City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
👀 4 DC stories we’re watching this year
January 7, 2026 · — Natalia Aldana
Good day! The lottery to participate in this year’s Cherry Blossom 10 mile and Double Blossom officially opened this week. The lottery will close on Jan. 19 and results will be announced Jan. 22. And if that doesn’t work in your favor, you can still sign up for the 5K on a first-come, first-served option Jan. 26. Best of lucker, racers! 🌸
What's CITY Talking About
Insurrectionists and Supporters March on Anniversary
On the fifth anniversary of the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, pardoned participants and supporters marched in D.C. yesterday afternoon, meeting outside the White House, waving flags and banners reading, “Thanks for our pardons, Trump,” and “J6 was an inside job,” among others. [NBC4]
Longtime Staffer Running for Congressional Delegate
Trent Holbrook, the former senior legislative counsel to Eleanor Holmes Norton, announced he is running for her D.C. congressional seat as she faces calls to retire. He’s joining an already crowded race, but cites his experience and commitment to continue Norton’s legacy, and says he will address threats to D.C. governance. [Washington Post 🔐]
Violent Crime in DC Drops
For the second consecutive year, violent crime in the city has dropped, with homicides falling 32% and overall violent crime down 29%. Despite the sharp declines, political controversy continues to surround the federal takeover of policing, as well as the new technology and safety initiatives being implemented across the city. [Axios]
More Virginia Kids are Being Homeschooled
Homeschooling in Virginia continues to rise, with over 56,000 students reportedly educated at home in the 2024-25 academic year — a nearly 5% increase from the previous year. Parents have cited safety, religion, and educational quality as reasons for their shift. The rise in homeschooling accelerated during the pandemic. [ABC 7]
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What To Do
Wednesday, Jan. 7
- ✏️ Open Mic Poetry Night at Tryst (Adams Morgan)
- 🎶 Chávez / Ismaily / Saunier at Rhizome DC (Takoma)
- 🎤 Late Night Khaos Karaoke at DC9 (Shaw)
- 👻 Japanese Ghost Stories at Hill Center (Capitol Hill)
- 🎯 Wednesday Night Darts at The Queen Vic (H Street NE)
- 😆 Free Stand Up Show at Hotbed (Adams Morgan)
Thursday, Jan. 8
- 🌱 Terrarium Workshop at PLNTR (Arlington)
- 🎥 Microcinema: Short Films by Jim Doran at Rhizome DC (Takoma)
- 🍣 In-Person Class: Sushi-Making 101 at Other Half Brewing (Ivy City)
- 📚 Public Humanities Community Voices Roundtable at Woodridge Library
- 🎷 Jazz Night at Moonlight (Adams Morgan)
🔪 D.C.’s restaurant scene is cutthroat. Here are some of the restaurants that closed or will be closing this year, plus two on hiatus.
Free · 5 days a week