City Cast DC

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

Marissa Lang and John Harden, both Washington Post reporters, dive into D.C.'s rapidly changing treescape. They explore how climate change and urban forestry policies are altering tree species and structure. Discover why D.C. is evolving from a hardwood forest to featuring more southern species and unexpected fall colors. The duo also discusses the impact of pests and weather on tree health, and how these shifts reflect the city's future as it adapts to its ecological challenges.

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.

This week features Kayla Cody Stemmerman, a local recommendations expert, who shares her top picks for November in D.C. Despite the ongoing government shutdown, Kayla highlights cozy activities like art fairs, taco races, and hidden gems. She also discusses unique food spots, including a playful hot dog stand run by a furloughed IRS lawyer. With recommendations for wineries and community-driven events, November’s charm in D.C. shines through as Kayla shares her personal traditions and favorite local rituals.

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.