Washington D.C.

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in D.C. with Mimi Montgomery, Cuneyt Dil, and Anna Spiegel.

Axios D.C.

Standard

Axios D.C. Partners

Axios D.C. Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

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

Axios D.C. Weekender

Weekender

D.C. Alerts

Alert

Washington, DC Members

Membership

D.C. lands massive FIFA World Cup Fan Zone on the National Mall

D.C. is launching a massive FIFA Fan Zone on the National Mall next month — with live match screenings, concerts, food and cultural events tied to America's 250th anniversary celebration.

News

D.C. will host a huge <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/22/where-to-watch-world-cup-dc-2026" data-vars-content-id="44203120-7bf4-4c75-be0c-167c5c5132da" data-vars-headline="D.C. lands massive FIFA World Cup Fan Zone on the National Mall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/22/where-to-watch-world-cup-dc-2026" target="_self">FIFA World Cup</a> Fan Zone on the National Mall this summer, organizers announced Tuesday — tying one of the world&#x27;s biggest sporting events to America&#x27;s 250th birthday celebration.Why it matters: Even without hosting matches, D.C. is positioning itself as a World Cup destination — leaning into its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="international fanbase" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/26/world-cup-expat-bars-embassy-watch-parties-dc" data-vars-content-id="44203120-7bf4-4c75-be0c-167c5c5132da" data-vars-headline="D.C. lands massive FIFA World Cup Fan Zone on the National Mall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/26/world-cup-expat-bars-embassy-watch-parties-dc" target="_self">international fanbase</a> and an expected influx of global visitors during what&#x27;s projected to be one of the biggest tourism summers.

Alexandria soon to be overrun with Croatian soccer hunks

Sports

Big news for aspiring <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="WAGs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.today.com/popculture/what-are-wags-rcna124752" data-vars-content-id="1b01516f-251c-43fe-aeda-76a1d06b5ffa" data-vars-headline="Alexandria soon to be overrun with Croatian soccer hunks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.today.com/popculture/what-are-wags-rcna124752" target="_blank">WAGs</a> (and HABs) in Washington: The Croatian National Team will be training and staying in Alexandria during this summer&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/12/08/world-cup-matches-near-dc-philadelphia-metlife-stadium-boston" data-vars-content-id="1b01516f-251c-43fe-aeda-76a1d06b5ffa" data-vars-headline="Alexandria soon to be overrun with Croatian soccer hunks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/12/08/world-cup-matches-near-dc-philadelphia-metlife-stadium-boston" target="_self">World Cup</a>.Why it matters: Do we have to spell it out for you? Okay, fine: There will be some hunky Croatian soccer daddies roaming our streets.

D.C. mayoral candidates sharpen final messages

Politics

D.C.&#x27;s mayoral candidates are making their closing messages about pocketbooks and public safety.Why it matters: With under three weeks to go until the primary, front-runners <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Janeese Lewis George" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/02/23/janeese-lewis-george-mayor-race-election-trump-democratic-socialism" data-vars-content-id="4706c661-cc28-49fb-8152-aa83d22eabb2" data-vars-headline="D.C. mayoral candidates sharpen final messages" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/02/23/janeese-lewis-george-mayor-race-election-trump-democratic-socialism" target="_self">Janeese Lewis George</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kenyan McDuffie" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/12/kenyan-mcduffie-dc-mayor-election-janeese-lewis-george" data-vars-content-id="4706c661-cc28-49fb-8152-aa83d22eabb2" data-vars-headline="D.C. mayoral candidates sharpen final messages" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/12/kenyan-mcduffie-dc-mayor-election-janeese-lewis-george" target="_self">Kenyan McDuffie</a> are sharpening their pitches to voters in the first open mayoral contest in 20 years.

Whoever buys this townhouse is officially on BBQ duty

The private rooftop terrace features a built-in grill and gas fireplace.

Outdoor Living Brief

This swanky Shaw townhouse is listed for nearly $1.6 million and comes with a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="private rooftop terrace" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/04/10/home-value-fence-outdoor-upgrade" data-vars-content-id="d26932aa-abd9-469d-8a09-c7f9b427ef84" data-vars-headline="Whoever buys this townhouse is officially on BBQ duty" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/04/10/home-value-fence-outdoor-upgrade" target="_self">private rooftop terrace</a> ready for BBQ season.The vibe: Ride your in-unit elevator to the top of four levels, where a built-in grill and gas fireplace make hosting possible <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="year-round" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/04/10/outdoor-design-trends-dc" data-vars-content-id="d26932aa-abd9-469d-8a09-c7f9b427ef84" data-vars-headline="Whoever buys this townhouse is officially on BBQ duty" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/04/10/outdoor-design-trends-dc" target="_self">year-round</a>.

How Virginia Tech is advancing wireless communications research

Virginia Tech is shaping safer, smarter 6G and future-ready wireless systems.

Partners

Every text, satellite signal, AI query and video call depends on one thing: wireless communication keeping pace with a world producing more data than ever before.Why it&#x27;s important: Existing communications infrastructure is under growing pressure to move, compress and process massive amounts of information quickly, securely and sustainably.<ul><li>That challenge is reshaping everything from AI-enabled devices and satellite systems to national security and space communications.</li></ul>

D.C. schools lead U.S. in academic recovery, but absenteeism persists

But students are still performing below pre-pandemic levels, and chronic absenteeism remains high.

Education

D.C. schools are leading the country in post-pandemic academic recovery, according to a new report.The big picture: Despite the top national ranking, D.C. students are still performing below pre-pandemic levels, and chronic absenteeism remains a serious problem.

Amid immigration uncertainty, Georgetown loses international students

Universities across the country ended up enrolling fewer international students this fall.

Georgetown University&#x27;s international graduate student enrollment dropped 20% this fall, a sign of the times as U.S. colleges lose international students under President Trump.The big picture: Universities across the country ended up enrolling fewer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="international students" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/08/27/trump-admin-overhaul-student-visas" data-vars-content-id="5d175b50-ca59-44a8-bb6e-7faea0ae878e" data-vars-headline="Amid immigration uncertainty, Georgetown loses international students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/08/27/trump-admin-overhaul-student-visas" target="_self">international students</a> this fall.

Walk in groups, no headphones: D.C. families start school under Trump crackdown

Families worry immigrants and kids of color could face heightened enforcement.

As back-to-school season begins amid D.C.&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal crackdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/14/trump-dc-national-guard-fbi-crackdown" data-vars-content-id="dea3db25-5d9d-44d4-86f3-7dbf72539e72" data-vars-headline="Walk in groups, no headphones: D.C. families start school under Trump crackdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/14/trump-dc-national-guard-fbi-crackdown" target="_self">federal crackdown</a> on crime, some residents are worried that students and their parents — especially immigrants and people of color — may be at greater risk.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="D.C. Public Schools" data-vars-click-url="https://mayor.dc.gov/release/mayor-bowser-to-welcome-dcps-educators-back-new-school-year" data-vars-content-id="dea3db25-5d9d-44d4-86f3-7dbf72539e72" data-vars-headline="Walk in groups, no headphones: D.C. families start school under Trump crackdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mayor.dc.gov/release/mayor-bowser-to-welcome-dcps-educators-back-new-school-year" target="_blank">D.C. Public Schools</a> begin classes Monday.

DMV schools lock down cellphones, boost security for new year

What to know about the new policies for the 2025 school year.

Phones will be <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="locked away" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/16/school-cell-phone-bans-2025-legislation" data-vars-content-id="056d4087-47c4-473a-aa94-807951598b41" data-vars-headline="DMV schools lock down cellphones, boost security for new year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/16/school-cell-phone-bans-2025-legislation" target="_self">locked away</a> — and new surveillance tech is coming in — as D.C.-area schools revamp their policies for the new year. Why it matters: Schools say the changes aim to boost learning, improve student wellbeing, and curb threats.

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.

Climate

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. officially ends redshirting for kindergartners

The pivot has enraged parents who are being told their kids must skip kindergarten and go straight to first grade.

D.C. is cracking down on families who want to enroll their kids late into kindergarten — a practice known as redshirting.Why it matters: D.C. Public Schools used to let principals allow families to delay enrollment, especially if a child has developmental concerns.

UVA president's resignation highlights tension over university boards

All of Virginia's university boards now have a majority backed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

The search for the next <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="University of Virginia" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/27/university-virginia-james-ryan-trump-dei" data-vars-content-id="745e8a47-ba6e-4748-b52f-35ec26db5dfb" data-vars-headline="UVA president&#x27;s resignation highlights tension over university boards" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/27/university-virginia-james-ryan-trump-dei" target="_self">University of Virginia</a> president will be led by the school&#x27;s Board of Visitors, all of whom are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="appointees" data-vars-click-url="https://www.insidehighered.com/news/governance/executive-leadership/2025/06/30/uva-reels-after-president-resigns-under-pressure" data-vars-content-id="745e8a47-ba6e-4748-b52f-35ec26db5dfb" data-vars-headline="UVA president&#x27;s resignation highlights tension over university boards" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.insidehighered.com/news/governance/executive-leadership/2025/06/30/uva-reels-after-president-resigns-under-pressure" target="_blank">appointees</a> of Gov. Glenn Youngkin.Why it matters: Jim Ryan&#x27;s resignation last week was a watershed moment in the Trump administration&#x27;s war with some of America&#x27;s most prestigious institutions of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="higher education" data-vars-click-url="https://www.insidehighered.com/news/governance/executive-leadership/2025/06/30/uva-reels-after-president-resigns-under-pressure" data-vars-content-id="745e8a47-ba6e-4748-b52f-35ec26db5dfb" data-vars-headline="UVA president&#x27;s resignation highlights tension over university boards" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.insidehighered.com/news/governance/executive-leadership/2025/06/30/uva-reels-after-president-resigns-under-pressure" target="_blank">higher education</a>.

Trump student visa halt could hurt DMV economy

About 5% of international students in the U.S. study in D.C., Virginia or Maryland.

About 5% of the approximately 1.1 million <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="international college students" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/06/state-department-ai-revoke-foreign-student-visas-hamas" data-vars-content-id="7cd239e8-3281-4a40-b26e-fc7348d51360" data-vars-headline="Trump student visa halt could hurt DMV economy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/06/state-department-ai-revoke-foreign-student-visas-hamas" target="_self">international college students</a> studying abroad in the U.S. are doing so in D.C., Maryland or Virginia.Why it matters: The Trump administration is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="halting student visa interviews" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/27/student-visas-trump-social-media" data-vars-content-id="7cd239e8-3281-4a40-b26e-fc7348d51360" data-vars-headline="Trump student visa halt could hurt DMV economy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/27/student-visas-trump-social-media" target="_self">halting student visa interviews</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="revoking visas for Chinese students" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/28/student-visas-china-us-rubio" data-vars-content-id="7cd239e8-3281-4a40-b26e-fc7348d51360" data-vars-headline="Trump student visa halt could hurt DMV economy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/28/student-visas-china-us-rubio" target="_self">revoking visas for Chinese students</a> amid a political pressure campaign against colleges and universities and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="broader immigration crackdown." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/28/immigration-ice-deportations-stephen-miller" data-vars-content-id="7cd239e8-3281-4a40-b26e-fc7348d51360" data-vars-headline="Trump student visa halt could hurt DMV economy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/28/immigration-ice-deportations-stephen-miller" target="_self">broader immigration crackdown.</a>

How the Education Department shutdown could affect DMV student loans

The DMV has some of the nation's highest student debt.

President Trump&#x27;s unprecedented move last week to close down the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Department of Education" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/20/trump-order-education-department-dismantle" data-vars-content-id="2119a872-59d0-4450-b0e8-4462eb944839" data-vars-headline="How the Education Department shutdown could affect DMV student loans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/20/trump-order-education-department-dismantle" target="_self">Department of Education</a> presents big questions for student loan borrowers.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="D.C.-area" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/03/24/virginia-education-department-shutdown" data-vars-content-id="2119a872-59d0-4450-b0e8-4462eb944839" data-vars-headline="How the Education Department shutdown could affect DMV student loans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/03/24/virginia-education-department-shutdown" target="_self">D.C.-area</a> borrowers have some of the highest student debt in the nation, according to the Federal Student Aid Data Center.

Education 📚

How Virginia Tech is advancing wireless communications research

D.C. schools lead U.S. in academic recovery, but absenteeism persists

Amid immigration uncertainty, Georgetown loses international students

Walk in groups, no headphones: D.C. families start school under Trump crackdown

DMV schools lock down cellphones, boost security for new year