City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
💸 DC utility bills could spike this summer
April 23, 2025 · — Natalia Aldana
Happy Wednesday! City Cast editor Natalia Aldana here. We have so many people and places around the city that make D.C. special. Do you have a D.C. spot you admire and can’t wait to share with everyone? Now you can!
As part of our expanded membership program, City Cast DC Neighbors get the chance to shout out their favorite local businesses and organizations in this newsletter and the City Cast DC podcast. In addition, of course, to the perk of supporting local news and helping us stick around 😉
What's CITY Talking About?
Rock Creek Parkway Changes Could Worsen DC Traffic
Every DMV driver and commuter knows those rush-hour lane reversals on Rock Creek Parkway, especially because that traffic pattern has been around for 100 years. A new proposal from the National Park Service aimed at increasing traffic safety has people both for and against the change yelling pretty loudly about it. [City Cast DC 🎧]
SCOTUS Hears Arguments in Maryland LGBTQ+ Book Clash
The Supreme Court seems inclined to side with religious parents against Montgomery County School District, in a court case about classroom books related to gender and sexuality. The court heard arguments on Tuesday and will deliver a verdict in June. [Washington Post 🔒]
DOGE Signals Cuts for National Gallery of Art
Members of the DOGE team visited with museum leadership last week, signaling that cuts and changes are to be expected. The National Gallery of Art receives most of its funding from the federal government. [Washington Post 🔒]
Proposed Gas Hike Could Spike Utility Bills
This summer in D.C. could bring the heat … to your wallet. Washington Gas’ proposed 12% rate increase starting in August could add more than $15 to the average customer’s monthly gas bill, according to opponents. [Axios]
DC Public Library Ends NYT Digital Access
The Library system announced it is ending its unlimited access to The New York Times website and app for library users due to Congressionally-mandated budget cuts. [DC Public Library]
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What To Do
Wednesday, April 23
- 🌱 Plant Care 101 Workshop | 6 p.m. | $87 | Union Market
- 📚 Reading Party | 7 p.m. | $20 | Shaw
- 💚 Outdoor Movie: “Shrek 2” | 7 p.m. | Free | Mt. Vernon
- 🎤 Poetry Reading: “Houston, I'm the Problem” | 7 p.m. | Free | Adams Morgan
- 🌌 Lecture: The Search for Mars' Oceans | 8 p.m. | Free | Air & Space Museum
Thursday, April 24
- ⭐ Artisans’ Night Market | 5 - 9 p.m. | Free | Cleveland Park
- 🧑🍳 Book Talk: José Andrés with Guy Raz | 7 p.m. | $45+ | Foggy Bottom
- 🩰 Washington Ballet: ALICE (in wonderland) | 7:30 p.m. | $44+ | Tysons
- 🎞️ Film Screening: “Marcella” | 6:30 p.m. | $25 | National Mall
- 🏘️ D.C. History: “John Ihlder: Houser/Gentrifier” | 6 p.m. | Free | Dupont
- 📖 Author Talk: “Rhythms of Resistance and Resilience” | 6 p.m. | Free | Georgetown Library
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I’m excited to welcome our new City Cast DC Neighbor Kaitlyn W. Want to join the fun and see your name in this newsletter? Become a City Cast DC Neighbor today. (Plus, we’ll send you a member-exclusive mug!)
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