City Cast DC

There’s been a lot going on in the city lately, but we aren’t letting that keep us from enjoying this city we love. So from new restaurants with bugs to checking out subversive art while it’s still legal, here are our top picks for what to do in DC this September. 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 September 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 September 2nd episode: Nace Law Group District Bridges DC Sustainable Energy Utility Mosaic Theater Company Food & Friends - Move For Meals Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE. Reach us at DC@citycast.fm.

WAMU’s Alex Koma is here to talk about Trump, Bowser and the death penalty in DC, the federal government’s Union Station takeover, and the strange death of food halls. Plus, in a members-only fourth topic, we’re learning about the weird new AI private school in Virginia.  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 August 28th episode: Overlook Maps DC Sustainable Energy Utility Wise Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

To mark the start of Jazz Fest, we’re re-airing a conversation our co-hosts Michael Schaffer and Bridget Todd had about earlier this summer, where they get into the history and present of jazz in DC and the best ways to experience it. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 28th episode: Overlook Maps DC Sustainable Energy Utility Wise  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Earlier this week, President Trump signed new executive orders aimed at eliminating cashless bail in D.C. and requesting that officers bring people arrested in D.C. into federal custody. But what is cashless bail? And can he actually do this? WAMU’s Alex Koma is here to dig into it. 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 August 27th episode: Overlook Maps DC Sustainable Energy Utility Wise Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

President Trump is clearing homeless encampments as part of his plan to make DC "more beautiful”. But he’s not alone – Mayor Muriel Bowser has also cleared encampments in DC, most notably a big spate in March of this year. But what are the numbers, where are folks going, and are there enough shelters for them to go to? We talked with the Washington Post’s Marissa Lang to get the details. 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 August 26th episode: Overlook Maps DC Sustainable Energy Utility Wise Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

It is the first day of school for DCPS and also the start of a new bell-to-bell cell phone ban in schools — part of a trend around the country and around the city. One early adopter of the no-phones policy was Georgetown Day School in Tenleytown. Back in June we talked to their head of school, Russell Shaw, about why and what results they’ve seen because of it. 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 August 25th episode: Overlook Maps DC Sustainable Energy Utility Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

The Washington Post’s Perry Stein joins us to talk about local D.C.’s response to the Trump law enforcement surge, the coming debate over crime stats, and we’re going to hear some of your love letters to DC. Plus, in a member’s-only fourth segment: What about that new Metro design? 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 August 22nd episode: ⁠Overlook Maps⁠ ⁠Nace Law Group⁠ Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info⁠ HERE⁠

Jamie Raskin, a Maryland Congressman and passionate DC native, discusses his efforts to terminate Trump's controversial control over the police department. He highlights the urgent need for local governance and DC statehood amid federal overreach. Raskin critiques the misuse of emergency declarations and emphasizes the importance of active democracy. He shares insights on the historical and current challenges for DC residents, advocating for community mobilization to ensure their voices are heard in the political landscape.

Teo Armus, a reporter for The Washington Post, dives deep into the controversial actions of ICE in D.C. He discusses recent dramatic arrests, showcasing the partnership between ICE and local police, stirring fears in immigrant communities. Teo elucidates the Sanctuary Values Amendment Act, highlighting protections for undocumented individuals amidst these aggressive enforcement tactics. The conversation also sheds light on the challenges of legal representation for detainees and the complex relationship between immigration policies and local safety concerns.

In this engaging talk, WAMU reporter Alex Koma shares his firsthand insights into the tumultuous first week of Trump's control over D.C. He discusses the chaos following the National Guard's deployment, the rising protests, and community fears. Koma highlights the political strategy behind the use of federal forces and critiques their performative role in local safety. He also touches on bizarre incidents that reflect the tensions on the ground, showcasing the complexity of law enforcement in the capital.