
City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
Trump deploys National Guard amid 'dire safety crisis'
August 12, 2025 · 💌 Kaela
Hey D.C.! NASA says “the best meteor shower of the year” is this week, and today and tomorrow are the peak. Something to put it all in perspective. 💫

What's CITY Talking About?
Trump Orders Takeover of MPD, Deploys National Guard
Yesterday, President Trump announced a federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department and the deployment of 800 armed National Guard troops in the name of fighting local crime, despite stats showing big improvements. He added that he is prepared to “bring in the military if needed.” [City Cast DC 🎧]
- The MPD takeover will last up to 30 days (any longer needs congressional approval).
- D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, D.C. Council, and Delegate Elenor Holmes Norton all slammed the takeover calling it “unlawful,” “unwarranted,” and “potentially dangerous.”
- Mayor Bowser said D.C. would comply with the order despite being blindsided by Trump's plan to take over city police.
- Trump said the troops will focus on clearing homeless encampments, protecting federal buildings, and going after gangs.
‼️ Psst! Still got questions? We dive into more detail on Trump’s claims below.
Increase In Involuntary Hospitalizations Likely, Warns Attorney General
D.C.’s Attorney General has warned local hospitals to expect an influx of involuntary hospitalizations due to orders from the White House to target and clear homeless encampments. [Washingtonian]
Judge Blocks Digital Gateway Project
A Prince William County judge blocked the rezoning proposal needed for the country to build a 22 million square foot data center. The project would have been the largest in the world. [NoVa]
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Get ready to eat your heart out! Summer Restaurant Week is back August 18th to Sunday, August 24th. It’s your chance to explore the amazing flavors our region has to offer, with hundreds of restaurants rolling out the red carpet. Time to finally try that spot you’ve been eyeing or revisit an old favorite!

What To Do
Tuesday, Aug. 12
- ☺️ Evening Harmony: Sound Bathing at the Arboretum (Northeast)
- 🧶 Craft Circle at Solid State Books (14th Street Corridor)
- 🍿 Tuesday Night Movies: “From the World of John Wick: Ballerina” at MLK Library (Downtown)
- 🍻 Profs & Pints DC: Labyrinth Lore at Penn Social (Penn Quarter)
- 🤠 Dancing on the Waterfront: Country Line Dancing and Two Step (Georgetown)
- 🔎 An Evening with General (Ret.) Stanley McChrystal at the International Spy Museum (Southwest)
Wednesday, Aug. 13
- 📚 Library Book Sale at Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library (Tenleytown)
- 💃 Dance on the Lunar Lawn at Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens (Forest Hills)
- 🤘 Rooftop Punk Show at MLK Library (Downtown)
- 🧩 Q?rius After Hours at the National Museum of Natural History (National Mall)
- 🎉 Rock the Dock: DuPont Brass at The Wharf (Southwest)
👋 Thanks Kelly H., and Kathleen P. for becoming City Cast DC Members and helping keep local news alive! We need it now more than ever.
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