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

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

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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.

Tysons' surburban-to-urban transformation still a work in progress

Creating a walkable, transit-friendly and mixed-use urban downtown isn't easy.

Development

Tysons has been working to transform itself from a suburban retail center to a mixed-use, urban oasis for over a decade — but it still has a ways to go.Why it matters: Creating a walkable, transit-friendly, and mixed-use urban downtown isn&#x27;t easy, especially in a place like Tysons, which sprung up around highways and despite improvements still lacks much of the draw of communities closer to D.C., like walkability, charm, arts and culture, and nightlife.

The top of the tower at Capital One's Tysons, Va. headquarters.

What's new and next in Tysons

Once the land of chains (RIP, Rainforest Cafe) Tysons has a bunch of new and upcoming spots from local chefs and restaurateurs.

Food and Drink

Tysons has transformed more than any other D.C. suburb over the past decade.Why it matters: The neighborhood, once synonymous with the mall, is brimming with new restaurants, entertainment venues, and, yes, shops.

How National Landing transformed Northern Virginia, five years later

Amazon's HQ2 has helped position the corridor as a kind of East Coast Silicon Valley.

Five years ago this week, the DMV&#x27;s landscape was forever altered: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Amazon chose Northern Virginia" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2018/11/13/report-amazon-hq2-is-going-to-northern-virginia-and-new-york-city" data-vars-content-id="da5dacfa-a671-4ea3-800b-bf3ad72f05ef" data-vars-headline="How National Landing transformed Northern Virginia, five years later" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2018/11/13/report-amazon-hq2-is-going-to-northern-virginia-and-new-york-city" target="_self">Amazon chose Northern Virginia</a> as its second hub and birthed a new neighborhood, National Landing.Why it matters: The decision took the Arlington and Alexandria areas bordering Route 1 — which had a rep for being a ghost town filled with drab, brutalist office buildings — and gave them a major glow-up, positioning the corridor as a kind of East Coast Silicon Valley.

A view of National Landing and Amazon's Met Park.

Mayor Bowser taps new economic development chief

Nina Albert comes from federal property management.

D.C. has a new economic development chief, and she knows a thing or two about empty office space.Driving the news: Mayor Muriel Bowser on Friday <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="picked" data-vars-click-url="https://mayor.dc.gov/release/mayor-bowser-announces-key-appointments-10a" data-vars-content-id="6997d6e3-b073-4daf-8751-c8f0543acce0" data-vars-headline="Mayor Bowser taps new economic development chief" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mayor.dc.gov/release/mayor-bowser-announces-key-appointments-10a" target="_blank">picked</a> Nina Albert to succeed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="John Falcicchio" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/03/21/dc-shadow-mayor-john-falcicchio" data-vars-content-id="6997d6e3-b073-4daf-8751-c8f0543acce0" data-vars-headline="Mayor Bowser taps new economic development chief" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/03/21/dc-shadow-mayor-john-falcicchio" target="_self">John Falcicchio</a>, the former aide likened to a &quot;shadow mayor&quot; who left amid complaints of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sexual harassment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/06/20/john-falcicchio-sexual-harassment-investigation" data-vars-content-id="6997d6e3-b073-4daf-8751-c8f0543acce0" data-vars-headline="Mayor Bowser taps new economic development chief" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/06/20/john-falcicchio-sexual-harassment-investigation" target="_self">sexual harassment</a>.

Adams Morgan's SunTrust Bank site to become affordable housing

The saga over the future of Columbia Road and 18th Street NW has dragged on for years.

Adams Morgan&#x27;s concrete plaza has defeated its latest threat: luxury condos.Driving the news: Truist Financial Corp., the owner of the infamous SunTrust Bank site and its concrete plaza, has donated the $6.5 million property to an affordable housing developer.

"Everything's on the table": Football fever is back in Washington

Local boy Josh Harris' purchase of the Commanders has the city humming with anticipation for the gridiron.

Sports

What a difference two weeks — and 1,000 free <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="beers" data-vars-click-url="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10083416-josh-harris-buys-2-bars-full-of-commanders-fans-drinks-after-daniel-snyders-6b-sale" data-vars-content-id="8086d54b-1780-427c-b368-a2d90d327b42" data-vars-headline="&quot;Everything&#x27;s on the table&quot;: Football fever is back in Washington" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10083416-josh-harris-buys-2-bars-full-of-commanders-fans-drinks-after-daniel-snyders-6b-sale" target="_blank">beers</a> for fans — makes. Football is the talk of the town again in Washington.What I&#x27;m hearing: Local son Josh Harris&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="purchase of the Commanders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/20/washington-commanders-sold-nfl-dick-snyder" data-vars-content-id="8086d54b-1780-427c-b368-a2d90d327b42" data-vars-headline="&quot;Everything&#x27;s on the table&quot;: Football fever is back in Washington" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/20/washington-commanders-sold-nfl-dick-snyder" target="_self">purchase of the Commanders</a> has the city humming with anticipation for the gridiron. Suddenly, a new stadium sweepstakes is unfolding. The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="name could change" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/21/nfl-football-washington-commanders-sale-approved" data-vars-content-id="8086d54b-1780-427c-b368-a2d90d327b42" data-vars-headline="&quot;Everything&#x27;s on the table&quot;: Football fever is back in Washington" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/21/nfl-football-washington-commanders-sale-approved" target="_self">name could change</a> — yes, again!

Mega Takoma Metro development advances

New housing and retail projects near Metro stations are a priority for D.C.

A giant 435-unit housing and retail development near the Takoma Metro station won approval last week from historic preservation authorities.Why it matters: New housing and retail projects near Metro stations are a priority for D.C., and this one is a prime example in Northwest.

A rendering of a new brick and grey building in Takoma Park.

Plan to build a swanky new D.C. archives building moves forward

Artifacts like the original wills for Frederick Douglass and Alexander Graham Bell would be housed in the $72 million property.

Precious American artifacts would have a new $72 million home under a proposal being advanced in D.C.Why it matters: Items such as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="original wills" data-vars-click-url="https://os.dc.gov/service/district-columbia-archives" data-vars-content-id="493e1dd4-0f47-42d2-8164-5be0b2b2d2ab" data-vars-headline="Plan to build a swanky new D.C. archives building moves forward" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://os.dc.gov/service/district-columbia-archives" target="_blank">original wills</a> of Frederick Douglass and Alexander Graham Bell, and the birth certificate of Duke Ellington have long sat in a windowless Mount Vernon Square building. Others are scattered across multiple city buildings.

A rendering of the D.C. archives building

Developer wants to convert Brookland bowling alley into apartments

A pool, public plaza, and rooftop space on the historic building are planned.

Real Estate

A Brookland project to convert a former bowling alley into a 337-unit apartment project is moving ahead.State of play: New apartment buildings would wrap around the historic bowling alley structure at 3726 10th St. NE, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="UrbanTurf reports" data-vars-click-url="https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/337-unit_development_pitched_for_former_dc_bowling_alley_files_for_design_r/21197" data-vars-content-id="911bd153-53f4-4e2a-a524-db5b4e8b3618" data-vars-headline="Developer wants to convert Brookland bowling alley into apartments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/337-unit_development_pitched_for_former_dc_bowling_alley_files_for_design_r/21197" target="_blank">UrbanTurf reports</a>.

Whole Foods opens at new Walter Reed development

The market is one piece of a 66-acre project that reuses historic buildings and adds over 2,200 new residences.

Business

Whole Foods opened last week at the big development known as The Parks at Walter Reed.Why it matters: The market is one piece of a 66-acre project that reuses historic buildings, adds more than 2,200 new residences, and will be home to many other shops.

GOP speculation mounts that McCarthy will exit Congress early

Politics & Policy

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.

George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress

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

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.

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.

Scoop: Biden warned Bibi Israel can't operate in southern Gaza the way it did in north

The U.S. is extremely concerned that an Israeli operation in southern Gaza would lead to significantly more civilian casualties.

World

President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Biden" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/joe-biden" data-vars-content-id="caeda4df-4ee9-4a64-895d-e9305a0775b8" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Biden warned Bibi Israel can&#x27;t operate in southern Gaza the way it did in north" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/joe-biden" target="_self">Biden</a> told Israeli Prime Minister <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Benjamin Netanyahu" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/11/gaza-palestinian-authority-control-netanyahu-hamas-war" data-vars-content-id="caeda4df-4ee9-4a64-895d-e9305a0775b8" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Biden warned Bibi Israel can&#x27;t operate in southern Gaza the way it did in north" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/11/gaza-palestinian-authority-control-netanyahu-hamas-war" target="_self">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> last Sunday that he is concerned about a possible Israeli military operation in southern Gaza after the current pause in fighting ends, two U.S. officials told Axios.Driving the news: The Biden administration is extremely worried that an Israeli operation in the southern <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gaza Strip" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/21/gaza-strip-israel-hamas-war-demographics" data-vars-content-id="caeda4df-4ee9-4a64-895d-e9305a0775b8" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Biden warned Bibi Israel can&#x27;t operate in southern Gaza the way it did in north" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/21/gaza-strip-israel-hamas-war-demographics" target="_self">Gaza Strip</a> — where 2 million Palestinians are concentrated — would lead to significantly more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="civilian casualties" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/29/biden-netanyahu-hamas-israel-war-palestinians-civilians" data-vars-content-id="caeda4df-4ee9-4a64-895d-e9305a0775b8" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Biden warned Bibi Israel can&#x27;t operate in southern Gaza the way it did in north" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/29/biden-netanyahu-hamas-israel-war-palestinians-civilians" target="_self">civilian casualties</a> and deepen the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="humanitarian crisis in the enclave" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/13/gaza-hospitals-shifa-babies-humanitarian-collapse-israel-war" data-vars-content-id="caeda4df-4ee9-4a64-895d-e9305a0775b8" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Biden warned Bibi Israel can&#x27;t operate in southern Gaza the way it did in north" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/13/gaza-hospitals-shifa-babies-humanitarian-collapse-israel-war" target="_self">humanitarian crisis in the enclave</a>, the officials said.

President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meet in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Oct. 18. Photo: Handout/GPO/Anadolu via Getty Images

Exclusive: Biden emails 800k student loan borrowers about forgiven debt

"I hope this relief gives you a little more breathing room," the Tuesday email said.

More than 800,000 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="student loan borrowers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/31/biden-student-loan-forgiveness-debt-relief-proposal" data-vars-content-id="9a773fa1-fd63-42d4-a1a4-1019230c4bff" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Biden emails 800k student loan borrowers about forgiven debt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/31/biden-student-loan-forgiveness-debt-relief-proposal" target="_self">student loan borrowers</a> are set to receive a message from President Biden Tuesday afternoon.Why it matters: The email, shared in advance with Axios, is a direct appeal from the president to beneficiaries of his administration&#x27;s debt forgiveness push, as his approval rating among Democrats hit a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="record low" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/26/biden-approval-rating-democrats-israel-gaza" data-vars-content-id="9a773fa1-fd63-42d4-a1a4-1019230c4bff" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Biden emails 800k student loan borrowers about forgiven debt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/26/biden-approval-rating-democrats-israel-gaza" target="_self">record low</a> last month, jeopardizing his 2024 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="re-election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/06/trump-biden-presidential-candidates-unfavorable-poll" data-vars-content-id="9a773fa1-fd63-42d4-a1a4-1019230c4bff" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Biden emails 800k student loan borrowers about forgiven debt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/06/trump-biden-presidential-candidates-unfavorable-poll" target="_self">re-election</a> bid.

Biden speaks at a lectern with American flags behind him.

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