City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
Bowser brings back youth curfews
April 17, 2026 · 💌 Kaela
Good morning my lovely neighbors!
I’ve got some big news! Today is my last day writing this newsletter. I know, I know! As we build out our crack local news team, we’re also making some changes to this daily send.
Starting Monday, City Cast DC co-host and executive editor Michael Schaffer will be taking the reins and bringing you essential news and smart analysis of the issues driving D.C. You’ll also be seeing a lot more original work from our reporters.
Now, not to get too cheesy, but it’s been the honor of my career to talk with you every day via this newsletter. It is an experience that brought me closer to D.C. and gave me a community at a time when I had none. It’s my sincerest hope that it has for many of you as well. So, whether you’ve been here since day one (almost 1,000 newsletters ago!) or just subscribed yesterday — thank you!
But I'm not going far! I’ll be launching a brand new City Cast newsletter next month dedicated to everything FUN in D.C. I’m talking food. I’m talking music. I’m talking events, and dating, and niche D.C. internet drama. So stay tuned!
In the meantime, I know you’re going to love this new version of City Cast DC. And as always our inbox is open for questions, complaints…and maybe even a tearful goodbye or two 🫣
What's CITY Talking About
Former VA Lt. Gov. Found Dead In Possible Murder-Suicide
Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax shot and killed his wife and then himself, according to police. The couple was going through a divorce, and was found in their Annandale home Thursday morning after their teen son called 911. The couple's son and daughter were both home at the time of the shooting. [NBC4]
‘Triumphal Arch’ Designs Hurtle Forward
The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts unsurprisingly approved the concept design for the “Triumphal Arch” President Trump wants to build across from the Lincoln Memorial. Only one commissioner suggested changes, including losing the Lady Liberty-like statue. The agency, composed mostly of Trump loyalists, will take a final vote on the design in a later meeting. [WTOP]
- Meanwhile, the federal judge who paused Trump’s White House ballroom project clarified that construction can proceed on the underground bunker and other “national security facilities.” [NBC Washington]
Youth Curfews Are Back
Mayor Bowser reinstated the juvenile curfew last night. Kids under 18 are subject to an 11 p.m. curfew until the 15-day emergency declaration expires. Minors are also prohibited from gathering in large groups starting at 8 p.m. in certain zones. [Office of the Mayor]
- Context: D.C.’s youth curfew has been highly controversial in the wake of several violent “teen takeovers.” Opponents say it leads to racial profiling and question its efficacy in fighting youth crime.
America 250's Fairground Fantasy
More details about the upcoming Great American State Fair have been revealed after Freedom 250, the group organizing the Nation's 250th birthday, dropped new renderings showing a looming 110-foot Ferris wheel and Beaux-Arts style pavilions for all 56 states and territories. The fair will run from June 25 through July 10. [X/City Cast DC 🎧]
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DC Insider Trivia
In case you’re new around here, we ask a D.C.-related trivia question every Friday. Click the button below to answer the question and see if you got it right!
What unassuming D.C. bar was once the first Toys R Us?
What To Do
Friday, April 17
- 🌿 Bundle Dyeing: Natural Dyeing with Plants at Heurich House Museum (Dupont)
- 🎭 Cupboards Cabaret at KBird Bar (14th Street NW)
- 🪴 Garden Supply Pop-Up at Community Forklift (Edmonston, MD)
- 🦎 Tunes: The Chameleons at Black Cat (14th St. NW)
- 🪩 Oops I Did It Again: 2000s Dance Party at DC9 (U Street NW)
- 🎵 Local Tunes: Red Eye Wright/Dessi at The Pocket (Truxton Circle)
Saturday, April 18
- 🎤 Between Worlds: Stories of Third Culture Kids with KAMA DC (Adams Morgan)
- 🏃 Anacostia Plogging Cleanup at Diamond Teague Pier (Navy Yard)
- 🎶 District Sounds Festival at District Pier (The Wharf)
- 🎨 Watercolor Basics with Birds at Femme Fatale DC (Cleveland Park)
- 🎂 Shakespeare's Birthday Celebration at the Folger Shakespeare Library (Capitol Hill)
- 🌱 Spring Greening Fair at Lederer Gardens (Lincoln Heights)
- 👗 That's So Vintage (Starts) at The Square (Downtown)
- 🥾 Rock Creek Park Guided Hike with Washington Walks (Cleveland Park)
- 🎶 Puro Ritmo: Salsa Family Festival at the American History Museum (National Mall)
- 🐝 Beekeeping for Bee-ginners at Edgewood Community Farm
- 🧑🎤 Emo Night Brooklyn at 9:30 Club (Shaw)
- 🗑️ Takoma Spring Clean Up (Takoma)
Sunday, April 19
- 🖌️ Paint Your Own Garden Sign at Edgewood Community Farm
- 🎤 Adjoa Andoh at the Folger Shakespeare Library (Capitol Hill)
- 📚 UNBANNED: Film. Books. Conversation. at Miracle Theatre (Capitol Hill)
- 🚲 Adult Bike Trail Riding Basics with Washington Area Bicyclist Association (Anacostia)
- 🌏 Earth Day Forest Bathing at the National Arboretum (Neighborhood)
- 🏛️ Architecture of Tudor Place (Georgetown)
- ✍️ More Black: Poetry Workshop at MLK Library (Downtown)
- 🧺 Intro to Upcycled Basketry at Merry Pin (Takoma)
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🏠 My dream freaky little Adams Morgan home just came on the market. Call me Rapunzel because that window-enclosed turret would hate to see me coming.
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