City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
Deadly subway surfing trend hits DC
August 17, 2023
Good morning, neighbor. City Paper just dropped its “Best of D.C.” list, and I’ve got thoughts. First off, I can’t believe I didn’t make the cut for “Best Friend.” Secondly, how did the bonsai museum win “best place to take an out-of-towner”? I’ve got lots more questions, but what award surprised you the most?
What's CITY Talking About?
Anti-Abortion Protesters Suing DC
A D.C. panel of judges has agreed to allow two anti-abortion activists to sue the city. The activists say they were unfairly arrested in 2020 for chalking “Black Pre-Born Lives Matter,” while racial justice protesters who wrote “Black Lives Matter” on public spaces didn’t face the same consequences. The court has been ordered to reconsider the previously dismissed claims of selective prosecution. [DCist]
- Related: Protesting in D.C. has evolved with the times. But are creative protests more or less effective than old-school marches? [City Cast DC 🎧]
Violent Attack at Howard University
One Howard University student was stabbed and several others were injured after approximately 15 teenagers randomly attacked them outside a residence hall. Now, the university plans to install more than 1,000 cameras and implement safety paths so students are always within 100 feet of a security officer. [NBC4]
Subway Surfing: A Deadly New Trend
A 15-year-old boy died after recording himself riding on top of the Metro. Metro has reported five such incidents since 2021, but social media and interviews with D.C. teens suggest “subway surfing” has become a far-more-common trend. The family of the boy who died recently acknowledges his fault, but says Metro should have more safety restrictions. [Washington Post 🔒]
Dog Day Care Closes After Flood
District Dogs on Rhode Island Avenue NE has permanently closed after the storms earlier this week tragically drowned 10 dogs in their care. The owners released statements expressing their remorse, but some grieving pet parents are questioning why no emergency plans were in place despite being flooded last year too. [WTOP]
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What To Do
🙋 DC Sports Trivia | Thursday | 7 p.m.
Head to Atlas Brewing to duke it out for D.C. sports fan supremacy! Cash and free beer is on the line. [Free, Ivy City]
🪧 Fossil Fuel Fighter Fest | Saturday | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
This youth-led festival is all about building community, playing games, and making art for the September 17 March to End Fossil Fuels in NYC. [Free, Columbia Heights]
🪩 That's Enter(taint)ment | Friday | 9 p.m.
At this drag and burlesque show inspired by Judy Garland, divas deliver unapologetic camp, class, and character. [Free, NoMa]
🎤 Be Our Guest: DJ Disney Night | Friday | 9 p.m.
Drunkenly sing your heart out to Disney classics from Frozen to the Jonas Brothers. “If they were on the Disney Channel, they’re on our DJ panel.” [$20, Shaw]
Today on City Cast
D.C. has loads of parks and trails, which make it a great city for running (as long as you don’t mind some hills). We sat down with Washington Post wellness reporter Kelyn Soong to get his tips and tricks to get out there and start pounding the pavement.
Reddit is hashing it out over the best burger place in D.C. Top contenders are Hill East Burger, Ghost Burger, and Lucky Buns. What burger joint do you think deserves the crown?
Today’s newsletter was edited by Priyanka Tilve. News was written by Susannah Broun.
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