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What's CITY Talking About?

DC to Buy National Theatre

As part of the proposed 2025 budget, the city will buy the National Theatre and enter a 99-year lease with the theater’s foundation, which operates it. DC Council approved the acquisition, as well as $6 million in repairs to the theater, in hopes of igniting D.C.’s theater scene. The council’s budget adjustments also introduced a tax hike on expensive properties and refunded social programs cut in the Mayor’s budget. [Washington Business Journal, City Cast DC 🎧]

DCA Runway Mishaps Amid Flight Additions

Politicians are criticizing the decision to add more flights to DCA after two planes narrowly avoided a runway collision this week. The Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill, passed earlier this month, green-lights five new daily round-trip flights from DCA, which already struggles with overcrowding. The incident is the second near miss in just over a month. [ARLNow, City Cast DC 🎧]

Shoppers Bummed By Bag Ban

Earlier this week, local Giant supermarkets banned large bags in a controversial attempt to curb shoplifting. The ban prohibits bags larger than 14 in x 14 in x 6 in. Shoppers are up in arms, voicing concerns for the needs of disabled shoppers and parents carrying diaper bags. [NBC4, Reddit]

Tourism Triumph

D.C. brought in almost 26 million tourists in 2023, a new record. The milestone surpasses even pre-pandemic levels, bringing in $10.2 million for the city. [Washington Business Journal]

What To Do

DC Insider Trivia

First, Let’s Answer Last Week’s Question:

How many parks does D.C. have?

1. 17
2. 57
3. 226
4. 697 ⭐

Yep! According to the Trust For Public Land, D.C. has 697 parks 😱

Not only that, they ranked D.C. the number one city in the US for parks for the fourth year in a row. Our parks range from famous ones like the National Mall, to hidden ones like Crispus Attucks. But with so many options, how can you know which park best suits your birthday picnic, bird watching, tree climbing, or quiet reading?

Luckily, environmental reporter and City Cast DC contributor Jacob Fenston has undertaken The Ultimate DC Parks Quest to find the answers. So far, he’s been to 58 of the District’s 697 parks.

Although he has a long way to go, he has already been able to uncover some of D.C.’s forgotten boundary stones, meet with local environmentalists and park enthusiasts, and uncover areas for improvement.

Track Jacob's progress and findings here as he checks parks off his loooooong list!

🏆 Congratulations to Hey DC readers Katlyn H., Shanna C., and Brianna M. for being the first three to respond with the correct answer!

Now Onto This Week’s Question:

How well do you know D.C.’s fast-casual restaurants? Bonus points if you tell me your favorite spot and what to get there!

What fast-casual restaurant was NOT founded in D.C.?

1. CAVA
2. Sweetgreen
3. Nando’s PERi-PERi
4. Rasa

Today on City Cast

Panda-monium, DC’s 2025 Budget, and the Best Parks in the Nation

A new report ranks D.C. as having the best parks in the country, and City Cast park expert Jacob Fenston has some thoughts. We’re also talking through the latest skirmishes over the city budget, and of course the return of the PANDAS 🐼