City Cast DC
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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 Cast DC, consider this your official invitation to listen in. Learn more and subscribe to our daily newsletter at dc.citycast.fm.
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There's this neighborhood fight that’s worth paying attention to even if you don’t live in Chevy Chase. For a couple of years, the city has been trying to rebuild a library and rec center, putting up new apartments on top of the buildings. The arguments for this will seem familiar if you’ve been following DC: The city needs more housing or else it risks being a place no one can afford. The arguments against it might feel familiar, too: Neighbors say adding more people will make parking difficult and “change the character” of their leafy part of town. Martin Austermuhle of the 51st has been covering it and he’s here to explain.
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 February 12th episode:
Library of Congress
Nace Law Group
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore Museum of Art
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.
Driverless taxis are coming to DC! At least, that's what Waymo, the California-based autonomous vehicle company, announced last year. The company revealed hopes of expanding into the District, despite DC's current laws requiring a human driver behind the wheel for all vehicles. So will these robotaxis actually arrive? Andy Hawkins has been covering Waymo for The Verge, and CityCast's own Priyanka Tilve has logged serious hours riding in Waymos around Austin. They’re bringing their expertise front and center to tell us if DC is serious about driverless cars.
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 February 11th episode:
Library of Congress
Nace Law Group
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore Museum of Art
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.
What happens when you add DC's hyper-competitive personalities, with big bank accounts, and real estate anxiety? You get Best Offer Wins, the hit thriller by Marisa Kashino, a former Washingtonian real estate reporter who knows this world inside and out. It's full of twisty plots, cutthroat competition, and references that'll make any Washingtonian nod in recognition. The book is even in talks to become a Hulu series starring Greta Lee. Kashino’s here to talk about how DC inspired this deliciously dark story.
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 February 10th episode:
Library of Congress
Nace Law Group
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore Museum of Art
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.
After 2020, there was a huge trend towards changing out schools named for confederates and slave owners. But what happens when the general public opts to restore them? That’s what’s been happening in some Virginia counties just beyond the DC area — and the fight is creating some case law that could ultimately affect those of us who live here, in a place where folks absolutely aren’t trying to restore those kinds of names on local schools. Karina Elwood, who covered some of the legal battles when she was a reporter for the Washington Post, is here to explain.
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 February 9th episode:
Library of Congress
Nace Law Group
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore Museum of Art
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.
We’re talking about the jaw-dropping cuts at the Post and the future of DC local news — including some exciting stuff cooking at City Cast. Plus: A shocking investigation into outlandish spending on so-called violence interrupter programs in DC, a baby elephant ISO a name, and in a member’s only fourth segment, what you need to know about the latest Congressional vote that could blow a hole in our city’s government.
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 February 6th episode:
Library of Congress
South by Southwest - use code "citycast10" for a 10% discount on your Innovation Badge
Nace Law Group
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Yesterday was an incredibly grim day for the Washington Post — and for our city, too. The Post, owned by Jeff Bezos, laid off up to a third of its staff. The sports section is being shuttered, the Metro section cut by three-quarters, and many of the critics who followed local culture sent packing. My friend Jack Shafer has been covering the Post for 40 years, since he was editor of Washington City Paper in the 80s and 90s — this is the guy I call when I want to talk shop about the media. We talked yesterday as the cuts were going down to reflect on what the change means.
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 February 5th episode:
Library of Congress
South by Southwest - use code "citycast10" for a 10% discount on your Innovation Badge
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.
DC offers so many ways to celebrate Black heritage and history. Case in point: the MLK Library. Because the MLK Library is so much more than just books. It's also the People's Archive, a living, breathing collection honoring D.C.'s vibrant Black cultural, social, and political history. We’re revisiting a conversation with Maya Thompson and Derek Gray, who both work there and agree that at a time when our history is under attack, preserving and celebrating Black history is more important than ever.
Learn more about the sponsors of this February 3rd episode:
Library of Congress
South by Southwest - use code "citycast10" for a 10% discount on your Innovation Badge
Don’t forget to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
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
WAMU’s Alex Koma joins the team to talk Trump shutting down the Kennedy Center for two years, snow removal’s effect on the mayoral race, and D.C’s bill from the National Guard.
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 February 3rd episode:
Library of Congress
South by Southwest
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
We’re here to warm you up with ideas about how to have the absolute best February possible in DC, from new restaurants, to museum openings, to line dancing.
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 January in DC, check out Hey DC’s take on what to do this month.
Learn more about the sponsors of this February 2nd episode:
Library of Congress
South by Southwest
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.
Reach us at DC@citycast.fm.
We’re talking about plowmaggedon, the city up in arms about icy streets and blocked-off alleys. We’re talking about the looming cuts at the Washington Post and what they mean for hometown DC. And we’re talking about an appalling apartment building in Chinatown — and what it says about DC’s ability to enforce its own rules. Plus, in a member’s only fourth segment, the comeback campaigns of two very longtime local politicians.
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 January 30th episode:
Library of CongressInterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
D.C.’s Congressional Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton announced this week that she’s not going to run again. This ended a horrible series of news cycles for the Civil Rights icon, who at 88 was a much-diminished presence on behalf of the city, and whose determination to stay in office enraged some locals and dismayed a lot more. Today we’re hearing from someone who had a unique perspective on her thinking: John Norton, the Delegate’s son, who was also hoping his mom would step aside — and having just as little luck as the rest of the political world. John talked with us about what it's like to be a family member of a politician who stays too long — an increasingly common phenomenon nationally, and an excruciating one over the last year for the District.
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 January 29th episode:
Library of Congress
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.
DC saw an eight year low in homicides in 2025, following a national drop. But our neighbors in Baltimore have an even more impressive story: their homicide rate plummeted to a nearly 50-year low. So what's behind these numbers? Today we're talking with Dr. Joseph Richardson, MPower Professor at UMD and co-chair of DC's Homicide Review Committee, about what's actually working to reduce gun violence.
Correction: The original version of this episode stated that there was a 30-year low in homicides, rather than a 30-year low in violent crime. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused.
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.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.
We’re rounding up some of DC’s biggest stories today. After months of speculation, the campaign of 88-year-old Eleanor Holmes Norton filed to “terminate” her re-election efforts. And for the last week, 40 million gallons of raw sewage a day has spilled into the Potomac – gross. Finally — we’re sharing our best snow stories from DC’s very snowy, sleety, icy storm.
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.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
The snow hit DC this weekend in a big way. It might be hard to get around, but the city’s got a lot of neighborhood bars, cafes and restaurants that are worth a trudge while the streets are still getting cleared. Plus, sometimes there's nothing cozier than hanging out at a place you have to schlep to. So we’re running back this City Cast team convo about DC’s coziest winter spots.
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 $8 a month.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.
We’re joined by Alex Koma of WAMU and Jessica Sidman from Washingtonian to chat about our newest councilmember, the priciest traffic cameras in the area, and DC’s 100 very best restaurants! And, in a members only fourth segment, we’re gonna go deep on the Las Vegas style-sphere coming to National Harbor in Maryland.
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 January 23rd episode:
Folger Shakespeare Library
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Virginia made history this week, swearing in its first female governor. Democrats now hold the House, the Senate, and the governor’s office. A new legislative session is also getting underway, and from affordability issues to a major redistricting fight, there’s a lot on the agenda. Michael Pope of The Virginia Press Room Podcast and Virginia Public Radio joins us to explain this session.
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 January 22nd episode:
Folger Shakespeare Library
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.
The Washington National Opera announced this month that it was leaving the Kennedy Center. It’s the most shocking departure yet since Donald Trump’s takeover — and it could spell enormous changes for both the center and the opera, as well as Washington’s status as a high-culture city. The Washington Post’s Philip Kennicott has been covering the chaos and he’s here to explain.
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 January 21st episode:
Folger Shakespeare Library
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.
We know what you're thinking - why would City Cast be talking about summer camps in January? If you're a parent asking yourself that question, you need to get your head in the game. Finding summer camps in D.C. can be cutthroat, and the deadlines are just around the corner. City Cast DC contributor Austin Graff is here to help you get prepared.
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.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.
We’re talking about the Washington Opera’s departure from the Kennedy Center, the FBI searching a Washington Post reporter’s house, and more furor over DC police working with ICE. Plus, in a members only fourth segment — and a dose of fun in a tough week – we’ll talk about the great Congressional Cellphone Caper, in which a staffer stole 240 smartphones from Congress.
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 January 16th episode:
Folger Shakespeare Library
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
With the explosion of AI, data centers have proliferated. And the DC metro area is the focal point of it all, with Northern Virginia leading the way. Prince George’s County lawmakers are debating whether to build a data center amid rising water use and electricity costs. Jenny Abamu from WAMU joins us to explain how these centers became so popular, and what it means for the locals who live near them.
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 January 15th episode:
Folger Shakespeare Library
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.
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