Plus, we’re making a few changes! ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
Friday, April 17 

Your Daily Guide

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 🫣

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What DC's 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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Hope Blossoms Cocktail Reception & Awards Ceremony

Join us at the Hope Blossoms Cocktail Reception & Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 13, from 6:00–9:00 PM at Columbia Country Club, 7900 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD 20815.Come celebrate the women of St. Ann's — where dignity is affirmed, strength is recognized, and the journey forward is shaped by the power of lived experience. For more information, visit www.stanns.org

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!

Find more D.C. trivia here 🤔

Toys R Us storefront. (The Washington Post/Getty Images)

Toys R Us storefront. (The Washington Post/Getty Images)

What unassuming D.C. bar was once the first Toys R Us?

  1. Madam’s Organ
  2. Dew Drop Inn
  3. The Fox and Hounds
  4. Players Club
Take Your Best Guess!

What To Do

Friday, April 17

Saturday, April 18

Sunday, April 19

More DC Events
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Lost in Translation? Not This Spring!

Your passport to French culture starts here. Alliance Française of Washington, DC invites you to immerse yourself in the language and joie de vivre of France. Adult classes run May 2–June 30, sign up by April 17 for an early bird discount. Language-rich summer camps available for kids too. Become a member for year-round access to exclusive cultural events and DC's vibrant Francophone community. Learn more at francedc.org. Bienvenue!

🏠 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.

💌 Kaela

This week's newsletter was edited by Annie Rees and Yu Vongkiatkajorn.

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