Dream City Podcast

On this week’s Dream City Podcast, Cuneyt and Tom break down a packed stretch in D.C. politics: the mayor’s race entering a sharper new phase, new questions around labor and Janeese Lewis George’s campaign, and who Kenyan McDuffie hopes turns out to vote this year.They also dig into President Trump’s move to take over East Potomac Golf, plus a speed round on Metro’s funding problem, D.C.’s online casino push, a chilly spring forecast, and Ben’s Chili Bowl reopening.00:00 Intro + Labor’s Power Dinner03:26 Inside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner Scare09:28 D.C.’s Mayor Race Hits Crunch Time10:20 Union Power and Janeese Lewis George's Campaign Questions19:00 Trump Moves to Take Over East Potomac Golf23:37 Cuneyt’s Golf Swing24:36 Commanders x Langston Golf Course?26:02 Speed Round: Metro’s Budget Debate27:32 Speed Round: A New Online Casino Fight in D.C.29:10 Speed Round: Why May Might Feel Like April29:52 Speed Round: Ben’s Chili Bowl Is BackThe Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner https://spotlightdc.org/.The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

On this week’s Dream City roundup, Cuneyt and Tom break down the fallout from "Oppo-gate" — Brooke Pinto’s dossier release, the return of youth curfew politics at the D.C. Council, and new signs that the mayor’s race is getting more negative.00:00 Introduction + On The Road01:21 Brooke Pinto’s Oppo-gate Fallout07:24 D.C. Curfew Politics Return to the Council10:01 Robert White’s Money Problem13:00 Why the Mayoral Race Is Getting Ugly17:48 Kenyan McDuffie Says He Was Threatened20:53 Jack Evans Is Out, but Mendelson Isn’t Clear23:24 Closing BanterThe Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner https://spotlightdc.org/.The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

On this week’s Dream City roundup, Cuneyt and Tom break down D.C.’s worsening budget squeeze, Mayor Bowser’s push to spur redevelopment of empty federal buildings, and the political fight over teen curfews as White House pressure grows.They also dig into Cuneyt's reporting on how a proposed Tysons casino collapsed in Virginia — and what it means for the rest of the DMV. Plus, what the first cleanup work at the RFK site says about the future of the Commanders project.00:00 Introduction02:46 Bowser’s Shrinking Budget and D.C.’s Fiscal Squeeze13:06 Tax Breaks for Federal Building Redevelopment16:41 Teen Curfews Expire as White House Pressure Builds21:57 Reporter’s Field Trip: Why Fairfax Rejected a Tysons Casino29:46 RFK Cleanup Begins + Commanders Jersey TalkThe Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

On this week’s Dream City Podcast, Tom breaks some news about growing White House pressure on D.C. over youth curfews and teen takeovers. There's also a new ethics investigation involving Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, and Cuneyt and Tom talk about the deal to keep the Nationals in Washington through 2058.Plus: campaign season weirdness, including sign wars and what it all says about the mood of local politics right now.00:00 Introduction04:29 Teen Takeovers, Youth Curfews, and White House Pressure11:27 Phil Mendelson Ethics Investigation Explained24:19 D.C. Locks In the Nationals Through 205829:20 Campaign Sign Wars and Election Season Warnings31:01 Closing BanterThe Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

On this week’s Dream City Podcast, Cuneyt and Tom unpack a chaotic new chapter in the D.C. mayor’s race after a heated debate between the frontrunners — plus a surprising comeback bid by former council member Jack Evans.They also dive into a growing clash between the Trump administration and local leaders over plans to remove a key bike lane near the National Mall, and what it signals about the future of home rule.Later, they discuss renewed concerns about large youth gatherings across the city and the political fight over temporary curfews.In the speed round: looming parking garages in the Commanders’ RFK stadium plans, Congress targeting D.C.’s traffic cameras, Robert Mueller’s legacy (and style), and why Mayor Bowser’s upcoming budget could reshape the campaign.00:00 Introduction + Gridiron Dinner04:09 Mayoral Debate Goes Off The Rails07:30 Jack Evans Comeback Bid vs Phil Mendelson09:53 Trump Admin Wants to Remove 15th St Bike Lane19:04 Teen Takeovers and Youth Curfews23:19 Speed Round: RFK Stadium's Big Parking Garages26:27 Speed Round: Congress Targets D.C. Traffic Cameras28:52 Speed Round: Robert Mueller, D.C. Style Icon30:30 Speed Round: Bowser’s Budget and April 1 ShowdownThe Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

D.C. Council member Kenyan McDuffie is running for mayor — and he joined Dream City for a wide-ranging conversation about affordability, crime, and how he’d deal with President Trump.McDuffie opened up about growing up in Stronghold during the crack epidemic, losing friends to gun violence, and the experiences that shaped his public safety agenda. He argued he's the most prepared candidate in the race, pointing to his housing record, public safety legislation, and push for “baby bonds” to address generational poverty.Cuneyt and Tom pressed him on tough questions — from police staffing levels and property tax relief to campaign strategy and criticism that he hasn’t been visible enough on the trail.They also talked about the future of Washington: redeveloping federal buildings downtown, funding Metro, robo-taxis and AI.This is part of Dream City’s interview series with candidates competing to shape the city’s next chapter.00:00 Introduction to the Dream City Podcast00:54 Growing Up in Stronghold + D.C.'s Crack Epidemic07:43 Trauma, Gun Violence, and Losing Friends10:21 Postal Service Job That Changed His Life15:15 From Eleanor Holmes Norton’s Office to Civil Rights Lawyer18:14 Why He’s Running for Mayor19:06 Making D.C. the “Most Affordable City”21:36 His Housing Record vs Bowser + Opponents27:53 Property Taxes, Parking Tickets, and Campaign Missteps34:52 Baby Bonds and Breaking Generational Poverty43:35 The NEAR Act + Public Health Approach to Crime50:46 Police Staffing, Overtime, and Public Safety Debate55:10 Campaign Strategy + “Low Energy” Criticism01:00:37 How He’d Handle President Trump01:03:41 Redeveloping RFK, Union Station, and Federal Buildings01:09:35 Metro Funding and Economic Growth Strategy01:11:02 K Street Transitway, Bike Lanes, and Transportation Vision01:14:15 Waymo, AI, and Height Act01:18:53 Management Style + Staying Grounded in PoliticsThe Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

In a wide-ranging interview, D.C. Council member Brooke Pinto shares her journey from childhood in Connecticut to her political career, why she wants to represent D.C. in Congress, and how she would deal with President Trump and Republicans on Capitol Hill.Pinto is running to succeed retiring Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton in a crowded race that includes her council colleague Robert White. She explains what sets her apart — pointing to her public safety record, her role passing the Secure DC crime bill, and her strategy for building influence in Congress despite the delegate’s lack of a vote.Cuneyt and Tom cover a lot of ground, from crime trends and ICE in D.C. to the politics of the delegate race and the challenge of negotiating with a Republican-controlled Congress.They also dive into the future of the city: the Height Act, the expansion of gambling parlors in D.C., the future of Waymo, the redevelopment of federal buildings downtown, and what Pinto would tell Trump ahead of America’s 250th anniversary.This is part of Dream City’s interview series with candidates shaping the future of Washington.00:00 Introduction to the Dream City Podcast00:37 Growing Up in Connecticut + Early Influences02:41 The “Saltine Crackers” School Story05:11 The “Believe in Magic” Sign + Ikigai Philosophy07:31 Coming to DC, Georgetown Law, and Working for Karl Racine11:32 Why Pinto Ran for DC Council15:02 Why Her Campaign Color Is Pink17:10 Why She’s Running for Congress17:54 Her Case Against Robert White20:44 Her Secure DC Act + Reducing Crime22:50 How Will She Represent Black Washingtonians?29:36 How a Non-Voting Delegate Builds Influence in Congress33:24 Negotiating With — or Confronting — Republicans41:45 Campaign Fundraising and Momentum43:03 What She’d Say to Donald Trump48:40 Future of Downtown Development + Federal Buildings52:07 The Height Act and Building More Housing54:16 Gambling and Casinos56:58 Waymo and Futuristic Tech59:21 Closing RemarksThe Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

Cuneyt and Tom talk about D.C.'s mayoral candidates throwing jabs as the election heats up. Plus, the city's finances are a mess, now made worse by Congress overturning the city's tax code. In the speed round, Cuneyt talks about a new effort to get rid of the Height Act while Tom finds a Gallup survey that says basically no one wants to go back to the office. 00:00 Introduction02:13 Overheard at DC Restaurant: Iran Strikes05:51 A Simmering Mayor's Race09:08 Kenyan McDuffie Meets With Adrian Fenty15:43 Zohran's Oval Office Stunner20:54 DC's Financial Challenges25:17 DC Could Use a Tabloid26:59 "Let DC Build" Wants Height Act Nixed28:43 Basically No One Wants To Go Back To The Office30:48 Local Tea Success Story31:49 In memoriam: Graylan HaglerThe Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

Council member Janeese Lewis George is running for D.C. mayor — and she joined to talk about how she'd handle President Trump, how she'd pay for a child care expansion, and her vision for the future of Washington. Cuneyt and Tom covered a lot of ground, from her stance on zero cooperation with ICE to ways JLG would try to find areas of agreement with the Trump administration (see: downtown development).This is the first in what we hope will be a 2026 mayoral race interview series. 00:00 Introduction to the Dream City Podcast01:06 Growing up in D.C.06:57 How Will You Fund Child Care For All?10:55 Addressing Education and Truancy Issues15:28 Are There Wasted Dollars In Big Education Budget?19:04 JLG's Management Style21:14 D.C. Police Staffing + Public Safety26:09 D.C.'s Youth Curfew + Crime27:46 JLG's Stance On ICE30:12 Exploring Areas of Common Ground With Trump Admin32:34 Vision For Downtown D.C.'s Future36:06 Democratic Socialism37:21 Addressing Affordability39:29 JLG Defends Her Record41:27 Artificial Intelligence42:33 Robotaxis and Waymo43:17 RFK Stadium development45:47 Being MayorThe Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

D.C.'s newest (interim) council member Doni Crawford joins to talk about whether D.C. is in a recession, how city hall will budget during one of the most difficult years in recent memory, and how she got to the Wilson Building.00:00 Introduction to Council member Doni Crawford01:28 Is DC In a Recession?02:45 Congress Smacks Down DC Tax Changes06:44 DC's Recession-Like Budget Year10:27 Doni Crawford's Personal Life Story16:02 Behind the Scenes: An Unprecedented DC Council Appointment20:20 Council Chairman Phil Mendelson Behind the Scenes22:40 Affordability in DC24:33 Why Doesn't the DC Council Have an Education Committee?25:29 Campaigning for the Seat28:05 DC Snow Response and Accountability31:20 Will You Endorse Mayoral Candidate?The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

In this President's Day Episode, Cuneyt and Tom talk about city hall bracing for a recession-like budget, after DOGE hammered D.C. jobs economy. Mayor Bowser says tough choices are ahead. Progressives warn the social safety net is is being dismantled.Plus, one of the worst sewage spills in U.S. history is happening in the Potomac River. Local leaders should speak up more about the environmental disaster, Tom says. And last but not least, Cuneyt and Tom bat around a lightning round of topics, including Metro's rebounding ridership and a DOGE'd federal worker who's now running for mayor. 00:00 Introduction and Presidents Day Fun01:00 DC's Recession-Like Budget Challenges02:49 Impact of Federal Tax Changes on DC Budget04:36 Spending Grew During Pandemic05:02 Childcare Subsidy and Budget Trade-offs08:28 Progressives Fight Against Dismantling of Safety Net11:11 Mamdani Effect11:54 Environmental Disaster: Sewage Spill in Potomac13:20 Public Health Concerns and Sewage Management16:10 Fishing and Recreational Impact on Potomac19:15 News Speed Round and Local DevelopmentsThe Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

The Washington Post laid off 300 journalists in an apocalyptic week for local media. Then embattled CEO Will Lewis also got the boot. Cuneyt and Tom discuss what's next for the Post — and reveal the media scheming underway to fill the void.Plus, it's a heated election season as fundraise reports come due in the mayoral and D.C. delegate races.And Trump world is obsessed with classical architecture — so much so that it wants the new Commanders stadium to look even more, erm, classical, thank you very much.00:00 Turmoil at the Washington Post After Mass Layoffs09:44 Media Companies Jockey To Enter Void14:39 Following the Money on Campaign Fundraising20:01 Trump Allies Want More Classical Design at Commanders StadiumThe Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

Mayor Bowser caught flak last week after the city struggled to clear out snow and ice. Mayoral candidates swooped in with their own criticisms. In this episode, Tom Sherwood is out this week, and joining Cuneyt is Michael Schaffer, longtime D.C. journalist and co-host of the City Cast D.C. podcast.Mike talked about his exclusive interview with John Norton, the son of the retiring Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, about the behind-the-scenes persuading it took to get her 88-year-old mother to bow out. And we took another lap around what Trump is up to as DMV mayor. This episode was recorded before Trump made even more news — announcing late Sunday night he would close the Kennedy Center for a two-year renovation. Cuneyt and Mike talked about Trump's plans for a Grand Prix race and his gigantic 250-foot arch.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction02:44 Snowstorm Aftermath and Public Response05:38 Mayor Bowser's Missteps08:32 Snow Politics In Mayor's Race15:35 Interview with John Norton, Son of Eleanor Holmes Norton24:14 Trump the DMV Mayor: Grand Prix Race and Building Massive DC Arch39:09 Closing Thoughts and ReflectionsThe Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

The 2026 D.C. mayoral race is off to a heated start, with claims to fundraising records by both candidates Kenyan McDuffie and Janeese Lewis George.In this episode of the Dream City Podcast, Cuneyt and Tom are joined by NBC4's Mark Segraves to talk about how the D.C. Council cut out the public as it picks an interim council member.Plus, we talk about the new Commanders stadium's monumental design — and the path ahead, including whether fans will be priced out.00:00 Headlines02:37 Kenyan McDuffie Jumps into the Mayoral Race03:47 McDuffie's Stance on ICE and DC07:49 Affordability09:30 Fundraising Wars: McDuffie vs Janeese Lewis George11:42 Janeese's Big Howard Theatre Rally13:39 Who Else Might Run?14:23 Tom Sherwood's Not Running15:23 The Interim Council Member Appointment Process20:46 Political Dynamics in D.C. Council22:35 Budgeting Challenges Ahead23:41 The New Commanders Stadium Design28:01 Gambling Parlor at New Stadium28:52 Future of Old RFK Stadium Artifacts31:16 Will Fans Get Priced Out?The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

In this episode of the Dream City Podcast, hosts Cuneyt and Tom discuss Trump's new takeover project — D.C.'s public golf courses. The Trump administration terminated the leases of a local nonprofit managing the courses, while the organization hires a high-powered law firm to potentially fight back. Meanwhile, Trump reportedly wants a Ryder Cup or PGA event — the conversation highlights why that might be farfetched. The episode highlights the importance of municipal golf as a community resource and the potential impact of Trump's plans on local residents and the future of these iconic courses.Joining the co-hosts is former D.C. Council member Bill Lightfoot and writer and head of architecture content at Fried Egg Golf newsletter, Garrett Morrison.00:00 Introduction to the Controversy01:51 The National Links Trust and Its Ambitions07:11 Historical Significance of Langston Golf Course08:55 Trump's Vision for DC Golf Courses12:59 Community Impact and Future Prospects17:46 Lease Termination Examined20:08 Legal Challenges and Bureaucracy22:18 Navigating Trump Diplomacy25:13 Why the Ryder Cup Is Unlikely29:00 The Value of Municipal GolfThe Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism. The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

There's a new police chief in town, but not before Pamela Smith gave a stunning farewell speech, blasting her haters with an "F-U." Smith leaves after a rollercoaster 2.5 years, and under pressure from Republicans over allegedly cooked crime stats. Which got Tom and Cuneyt thinking: How will new chief Jeffery Carroll handle the White House?Meanwhile, Council member Kenyan McDuffie is quitting the council, setting up his mayoral bid. The city is not doing a great job getting affordable housing credits out the door, as told in an investigative report by Washington City Paper and SpotlightDC.Aaand last but not least, Cuneyt and Tom check in on the football stadium. President Trump wants his name on it, and his allies want it to look neoclassical.The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism. Now through the end of 2025, donations to the nonprofit SpotlightDC are doubled.The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

Mayoral candidate Janeese Lewis George is off to the races, and with so many open D.C. Council seats, progressives hope that 2026 will be their big year in local politics. Cuneyt and Tom talk about the future of D.C.Speaking of the future, Cuneyt reports that Waymo is way behind on its D.C. rollout, thanks to a delayed DDOT study and bureaucracy standing in the way. The robotaxi future is on hold.And Cuneyt and Tom check in on Trump's latest DMV projects — his new architect for the White House ballroom and his Dulles Airport shakeup.The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism. Now through the end of 2025, donations to the nonprofit SpotlightDC are doubled.The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

After ten years, Mayor Bowser is bowing out. Cuneyt and Tom record a special episode on Bowser's decision to not seek a fourth term, discussing her legacy and who wants to be mayor next.The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

Cuneyt and Tom have a big Thanksgiving week episode, breaking down what lessons Mayor Bowser could take from NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's chummy visit to the Oval Office.Plus: Cuneyt got leaked the mayoral ambitions of Janeese Lewis George, thanks to a spy overhearing it all at Capitol Hill restaurant Tune Inn.We also talk about why streeteries might get a lifeline, just in time before regulations threaten to bring down many of D.C.'s pandemic-era outdoor cafes, including Le Diplomate's "chalets."The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

Two very special guests join the Dream City Podcast to discuss the week's biggest stories. Cuneyt and Tom are joined by NBC4 reporter Mark Segraves to discuss the Washington Post's exclusive reporting on the behind the scenes relationship between Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Trump administration. Plus, Tom gives a pulse check on the Mayor Bowser Re-election Needle — whether or not she's leaning toward running for a fourth term. And Cuneyt talks to Axios D.C. colleague Mimi Montgomery about her story chronicling how "Mar-A-Lago face" is becoming a big trend for plastic surgery in Washington. It's another way the MAGA crowd is changing the city's scene. The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

In the Dream City Podcast launch, Cuneyt and Tom talk about Mayor Muriel Bowser’s 2023 trip to Qatar getting mixed up in media reports about a DOJ investigation. Axios reported that Bowser is not a target of the investigation, hours after the NY Times (gift link) reported that there was a probe into potential bribery and campaign finance violations.We also talk about who could be the Zohran Mamdani of D.C.’s mayoral race — that’s Council member Janeese Lewis George. Plus, why Guam might beat D.C. to become the 51st state. The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism. The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.