City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
🧁 DC’s best cupcake: a scientific study
March 5, 2024
Hey, neighbor! A new season of “Somebody Feed Phil” just dropped on Netflix and one episode is all about D.C. Phil went to 12 restaurants, eating everything from Ben’s Chilli Bowl to Thip Khao, and claimed D.C. was "shedding its steak and potatoes reputation." How would you define D.C.’s restaurant scene?
What's CITY Talking About?
Purple Line Delays
After another round of construction delays, Metro’s Purple Line opening has been pushed back another 8 months. The Purple Line, which will connect New Carrollton to Bethesda via Silver Spring, has faced a myriad of setbacks since approval in 2016, driving the total cost to $10 billion. Opening is now set for December 2027. [Washington Business Journal, City Cast DC 🎧]
ACLU Calls Out Crime Bill
ACLU-D.C. has stated that several provisions in the Secure DC Omnibus bill that DC Council is expected to pass today will disproportionately infringe on Black Washingtonian’s civil rights without increasing public safety. The nonprofit argues the bill’s rollback of police reforms would lessen accountability and the drug-free zones will increase harassment. [ACLU-D.C., City Cast DC 🎧]
DCHA in Need of Renovation
D.C.’s public housing authority is in worse shape than imagined, according to the agency’s leader. A 2022 HUD report found a multitude of serious issues including low occupancy in public housing and unsafe and unsanitary conditions. Executive Director Keith Pettigrew will release a three-year plan to rebuild HUD at a hearing with federal government on May 31. [Washington Post 🔒]
- Related: D.C. has the poorest performing public housing authority in the country, and they’ve already missed one deadline to get their act together. [City Cast DC 🎧]
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Get out and active with Volo DC
Looking to get active? Make new friends? Meet someone special? From Kickball on the National Mall to Volleyball at the JFK Fields, Volo has something available for everyone. Join as a free agent, small group, or full team and get ready for a season of fun.
What To Do
Tuesday, March 5
- 📖 Author Talk: “Hijab Butch Blues” | Free | 7 p.m. | Adams Morgan
- 📿Charm Jewelry Making | 5:30 p.m. | $25 | Capitol Hill
- 🎤 The Pocket Open Mic Night | 7 p.m. | Donation | Truxton Circle
Wednesday, March 6
- ✍️ Wordplay Wednesday at Planet Word | 5 - 8 p.m. | Free | Downtown
- 👖 Vintage Market at Dew Drop Inn | 6 - 9 p.m. | Free | Eckington
- 🎉 Spice Girls-themed Party & Fundraiser | 6 p.m. | Free | Navy Yard
Thursday, March 7
- 🎞️ Wild & Scenic Film Fest | 6:15 p.m. | $20 | Capitol Hill
- 📖 Queer Reading Night | 6 - 8 p.m. | Free | Capitol Hill
- 🍹 Born to Rum: A Look at Cocktail Culture | 6:30 p.m. | $25 | Georgetown
Today on City Cast
How the Smithsonian Is Rectifying Its Racist Past
Throughout the early 20th century, the Smithsonian acquired more than 280 human brains as a part of racist eugenics studies with more than a quarter from people in the DMV. Now, a task force says those remains should be repatriated. Nicole Dungca is here to explain the reporting that triggered an investigation.
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Ancestral Spaces: People of African Descent
Visit Tudor Place through April 21 to experience this unique guided tour experience. Curated in collaboration with the descendant community, this multifaceted tour gives voice to the enslaved and free people who lived and worked here. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Registration recommended at tudorplace.org.
Psst! You have until noon on Thursday to put your name in the lottery for tickets to the next National Gallery Night! The theme is Color Theory.
💌 Kaela
Today’s newsletter was edited by Priyanka Tilve. News was written by Ashe Durban.
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