City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
Does DC have an accessibility problem?
July 19, 2023
Goooood Morning, D.C. The MLS All-Star Game is here! Tickets are few and far between and are mondo expensive. But if you're looking to have a good time and can’t be at Audi Field, Navy Yard bars will be popping off to celebrate.
What's CITY Talking About?
Festival Canceled Last Minute
The Smithsonian abruptly canceled the Asian American Literature Festival weeks before its debut, saying it didn't meet their “goals for an in-person event.” Hundreds signed a letter condemning the decision, saying it’s dismissive of their work and compounds violence against Asian Americans. The group demanded the resignation of an acting director, to reschedule the festival in 2024, and more transparency. [WTOP]
Picket Lines at Compliments Only
Employees of D.C. sandwich shop Compliments Only are seeking to unionize and negotiate for $21 per hour. Employees and their supporters picketed outside the restaurant last week after they didn’t get the requested wage increase and collective bargaining agreement. [DCist]
- Related: This reflects a recent trend of food service workers seeking to unionize due to low pay and poor workplace conditions. [City Cast DC 🎧]
Tunneling Under the Potomac
Hazel, a giant and boring machine digging a sewage tunnel under the Potomac, is halfway done. The tunnel will collect overflow stormwater and sewage and redirect it to a wastewater facility. Hazel’s already dug more than 4,000 feet and will soon go under the river. The Washington Post followed it below ground and documented their wild descent. The mining has to be finished by 2024. [Washington Post 🔒]
What To Do
🎂 Heart Cake Decorating | Wednesday | 6 - 8 p.m.
Learn how to pipe and decorate a vintage heart cake at this Shop Made in DC event. Perfect for bringing to the “Barbie” premier. [$110]
👡 ‘Barbie’ Music Trivia | Wednesday | 7 p.m.
Wunder Garten is adding yet MORE “Barbie” parties. This one puts your music skills to the test then blasts the new “Barbie” movie soundtrack for dancing. [Free, NoMa]
🎵 Live at Wilson Plaza | Thursday | 12 - 1 p.m.
Wilson Plaza has free lunchtime performances by local musicians every weekday. Tomorrow is R&B band Soultet; Friday is swing band King Teddy. [Free, downtown]
📽️ Why Care About DC Statehood | Friday | 5:30 p.m.
Join the DC History Center for a screening of "Becoming Douglass Commonwealth," followed by a discussion on D.C. statehood and why you should care. [Free, Mt. Vernon]
Today on City Cast
D.C. Has An Accessibility Problem
July is Disability Pride Month, and we need to talk about the accessibility of D.C.’s spaces. One in four adults in D.C. have a disability, but D.C. businesses are still struggling to get up to snuff on accessibility. Kristin Duquette, former paralympian, Truman Project fellow, and D.C. resident breaks down why and what we can do.
Thanks for sending in some additions to yesterday’s vegan ice cream list!
“The Creamery in Union Market has some of the best vegan ice cream I've ever had. It’s all incredibly creamy and fresh, including their vegan ice cream!” - Kimberly H.
“Don’t forget Crème de la Crop! They don’t have a brick-and-mortar [but they have regular pop-ups throughout D.C.]. It’s 100% the best” - Lucy R.
Today’s newsletter was edited by Natalia Aldana. News was written by Susannah Broun.
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