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Here are D.C.'s 2026 RAMMY Award finalists: New restaurants, best chefs and beyond

The RAMMYS are back — who's in the running.

Food and Drink

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="RAMMY Awards" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/08/04/2025-rammy-awards-chef-restaurant-bar-winners" data-vars-content-id="b9fe27c8-da75-400f-8d0b-2ee5804e3218" data-vars-headline="Here are D.C.&#x27;s 2026 RAMMY Award finalists: New restaurants, best chefs and beyond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/08/04/2025-rammy-awards-chef-restaurant-bar-winners" target="_self">RAMMY Awards</a>, D.C.&#x27;s annual hospitality industry honors, just announced their 2026 finalists.Why it matters: The RAMMYs are like a local version of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Beard Awards" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/31/james-beard-awards-2026-finalists-dc" data-vars-content-id="b9fe27c8-da75-400f-8d0b-2ee5804e3218" data-vars-headline="Here are D.C.&#x27;s 2026 RAMMY Award finalists: New restaurants, best chefs and beyond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/31/james-beard-awards-2026-finalists-dc" target="_self">James Beard Awards</a>, spotlighting some of the best dining and drinking spots in town — along with the chefs and teams behind them.

Feds: Those Commanders stadium parking decks are too big

News

Let&#x27;s tone down those <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="11-story parking garages" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/19/commanders-stadium-parking-garages-height-11-stories" data-vars-content-id="f322f804-821c-403f-bafb-8db2bcfabae7" data-vars-headline="Feds: Those Commanders stadium parking decks are too big" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/19/commanders-stadium-parking-garages-height-11-stories" target="_self">11-story parking garages</a>, federal planners are telling the Commanders.Why it matters: While the classical-looking stadium is getting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lots of love" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/22/commanders-stadium-renderings-national-capital-planning-commission" data-vars-content-id="f322f804-821c-403f-bafb-8db2bcfabae7" data-vars-headline="Feds: Those Commanders stadium parking decks are too big" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/22/commanders-stadium-renderings-national-capital-planning-commission" target="_self">lots of love</a>, the Commanders are hearing the first major criticisms of their broader plans at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="RFK redevelopment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/07/29/what-the-new-rfk-stadium-neighborhood-will-look-like" data-vars-content-id="f322f804-821c-403f-bafb-8db2bcfabae7" data-vars-headline="Feds: Those Commanders stadium parking decks are too big" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/07/29/what-the-new-rfk-stadium-neighborhood-will-look-like" target="_self">RFK redevelopment</a>.

AI pressure grows on the DMV's young workforce

Business

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the job market in the DMV, and it&#x27;s likely to hit younger and entry-level workers particularly hard, a pair of recent reports found.Why it matters: Younger workers and college grads were already facing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grim" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/31/hiring-rate-jobs-employment-iran" data-vars-content-id="9ab080ab-f6ba-4fb2-ad54-6a40fde9f52e" data-vars-headline="AI pressure grows on the DMV&#x27;s young workforce" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/31/hiring-rate-jobs-employment-iran" target="_self">grim</a> and &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="frozen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/25/jobs-market-ai-indeed-retail" data-vars-content-id="9ab080ab-f6ba-4fb2-ad54-6a40fde9f52e" data-vars-headline="AI pressure grows on the DMV&#x27;s young workforce" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/25/jobs-market-ai-indeed-retail" target="_self">frozen</a>&quot; job market, and AI may make it worse.

Caps ticket prices spike amid Ovechkin retirement rumors

Sunday's game is on track to be the most expensive regular-season home match in team history.

Sports

Caps ticket prices for Sunday&#x27;s game are spiking — fueled by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Alex Ovechkin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/04/03/alex-ovechkin-wayne-gretzky-goal-record-nhl" data-vars-content-id="5bae21c8-92e5-48a5-a3fd-50f26ffe8bb9" data-vars-headline="Caps ticket prices spike amid Ovechkin retirement rumors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/04/03/alex-ovechkin-wayne-gretzky-goal-record-nhl" target="_self">Alex Ovechkin</a> retirement buzz that it may be his final home appearance.Why it matters: Ovi isn&#x27;t just a hockey icon — he&#x27;s D.C.&#x27;s biggest sports star of a generation. If this is the final lap, it marks the closing chapter of a Stanley Cup-era run that defined modern Caps fandom.

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.

Behind the failed push to bring a casino to Tysons

Labor and business bigs both wanted a casino. Now what?

Politics

In January, a splashy announcement tore across local news — National Harbor was getting the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sphere" data-vars-click-url="https://business.maryland.gov/news/new-sphere-entertainment-venue-coming-to-maryland/" data-vars-content-id="e5a325f9-e128-484d-974e-a3a09e8b16a3" data-vars-headline="Behind the failed push to bring a casino to Tysons" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://business.maryland.gov/news/new-sphere-entertainment-venue-coming-to-maryland/" target="_blank">Sphere</a>, the futuristic, orb-shaped concert venue straight outta Vegas. Jackpot for Maryland.<ul><li>What wasn&#x27;t said: The immersive theater had flirted with picking Fairfax County, two sources knowledgeable about the talks tell Axios. Virginia&#x27;s loss was Maryland&#x27;s $1 billion gain.</li></ul>Why it matters: As the DMV tries reinventing its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="economy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/05/13/dc-recession-federal-cuts-layoffs" data-vars-content-id="e5a325f9-e128-484d-974e-a3a09e8b16a3" data-vars-headline="Behind the failed push to bring a casino to Tysons" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/05/13/dc-recession-federal-cuts-layoffs" target="_self">economy</a> (stadiums! orbs! <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mega-spas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/03/20/therme-wellness-saunas-thermal-baths-waterslides-renderings" data-vars-content-id="e5a325f9-e128-484d-974e-a3a09e8b16a3" data-vars-headline="Behind the failed push to bring a casino to Tysons" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/03/20/therme-wellness-saunas-thermal-baths-waterslides-renderings" target="_self">mega-spas</a>!), there&#x27;s one lucrative but controversial idea Gov. Abigail Spanberger isn&#x27;t rolling the dice on: a casino in Tysons.

Despite construction setback, Trump's ballroom design still expected to win approval

A federal judge halted construction, but a key planning vote may still advance Trump's ballroom.

A federal judge may have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="halted" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/31/trump-ballroom-plans-judge-order" data-vars-content-id="28f80ab5-68d8-40d2-81c1-bb1a9775cb61" data-vars-headline="Despite construction setback, Trump&#x27;s ballroom design still expected to win approval" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/31/trump-ballroom-plans-judge-order" target="_self">halted</a> the ballroom construction on White House grounds that was music to President Trump&#x27;s developer ears, but his loyalists are still expected to greenlight the ballroom&#x27;s imposing design Thursday.Why it matters: The construction pause isn&#x27;t stopping architectural review.

D.C. punts on extending teen curfew zones amid council disagreement

The curfew zones are set to sunset during spring break.

Despite a flurry of &quot;teen takeovers&quot; — rowdy gatherings of high schoolers that have sometimes turned violent — the D.C. Council on Tuesday punted on extending youth curfew zones.Why it matters: The emergency curfew law will sunset while kids are on spring break, which supporters of the law warn could lead to mayhem.

Pepco blame game: Fact-checking mayor's race attacks over pricey bills

AI&#x27;s power thirst and geopolitical upheaval are jacking up electricity prices — so what&#x27;s a mayor&#x27;s race got to do with it? Well, D.C.&#x27;s frontrunners are pointing the finger at one another for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the panic you now feel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/03/dc-utility-bills-spike-winter-costs" data-vars-content-id="1a7f5d47-b198-434b-8618-7612f8574108" data-vars-headline="Pepco blame game: Fact-checking mayor&#x27;s race attacks over pricey bills" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/03/dc-utility-bills-spike-winter-costs" target="_self">the panic you now feel</a> every time you get a Pepco bill.The big picture: It&#x27;s hard to blame a council member in D.C. for the phenomenon of rising global energy prices — so let me try to separate some fact from fiction.

Casino feud erupts between Tysons and Virginia state lawmakers

A state-backed casino proposal near a Metro stop is triggering backlash from Fairfax officials and neighbors.

Local leaders around Tysons are digging in to fight a casino from being built there — slamming state lawmakers who greenlit a hurried casino bill over the weekend.Why it matters: Boosters see a lucrative Tysons mall-sized mixed use development, but a powerful county official stands in the way, siding with many neighbors who sniff at the thought of slot machines down the street.

D.C. renters could soon host Airbnbs under Bowser bill

The proposal would give renters and homeowners of multiple properties more leverage.

Can D.C. renters list their homes on Airbnb? Mayor Muriel Bowser wants to make it possible.Why it matters: A proposal from Herroner could open up a new side hustle for some city dwellers — and give visitors more places to stay during major tourism moments.

Exclusive: McDuffie vows to ax "predatory" speed cams and red tape, mulls property tax relief

McDuffie touts baby bonds, deregulation and downtown growth. Plus: what he thinks about property taxes.

Mayoral candidate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kenyan McDuffie" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/02/26/kenyan-mcduffie-attacks-janeese-lewis-george-mayors-race" data-vars-content-id="c68be0b8-398f-424f-b876-931d664e1cfb" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: McDuffie vows to ax &quot;predatory&quot; speed cams and red tape, mulls property tax relief" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/02/26/kenyan-mcduffie-attacks-janeese-lewis-george-mayors-race" target="_self">Kenyan McDuffie</a> says he&#x27;d cut red tape to build more housing, dismantle &quot;predatory&quot; speed cameras and tell President Trump to &quot;back off&quot; from hometown D.C.Why it matters: McDuffie is pitching himself as the contest&#x27;s moderate Democrat, up against Council member <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="c68be0b8-398f-424f-b876-931d664e1cfb" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: McDuffie vows to ax &quot;predatory&quot; speed cams and red tape, mulls property tax relief" 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>, whom he blasted as making &quot;empty promises&quot; in claiming &quot;she wants to run D.C. using a New York City playbook.&quot;

Exclusive: Big money funds attack ads in D.C. mayor's race

Both Kenyan McDuffie and Janeese Lewis George stand to gain from deep-pocketed outside groups.

Deep pockets are entering the mayor&#x27;s race, with a new group deploying attack ads against <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="f4a62f78-56bb-4399-a777-ece68a090472" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Big money funds attack ads in D.C. mayor&#x27;s race" 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> while labor leaders strategize counterattacks.Why it matters: You can expect to be blitzed with campaign ads over the next three months ahead of the all-important June 16 Democratic primary.

Exclusive: D.C. group plans spendy messaging campaign on ranked-choice voting

The pro-business group says a poll shows over 40% of Washingtonians have no idea it's coming.

Many people don&#x27;t know D.C. is adopting ranked-choice voting this year, leading a deep-pocketed group to spend big on a public awareness campaign.Why it matters: The new way to vote coincides with the most consequential election year in a generation.

Politics 🇺🇸

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

Behind the failed push to bring a casino to Tysons

Despite construction setback, Trump's ballroom design still expected to win approval

D.C. punts on extending teen curfew zones amid council disagreement

Pepco blame game: Fact-checking mayor's race attacks over pricey bills