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Some DMV pediatricians are kicking out unvaccinated patients

Some local families are switching pediatricians as clinics enforce immunization policies.

News

Some DMV parents are seeking &quot;vaccine-friendly&quot; pediatricians after being asked to leave former practices over how — or whether — they vaccinate their children.The big picture: Almost 3.5% of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="D.C.&#x27;s kindergarteners" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/08/20/dc-kindergarten-vaccination-immunization-waivers" data-vars-content-id="27d2d0ee-2386-436e-990f-bc75f08edc6e" data-vars-headline="Some DMV pediatricians are kicking out unvaccinated patients" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/08/20/dc-kindergarten-vaccination-immunization-waivers" target="_self">D.C.&#x27;s kindergarteners</a> had immunization exemptions last fall — up from 2.7% in the 2024-2025 school year, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/schoolvaxview/data/index.html" data-vars-content-id="27d2d0ee-2386-436e-990f-bc75f08edc6e" data-vars-headline="Some DMV pediatricians are kicking out unvaccinated patients" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/schoolvaxview/data/index.html" target="_blank">data</a> from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CDC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/schoolvaxview/data/index.html" data-vars-content-id="27d2d0ee-2386-436e-990f-bc75f08edc6e" data-vars-headline="Some DMV pediatricians are kicking out unvaccinated patients" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/schoolvaxview/data/index.html" target="_blank">CDC</a>.<ul><li>That&#x27;s higher than Virginia (3%) and Maryland (2.5%), though below the national average of 4.2%.</li></ul>

Parking debate dominates first phase of Commanders stadium development

The transportation question is the first hurdle for the Commanders project.

Some D.C. officials are pushing the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Washington Commanders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/30/commanders-colts-london-trip-flight-fans" data-vars-content-id="ac7280d9-c9cb-4ba0-87c5-3bf45230a148" data-vars-headline="Parking debate dominates first phase of Commanders stadium development" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/30/commanders-colts-london-trip-flight-fans" target="_self">Washington Commanders</a> to rethink the two parking garage decks proposed for the RFK site, echoing criticism from neighbors.Why it matters: Transportation is the hottest debate so far on the road to building the Commanders stadium by 2030 (see also: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Metro access" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/24/rfk-stadium-development-commanders" data-vars-content-id="ac7280d9-c9cb-4ba0-87c5-3bf45230a148" data-vars-headline="Parking debate dominates first phase of Commanders stadium development" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/24/rfk-stadium-development-commanders" target="_self">Metro access</a>).

Fall foliage mapped: When fall colors will peak around D.C.

Fall foliage is expected to peak around Nov. 7 in Washington — and a few days earlier in Shenandoah.

Things to Do

Leaf-peepers, mark your calendars: Fall color is expected across most of the country by mid-October, according to a map on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Explore Fall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.explorefall.com/fall-foliage-map" data-vars-content-id="c87dcd86-93c5-4a6d-80ef-5c77a7c1ad80" data-vars-headline="Fall foliage mapped: When fall colors will peak around D.C." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.explorefall.com/fall-foliage-map" target="_blank">Explore Fall</a>.The big picture: Peak foliage color is expected in D.C. around Nov. 7. If you&#x27;re heading to the Shenandoah — a popular <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="leaf peeping spot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/09/11/fall-foliage-guide-dc-maryland-virginia" data-vars-content-id="c87dcd86-93c5-4a6d-80ef-5c77a7c1ad80" data-vars-headline="Fall foliage mapped: When fall colors will peak around 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/2025/09/11/fall-foliage-guide-dc-maryland-virginia" target="_self">leaf peeping spot</a> — peak is expected Nov. 2.

The little treat lover's guide to Georgetown

From gooey stroopwafels and babka to hand rolls, breakfast burritos and caviar, here's where to snack your way through the neighborhood.

Food and Drink

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Georgetown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/08/08/georgetown-guide-new-restaurants-bars-shops" data-vars-content-id="ccd51a1e-5a7a-4967-8db6-850e93a11126" data-vars-headline="The little treat lover&#x27;s guide to Georgetown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/08/08/georgetown-guide-new-restaurants-bars-shops" target="_self">Georgetown</a> may be D.C.&#x27;s ultimate little-treat neighborhood.Why it matters: The nabe&#x27;s snacking scene rivals its buzzy <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/08/24/alfies-thai-restaurant-georgetown-dc" data-vars-content-id="ccd51a1e-5a7a-4967-8db6-850e93a11126" data-vars-headline="The little treat lover&#x27;s guide to Georgetown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/08/24/alfies-thai-restaurant-georgetown-dc" target="_self">new</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="restaurants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/07/10/new-dc-restaurants-summer-2026" data-vars-content-id="ccd51a1e-5a7a-4967-8db6-850e93a11126" data-vars-headline="The little treat lover&#x27;s guide to Georgetown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/07/10/new-dc-restaurants-summer-2026" target="_self">restaurants</a>. You can graze your way through stroopwafels and hand rolls, babka and breakfast burritos — plus caviar happy hour if your little treat has a big budget.

As cycling grows in popularity, activists fear loss of beloved space

Activists are planning a protest for East Potomac Park.

The average D.C. resident bikes 40 miles every year — ranking 13th among big U.S. cities, per data from StreetLight.Why it matters: Two recent fights — over President Trump&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="East Potomac golf course" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/07/30/trump-east-potomac-golf-course" data-vars-content-id="b5bf02d2-bea5-44a9-8087-eea753b8b97d" data-vars-headline="As cycling grows in popularity, activists fear loss of beloved space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/07/30/trump-east-potomac-golf-course" target="_self">East Potomac golf course</a> makeover and Connecticut Avenue bike lanes — are putting D.C.&#x27;s long-running debate over bike access back in the spotlight.

Exclusive — Bowser's sports legacy: big wins, big public tab

Nearing the end of her final term, the mayor is taking a victory lap after establishing D.C. as a "Sports Capital."

Sports

On the third floor of the John Wilson Building, outside the D.C. mayor&#x27;s office, Muriel Bowser has trophy cases on display.<ul><li>Inside, there&#x27;s a street sign for Black Lives Matter Plaza, a Pat Collins <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Snow Stick" data-vars-click-url="https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/pat-collins-newsman/2020/12/16/d4e9571c-3fbf-11eb-9453-fc36ba051781_story.html" data-vars-content-id="1a24b69a-2373-4fbd-bb5f-0b09a37c7951" data-vars-headline="Exclusive — Bowser&#x27;s sports legacy: big wins, big public tab" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/pat-collins-newsman/2020/12/16/d4e9571c-3fbf-11eb-9453-fc36ba051781_story.html" target="_blank">Snow Stick</a>, and a photo of the mayor meeting Big Bird from &quot;Sesame Street.&quot; But the prevailing theme is sports. </li><li>Team photos and championship rings are the centerpiece. There&#x27;s a Commanders helmet from the team&#x27;s 2025 game in Madrid, as well as Freedom 250 Grand Prix memorabilia, a more recent addition.</li></ul>Why it matters: Nearing the end of her third and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="final term" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/11/25/dc-mayor-bowser-wont-run-for-a-fourth-term" data-vars-content-id="1a24b69a-2373-4fbd-bb5f-0b09a37c7951" data-vars-headline="Exclusive — Bowser&#x27;s sports legacy: big wins, big public tab" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/11/25/dc-mayor-bowser-wont-run-for-a-fourth-term" target="_self">final term</a>, the mayor is taking a victory lap after establishing D.C. as a &quot;Sports Capital.&quot;<ul><li>In an exclusive interview with Axios, Bowser discussed her legacy and her priorities before leaving office in January.</li></ul>

Exclusive: Waymo's opposition grows with D.C. rally

One of the biggest topics this fall at the D.C. Council: Robotaxis.

Waymo&#x27;s foes are assembling in D.C.Why it matters: Labor unions and even churches are ramping up pressure on the D.C. Council to reject a bill legalizing robotaxis.

D.C. releases master plan for RFK Stadium redevelopment

D.C. is mapping out the RFK site for years to come.

An <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="expanded" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/12/metro-commanders-stadium-rfk-stadium-armory" data-vars-content-id="583277a8-d4df-4542-a958-5b958a0c7d3f" data-vars-headline="D.C. releases master plan for RFK Stadium redevelopment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/12/metro-commanders-stadium-rfk-stadium-armory" target="_self">expanded</a> Stadium-Armory Metro station and new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gold Line buses" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/18/randy-clarke-metro-gold-line-rfk-stadium" data-vars-content-id="583277a8-d4df-4542-a958-5b958a0c7d3f" data-vars-headline="D.C. releases master plan for RFK Stadium redevelopment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/18/randy-clarke-metro-gold-line-rfk-stadium" target="_self">Gold Line buses</a> will be ready to ferry fans to the new Commanders stadium by the home opener in fall 2030, Mayor Muriel Bowser declared Thursday.Why it matters: Bowser&#x27;s pledge comes as D.C. releases a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="RFK site master plan" data-vars-click-url="https://app.box.com/s/28w39w3ty2o04i0db8e703ijx8wkies7" data-vars-content-id="583277a8-d4df-4542-a958-5b958a0c7d3f" data-vars-headline="D.C. releases master plan for RFK Stadium redevelopment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://app.box.com/s/28w39w3ty2o04i0db8e703ijx8wkies7" target="_blank">RFK site master plan</a> guiding how the neighborhood around the stadium will grow for decades to come.

Kennedy Center closure redraws D.C.'s arts map as Theatre Week begins

From Broadway and ballet to opera and the NSO, performances are finding new stages across the region as Theatre Week begins.

DC Theatre Week returns Thursday as Washington&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="performing arts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/05/19/kennedy-center-trump-resistance-theater-dc" data-vars-content-id="c7b30f9b-31d2-4a9f-8a66-0ceaa78e5c21" data-vars-headline="Kennedy Center closure redraws D.C.&#x27;s arts map as Theatre Week begins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/05/19/kennedy-center-trump-resistance-theater-dc" target="_self">performing arts</a> map is being redrawn.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kennedy Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/21/kennedy-center-demolition-trump" data-vars-content-id="c7b30f9b-31d2-4a9f-8a66-0ceaa78e5c21" data-vars-headline="Kennedy Center closure redraws D.C.&#x27;s arts map as Theatre Week begins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/21/kennedy-center-demolition-trump" target="_self">Kennedy Center</a>&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="closure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/15/trump-kennedy-center-close-building" data-vars-content-id="c7b30f9b-31d2-4a9f-8a66-0ceaa78e5c21" data-vars-headline="Kennedy Center closure redraws D.C.&#x27;s arts map as Theatre Week begins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/15/trump-kennedy-center-close-building" target="_self">closure</a> has scattered performances across the region — from Broadway tours to ballet and the National Symphony Orchestra — while putting a new spotlight on Washington&#x27;s broader theater network.<ul><li>&quot;The amount of activity and artistry that was happening in that building is just so hard to comprehend now that it&#x27;s gone,&quot; Theatre Washington president and CEO Amy Austin tells Axios.</li></ul>

D.C.'s latest viral party celebrates data centers amid growing pushback

Themed cocktails include Loudoun County Iced Tea, a SMR-tini and a Closed Loop Spritz.

There&#x27;s another fringe <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Partiful" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/18/partiful-gen-z-banana-bald-parties-meridian-hill" data-vars-content-id="4a47b5bd-58a9-4852-8a14-95d230b9a592" data-vars-headline="D.C.&#x27;s latest viral party celebrates data centers amid growing pushback" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/18/partiful-gen-z-banana-bald-parties-meridian-hill" target="_self">Partiful</a> shindig happening this weekend in D.C., but this one is for *checks notes* … people who really love data centers?Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Data After Dark: A Pro-Data Center Party" data-vars-click-url="https://partiful.com/e/YbJ8HvHfVTf3CNmlHUYk" data-vars-content-id="4a47b5bd-58a9-4852-8a14-95d230b9a592" data-vars-headline="D.C.&#x27;s latest viral party celebrates data centers amid growing pushback" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://partiful.com/e/YbJ8HvHfVTf3CNmlHUYk" target="_blank">Data After Dark: A Pro-Data Center Party</a> is going down amid a nationwide pushback against <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/19/ai-power-data-center-electricity-construction" data-vars-content-id="4a47b5bd-58a9-4852-8a14-95d230b9a592" data-vars-headline="D.C.&#x27;s latest viral party celebrates data centers amid growing pushback" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/19/ai-power-data-center-electricity-construction" target="_self">data center</a> construction.

Just over half of Washington-area residents say they're thriving

A new poll finds housing costs, job worries and federal cuts are weighing on DMV residents.

A new poll paints a nuanced picture of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Washington" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/21/will-dc-raise-taxes" data-vars-content-id="a83eef83-c42d-4b2d-8db2-276d6c1cd051" data-vars-headline="Just over half of Washington-area residents say they&#x27;re thriving" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/21/will-dc-raise-taxes" target="_self">Washington</a>: A region its residents love, but often find difficult to live in.Why it matters: Three of the main drivers of whether a Washingtonian is &quot;thriving&quot; — jobs, housing and a lack of economic stress — are exactly the areas where many locals are struggling, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gallup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.gallup.com/analytics/714071/gwcf-community-insights.aspx" data-vars-content-id="a83eef83-c42d-4b2d-8db2-276d6c1cd051" data-vars-headline="Just over half of Washington-area residents say they&#x27;re thriving" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.gallup.com/analytics/714071/gwcf-community-insights.aspx" target="_blank">Gallup</a> poll of locals conducted earlier this year.

What Trump's Chesapeake Bay order means for the D.C. region

His new order changes the federal role in restoring the Bay — and raises questions about money, manpower and the future of D.C. area waterways.

President Trump is shaking up the federal government&#x27;s role in cleaning the Chesapeake Bay — with potential consequences for the Potomac and waterways across the D.C. region.Why it matters: The Potomac is the Bay&#x27;s second-largest tributary, and governments have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spent decades" data-vars-click-url="https://potomacriverkeepernetwork.org/potomac-riverkeeper-network-presidents-statement-on-chesapeake-bay-eo-revocation/" data-vars-content-id="f8520a27-c671-4625-9709-dbe5d3a0a235" data-vars-headline="What Trump&#x27;s Chesapeake Bay order means for the D.C. region" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://potomacriverkeepernetwork.org/potomac-riverkeeper-network-presidents-statement-on-chesapeake-bay-eo-revocation/" target="_blank">spent decades</a> working together to curb pollution flowing into the nation&#x27;s largest estuary.<ul><li>Now, Trump&#x27;s order raises questions about the federal money, manpower and oversight behind that work.</li></ul>

Bar chart shows the five cities where residents bike the most – New York, Boise City, New Orleans, Jersey City and Irvine, Calif. – and the least: North Las Vegas, Arlington, Texas, Irving Texas, Garland, Texas, and El Paso, Texas

News 🗞

Parking debate dominates first phase of Commanders stadium development

As cycling grows in popularity, activists fear loss of beloved space

Exclusive — Bowser's sports legacy: big wins, big public tab

Some DMV pediatricians are kicking out unvaccinated patients

Exclusive: Waymo's opposition grows with D.C. rally