Choose your location
Axios DC
Maximalist croissants are having a moment in D.C.
Maximalist croissants are having a moment. Why it matters: Move over, cronuts β croissants are going viral all on their own. The big picture: Croissant trends have been escalating β even "getting out of control" β since Dominique Ansel rolled out the first croissant-donut over a decade ago. A generation of viral hybrid croissants and frankenpastries followed.
Here's what's happening in D.C. this weekend
This weekend in D.C., check out the 2024 Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall, an LGBTQ book festival at the National Press Club or Taste di Islands Block Party at The Bullpen. 1. π Celebrate Indigenous cultureThe annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival is back on the National Mall with free performances, concerts, family-friendly activities, workshops and more.The vibe: This year's theme is "Indigenous Voices of the Americas" and will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI).More than 250 Indigenous and Native athletes, dancers, artists, musicians, chefs and storytellers from across the U.S. and eight...
D.C. is dreading tonight's presidential debate
Debate night in D.C. typically brings Super Bowl-level excitement to a city that can get high off the sweet smell of democracy and knows all the lyrics to "I'm Just a Bill."But this go around, people seem to be β¦ dreading it.The big picture: In years past, debate nights and town halls have been must-watch events: Over 73 million people tuned in to see then-presidential candidate Biden and President Trump duke it out in September 2020, and Hillary Clinton and Trump's September 2016 faceoff saw a record 84 million viewers.They've also provided D.C.'s chronically online with some seriously viral fodder:...
Where to watch the first 2024 presidential debate in D.C.
Many of D.C.'s staple spots are showing out for debate night. Here's where to go for watch parties and drink specials in D.C. on Thursday:πΊπ² Union Pub (Capitol Hill): The "political sports bar" goes all-out with the debate on all TVs, a presidential drinking game, and many specials like $15 Presidential Pilsner pitchers and $6 "orange is the new orange" cocktails.π» Red Derby (Columbia Heights): The dive bar is showing the debate with specials ($3 beers, $3.5 house shots, half-off grilled cheese) on the first floor. Escapists can go to the rooftop.πΊ Shaw's Tavern (Shaw): The tavern will show the...
D.C. wins $25M for path connecting Fort Lincoln to Anacostia Trail
D.C. is getting a new 1.8-mile trail connecting Fort Lincoln to the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, made possible by a $25 million federal grant. Why it matters: The idea for a trail in the Northeast neighborhood has been floated for at least a decade, and the area is only getting more popular (there's the Costco, townhouses, and Woodridge to the north).
Dreamy Italian sandwich shop and market opening in Shaw
Fossette Focacceria, an exciting Italian sandwich shop and market, opens in Shaw on Friday.Why it matters: Chef Mike Friedman is behind a string of Italian hits β The Red Hen, Aventino β and this all-day cafΓ© adjoining All-Purpose Pizzeria is poised to be another.The big picture: Huge, overstuffed focaccia sandwiches from Florence-based All'Antico Vinaio, aka the best sandwiches in the world that became viral hits, partly inspired the shop."They're so delicious and so Italian," Friedman tells Axios. "My most beloved way to eat anything is between two pieces of bread." His first job at 15 was at a sub shop...
Metro rail and bus fares will increase starting Sunday
Metro fares are going up starting Sunday β thanks to a $750 million budget gap that was recently plugged.Why it matters: Metro says most trips will cost about 12.5% more in an effort to keep up with inflation.Metrobus fares will be $2.25 and Express bus will be $4.80.Metrorail fares on weekdays will range from $2.25 to $6.75, depending on the trip distance.The flat $2 Metrorail fare for late night (after 9:30pm) and weekend service will go up to between $2.25 and $2.50.MetroAccess will have a cap of $4.50.Senior SmarTrip cards and reduced fare programs like MetroLift will still get half-off fares.Flashback: Metro raised some fares last year, but the last general increase was in 2017.The hikes come after a tough budget year.Metro avoided major cuts to service, thanks to local governments pitching in more funding in April. But riders will pay more and Metro is undertaking a study to redesign bus service.
It's Hot Steak Summer
Fast-casual power players Cava and Sweetgreen recently added steak to their veggie-heavy menus at hundreds of locations nationwide. So why after the obsession over "plant-based" foods are chains suddenly bullish on beef?The big picture: For nearly 20 years, author Michael Pollan's simple answer to the complex question of what best to eat has driven diet trends: "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants."The last decade has seen a huge boom in plant-based diet culture and the rise of the "alternative meat" industry, which has seen a backslide in revenue and popularity with consumers' growing concern over processed foods (the new...
French-Japanese izakaya Bar Japonais opens on 14th Street
Bar Japonais, a chic French-Japanese izakaya, just opened in Logan Circle. Why it matters: The nouveau-Japanese cocktail bar and restaurant is an exciting new concept for the former Estadio space on 14th Street. Dig in: If the name sounds familiar, it's because sister restaurant Bar Chinois is already a popular...
D.C. police will use drones for crimefighting
D.C. is deploying police drones for the first time to assist officers on the ground.Why it matters: Many cities use drones for searches and to watch large crowds, but the technology has also sparked concerns over privacy.Driving the news: The Metropolitan Police Department's drone program was unveiled Monday with five automated devices capable of 30 minutes of flight before needing a recharge.The drones aim to help with searches for missing persons, responses to major traffic crashes, crowd management, and tactical circumstances such as a police barricade situation.How it works: A drone is authorized to help locate a suspect if three...
Trump wants to "take over" D.C.
A second Donald Trump presidency would bring an unpredictable era of federal micromanaging over local Washington.Why it matters: Trump's vow to "take over our horribly run" capital is one of his most commonly repeated phrases, an Axios analysis found.Ranting about potholes and crime, he told a crowd in Wisconsin last week: "It's going to be run properly." On social media last year he said, "An important part of my platform for President is to bring back, restore, and rebuild Washington, D.C. into the 'crown jewel of our Nation.'"The big picture: Presidents usually leave hometown D.C. alone. But Trump wants to...
Melania Trump might not return to D.C. full-time for a second term
If the Trumps return for round two, don't expect to see more of Melania in D.C. β or at all, really.Why it matters: Love 'em or hate 'em, tracking a first family's comings and goings around town is an extreme sport in D.C. Extra points if you run into one of the big names yourself while leaving Le Dip or SoulCycle.Zoom in: Unlike the Obamas and Bidens, the Trumps largely avoided jaunts into hometown Washington. Melania was so atypically reclusive for a first lady that a long-running whisper campaign questioned whether she lived at the White House or with her...
These could be the new Trump hangouts in D.C.
Every administration has its hangouts, but Trumpers created two clubhouses: The glitzy BLT Steak at the Trump Hotel β the only place in Washington its owner ever dined beyond the White House β and nearby watering hole Harry's Bar, a Proud Boy favorite.Why it matters: Both are closed, leaving us to wonder where the glad-handing and dealmaking would happen in D.C. under a second Trump term.The big picture: Nothing will rival the Trump Hotel, where on any given day you could spot Cabinet members, GOP power players, foreign officials, Trump's family, the "MyPillow Guy," and/or the president himself posted up...
Pickleball could dethrone kickball as D.C.'s go-to social sport
In D.C., kickball is king: It's long been a rite of passage for twentysomethings to join a social sports league and hit the bar after a kickball sesh on the Mall. But thanks to pickleball's booming popularity, it's possible the crown might get passed.Why it matters: Pickleball β often dubbed the country's "fastest-growing sport" β exploded in popularity during Covid, and D.C. hasn't been able to keep up with the demand.But some people freakin' hate it: Namely, neighbors who say they're being driven bonkers by the ball's popping noise and all the pickleballers taking over local tennis courts.By the numbers:...
Where to play pickleball around D.C.
Hot pickleball summer is in full force at these DMV courts.Why it matters: Finding a place to pickle around here can be tough β it's best to plan ahead.We asked the crew at social sports leagues D.C. Fray and Volo to share some of their fave paddling spots around town.π East Potomac Tennis Center: You can snag courts at the Hains Point park via reservation or walk-in on a first-come, first-served basis.Trying to up your game? Sign up for private, semi-private, or group lessons, or an open play sesh.π Kraken Kourts and Skates: The Edgewood location has 14 indoor courts...
Why Gen Z is tabling homeownership, for now
Steep housing costs are putting Gen Z's homeownership dreams on hold.The big picture: Gen Zers, roughly those aged 12-27, feel deeply pessimistic about the world around them, Axios' Erica Pandey reports.For this article, we're focusing on the adult cohort.What they're saying: Homeownership is no longer a hypothetical idea, but figuring out how to get there is a challenge, D.C. renter Sheila Cruz-Morales tells us.Zoom in: The 23-year-old immigration activist immigrated to the U.S. two decades ago and dreams of buying a home for her parents first, and eventually herself, to create a sense of stability and safety.Yes, but: Gen Zers...
D.C. heat wave will peak this weekend with triple-digit temps
The heat wave is peaking in D.C., with forecasts for Saturday and Sunday reaching triple digits. Why it matters: The duration of the heat is dangerous. Since Monday, it's been 90 or above every day β and the high temperatures are expected to stick around through next week. The...
New Baltimore-based TV show starring Natalie Portman headed to Apple TV+
A new Apple TV+ show based and filmed in Baltimore will drop next month. The big picture: The series "Lady in the Lake" is set in 1960s Baltimore. Natalie Portman stars as a dissatisfied housewife who begins investigating the mysterious death of a local mother involved in "the political underbelly of Black Baltimore," played by Charm City native Moses Ingram.
Here's what's happening in D.C. this weekend
This weekend in D.C., check out Brittany Howard at the Out & About Festival, a two-day barbecue competition and jazz and go-go music at the Home Rule Festival.1. π Get Out & AboutGrammy winner Brittany Howard is headlining a music festival celebrating LGBTQ+ talent this weekend.The vibe: The Out & About Festival will feature eight performances, a children's theater and DMV food trucks and breweries. Vegan food options and zero-proof drinks are available.Also, this event will allow guests to bring their own food and drinks (including alcohol).Stop by: Doors open at 2:30pm Saturday with performances starting at 3pm at Wolf...
What's happening with the new Chesapeake Bay crossing
It's prime summer traffic time over the Bay Bridge as DMV drivers head to the beach and shore β so you may be wondering what's going on with plans for a new crossing.Why it matters: A $28 million study is exploring ways to alleviate congestion along the critical Maryland route that funnels tens of thousands of cars daily βΒ and tangible results are on the way.State of play: Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) has already completed phase one of the study, which explored locations for a potential new crossing. They determined it should be in the same corridor as the existing Bay...
Axios DC
1K+
Posts
4M+
Views
Axios DC, anchored by Chelsea Cirruzzo, Cuneyt Dil and Paige Hopkins, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. Itβs essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.