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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Washington, DC. Written by Anna Spiegel and Cuneyt Dil.

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The mysterious dog illness sweeping headlines has landed in Maryland

Experts know very little about the disease, which has kennel cough-like symptoms.

News

The biggest money-making speed cameras in D.C.

One speed camera recorded $3.8 million in the first half of 2023.

D.C.'s best holiday pop-up bars

Hot cocktails, faux snow and Christmas music.

Things to Do

13 must-see holiday light displays around D.C.

How the FBI headquarters search turned into a Beltway cage fight

It's not just Virginia fuming after Maryland won the sweepstakes to attract the new FBI headquarters

Virginia is fuming after Maryland won the sweepstakes to attract the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new FBI headquarters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/09/maryland-picked-for-new-fbi-headquarters-ending-years-long-search" data-vars-content-id="e6adda20-041a-4dfc-8cb6-85e3200dab97" data-vars-headline="How the FBI headquarters search turned into a Beltway cage fight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/09/maryland-picked-for-new-fbi-headquarters-ending-years-long-search" target="_self">new FBI headquarters</a> — making claims of backdoor politics in the site selection process and allying with Congressional Republicans for an inquisition.Why it matters: At stake is the future of the FBI in the face of conservative attacks — alongside billions of dollars in federal investment and thousands of jobs for the locality it relocates to.

Rock Creek Park Golf Course fixes are stuck over tree clearings

The nonprofit guardians of the city's canopy are mobilizing over tree removal plans at the course.

In Rock Creek Park, an iconic golf course was set to undergo a major renovation — that is, until, environmental advocates caught wind that 1,262 trees would be chopped.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="100-acre course" data-vars-click-url="https://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectID=112141" data-vars-content-id="6e0c15f4-7ea1-4cea-b713-a2bd8bf25f6c" data-vars-headline="Rock Creek Park Golf Course fixes are stuck over tree clearings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectID=112141" target="_blank">100-acre course</a> that opened in 1923 is a rare public jewel among Washington&#x27;s exclusive country clubs.

Scoop: Outside probe of D.C. sexual harassment scandal is delayed

The investigation is supposed to look into workplace culture following the fall of former mayoral chief of staff John Falcicchio.

An independent investigation into the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="John Falcicchio" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/03/21/dc-shadow-mayor-john-falcicchio" data-vars-content-id="ee6cdb78-c3fc-46ce-993c-d65491526456" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Outside probe of D.C. sexual harassment scandal is delayed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/03/21/dc-shadow-mayor-john-falcicchio" target="_self">John Falcicchio</a> sexual harassment scandal has failed to launch.Why it matters: The probe into Falcicchio, who was Mayor Muriel Bowser&#x27;s top lieutenant until resigning in March, was aimed at investigating not only harassment claims but also workplace culture and allegations of retaliation against employees who accused Falcicchio of harassment.

Scoop: D.C. mayor shakes up staff as Commanders stadium search heats up

Mayor Bowser is freeing up her top confidant to focus on the RFK site and hiring consultants who worked on Nats Park.

Mayor Bowser is doubling down on building a new football stadium at RFK, freeing up her top confidant to focus on it and hiring consultants who worked on Nats Park.Why it matters: The early battle lines are drawn. Bowser wants a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/08/02/washington-commanders-name-change" data-vars-content-id="b0d6be22-c604-4691-99a1-d8fdaa94f622" data-vars-headline="Scoop: D.C. mayor shakes up staff as Commanders stadium search heats up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/08/02/washington-commanders-name-change" target="_self">new stadium</a> to inject economic juice, while several council members and neighbors are anxious about taxpayers footing the bill.

Illustration of a small stadium being observed under a magnifying glass.

Scoop: D.C. mayor to unveil new tough-on-crime package

The measures reverse some George Floyd reforms amid a crime wave in the nation's capital.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser plans to propose anti-crime measures on Monday that would loosen some <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reforms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/09/scoop-congress-targets-dc-police-reforms" data-vars-content-id="980c4316-8e3e-4e12-8834-4a1a4f993416" data-vars-headline="Scoop: D.C. mayor to unveil new tough-on-crime package" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/09/scoop-congress-targets-dc-police-reforms" target="_self">reforms</a> enacted after the police killing of George Floyd.Why it matters: In the heat of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="crime wave" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/08/dc-shootings-homicides" data-vars-content-id="980c4316-8e3e-4e12-8834-4a1a4f993416" data-vars-headline="Scoop: D.C. mayor to unveil new tough-on-crime package" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/08/dc-shootings-homicides" target="_self">crime wave</a>, it would mark a U-turn for the Democratic city on policing reform, likely pitting Bowser against progressive council members.

George Santos now charges $400 on Cameo

It's more than Sarah Palin or Vanilla Ice.

Disgraced former congressman-turned-<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cameo star" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/12/04/george-santos-cameo-congress-oust" data-vars-content-id="16f0c873-9b5e-42ee-a4bb-c3f942749948" data-vars-headline="George Santos now charges $400 on Cameo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/12/04/george-santos-cameo-congress-oust" target="_self">Cameo star</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Santos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/12/01/george-santos-house-expulsion-vote" data-vars-content-id="16f0c873-9b5e-42ee-a4bb-c3f942749948" data-vars-headline="George Santos now charges $400 on Cameo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/12/01/george-santos-house-expulsion-vote" target="_self">George Santos</a> is now among the higher-charging celebrities on the video-sharing platform, asking $400 a pop for recordings. Why it matters: The &quot;former Congressional &#x27;Icon!&#x27;&quot; (his words) is poised to make <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more money" data-vars-click-url="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/06/george-santos-cameo-income-salary" data-vars-content-id="16f0c873-9b5e-42ee-a4bb-c3f942749948" data-vars-headline="George Santos now charges $400 on Cameo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/06/george-santos-cameo-income-salary" target="_blank">more money</a> taping happy birthday messages from his living room than he did in the House of Representatives.

George Santos in front of reporters in the Capitol building

AI is a boon for Washington — and its federal workforce

A once wary capital is embracing AI for government efficiency, and contractors smell dollars.

A year after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ChatGPT" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/chat-gpt-one-year-anniversary-ai" data-vars-content-id="2ca9c62e-3363-4445-8cc1-1ab0b581c4a7" data-vars-headline="AI is a boon for Washington — and its federal workforce" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/chat-gpt-one-year-anniversary-ai" target="_self">ChatGPT</a> burst into the world, a once wary Beltway establishment sees it as a tool for real government efficiency.Why it matters: These are dreams made of, say, faster passport renewals or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI ferreting out tax cheats" data-vars-click-url="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-announces-sweeping-effort-to-restore-fairness-to-tax-system-with-inflation-reduction-act-funding-new-compliance-efforts" data-vars-content-id="2ca9c62e-3363-4445-8cc1-1ab0b581c4a7" data-vars-headline="AI is a boon for Washington — and its federal workforce" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-announces-sweeping-effort-to-restore-fairness-to-tax-system-with-inflation-reduction-act-funding-new-compliance-efforts" target="_blank">AI ferreting out tax cheats</a> — and of contractors cashing in on a new Washington boom.

Illustration of a US flag, but the starts are replaced with binary numbers.

Washington Post buyouts hit local coverage

The paper of record for the Beltway is retreating on local news through voluntary buyouts.

Ever since Jeff Bezos bought the Washington Post in 2013, the Amazon founder chased global expansion, yet kept the newspaper&#x27;s level of local coverage steady. Until now.Why it matters: The paper of record for the Beltway is retreating on local news through <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="voluntary buyouts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/10/washington-post-voluntary-buyouts" data-vars-content-id="84c99e16-c02c-43fc-8603-624d2b1583cc" data-vars-headline="Washington Post buyouts hit local coverage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/10/washington-post-voluntary-buyouts" target="_self">voluntary buyouts</a> that cement Bezos&#x27; strategy for worldwide growth, as opposed to adding more eyes on the Loudoun County school board or Metro&#x27;s latest foibles.

Metro's problems stack up despite rise in ridership

Metro ridership is up, but revenues are down — complicating a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$750 million budget gap" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/06/26/dc-metro-deficit" data-vars-content-id="45b1b5ba-85f0-44d7-94d4-20e2fd614a9a" data-vars-headline="Metro&#x27;s problems stack up despite rise in ridership" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/06/26/dc-metro-deficit" target="_self">$750 million budget gap</a>.Why it matters: Metro is in a slow-motion crisis as it tries to avoid extensive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="service cuts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/10/27/metro-train-busses-funding-service-cuts-stations-closed" data-vars-content-id="45b1b5ba-85f0-44d7-94d4-20e2fd614a9a" data-vars-headline="Metro&#x27;s problems stack up despite rise in ridership" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/10/27/metro-train-busses-funding-service-cuts-stations-closed" target="_self">service cuts</a>, including to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="entire bus lines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/10/27/metro-train-busses-funding-service-cuts-stations-closed" data-vars-content-id="45b1b5ba-85f0-44d7-94d4-20e2fd614a9a" data-vars-headline="Metro&#x27;s problems stack up despite rise in ridership" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/10/27/metro-train-busses-funding-service-cuts-stations-closed" target="_self">entire bus lines</a>, and station closures by this July.

Glenn Youngkin handed presidential buzzkill

"I don't know anyone who knows him that thinks he's going to run for president in 2024."

Politics

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin didn&#x27;t get what he wanted, after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Democrats seized total control" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/08/virginia-2023-election-results-general-assembly-youngkin" data-vars-content-id="7b623939-4a4f-47a3-a798-f7e4dc34e399" data-vars-headline="Glenn Youngkin handed presidential buzzkill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/08/virginia-2023-election-results-general-assembly-youngkin" target="_self">Democrats seized total control</a> of the legislature on Tuesday.Why it matters: Youngkin&#x27;s flirtation with taking on former President Trump in the 2024 election — and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the media&#x27;s obsession" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2023/04/24/youngkin-2024-presidential-run" data-vars-content-id="7b623939-4a4f-47a3-a798-f7e4dc34e399" data-vars-headline="Glenn Youngkin handed presidential buzzkill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2023/04/24/youngkin-2024-presidential-run" target="_self">the media&#x27;s obsession</a> — is finally coming to an end.

Politics 🇺🇸

How the FBI headquarters search turned into a Beltway cage fight

Rock Creek Park Golf Course fixes are stuck over tree clearings

Scoop: Outside probe of D.C. sexual harassment scandal is delayed

Scoop: D.C. mayor shakes up staff as Commanders stadium search heats up

Scoop: D.C. mayor to unveil new tough-on-crime package