Despite a flurry of "teen takeovers" — rowdy gatherings of high schoolers that have sometimes turned violent — the D.C. Council on Tuesday punted on extending youth curfew zones.

Why it matters: The emergency curfew law will sunset while kids are on spring break, which supporters of the law warn could lead to mayhem.

The latest: Council members on Tuesday postponed action on the curfew zones, which have been in effect for eight months and end April 15.

• Police have been allowed to declare parts of the city, like Navy Yard, temporarily off-limits for people under 18 to congregate.
• The juvenile curfews can be instated as early as 8pm, earlier than the city's daily curfew, which starts at 11pm.

Friction point: Council member Brooke Pinto is the law's chief proponent, and she urged her colleagues to support the measure.

• But it lacked the votes, with lawmakers divided over whether curfews are an appropriate response or whether young people need more opportunities for public recreation.

Mayor Bowser is putting pressure on the council to extend the law.

• "The juvenile curfew has been described by some as a bandaid approach to preventing criminal and unsafe behavior by youth," she wrote in a letter to the council. "While I do not necessarily agree with that description, it makes no sense to remove a bandaid from an active wound."

Context: Since the law has been in effect, 19 curfew zones have been declared over select weekends. No arrests have been reported in the areas, the Bowser administration says.

• Bowser shared with lawmakers copies of flyers circulating on social media promoting future takeovers, with AI-generated graphics and headings like, "Takeover at Navy Yard, Gallery, L'Enfant ... BE LIT!"

What's ahead: The council postponed a vote on extending the law until its next legislative meeting on April 21.

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A federal judge yesterday temporarily blocked President Trump's $400 million ballroom.

Why it matters: U.S. District Judge Richard Leon said Trump is the "steward," not the "owner" of the White House, and that the project "must stop until Congress authorizes its completion."

Driving the news: Leon granted the National Trust for Historic Preservation's request for a preliminary injunction, halting the administration's fast-tracked plans on the controversial project.

• The trust sued the president and other federal agencies in December, arguing that the demolition violated the Constitution.
• The government argues that ceasing construction would endanger national security. Trump recently revealed plans for a large military complex below the ballroom.

What's next: After an onslaught of public comments criticizing the plans, the Trump-stacked National Capital Planning Commission was scheduled to vote on the project tomorrow.

What we're watching: Despite the legal challenges and public outcry, the White House aims to have the project done "long before the end of President Trump's term."

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The James Beard Foundation has picked finalists for its 2026 Restaurant and Chef Awards.

Why it matters: These contenders made the cut from the long list of semifinalists in the Oscars of the food world.

🏅 The full list of local finalists (D.C. unless noted)

Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic: Suresh Sundas, Tapori

Best New Restaurant: Maison Bar à Vins

Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service: Brent Kroll, Maxwell Park

Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages: Field & Main (Marshall, Virginia)

Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker: Susan Bae, Moon Rabbit

What's next: Winners will be crowned in Chicago on June 15.

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😱 George Washington University estimates the cost for returning students will be over $98,000 for the next academic year — making a four-year degree nearly as expensive as owning a median-priced home. (NBC4)

👀 The latest outlet to jump into Washington's media melee: TMZ, which now has tabloid staff circulating Capitol Hill. We still stan the DC Tab and its headlines. (Notus)

🎣 Maryland's striped bass season starts today, but the popular Chesapeake catch is being limited — including an August angling closure — due to dwindling numbers. Conservationists: Try invasive blue catfish instead!

🌸 Bloom update: Tidal Basin cherries are still peaking, but the Cap Weather Gang predicts that heat and rain will push it to end after tonight. The Hill's saucer magnolias — gorg! — are still going.

Costco just dropped a hot dog–themed bourbon — and the internet is (rightly) losing it.

Why it matters: It's only popped up in D.C. so far — not an April Fool's joke.

What we know: The release, called "I Got That Dog In Me Bourbon," is an 11-year Kentucky single barrel from Rare Character Whiskey — a buzzy independent bottler known for limited releases that spark bidding wars and whiskey hunts.

• The label features Costco's iconic food court hot dog combo.
• This dog bites back — it clocks in at a hefty 63.05% ABV.
• No, it's not actually made with hot dogs. (Probably for the best.)

🥃 Anna's thought bubble: Give it five minutes before a bartender unveils a half-smoke-washed "Costc'ol Fashioned" — so D.C.

What we don't know: Will there be more? Early reports say it sold out in a day.

The intrigue: Whiskey hawks are already circling, offering up prized Pappys and serious cash for what was an $86 bottle — inspired by a $1.50 dog.