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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.

Long TSA lines abound — but not everywhere in the DMV

What to know before heading into peak spring break travel time.

Uncertainty is the feeling du jour for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="airline travel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/23/travel-delays-shutdown-security-airfare-prices" data-vars-content-id="256bc906-2025-4f6a-a938-8e78ded5b274" data-vars-headline="Long TSA lines abound — but not everywhere in the DMV" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/23/travel-delays-shutdown-security-airfare-prices" target="_self">airline travel</a> heading into peak spring break and Easter — as the partial government shutdown continues to strain TSA staffing.Why it matters: If you&#x27;re about to ditch town, you&#x27;re likely on edge about reports of hours-long <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="security lines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/21/musk-trump-tsa-ice-airports" data-vars-content-id="256bc906-2025-4f6a-a938-8e78ded5b274" data-vars-headline="Long TSA lines abound — but not everywhere in the DMV" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/21/musk-trump-tsa-ice-airports" target="_self">security lines</a>. But so far in the DMV, delays have been hit-or-miss.

Union Station wants a lighting makeover for its facade

Officials say the looksmaxxing would also boost public safety.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Union Station" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/12/02/union-station-project-amtrak-moynihan-train-hall" data-vars-content-id="ca68d975-5a06-4223-9e8b-ff37d009fa46" data-vars-headline="Union Station wants a lighting makeover for its facade" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/12/02/union-station-project-amtrak-moynihan-train-hall" target="_self">Union Station</a> wants a literal glow-up — nighttime lights outside, brighter bulbs inside.The big picture: The train station&#x27;s CEO has wanted to work with the Trump administration on realizing its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="longterm modernization project" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/05/14/union-station-renovation-progress-update" data-vars-content-id="ca68d975-5a06-4223-9e8b-ff37d009fa46" data-vars-headline="Union Station wants a lighting makeover for its facade" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/05/14/union-station-renovation-progress-update" target="_self">longterm modernization project</a>, and a flashier entrance for D.C.&#x27;s front door might appeal to the president&#x27;s sensibilities.

D.C. shares its hottest Dulles renovation takes

"The mobile lounges were invented by Satan."

Travel

Good thing it&#x27;s freezing this week, because we asked for your takes on a potential Trump administration renovation of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dulles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/12/03/dulles-airport-trump-overhaul" data-vars-content-id="642fee41-95a0-4dae-96da-e45cda70fa9b" data-vars-headline="D.C. shares its hottest Dulles renovation takes" 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/dulles-airport-trump-overhaul" target="_self">Dulles</a> — and they are piping hot, y&#x27;all.Why it matters: The administration is fielding bids from contractors to give the airport a glow-up &quot;at the speed of Trump.&quot;

Poll: Should Dulles be overhauled at the "speed of Trump"?

The president says his administrations has an "amazing plan" for a glow up.

Dulles is already undergoing a big <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="renovation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/07/23/dulles-airport-master-plan-expansion" data-vars-content-id="0a3b06a1-d4b7-4194-8994-a301a04340c5" data-vars-headline="Poll: Should Dulles be overhauled at the &quot;speed of Trump&quot;?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/07/23/dulles-airport-master-plan-expansion" target="_self">renovation</a>, but the Trump administration has its own ideas for &quot;a complete refresh&quot; — and wants it done &quot;at the speed of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/trumps-transportation-secretary-sean-p-duffy-launches-new-initiative-revitalize" data-vars-content-id="0a3b06a1-d4b7-4194-8994-a301a04340c5" data-vars-headline="Poll: Should Dulles be overhauled at the &quot;speed of Trump&quot;?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/trumps-transportation-secretary-sean-p-duffy-launches-new-initiative-revitalize" target="_blank">Trump</a>.&quot;Why it matters: It&#x27;s another example of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Decorator-in-Chief&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/15/trump-white-house-remodel-plans" data-vars-content-id="0a3b06a1-d4b7-4194-8994-a301a04340c5" data-vars-headline="Poll: Should Dulles be overhauled at the &quot;speed of Trump&quot;?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/15/trump-white-house-remodel-plans" target="_self">&quot;Decorator-in-Chief&quot;</a> vowing to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;beautify&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/25/trump-dc-crime-federal-takeover" data-vars-content-id="0a3b06a1-d4b7-4194-8994-a301a04340c5" data-vars-headline="Poll: Should Dulles be overhauled at the &quot;speed of Trump&quot;?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/25/trump-dc-crime-federal-takeover" target="_self">&quot;beautify&quot;</a> the area.

The best and worst times for D.C. Thanksgiving 2025 travel

It&#x27;s time for D.C. road and sky warriors to start thinking about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Thanksgivin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/11/14/things-to-do-thanksgiving-weekend-dc" data-vars-content-id="a1258d88-f3bf-4cc6-b83d-9650b7ba4055" data-vars-headline="The best and worst times for D.C. Thanksgiving 2025 travel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/11/14/things-to-do-thanksgiving-weekend-dc" target="_self">Thanksgivin</a>g travel.Why it matters: There&#x27;ll be a record-breaking 81.8 million Americans leaving town for Thanksgiving this year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AAA" data-vars-click-url="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2025/11/aaa-thanksgiving-travel-forecast-2025/" data-vars-content-id="a1258d88-f3bf-4cc6-b83d-9650b7ba4055" data-vars-headline="The best and worst times for D.C. Thanksgiving 2025 travel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2025/11/aaa-thanksgiving-travel-forecast-2025/" target="_blank">AAA</a> predicts.

Trump ally wants to get rid of the Dulles Airport "people movers"

He's linking it Trump's D.C. "beautification" campaign.

Trump allies have a new local quest: Getting rid of the Dulles Airport &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="people movers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/07/23/dulles-airport-master-plan-expansion" data-vars-content-id="c94e422d-2601-429c-9488-b73e9454a631" data-vars-headline="Trump ally wants to get rid of the Dulles Airport &quot;people movers&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/07/23/dulles-airport-master-plan-expansion" target="_self">people movers</a>.&quot;Why it matters: Many would love to get rid of the antiquated shuttles, especially after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Monday&#x27;s crash" data-vars-click-url="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2025/11/11/dulles-airport-mobile-lounge-crash/" data-vars-content-id="c94e422d-2601-429c-9488-b73e9454a631" data-vars-headline="Trump ally wants to get rid of the Dulles Airport &quot;people movers&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2025/11/11/dulles-airport-mobile-lounge-crash/" target="_blank">Monday&#x27;s crash</a> that hospitalized 18 people.

Shutdown fallout: D.C. airports face major flight cuts ahead of holidays

Reagan National, Dulles and BWI are bracing for 10% flight cuts.

Reagan National, Dulles International and BWI are bracing for their flights to be cut by 10% in the coming days amid nationwide airport <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="staffing shortages" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/08/shutdown-air-traffic-controllers-delays-sick-outs" data-vars-content-id="43c2ac06-33d6-4297-a96c-ff116e994664" data-vars-headline="Shutdown fallout: D.C. airports face major flight cuts ahead of holidays" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/08/shutdown-air-traffic-controllers-delays-sick-outs" target="_self">staffing shortages</a> linked to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="longest-ever government shutdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/05/government-shutdown-length-days-record-trump" data-vars-content-id="43c2ac06-33d6-4297-a96c-ff116e994664" data-vars-headline="Shutdown fallout: D.C. airports face major flight cuts ahead of holidays" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/05/government-shutdown-length-days-record-trump" target="_self">longest-ever government shutdown</a>. Why it matters: Airports are facing upheaval coast to coast as air traffic controllers go unpaid and staffing shortages trigger disruptions — and more cuts could follow as Thanksgiving nears.

Bonchon is coming to new Dulles concourse, along with local faves

The new 14-gate United Airlines concourse debuts next year.

Local restaurants are taking off at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dulles International Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/02/24/dulles-international-airport-most-expensive-in-us" data-vars-content-id="a02b27ed-2f85-49c8-b8b8-e0e7d95282b0" data-vars-headline="Bonchon is coming to new Dulles concourse, along with local faves" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/02/24/dulles-international-airport-most-expensive-in-us" target="_self">Dulles International Airport</a>, which just announced exciting new concessions for its incoming concourse.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Airport food" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/05/23/dc-airports-dulles-reagan-national-new-flights-food" data-vars-content-id="a02b27ed-2f85-49c8-b8b8-e0e7d95282b0" data-vars-headline="Bonchon is coming to new Dulles concourse, along with local faves" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/05/23/dc-airports-dulles-reagan-national-new-flights-food" target="_self">Airport food</a> is getting a glow-up at both Dulles and Reagan (hello, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="José Andrés" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/11/19/dca-lounge-capital-one-landing-opens" data-vars-content-id="a02b27ed-2f85-49c8-b8b8-e0e7d95282b0" data-vars-headline="Bonchon is coming to new Dulles concourse, along with local faves" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/11/19/dca-lounge-capital-one-landing-opens" target="_self">José Andrés</a>) as travelers demand quality to match sky-high prices.

Trump crackdown is affecting D.C.'s image and tourism numbers

Restaurant reservations, tour bookings and foot traffic are down.

Images of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Guard troops" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/25/national-guard-weapons-guns-dc-photos" data-vars-content-id="98c3abc6-d078-408c-9243-6df3350ec29d" data-vars-headline="Trump crackdown is affecting D.C.&#x27;s image and tourism numbers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/25/national-guard-weapons-guns-dc-photos" target="_self">National Guard troops</a> and federal officers stationed across D.C. during President Trump&#x27;s crackdown are appearing to deter some would-be <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tourists" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/08/27/tourism-trump-slump" data-vars-content-id="98c3abc6-d078-408c-9243-6df3350ec29d" data-vars-headline="Trump crackdown is affecting D.C.&#x27;s image and tourism numbers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/08/27/tourism-trump-slump" target="_self">tourists</a> from visiting the city.Why it matters: Visitors help boost D.C.&#x27;s economy, generating $2.3 billion in tax revenue in 2024, per Destination D.C. And the local industry was already feeling a hit earlier this year due to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/06/13/worldpride-attendance-lower-than-expected" data-vars-content-id="98c3abc6-d078-408c-9243-6df3350ec29d" data-vars-headline="Trump crackdown is affecting D.C.&#x27;s image and tourism numbers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/06/13/worldpride-attendance-lower-than-expected" target="_self">Trump&#x27;s</a> policies and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal layoffs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Federal-government-layoffs-affect-travel" data-vars-content-id="98c3abc6-d078-408c-9243-6df3350ec29d" data-vars-headline="Trump crackdown is affecting D.C.&#x27;s image and tourism numbers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Federal-government-layoffs-affect-travel" target="_blank">federal layoffs</a>.

Assateague Island has no lifeguards this summer amid Trump cuts

Due to Trump's workforce cuts, the NPS never hired any, and locals are sounding the alarm about the risk this poses.

Assateague Island National Seashore doesn&#x27;t have any lifeguards this year, and local officials and residents are sounding the alarm about the risk this poses for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="beachgoers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2022/06/16/washington-dc-favorite-beaches-lakes" data-vars-content-id="06416c8f-a12b-49e7-86de-3edc6dd7901f" data-vars-headline="Assateague Island has no lifeguards this summer amid Trump cuts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2022/06/16/washington-dc-favorite-beaches-lakes" target="_self">beachgoers</a>.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the height of summer tourist season, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Assateague" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nps.gov/asis/learn/news/assateague-island-national-seashore-announces-record-visitation-for-2021.htm" data-vars-content-id="06416c8f-a12b-49e7-86de-3edc6dd7901f" data-vars-headline="Assateague Island has no lifeguards this summer amid Trump cuts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nps.gov/asis/learn/news/assateague-island-national-seashore-announces-record-visitation-for-2021.htm" target="_blank">Assateague</a> — which has seen a record number of visitors in recent years — is a popular weekend escape for many Washingtonians.