City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
VA nabs Capitals and Wizards
December 14, 2023
Hey, D.C.! Today’s drama is all about Virginia stealing the Capitals and the Wizards from D.C. And what better way to learn than memes? Whether it’s visualizing the fight's unlikely alliances, imagining new Capital One Arena tenants, or just mourning your fave teams, there’s a meme for it. But don’t worry, we have a real explainer below too.
What's CITY Talking About?
DC Affordable Housing Plan Falls Flat
A Washington Post investigation found that over two dozen properties that D.C. sold in 2018 to be developed into affordable housing remain unused because of the program’s unrealistic timelines and lack of accountability. [Washington Post 🔒]
Changes to Body Cam Policies
Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office has proposed legislation that would let police officers review body camera footage before filing reports. The U.S. Attorney for D.C. says the bill will boost the prosecution rate, but the ACLU claims it could “[compromise] the integrity of crucial documents.” [NBC4]
NoVa Approves Massive Controversial Data Hub
Prince William County approved a controversial data center complex after a brutal 27-hour public meeting. The “Digital Gateway” complex will include 34 data centers near Gainesville, making NoVa one of the world’s largest internet traffic hubs and reeling in an estimated $400 million in annual tax revenue. [Washington Post 🔒]
- Opponents are not happy, claiming this will damage the environment and ruin NoVa’s pretty views. [City Cast DC 🎧]
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What To Do
Thursday, Dec. 14
- 🌼 Pressed Flower Ornaments | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. | $42 | Dupont
- 🕯️ Holiday Lights Awards Party | 6 - 9 p.m. | Free | Park View
- ❄️ Winter Wonderland Workshop | 6:30 - 8 p.m. | $30 | Alexandria
Friday, Dec. 15
- 🌛 Night Market | 5 - 9 p.m. | Free | Eastern Market
- 💃🏼 Cuban Social Dancing | 7 p.m. - 1 a.m. | $20 | Edgewood
- 🎨 "Her" Exhibition Opening | 7 - 10 p.m. | Free | Petworth
- 🪩 Flash Nightclub: Focus | 10 p.m. - 4 a.m. | $20 | Shaw
Saturday, Dec. 16
- 🚲 Hill Family Bike Ride | 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Free | Capitol Hill
- 🎁 NoMa Holiday Market | 11 - 5 p.m. | Free | Eckington
- 🍺 Metrobar’s 12 Beers of Christmas | 2 - 5 p.m. | $22 | Edgewood
- 🎅 Procrastinator’s Holiday Market | 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Free | Edgewood
- 🎸 Rock'n'Roll Garage Sale | 4 p.m. | Free | 14th Street NW
Today on City Cast
D.C.’s Monumental Sports Crisis
Ted Leonsis is probably moving the Capitals and Wizards across the river. And sports aside, this has huge repercussions for the future livability of downtown D.C.
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New Member Shoutouts
We're so grateful for these founding members of City Cast DC:
- Daniel Sutch
- Everett Gilliam
- Kelly Darnell
- Chaz Berry
- Andrew Karron
- Vincent Morris
Celeb spotting: Oprah was in town to unveil her new portrait at the National Portrait Gallery. It’s by Chicago-based artist Shawn Michael Warren and one of only 30 commissioned portraits at the gallery.
Today’s newsletter was edited by Priyanka Tilve. News was written by Susannah Broun.
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