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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.

Where to eat, drink and party for the Nationals home opener

Cheap drinks, Friday bottomless brunches, DJs and more around the ballpark.

The Nationals&#x27; home opener is Friday at 1:05pm vs. the two-time defending champion Dodgers — and Navy Yard is in full party mode all day.State of play: Cheap drinks, food specials, DJs and giveaways are everywhere — no ticket required.

What's new at Nationals Park for the 2026 season

Think cheaper beer, shorter lines and more ways to hang out.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nationals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlb.com/nationals" data-vars-content-id="931ce4bc-59ad-4b41-aff7-0ffd34ef5f84" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new at Nationals Park for the 2026 season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlb.com/nationals" target="_blank">Nationals</a>&#x27; home opener is Friday — and there&#x27;s plenty to show up for: new leadership and a young team on the rise, plus a ballpark experience that&#x27;s getting better, faster and more fun.Why it matters: Nats Park is still about the game, but the team is going bigger on the experience with quicker entry, tasty new eats, cheaper beer and more room for families to hang out.State of play: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nats open at home" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlb.com/nationals/tickets/single-game-tickets" data-vars-content-id="931ce4bc-59ad-4b41-aff7-0ffd34ef5f84" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new at Nationals Park for the 2026 season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlb.com/nationals/tickets/single-game-tickets" target="_blank">Nats open at home</a> against the two-time defending World Series champion Dodgers (1:05pm) with full pageantry: Budweiser Clydesdales, a military flyover and a ceremonial first pitch tied to America&#x27;s 250th anniversary.<ul><li>Gates open at 11am, with face painting, balloon artists and other family-friendly activities around the park.</li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">What&#x27;s fun and new</h2>💰 Deals!The Nats are sticking with — and expanding — their affordability push. The team offers one of the most wallet-friendly experiences in D.C. sports if you play it right. Look for:<ul><li>$5 District tickets for D.C. residents (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="now available online" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlb.com/nationals/tickets/specials/district" data-vars-content-id="931ce4bc-59ad-4b41-aff7-0ffd34ef5f84" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new at Nationals Park for the 2026 season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlb.com/nationals/tickets/specials/district" target="_blank">now available online</a>).</li><li>$5 Tuesdays are back with cheap concessions — including $5 beer! — plus tickets starting at $12.</li><li>Kids 12 and under eat free again this season.</li><li>Daily happy hour runs from gates open to first pitch with $5 beers and $6 hard seltzers.</li></ul>⚡Getting in (and around) is fasterSome of the biggest upgrades this season are about convenience:<ul><li>Expanded <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Go-Ahead Entry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlb.com/nationals/ballpark/information/go-ahead-entry" data-vars-content-id="931ce4bc-59ad-4b41-aff7-0ffd34ef5f84" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new at Nationals Park for the 2026 season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlb.com/nationals/ballpark/information/go-ahead-entry" target="_blank">Go-Ahead Entry</a> lets fans walk into the stadium hands-free using facial recognition.</li><li>The new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nationals Wallet" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlb.com/nationals/ballpark/information/nationals-wallet" data-vars-content-id="931ce4bc-59ad-4b41-aff7-0ffd34ef5f84" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new at Nationals Park for the 2026 season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlb.com/nationals/ballpark/information/nationals-wallet" target="_blank">Nationals Wallet</a> speeds up paying for food, merch and tickets in one place.</li><li>Grab-and-go marketplaces (including new frictionless locations) cut down concession lines.</li></ul><figure><img alt="Two cups of layered dessert with crumble toppings sit on a pink surface, beside a tall red-and-black waffle cone topped with white frosting and red sprinkles; a blurred stadium background." height="3200" id="003d94eb-8a22-4ff1-b3be-c72b0f81a9d6" src="https://images.axios.com/6xEd-olMXVFdRhpRBBwb9JrpgNM=/2026/04/01/1775072075008.jpeg" width="4800"/><figcaption>Coneaocpia matches colorful waffle cones with soft serve. Photo: Courtesy Washington Nationals </figcaption></figure>😋 New eats Over 40 local food and drink vendors fill the park, with everything from pupusas to Italian subs and boozy slushies. Newcomers this season:<ul><li>Coneacopia (Section 136) - Gourmet waffle cones and soft serve.</li><li>Don Churro (Sections 113, 308) - Sweet fritters with dunking sauces.</li><li>Eatopian Eats (Section 136) - Vegan and vegetarian Ethiopian food.</li><li>Fuzzies Burgers (Section 105) - Dry-aged smash burgers out of B&#x27;more.</li><li>Stuggy&#x27;s Gourmet Hot Dogs (Section 105) - Dogs with fun toppings like crab mac.</li></ul>Meanwhile, the Change-Up Food Hall added a foot-long, half-smoke and monument-themed chicken sandwich.<ul><li>More grab-and-go beer options (including $9 domestics) aim to keep lines moving.</li></ul>👨‍👩‍👧 A bigger focus on familiesThe ballpark is always kid-friendly, but the Nats are going the extra inning.<ul><li>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kids Zone" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlb.com/nationals/ballpark/park-experiences" data-vars-content-id="931ce4bc-59ad-4b41-aff7-0ffd34ef5f84" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new at Nationals Park for the 2026 season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlb.com/nationals/ballpark/park-experiences" target="_blank">Kids Zone</a> is expanding with picnic tables, turf space and lawn games.</li><li>A new interactive scavenger hunt — &quot;The Great President&#x27;s Chase&quot; — runs on weekends</li><li>On Sundays, kids can run the bases (starting April 19) and get autographs and giveaways.</li></ul><figure><img alt="Bearded bobblehead of Alex Ovechkin in a white Nationals-style jersey and a &quot;CHAMPS&quot; cap stands on a red base beside a red &quot;Alex Ovechkin&quot; box; a blue-uniform figure sits on the right on a wooden table." height="3200" id="0bcf8c75-f087-4557-a199-ff18652e1ce6" src="https://images.axios.com/cKrAAsA2SnZTCVcrNvdY1uCiDKs=/2026/04/01/1775072129993.jpeg" width="4800"/><figcaption>Score an Alex Ovechkin bobblehead on May 16. Photo: Courtesy Washington Nationals </figcaption></figure>🎁 Giveaways + theme nights get even bigger<ul><li>Mark your cals for fun giveaways like the Alex Ovechkin bobblehead (May 16) and hot dog hat (May 15).</li><li>New theme nights include Margaritaville, NARUTO and Caribbean Heritage Day, joining faves like Pride and Pups in the Park.</li></ul>📺 Bonus: Watching from home changes, tooFor the first time, local games will stream directly through <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nationals.TV" data-vars-click-url="http://nationals.tv/" data-vars-content-id="931ce4bc-59ad-4b41-aff7-0ffd34ef5f84" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new at Nationals Park for the 2026 season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://nationals.tv/" target="_blank">Nationals.TV</a>, MLB&#x27;s in-market service, with new broadcast tech like wire cams.

Massive parking garages loom in Commanders plans

You don't see many parking decks in D.C., and these approach the Height Act limits.

You don&#x27;t see many parking decks in D.C., but the ones at the new Commanders stadium could be up to 110 feet tall.Why it matters: At more than half the height of the stadium itself, the latest designs show the 11-story garages swallowing the skyline.

How to watch DMV teams during March Madness

March Madness is back, and the DMV is well represented — with 9 men&#x27;s and women&#x27;s NCAA teams facing off.🏀 Here&#x27;s a quick guide to who&#x27;s playing in the coming days and how to watch.

Washington Spirit 2026 guide: Home sked, hot tix, players to watch

Here's your guide to must-see matches, new players and Trinity Rodman's return.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Washington Spirit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/10/21/washington-spirit-soccer-nwsl-playoff-tickets" data-vars-content-id="5c5bf548-2ec1-4e58-931b-fd7de903d484" data-vars-headline="Washington Spirit 2026 guide: Home sked, hot tix, players to watch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/10/21/washington-spirit-soccer-nwsl-playoff-tickets" target="_self">Washington Spirit</a> open their season Friday at Audi Field vs. the Portland Thorns — and the match is racing toward a sellout.Why it matters: Coming off back-to-back championships, with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trinity Rodman" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/06/13/trinity-rodman-washington-spirit-dc" data-vars-content-id="5c5bf548-2ec1-4e58-931b-fd7de903d484" data-vars-headline="Washington Spirit 2026 guide: Home sked, hot tix, players to watch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/06/13/trinity-rodman-washington-spirit-dc" target="_self">Trinity Rodman</a> locked into a record deal and crowds packing &quot;Rowdy Audi,&quot; Spirit games are becoming some of the hottest tickets in the DMV.

IndyCar unveils race course for its D.C. Grand Prix this summer

Engines are revving for D.C.&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Freedom 250 Grand Prix" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/02/03/freedom-250-grand-prix-national-mall-pennsylvania-ave" data-vars-content-id="550b5b2b-d03b-41bf-8c42-f1fd5fec6fe7" data-vars-headline="IndyCar unveils race course for its D.C. Grand Prix this summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/02/03/freedom-250-grand-prix-national-mall-pennsylvania-ave" target="_self">Freedom 250 Grand Prix</a>, which brings the NTT IndyCar Series to the National Mall Aug. 22–23.Why it matters: It&#x27;ll be the first-ever auto race on the National Mall, timed for America&#x27;s 250th birthday — and it&#x27;s free and open to the public.

Why D.C. United plays Messi in Baltimore — and wants to expand there

The move could help grease the team's push to build a new stadium.

D.C. United wants a big crowd behind it to take on Messi&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Inter Miami" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/02/12/inter-miami-most-valuable-mls-lionel-messi" data-vars-content-id="2e7b33ae-3c1b-4caf-900c-d9faf3cd23d5" data-vars-headline="Why D.C. United plays Messi in Baltimore — and wants to expand there" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/02/12/inter-miami-most-valuable-mls-lionel-messi" target="_self">Inter Miami</a> — so much so that it&#x27;s moving Saturday&#x27;s home game to Baltimore. Why it matters: The move could help grease the team&#x27;s push to build a new stadium and expansion teams in, yes, Maryland.

Fairfax "Quad God" goes for Winter Olympic gold

His hometown crowds at GMU and his Reston rink are throwing watch parties, along with others.

If you&#x27;ve been watching the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Winter Olympics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/06/winter-olympics-schedule-watch-opening-ceremony" data-vars-content-id="e022b689-77c4-4fa6-8b60-6e306ca06d41" data-vars-headline="Fairfax &quot;Quad God&quot; goes for Winter Olympic gold" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/06/winter-olympics-schedule-watch-opening-ceremony" target="_self">Winter Olympics</a>, you already know the &quot;Quad God.&quot; And yes — the star soaring over the ice is one of ours.Why it matters: Ilia Malinin goes for individual gold Friday in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="men&#x27;s free skate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.olympics.com/en/milano-cortina-2026/results/fsk/ss/m/singles-----------/fnl-/000100--/result" data-vars-content-id="e022b689-77c4-4fa6-8b60-6e306ca06d41" data-vars-headline="Fairfax &quot;Quad God&quot; goes for Winter Olympic gold" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.olympics.com/en/milano-cortina-2026/results/fsk/ss/m/singles-----------/fnl-/000100--/result" target="_blank">men&#x27;s free skate</a>, airing at 1pm ET.

Sports 🏅

Caps ticket prices spike amid Ovechkin retirement rumors

Feds: Those Commanders stadium parking decks are too big

Where to eat, drink and party for the Nationals home opener

What's new at Nationals Park for the 2026 season

Massive parking garages loom in Commanders plans