City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
⚖️ Can Trump actually revoke home rule?
August 7, 2025 · — Natalia Aldana
Hi friend! Reliable reports from friends of City Cast inform me that the corpse flower at the U.S. Botanic Garden smells like “dead rat … and also broccoli?” That’s a pass for me, but check out this video on the science behind the smell 🌱👃🥴
What's CITY Talking About?
Long Vacant Northeast Lot Could Move Forward
A zoning change that would allow for medium-density mixed-use development may finally advance the vacant lot at 1600 North Capitol St. NW. Plans to redevelop the lot have stalled since 2007. But a recent eminent domain action from the city could motivate construction. [Urban Turf]
- Joe Mamo is the owner of the vacant lot, and he’s had a monopoly on D.C.’s gas prices for years. [City Cast DC 🎧]
New Hotline Setup to Document ICE Operations in Virginia
The PODER Virginia immigrant rights group has launched a hotline for immigrants, family members, and allies to report ICE arrests and deportation incidents, which they hope will help them identify ICE operation patterns. Hotline staffers can also help answer questions or provide assistance. The hotline can be reached at 844-ALERT-VA and takes calls from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. [NBC4]
Canadian Wildfire Smoke Affecting Air Quality
The DMV is under Code Yellow Alert after smoke from Southwestern Manitoba wildfires are increasing pollution levels. Officials say it could escalate to a Code Orange, so residents are advising people with asthma or lung diseases and the elderly and young children to avoid strenuous activities outside. [WTOP]
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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
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)
Friday, Aug. 8
- 📚 Book Sale at Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library (Tenleytown)
- 🐉 Dungeons N' Drafts DC at Atlas Brew Works (Ivy City)
- 🍿 Drive-In Movie: “Monsters, Inc.” (Union Market)
- 🪩 Femme Fatale: A Queer Dance Party at Black Cat (14th Street Corridor)
- 🤗 Friends in DC: Connection Night at Eaton House (K Street)
- 🎣 Friday Night Fishing at Diamond Teague Park (Navy Yard)
- 🎤 Lena Seikaly "Ella Sings Duke" at Creative Cauldron (Falls Church)
Neighborhood Shoutouts
ICYMI: Every week, we include some D.C. recs from our City Cast DC Neighbors!
📣 Taryn M. wants to shout out Here's The Scoop on Georgia Avenue. “The ice cream is cold and delicious and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. And they sponsor local Little League teams.”
📣 Michael H. wants to recommend Speedy Snack, “A family-owned sushi shop that opened on F Street in the Penn Quarter this past year. So delicious, so inexpensive compared to most D.C. prices! Friendly people!”
📣 Elliot B. hopes you’ll visit Cool Coffee in Brookland. “Great little shop. Robel and his team have done a lot.”
Become a member today to share your own shoutout in this newsletter.
🥤 Here’s one of the Capitol’s best-kept secrets — until now. A Coca-Cola vending machine in the press room on the U.S. Capitol Building’s south side is pushing out canned soda for a whopping 75 cents! Though it’s not clear who sets these prices, and why they’re so low.
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