City Cast DC

Junete Dill, a dynamic reporter from Axios, brings her insights on D.C. politics and urban issues. She spills the latest scoop on the looming mayoral election and discusses Janice Lewis-George's potential bid using a grassroots strategy. The conversation shifts to e-bike speed limits influenced by youth crime concerns and debates surrounding safety. Dill also highlights proposed teen centers aiming to engage youth, while the hosts share their Thanksgiving plans and tips for dining in D.C. This episode is packed with timely issues and local flavor!

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.

Joanna Weiss, a POLITICO Magazine journalist specializing in cultural trends in D.C., dives deep into the rising phenomenon of 'Mar-a-Lago Face.' She explores who is opting for these aesthetic changes, the discreet nature of D.C.'s beauty scene, and how political dynamics influence looks. The conversation touches on chin implants and their ties to masculinity, the impact of social media on younger generations, and why appearance is a significant asset in politics today. Get the inside scoop on how looks affect power in the capital!

Lauren Lumpkin and Robert Samuels, reporters from the Washington Post, dive into the alarming connection between student truancy and youth crime in D.C. They reveal shocking statistics, including 18,000 uninvestigated truancy reports. The duo discusses the longstanding failures in addressing absenteeism and how unmet policy commitments have worsened the situation post-COVID. They explore reasons behind truancy, such as family needs and mental health issues, and spotlight successful after-school programs that help reduce absenteeism. It's a crucial discussion on policy and community impact.

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.

Ike Allen, a Washingtonian staff writer and expert on D.C.'s food scene, dives into the future of streateries, born from the pandemic but now facing new challenges. He discusses upcoming DDOT fees that could impact their viability and the debate over their benefits versus neighborhood concerns. Allen also introduces the Washington Post's new food critic, Eleazar Sontag, and explores how a modern critic's influence might reshape the restaurant landscape in D.C., balancing the power of social media with traditional reviewing.

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.

Anna Spiegel, a food and dining reporter for Axios, dives into the chaotic world of food halls in D.C., specifically focusing on the new chain, Wonder. She reveals the food hall's virtual concept and tech-driven approach, which raises questions about its dining experience. Critically, Anna shares her tasting adventures, mixed feelings about quality, and insights on Wonder's expansion strategy in urban areas. The discussion highlights the challenges of food hall sustainability and what sets a successful food hall apart from traditional food courts.

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.

Jenny Gathright, a reporter from The Washington Post specializing in D.C. politics, discusses a proposed child tax credit that could significantly decrease child poverty in Washington, D.C. She explains how the new $1,000 per child credit is designed to help low-income families, despite some controversial decoupling from federal tax benefits. Gathright highlights arguments for and against the measure, the urgent need for support among families, and the challenges of rapid legislative action without public hearings.