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Middleburg's next resident: JD Vance

The vice president is eyeing a grand Virginia farmhouse as a getaway from Washington, sources tell Axios.

News

Vice President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="JD Vance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/06/vance-summer-trump-heir" data-vars-content-id="df4aebe3-9dd5-448c-982e-b0d8297c0780" data-vars-headline="Middleburg&#x27;s next resident: JD Vance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/06/vance-summer-trump-heir" target="_self">JD Vance</a> is eyeing a grand farmhouse in Middleburg as a getaway from Washington, sources tell Axios.Why it matters: With three kids and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="one more on the way," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/20/jd-vance-baby-vice-president-history" data-vars-content-id="df4aebe3-9dd5-448c-982e-b0d8297c0780" data-vars-headline="Middleburg&#x27;s next resident: JD Vance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/20/jd-vance-baby-vice-president-history" target="_self">one more on the way,</a> the Vances would have more space to unwind in a private enclave.

New details drop about National Harbor's forthcoming Sphere

It will be only the second Sphere in the country.

Development

New details are emerging about the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sphere" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/03/04/sphere-entertainment-possible-nashville-expansion" data-vars-content-id="e3b434a2-9a96-44e6-a9bd-19cc012b14b3" data-vars-headline="New details drop about National Harbor&#x27;s forthcoming Sphere" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/03/04/sphere-entertainment-possible-nashville-expansion" target="_self">Sphere</a> that&#x27;s coming to National Harbor.Why it matters: The project near the MGM National Harbor Casino would be the country&#x27;s second <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sphere" data-vars-click-url="https://governor.maryland.gov/news/press-releases/sphere-entertainment-state-maryland-prince-georges-county-and-peterson-companies-announce-intent" data-vars-content-id="e3b434a2-9a96-44e6-a9bd-19cc012b14b3" data-vars-headline="New details drop about National Harbor&#x27;s forthcoming Sphere" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://governor.maryland.gov/news/press-releases/sphere-entertainment-state-maryland-prince-georges-county-and-peterson-companies-announce-intent" target="_blank">Sphere</a> — a flashy new attraction Maryland says could generate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$1.5 billion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/news-events/news/sphere-national-harbor-bring-significant-economic-benefits-prince-georges-county-and-maryland" data-vars-content-id="e3b434a2-9a96-44e6-a9bd-19cc012b14b3" data-vars-headline="New details drop about National Harbor&#x27;s forthcoming Sphere" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/news-events/news/sphere-national-harbor-bring-significant-economic-benefits-prince-georges-county-and-maryland" target="_blank">$1.5 billion</a> in annual economic impact.

George Washington's $1,000 whiskey is out now

Mount Vernon just released its first bourbon from the reconstructed distillery — fewer than 350 bottles, hand-bottled on-site using 18th-century methods, as part of America's 250th.

America at 250

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Washington" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/09/01/george-washington-ice-cream" data-vars-content-id="c39aacc3-d154-4a96-affd-1aadfd322f39" data-vars-headline="George Washington&#x27;s $1,000 whiskey is out now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/09/01/george-washington-ice-cream" target="_self">George Washington</a> — Founding Father, first U.S. president, big whiskey guy.Why it matters: Washington&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mount Vernon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/02/18/george-washington-mount-vernon-actor" data-vars-content-id="c39aacc3-d154-4a96-affd-1aadfd322f39" data-vars-headline="George Washington&#x27;s $1,000 whiskey is out now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/02/18/george-washington-mount-vernon-actor" target="_self">Mount Vernon</a> distillery was one of the largest in the Early Republic, producing nearly 11,000 gallons of whiskey in 1799. More than two centuries later, it&#x27;s bottling limited-edition whiskeys for America&#x27;s 250th.

Exclusive: Maryland, Virginia senators demand Trump's East Potomac golf plans

The Trump administration has yet to release final plans for the site.

Senators from Maryland and Virginia are demanding the Trump administration reveal details about its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="East Potomac golf course" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/28/trump-dc-golf-course-renovation-east-potomac-links" data-vars-content-id="8188ba26-78f4-49b1-a710-0ef76f9da764" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Maryland, Virginia senators demand Trump&#x27;s East Potomac golf plans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/28/trump-dc-golf-course-renovation-east-potomac-links" target="_self">East Potomac golf course</a> redevelopment. Why it matters: President Trump has vowed to transform East Potomac into a championship-level course, but key details — including how much land it&#x27;ll occupy and whether everyday golfers will still be able to afford it — remain unclear.

A new playbook for data center development

Data centers are the often-invisible power behind the world's digital growth, from the dot-com era of the late '90s to today's AI boom.

Business

Trump's UFC fight faces a tough opponent: D.C. heat, humidity and bugs

A local entomologist predicts a 100% chance of insects at President Trump's outdoor UFC spectacle.

Before fists fly for President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump&#x27;s UFC fight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/10/road-closures-ufc-freedom-250" data-vars-content-id="7659de47-3fcb-4301-b75f-002694031093" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s UFC fight faces a tough opponent: D.C. heat, humidity and bugs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/10/road-closures-ufc-freedom-250" target="_self">Trump&#x27;s UFC fight</a>, swarms of winged insects are likely headed for the White House South Lawn.Why it matters: The unprecedented <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cage match" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/09/ufc-white-house-event-press-credentials" data-vars-content-id="7659de47-3fcb-4301-b75f-002694031093" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s UFC fight faces a tough opponent: D.C. heat, humidity and bugs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/09/ufc-white-house-event-press-credentials" target="_self">cage match</a> faces a formidable opponent: the D.C. swamp — buggy, muggy and potentially stormy, with Mother Nature emerging as the night&#x27;s biggest wild card.

Why Maryland, Virginia residents may pay for the sewage spill

A regional cost-sharing agreement means suburban water customers in MD and VA may pay for the mess.

Surprise — Maryland and Virginia residents may foot the bill for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Potomac River sewer spill" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/05/potomac-sewage-spill-fishing-oyster-business-impact" data-vars-content-id="445ba149-4fd9-4159-87b7-43b44c0438a4" data-vars-headline="Why Maryland, Virginia residents may pay for the sewage spill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/05/potomac-sewage-spill-fishing-oyster-business-impact" target="_self">Potomac River sewer spill</a>.Why it matters: The battle over who pays for January&#x27;s pipe collapse is quickly becoming a regional flashpoint — and DMV residents may not realize they could see the costs show up on their water bills.

D.C. residents revolt over soaring utility bills

Energy costs in D.C. have surged 93.2% in five years — the largest spike in the country.

Shocked by your winter utility bill? You&#x27;re not alone.<ul><li>Nearly 100 residents, small business owners and advocacy groups testified before the D.C. Council last week, blasting eye-popping bills and questioning why the Public Service Commission (PSC) keeps approving rate hikes.</li></ul>

Falls Church homes face highest flood risk in D.C. area

The DMV has seen the most flash flood warnings in over two decades.

Climate

As the DMV continues to deal with flooding this summer, homes in some areas could be at higher risks than others.The big picture: This year, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Weather Service" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/07/18/washington-flash-flood-warnings-hit-25-year-high" data-vars-content-id="11f230a6-b193-4a6a-bff4-222ad0876165" data-vars-headline="Falls Church homes face highest flood risk in D.C. area" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/07/18/washington-flash-flood-warnings-hit-25-year-high" target="_self">National Weather Service</a> (NWS) has issued the most flash flood warnings for the Washington region in over two decades.

Over half of D.C. students go to school in extreme heat zones

Sometimes schools lack adequate air conditioning, jeopardizing students' health in periods of extreme heat.

Over half of D.C. students go to school in an extreme <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="urban heat zone" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/11/heat-islands-us-record-temperatures" data-vars-content-id="cb6d2617-a6ff-4f95-9fd0-1a240eea4620" data-vars-headline="Over half of D.C. students go to school in extreme heat zones" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/11/heat-islands-us-record-temperatures" target="_self">urban heat zone</a>, per a new analysis. Why it matters: The heat island effect can make some neighborhoods notably warmer than others, especially during <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heat waves" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/23/heat-wave" data-vars-content-id="cb6d2617-a6ff-4f95-9fd0-1a240eea4620" data-vars-headline="Over half of D.C. students go to school in extreme heat zones" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/23/heat-wave" target="_self">heat waves</a> like the one <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="this week" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/AlertDC/status/1941814482579124562" data-vars-content-id="cb6d2617-a6ff-4f95-9fd0-1a240eea4620" data-vars-headline="Over half of D.C. students go to school in extreme heat zones" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/AlertDC/status/1941814482579124562" target="_blank">this week</a>.

D.C. braces for extreme humidity, heat — and high bills

Welcome to the heat dome — the DMV is bracing for extended periods of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="extreme temperatures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/05/27/d-c-braces-for-another-scorching-summer" data-vars-content-id="9823705f-9aeb-4f84-9ed7-0f30e2aaf43c" data-vars-headline="D.C. braces for extreme humidity, heat — and high bills" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/05/27/d-c-braces-for-another-scorching-summer" target="_self">extreme temperatures</a> and humidity, plus rising <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="utility costs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/04/22/utility-bills-increase-washington-gas-hike" data-vars-content-id="9823705f-9aeb-4f84-9ed7-0f30e2aaf43c" data-vars-headline="D.C. braces for extreme humidity, heat — and high bills" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/04/22/utility-bills-increase-washington-gas-hike" target="_self">utility costs</a>.Why it matters: Take your usual swampy D.C. summer and dial it up to &quot;steam room.&quot;

D.C. utility bills could spike this summer under proposed gas hike

A proposed gas hike may strike wallets in August.

D.C. residents will face higher <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="utility bills" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/10/02/hidden-apartment-utility-fees" data-vars-content-id="11d0c037-1446-4318-8e1d-8e31e5292a55" data-vars-headline="D.C. utility bills could spike this summer under proposed gas hike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/10/02/hidden-apartment-utility-fees" target="_self">utility bills</a> starting this summer if a proposed rate hike by Washington Gas goes into effect.Why it matters: Energy bills are already creeping up due to regular increases from gas and electricity companies, extreme weather, and aging infrastructure — particularly concerning for D.C. residents grappling with higher living costs, and for low-income communities.

D.C. is seeing more intense rainstorms amid climate change

This can lead to more deadly hazards like flash floods.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rainstorms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/01/rainstorms-intense-climate-change" data-vars-content-id="037058c9-8ffe-4790-ba7a-eeb7af112d69" data-vars-headline="D.C. is seeing more intense rainstorms amid climate change" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/01/rainstorms-intense-climate-change" target="_self">Rainstorms</a> are getting more intense in D.C. amid human-driven climate change, a new analysis finds.Why it matters: More intense precipitation events can cause <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="flash-flooding," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/10/climate-change-flood-risk-standards" data-vars-content-id="037058c9-8ffe-4790-ba7a-eeb7af112d69" data-vars-headline="D.C. is seeing more intense rainstorms amid climate change" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/10/climate-change-flood-risk-standards" target="_self">flash-flooding,</a> landslides, dangerous driving conditions and other potentially deadly hazards.

D.C.'s single-day snow record hasn't been broken for a century

The suburbs have set more recent records.

D.C.&#x27;s record for most <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="snow in a day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/09/snowfall-records-by-county" data-vars-content-id="eec0889d-9381-4a35-a33c-99d4f095422e" data-vars-headline="D.C.&#x27;s single-day snow record hasn&#x27;t been broken for a century" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/09/snowfall-records-by-county" target="_self">snow in a day</a> hasn&#x27;t been broken since Jan. 28, 1922, when 21 inches fell. Zoom out: The suburbs have set more recent records, according to data from NOAA.

A bar chart that shows the percentage of homes at severe flood risk in the D.C. area. Falls Church City has the highest risk at 14.8%, followed by D.C. at 7.5%. Loudoun County has the lowest risk at 1.5%. Most areas range between 4.5% and 7.3%.

Climate 🌿

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Falls Church homes face highest flood risk in D.C. area