
City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
👀 Toppled Confederate statue to be restored
August 6, 2025 · — Natalia Aldana
Hey you 🌱 The corpse flower in the U.S. Botanic Garden started blooming last night, which is a big deal because they bloom just once for two to three days every two to three years! Go get a whiff of that famous stinky smell ♨️

What's CITY Talking About?

Toppled Confederate Statue to be Restored
The National Park Service is planning to reinstall the statue of Confederate General and Freemason Albert Pike in Judiciary Square. Demonstrators previously toppled it in June 2020 amid protests over the killing of George Floyd. NPS says they received executive orders to “beautify the nation’s capital and reinstate pre-existing statues.” [WTOP]
How Federal Spending Cuts Affect DC
From increasing unemployment claims, reduced contractor work, decreased consumer spending, and more, the D.C. area is experiencing the economic strain from federal budget cuts. The Washington Post put together six charts showing the impact in key sectors. [Washington Post 🔒]
DC Attorney Pirro Focuses on Immigration, Illegal Firearms
After the Senate confirmed Jeanine Pirro as U.S. Attorney for D.C. on Sunday, she has set her focus on the immigration status of criminal defendants and to “aggressively prosecute” the illegal possession of firearms. [Axios]

Why Virginia's Elections Could Change Everything
Virginia’s governor’s race is widely seen as a referendum on the party in power and a bellwether for the national political mood. And it’s not just the governor’s race — every seat is on the November ballot. Michael Pope, reporter for Virginia Public Radio and host of the Virginia Press Room podcast, joins us to break down what’s at stake. [City Cast DC 🎧]
Is the Family Rehousing Program Effective?
A recent D.C. auditor’s report on the Family Rehousing Stabilization Program found many families struggle to afford rent after participation ends — only 21% increased their income. The program, which aimed to help families exit homelessness, faces criticism for its short duration, inadequate support, and whether it can actually provide long-term stability. [Street Sense Media]
Sponsored Content

Staycation Sips & Snacks Hit Chevy Chase
Chevy Chase comes alive this August with Sips & Snacks — a staycation-style food and drink crawl through neighborhood favorites like Little Beast, Opal, and Parthenon. Enjoy live music, snacks, cocktails, and good vibes all in walkable Chevy Chase, DC. August 16, 4–7PM. Tickets $40 — early birds get free merch!

What To Do
Wednesday, Aug. 6
- 🍷 Aperitivo Hour Natural Wine Tasting at Sonny’s Pizza (Park View)
- 🎤 The Church at the 9:30 Club (Shaw)
- 💐 Floral Arranging Basics at She Loves Me (Eckington)
- 💬 Wordplay Wednesday at Planet Word (Downtown)
- 🛍️ Birthday Bags with Food & Friends at Capital Jewish Museum (Penn Quarter)
- 📚 “Zomromcom” at East City Bookshop (Capitol Hill)
- 📹 Jeff Krulik: Official Junk Collector at Rhizome DC (Takoma)
- 🧘 Yoga at the Arboretum (Northeast)
Thursday, Aug. 7
- 💫 Star Trek Themed Trivia at Atlas Brew Works (Ivy City)
- 🎉 Ward 1 Mutual Aid 5th Birthday Party and Fundraiser at Lyman's Tavern (Petworth)
- 🎷 Jazz Soirée at The Phillips Collection (Dupont)
- 📴 Month Offline Exhibition at Temperance Alley Garden (U Street Corridor)
- 📽️ New York Graffiti Art and Breakdancing in the 1980s at MLK Library (Downtown)
- 🧘 FlowWell Yoga at the Bridge District (Southeast)
🦪 It’s National Oyster Week! Check out these deals around the DMV:
- Code Red (Adams Morgan): Slurp on $1 oysters all night through Aug. 9.
- Ragtime Restaurant (Arlington): Try a different oyster special everyday through Aug. 9.
- New Heights (Woodley Park): Enjoy dollar oysters from 5 to 9 p.m. through Aug. 10.
- The Oceanaire (Penn Quarter): Through Aug. 10, experience a dozen pearl oysters with your choice of two Don Q rum cocktails, a bottle of sauvignon blanc, or rosé for $49.
Free · 5 days a week