City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
Self-driving cars are coming to DC
August 31, 2023
Morning, neighbor! D.C. could soon have self-driving taxis. Robotaxi company Cruise announced it will start testing cars in 14 cities, including D.C. The driverless taxis have potential but have also caused headaches for cities already using them.
What's CITY Talking About?
DC is Drying Up
The DMV may have to bring in drinking water from backup reservoirs upstream as the area remains in a drought. The area’s water supply monitor has been conducting daily drought checks since June. It’s been more than a decade since the area needed backup water sources. [DCist]
Catholic Abuse Case Dismissed
The former archbishop of Washington, Theodore McCarrick, has been ruled incompetent to stand trial on the charges against him of child sexual abuse. McCarrick, aged 93, was the highest-ranking Catholic official in the country to face criminal charges for alleged sex abuse. [Washington Post 🔒]
Green Line is Back in Business
A Metro project ahead of schedule? Unheard of! The Green Line stations that closed for track repair will be opening on Saturday. The construction aimed to improve visibility for train operators and make the ride smoother for passengers. [WTOP]
“There’s Only One DC”
D.C. is trying to attract international travelers with a new slogan and ad campaign. While domestic tourism is bouncing back from the pandemic, visitors from abroad have been slower to return. The campaign will launch in November with the slogan, “There’s only one D.C.” [WTOP]
- Related: Downtown D.C. is specifically hurting from both the lack of tourism and vacant buildings. Can it be saved? [City Cast DC 🎧]
Sponsored Content
Our immersive classes propel you toward fluency.
Master French language swiftly and unlock a world of personal and professional possibilities by becoming a member and learning French at Alliance Française. The unparalleled experience includes language classes, cultural events, and the only loan library in French language in the region. Enroll today. All ages and levels are welcome.
What To Do
💰 Money in An Economy That Hates You | Thursday | 7 p.m.
Bestselling author Chris Guillebeau presents a world where novelty and creativity are currency. From TikTok "Sleepfluencers" to AI artists, in the world of Gonzo Capitalism, anything goes. [Free, Chevy Chase]
🖼️ Dupont Art Walk | Friday | 6 - 8 p.m.
This monthly self-guided gallery walk around Dupont will have live performances and lots of open galleries to explore. [Free, Dupont]
🎨 Super Art Fight | Friday | 8 p.m.
Watch artists collide on a giant 12-foot-wide canvas at Black Cat in a game that is equal parts pictionary and pro wrestling. [$20, 14th Street]
🍷 Black Food & Wine Fest | Saturday | 2 - 9:30 p.m.
This festival brings together Black-owned wines, live R&B music, cooking demonstrations, and local food vendors for a celebration at Gateway DC. [$52+, Congress Heights]
Today on City Cast
Streateries were a feature of the pandemic. Three years later, they’re still here — and city planners are looking to make them permanent. We chatted with the Georgetown Business Improvement District about what that means for restaurants — and drivers looking to park.
Thanks for reading!
Kaela
Today’s newsletter was edited by Priyanka Tilve. News was written by Susannah Broun.
Free · 5 days a week