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Federal employment in D.C. slumps to 30-year low

Federal jobs keep disappearing from the DMV

News

The number of federal jobs in the DMV plummeted from nearly 376,000 at the start of President Trump&#x27;s second term to 312,500 in May.Why it matters: That&#x27;s Elon Musk&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="chainsaw" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/29/musk-doge-legacy-lawsuits-trump-adminstration" data-vars-content-id="446f7320-72a9-4442-8cff-ad538ef509b4" data-vars-headline="Federal employment in D.C. slumps to 30-year low" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/29/musk-doge-legacy-lawsuits-trump-adminstration" target="_self">chainsaw</a>, plus steady trims to the federal workforce even after DOGE ended, and the primary reason why the District finds itself in a mild recession.

How D.C. restaurants and farmers are responding to the parasite outbreak

"We're monitoring, but we're not panicking," says pastry chef Paola Velez.

Food and Drink

D.C. chefs and farmers aren&#x27;t giving up on summer produce amid the growing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cyclosporiasis outbreak" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/07/cyclosporiasis-stomach-bug-cases-symptoms-outbreak" data-vars-content-id="f89e0793-5803-46f9-81e7-b45d4913a232" data-vars-headline="How D.C. restaurants and farmers are responding to the parasite outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/07/cyclosporiasis-stomach-bug-cases-symptoms-outbreak" target="_self">cyclosporiasis outbreak</a>.Why it matters: With thousands sickened nationwide and investigators still <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="searching for the source" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/11/explosive-diarrhea-parasite-cyclospora-sick-outbreak" data-vars-content-id="f89e0793-5803-46f9-81e7-b45d4913a232" data-vars-headline="How D.C. restaurants and farmers are responding to the parasite outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/11/explosive-diarrhea-parasite-cyclospora-sick-outbreak" target="_self">searching for the source</a>, consumers are wondering whether it&#x27;s safe to eat possible culprits like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lettuces" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/13/well/eat/michigan-cyclospora-outbreak-lettuce-salad-greens.html" data-vars-content-id="f89e0793-5803-46f9-81e7-b45d4913a232" data-vars-headline="How D.C. restaurants and farmers are responding to the parasite outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/13/well/eat/michigan-cyclospora-outbreak-lettuce-salad-greens.html" target="_blank">lettuces</a>, berries and fresh herbs.

D.C. parents: These local spots come with child care included

Sweat it out, work, or grab coffee while someone else watches the kids.

Things to Do

Mimi here, answering a question for a very sleep-deprived, burnt-out, mentally and physically and spiritually overtaxed friend*: Where can you go to be an actually productive member of society with a little kid in tow?Reality check: *It&#x27;s me. I&#x27;m the friend.<ul><li>I had my first baby six months ago, and since then I&#x27;ve had my eyes peeled for local spots with built-in child care.</li></ul>Why it matters: Finding a sitter is hard, especially if you don&#x27;t live near family. And sometimes all you want is someone to watch your little one for an hour on a weekend to get in a quick workout or, I don&#x27;t know, have a coherent thought.

Where to watch the World Cup final in D.C., plus more weekend events

It&#x27;s the World Cup&#x27;s last week, with Saturday&#x27;s third-place match between England and France and Sunday&#x27;s final with Argentina and Spain.Why it matters: It&#x27;s been a cracking tournament, and there are plenty of D.C. watch parties for the grand finale.

New dashboard offers real-time look at Potomac, Anacostia water quality

A new dashboard gives near-real-time updates on river conditions at sites across the Potomac and Anacostia.

A new dashboard gives the public near real-time water quality data for the Potomac and Anacostia rivers.Why it matters: Water quality is top of mind after last winter&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sewage spill" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/20/dc-water-sewage-spill-potomac-interceptor-repairs" data-vars-content-id="791cdc65-100b-4e47-bd95-f53d0d5e6e41" data-vars-headline="New dashboard offers real-time look at Potomac, Anacostia water quality" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/20/dc-water-sewage-spill-potomac-interceptor-repairs" target="_self">sewage spill</a> and the Potomac River&#x27;s designation as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America&#x27;s Most Endangered River" data-vars-click-url="https://potomac.org/blog/2026/4/13-most-endangered-rivers-potomc-river" data-vars-content-id="791cdc65-100b-4e47-bd95-f53d0d5e6e41" data-vars-headline="New dashboard offers real-time look at Potomac, Anacostia water quality" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://potomac.org/blog/2026/4/13-most-endangered-rivers-potomc-river" target="_blank">America&#x27;s Most Endangered River</a>. <ul><li>Plus: The tool could help kayakers, anglers and environmental groups better understand river conditions before heading out.</li></ul>

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.

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.

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.

Mosquito forecast: A "whopper" season ahead for D.C.

The biters are back. Mosquito season in the D.C. region typically takes off in May — and experts say this year could be longer and buggier than usual.Why it matters: If you thought <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="snowcrete" 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="32494f47-b2ec-40ae-8262-b5f2a85d563a" data-vars-headline="Mosquito forecast: A &quot;whopper&quot; season ahead for 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/2026/01/28/snow-emergency-extended-as-snowcrete-slows-dc-cleanup" target="_self">snowcrete</a> killed the skeeters — bless your wishful heart.<ul><li>&quot;I think we&#x27;re in for a whopper,&quot; says Douglass Miles, vice president of Mosquito Shield for the Washington region.</li></ul>

D.C. on the verge of lifting Potomac River recreation restrictions

It's a sign of progress after what officials have called the worst sewage spill in U.S. history.

D.C. is aiming to lift its restrictions on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Potomac River" 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="6c022735-497c-4c20-8ad3-0e1621adaeec" data-vars-headline="D.C. on the verge of lifting Potomac River recreation restrictions" 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">Potomac River</a> recreation on March 2 — three weeks after the last sewage surge was reported (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Super Bowl Sunday&#x27;s &quot;wipegate&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wusa9.com/article/tech/science/environment/non-flushable-wipes-more-sew[…]tomac-river-super-bowl/65-bbe1af6c-6dd0-4aad-bb99-1fcb16a2c650" data-vars-content-id="6c022735-497c-4c20-8ad3-0e1621adaeec" data-vars-headline="D.C. on the verge of lifting Potomac River recreation restrictions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wusa9.com/article/tech/science/environment/non-flushable-wipes-more-sew[…]tomac-river-super-bowl/65-bbe1af6c-6dd0-4aad-bb99-1fcb16a2c650" target="_blank">Super Bowl Sunday&#x27;s &quot;wipegate&quot;</a>) and six weeks after the initial spill.Why it matters: It&#x27;s an early sign that the region may be turning a corner on what officials have called the worst sewage spill in U.S. history — and a test of public trust in the river.

Potomac River still not safe for fishing or swimming

The Potomac gets a "B" health grade from leading environmental nonprofit.

The Potomac River is holding steady at a &quot;B&quot; grade for water quality, but progress has flatlined, according to the latest river <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report card" data-vars-click-url="https://potomac.org/clean-water-campaign" data-vars-content-id="dcc9703f-63bb-471d-885a-355d13f765f1" data-vars-headline="Potomac River still not safe for fishing or swimming" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://potomac.org/clean-water-campaign" target="_blank">report card</a> released Wednesday by the nonprofit Potomac Conservancy.Why it matters: The river that flows through the nation&#x27;s capital and provides drinking water to 5 million people isn&#x27;t reliably safe for swimming or fishing.

Gourd riddance: How to compost and donate pumpkins around D.C.

The only thing scarier than jack-o-lanterns is waste.

Environment

Don&#x27;t trash your pumpkins — compost or recycle them instead.Why it matters: Decomposing gourds in landfills release <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="harmful methane" data-vars-click-url="https://www.neefusa.org/story/sustainability/dont-send-your-pumpkins-graveyard" data-vars-content-id="1d3c916e-565b-4be8-ad2f-bdf368f31620" data-vars-headline="Gourd riddance: How to compost and donate pumpkins around D.C." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.neefusa.org/story/sustainability/dont-send-your-pumpkins-graveyard" target="_blank">harmful methane</a>, whereas turning them into compost or feed cuts waste.

How the National Aquarium gets new sharks for its jaws-packed exhibit

Pandas fly the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Panda FedEx Express" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/10/26/pandas-leaving-dc-national-zoo" data-vars-content-id="383109fc-6312-4eb9-bffd-911ec0f7172d" data-vars-headline="How the National Aquarium gets new sharks for its jaws-packed exhibit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/10/26/pandas-leaving-dc-national-zoo" target="_self">Panda FedEx Express</a>. Zebras get an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="airlift" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/runaway-pet-zebra-captured-tennessee-rcna211725" data-vars-content-id="383109fc-6312-4eb9-bffd-911ec0f7172d" data-vars-headline="How the National Aquarium gets new sharks for its jaws-packed exhibit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/runaway-pet-zebra-captured-tennessee-rcna211725" target="_blank">airlift</a>. But when Baltimore&#x27;s National Aquarium needs a new shark, it&#x27;s a great-white-size task.Why it matters: It&#x27;s Shark Week, but don&#x27;t bask by the TV — there&#x27;s an apex experience at the aquarium&#x27;s &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Shark Alley" data-vars-click-url="https://aqua.org/explore/exhibits/shark-alley" data-vars-content-id="383109fc-6312-4eb9-bffd-911ec0f7172d" data-vars-headline="How the National Aquarium gets new sharks for its jaws-packed exhibit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://aqua.org/explore/exhibits/shark-alley" target="_blank">Shark Alley</a>,&quot; where seven species cruise for your views.

Chesapeake Bay blue crab population plunges near record low

It's the second-lowest level recorded since the '90s.

The Chesapeake Bay&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="blue crab population" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/05/22/blue-crab-population-decline-winter-dredge-survey" data-vars-content-id="c160795b-3d1e-48e6-ab85-38df637584cc" data-vars-headline="Chesapeake Bay blue crab population plunges near record low" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/05/22/blue-crab-population-decline-winter-dredge-survey" target="_self">blue crab population</a> has dropped to record, &quot;distressing&quot; lows, according to the annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Winter Dredge Survey" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/05/22/blue-crab-population-decline-winter-dredge-survey" data-vars-content-id="c160795b-3d1e-48e6-ab85-38df637584cc" data-vars-headline="Chesapeake Bay blue crab population plunges near record low" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/05/22/blue-crab-population-decline-winter-dredge-survey" target="_self">Winter Dredge Survey</a>.Why it matters: The yearly &quot;crab count&quot; measures the abundance and health of the population — and by virtue, the Bay — and this year&#x27;s report is among the most dire in decades.

D.C. ranks #1 in the country for public parks

For the fifth year in a row, according to ParkScore.

D.C. boasts the country&#x27;s<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" best big city park system" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/30/best-worst-cities-public-parks-us" data-vars-content-id="89eaa8aa-76fd-4ed5-8872-8a5d66cd84bd" data-vars-headline="D.C. ranks #1 in the country for public parks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/30/best-worst-cities-public-parks-us" target="_self"> best big city park system</a>, a new ranking finds — our fifth year in a row at #1.Why it matters: The District tops a list of 100 most populous U.S. cities when it comes to park acreage, access, amenities, investment and equity — the five main categories used in the<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" 2025 ParkScore index" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tpl.org/parkscore" data-vars-content-id="89eaa8aa-76fd-4ed5-8872-8a5d66cd84bd" data-vars-headline="D.C. ranks #1 in the country for public parks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tpl.org/parkscore" target="_blank"> 2025 ParkScore index</a>.<ul><li>Arlington, Virginia clocked in at #7.</li></ul>