28 minJun 24, 2026

D.C.’s Reflecting Pool is Now the Nation’s Petri Dish

Show Notes

D.C.’s reflecting pool is … not so reflective. It’s been all over the social media feeds for the last few days, and probably yours too – so how the heck did we get here? The Atlantic’s Matt Viser is taking us back to biology class to explain why we’re hearing about algae, sealant, and the uptick in law enforcement at the reflecting pool.

Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter City Cast DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month.

Learn more about the sponsors of this June 24th episode:

Folger Shakespeare Library

Spur Local

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Recent EpisodesSee all

'Your City Could Be Better': How Denver Is Fixing Its Sidewalks — Presented By City Cast DC

24 minJun 28, 2026

Just how good are the sidewalks in DC? The state of a city’s sidewalks can be a good indicator of how healthy that city is — and pedestrian safety is just the beginning. In Denver, voters approved a new fee a few years ago to fund much-needed sidewalk repairs, and after a lot of back-and-forth, those repairs are finally underway. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Denver podcast host Bree Davies about what drove this initiative, how it’s going, and who’s paying for it. And speaking of sidewalks, do bikes, scooters, and people playing music belong on public sidewalks? Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now! We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options .

The Most Restricted Fourth Ever, Two New Museums Worth Visiting, and the Election Night Glam That Broke Instagram

33 minJun 26, 2026

We’re talking about the 4th of July in D.C., the city budget, and two new D.C. museums. Plus, in a members-only fourth segment: Makeup! How did D.C.’s likely next mayor maintain her look through election day? Want some more D.C. news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter City Cast DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654 . You can also become a member , with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 26th episode: Folger Shakespeare Library Spur Local Library of Congress Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE .

D.C.'s Primary Just Opened up — Here's What That Actually Means For You

16 minJun 25, 2026

The D.C. Council this week voted to allow independents to vote in D.C. primary elections — a potentially huge change in a city where the Democratic Primary essentially picks the mayor. But wait, you say: Didn’t you already vote for this? Yes, you. D.C. voters approved the change by referendum two years ago, but the Council refused to fund it, so it wasn’t in effect for last week’s primary. City Cast DC reporter Emma Uber has been covering this issue and explains what changed Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter City Cast DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654 . You can also become a member , with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 25th episode: Folger Shakespeare Library Spur Local Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE .

Why is D.C. Giving The City's Worst Landlords a Tax Break?

27 minJun 23, 2026

There’s a big apartment complex in Northeast D.C. where the landlords have let conditions get so bad that the local D.C. Councilmember wants to give them….. A tax break. Say what? Zara Norman of NOTUS has been covering the saga of the Gale Eckington and she’s here to explain. Want some more D.C. news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter City Cast DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654 . You can also become a member , with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 23rd episode: Folger Shakespeare Library DC Department of Behavioral Health Spur Local Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE .