City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
Can you guess our DC trivia?
August 25, 2023
Morning, neighbor. The 60th anniversary of the March on Washington is expected to draw 75,000 people to the National Mall this Saturday. Martin Luther King Jr.’s eldest son will kick off the rally at Lincoln Memorial at 11 a.m. and then the crowd will march toward the MLK Jr. Memorial at 1 p.m. If you can’t attend, beware of the traffic downtown!
What's CITY Talking About?
DC Test Scores Are Up
Student’s standardized scores improved incrementally in both English and math following a pandemic-era plunge. There were no statewide assessments in 2020 or 2021, but this year’s results remain lower than 2019 results despite city-wide tutoring and extra-education programs. [WTOP]
Promoting DC’s ‘Red Flag’ Gun Law
The Attorney General’s office is kicking off a public awareness campaign on the “red flag” law. This law allows law enforcement, family members, and mental health professionals to petition to take guns from people who could pose a danger to themselves or others. Since the law passed in 2018, only 51 petitions have been filed, suggesting residents might not know about the law. [Washington Post 🔒]
- Related: Gun violence is a prevalent issue among D.C.’s youth.
On With Her Head!
In the 2011 earthquake, a gargoyle on the National Cathedral was decapitated. Now, 12 years later, the gargoyle has been reunited with its head. This is part of a $40 million project to strengthen the cathedral. [WTOP]
Teenage Bike Heist
Two D.C. teenage boys were arrested for trying to rob a convenience store in Catlett, VA. Authorities found them with Capital Bikeshare rental bikes and say they must have biked 30 to 50 miles to get there. Forget jail — they should be sticking these boys in the Tour de France. [Washington Post 🔒]
What To Do
🎡 Maryland State Fair | Friday - Sunday | All Day
The first weekend will have horse racing, carnival rides, livestock and garden competitions, and every fried food you can imagine. [Free, Lutherville-Timonium]
🦆 Birding Boat Tour | Saturday | 7 a.m.
Join a guided bird walk then hop aboard the Anacostia Riverkeeper boat to discuss the cultural and natural history of the Anacostia River. [Free, Anacostia]
🎉 End of Summer Block Party | Saturday | 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Head to this community event on Georgia Avenue NW for local vendors, live music, and live mural painting. [Free, Takoma]
🎒 Back to School Bash | Saturday | 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Celebrate the start of the new academic year and pick up a brand-new backpack with school supplies, get assistance filling out required paperwork, get required immunizations, and connect with tutors. [Free, Eastern Market]
🌎 Around the World Festival | Saturday | 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
One of D.C.’s largest food fests, this international event will have dozens of vendors, artisans, and performances representing various cultures. [Free, Alexandria]
🍖 BBQ & Barrels | Saturday | 4 - 7 p.m.
Local BBQ, bourbon, whiskey, and rye tastings will be on full display at this festival. Stay for the live music and cocktail competition! [$75, Navy Yard]
🎶 Distrito Music Fest | Saturday | 5 p.m.
Head to The Wharf for this Latin American music fest with artists of all genres, including Sonòsfera, Nayas, and Pekeke Project. [$35, The Wharf]
🍗 Maryland Renaissance Fest | Saturday - Sunday | All Day
This is the first weekend of ye old Ren Fair, and it’s stacked with hundreds of artisans, jousting, and performances. [$24, Crownsville]
👖 Clothing Swap | Sunday | 12 - 2 p.m.
Bring your gently used clothes to swap out on the lawn. [Free, Malcolm X Park]
📗 ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’ Watch Party | Sunday | 6 p.m.
Busboys and Poets’ queer book club is hosting this watch party of the recently released adaptation of Casey McQuiston’s D.C./London romance. Signed copies of the book will also be available! [Free, Takoma]
Sponsored Content
Come to City Cast DC's Anniversary Party
You're invited to join City Cast DC for a live podcast interview to celebrate our one year anniversary at Sonny's Pizza on Aug. 28! Come at 5 p.m. for a wine tasting by Plant Wines, followed by the live show recording at 6:30 p.m. Our hosts Michael Schaffer and Bridget Todd will be joined by special guest Chelsea Cirruzzo! 🤫
DC Insider Trivia!
We are trying out a new segment today to test how much you really know about the District.
How it works: We'll have a different D.C. trivia question every Friday and we'll post the answer the following Friday. We will also shout out the first three readers who guess correctly. So make sure to check back next week!
The rules: No googling and no hints!
The reward: Bragging rights, a personalized email by me, your pride as a Washingtonian.
How many total Capital Bikeshare stations are there (total, not just in D.C.)?
- 78
- 250
- 405
- 737
Let us know what you think of this segment, should we keep it?
Today on City Cast
DC’s Crime Rate, Little League Drama, and the Best Pizza
A new poll says most Americans think D.C. is a safe city to live in, but around here, all people can seem to talk about is crime. Are curfews the answer? Bridget Todd, Priyanka Tilve, and Julia Karron are discussing this on the podcast, plus some major drama in D.C.’s little league, and opinions on the best pizza in town.
Commanders New Name?
Rumor has it the Commanders may be dumping their name for something new. Nothing's official, but hints indicate NFL owner Josh Harris is gearing up to make a switch. What would you choose as a new name?
Thanks for reading, Kaela
Today’s newsletter was edited by Natalia Aldana. News was written by Susannah Broun.
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