City Cast DC

Mayor Bowser’s office has an ambitious plan to revitalize DC’s downtown, and a big part of it is getting remote workers back in physical offices. There’s even a bill at the federal level that would give agencies 30 days to get people back to working in-person. But the bill’s controversial, as are some other parts of Bowser’s so-called “Comeback Plan.” John Falcicchio, D.C.’s Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, is here to break it all down.We've been covering the Comeback Plan in our morning newsletter too. Subscribe now to be in-the-know early.

Like a lot of people, we love cats! But if you’re a bird or a squirrel, our purring four-legged friends are also furry little killing machines that are wreaking havoc in the District. So some enterprising scientists in D.C. decided the solution starts with counting all the cats, and Jacob Fenston, environmental reporter at WAMU, is here to tell us what they found. Need even more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dcAnd we wanna hear YOU on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654.

It’s been yet another rough week for Metro and its safety commission, and this time it seems like they want to go for some couples counseling. Lead Producer Priyanka Tilve and City Cast DC Contributor Dan Reed join host Mike Schaffer to talk about that, plus the new, ambitious Maryland Governor and how D.C. might subsidize e-bikes for residents.As always, our roundups are powered by some of the excellent local reporting D.C. has: Justin George from the Washington Post explains WMATA’s mediation with its regulator. Gillian Brockell of the Washington Post on what Moore being elected means for Maryland. Cuneyt Dil of Axios explains the possible e-bike rebate D.C. residents could get. Sign up for our morning newsletter to stay on top of news updates like these. And we're also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc so you never miss an episode. If you like what you're hearing, let us know via email or leave us a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654. We're always open to your story ideas too!

This will be a surprise to no one: airports are loud. Which maybe means you’re not that sympathetic to someone who bought a house next door to one and realized they didn’t like the sound. But Dan Brendel from the Washington Business Journal has been reporting on the situation around Dulles Airport and it turns out to be a bit more complicated. He’s here to tell us about the science of noise mapping and what it means for those unfortunate neighbors. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc.And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654.

In an effort to increase public safety, D.C. police launched what they’re calling the Nightlife Task Force. Axios DC’s Chelsea Cirruzzo is here to explain what it is and how it affects D.C.'s nightlife culture.Also, we need your help! We're interviewing Bill Nye (yep, Bill Nye The Science Guy) about growing up in D.C.! Send us your questions! You'll probably hear them in a future pod AND see them in our newsletter segment. Subscribe now so you don't miss it.We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc

Here in D.C., cannabis is mostly established — folks know how to use it and where to buy it. But what about psilocybin mushrooms? People use mushrooms for all kinds of reasons and Melissa Lavasani, CEO of the Psychedelic Medicine Coalition, explains how to safely get started exploring mushrooms in D.C. Also, BIG NEWS: We’re interviewing Bill Nye — yep Bill Nye The Science Guy — very soon and would love your input! Did you know he grew up in DC? What else would you like to know about him? Email us at dc@citycast.fm or leave us a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654.For more D.C. news, definitely sign up for our morning newsletter, and follow us at @citycast_dc.

2023 is off to a grim start on the crime front, most recently with the shooting of 13-year-old Karon Blake on Saturday morning. We cover that, the mayor’s new economic plan, and our dream versions of the Nats’ Racing Presidents mascots. As always, our Friday News Roundups are powered by stellar local reporting: Mitch Ryals of Washington City Paper has everything you need to know about the Karon Blake shooting. Karina Elwood of the Washington Post breaks down Mayor Bowser’s five-year economic plan. You can check out the application to be a racing president here. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc.And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654.

The most damaging female spy in US history operated out of an apartment in Cleveland Park and used to do ops at the zoo. Now she's been released from prison. Journalist Jim Popkin has a new book on Ana Montes’ 17 years as a spy for Cuba, and he’s here to share her story — and maybe pass along some tips about DC-area spycraft. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. We wanna hear YOUR stories about finding love — or trying to — in D.C. Leave us a voicemail at 202-642-2654 and you might hear your story on the air very soon.

The Maryland legislature is back in session for a new term, and there’s one topic that residents have gotten onto the agenda: weed regulation. Voters approved legalization in the November election. Hannah Gaskill of the Baltimore Sun is here to explain how legislators plan to regulate it, and fast.Our newsletter Hey DC is going to keep following this story, so subscribe to stay up-to-date! Twitter is also a great place to follow us. We're at @citycast_dc.And we’re working up a week of episodes about dating, love, companionship, and self-care. Tell us what YOU want us to cover, by leaving a voicemail at 202-642-2654.

Washingtonian Food Editor Jessica Sidman just put out a controversial list of predictions for D.C.’s restaurant scene this year. Like Georgetown is cool again? And speakeasies are out? Plus, why does she hate espresso martinis!? Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycast_dc.And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654.