City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
💸 How a government shutdown affects you
October 1, 2025 · — Natalia
🤗 Goooood morning! We’re in the final days of our fall membership campaign and we really (really) need your help to sustain this daily newsletter.
City Cast DC strives to be a good neighbor by holding our city accountable and helping you do the same. Whether it's reporting candidly on the local impact of the federal takeover or calling out local officials, we want to keep you informed.
When you become a Neighbor, you’re helping sustain the reporting that keeps our city honest and connected.
Psst! Don’t forget, we’re giving away Neighbors Make DC totes to anyone who joins, this week only! 🎁
What's CITY Talking About?
How a Government Shutdown Will Affect Washingtonians
As Congress wasn’t able to avert a shutdown, local courts and police may have to operate with limited staff, and Smithsonian museums and national parks may close. However, most other D.C. services will continue to run, such as trash pickup, mail services, and Metro. [WAMU 88.5]
- Plus: Per usual, D.C. businesses are already promoting government shutdown specials. [Axios]
New Laws Taking Effect Across DMV
Starting today, hundreds of laws take effect in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. In D.C., residents will see an increase in sales tax and higher costs for renting with pets. Here’s what else is changing. [WUSA9]
Fairfax Schools Ordered to Investigate Abortion Claims
The U.S. Department of Education has ordered Fairfax County Public Schools to investigate allegations that a social worker assisted a student in obtaining an abortion without her parent’s consent. The district must submit their findings by Oct. 17. [NBC4]
EV Access to HOV Lanes Ends
Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles will lose their solo access to HOV lanes as federal exemptions expire today. No extensions have been passed for Maryland and Virginia drivers. In D.C., there are no HOV roads or highways. [WTOP]
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What To Do
Wednesday, Oct. 1
- 📚 Lost City Books Fall Salon at The Line (Adams Morgan)
- 🥮 Mid-Autumn Night Market at Hi-Lawn (Union Market)
- ✍️ Wordplay Wednesday: Eras & End Zones at Planet Word (Downtown)
- 🌱 Propagation Workshop with PLNTR (National Landing)
- 🎞️ Rooftop Film Screening: “Hacking Hate” at the Swedish Embassy (Georgetown)
Thursday, Oct. 2
- 🥮 Mid-Autumn Night Market at Hi-Lawn (Union Market)
- 🎮 Mario Kart Tournament at Pitchers (Adams Morgan)
- 🎃 DIY Fall & Halloween Decor at Merry Pin (Takoma)
- 🫔 Clase de Tamales at La Cosecha (Union Market)
- 🎶 Tunes: The Tubs (Celtic) at Songbyrd (Union Market)
- 🎥 Microcinema: “In Order Not To Be Here” at the Rhizome (Takoma)
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Culture, Cuisine, Community: Taste of New Futures
You are invited to Taste of New Futures: Around the World, a rooftop cocktail party celebrating our diverse community through global cuisine, exhibits, and performances. This vibrant evening raises $30,000 for scholarships, advising, and career opportunities for DMV youth — advancing educational equity and brighter futures, one bite at a time.
👋 Welcome to the neighborhood: Rachel W., Kristin L., Sarah T., and Sara H.! We’re so glad we’re neighbors with you.
Our new friends now have access to exclusive events, like insider tours and happy hours. We’re in the final days of our campaign and we need your support — join in on the fun by becoming a City Cast DC Neighbor today!
Free · 5 days a week