City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
What to expect at tomorrow's oversight hearing
May 15, 2023
Morning, neighbor, I’m back! D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton wants the U.S. Botanic Garden to grow … weed. She says it would help recognize the 21 states and D.C. that have decriminalized or legalized it. What could possibly go wrong?
What's CITY Talking About?
PG Takes On IG
Prince George’s County public schools are suing Instagram, TikTok, and other social media apps for allegedly contributing to a youth mental health crisis. The legal action aims to make the companies pay for prevention, education, and treatment for social media addiction. They also want to see more safety features added. [🔒 Washington Post]
WW1 Weapon Found in Fort Totten Park
The Army is still working to identify a mysterious liquid found in a WW1-era weapon discovered three weeks ago in Fort Totten Park. The question remains if this weapon is at all connected to the chemical weapons found years ago near American University. They’ll continue analyzing the substance to determine whether a major cleanup might be required in the park. [WTOP]
D.C.’s Newest Adult Playground
If you are a pickleball fanatic your summer just got a little better. This weekend, Kraken Kourts and Skates opened in Northeast, D.C. The venue is filled with fun activities including a tavern, indoor lawn games, 14 pickleball courts, and D.C.’s only indoor roller skating rink. Perfect fit for this city that’s really just a “playground for adults.” [DCist]
Overdue Oversight of the Capital City: Part II
Mayor Bowser will testify tomorrow at the second congressional oversight hearing on D.C. affairs as it continues to weigh in on how the city is addressing crime. Bowser will be joined by City Administrator Kevin Donahue and Police Chief Robert J. Contee III. Last time, committee members peppered D.C. officials with outdated and oversimplified questions, so we just hope they’ve done their homework this time. [🎧 City Cast DC]
Where Is It?
Yep! These are the grounds of Dumbarton Oaks in Georgetown. The historic estate was once the home of wealthy U.S. diplomat Robert Woods Bliss and his wife Mildred Barnes Bliss. It is now open to the public to explore as a wonderfully curated oasis. Tickets are $7. Don’t miss the rose garden and the orangery!
Nice work Terry B., Rick S., and Maria F. for being the first to guess correctly! This next one might be a little more niche.
Do you recognize this dimly-lit dive?
What To Do
🤠 The Rodeo | Monday | 8 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Head to The Rodeo at Hill Country Barbecue for DJs, cocktails, a mechanical bull, and burlesque dancers. Yee haw. [Free, Penn Quarter]
🇨🇳 Mao’s Revolution Outside China | Tuesday | 5 - 6 p.m.
Learn about the exportation of Maoist revolutionary warfare to countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Nepal during the 1950s. [Free, Dupont]
🥁 Communities Round Dance | Tuesday | 5 p.m.
This "Honouring Our Communities" Round Dance recognizes the DMV’s Indigenous communities with traditional songs and drumming. [Free, Foggy Bottom]
- Related: City Cast DC chatted with one of the event’s organizersr Mary Phillips about the history of D.C.’s indigenous communities!
🏃♂️ HIIT Workout | Wednesday | 5:30 p.m.
Roll up to Milian Park for this free HIIT workout class hosted by Definition of Fitness. [Free, Mt. Vernon Triangle]
🍳 Egg | Wednesday | 7 p.m.
What is the meaning of egg? Author Lizzie Stark explores the egg’s deep meanings, innumerable uses, and metabolic importance in this book talk at Kramers. [Free, Dupont]
Today on City Cast
Mayor Bowser is due on the Hill this week for a hearing where Congressional Republicans will most likely lambaste D.C. in not necessarily accurate terms. For those of us who haven’t been summoned by the committee, reporter Mark Segraves explains what we can expect and what to watch out for.
Thanks for reading, see you back here tomorrow!
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