City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
What to expect from DC’s insane 2026 elections
December 15, 2025 · 💌 Kaela
Good morningggg!
Firstly, HUGE thank you to all our new City Cast DC Neighbors! Your postcards (and a big smooch from me) is in the mail. We can’t wait to see you at our next member event!
Truthfully, we are SO close to our goal, it hurts! If just 10 more of you join, we’ll get there. So, if you’ve been meaning to join, now’s the time. Plus, it's the last chance to get these cutie-patootie postcards!
Speaking of smooching, did you see that D.C. broke the world record for most couples kissing under mistletoe this weekend? 😘
What's CITY Talking About
MPD Chief Accused of Manipulating Crime Data
A new House Committee report accuses D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith of manipulating data and deliberately lowering local crime statistics. The report also accuses her of creating a toxic work culture and removing officers for reporting accurate crime numbers. [Washington Post 🔒]
Drunk Raccoon Is Repeat Offender
The viral raccoon that recently rampaged a Virginia liquor store and passed out in its bathroom is likely a repeat offender, officials say. Apparently, it's been causing a ruckus at several businesses in the same Ashland shopping center. [Washington Post 🔒]
2026 Pride Pushed, Citing Safety Concerns
Organizers are pushing the 2026 Capital Pride celebration to June 20 - 21 — a week later than normal — to avoid events connected with President Trump’s birthday and the nation’s 250th anniversary. They say moving it will help ensure the safety of attendees “without unnecessary barriers.” [MetroWeekly]
Zookeepers Bitten By Bearcat
Two zookeepers at the National Zoo were hospitalized after being bitten by a binturong, also known as a bearcat, Friday. The cat-like animals come from tropical forests, are the size of a coyote, and are far too cute for such a misdeed. [NBC4]
Is Trump Using Park Police To Tighten His Grip on DC?
You may have seen the wild ads recruiting for D.C. Park Police. They are aiming to double in size and become the city’s “premier law enforcement agency.” Today on the podcast, we dig into what this would look like with Washington Post reporter Olivia George. [City Cast DC 🎧]
What To Do
Monday, Dec. 15
- 🌱 Kelp Forest Talk at the Natural History Museum (National Mall)
- 🕎 Chanukah Festival (Old Town Alexandria)
- ✍️ DC Comic & Zine Makers Meetup at MLK Library (Downtown)
- 🍺 Profs & Pints: The Christmas Truce of 1914 at Penn Social (Penn Quarter)
- 🎵 Tunes: El Mantis at the Rhizome (Takoma)
- 🎞️ “Sense and Sensibility" Screening at the Georgetown Library
- 🎤 “O Night Divine!” Choral Arts Concert at The Kennedy Center
Tuesday, Dec. 16
- ⚜️ Profs & Pints: The Green Knight and Medieval Yule at Penn Social (Penn Quarter)
- ☕ Death Cafe at Courthouse Library
- 🎤 Stories by LGBTQ+ Jews in D.C. at the Capital Jewish Museum (Penn Quarter)
- 🍿 Midday Matinee Screening at Benning Library
- 🎶 The Pocket Open Mic (Truxton Circle)
👋 So excited to welcome our newest City Cast DC neighbors — Daniel L., Anne D., Brandon J., Sharra E., Charles T., Althea U., Nicholas S., Allie J., Katelyn C., Grace P., and L.V.S.
Just a few more neighbors and we’ll hit our goal!
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