City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
🔍 3 big legislative priorities to watch in VA
January 28, 2026 · 💌 Kaela
Morning. A vigil for Alex Pretti, the 37-year-old VA nurse killed by a federal immigration agent in Minneapolis, will be held today at 5:30 p.m outside the VA Headquarters Downtown. Join neighbors in celebrating his life, stay warm, and stay safe.
What's CITY Talking About
Norton Confirms Retirement
Days after her campaign filed a notice ending her reelection bid, Eleanor Holmes Norton yesterday confirmed she won’t be running for reelection. Norton, 88, has served as D.C.'s delegate to the House for over three decades. “Although I’ve decided not to seek reelection, I will never falter in my commitment to the residents I have long championed,” she said. [Politico]
Scandal Ridden Councilmember Seeks Comeback
Jack Evans, who stepped down from the D.C. Council in 2020 amid scandal is seeking a comeback, this time as council chairman. The D.C. Council unanimously recommended Evans’ expulsion after he was repeatedly accused of using his public office as Ward 2 councilmember for private gain. [Washington Post 🔒]
Potomac E. Coli Levels Dangerously High
Potomac River water samples taken in Arlington came back with bacteria levels 60 times higher than what’s safe for human contact after a sewage pipe burst upstream. Levels near the burst pipe were even higher. Probably not the best time for a dip in the Potomac … not that it ever is 🥴 [ARLnow]
Behind DC’s 30-Year Low in Homicides
D.C. saw a 30 year low in homicides in 2025, following a national drop. And in Baltimore, homicides plummeted to a 50-year low. Dr. Joseph Richardson, co-chair of D.C.'s Homicide Review Committee, explains what's actually working to reduce gun violence. [City Cast DC 🎧]
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What To Do
Wednesday, Jan. 28
- 🪩 Sapphic Social at metrobar (Brentwood)
- 🌱 Fresh Start Series: Planting Intentions at The Yards (Navy Yard)
- 🎤 Tunes + Poetry Night at Rhizome (Takoma)
- ✍️ John Lewis, Poetry & Hip-HopEd Workshop at Capitol View Library
- 🎞️ Film Screening: "Crooks in Clover" at the Embassy of France (Georgetown)
- 🎻 Tunes: Ruckus and Davóne Tines (Bass-Baritone) at Sixth & I (Chinatown)
Thursday, Jan. 29
- 👖 Sustainable Fashion Workshop at Femme Fatale (Cleveland Park)
- 🍻 Profs & Pints: The Ballistic Missile Defense Question at Hill Center (Capitol Hill)
- 📖 Author Talk: Gov. Josh Shapiro at Sixth & I (Chinatown)
- ✍️ Teaching and Assessing Writing at Planet Word (Downtown)
- 📚 Book Talk: “All the World's Your Stage” at East City Bookshop (Capitol Hill)
- 🎼 Local Tunes: Not This Blue House (Blues/Rock) at Pie Shop (H Street)
- 🎲 Analog Night: Backgammon at Flor Coffee + Books (Georgetown)
- 🥓 Book Talk: “A Global History of SPAM” at Hill’s Kitchen (Capitol Hill)
🐼 Giant Pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao at the National Zoo might be enjoying the snow more than any of us.
Free · 5 days a week