Axios D.C.

March 16, 2026
Happy Monday!
๐ง๏ธ Today's weather: Severe storms likely. High 73, low 31.
๐ Situational awareness: Dangerous storms are possible today, and DCPS is dismissing two hours early today. Full coverage below.
๐ Happy birthday to our members Deborah White and Lauren Randel!
Today's newsletter is 954 words โ a 3.5-minute read.
1 big thing: ๐ D.C. opens door for more Airbnbs
Can D.C. renters list their homes on Airbnb? Mayor Bowser wants to make it possible.
Why it matters: A proposal from Herroner could open up a new side hustle for some city dwellers โ and give visitors more places to stay during major tourism moments.
๐ Driving the news: Bowser has introduced a bill that would expand who can legally operate short-term rentals in D.C., and add to the 2,080 current short-term licenses in the city. The proposal would:
- Allow renters to host short-term stays in their primary residence โ unless the unit is rent-stabilized or their lease prohibits it. Landlords would still have the final say.
- Create a special-event license allowing residents to rent out their homes during mayor-designated events โ like July 4th or an inauguration โ without needing to stay in the home.
- Allow homeowners to rent out a second property they own in the District for short-term stays โ but only if they still reside in D.C. If it isn't owner-occupied, it could only be rented 90 nights per year.
- Extend the special-event license to that second property โ so, for example, if you own and live in an H Street-area row house and also have an AdMo condo, you could put that condo on Airbnb for July 4th weekend.
๐ Between the lines: City officials say they want to provide tourists with more lodging options during major events such as America's 250th anniversary this year.
- They also want to compete with the suburbs, where visitors often book rentals because of cheaper prices and looser regulations.
The intrigue: The administration says the legislation isn't about a hotel-room shortage.
- But 2,000 National Guard troops are stationed in the city โ and according to a February Senate report, many are staying and paying market rate at area hotels, which could potentially cause a space crunch during peak tourism times.
๐ฎ What's next: The legislation heads to the D.C. Council.
2. โก๏ธ Severe storms incoming

Severe thunderstorms capable of spawning hail and tornadoes are in the forecast today.
๐จ Why it matters: Batten down outdoor items โ trash cans, things on your balcony โ before high winds and heavy rain.
State of play: It's hard for meteorologists to nail down the timing, but the worst of it is expected between 1-7pm, per Capital Weather Gang.
- The intense, fast-moving storms could bring down trees and power lines.
- DCPS and suburban schools are letting kids out early.
3. Exclusive: ๐ญ New KenCen shakeup
Ric Grenell plans to transition out of his role as president of the Kennedy Center today, as the 54-year-old venue plans for a two-year shutdown for renovations, our colleague Alex Isenstadt revealed late last week.
- Grenell will be succeeded by Matt Floca, the KenCen's vice president of facilities operations.
โก๏ธ The hyperlocal angle: President Trump has taken a liking to Floca, who previously worked for the D.C. government as associate director for sustainability and energy.
- The president has been calling Floca to hash out possible changes to the center, including paint color, seating and the addition of marble.
Between the lines: The regime change is set to be announced today at a KenCen board of directors meeting at the White House, which Trump is expected to attend.
- The board is also expected to approve the KenCen's two-year closure for major renovations.
- ๐ Trump posted two renderings of "the new, highly improved, TRUMP KENNEDY CENTER!" on his Truth Social account Friday afternoon, but didn't divulge any other details about the reno, or who drew up the renderings.
4. Around the Beltway: โ Sewage leak fixed
๐ง After 55 days, DC Water said it finished emergency repairs to the Potomac Interceptor, restoring flow to the pipe that had collapsed and sent raw sewage into the Potomac. (NBC4)
๐ฅ UFC will stage a live outdoor viewing of its White House cage fight on June 14, giving away 85,000 free tickets for a gathering at the Ellipse. (ESPN)
๐ After two upset wins in the Big East tourney, Georgetown's postseason ended last Friday with a loss to No. 2 seed UConn. (The Hoya)
Celebrating 5 years of Axios Local
๐ 1 big thing: For five years, Axios has delivered smart, trustworthy local news to communities like yours โ and we're just getting started.
Why it matters: Memberships sustain the journalism you rely on and help us keep delivering strong, independent reporting focused on what matters most.
Your newsletter helps you stay informed and connected. Help us power the next five years of Axios D.C. by becoming a member today.
5. โ๏ธ Last call for Southwest at Dulles
Southwest Airlines is dropping Dulles, effective June 4.
- It's a loss for budget flying, but Southwest will still fly from DCA and BWI.
๐ The airline said the changes are part of efforts "to refine its network."
By the numbers: Southwest is mum on how many routes are disappearing at Dulles, but says DCA and BWI have a combined 271 daily departures to 79 nonstop destinations.
The bottom line: Customers with reservations after June 4 should contact Southwest for affected flights.
6. โ๏ธ Real-deal Irish pubs party tomorrow
Looking for a proper Irish pub to celebrate tomorrow? A few of Anna's favorites:
๐ป The Dubliner and Kelly's Irish Times: These classics by Union Station โ dubbed "Little Dublin" โ open early tomorrow for morning pints, live music and Irish fare.
๐ณ Boundary Stone: The Bloomingdale pub opens at 2pm tomorrow with a proper Irish breakfast, food specials and $5 pints.
๐ป Irish Inn at Glen Echo: This Maryland favorite hosts a family-friendly celebration with music, dancing and Irish fare. Get a taste with this video on the Inn's 50+ years from co-owner Chris Hughes.
๐ฎ๐ช Ireland's Four Provinces: Cork native Colm Dillon goes all out at "4Ps" in Falls Church with kegs & eggs (8โ10am, walk-in), plus festive lunch, dinner and live music on the patio and in the pub.
๐ถ Murphy's Grand Irish Pub: The Old Town classic opens at 9am tomorrow with live music and Irish fare โ including oysters from their own farm.
๐ฅ Cuneyt is eating the Ithaca x Graza collab hummus.
๐ถ Mimi is on parental leave.
Today's newsletter was edited by Kristen Hinman.
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