Sixty-eight percent of D.C. babies born in 2023 had birth mothers in their 30s and older, according to preliminary CDC data.

Why it matters: In the last few years, age 35 has gone from the start of "geriatric pregnancy," to potentially a maternal-age sweet spot.

By the numbers: Currently, 32 is the average age of a woman giving birth in D.C.

• It's tied with Massachusetts for the highest in the country — the national average is 30.
• The average in Virginia is also 30, while in Maryland it's 31.

Regions with higher income and education levels "are correlated with increased advanced maternal age," partly because women there are deliberately delaying pregnancy for economic reasons, says Jane van Dis, OB-GYN and assistant professor at the University of Rochester.

• 63% of D.C. residents have a bachelor's degree or higher with a median household income of $101,722, per census data. That's compared to 34% and $75,149 nationwide.

The intrigue: 35-year-olds received more prenatal monitoring and had a small decrease in prenatal mortality compared to even those a few months younger, according to a 2021 JAMA Health Forum study.

• And some research suggests that being 35+ and pregnant could lead to better brainpower after menopause and a smaller gender wage gap.

Catch up quick: 35 became the start of "advanced maternal age" decades ago, thanks to studies on the then-new invasive genetic test — called amniocentesis.

But that's a "dated paradigm" and "there's nothing really particularly magic" about age 35, says Alison Cahill, professor and associate dean of translation research at the University of Texas at Austin's Dell Medical School.

Reality check: Risks, including of miscarriage, increase much more after age 40, compared to 35.

Yes, but: Women considering having kids by their mid-thirties should be acquainted with their own physiology and possible fertility challenges "much earlier than 35," van Dis says.

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Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris is adding an experienced political player to his D.C. team and giving him a tough assignment: Find a new home for his storied football franchise.

Why it matters: Hiring Kirtan Mehta, a top Senate aide, doesn't mean that Harris has decided to bring the Washington Commanders back to their old stomping grounds at RFK Stadium in D.C.

• But he's the kind of hire a new NFL owner would make to navigate the politics of moving a team from the Maryland suburbs to a parcel of land that's currently owned by the federal government.

Zoom out: Harris is trying to maximize his options in negotiations with D.C., Maryland, and Virginia over the Commanders' next field.

• Virginia's Gov. Glenn Youngkin is eager to avenge his loss to D.C. after Mayor Muriel Browser put together a $515 million package to keep the Capitals and Wizards downtown.
• Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a Ravens fan, is lobbying to keep the Commanders in Maryland.
• Mayor Bowser is fighting to bring football back to D.C.

Zoom in: Mehta is leaving his role as chief of staff to Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.). He's also worked for Gov. Phil Murphy (D-N.J.) and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.).

• Mehta's first task: Getting House-passed legislation through the Senate that would allow Bowser to negotiate with Harris on a potential package for a stadium on the banks of the Anacostia River.

Full story

The FBI confirmed yesterday that its agents have boarded the cargo ship that struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore last month and caused its collapse.

Why it matters: The news comes as multiple outlets reported Monday that the FBI has opened a criminal investigation related to the collision.

The big picture: "The FBI is present aboard the cargo ship Dali conducting court-authorized law enforcement activity," the FBI told Axios yesterday, adding that no further information was publicly available.

• Erek L. Barron, the U.S. Attorney in Maryland, said in a statement yesterday that his office "generally will not confirm the existence of or otherwise comment about investigations."

Between the lines: The news came on the same day that Baltimore's mayor announced that the city had hired two law firms to take legal action regarding the bridge collapse and its impacts.

Full story

🍝 Famed New York restaurant Café Fiorello is opening an outpost on Pennsylvania Avenue with an outdoor patio. The Italian menu will cater to a power crowd with an all-day menu and a smaller format coffee bar with grab-and-go meals. (Washington Business Journal )

🏒 The Capitals beat the Boston Bruins 2-0 in a must-win game last night to remain in the playoff chase. They have another must-win game tonight against the Philadelphia Flyers to get the second wildcard spot. (Capitals)

👟 The Kennedy Recreation Center reopened yesterday after a renovation and less than a month since a shooting near the facility resulted in two deaths and five injuries. (PoPville)

💼 See who's hiring around the city.

1. Executive Director at U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission.
2. Director, Public Affairs & Communications at Arnold Ventures.
3. Data Analyst at KFF.
4. Temporary Staff - Political & Public Affairs at PoliTemps.
5. Deputy Director of State Policy at MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Use code AXIOSJOB to get your first job post free.

Congratulations to everyone who guessed right: Go-Go was at the Dumbarton aka "Buffalo Bridge" which connects Georgetown and Dupont Circle.

Zoom in: The early 20th-century bridge, designed with American Western motifs, is flanked by bronze bison — but that's not what Go-Go's searching for. She came for the sculptures of native Lakota leader Kicking Bear that line the bottom of the bridge.

• You can view them from the path below in Rock Creek Parkway (entrance near P and 26th streets).

You're invited: Mike Allen will grill Axios CEO Jim VandeHei tomorrow at a no-holds-barred virtual event for readers who've preordered "Just the Good Stuff" — his book about life, leadership, and well-being.

• Why it matters: This conversation will take you behind the scenes of two of D.C.'s hottest startups of the past 20 years, and give you a window into the culture of Axios, including our Local expansion.

👀 How to join: Click here to preorder the book (with lots of choices of stores).

• Then drop by here to claim your free ticket. After you click "Register," you'll be asked to paste in the confirmation or receipt number as proof of purchase. (Ignore the promo code box.)

Proceeds from the book go to help kids get through vocational school or two- or four-year college.

• Order the book ... Claim your event ticket.