City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
🥊 Are Dems doing enough to fight for DC?
August 21, 2025 · 💌 Kaela
Hey, neighbor, A new Washington Post poll found that 8 in 10 Washingtonians oppose President Trump taking control of D.C.’s police and bringing in federal troops. What do you think?
What's CITY Talking About?
Pirro Says No Charges For Carrying Firearms
D.C.’s top prosecutor Jeanine Pirro said her office won’t pursue felony charges for people carrying rifles or shotguns in D.C., which local law currently prohibits with narrow exceptions. The order conflicts with the White House’s boasts of seizing dozens of guns as part of the federal takeover. [Washington Post 🔒]
Are Dems Doing Enough to Fight For DC?
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) said Democrats don't want to take President Trump’s takeover lying down. This month, he’s proposing a bill to terminate the federal control of D.C. police. In a GOP Congress, passing it may be a stretch, but Raskin has other ideas for how to oppose the takeover when Congress returns after Labor Day. [City Cast DC 🎧]
Trump Alleges DC Crime Data Manipulation
The Justice Department is investigating the D.C. police after Trump made allegations that the department manipulated crime data to make it seem better than it is. [Axios]
- Related: The U.S. Marshals announced a $500 reward for tips that lead to an arrest in D.C. during the takeover. [Fox 5]
Neighborhood Shoutouts
ICYMI: Every week, we include some local recs from our City Cast DC Neighbors because there is so much to love about our city!
📣 Caitlin F. says to immediately go get the Ethiopian breakfast at Heat da Spot in Parkview.
📣 Adam V. wants to thank the incredible staff at the Brookland Trader Joe’s for “keeping neighborly charm and lobster bisque in abundance!”
📣 Lilah S. loves People's Book in Takoma Park. “No matter how weird or niche my reading mood is, they always respond with multiple great book recommendations.”
Support our work by becoming a member today and you’ll be able to share your own shoutout!
What To Do
Thursday, Aug. 21
- 🥬 August Cookbook Club: “Vegetable Genius” by Anna Berrill at Bold Fork Books (Mt. Pleasant)
- 🐝 The Drunk Spelling Bee at Prima DC (U Street Corridor)
- 🍷 New Moon Tarot and Wine at PLNTR (Dupont)
- 📽️ “The Standard” A Documentary Premiere Event at Angelika Pop-Up (Union Market)
- 💬 LGBTJews in the Federal City at Capital Jewish Museum (Penn Quarter)
- 🍿 Movies on the Pitch: “Cool Runnings” at Audi Field (Southwest)
- 🎶 Sir Alan and the Calypso Ponzi Schemers at Thomas Jefferson Building (Capitol Hill)
Friday, Aug. 22
- 🍿 “Chicago” on the REACH Lawn (Foggy Bottom)
- 🇵🇸 A Benefit For Gaza Thrift at Black Cat (Shaw/U Street)
- 🎙️ "The Art & Soul of Nina Simone" by iO at Creative Cauldron (Falls Church, VA)
- 🪩 Clocked Out: Staff Showcase at The Atlantis (U Street)
- 🖼️ Art Bites Gallery Talk at SAAM (Penn Quarter)
- 🪇 Rooftop Latin Band at The Ven (Embassy Row)
- 💿 ‘00s Dance Party at metrobar (Edgewood)
- 🐐 Goats & Bingo at Faith Lutheran Church (Arlington, VA)
- ⁉️ 1920s Trivia Night at Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden (Alexandria, VA)
🪩 Unbelievable that I didn’t make it on to Washingtonian’s list of D.C.’s most fashionable people. Thought my Metro is “Brutiful” t-shirt would do it for sure.
Free · 5 days a week