City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
DC election season ramps up more!
December 8, 2025 · 💌 Kaela
Morning, D.C.! We’re kicking off our year-end membership campaign with a treat! Local artist Carlos Carmonamedina designed an adorable set of City Cast DC postcards, based on our favorite D.C. stories, for anyone who joins our members program this week.
ICYMI our City Cast DC Neighbor program is $10/month or $100/year and you get:
- 🌟 Member-only events like tours, volunteer meetups, or happy hours
- 🗓️ Weekly events preview delivered every Monday
- 🎧 Ad-free podcast listening in a special members-only feed
- ❤️ Our love and affection forever
- ➕ Plus, join today and get free art postcards for you friends, fridge, or wall!
What's CITY Talking About
President Trump Emcees At Kennedy Center Honors
President Trump hosted the Kennedy Center Honors last night, marking it the first time a U.S. President has emceed the event. The honorees — personally approved by Trump — were Sylvester Stallone, Micheal Crawford, KISS, Gloria Gaynor, and George Strait. The event will be broadcast on CBS on Dec. 23. [Deadline]
- Related: Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center has left the institution struggling and D.C.’s art community reeling. [City Cast DC 🎧]
Months Later, Kennedy Center Still Owes Performers
Representatives for three performers say they are still waiting on checks from the Kennedy Center, despite performing months ago. Apparently the center let go of their bookings manager in October, and haven’t replaced them. [Hollywood Reporter]
Anita Bonds Steps Down
D.C. Councilmember Anita Bonds won't be running in 2026, setting up another wide-open race in D.C.’s already crowded upcoming campaign season. She is considering endorsing one of her Council staff, Kevin Chavous, to replace her. [Washington City Paper]
Health Insurance Cuts Hit Low-Income Residents Hardest
Many low-income residents are struggling to afford health care after D.C. cut 2,200 people from the Health Care Alliance Program due to budget cuts. It also coincides with upcoming changes to D.C.’s Medicaid program in 2025, which could leave thousands more uninsured. [Washington Post 🔒]
Sponsored Content
Gay Men’s Chorus presents The Holiday Show
One of DC’s most popular holiday traditions returns with an all-new edition! Join the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC as they ring in the season with The Holiday Show. December 13, 14, and 20 at Lincoln Theatre. Tickets and info at GMCW.org.
What To Do
Monday, Dec. 8
- 🎶 Tunes: Weirs at Rhizome (Takoma)
- 🍕 Holiday Sip N' Jewel at Sette Osteria (Dupont)
- 🍹 Repeal Day History (and Drinks) at Union Pub (Capitol Hill)
- 🍬 Gingerbread House Decorating Competition at The Board Room (Arlington)
- ✍️ Neurographic Art Workshop at Del Ray Artisans
- 🎤 Open Mic Night at Busboys and Poets (Shirlington)
- 🌀 Sound Healing at Eaton Wellness (Downtown)
Tuesday, Dec. 9
- ❄️ Winternational Embassy Showcase (Federal Triangle)
- ☕ Sip And Swap at Femme Fatale (Cleveland Park)
- 🏠 “Home Alone” Concert at The Anthem (The Wharf)
- 🛍️ Vintage Market at The Dew Drop Inn (Edgewood)
- 🌲 Wreath Building at MLK Library (Downtown)
- 🍺 Profs & Pints: How Nativity Scenes Were Born at Penn Social (Penn Quarter)
- 🎤 Ask A DC Native, Live! with the 51st (Logan Circle)
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.
The DMV’s drunk, liquor-store-demolishing raccoon made it onto SNL — tell me why I’m feeling bad for the little guy. He was clearly already having a rough day 😓
P.S. Cheers to Charles P. for being the first person to become a member during our end-of-year membership drive. Cute postcards coming your way!
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