City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
D.C.’s unhoused population is rising again
May 9, 2023
Morning, Washingtonians. Bummed you didn’t get a lottery ticket for the next National Gallery Night? Fear not, some walk-up passes – 202 to be exact – will be available at the East Building entrance starting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 11. Get there early!
What's CITY Talking About?
D.C. Unhoused Population On The Rise
The unhoused population in D.C. has increased 11.6% since last year, according to the Department of Human Services. It’s the first increase in years. The data comes from the annual Point-in-Time Count which takes place on one night every winter. The most recent count revealed that 4,922 unhoused people live in D.C. [DCist]
- Related: With the weather getting warmer, we’re thinking back to this episode of City Cast DC, about how the unhoused community handles the D.C. heat.
D.C.’s Crime Lab Gets New Leadership
Mayor Muriel Bowser has named the current chief medical examiner, Dr. Francisco Diaz, the interim director of the D.C. Department of Forensic Sciences. This leadership change coincides with the contentious plan to move the DFS crime scene unit to the D.C. police department. The agency also hopes to soon have its forensic testing accreditation restored. [WTOP]
Taking the Confederate Out of Virginia
Alexandria now has a process to review and consider renaming an estimated 41 streets honoring Confederate leaders and controversial historical figures. The city expects to consider about three streets a year through a process that includes committees and public hearings. [Fox5]
Horses Need Sick Days Too
The military horses at Arlington National Cemetery are taking a 45-day health break following concerns that arose in their recent health report. The horses typically serve as escorts during the cemetery’s funeral honors. This rest is not for any specific illness, but to give them time to heal various foot, joint, and muscle issues while the cemetery also procures more horses. [Washington Post 🔒]
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Westpost has it all
Spring’s greetings from Westpost, National Landing’s go-to destination for up-scale shopping, exquisite culinary experiences, boutique fitness, and so much more. Find delight at Westpost, where enchanting experiences await around every corner.
What To Do
🪲 Beneficial Insect Basics | Today | 5:30 p.m.
Learn how to use beneficial insects instead of pesticides at this PLNTR event. [$25, Dupont]
🚴 DC Bike Party | Tomorrow | 7:30 p.m.
This month's bike party space themed, so dress up and ride your escape pod all the way through the city blasting otherworldly tunes. [Free, Dupont]
🥟 DIY Dumplings | Friday | 11:30 - 1 p.m.
Take a long lunch with Chef Mark Haskell to pinch, steam, and chow down on your very own meat, fish, and veggie dumplings. [$55, Capitol Hill]
🪡 Palestinian Embroidery | Friday | 6 - 8 p.m.
This introductory class will focus on the amulet motif — one of the oldest patterns found in Palestinian embroidery — known for its protective qualities. [$20+, Dupont]
Today on City Cast
Former CIA agent Lindsay Moran tells us how to spot a spy, whether it’s your neighbor, best friend, or that guy hitting on you at the bar. Because if you’re in D.C., there’s a non-zero chance that you’re being tailed.
🕵️ Spy Week tip of the day: Going to the Spy Museum? Plan to spend 2-3 hours there, and try to spend them evenly among the two floors. They’ve got handy signs along the floor so you can pace yourself accordingly.
Free · 5 days a week