City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
😋 Union Market eats we love
December 4, 2025 · 💌 Kaela
Morning, neighbor! A drunk raccoon was found passed out on the bathroom floor of a Virginia liquor store after ransacking its shelves. Authorities say it was unharmed “other than maybe a hangover and poor life choices.” Join the club, little guy.
What's CITY Talking About
Bowser Opposes Emergency Streatery Fix
D.C. Council passed last minute emergency legislation Tuesday to allow streateries to operate year-round with lower operating costs, despite Mayor Bowser asking them not to. It now goes to the mayor to sign but she has already come out against the legislation, although the council could override a veto. [Washington Post 🔒]
- Related: Many restaurants, including Le Diplomate and a slew of spots on 18th Street, have already taken their streateries down. So my big question: Will this emergency legislation bring them back to life? [X/@swlittauer]
National Guard Shooter Charged With Murder
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the 29-year-old Washington state resident accused of killing one National Guard member and critically injuring another, has been charged with murder. He appeared in court remotely Tuesday from his hospital bed. [ABC]
- Related: All National Guard members posted in D.C. will now be armed following the recent shooting, said the Pentagon. [Axios]
Eater Announces Restaurant Awards
Eater DC released their 2025 award winners, with Tapori taking the Best New Restaurant category. Meanwhile, Bar Betsie snagged Best New Bar and Anthony Jones of Marcus DC was named Rising Chef of the year. [Eater]
An Old Asylum Is DC’s Next Big Development Project
St. Elizabeth’s campus in Southeast, known for its psychiatric hospital, is being quietly turned into one of D.C.’s largest development projects. A cabinet department, a basketball arena, housing and more are planned and could seriously change Southeast D.C. [City Cast DC 🎧]
Sponsored Content
One Weekend Only! Native Art Market returns to DC
Make your holiday shopping special and support Indigenous artists at the National Museum of the American Indian. Enjoy lunch at the Mitsitam Cafe, join a curator-led tour, and see the museum’s new exhibition Water’s Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe, featuring nearly 50 evocative sculptures and drawings. Dec. 6-7.
What To Do
Thursday, Dec. 4
- 🔔 Jingle Block Rock at the SW Duck Pond (Waterfront)
- 🎄 Light the Plaza Tree Lighting (Rosslyn)
- 🎵 Tunes: Teethe (Alt/Indie) at DC9 (Shaw)
- ✊ Ward 6 Free DC Meeting (Location TBD)
- 🍵 Tea Tasting at Parklands-Turner Library
- 👼 Retro Felt Angels Workshop with Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market (Alexandria)
Friday, Dec. 5
- 🎸 Gwenifer Raymond at Rhizome (Takoma)
- 📯 Holiday Music from Spain & Portugal at Folger Theatre (Capitol Hill)
- 🐶 Santa Paws Yappy Hour at Central Place Plaza (Arlington)
- 🍹 Carols + Cocktails at The Stacks (Southwest)
- 🧑🎨 Washington Studio School Student Exhibition at Washington Studio School (Kalorama)
- 🌱 Botanical Soap Making at PLNTR (Dupont)
Sponsored Content
Winternational Welcomes the World to Washington DC
Discover the world at the 12th Annual Winternational Embassy Showcase on December 9! Presented by World Trade Center Washington, DC, explore displays from 70+ embassies, shop artisanal goods, sample global bites, and enjoy live cultural performances in this one-of-a-kind marketplace. Register today for this free global celebration.
Thanks for reading, see you tomorrow!
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