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Welcome to D.C.'s hot dog summer

From sold-out Nats hot dog night to fancy wagyu pigs in blankets, the city's glizzy obsession is heating up.

Food and Drink

We&#x27;re calling it now — it&#x27;s a hot dog summer.🌭 Anna&#x27;s theory: Summer falls into one of two camps: burger summer, when everyone&#x27;s obsessed with the latest patty trend. Or the less-common but far more enjoyable hot dog summer, when glizzies take center stage.<ul><li>As someone who believes hot dogs are always good — even when they&#x27;re not that good — while mediocre burgers are tragic (and way too common), I say let the wieners roll.</li></ul>

D.C. keeps crown as America's best park system

As local parks are caught up in political fights, the ranking is a reminder that parks are some of D.C.'s best assets.

News

The District is home to the best city park system in America — again —according to new rankings from the Trust for Public Land.Why it matters: At a moment when D.C.&#x27;s parks are caught up in political fights and makeover drama, the report is a reminder that the city&#x27;s green spaces remain some of its biggest assets.

Potomac sewage line needs new repairs on three segments, D.C. Water says

D.C. Water says it's still surveying for weak points after the January sewage spill.

Three vulnerable segments of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Potomac Interceptor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/04/21/potomac-river-spill-dc-water-lawsuit" data-vars-content-id="632b312a-93c1-48b0-97fc-afb365329e1e" data-vars-headline="Potomac sewage line needs new repairs on three segments, D.C. Water says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/04/21/potomac-river-spill-dc-water-lawsuit" target="_self">Potomac Interceptor</a> need repairs, the head of D.C. Water disclosed to Congress in a Wednesday hearing about the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historic pipeline collapse" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/02/13/sewage-spill-potomac-river-safety-fishing-swimming-future" data-vars-content-id="632b312a-93c1-48b0-97fc-afb365329e1e" data-vars-headline="Potomac sewage line needs new repairs on three segments, D.C. Water says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/02/13/sewage-spill-potomac-river-safety-fishing-swimming-future" target="_self">historic pipeline collapse</a>. Why it matters: Four months after the sewage spill, D.C. Water vows it&#x27;s &quot;more aggressively&quot; identifying weaknesses along the 54-mile sewer line, built in the 1960s.

DMV pool guide: Where to swim around D.C. this summer

The best public pools in the DMV — many free!

Things to Do

Suit up: Pools and splash parks are opening across the DMV over Memorial Day weekend.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Snowcrete winter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/28/snow-emergency-extended-as-snowcrete-slows-dc-cleanup" data-vars-content-id="570de5ab-d6f4-4a15-9cf5-94eda14c5b79" data-vars-headline="DMV pool guide: Where to swim around D.C. this summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/28/snow-emergency-extended-as-snowcrete-slows-dc-cleanup" target="_self">Snowcrete winter</a> makes pool season that much sweeter.

A new Dupont pop-up is telling D.C.'s story for America 250

We Make D.C. is part store, part art installation, and part crafting space.

There&#x27;s a new space in Dupont Circle that&#x27;s commemorating the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="250th anniversary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/04/07/dc-america-250-events-locals-guide" data-vars-content-id="e87dd475-719d-43fa-b613-4e6add694a3f" data-vars-headline="A new Dupont pop-up is telling D.C.&#x27;s story for America 250" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/04/07/dc-america-250-events-locals-guide" target="_self">250th anniversary</a> by highlighting D.C.&#x27;s history and creative community.Why it matters: Many of the 250th happenings focus on America at large — this one is all about the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="District" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/wemakedc250/" data-vars-content-id="e87dd475-719d-43fa-b613-4e6add694a3f" data-vars-headline="A new Dupont pop-up is telling D.C.&#x27;s story for America 250" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/wemakedc250/" target="_blank">District</a>, created by Stacey Price, the founder of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Shop Made in D.C." data-vars-click-url="https://www.wemakedc.net/about-us" data-vars-content-id="e87dd475-719d-43fa-b613-4e6add694a3f" data-vars-headline="A new Dupont pop-up is telling D.C.&#x27;s story for America 250" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wemakedc.net/about-us" target="_blank">Shop Made in D.C.</a>

A massive "human composting" facility just opened outside D.C.

Earth Funeral just opened the East Coast's largest natural organic reduction facility in Howard County.

The green burial boom is here — a huge &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="human composting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/11/21/human-composting" data-vars-content-id="161dad19-c1af-4064-b682-e1395ec040ed" data-vars-headline="A massive &quot;human composting&quot; facility just opened outside D.C." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/11/21/human-composting" target="_self">human composting</a>&quot; site just opened outside D.C., bringing a fast-growing, eco-friendly death care option close to home.Why it matters: Maryland legalized human composting two years ago, paving the way for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Earth Funeral" data-vars-click-url="https://earthfuneral.com/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=ppc&amp;utm_campaign=GA_Search_Brand_Exact_US_2&amp;utm_content=623022695674&amp;utm_term=earth%20funeral&amp;utm_campaign_id=18387002872&amp;utm_adgroup=GA_Search_Brand_Exact&amp;utm_adgroup_id=141533093277&amp;utm_ad_id=623022695674&amp;utm_placement=&amp;utm_match_type=e&amp;utm_device=c&amp;utm_network=g&amp;utm_location=9007537&amp;utm_site_domain=&amp;utm_site_id=kwd-927024177258&amp;hsa_acc=9039600664&amp;hsa_cam=18387002872&amp;hsa_grp=141533093277&amp;hsa_ad=623022695674&amp;hsa_src=g&amp;hsa_tgt=kwd-927024177258&amp;hsa_kw=earth%20funeral&amp;hsa_mt=e&amp;hsa_net=adwords&amp;hsa_ver=3&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=18387002872&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAoXksEqgCGzov0vRiRJKvFCCs85gu&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwiJvQBhCYARIsAMjts3KsDEm5ia_PnjhXZJNav0zPtomtHxPvG8rmP_heOPFLUglRkf2J4XAaAqdJEALw_wcB" data-vars-content-id="161dad19-c1af-4064-b682-e1395ec040ed" data-vars-headline="A massive &quot;human composting&quot; facility just opened outside D.C." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://earthfuneral.com/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=ppc&amp;utm_campaign=GA_Search_Brand_Exact_US_2&amp;utm_content=623022695674&amp;utm_term=earth%20funeral&amp;utm_campaign_id=18387002872&amp;utm_adgroup=GA_Search_Brand_Exact&amp;utm_adgroup_id=141533093277&amp;utm_ad_id=623022695674&amp;utm_placement=&amp;utm_match_type=e&amp;utm_device=c&amp;utm_network=g&amp;utm_location=9007537&amp;utm_site_domain=&amp;utm_site_id=kwd-927024177258&amp;hsa_acc=9039600664&amp;hsa_cam=18387002872&amp;hsa_grp=141533093277&amp;hsa_ad=623022695674&amp;hsa_src=g&amp;hsa_tgt=kwd-927024177258&amp;hsa_kw=earth%20funeral&amp;hsa_mt=e&amp;hsa_net=adwords&amp;hsa_ver=3&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=18387002872&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAoXksEqgCGzov0vRiRJKvFCCs85gu&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwiJvQBhCYARIsAMjts3KsDEm5ia_PnjhXZJNav0zPtomtHxPvG8rmP_heOPFLUglRkf2J4XAaAqdJEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Earth Funeral</a> to open one of the world&#x27;s largest facilities in Howard County — giving East Coast families access to a process that often required transporting loved ones across the country.

In D.C., social dispensaries are becoming the new bars

On-site consumption permits are transforming D.C. dispensaries into social hubs.

D.C. dispensaries are starting to feel less like retail counters and more like lounges or wellness retreats, thanks to evolving rules that allow on-site consumption and social experiences beyond buying bud.Why it matters: The city&#x27;s cannabis culture is moving more mainstream — closer to the jump from Prohibition-era speakeasies to lively bars (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sans alcohol" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/04/02/dc-cannabis-drinks-breweries-distilleries-bill" data-vars-content-id="93501a07-7734-4e0f-8344-bae8c25ca6a0" data-vars-headline="In D.C., social dispensaries are becoming the new bars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/04/02/dc-cannabis-drinks-breweries-distilleries-bill" target="_self">sans alcohol</a>, of course).

Exploring D.C. with kids? There's a new must-read book

Local explorer Austin Graff turned a pandemic project with his daughter into a book featuring 111 can't-miss spots across the city.

Culture

If you&#x27;ve ever felt like playing tourist in D.C. — or forgot that feeling entirely — there&#x27;s no better guide than local explorer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Austin Graff" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/austinkgraff/" data-vars-content-id="8495113a-8fab-4cdf-9c30-6f820b362894" data-vars-headline="Exploring D.C. with kids? There&#x27;s a new must-read book" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/austinkgraff/" target="_blank">Austin Graff</a>.Why it matters: The former Postie has made a career out of curiosity, creating <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a guide" data-vars-click-url="https://austinkgraff.com/dc-guides/" data-vars-content-id="8495113a-8fab-4cdf-9c30-6f820b362894" data-vars-headline="Exploring D.C. with kids? There&#x27;s a new must-read book" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://austinkgraff.com/dc-guides/" target="_blank">a guide</a> to all 131 D.C. neighborhoods. And now: a family-focused book, &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="111 Places for Kids in Washington, DC That You Must Not Miss" data-vars-click-url="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/111-Places-for-Kids-in-Washington-DC-That-You-Must-Not-Miss/Austin-K-Graff/111-Places-Shops/9783740824280" data-vars-content-id="8495113a-8fab-4cdf-9c30-6f820b362894" data-vars-headline="Exploring D.C. with kids? There&#x27;s a new must-read book" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/111-Places-for-Kids-in-Washington-DC-That-You-Must-Not-Miss/Austin-K-Graff/111-Places-Shops/9783740824280" target="_blank">111 Places for Kids in Washington, DC That You Must Not Miss</a>.&quot;

This rising Maryland singer is putting "crab country" on the map

The rising star has toured with Shaboozey and is headlining the Commanders draft party.

Country music, but make it Maryland. Rising star Luke Borchelt is crooning about crabs and Ocean City — and landing gigs with big names like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Shaboozey" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/02/02/shaboozey-dedicates-grammy-win-to-children-of-immigrants" data-vars-content-id="e11c7860-3f37-4e6c-b6b7-e049c4707588" data-vars-headline="This rising Maryland singer is putting &quot;crab country&quot; on the map" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/02/02/shaboozey-dedicates-grammy-win-to-children-of-immigrants" target="_self">Shaboozey</a> for his distinctly Free State sound.Why it matters: The Riva native is part of a small but growing wave of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="country artists" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/11/13/ai-artists-dominate-country-music-chart-nashville-songwriters" data-vars-content-id="e11c7860-3f37-4e6c-b6b7-e049c4707588" data-vars-headline="This rising Maryland singer is putting &quot;crab country&quot; on the map" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/11/13/ai-artists-dominate-country-music-chart-nashville-songwriters" target="_self">country artists</a> from the DMV — including Shaboozey and Jackson Dean — and a rare one putting Chesapeake life at the center of his music.

Poll: Which cherry blossom is the next Stumpy?

Vote for your favorite short king in our poll.

Glorious <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Stumpy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/03/15/stumpy-cut-down-cherry-tree" data-vars-content-id="43042002-44f8-4694-bc49-c87efa948902" data-vars-headline="Poll: Which cherry blossom is the next Stumpy?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/03/15/stumpy-cut-down-cherry-tree" target="_self">Stumpy</a> news: Cuttings from D.C.&#x27;s favorite lil&#x27; tree (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="RIP to our short king" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/03/15/stumpy-cut-down-cherry-tree" data-vars-content-id="43042002-44f8-4694-bc49-c87efa948902" data-vars-headline="Poll: Which cherry blossom is the next Stumpy?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/03/15/stumpy-cut-down-cherry-tree" target="_self">RIP to our short king</a>) bloomed for the first time this spring at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Arboretum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/20/best-cherry-blossoms-without-crowds-dc-arboretum" data-vars-content-id="43042002-44f8-4694-bc49-c87efa948902" data-vars-headline="Poll: Which cherry blossom is the next Stumpy?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/20/best-cherry-blossoms-without-crowds-dc-arboretum" target="_self">National Arboretum</a> — and could make their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grand Tidal Basin return" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/Interior/status/2037208947203957084" data-vars-content-id="43042002-44f8-4694-bc49-c87efa948902" data-vars-headline="Poll: Which cherry blossom is the next Stumpy?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/Interior/status/2037208947203957084" target="_blank">grand Tidal Basin return</a> as early as next year.👑Yes, but: It will take years for Stumpy&#x27;s saplings to fill his royal roots, so we must crown a successor in the meantime.

Scoop: Actor Jon Bernthal buys $3.75M house in D.C.

"The Punisher" and "His & Hers" star is planting roots around his hometown.

Hollywood hotshot Jon Bernthal recently dropped $3.75 million on a home in Chevy Chase, D.C., real estate sources tell Axios — a sign &quot;The Punisher&quot; is planting roots back home.Why it matters: In a town where senators count as celebrity sightings, &quot;The Bear&quot; and &quot;Walking Dead&quot; star showing up at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wizards games" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/WashWizards/status/2013376385692123593" data-vars-content-id="2295a3de-c2ba-4f2e-9250-797a8bff49f7" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Actor Jon Bernthal buys $3.75M house in D.C." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/WashWizards/status/2013376385692123593" target="_blank">Wizards games</a> and beloved <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="red-sauce joints" data-vars-click-url="https://www.popville.com/2026/01/dcs-own-spotted-jon-bernthal-filomena/" data-vars-content-id="2295a3de-c2ba-4f2e-9250-797a8bff49f7" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Actor Jon Bernthal buys $3.75M house in D.C." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.popville.com/2026/01/dcs-own-spotted-jon-bernthal-filomena/" target="_blank">red-sauce joints</a> qualifies as actual star power.

"Melania" premieres at the Kennedy Center amid backlash

Amazon's $75M "Melania" documentary makes its Kennedy Center debut.

Melania Trump&#x27;s big-budget <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="documentary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/05/melania-trump-amazon-prime-documentary" data-vars-content-id="8b2d07d5-e774-408a-ac9f-704d9ff5c942" data-vars-headline="&quot;Melania&quot; premieres at the Kennedy Center amid backlash" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/05/melania-trump-amazon-prime-documentary" target="_self">documentary</a> premieres at the Kennedy Center on Thursday. But the $75 million film&#x27;s rollout is drawing more attention than the movie itself.Why it matters: The buzz around &quot;Melania&quot; has all the trappings of a Washington drama — elite circles, culture-war backlash and high-stakes questions about money and optics.

How to get rid of your Christmas tree in the DMV

There are several ways to dispose of your Christmas trees in D.C., all of which speak to your essence as a human being.Why it matters: Goodbye, holiday season. Hello, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="judgey January" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/01/24/snow-storm-shovel-shaming-rules" data-vars-content-id="9d7e146e-b4fc-4f55-b60c-64a6c8d7f5f6" data-vars-headline="How to get rid of your Christmas tree in the DMV" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/01/24/snow-storm-shovel-shaming-rules" target="_self">judgey January</a>.

How Metro became D.C.'s favorite brand

Collabs with streetwear designers, flash pop-ups and smooth service have sales climbing.

<figure><img alt="Six diverse people modeling retro-style Metro merchandise including sweaters, t-shirts, a tote bag, and a pennant, with brown and white color themes against a tan background." height="1200" id="69af8101-7899-4ac4-92d5-0d52401bf583" src="https://images.axios.com/pFCfxD7e4DEoSdFUqSrU9QHqoTw=/2026/01/09/1767977407512.png" width="1455"/><figcaption>Metro&#x27;s throwback collegiate gear. Photo: Courtesy of WMATA</figcaption></figure>Out: Repping D.C. with sports swag. In: Repping D.C. with Metro swag.While the Commanders flounder and Nats rebuild, our transit system is winning — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="breaking record" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wusa9.com/article/traffic/mission-metro/metro-wmata-washington-transit/65-44a07d75-28c0-4461-b2a3-d6d061bcc1ff" data-vars-content-id="1e80a864-6ee4-4f4a-9f37-b5031ba26f8e" data-vars-headline="How Metro became D.C.&#x27;s favorite brand" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wusa9.com/article/traffic/mission-metro/metro-wmata-washington-transit/65-44a07d75-28c0-4461-b2a3-d6d061bcc1ff" target="_blank">breaking record</a> ridership numbers and releasing merch that&#x27;s hotter than a Red Line rail at rush hour.Why it matters: Metro turns 50 this year, and it&#x27;s suddenly D.C.&#x27;s underdog du jour — rebounding from its pandemic slump, cleaner and more reliable, with a surprisingly sassy <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="online personality" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/metroforward/" data-vars-content-id="1e80a864-6ee4-4f4a-9f37-b5031ba26f8e" data-vars-headline="How Metro became D.C.&#x27;s favorite brand" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/metroforward/" target="_blank">online personality</a> and undeniably cool swag.