC on a weekday when you just need some me time. In this rerun from last year, the City Cast team plan out the ultimate mental health day for cinephiles, sports buffs, and every type of Washingtonian in between. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a mem...

Apr 17, 202517 min

Bowser's Loophole For Avoiding $1.1B Cuts from Congress

Yesterday, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced spending freezes and city cuts because of a massive crater that Congress created in DC’s budget and then never fixed. There’s a bill in the House that could immediately resolve this budget crisis, but the lawmakers have stalled on voting, and now they’re on break until April 28. Local reporter Martin Austermuhle is here to tell us how the cuts could affect life in DC right now. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter H...

Apr 16, 202521 min

DC’s Best Parks for Kids

With the weather improving, it’s a great time to explore DC’s many great parks to entertain little ones! City Cast DC contributor and dad, Jacob Fenston, is on a quest to visit all 697 parks in the District and he’s here to tell us the best ones to take your kids to. 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 15th episode: Prolon...

Apr 15, 202521 min

What RFK Stadium Could Cost DC

There hasn’t even been a vote on a new Washington commanders stadium in DC, but a lot of folks already talk about it as a done deal. JC Bradbury is an expert on the economics of stadiums, and he thinks they’re almost never worth it. Bradbury is here to walk us through his research and what he thinks it ought to mean for DC’s looming decisions about RFK. 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 a...

Apr 14, 202524 min

Trump’s Parade, GOP & DC Activists' Common Ground, and Hidden Cash

It’s our Friday News Roundup! We’re talking about Trump’s birthday military parade, Congress targeting a couple of DC laws where they might actually have some local allies, and an epic scavenger hunt. Plus in our member’s-only fourth topic, we’ll talk through the way the new war on globalism is affecting DC’s local culture. 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 ...

Apr 11, 202524 min

DC Prides Itself on the Smithsonian. Now, Trump's Changing It.

The Smithsonian is front and center in one of Donald Trump’s most controversial executive orders. But what does his campaign against “inappropriate ideology” mean on a day to day basis for the museums — and for the city where they’re a big part of the cultural mix? Manuel Roig-Franzia from the Washington Post is here to give us the lay of the land. If you’ve been personally affected by Trumps tariffs, we want to hear from you! Email us at dc@citycast.fm or leave a message at 202-642-2654. Want s...

Apr 10, 202522 min

Do Streateries Still Belong in DC?

Spring has sprung, which means streateries are back! But do people really use them and like them? Senior producer Julia Karron talked to business owners and food journalists to get to the bottom of it. 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 9th episode: PaintCare The Pew Charitable Trusts Nace Law Group Interested in advertis...

Apr 09, 202518 min
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