
City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
Penn Ave. is getting a refresh
April 10, 2026 · Kaela Cote-Stemmermann
Morning! If you know me, you know I stop at every single Little Free Library I pass. But this might be even better. A community garden project by Union Market has a Little Free Herb Garden. Please leave some basil for me, I need it for my caprese salad.

What's CITY Talking About
Penn Ave. Redo Gets Real
It's happening. The National Capital Planning Commission will narrow parts of Penn. Avenue NW between the White House and the Capitol, add greenery, and hoist lots of American Flags with the hope of creating a “global stage” akin to those in European cities. [City Cast DC 🎧]
- Want to get involved? You can submit public comments through April 30 or attend a meeting on April 22.
Staff at Beleaguered Psychiatric Hospital Charged With Criminal Neglect
Three staff members at the Psychiatric Institute of Washington, a local for-profit hospital, are being charged with criminal neglect leading to the death of a 58-year-old patient in 2020. The case alleges staff stood chatting over the patient for 21 minutes after he was found having difficulty breathing. The charges come after years of reported abuse and neglect at the facility. [Washington Post 🔒]
Big Dreams For Old Six Flags Site
The old Six Flags site in Prince George’s County was sold to an investment group that includes NBA star Kevin Durant, who grew up in the county. The site's future is still unclear, but local leaders say they hope to develop a commercial destination that attracts tourists, not just a housing development. [WTOP]
Fluoride Reduced In MD Water, Links to War In Iran
The water utility company that serves Montgomery and Prince George’s counties is reducing the level of fluoride added to drinking water due to supply chain challenges stemming from the war in Iran. The water quality remains safe and unaffected, but it might be a good time to start flossing. [Washington Post 🔒]
Maryland Settles With Ship Owner In Key Bridge Collapse
After two years, Maryland reached a settlement with the owners of the ship that collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, leading to its collapse and the deaths of six construction workers. The settlement is part of a larger restitution effort by the state's attorney general, including claims against the shipbuilder, Hyundai. [Baltimore Banner]
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Pacifica Quartet featuring Narration by Nina Totenberg
Washington Performing Arts presents Pacifica Quartet and NPR's Nina Totenberg in an evening of music for string quartet and narrator, April 12 at Sixth & I. Hear two original compositions: Steps for Justice honoring Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and The Edge of Everything in tribute to environmentalist Rachel Carson, plus works by Beethoven and Florence Price. Tickets $81 at WashingtonPerformingArts.org.

DC Insider Trivia

What is D.C.’s official cocktail?
- Espresso Martini (vodka, coffee liquor, espresso)
- The Rickey (gin, lime, club soda, garnished with lime)
- Moscow Mule (vodka, ginger beer, lime, mint)
- Piña Colada (rum, coconut, pineapple juice)

Friday Floof
Welcome to our 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!

Blanche
(Female, 11-years-old)
Meet Blanche, a gentle old soul who wants nothing more than a cozy place to nap and a loving human to keep her company. She can often be found using her stairs to get up onto a bed or the couch to enjoy the day, just watching the activity around her or sleeping in the sun. Blanche will happily snooze by your side all day if you let her.

What To Do
Friday, April 10
- 🌸 Blossom Soiree at United States Botanic Garden (National Mall)
- 🎷 Jazz Concert with Meklit Hadero at African Art Museum (National Mall)
- 🪩 Mr. Brightside 2000s Dance Party at DC9 (Shaw)
- 🎶 boyscoutmarie at Pie Shop (H Street Corridor)
- 📝 Free Tax Preparation Help at Georgetown Library
- 🤣 Girlboss Sketch Show at The DC Arts Center (Adams Morgan)
Saturday, April 11
- 🌸 National Cherry Blossom Parade on Constitution Avenue
- 🛍️ Moving Sale at The Neighborgoods (Petworth)
- 💐 Georgetown Flower Tour with Georgetown Library
- 🖼️ Matters of the Heart Mixed-Media Art Workshop at Anacostia Community Museum
- 🐦 Family Day: Birds at the Library at the Library of Congress (Capitol Hill)
- 🍇 Kombucha 101 at Edgewood Community Farm
- ⛳ Spring Block Party at Maret School (Woodley Park)
- 🌷 Crepe Paper Flower Class at PLNTR (Arlington)
- 🎶 Ayuda Benefit Concert at DC9 (Shaw)
- 💿 Physical Media Swap at Rhizome (Takoma)
Sunday, April 12
- 🐉 Dungeons and Dragons One Shot Campaign at Fantom Comics (Dupont Circle)
- 🌼 Paper Flower Workshop at Shop Made in DC (Georgetown)
- 🐕 Paws and Petals Yappy Hour at metrobar (Edgewood)
- 👗 Plus Size Clothing Swap at MLK Library (Downtown)
- 🍻 Profs and Pints: History of Plastic Surgery at Highline RxR (Arlington)
- 🎻 Pacifica Quartet with Nina Totenberg at Sixth & I (Chinatown)
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