Washington D.C.

blue

Axios D.C. PM

Get smarter, faster on what matters in D.C. with Mimi Montgomery, Cuneyt Dil, and Anna Spiegel.

Axios D.C.

Standard

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

Axios D.C. Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

D.C. Alerts

Alert

A guide to fun things to do in D.C. this weekend.

Axios D.C. Weekender

Weekender

Axios D.C. Partners

Washington, DC Members

Membership

You still can't do pull-ups at Reagan National

Nearly a year after the Trump administration unveiled a $1B program for airport renovations, none are planned at Reagan National or Dulles.

News

Nearly one year and $1 billion later, you still can&#x27;t do pull-ups at Reagan National Airport <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="à la RFK Jr" data-vars-click-url="https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a69675859/rfk-jr-sean-duffy-pullup-competition-airport/" data-vars-content-id="51503744-ee8d-45bd-8aa6-9426fa5b8511" data-vars-headline="You still can&#x27;t do pull-ups at Reagan National" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a69675859/rfk-jr-sean-duffy-pullup-competition-airport/" target="_blank">à la RFK Jr</a>.Why it matters: The Trump administration&#x27;s nearly $1 billion &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Make Travel Family Friendly Again" data-vars-click-url="https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/transportation-secretary-duffy-launches-make-travel-family-friendly-again-campaign" data-vars-content-id="51503744-ee8d-45bd-8aa6-9426fa5b8511" data-vars-headline="You still can&#x27;t do pull-ups at Reagan National" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/transportation-secretary-duffy-launches-make-travel-family-friendly-again-campaign" target="_blank">Make Travel Family Friendly Again</a>&quot; initiative promised healthier, more family-friendly airports with amenities like exercise and play areas. But travelers at DCA and Dulles won&#x27;t see new ones under the initiative anytime soon.

The 6 best bars for watching the Nationals

Whether you want cheap beers, giant screens or stadium vibes, these bars deliver on game day.

Sports

Baseball is made for barrooms. The slow pace. The broadcast patter. The endlessly debatable decisions.Why it matters: Watching a game with strangers creates fast friends and fosters civic pride.

Inside the D.C. supper club introducing young adults to art galleries

Things to Do

A new art-centric dinner series is bringing young Washingtonians together while also introducing them to the local gallery scene.The big picture: This comes as more people are looking for ways to beat <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="loneliness" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/02/26/loneliness-crisis-why-explained" data-vars-content-id="364e5f45-cd01-40c8-8e41-36e8967da608" data-vars-headline="Inside the D.C. supper club introducing young adults to art galleries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/02/26/loneliness-crisis-why-explained" target="_self">loneliness</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="connect IRL" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/05/06/dating-apps-burnout-singles-events" data-vars-content-id="364e5f45-cd01-40c8-8e41-36e8967da608" data-vars-headline="Inside the D.C. supper club introducing young adults to art galleries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/05/06/dating-apps-burnout-singles-events" target="_self">connect IRL</a>.

A software engineer hacked D.C. Restaurant Week — and built a better guide

A new site lets diners search thousands of dishes, compare deals and discover hundreds of Restaurant Week menus.

Food and Drink

We food writers have plenty of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Restaurant Week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/08/04/dc-restaurant-week-2026-new-and-classic-restaurants" data-vars-content-id="d29f57a5-9ecb-4632-ab5f-ad491abe0457" data-vars-headline="A software engineer hacked D.C. Restaurant Week — and built a better guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/08/04/dc-restaurant-week-2026-new-and-classic-restaurants" target="_self">Restaurant Week</a> hacks, but it took a software engineer to truly crack the code on D.C.’s event.Why it matters: Like the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="D.C. tech wonks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/07/31/311-app-alternatives-josh-jacobson-civic-tech-government-tools" data-vars-content-id="d29f57a5-9ecb-4632-ab5f-ad491abe0457" data-vars-headline="A software engineer hacked D.C. Restaurant Week — and built a better guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/07/31/311-app-alternatives-josh-jacobson-civic-tech-government-tools" target="_self">D.C. tech wonks</a> building better versions of the city&#x27;s apps, Adam Stambouli tackled one of Restaurant Week&#x27;s biggest headaches: searching hundreds of menus scattered across the internet.<ul><li>His free new site <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Let&#x27;s Eat, DC" data-vars-click-url="https://letseatdc.com/" data-vars-content-id="d29f57a5-9ecb-4632-ab5f-ad491abe0457" data-vars-headline="A software engineer hacked D.C. Restaurant Week — and built a better guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://letseatdc.com/" target="_blank">Let&#x27;s Eat, DC</a> lets diners hunt for specific dishes, new restaurants, highly rated spots, dietary options and good deals.</li></ul>

Washington homebuyers get a new AI-powered search tool

Real Estate

Looking for a four-bedroom home near a Red Line Metro stop under $1.2 million? There&#x27;s a new AI <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="real estate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/07/28/washington-luxury-housing-market-sellers-high-end-home-sales-inventory" data-vars-content-id="af03e9e0-e5cf-48b3-8118-4a7c7cd01f78" data-vars-headline="Washington homebuyers get a new AI-powered search tool" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/07/28/washington-luxury-housing-market-sellers-high-end-home-sales-inventory" target="_self">real estate</a> platform that can help Washingtonians with that.Why it matters: Buyers already have the upper hand in much of the D.C. area&#x27;s housing market — but new search tools don&#x27;t hurt.

Salamander CEO Sheila Johnson sells Arlington house

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sheila Johnson" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/04/07/billionaires-dc-dmv-forbes" data-vars-content-id="449b4a25-8e88-4151-99d0-f4c2e1d17d71" data-vars-headline="Salamander CEO Sheila Johnson sells Arlington house" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/04/07/billionaires-dc-dmv-forbes" target="_self">Sheila Johnson</a> has sold her Arlington home for $3.15 million in a private sale, the listing agent tells Axios.Why it matters: The local philanthropist and entrepreneur co-founded <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="BET" data-vars-click-url="https://www.forbes.com/profile/sheila-johnson/" data-vars-content-id="449b4a25-8e88-4151-99d0-f4c2e1d17d71" data-vars-headline="Salamander CEO Sheila Johnson sells Arlington house" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.forbes.com/profile/sheila-johnson/" target="_blank">BET</a> and is the CEO of the Salamander Hotels group, as well as a shareholder of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Capitals" data-vars-click-url="https://monumentalsports.com/people/sheila-johnson/" data-vars-content-id="449b4a25-8e88-4151-99d0-f4c2e1d17d71" data-vars-headline="Salamander CEO Sheila Johnson sells Arlington house" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://monumentalsports.com/people/sheila-johnson/" target="_blank">Capitals</a>, Mystics and Wizards.

Washington's wealthiest homebuyers aren't slowing down

The DMV's real estate scene looks very different depending on which submarket you're in.

It&#x27;s a seller&#x27;s market in Washington — if you&#x27;re a one-percenter, that is.The big picture: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="DMV&#x27;s real estate scene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/11/04/real-estate-market-wealthy-buyers-trends" data-vars-content-id="79614f34-b6c9-42fe-895e-919ef220aa21" data-vars-headline="Washington&#x27;s wealthiest homebuyers aren&#x27;t slowing down" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/11/04/real-estate-market-wealthy-buyers-trends" target="_self">DMV&#x27;s real estate scene</a> still looks very different depending on which submarket you&#x27;re in — the luxe side of things, or anywhere else.

Chief Justice Roberts is selling his Chevy Chase home

Chief Justice <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="John Roberts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/07/david-rubenstein-caryn-zucker-wedding-john-roberts" data-vars-content-id="e94f80a2-05fd-46b8-96f6-980fe848c912" data-vars-headline="Chief Justice Roberts is selling his Chevy Chase home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/07/david-rubenstein-caryn-zucker-wedding-john-roberts" target="_self">John Roberts</a> is selling his Chevy Chase home.Why it matters: The Maryland house made headlines in 2022 when protestors gathered outside it and other <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Supreme Court" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/05/10/justice-alito-home-pro-abortion-rights-protest" data-vars-content-id="e94f80a2-05fd-46b8-96f6-980fe848c912" data-vars-headline="Chief Justice Roberts is selling his Chevy Chase home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/05/10/justice-alito-home-pro-abortion-rights-protest" target="_self">Supreme Court</a> justices&#x27; homes surrounding the decision to overturn <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Roe v. Wade" data-vars-click-url="https://abcnews.com/Politics/white-house-responds-abortion-related-protests-homes-supreme/story?id=84593964" data-vars-content-id="e94f80a2-05fd-46b8-96f6-980fe848c912" data-vars-headline="Chief Justice Roberts is selling his Chevy Chase home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://abcnews.com/Politics/white-house-responds-abortion-related-protests-homes-supreme/story?id=84593964" target="_blank">Roe v. Wade</a>.<ul><li>This in part led to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Congress" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/14/politics/house-vote-supreme-court-justice-security" data-vars-content-id="e94f80a2-05fd-46b8-96f6-980fe848c912" data-vars-headline="Chief Justice Roberts is selling his Chevy Chase home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/14/politics/house-vote-supreme-court-justice-security" target="_blank">Congress</a> passing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bill" data-vars-click-url="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/4160" data-vars-content-id="e94f80a2-05fd-46b8-96f6-980fe848c912" data-vars-headline="Chief Justice Roberts is selling his Chevy Chase home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/4160" target="_blank">bill</a> that allows the Marshal of the Supreme Court and the Supreme Court Police to provide security to justices and their families.</li></ul>

Historic review overhaul could speed Trump's D.C. plans

The changes could benefit the president's arch project.

An independent federal panel largely made up of President Trump appointees is considering changes to historic preservation rules that could make it easier for the president to remake Washington.Why it matters: If adopted, the changes could fast-track local projects like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump&#x27;s proposed arch" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/15/trump-arlington-arch-comment-deadline" data-vars-content-id="61166bd7-8224-4da0-9e2e-b6b07fd66599" data-vars-headline="Historic review overhaul could speed Trump&#x27;s D.C. plans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/15/trump-arlington-arch-comment-deadline" target="_self">Trump&#x27;s proposed arch</a>, as well as other federal works across the country.

Middleburg's next resident: JD Vance

The vice president is eyeing a grand Virginia farmhouse as a getaway from Washington, sources tell Axios.

Vice President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="JD Vance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/06/vance-summer-trump-heir" data-vars-content-id="df4aebe3-9dd5-448c-982e-b0d8297c0780" data-vars-headline="Middleburg&#x27;s next resident: JD Vance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/06/vance-summer-trump-heir" target="_self">JD Vance</a> is eyeing a grand farmhouse in Middleburg as a getaway from Washington, sources tell Axios.Why it matters: With three kids and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="one more on the way," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/20/jd-vance-baby-vice-president-history" data-vars-content-id="df4aebe3-9dd5-448c-982e-b0d8297c0780" data-vars-headline="Middleburg&#x27;s next resident: JD Vance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/20/jd-vance-baby-vice-president-history" target="_self">one more on the way,</a> the Vances would have more space to unwind in a private enclave.

Journalist Jim Lehrer's $5 million Cleveland Park house is for sale

Lehrer was the co-founder of PBS NewsHour.

Legendary PBS journalist Jim Lehrer&#x27;s Cleveland Park house is on the market for $5 million.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lehrer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/press-releases/from-judy-woodruff-longtime-pbs-newshour-anchor-and-co-founder-jim-lehrer-has-passed-away" data-vars-content-id="4f6aaccd-0930-4a3c-a8e9-c998419168ff" data-vars-headline="Journalist Jim Lehrer&#x27;s $5 million Cleveland Park house is for sale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/press-releases/from-judy-woodruff-longtime-pbs-newshour-anchor-and-co-founder-jim-lehrer-has-passed-away" target="_blank">Lehrer</a>, who passed away in 2020, was the co-founder of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="PBS NewsHour" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/remembering-jim-lehrer" data-vars-content-id="4f6aaccd-0930-4a3c-a8e9-c998419168ff" data-vars-headline="Journalist Jim Lehrer&#x27;s $5 million Cleveland Park house is for sale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/remembering-jim-lehrer" target="_blank">PBS NewsHour</a> and anchored the program for 36 years.

D.C. buyers are waitlisting unlisted homes on this new platform

The District is one of Unlisted's most active communities.

D.C. homebuyers are taking a shot at landing their dream home before it&#x27;s even on the market — with the help of a new website.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Unlisted" data-vars-click-url="https://unlistedhomes.com/" data-vars-content-id="b2940c9a-6bb4-433b-8887-284cbdf65357" data-vars-headline="D.C. buyers are waitlisting unlisted homes on this new platform" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://unlistedhomes.com/" target="_blank">Unlisted</a> allows homeowners to gauge interest in their home even before they&#x27;re ready to sell, and buyers can potentially get ahead of their competition by making their interest known.<ul><li>The platform has already become especially popular in D.C., the group tells Axios.</li></ul>

D.C. area now has 4 cities where starter homes top $1 million

The DMV is home to four cities where the typical <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="starter home" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/06/01/dc-starter-homes-turning-into-forever-homes" data-vars-content-id="ad115cb8-b8db-4344-b801-033a62d2b517" data-vars-headline="D.C. area now has 4 cities where starter homes top $1 million" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/06/01/dc-starter-homes-turning-into-forever-homes" target="_self">starter home</a> costs $1 million or more, according to new Zillow data shared with Axios. The big picture: A record 242 American cities are now faced with seven-figure purchases for entry level homes, per a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zillow" data-vars-click-url="https://www.zillow.com/research/million-dollar-starter-home-36452/" data-vars-content-id="ad115cb8-b8db-4344-b801-033a62d2b517" data-vars-headline="D.C. area now has 4 cities where starter homes top $1 million" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zillow.com/research/million-dollar-starter-home-36452/" target="_blank">Zillow</a> report.<ul><li>That&#x27;s up from 226 last year, and 80 pre-Covid in February 2020. </li></ul>

D.C. condo owners become landlords as sales stall

Condo sales year-to-date are the lowest in a decade.

Many <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="D.C. condo owners" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/12/03/dmv-real-estate-forecast-2026-bright-mls" data-vars-content-id="8e09ed5e-91bf-4afe-b5f2-8a04e6c26d7d" data-vars-headline="D.C. condo owners become landlords as sales stall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/12/03/dmv-real-estate-forecast-2026-bright-mls" target="_self">D.C. condo owners</a> are finding it difficult to sell their properties or get strong offers — so they&#x27;re becoming reluctant landlords instead.Why it matters: D.C. condo sales have slumped to a decade low, per Bright MLS&#x27; year-to-date data as of April.

Real Estate 🏠

Washington homebuyers get a new AI-powered search tool

Salamander CEO Sheila Johnson sells Arlington house

Washington's wealthiest homebuyers aren't slowing down

Chief Justice Roberts is selling his Chevy Chase home

Historic review overhaul could speed Trump's D.C. plans