All Access

Washington D.C.

blue

A guide to fun things to do in D.C. this weekend.

Axios D.C. Weekender

Weekender

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Washington, DC. Written by Anna Spiegel and Cuneyt Dil.

Axios D.C. Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Axios D.C.

Standard

D.C. Alerts

Alert

Washington, DC Members

Membership

13 must-see holiday light displays around D.C.

Things to Do

We tried Tysons' drinking-while-shopping scheme and, yes, we got tipsy

If the goal was to get us to spend money, it worked.

How the FBI headquarters search turned into a Beltway cage fight

It's not just Virginia fuming after Maryland won the sweepstakes to attract the new FBI headquarters

News

D.C.'s winter weather outlook: Warmer but snow still likely

Snow-lovers may still be rewarded after an unusually mild season last year that saw few flakes.

What to know about the new COVID vaccines in D.C.

The shots should be available starting this week.

Updated COVID vaccines were <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="just recommended" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/12/cdc-advisors-endorse-updated-covid-vaccines" data-vars-content-id="c6d934fc-e67f-409d-9039-4bb23d240c3b" data-vars-headline="What to know about the new COVID vaccines in D.C." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/12/cdc-advisors-endorse-updated-covid-vaccines" target="_self">just recommended</a> by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and should be available to D.C. residents starting this week.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="COVID hospitalizations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/08/21/covid-summer-wave-eg5" data-vars-content-id="c6d934fc-e67f-409d-9039-4bb23d240c3b" data-vars-headline="What to know about the new COVID vaccines in D.C." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/08/21/covid-summer-wave-eg5" target="_self">COVID hospitalizations</a> are rising around D.C. and the country and the new round of vaccines will be available for anyone ages six months or older.

an illustration of three vaccines surrounded by circles and legal imagery 

Pandemic mental health diagnoses increased in D.C.

There was a 200% increase in calls to D.C.’s suicide hotline in the first year of the pandemic.

COVID

Mental health diagnoses in D.C. during the pandemic were up 15% above the baseline, per a new Georgetown University report for the D.C. Auditor&#x27;s Office.The big picture: The report sheds new light on the challenges people faced as the spread of COVID-19 upended livelihoods.

Illustration of a person sitting under a cloud shaped like a virus

A quarter of D.C. students out of compliance as vaccine deadline looms

Elementary school students have until Oct. 11 to get their shots before they're not allowed in school.

With the deadline <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rapidly approaching" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2022/08/26/dc-new-student-vaccine-deadline-october-11" data-vars-content-id="f94a8537-39ee-4eb1-b8bb-bac432fd2396" data-vars-headline="A quarter of D.C. students out of compliance as vaccine deadline looms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2022/08/26/dc-new-student-vaccine-deadline-october-11" target="_self">rapidly approaching</a> for elementary school children to be up-to-date on their pediatric vaccines, more than a quarter of D.C. school students are still out of compliance. Why it matters: Starting Oct. 11, DCPS students in pre-K through 5th grade who are not fully vaccinated will not be permitted to attend school. Students at all schools, including public, private and parochial, are required to be up-to-date on their vaccinations.

COVID cases are low in D.C. schools, but data reporting has changed

COVID in schools is a much different story this year as most students are able to be vaccinated.

COVID-19 cases in D.C.’s public schools remain low a month into the academic year — although the data available is much less detailed than last year and it’s harder to make comparisons. Why it matters: COVID in schools is a much different story this year than last. Most students are able to be vaccinated and more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vaccine requirements" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2022/08/26/dc-new-student-vaccine-deadline-october-11" data-vars-content-id="aa765004-a123-42d8-b638-e733cde7cbf8" data-vars-headline="COVID cases are low in D.C. schools, but data reporting has changed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2022/08/26/dc-new-student-vaccine-deadline-october-11" target="_self">vaccine requirements</a> are in place.

Illustration of a school bus with a covid bug on its stop sign.

D.C.'s wastewater program data sees continued delays

Five months later, no data has been made public, though the city tells Axios it has collected two months worth of data.

D.C. has finally collected two months&#x27; worth of wastewater COVID-19 data, but has yet to send it to the CDC or make the data public. Why it matters: Officials across the country have used wastewater to monitor coronavirus levels in feces and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="warn of potential spikes in cases" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/coronavirus-latest-news-quick-highlights-57a186a3-7547-45bf-852a-83019849d8d5.html" data-vars-content-id="1548ee61-0a0d-4bce-baa1-2f53af8949af" data-vars-headline="D.C.&#x27;s wastewater program data sees continued delays" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/coronavirus-latest-news-quick-highlights-57a186a3-7547-45bf-852a-83019849d8d5.html" target="_self">warn of potential spikes in cases</a> days before individual testing can.

CDC data shows that most D.C. kids have had COVID-19

While this data gives us insight into how many children have had COVID-19, it doesn’t show whether they have enough antibodies to fight off future infections.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New data" data-vars-click-url="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#pediatric-seroprevalence" data-vars-content-id="7091b496-a409-4035-b6de-023cd3a0b403" data-vars-headline="CDC data shows that most D.C. kids have had COVID-19" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#pediatric-seroprevalence" target="_blank">New data</a> from the CDC shows that 75.4% of D.C. children have already been infected with COVID-19.Driving the news: Released earlier this month, the CDC&#x27;s survey examined samples from 384 D.C. children between the ages of 6 months to 17 years.

A veteran DCPS teacher recaps the school year

We spoke with a DCPS teacher about navigating this first year back in person. Here's what she told us.

DCPS last week finished its first in-person pandemic school year after more than a year of virtual learning. We spoke with a DCPS teacher about navigating this first year back in person.

D.C. sees a smooth start to toddler vaccinations

Parents who sought vaccines at D.C.’s public COVID centers this week told Axios the process was smooth.

For D.C. parents who want them, finding a COVID-19 dose for their toddler has proved fairly successful in the first days of availability. Why it matters: Many D.C. parents have been waiting for what might have seemed like an eternity for these vaccines, and now may be pleasantly surprised at how frictionless the experience is.

Illustration of a stack of wooden toy blocks showing a syringe, a COVID cell and a cotton swab. 

How to get your toddler vaccinated in the DMV

Local health officials encourage families to reach out to their pediatricians first for vaccinations.

Children under the age of five can now get their COVID-19 shots after both the Pfizer and Moderna doses were recommended by the CDC.Why it matters: COVID is one of the five leading causes of death in children, CDC advisers said this past weekend.

Illustration of a toy baby mobile with coronavirus cells, a syringe, a surgical mask and a vaccine vial all hanging from the strings.  

Your common COVID-19 questions, answered

You asked, we answered. Here are some answers to your most common COVID-19 questions.

You asked, we responded. Here are some answers to your most common COVID-19 questions.

A line of people wait outside a building. A green sign is to the left of the line and says "get your free COVID-19 vaccine here!"

George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress

The House is slated to vote to expel Santos on Friday.

Politics & Policy

Ahead of a vote that could make him the first House lawmaker to be expelled in more than 20 years, Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Santos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/george-santos-expulsion-vote-republicans-majority" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/george-santos-expulsion-vote-republicans-majority" target="_self">George Santos</a> (R-N.Y.) is introducing an expulsion resolution on Thursday targeting a House lawmaker from his own state. Why it matters: Santos — who faces an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="uphill battle in a vote" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/republicans-george-santos-resign-expulsion" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/republicans-george-santos-resign-expulsion" target="_self">uphill battle in a vote</a> to remove him from office following a scathing House Ethics report — is seeking an expulsion vote on Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jamaal Bowman" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/22/house-ethics-jamaal-bowman-fire-alarm" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/22/house-ethics-jamaal-bowman-fire-alarm" target="_self">Jamaal Bowman</a> (D-N.Y.), who pulled a fire alarm in one of the House office buildings.

George Santos expulsion spurs rare bipartisanship among House lawmakers

Rep. Robert Garcia encouraged fellow Democrats to support Republicans' expulsion measure.

House Democrats and Republicans finally have something they agree on: booting Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Santos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/30/george-santos-jamaal-bowman-expulsion-resolution" data-vars-content-id="4eec0a24-5338-46c4-8b6e-5526cda73c0f" data-vars-headline="George Santos expulsion spurs rare bipartisanship among House lawmakers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/30/george-santos-jamaal-bowman-expulsion-resolution" target="_self">George Santos</a> (R-N.Y.) from Congress.Driving the news: In an email sent to Democratic congressional offices on Thursday, Rep. Robert Garcia&#x27;s (D-Calif.) office advocated for Republicans&#x27; resolution to expel the embattled Long Islander.

GOP speculation mounts that McCarthy will exit Congress early

Multiple GOP lawmakers expect former House Speaker <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kevin McCarthy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/12/mccarthy-gop-elections-2024" data-vars-content-id="dbdacc28-b2ed-40c2-a4cb-3bf4792a4d9b" data-vars-headline="GOP speculation mounts that McCarthy will exit Congress early" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/12/mccarthy-gop-elections-2024" target="_self">Kevin McCarthy</a> (R-Calif.) to step down from his seat before the end of the year, Axios has learned.Why it matters: The potential exit of McCarthy — who privately told donors he is looking to &quot;get the hell out,&quot; according to a source familiar with the conversation — could leave the House GOP with an even narrower majority.

Trump unleashes grievances, warnings in wild 24 hours on Truth Social

Trump warned that his indictments have opened up a "very big and dangerous Pandora's Box."

Former President Trump has spent the last 24 hours on Truth Social unleashing a torrent of grievances, vengeful promises and links to online conspiracy theories about his political rivals.Why it matters: Trump&#x27;s online rhetoric has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="frequently dipped into violent extremism" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/04/trumps-words-turn-violent-pressure-builds" data-vars-content-id="4ce9173c-4439-425e-8986-ec54c92037e6" data-vars-headline="Trump unleashes grievances, warnings in wild 24 hours on Truth Social" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/04/trumps-words-turn-violent-pressure-builds" target="_self">frequently dipped into violent extremism</a> since he left office, escalating as his legal troubles have mounted. Public fatigue and the pro-Trump echo chamber created by Truth Social have at times softened the shock value of the GOP front-runner&#x27;s daily musings.

Rep. George Santos expelled from Congress in historic vote

Santos is the first Republican to be expelled from the House.

The House on Friday voted to expel Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Santos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/19/george-santos-republican-congress-biography" data-vars-content-id="235bb126-9767-4b36-a5c3-4560ae03474e" data-vars-headline="Rep. George Santos expelled from Congress in historic vote" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/19/george-santos-republican-congress-biography" target="_self">George Santos</a> (R-N.Y.) over his many fabrications on the 2022 campaign trail and his two federal indictments.Why it matters: The vote makes Santos just the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sixth lawmaker" data-vars-click-url="https://history.house.gov/Institution/Discipline/Expulsion-Censure-Reprimand/" data-vars-content-id="235bb126-9767-4b36-a5c3-4560ae03474e" data-vars-headline="Rep. George Santos expelled from Congress in historic vote" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://history.house.gov/Institution/Discipline/Expulsion-Censure-Reprimand/" target="_blank">sixth lawmaker</a> – and first Republican – to be expelled from the House in U.S. history.

COVID 🦠