Shows / City Cast DC
City Cast DC
City Cast DC is the daily, local audio companion you knew DC needed.. 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…
Episodes
- City Cast DC
How DC's Best Airport Became a Nightmare
We know that the pain of a flight that just keeps on getting delayed, or worse – cancelled – is incredibly aggravating. That seems to be happening a lot more…
- City Cast DC
Trayon White's Comeback, Trump's DC Antisemitism Probe, and Citi Open
NBC4’s Mark Segraves is with us to discuss the return of Trayon White to the DC Council, the Trump-led antisemitism investigation in DC, and the Citi Open…
- City Cast DC
DDOT Answers Our Burning Transportation Questions
There is a TON of transportation stuff going on right now: changes to the bus lines, the Dupont Deckover, the Penn Ave West project, fights about bike lanes…
- City Cast DC
DC Budget Latest: What's In, What's Out
The DC Budget still hasn’t passed, but it’s getting closer. The D.C. Council advanced a budget that pencils in more than $1 billion dollars for the RFK Stadium…
- City Cast DC
How DC Got Its Iconic Flag
DC may not be a state, but I think we can all agree that it has an awesome flag. A couple years ago, we sat with a couple of the world’s top vexillologists —…
- City Cast DC
Can Sports Save DC’s Economy?
The federal workforce may be in trouble, but Mayor Muriel Bowser is poised to replace it with a pivot to a sports economy. We sat down with two Washington Post…
- City Cast DC
SCOTUS Okays Layoffs and Trump Teases Takeover — But Hey, More Fireflies!
WAMU’s Alex Koma is here to talk about the Supreme Court giving the greenlight to Trump’s mass firings of federal workers. Plus, the president is musing about…
- City Cast DC
Why Won’t DC Fix Its Inhumane Jail Conditions?
The DC jail is in absolutely wretched shape — and has been for years. So why can’t anyone fix it? DC Auditor Kathy Patterson has just released a report about…
- City Cast DC
How a $1.5 Billion Development Could Change Anacostia Forever
The Bridge District sounds like one of those buzzy, made-up neighborhoods that suddenly pop up on a map…and it kind of is! It’s a new $1.5 billion development…
- City Cast DC
DC's Most Underrated Bars for Drinking Alone
There’s something uniquely empowering about taking yourself out on a solo date. The City Cast team got together last year to figure out DC’s best places to…
- City Cast DC
What Next Week's Election Means for DC
DC Council is already pondering whether to expel Ward 8 councilmember Trayon White again if he wins his seat back on July 15 special election. But in the…
- City Cast DC
Is DC the Best Summer City in the US?
Bridget Todd and all 12 other City Cast podcast hosts (from Austin, Boise, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Philly, Pittsburgh…
- City Cast DC
Architectural Moments That Changed DC
In DC, everything is political — even the buildings. One of Trump’s first moves back in office was saying federal buildings should follow “traditional” design…
- City Cast DC
Your Guide to July 2025 in DC
Listen, we get it — when it’s this hot, staying inside with the A/C blasting feels like the only option. But don’t let the muggy weather keep you stuck at…
- City Cast DC
DC’s Craziest Political Scandals
Voters in Ward 8 are about to decide whether to send Trayon White back to the DC Council — just months after he was indicted on bribery charges and expelled…
- City Cast DC
Youth Curfew Controversy, Federal Agency Moves Out, and DC’s Worst Drivers
We’re talking about DC’s controversial new curfew, the first federal cabinet agency moving out of town in the Trump era, and two very different crazy stories…
- City Cast DC
When Being Gay Meant Losing Your Job in DC
We’re at the end of the most tense and controversial Pride Month in years. Which makes it a good time to take another listen to our conversation with James…
- City Cast DC
Why More DC Men Are Getting Chin Implants
Plastic surgery procedures are booming among Washington men. Some of DC’s most visible residents are getting procedures to emphasize strong jawlines and…
- City Cast DC
How To Bargain Hunt at DC’s Estate Sales
Looking for vintage, eclectic, and well-made clothes or furniture without breaking the bank? Estate sales might be your new favorite thing. Vic Yepez is a…
- City Cast DC
What Metro's Automation Means for You
In the past few weeks, Metro has quietly switched to automatic driving. In other subway systems, this has happened without much drama. But in Metro, automatic…
- City Cast DC
Here's What 13 US Cities Are Talking About This Summer | A City Cast DC Special
City Cast hosts are on the pulse of what’s happening in our communities. So Michael Schaffer and all 12 other hosts sat down with City Cast CEO David Plotz to…
- City Cast DC
Vinyl Bars Are DC’s Next Big Thing
Vinyl Bars are popping off in DC. Like, bars where you go, have some cocktails, and the music you’re hearing isn’t from spotify algorithms — it’s from actual…
- City Cast DC
What Trump's Failed Parade Means for Local DC
Despite the administration’s hype, Trump’s military parade fell short of expectations. WAMU reporter Alex Koma was on the ground covering both the parade and…
- City Cast DC
How DC Wants to Spend Your Money
DC’s city government needs to find a way to balance the budget — and plan for a future where tens of thousands of federal jobs might never come back. Mayor…
- City Cast DC
Trump’s Military Parade, Eleanor Holmes Norton, and a Mystery Casket
It’s our Friday News Roundup! We’re talking about the logistics and symbolism of this weekend’s military parade, the latest twist in the Eleanor Holmes Norton…
- City Cast DC
Is DCPS’ Phone Ban Good for Students?
D.C. Public Schools announced last week that they’re instituting a cell phone ban in schools — part of a trend around the country and around the city. One…
- City Cast DC
Your Summer Guide to Cheap Flights From DC
It’s officially summer travel season — but DC’s airports have had a rocky few months. Some senators called this week for independent investigations into safety…
- City Cast DC
DC Jazz Is Having a Moment. Here's Where to Hear It.
Today our hosts Michael Schaffer and Bridget Todd sit down to talk jazz in DC. Bridget grew up being taken to jazz shows around DC by her dad, which made her…
- City Cast DC
DC’s Most Underrated Cafes
If Pride has been wiping you out, DC has no shortage of cafes to bring you back to life. Digital creator Domonique Panton, aka As Told By Dom, has made it her…
- City Cast DC
Dupont Pride Standoff, I-82 Override Debate, and Rebranding Dave Thomas Circle
We’re talking about the seeming plan to close Dupont Circle park for Pride Weekend, we’re talking about whether the DC Council should just up and overturn…
- City Cast DC
DC Sold Prime Real Estate to a Shady Mega Spa
A European mega-spa is coming to the banks of the Anacostia — one that the city says will become a transformative destination. But the company behind it was…
- City Cast DC
The Founder of DC Pride on What's Changed
On Monday, the National Park Service announced plans to close the Dupont Circle park during this year’s Pride celebration. But after overwhelming backlash…
- City Cast DC
DC’s Best Breakfast Sandwiches
Is there anything more perfect than a breakfast sandwich? In a quest to find the best one in DC, Washington Post food reporter Tim Carman asked the internet…
- City Cast DC
Your Bus Line Is About to Change — Here's How
Your bus lines are changing! That’s right – starting on June 29th, the bus lines that you take to go to work, to see friends, those are getting a pretty major…
- City Cast DC
Progressives Prep for Budget Battle, Streetcar Failure, and Restaurant Reality Checks
DC officials are about to start hashing out the budget. Today, we’re wondering if progressives have the muscle to push back. Plus: The end of the H Street…
- City Cast DC
Your Guide to June 2025 in DC
June in DC can be tricky, there’s a lot going on, and the FOMO is real. But don’t stress! City Cast’s Julia Karon and Ashe Durban are here with your guide to…
- City Cast DC
DC's 2026 Budget Reflects DOGE's Impact
With fewer job postings being listed and people eating at home more – DC is on edge money-wise! It’s had us all anxiously awaiting more information about DC’s…
- City Cast DC
What Trump's Military Parade Will Cost DC
There is a massive military parade planned for DC on June 14. Though the city is built for mass gatherings, this kind of military display is actually rare —…
- City Cast DC
Shooting Near Jewish Museum, Metro Tap to Ride, and DC's First Mahjong Parlor
We’re talking about the shocking shooting of a pair of Israeli embassy employees and what it means for DC. We’re talking about more big changes coming to…
- City Cast DC
Are Tenant Protections Making DC Rent Higher?
For decades, DC’s laws have been built to give tenants some muscle against landlords who might try to sell their buildings. But now that’s changing — with…
- City Cast DC
The Best Local Wines to Beat the Tariffs
It’s late spring, which means it’s the perfect time to get outdoors and head to a vineyard. But this year, there’s something else in the air: the threat of…
- City Cast DC
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…
- City Cast DC
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…
- City Cast DC
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…
- City Cast DC
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…
- City Cast DC
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…
- City Cast DC
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…
- City Cast DC
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…
- City Cast DC
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…
- City Cast DC
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…
- City Cast DC
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…
- City Cast DC
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…
- City Cast DC
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…
- City Cast DC
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…
- City Cast DC
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…
- City Cast DC
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…
- City Cast DC
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…
- City Cast DC
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…
- City Cast DC
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…
- City Cast DC
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…