City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
Trayon White fights to keep DC Council seat
January 29, 2025 · 💌 Kaela
Hey, neighbor. A federal judge has temporarily blocked President Trump’s federal grants shutdown, but the threat of mass layoffs and program cuts is still looming over D.C.’s workforce.
🗣️ We want to hear how the potential cuts will impact you and/or your organization. Email us, or leave a voicemail so we can capture the community impact of the policy beyond the clickbait.
What's CITY Talking About?
Trayon White’s Defense To DC Council
Facing expulsion over ethical infractions, Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White finally gave a defense yesterday for why he deserves to stay on D.C. Council. White is facing federal bribery charges. D.C. Council will vote on his expulsion next week. [City Cast DC 🎧]
Proposed DCPS Phone Ban
Councilmember Brooke Pinto has proposed banning smartphones in D.C. public and charter schools to increase test scores and socialization amongst students. D.C. Council will host a public hearing on the bill before voting. [Axios]
Oath Keeper DC Ban Won’t Be Not Enforced
The D.C. travel restrictions placed on eight recently commuted Jan. 6 defendants won’t be enforced after all. The judge quickly walked back his order after pushback from the new interim U.S. Attorney for D.C. Apologies for any confusion yesterday, things move fast around here 👀 [NPR]
New Scooters On the Block
A new scooter share company — Hopp — launched 720 scooters in D.C. yesterday, with plans to double that in the coming months. The company has a program offering free 30-minute rides to low-income residents. [Axios]
Trump Offers Buyout to Federal Workers
President Trump is looking to speedily trim 5% to 10% of the federal workforce by offering a buyout to employees as long as they quit by Feb. 6. The offer increases an already uneasy feeling amongst many federal workers following Trump’s crackdown on DEI programs. [Axios, City Cast DC 🎧]
- Plus: D.C. Reacts to Trump’s In-Office Mandate. [City Cast DC 🎧]
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What To Do
Wednesday, Jan. 29
- 📸 Artist Talk: Photography and Advocacy | 6 p.m. | $25 | National Museum of Women in the Arts
- 📄 Volunteer Point-in-Time Count | 8 p.m. - 2 a.m. | Free | Multiple Locations
- 🥮 Lunar New Year Dessert Swap | 6 - 8 p.m. | Free | Chinatown
- 🍸 Lunar New Year Yoju Tasting | 6 - 9 p.m. | Free | Brentwood
- 🎤 Generation Women DC Storytelling Night | 7 p.m. | $30 | Shaw
- 🌱 Volunteer: Invasive Vine Removal | 2 p.m. | Free | Takoma
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Shakespeare Reimagined: Folger’s Reading Room Festival
Experience today's bold new voices in making theater at Folger’s Reading Room Festival, Jan. 30–Feb. 2! Enjoy staged readings, workshops, happy hours, and panels with acclaimed playwrights, directors, and artists. Don’t miss this celebration of creativity, collaboration, and storytelling. Learn more.
Did someone say … free matcha?
Heads up, Pret A Manger is giving away free 16-oz matcha lattes today to anyone who downloads their app.
Now that you’re saving $8, why not use that money to become a City Cast DC member? 😍
Free · 5 days a week