City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
🐼 Giant pandas are coming back!
May 30, 2024 · 💌 Kaela
Big news! The National Zoo is welcoming a new pair of giant pandas – Bao Li and Qing Bao – from China later this year as part of a 10-year conservation program. One of them, Bao Li, is the son of Bao Bao, who was born at the National Zoo in 2013. Welcome home!
What's CITY Talking About?
DC Council Reverses Some Program Cuts
The DC Council gave its initial approval to the city’s 2025 budget yesterday, including some tax hikes they hope will mitigate the program cuts Mayor Bowser presented last month. The Council's changes to Bowser's proposed budget include a tax increase on properties worth over $2.5 million, overhauling D.C.'s sports betting program, and restoring the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund. Councilmembers can still make changes before the second budget vote next month. [Washington Post]
DC Wants Better Sports Betting
The DC Council wants to adopt a plan to normalize its sports betting system by opening the market to private betting apps as early as this summer. Currently, the city’s long-troubled mobile betting app is the only one on the market. While the city’s app has been improving its revenue since its Fanduel takeover, the bill – introduced by Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie and Chair Phil Mendelson – would make sports betting more accessible. [Washington City Paper, City Cast DC 🎧]
Philotimo Shuts Down (For Good This Time)
High-end Greek spot Philotimo has closed its doors due to an eviction lawsuit following years of issues. The restaurant was closed due to a fire just months after it opened in 2022. It reopened in October, before a lawsuit claiming the business owed over $330,000 in unpaid rent and fees finally put the nail in the coffin. [Washingtonian]
June Vibes in DC
June is almost here – which means public pools! D.C.’s outdoor pools will be open six days a week starting June 24. Pool weather, free music festivals, and biergartens are just a couple of the things that make June one of the best months to be in D.C.! [City Cast DC 🎧]
Sponsored Content
16 Years of Columbia Heights Day!
Celebrate the 16th Annual Columbia Heights Day with District Bridges! This year’s festival is on the Harriet Tubman Elementary Field on June 15th, and includes a Dunk Tank, Tie Dye Station (BYO white clothing or t-shirts available for purchase), Mechanical Bull, Food Trucks, Bouncy Castle, Market, and so much more!
What To Do
Thursday, May 30
- 🎵 Tunes: Francis of Delirium | 8 p.m. | $17 | Shaw
- 🌱 Green Drinks Environmentalist Meet Up | 6 p.m. | Free | Shaw
- 🎺 Jazz At Metropolitan Park | 4:30 p.m. | Free | Crystal City
- 🛍️ Cleveland Park Night Market | 5 p.m. | Free | Cleveland Park
- 🍺 AAPI Beer Tasting | 5 p.m. | Free | Navy Yard
Friday, May 31
- 🧶 Exhibit Opening: Fiber Art by Women | All Day | Free | Downtown
- 💃 Salsa Night At Walter Reed | 5:30 p.m. | Free | Takoma Park
- 🎥 Outdoor Movie: Jurassic Park | 8:30 p.m. | Free | Foggy Bottom
- 🎸 Tunes: Yamandu Costa | 8 p.m. | $50 | Capitol Hill
- 😋 Unique Eateries Dinner Party | 7 p.m. | $122 | H Street
- 🎶 Tunes: Umrao Jaan Ada | 8 p.m. p.m. | $80+ | Penn Quarter
Saturday, June 1
- 🎤 Opera Sunset Serenade | 6 p.m. | Free | National Mall
- 🧘 Goth Yoga @ Atlas Brew Works | 2 p.m. | $25 | Ivy City
- 🎉 Fiesta Asia Street Fair | 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. | Free | National Mall
- 🌱 Garden Volunteering Gardening | 10 a.m. | Free | Georgetown
- 🪘 Reggae Fest D.C. | 10 p.m. - 3 a.m. | $20 | Shaw
- 🍳 New Kitchens On The Block | 12 & 3 p.m. | $99+ | Edgewood
- 🧶 Songbyrd Makers Mart | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.| Free | Union Market
- 📜 19th Century Washingtonians at Work and Play | 11 a.m. | Free | Foggy Bottom
- 🎼 Children of the Gospel Choir | 7 p.m. | $30 | Foggy Bottom
Today on City Cast
It’s officially summertime, and June is one of the most exciting seasons D.C. has. From Pride celebrations to outdoor dancing, we’ve got you covered. Plus, if you’re worried about the impending Metro closures, Metro GM Randy Clarke assuages our fears.
🐼 I can’t say for sure, but I’ve heard the new pandas are HUGE supporters of local news (I know, I could hardly believe it either). Join them by becoming a City Cast DC member today!
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