City Cast DC

What are your bets for the biggest story of 2026? We sat down with NBC4’s Mark Segraves to debate our choices, from DC politics, to the regional economy, to Trump’s plans for a huge 4th of July. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

If you’re back in the office after a long holiday and already planning that next vacation, we’ve got you covered. We all know that winter trips can be spendy, so City Cast contributor Tim Ebner has your guide to the best cold weather getaway trips from DC for under $150. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Nobody understands a city’s pulse quite like a City Cast host — and that makes them the best predictors for 2026’s biggest local stories. City Cast D.C. host Mike Schaffer joins CEO David Plotz and the other 12 hosts from across the network to talk about the big changes coming to our cities, from political shifts to data centers. 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. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info⁠ HERE⁠.

If your New Year’s resolution was to kick more ass in 2026, we’ve got you covered — from hot tub hangs to G-league basketball. It’s our guide to having your best possible January. 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. For even more tips on how to make the most of January in DC, check out Hey DC’s take on what to do this month. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 2nd episode: Simply Eloped Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Reach us at [email protected].

With Council member Trayon White’s bribery trial set to begin in 2026, this next year is fixed to become a hall of famer for D.C. political scandals. But how does it rank against the District’s other legendary scandals, and what other hall of fame political transgressions should every Washingtonian know? We’re revisiting Michael Schaffer’s conversation with NBC4’s Mark Segraves to find out. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 30th episode: Simply Eloped Black Cat 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. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

It is almost 2026, and if you are like us here at City Cast D.C., one of your new years resolutions is to learn more about this city that we love. H Street got some bad press this year, and if you believed that alone you might think every business is failing. But that's just not true, H Street may be a historic neighborhood, but it is vibrant and alive with new businesses and incredible experiences – you just have to know where to look. That is why City Cast contributor Austin Graff and tour guide Kate Denson are here with your ultimate guide to H Street. This episode originally aired September 16, 2025. 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. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info⁠ HERE⁠.

If you’ve got a Swedish ivy plant in your home and you’re not quite sure where it came from, there’s a non-zero chance it once lived in the White House. Cuttings from a Swedish ivy plant that lived for decades on the mantle of the oval office have quietly made their way all over D.C. — part of a little-known local tradition that’s been spreading for decades. City Cast’s Annie Rees has a cutting and has been getting to the root of its history. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 23rd episode: Simply Eloped Black Cat Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Shalom Baranes is one of Washington’s most prolific architects and the designer behind a lot of the most prominent modern buildings of the past few decades. So how did he wind up as the new architect of Donald Trump’s White House ballroom? After all, Trump has promised classical beauty and old-school design. Douglas Fruehling from the Washington Business Journal has covered Baranes for years and explains what this all means — about the ballroom, and, more generally, about the work of erecting buildings in the nation’s capital. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 22nd episode: Simply Eloped Black Cat Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

We’re talking about the state of DC’s police — the old chief is out, and her replacement is going to have to deal with an investigation into alleged manipulation of crime stats, among other challenges. Plus, DC’s top public middle school has stopped teaching novels. A nightmare story about an Airbnb tenant who wouldn’t leave, and what DC’s laws did and didn’t allow the frustrated owner to do. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to⁠ sign up⁠ for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: ⁠(202) 642-2654⁠. You can⁠ also become a member⁠, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 19th episode: ⁠Nace Law Group⁠ ⁠Black Cat⁠ ⁠Public Welfare Foundation⁠ Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info⁠ HERE⁠

Between mass layoffs that hit people’s wallets, the federal takeover, and an ongoing ICE crackdown, DC’s restaurants are facing a lot of headwinds resulting from the Trump administration’s choices. Jessica Sidman from Washingtonian is DC’s top reporter on the industry and she’s here to share some of her reporting. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 18th episode: Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Nace Law Group Black Cat Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

What are the deadliest roads in the DC area? The city has actually made a lot of improvements, especially compared with other places in the country, but given America’s grim stats, that’s not good enough. The Washington Post’s Rachel Weiner and Ian Duncan have worked on a major investigative project about the issue and are here to share some of their reporting. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. If you enjoyed this interview with Janessa White, the Director & General Manager of Simply Eloped, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 17th episode: Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Nace Law Group Black Cat Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

We’re officially in winter weather season, and staying holed up at home sounds pretty tempting. But Dominique Bazil is here with a guide to the cozy cafés that are absolutely worth bundling up for. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 16th episode: Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Nace Law Group Black Cat Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

The Park Police’s massive hiring binge, that would more than double its size, has some locals worried. The Park Police, after all, is part of the federal government, ultimately answering to President Trump — and not to the people they’d be policing in Washington. Olivia George from the Washington Post has been covering the controversy and is here to explain. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 15th episode: Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Nace Law Group Black Cat Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

The 51st’s Martin Austermuhle is here to chat about dangers in DC's airspace, less than a year after the DCA crash. Plus, more Trayon White shenanigans, Sandwich Guy jurors, and in a members only fourth segment, we’ll talk about Democrats boycotting certain DC restaurants. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 12th episode: Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The politically-connected developers of a new affordable-housing building have walked away with millions more than experts say is typical — and taxpayers footed the bill. That’s one takeaway from a big Washington Post investigation, and it also goes a long way to explaining just why it’s so hard to build affordable housing in the city. Steve Thompson, the reporter behind the investigation, is here to explain. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 11th episode: Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

It’s the holiday season, which means holiday travel….so much holiday travel. And to make sure your air travel is as boring, seamless and unmemorable as possible, we’ve got your travel playbook from certified expert Scott Keyes from Going, formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 10th episode: Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

We already know Mayor Bowser isn’t running for another term, but both Councilmember Anita Bonds and MPD Chief Pamela Smith also just announced their retirements, meaning a real shakeup is coming for the DC government. WAMU's Alex Koma is here to explain what all of these resignations mean for the city and why the 2026 field is looking so crowded. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 9th episode: Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Traffic Circles are the secret to getting around DC — navigating them is a right of passage that separates the locals from the newbies. City planner Dan Reed is here to talk about how we wound up with all these circles on the map, and what’s going to become of them in the years ahead. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 8th episode: Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

We’re talking about the entry of a bona fide progressive into the DC mayor’s race, Donald Trump’s plans for Dulles Airport, and the return of stars to the Washington Post’s restaurant reviews. In a members only 4th segment, what’s going on with ranked choice voting in DC? Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 5th episode: Nace Law Group Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC Public Welfare Foundation St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth and Families

For a lot of people in DC, the name “Saint Elizabeth’s” still conjures the likes of John Hinckley. But the sprawling campus that housed what used to be known as an insane asylum has transformed over the past two decades, with the hospital’s footprint shrinking and a lot of new stuff coming in: A cabinet department, a basketball arena, some pretty-looking housing. And according to the Washington Business Journal’s Michael Neibauer, more is on the way. Here’s what you need to know. 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 December 4th episode: Nace Law Group Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth and Families Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Join City Cast DC co-host Bridget Todd alongside fellow hosts from Austin, Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Philly, Pittsburgh, Portland, Salt Lake, Seattle, and the Twin Cities for a special episode that’ll help you knock out your holiday shopping early and support small businesses around the country. From a handlebar mount (and app!) that’ll turn your phone into a bike cam, to a mustard-of-the-month subscription box, our hosts are here to tell the stories of local businesses in their cities making cool stuff that you can order online right now. Visit our website to find the full list of recommendations with links for holiday shopping! Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 3rd episode: Nace Law Group Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth and Families Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

After the tragic attack on two National Guard members that left one of them dead and the other fighting for his life in the hospital, the Trump administration quickly announced plans to put 500 additional National Guard troops on DC’s streets, this time with DC police accompanying them for protection. All of this while there are still many unanswered questions about what exactly happened in this attack. The Washington Post’s Olivia George joins to tell us what we DO know. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 2nd episode: Nace Law Group Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth and Families Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Whether you’re a holiday grump or can't get enough of all things merry and bright, we’ve got your guide to what to eat, drink, see, and do this December in DC, from Guinness World Record kissing to DC’s best gifts. 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. For even more tips on how to make the most of November in DC, check out Hey DC’s take on what to do this month. If you enjoyed today's interview with District Bridges' Director of Storytelling and Marketing, Anna Claire, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 1st episode: Nace Law Group Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth and Families Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Reach us at [email protected].

Muriel Bowser has announced that she’s going to hang it up after 12 years in office. What happens now? And what should we make of the decade-plus that Herronner has spent dominating DC politics? City Cast’s Michael Schaffer, Bridget Todd and WAMU’s Alex Koma explain every juicy detail. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 26th episode: District Bridges Nace Law Group Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Thanksgiving is here! And we’re thankful, seriously and unseriously, about a whole bunch of things. The CCDC gang chat about what this Thanksgiving means for them and all the things we’re thanking DC for. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 25th episode: District Bridges Nace Law Group Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Aging isn’t something most of us like to think about, but it’s something all of us will experience. And in D.C., older residents are more likely to face memory challenges like dementia, which occurs here at higher rates than in much of the country. But a new approach to elder care might offer a better path forward for how the city supports its aging population. Washington Post reporter Michael Brice-Saddler explores what aging in D.C. looks like today and what it could become. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 24th episode: District Bridges Nace Law Group Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

We’re talking about the latest scoop on DC’s looming mayoral election, the latest spillover effect from the city’s youth-crime problem — it’s going to affect your ebike rental — and the fate of the federal building DC loves to hate. Plus, Thanksgiving tips! And in a member’s-only fourth segment, we’ll talk through the latest Congressional bills that would rewrite DC laws. Our representatives don’t get a vote, but we do have thoughts. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 21st episode: District Bridges Simply Eloped Public Welfare Foundation Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

You’ve probably never heard of the Wilbur J. Cohen federal building. It’s a government office building just off the Mall houses a collection of masterpieces of American art. Some of them are literally part of the building, murals by the legendary 1930s artist Ben Shahn. For decades, they’ve been open to the public, not that most people knew about them. Now, they might be destroyed: The Cohen building is one of the structures that the Trump administration wants to sell off, and its likely a buyer would take a wrecking ball to the place, timeless art and all. The New Republic’s Timothy Noah has been chronicling the collection’s fate and he’s here to tell us about it. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 20th episode: District Bridges Simply Eloped Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

That taut, pulled look, full lips, jawlines that suddenly seem… suspiciously sharp. It’s what some are calling “Mar-a-Lago Face,” a plastic-surgery trend that’s gaining popularity here in DC. So who’s getting the work done? And what exactly are they asking for? We’re revisiting our conversation with journalist POLITICO’s Joanna Weiss about what DC really thinks of plastic surgery, why certain faces rise and fall with each administration—and how, in Washington, even our aesthetics are political. 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 November 19th episode: District Bridges Simply Eloped Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

DC is in the middle of two youth crises: One involves school truancy; the other involves high-profile teen mayhem, like the skirmish on Halloween between young people and law enforcement at Navy Yard. Are the two related? Washington Post reporters Lauren Lumpkin and Robert Samuels wrote a blockbuster report on the city’s failures to combat truancy. They walk us through the shocking details. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 18th episode: District Bridges Simply Eloped Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

What really went on between Muriel Bowser and Donald Trump during the DC police takeover? The Washington Post’s Jonathan O’Connell has reported out an epic look at the relationship between the blue mayor and the people that make up the MAGA administration, full of jaw-dropping details. Come for the cocktail party with Russ Vought, stick around for the Marshawn Lynch meme. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 17th episode: District Bridges Simply Eloped Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

We’re talking about the future of streateries, the end of the federal shutdown, and a new Washington Post food critic. Plus, in a member’s-only fourth segment, we’ll talk about the trend of senior Trump officials living in military bases — and what that means for DC. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 14th episode: Nace Law Group Mosaic Theater Company Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Public Welfare Foundation Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

On Monday, the Washington Post announced that Elazar Sontag would be its new food critic. Which means that Tom Sietsema, who held the job for 26 years, is finally free to dish about what life was really like as the most powerful man in DC’s restaurant scene. We talked to Tom about the way the dining world has evolved, the way the critic’s job has changed, and whether he’d actually make me pay if we go out to dinner together. He also let slip some hints about what he’ll do 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 $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 13th episode: Nace Law Group Mosaic Theater Company Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Here’s a hot take: food halls are stressful. Too many options, not enough standout bites. So when we heard that DC was getting another one in the form of a chain called Wonder, we had to know why. Anna Spiegel joins us to dish on DC’s newest food hall chain and whether they’re actually worth the hype. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to⁠ sign up⁠ for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: ⁠(202) 642-2654⁠. You can⁠ also become a member⁠, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 12th episode: ⁠Nace Law Group⁠ ⁠Mosaic Theater Company⁠ ⁠Babbel⁠ - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info⁠ HERE⁠.

A blockbuster New York Times report last week announced that Mayor Bowser is under federal investigation over a foreign trip she took. But within hours, other news organizations reported that the investigation isn’t targeting the mayor, and may not be much of an investigation after all. Nonetheless, it lands at a terrible time for Muriel Bowser as she weighs a reelection run. And it highlights once again the bizarre dance between DC’s leaders and the Trump administration. Michael Schaffer talks with Axios’ Cuneyt Dil about Qatargate and the latest on the potential end of the federal shutdown. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 11th episode: Nace Law Group Mosaic Theater Company Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

DC is on the cusp of passing a law whose proponents say it could massively reduce child poverty. But the catch is that the bill would take away a lot of the local tax benefits that at least some folks would get as a result of the One Big Beautiful Bill passed by Congress. Jenny Gathright from the Washington Post has been covering the debate and is here to explain. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to⁠ sign up⁠ for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: ⁠(202) 642-2654⁠. You can⁠ also become a member⁠, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 10th episode: ⁠Nace Law Group⁠ ⁠Mosaic Theater Company⁠ ⁠Babbel⁠ - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info⁠ HERE⁠.

All eyes this week were actually on New York City’s mayor’s race, and as our own race for mayor heats up, we’re talking about whether DC could ever get its own Zohran Mamdani. Plus, inside chaos at Navy Yard and the youth curfew in DC, and we dig into the trial of Sandwich Guy. And in a member’s-only fourth segment, we’ll talk about the strange K-shaped real estate market in DC. Co-host Michael Schaffer chats with the 51st’s Martin Austermuhle and City Cast’s Julia Karron. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: ‪(202) 642-2654‬. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 7th episode: United Healthcare Nace Law Group St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth and FamiliesInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Do you spend much time thinking about trees? Me neither. All we know is that DC has a lot of ‘em. But it turns out that our treescape has undergone some radical changes lately. And, thanks to climate change, more are in store. The Washington Post’s Marissa Lang and John Harden worked on an epic report on Washington’s trees and they’re here to explain how it all works. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: ‪(202) 642-2654‬. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 6th episode: United Healthcare Nace Law Group St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth and Families Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Now that it’s fall, we’re finally moving out of mosquito season, and today we’re talking about one of the animal heroes that eats mosquitos – that’s right, the bat. It turns out, DC is a lot battier than you might think. Dr. Kelly Russo-Petrick, Associate Professor of Urban Ecology and DC Master Naturalist Coordinator at the University of DC, joins us to share everything you need to know about the city’s bat population. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 5th episode: United Healthcare Nace Law Group St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth and Families Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

With the Trump administration saying Monday that it would only partially fund food benefits for low income families during what is about to become the longest government shutdown in history, D.C. announced the city has 30 million dollars in local funds that could be used to cover November food benefits for low income residents. Marissa Lang has been covering food assistance programs for the Washington Post. She explains what all of this means for the district and why it matters for everyone, even if you’re not on SNAP. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 4th episode: United Healthcare Nace Law Group St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth and Families Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Happy November! Now we know, things in the city are a bit weird since we’re still in the middle of the government shutdown, but from checking out DC art to scarfing tacos and sipping wines, there's still a ton to see, do, drink, and eat in DC this November. 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. For even more tips on how to make the most of November in DC, check out Hey DC’s take on what to do this month. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 3rd episode: United Healthcare Nace Law Group St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth and Families Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Reach us at [email protected].

We’re talking about a federal police shooting — and a potential coverup. We’re talking about what happens in DC as SNAP benefits dry up. Plus, your DC-specific Halloween getups, and in a members-only fourth segment we’ll get into Donald Trump’s firing of an obscure planning commission and what it means for DC (and not just the White House ballroom). Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 31st episode: United Healthcare Double Exposure Investigative Film Festival Public Welfare Foundation Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

In the final episode of a three-part sponsored series with the Public Welfare Foundation, City Cast DC CEO David Plotz talks with two leaders working to make D.C. a safer, more just place. Kristy Love, Executive Director of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, and Victor Battle, President and Founder of Right Direction and longtime violence interrupter. Together, they explore what real safety looks like on the ground: how data and coordination are helping D.C. reduce crime, why jobs and mentorship matter as much as policing, and how partnerships between community groups and government agencies are creating lasting change. They also share what gives them hope, from young people finding new opportunities to neighbors reclaiming their blocks. Learn more at realsafetydc.org Data shows Washington, D.C., is a city that has made significant public safety gains in the past two years, particularly in reducing violent crime. 2024 marked DC’s lowest violent crime rate in over 30 years, and this year it has fallen by 26% from last year.

You're Not A Real Washingtonian Unless You Know DC's Ghosts How haunted is DC? Have you ever had particularly spooky paranormal experiences here? We haven’t, but Katie Kirkpatrick with Nightly Spirit Ghost Tours HAS and she’s here to share the DC stories that might just make you keep a light on tonight. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 30th episode: United Healthcare Double Exposure Investigative Film Festival Public Welfare Foundation Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

It’s been a rough few months in DC, and today, we’re running back one of our favorite episodes all about public crying, because, as it turns out, DC is a great city for public crying! A couple of years ago, Bridget talked with Kiara McGowan from the now-viral TikTok account Crying in DC about how she is making space for DC’s public criers and the best spots for you, too, to cry in public. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to⁠ sign up⁠ for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: ⁠(202) 642-2654⁠. You can⁠ also become a member⁠, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 29th episode: ⁠United Healthcare⁠ ⁠Double Exposure Investigative Film Festival⁠ Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info⁠ HERE⁠.

One week from today is election day in Virginia, and early voting has already started. Every seat in Virginia is on the ballot this November including the high-profile race for whether Democrat Abigail Spanberger or Republican Winsome Earle-Sears will replace Glenn Youngkin as Governor. Now, this is one of the most important and closely watched in the country, and it’s also gotten a lot tighter and a lot more scandal-plagued. Michael Pope, a reporter for Virginia Public Radio and host of the Press Room podcast, is following why all eyes are on Virginia this election season. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 28th episode: United Healthcare Double Exposure Investigative Film Festival Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

DC has just passed some big changes to the law that’s supposed to help tenants buy their apartments if the landlord decides to sell. Is this a giveaway to Big Real Estate? Or a much-needed evisceration of red tape that makes DC housing so scarce? Emilia Calma from the DC Policy Center is here to walk us though the not-totally-wonky details. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Please see below for tomorrow's sponsor show notes: Learn more about the sponsors of this October 27th episode: United Healthcare Double Exposure Investigative Film Festival Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

We’re talking about the fate of the White House east wing, whether there’s ever going to be Waymo in DC, and a very funny slapfight over the restaurant Millie’s and one of its imitators. Plus, in a members-only fourth segment: Remember the shutdown? It’s still ongoing. We have updates. If you’re a City Cast DC Neighbor, you’re invited to a private tour of one of the DMV’s true hidden wonders, Fort DeRussy! It will be hosted by our CEO and lifelong Washingtonian, David Plotz. Interested? Email us here for more details. Not a City Cast DC Neighbor but would love to be there? Join today! Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 24th episode: National Center for Victims of Crime Nace Law Group Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Pumpkin spice is fine and all, but DC bartenders are doing way more interesting things with fall flavors. Today, Emily Venezky of Eater is taking you on a little bar crawl through the city’s best drinks worth putting on a sweater for — and why DC is a great city for cocktails. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 22nd episode: National Center for Victims of Crime Nace Law Group Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

We’re coming up on Halloween and today we’re sitting down with historian Mark Benbow, who’s going to take us back to a time when seances and ouija boards were a popular pastime across DC — including in the sitting rooms of the rich and powerful. It’s a wild history and it’s not as far away as you might think. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 22nd episode: National Center for Victims of Crime Nace Law Group Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.