City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
🤢 Worst sewage spill in US history
February 13, 2026 · 💌 Kaela
Exciting announcement! City Cast just dropped a brand new podcast. It’s called Your City Could Be Better — because it could be! Every week, our CEO David Plotz will bring on different hosts and producers from the 13 City Cast teams to talk about what our cities are doing right, wrong, and the weird stuff in between.
We’re talking everything from dog poop crises to housing solutions; so tune in. The first episode is out now wherever you get your podcasts.
What's CITY Talking About
Mass Real Estate Fraud Scheme Uncovered
D.C.’s Attorney General sued local slumlord Ali “Sam” Razjooyan to dismantle an extensive real estate scheme. The suit claims Razjooyan — who owns over 70 apartment buildings — deceived lenders with promises to fix the buildings then rented them to tenants who receive housing subsidies without repairs, forcing them to live in horrific conditions. [Office of the Attorney General for D.C. / Washington Post 🔒]
Kennedy Center Plans Mass Layoffs As Reno Approaches
The head of the Kennedy Center told staff to expect massive cuts that will leave “skeletal teams” as it prepares to close for Trump’s planned two-year renovation. Many departments will be on hold entirely until it reopens in 2028. [City Cast DC 🎧]
EV Charging Comes To AdMo
D.C.’s first curbside electric vehicle charging station opened in Adams Morgan this week with two more to be added this spring. The chargers are part of a new pilot program to make EV ownership more accessible. [WTOP]
Biggest Sewage Spill In US History
The Potomac River sewage spill is now considered the largest wastewater spill in U.S. history. The pipe break, which occurred a month ago, is expected to take an extra six weeks to fix due to a rock dam blocking the pipe. [WTOP]
Beware: Blue/Yellow Line Closures
Starting Saturday, the Metro will not operate between Pentagon City and National Airport for 10 separate weekends this spring. The Crystal City station will be closed for all 10. Oof! [WMATA]
Sponsored Content
Join Us: Open House March 31
Your path to professional and personal growth continues here. Georgetown’s School of Continuing Studies offers a variety of master’s degrees and certificates. Whether you’re hoping to level up, pivot into something new, or finish what you started, learn how at our SCS Open House Lunch on March 31. Reserve your spot.
Weekly DC News Quiz
How closely did you pay attention to local news this week? Take our news quiz to find out! Oh, and no Googling!
Friday Floof
Welcome to our new bi-weekly tradition, where we feature a different pet twice a month from City Dogs & City Kitties Rescue that is looking for a forever home!
Rocco
(5 1/2 years old, 70 pounds)
Meet Rocco — a guy who will (a) never say no to a walk, (b) happily greets people, (c) is good with kids, and (d) shockingly enjoys spending time in his den/crate when you aren't around! Rocco is loyal, affectionate, playful, and truly a wonderful canine companion. If you think he’s a good fit, you can become his foster. When you inevitably fall in love and want him to stay, there is no adoption fee!
What To Do
Friday, Feb. 13
- 💗 Venus Galentine's Dance Party at Black Cat (14th St. NW)
- 🎹 Love Songs of the 15th Century at the Folger Shakespeare Library (Capitol Hill)
- 🎵 Tunes: Runo Plum (Indie-Rock) at DC9 (Shaw)
- 🌹 Situationship Bollywood Party at Decades (Dupont)
- 🎸 A Night of Black Sabbath and Ozzy at The Pocket (Truxton Circle)
- 🎥 Movie Screening: “Jexi” at Southwest Library (Waterfront)
Saturday, Feb. 14
- 💘 Sucker For Love with Story District at Lincoln Theatre (U St NW)
- 💀 Sweet & Sour Valentine's Comedy Show at Busboys and Poets (Takoma)
- 🧶 Friends & Flowers Weaving Workshop at Femme Fatale (Cleveland Park)
- 💔 Mortified DC Live: Doomed Valentine's at Black Cat (14th St. NW)
- 🎞️ Collaborative 16mm Film Workshop at the Rhizome (Takoma)
- 🤘 Valentines Rock & Roll Dance Party at Black Cat (14th St. NW)
- 🚪 Valentine's Secret Door Tour at the O Street Museum (Dupont)
- 🎂 Edible Flower Cake Decorating at PLNTR (Dupont)
Sunday, Feb. 15
- 🍬 Valentine's Sweets Swap at Bold Fork Books (Mt. Pleasant)
- 🎵 Valentine's Flashband Showcase at The Pocket (Truxton Circle)
- 🛍️ LVRS & FRNDS Pop-Up Market at Black Cat (14th St. NW)
- 🌱 Wild Winter Medicine Workshop at the Rhizome (Takoma)
- 💘 Love Songs of the 15th Century at Folger Theatre (Capitol Hill)
- 🍪 DMV Cookie Fest at Royal Sands Social Club (Navy Yard)
- 🎞️ Film Screening: “Sunset Boulevard” at the National Gallery of Art (National Mall)
Sponsored Content
Choral Tribute to MLK at Strathmore
Join us as the combined Men, Women, and Children of the Gospel choirs of Washington Performing Arts, the Choral Arts Symphonic Chorus, and special guest artist Brent Jones raise their voices in tribute to Dr. King’s achievements and to his ongoing, indelible impact through song, inspirational stories, and special tributes.
💘 Happy early Valentine's day! We love all our readers, but especially our City Cast DC members! Cheers to our newest neighbors: Monica B., Andree R., Tara H., and Allie L. Thank you for supporting us — you too can become a member!
P.S. We’re off on Monday but will be back in your inbox on Tuesday!
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