City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
🍽️ What’s killing DC’s restaurants?
April 21, 2025 · 💌 Kaela
Good morning, D.C.
Big news — we’re expanding our membership program and giving it a new name: City Cast DC members are now City Cast DC Neighbors. Because good neighbors make good cities 🫵
More importantly, members are getting more benefits! As a City Cast DC Neighbor, you’ll get ad-free podcast listening and a first look at our weekly events as always. But you’ll also get invited to members-only events, where you can hang with me and the team, and the opportunity to shout out your favorite local business in the podcast and newsletter.
And to top it off, we’ll send you a custom ceramic mug if you sign up in the next two weeks!
What's CITY Talking About?
Trump Strips Civil Service Protections
President Trump is moving ahead with "Schedule F,” which would strip civil service protections from about 50,000 people, making them easier to fire. The administration is also extending the federal agency hiring freeze for another three months. [Axios, WTOP]
- Might be a good time to check out D.C.’s resources for federal workers. [City Cast DC 🎧]
Caps Face Canadiens In Playoffs
The Washington Capitals are kicking off their playoff run today at the Capital One Arena against the Montréal Canadiens. Cheer them on at one of the city’s many Caps bars. [ABC7]
HUD Looks For New Home
The Trump administration is getting rid of the massive Housing and Urban Development headquarters in L’Enfant Plaza and is looking for a new location within D.C. HUD is the first Cabinet-level department to vacate since Trump took office. [Washington Business Journal 🔒]
DC's Restaurants Struggle Amid Wage Hikes
According to new reports, a startling number of D.C. eateries have closed. Owners say I-82 wage hikes, government layoffs, and in-office mandates are pushing them to the brink. [City Cast DC 🎧]
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What To Do
Monday, April 21
- 🚇 Profs & Pints: How the Metro Made Washington | 6 p.m. | $15 | Penn Quarter
- ✍️ Comic & Zine Makers Meetup | 5:30 p.m. | Free | MLK Library
- 📚 Book Talk: “The Interpreter” | 6 p.m. | Free | Downtown
- 🎶 Zoh Amba Sun Ensemble | 7 p.m. | $25 Sliding Scale | Takoma Park
Tuesday, April 22
- 🧘 Earth Day Island Yoga | 5:30 p.m. | $25 | Arlington
- 🏢 State of Downtown Forum | 8 a.m. | Free | Downtown
- 🤠 Cowgirl Dyke Night | 7 p.m. | Free | Edgewood
- 📕 Emily Henry Book Release Party | 6 p.m. | $31 | Adams Morgan
- 🎤 Latino Poetry Reading | 7 p.m. | Free | MLK Library
🌳 By the way, it’s National Parks Week! It’s a great time to volunteer at D.C.’s national parks. Or, to make it even more local, take a DIY tour of the city's many “pocket parks.”
Free · 5 days a week