City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
Bowser welcomes federal forces indefinitely
September 3, 2025 · 💌 Kaela
Morning, neighbor! D.C. flag sales have skyrocketed since Trump’s takeover. So much so that stores are having trouble keeping them in stock! Residents say it's a small way of showing the world that “this is our home, and we can’t be silenced.”
What's CITY Talking About?
Bowser Welcomes Federal Forces To Stay Indefinitely
Yesterday, Mayor Bowser issued an order requiring local cooperation with federal enforcement to the “maximum extent” allowed by law, with no expiration date. This helps pave a path for the federal takeover of D.C. police to potentially continue beyond the legally allowed 30 days. [Washington Post 🔒]
Neil Young Confronts Trump In New Song About DC
Canadian-American singer Neil Young released a song called “Big Crime” blasting President Trump’s current takeover of D.C. The lyrics read "Don’t want soldiers walking on our streets! There’s big crime in D.C. at the White House!" [The Guardian]
Tourism Slumps Post Takeover
D.C.’s tourism numbers have taken a hit since Trump’s takeover. Tour guide companies have seen a slump especially among international visitors, and foot traffic is down 7%. D.C.’s tourism office is upping its ad efforts to combat negative rhetoric and bring in more people. [Axios]
How Trump is Censoring the Smithsonian
Museum goers are getting nervous about potential repercussions from President Trump’s latest demands on the Smithsonian, including one woman on a quest to visit every single Smithsonian exhibit. [NBC4]
- We talked with reporter Manuel Roig-Franzia about what the reality of these demands will look like and how the museum is fighting back. [City Cast DC 🎧]
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What To Do
Wednesday, Sep. 3
- 😋 Taste of Western Market (Foggy Bottom)
- 🧘 Yoga at Island Time Bar & Grill (Arlington)
- 🎵 Local Tunes: Jahnel Daliya (Folk/Pop) in Milian Park (Mt. Vernon Triangle)
- 🤔 Wordplay Wednesday: Back-to-School at Planet Word (Downtown)
Thursday, Sep. 4
- 🤘 DC Public Library Rooftop Punk Show at MLK Library (Downtown)
- 🪡 Jewelry Making at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
- 📚 Vintage Book Flower Press Workshop at PLNTR (Dupont)
- 🎒 Back to School Block Party at Northwest One Library
- 🧑🍳 Cookbook Talk: “Sally’s Baking 101” at Sixth&I (Chinatown)
- 🎞️ Short Films By Local Filmmakers at Rhizome DC (Takoma)
- 🪷 Lily & Lotus Wonder Wander at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
- 🎥 "The Last Battlefront" film screening with Free DC at MLK Library (Downtown)
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This October, join Move for Meals, a fitness and fundraising challenge hosted by Food & Friends. Walk, run, or bike to support neighbors living with serious illnesses. Every $10 raised provides one medically tailored meal. Sign up today and help us reach 20,000 meals: https://p2p.onecause.com/moveformeals
☕ Need a free cuppa? Today Perigrene Espresso is celebrating their 17th anniversary with free hot and iced coffee and $2 off beans at both shops all day.
👋 Also, welcome James C. and Menna E. to the City Cast DC neighbors club! Your support goes a long way!
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