City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
Trump must stop ballroom project, orders judge
April 1, 2026 · 💌 Kaela
Welcome to April! Today on the podcast we’re chatting about all the best things to do in D.C. this month, from street fests to sports to picnic spots. So strap on your earbuds and let’s cook.
What's CITY Talking About
Trump Ordered To Stop White House Ballroom Project
A federal judge ordered a halt to Trump's controversial $400 million East Wing ballroom project until it gets congressional approval. The order specifies that construction “must stop” because no law “comes close” to giving Trump the authority to continue. The order has 14 days to take effect, giving the Trump administration time to appeal. [CNBC]
DC James Beard Award finalists
The 2026 James Beard Award finalists were announced yesterday and D.C. made a great showing. Maison Bar à Vins is up for the Best New Restaurant award and Suresh Sundas from Tapori is in the running for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic. Find the full list of D.C finalists here. [City Cast DC/Axios]
Pentagon Debates Using Anti-Drone Lasers In DC
The Army is considering installing an anti-drone laser system at a military base in Southwest where Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio live. The proposal comes after reports of unusual drone activity near the base and concerns about surveillance given the war with Iran. [New York Times]
Eyes Pop at GW’s New $100K Price Tag
George Washington University is getting a lot of flack after it announced the cost for returning students will be over $98,000 a year. Alums are coming out saying it’s not worth it while others are criticizing it for being an over priced “internship crash pad.” [NBC4/X]
Title IX Investigation Underway at Fairfax Country Schools
Fairfax County Public Schools is being investigated under Title IX after it failed to respond to multiple reports of female students being groped by one of their classmates. Parents said the school's response was “abysmal” and called it an attempt to “sweep it under the rug.” [ABC7]
What To Do
Wednesday, April 1
- 🎵 Roots & Revelry: Patty Reese & Dave Chappell at Songbyrd (Union Market)
- ✨ Full Moon Tarot and Wine at PLNTR (Dupont)
- 🏛️ Architecture Month Opening Party at President Lincoln’s Cottage (Northwest)
- 🆒 Wordplay Wednesday: Cherry Blossom Edition at Planet Word (Downtown)
- 💗 National Walking Day at George Mason University (Fairfax)
Thursday, April 2
- 🎹 Charlotte Hu at The Mansion at Strathmore (Bethesda)
- 🎞️ Microcinema: Animated Shorts by Lynn Ochberg at Rhizome (Takoma)
- 🧘 Strength and Vinyasa Series at Balcón (Union Market)
- 🍎 Snacks at the Library at Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood Library
- 🥃 Thrasher's Rum Distillery Tour & Tasting at Tiki TNT & Potomac Distilling Company (The Wharf)
🍟 The construction fencing has come down around D.C.’s one and only Wendy’s (the Union Station one doesn't count). Could a reopening be on the horizon??
👋 Welcome Ryan K. and Michael M. to City Cast DC neighbors! We’re building something big and couldn’t do it without your support! Join them and become a member today.
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