
City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
A gift guide for true Washingtonians
December 5, 2023
It's officially gift-buying season. We've got some stand-out selections below that keep it local, fun, and not too painful. If you're looking to give back to the community in a different way this year, consider becoming a City Cast DC founding member!

What's CITY Talking About?
Metro Returns More 7000-Series Cars
Metro returned more of its 7000-series railcars to service this week. WMATA removed them over safety concerns after a train derailed in October 2021. Metro says it will cost about $55 million over several years to replace the wheels and inspect the cars before bringing them all back on the tracks. [WTOP]
Moore Goes After Commanders
Gov. Wes Moore is "aggressively" (his word, not ours) trying to persuade the Washington Commanders to stay in Landover. He's pushing to replace the famously dilapidated FedEx Field, that's currently home to the team, with a fancy new stadium and a mixed-use development to attract activity. [Washington Post 🔒]
- Related: Maryland isn’t the only place fighting for the Commanders. There is a strong push to bring the team back to D.C.’s old RFK site. [City Cast DC 🎧]
Virginia Governor Race Heats Up
Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney announced he's seeking the Democratic nomination for Virginia governor in 2025. When elected, Stoney was Richmond’s youngest-ever mayor and he'd be only the second Black governor in Virginia’s history. The early announcement indicates a competitive upcoming governor’s race. [Washington Post 🔒]
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The Perfect Gift for the Sports Fan in Your Life
A four-game ticket pack complete with a limited-edition jersey ornament trio to hang on the tree! Nats Holiday Packs combine the best of both worlds - an experience that creates memories and joy for months to come, and a souvenir to remember them by.

What To Do
🧥 Winter Coat Drive | Tuesday | 6 – 8 p.m.
Donate women's coats in all sizes to distribute to local residents. [Free, National Harbor]
🛍️ Vintage Market | Wednesday | 6 – 9 p.m.
This cozy vintage market at Dew Drop Inn includes 1950s-Y2K fashion, locally-sourced DMV crystals, tarot readings, and more. [Free, Edgewood]
🖼️ Sketch Break | Thursday | 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Connect and sketch with fellow artists, while drawing inspiration from the Portrait Gallery's collection. The workshop will include all supplies. [Free, Penn Quarter]
🎄 Norwegian Tree Lighting Ceremony | Thursday | 6 p.m.
Union Station’s main hall is getting lit up in this annual tree lighting ceremony. There will also be a holiday market starting at 11 a.m. [Free, East End]

Today on City Cast
DC's Most Influential People of 2023 (Part II)
Today, we’re unveiling the final installation of our inaugural City Cast 6 awards for 2023, diving into the categories of food and drink, business, and sustainability. We’ll also be getting into who you, our readers, thought should make the cut!
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Live in art at Seneca House
Newly reduced! Currently offering a 2% builder credit! Only three homes remain at Seneca House, a brand new boutique condo community located one block from Meridian Hill Park. The exterior features a full façade mural by Hamilton Glass, while the interiors offer Calacatta Prado quartz countertops, white oak hardwood flooring, and outdoor private terraces. One bedroom and dens and two bedrooms now from $534,900.

Have you seen Metro’s new gingerbread wrap? Isn’t she sweet?
Kaela
Today’s newsletter was edited by Priyanka Tilve. News was written by Susannah Broun.
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