City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
DC elections could change big time
May 25, 2023
Oh, hey! (Almost) gone, but never forgotten, Dan Snyder wanted to build a “Tesla Tunnel” from DCA to Prince William County to reduce traffic to the proposed Commanders’ stadium. Virginia lawmakers say the chance of the stadium going there is a solid “zero.” A+ for creativity though.
What's CITY Talking About?
Rent Cap Compromise
Housing Committee Chair Robert White is proposing a 6.9% rent increase cap on rent-controlled apartments as a compromise between frustrated landlords and housing advocates. Council had approved an 8.9% cap earlier this year, outraging tenant advocates who want to see increases capped at 5% instead. White was able to secure $100,000 in the 2024 budget to help the Department of Housing and Community Development enforce a new rent cap. However, he still needs to get Council to pass it before its summer break. [Washington City Paper]
Anon Donor Funds Uyghur Studies
The Elliott School of International Affairs at GW University received a $900,000 anonymous donation to expand the Uyghur Studies Initiative starting next fall. The money will go towards adding courses on Uyghur history and arts, expanding research, and adding an adjunct language professor at a time when Uyghur culture is under threat of genocide in China. [The GW Hatchet]
- Related: Want more hands-on learning? Check out D.C.’s best Uyghur restaurants. [City Cast DC 🎧]
MPD Officers In the Hot Seat
On Tuesday, a D.C. police officer was found guilty of using illegal chokeholds in two separate incidents five days apart in 2018. Another D.C. officer has been arrested for allegedly taking pictures of a woman in a bra and leggings without consent while conducting a search. The officer pleaded not guilty and is currently suspended. [Washington Post🔒 / ABC 7]
- Related: It’s hard for D.C. to fire police officers because of endless arbitration and a strong police union. And D.C. Council is struggling to change that. [City Cast DC 🎧]
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What To Do
✍️ LUV is Cool | Thursday | 4:30 - 6 p.m.
At this poetry workshop, you’ll be asked to write a creative piece on the spot (cue sweaty hands). But if you're a glutton for pressure, now is your time to shine. [Free, Fort Totten]
🎤 Punk Rock Karaoke | Friday | 8 p.m.
Head to Black Cat and scream your heart out at this Punk Rock Karaoke night. All funds go towards grassroots org Stop Cop City. [$15, 14th Street]
🚴♀️ Bike Tune Up | Friday | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Bring your rickety bike to the parklets at 12th & South Fern Street for a free tune-up by Phoenix Bikes. [Free, Arlington]
😂 Work Sucks Comedy Show | Saturday | 9 - 11 p.m.
Your bad work experiences could become a source for hilarious improvised jokes on stage. Looking at you, Hill folks. [$10, Penn Quarter]
Today on City Cast
Co-hosts Bridget Todd and Mike Shaffer sat down with “Big Tony” Fisher, from the seminal D.C. go-go band Trouble Funk. He talked about growing up in D.C. and what life was like for musicians back when go-go was treated with suspicion instead of being celebrated as D.C.’s official music.
Thanks for your input on yesterday's coffee roast section yesterday!
Reader Viki A. said not to forget about Compass Coffee, and Rebecca Z. says Zeke’s is a must get. “I always go for whatever seasonal brew they're selling. It's always great, and often has a fun name and logo,” said Rebecca.
Also, a couple of important corrections to yesterday’s newsletter!
I said Qualia didn’t have a brick-and-mortar location, but they still have one in Eckington! So make sure you check that out. Meanwhile, Rako closed its location just last month.
Free · 5 days a week