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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.

How D.C.'s next delegate would handle Trump

Both leading candidates mull negotiation strategy.

Politics

They&#x27;ll have to challenge President Trump on a lot, but the leading candidates to succeed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/27/eleanor-holmes-norton-retiring-dc-congress" data-vars-content-id="c7847da0-fa65-4584-9a0f-4c2b0eea013e" data-vars-headline="How D.C.&#x27;s next delegate would handle Trump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/27/eleanor-holmes-norton-retiring-dc-congress" target="_self">Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton</a> also see room for negotiation and partnership. The big picture: D.C. Council members Robert White and Brooke Pinto are eyeing several areas of potential cooperation — from public safety to tax breaks.

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>.

D.C. mayoral candidates sharpen final messages

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.

How D.C.'s mayoral race became a restaurant industry battle

RAMW is endorsing Kenyan McDuffie and other candidates for the first time in years — highlighting growing tensions over wages, streateries, public safety and the future of independent restaurants in D.C.

The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington is jumping into D.C.&#x27;s increasingly contentious mayoral race, endorsing <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="7f16a4d0-59c3-4b88-a2ad-f5d90c90d208" data-vars-headline="How D.C.&#x27;s mayoral race became a restaurant industry battle" 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> and flexing its political muscle in a way it hasn&#x27;t in years.Why it matters: The next mayor could shape the future of D.C.&#x27;s dining scene — from decisions on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="labor costs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/12/08/the-next-war-over-wages-in-dc" data-vars-content-id="7f16a4d0-59c3-4b88-a2ad-f5d90c90d208" data-vars-headline="How D.C.&#x27;s mayoral race became a restaurant industry battle" 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/the-next-war-over-wages-in-dc" target="_self">labor costs</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="streateries" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/01/dc-streatery-era-ending-whats-next" data-vars-content-id="7f16a4d0-59c3-4b88-a2ad-f5d90c90d208" data-vars-headline="How D.C.&#x27;s mayoral race became a restaurant industry battle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/01/dc-streatery-era-ending-whats-next" target="_self">streateries</a> to policies that operators warn could either stabilize or sink independent restaurants.

D.C. mayor race: Who's endorsed Janeese Lewis George and Kenyan McDuffie

Here are all the major endorsements for Janeese Lewis George and Kenyan McDuffie.

In the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="D.C. mayor&#x27;s race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/12/wild-dc-election-year-ever" data-vars-content-id="8d2dd756-bef7-4f23-b4f4-2a5add827faa" data-vars-headline="D.C. mayor race: Who&#x27;s endorsed Janeese Lewis George and Kenyan McDuffie" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/12/wild-dc-election-year-ever" target="_self">D.C. mayor&#x27;s race</a>, Janeese Lewis George has consolidated the support of labor unions and progressive groups, while Kenyan McDuffie has won backing from real estate and business-friendly organizations.Why it matters: We&#x27;re getting close to the primary — and endorsements can help voters understand candidates through specific topic areas, like building more housing or supporting small businesses.

Campaign investigation threatens Janeese Lewis George's union alliance

The probe could weaken JLG's union machine.

At Howard Theatre in January, labor leader Jamie Contreras made a bold promise to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Janeese Lewis George" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/04/13/janeese-lewis-george-mayors-race-karl-racine" data-vars-content-id="6dde3b1b-3356-4b45-b95e-8759ecd83180" data-vars-headline="Campaign investigation threatens Janeese Lewis George&#x27;s union alliance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/04/13/janeese-lewis-george-mayors-race-karl-racine" target="_self">Janeese Lewis George</a>: local unions were ready to mobilize their 53,000 members.<ul><li>Call it JLG&#x27;s superweapon in the D.C. mayor&#x27;s race: A volunteer army primed to turn out voters block by block.</li></ul>Why it matters: Now, her opponents are striking at the heart of that operation.

MAGA Republicans want Trump to annex Arlington for D.C.

Republicans are calling it "Make D.C. Square Again."

It&#x27;s been a fringe fantasy for D.C. die-hards, but now it&#x27;s finding common cause among MAGA: taking back Arlington.Why it matters: A Trump ally wants to weaken Virginia Democrats by removing the blue NoVA suburb.

Scoop: Labor super PAC launches anti-McDuffie attack ads

The mayor's race is getting expensive with super PAC spending.

The first attack ads against Kenyan McDuffie are launching, as outside <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spending grows" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/10/exclusive-big-money-funds-attack-ads-in-dc-mayors-race" data-vars-content-id="185e4b35-d0e6-4dfd-8fd1-83cb88e4ab71" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Labor super PAC launches anti-McDuffie attack ads" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/10/exclusive-big-money-funds-attack-ads-in-dc-mayors-race" target="_self">spending grows</a> in the D.C. mayor&#x27;s election.Why it matters: A pro-labor union super PAC tells Axios it&#x27;s spending over half a million dollars on a new commercial, a big buy for a local D.C. race.

Pinto apologizes for releasing opposition dossier on White

Brooke Pinto's D.C. delegate opponent and fellow council member Robert White is demanding she withdraw from the race.

Brooke Pinto is apologizing for publicizing an opposition research report on her D.C. delegate opponent and fellow council member Robert White.Why it matters: The 67-page dossier revealed personal details about White&#x27;s family, including his home location, leading White to demand that Pinto withdraw from the race.

Exclusive: Janeese Lewis George nabs endorsement from former AG Karl Racine

Karl Racine is D.C.'s first elected attorney general

Former D.C. attorney general <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Karl Racine" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2021/10/12/washington-dc-attorney-general-racine-election" data-vars-content-id="2124c6bd-7406-414d-a4db-28b63926dc64" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Janeese Lewis George nabs endorsement from former AG Karl Racine" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2021/10/12/washington-dc-attorney-general-racine-election" target="_self">Karl Racine</a> is endorsing <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="2124c6bd-7406-414d-a4db-28b63926dc64" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Janeese Lewis George nabs endorsement from former AG Karl Racine" 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> for mayor, praising the council member&#x27;s &quot;bold ideas&quot; for expanding child care access and building more housing.Why it matters: Racine&#x27;s popularity as D.C.&#x27;s first elected AG could help Lewis George in a tight race, where she and Kenyan McDuffie are the frontrunners.

D.C. mayor pitches first budget drop since Great Recession

Among the cuts: Scaling down the city's paid leave program and reducing cash assistance for needy families.

Mayor Muriel Bowser&#x27;s new budget proposal would scale down D.C.&#x27;s paid leave program and reduce cash assistance for needy families, and it is expected to lead to lower pay for some child care educators.Why it matters: D.C. is arguably having its worst financial year in a generation, leading Bowser to propose a 3.6% budget cut.

Politics 🇺🇸

D.C. mayoral candidates sharpen final messages

How D.C.'s next delegate would handle Trump

How D.C.'s mayoral race became a restaurant industry battle

D.C. mayor race: Who's endorsed Janeese Lewis George and Kenyan McDuffie

Campaign investigation threatens Janeese Lewis George's union alliance