City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
Is DC’s airspace getting more dangerous?
December 12, 2025 · 💌 Kaela
Hey D.C.! It’s the last day of our membership campaign and the last day to get your hands on this amazing set of postcards by local artist Carlos Carmonamedina!
Thank you so much to those of you who’ve joined City Cast DC Neighbors. Your support means the world and it’s essential to making sure we can keep this newsletter going.
Becoming a member supports our work and helps you connect more deeply with D.C. life through members-only activities, curated guides to local events, and more! It’s a small act that lets you show up for your community and D.C. in a big way.
Plus! Today is your last day to join and get your set of locally-inspired postcards — I’m dying to send you a pack!
What's CITY Talking About
Plan to Ease DCA Flight Restrictions Gets Backlash
Mayor Bowser and several federal officials are slamming a new defense bill that would allow military helicopters more access around DCA. They say it will create conditions similar to those that lead to the deadly mid-air crash in January. [City Cast DC 🎧]
Ultra-Rare Dino Skull On Display In DC
An exceedingly rare dinosaur skull — a Pachycephalosaurus skull to be specific — is about to go on display at the Museum of Natural History for one week only. Researchers say the remarkably preserved skull could change humanity’s understanding of the mysterious creature. [Washington Post 🔒]
Trump Stadium Could Be Inevitable
Trump announced last month that he wants the new Commanders stadium named after him. Now, Axios has published a piece that explores how that might actually work, and why City Hall might be powerless to block it. [Axios]
Judge Orders Abrego Garcia Released
A Maryland judge ordered PG County resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia released from immigration detention while he fights his deportation, saying he is being detained without any legal basis. Abrego Garcia was mistakenly deported to El Salvador in March, sparking a nationally significant immigration enforcement debate. [WTOP]
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You know the deal, this mini crossword puzzle hinges on your knowledge of D.C. and local news. How fast can you complete it?
What To Do
Friday, Dec. 12
- 🤘 Local Tunes: Cut It Up DC at DC9 (Shaw)
- 🎊 Holiday Remix Party at the Stacks (Southwest)
- 🌲 Big Bear Cafe's Holiday Street Market (Bloomingdale)
- 🎵 Local Tunes: Kinoko/Soul Meets Body at Pie Shop (H St. NE)
- 🕺 Asian City Pop Dance Party at Lucky Danger (Chinatown)
- 🛍️ Tingey Plaza Holiday Market (Navy Yard)
- 🎤 “The Delta King’s Blues” Opera at Theater Alliance (Waterfront)
- 🎶 Trisha Paytas: TRISHMAS LIVE! at the Anthem (The Wharf)
- 🧑🎄 An Irish Carol at Keegan Theater (Dupont)
Saturday, Dec. 13
- 🛍️ All Souls Bar Holiday Market (Shaw)
- 💋 National Kiss Under the Mistletoe (Downtown)
- 🎵 Soulbook Sessions Live (R&B) at Femme Fatale (Cleveland Park)
- ❄️ Cleveland Park Winter Festival on the Main Street Promenade
- 🚲 Holiday Lights Bike Ride (Capitol Hill)
- ☃️ Winter Wonderland Market at Wonderlands (Columbia Heights)
- 😆 Comedy: Alex Edelman at Sixth & I (Chinatown)
- ☀️ Yalda Market: Winter Solstice Celebration (Brookland Arts Walk)
- 🌲 Edgewood Community Farm Holiday Market & Festival
- 🎊 Van Ness Holiday Pop-Up Market
- 🪄 Hogwarts: A Burlesque Variety Show at Joe's Movement Emporium (Mt. Rainier)
- 📚 Celebrating the Legacy of Jane Austen at Georgetown Library
- 👖 Vintage Holiday Market at The Line Hotel (Adams Morgan)
Sunday, Dec. 14
- 👕 MLK Library Clothing Swap (Downtown)
- 🕎 National Menorah Lighting 2025 (National Mall)
- 🛷 Winter Wonderland Festival at the Woodridge Library
- 🛎️ Room Service: Holiday Edition (Last Day) (Union Market)
- 🎶 Tunes: Boy Meets Pearl and Sid Satellite at Galaxy Hut (Arlington)
- 🎂 Cake Fest DMV at Royal Sands Social Club (Navy Yard)
- 🍪 Riverside Holiday Market at The Wharf
- 🍷 Agatha Christie + Sherry Club Chats at Baan Siam (Mt. Vernon)
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📣 Time to shout out my favorite readers! Kidding, I appreciate you all, but I am especially grateful to Susie Z., Alix J., Elyzabeth E., Jivesh K., and Robin L and Carolyn L who just became City Cast DC members! One of these new members even gave her membership as a gift — isn’t that a great idea?! You can do that here!
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