D.C.

Melania Trump walked past an IndyCar in the White House Rose Garden on Thursday. The vehicle displayed her “Be Best” slogan.

WTOP rode shotgun in a Chevrolet Corvette Z06, reaching about 140 mph on streets surrounding the National Mall during tests for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix. Ken Morris and Markwayne Mullin also took high-speed previews of the course. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser noted that events like the Grand Prix provide a significant economic boost to the area.

D.C. police announced the arrest of a preteen boy connection to a fatal shooting that occurred last month. The shooting involved a 13-year-old boy and took place in Northeast D.C.

Bishop Kwabena Albert “Rainey” Cheeks died at age 74 from complications related to a kidney transplant and cancer. He was a taekwondo champion, minister, and longtime HIV/AIDS activist who helped create gathering spaces for Black gay Washingtonians. Cheeks founded Inner Light Ministries and spent decades advocating for people living with HIV and AIDS.

An eighty-seven-year-old South Florida grandmother, Harriet Lieb, was sued by Strike 3 Holdings LLC for allegedly illegally downloading pornography using her IP address. She stated she had never been on a pornographic site and questioned why she received the lawsuit letter. A federal judge in DC called the company a "copyright troll" and threw out the lawsuit, describing their tactics as a "high-tech shakedown."

A National Guard deployment, initially announced by President Donald Trump amid a crime emergency, has been extended through January 2029. While government officials credit the surge with dropping crime rates and transforming D.C. into a safe haven, local residents argue that the sustained presence of troops is an unacceptable attempt to restrict the city's autonomy.

D.C. plans to use approximately $7.8 million from opioid settlement proceeds to help cover recurring costs for Medicaid and addiction treatment programs. Critics argue that this move intends only to maintain existing spending levels rather than expanding necessary services or treatments. The funds originate from a multibillion-dollar legal settlement related to the nation's opioid crisis.

Pirro, described as D.C.’s top prosecutor, now finds her job at risk amid a break with the president regarding alleged vandalism cases. This dispute also involves the Reflecting Pool move.

The article addresses surviving extreme weather in 2026, highlighting D.C.'s poor air quality due to wildfire smoke and offering health tips from the Mayo Clinic and West Coast experiences. It provides guidance on managing bad air quality, extreme heat, and protecting pets, emphasizing preparedness for ongoing climate challenges.

The D.C. and Baltimore area has numerous top-ranked hospitals according to U.S. News & World Report, with The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore and MedStar Washington Hospital Center leading regional and national recognitions. The rankings emphasize patient outcomes like survival rates and complications, highlighting smaller hospitals' increased recognition.

Kamala Harris, former vice president, discussed potential 2028 platform ideas including revisiting the Electoral College, expanding the court to 13 justices, and considering statehood for Puerto Rico and D.C., noting they may be controversial.

Pirro is moving to drop a case against an Olympian, attributing Reflecting Pool damage to 'flawed installation'. President Donald Trump had promoted the Reflecting Pool update as part of D.C. renovations for America's 250th birthday celebrations.

Anna King, a decorated Army veteran, filed a $3M claim alleging she was violently restrained by three National Guard members on May 8 at her D.C. home. The American Civil Liberties Union stated the Guard members detained her without warning.

The outgoing Ukrainian ambassador to the U.S. states that Ukraine has combated a prior erroneous narrative suggesting Russia was winning the war, which is now in its fifth year.

An explosive elevator ride between two Trump officials has become a topic of discussion in DC. An investigation is underway into indecent footage related to the incident.

Netanyahu and Lapid are competing for the title of Israel's most adept US whisperer. Lapid aims to challenge Netanyahu's reputation as an effective advocate in DC, while Netanyahu emphasizes his close ties to Trump.

A group of Arlington, Virginia students created an AI-powered platform called LaunchBridge to simplify starting a business by providing LLCs, tax IDs, websites, and payment systems for a one-time fee. The tool addresses barriers like paperwork and costs, targeting Virginia entrepreneurs while also serving Maryland and D.C. residents.

The article states that authorities should implement safety measures in school vehicles, as urged by DC. No additional details are provided in the content.

Netanyahu’s office announced his travel to DC for a meeting with Trump and a memorial service for Graham. The trip may indicate a pause in US escalation against Iran, though past deception campaigns before attacks on Tehran are noted.

Trump's spending on D.C. projects, immigration policies, and canceled energy initiatives is estimated to cost $4,325 per household. Locals protest National Guard deployments in D.C., and 52% of Americans describe Trump as 'dangerous.' Trump must hand over financial documents in a defamation lawsuit against the BBC, while D.C. ranks as a top entrepreneurial city.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has seen a significant decline in participation since 2025 due to work requirements and policy changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, impacting over 4.5 million people nationwide. In the DMV region, D.C. lost nearly 7,500 SNAP recipients, Maryland lost 39,000, and Virginia lost 111,000 between July 2025 and May 2026, with children disproportionately affected.

Norton Rose Fulbright, founded in 1794, is the oldest company on WTOP’s Top Workplaces list. The law firm attributes its employee retention and growth to a people-first culture, as highlighted by D.C. office leaders Matt Kirtland and Marissa Alcala, who have worked there for over two decades.

Democratic Senators from Maryland and Virginia demand transparency about the Trump administration's East Potomac golf course redevelopment. The government plans to roll back over 30 gun regulations, while a new analysis estimates Trump's Iran war has cost $100 billion. The National Capital Planning Commission approved moving forward with a 250-foot arch near Arlington Cemetery, and D.C. ranks No. 7 on Orkin's 2026 Bed Bug Cities List.

Jordan Wood, a former Capitol Hill staffer, has entered the Maine Senate race for the Democratic nomination following Graham Platner's withdrawal. He aims to build on Platner's populist movement while distancing himself from his Washington ties, facing competition from candidates like Nirav Shah and Troy Jackson.

U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley is running for Chicago mayor after 17 years serving in D.C. He is explaining his reasons for switching from his current role to the mayoral race.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman flew private military jets over D.C. in a July 4th flyover with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche as a passenger, despite safety objections from the FAA.

A July 4 party in DC highlights Alina Habba's new romantic partner, a missing Trump aide, and a controversial claim by a MAGA lawyer. The event's details focus on personal and political developments among attendees.

D.C. issued a 'Code Red' air quality alert following a record-setting fireworks display on the National Mall. The alert occurred hours after the fireworks concluded.

Freelance photographer Cheney Orr captured a photo of a black woman on a DC train surrounded by white supremacist thugs, which some observers view as symbolic of the nation's struggles to live up to its promises. The image was taken on the 250th Independence Day.

Extreme heat in the DC area has prompted the establishment of cooling centers in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Cooling centers are available in libraries, community centers, and other public facilities across Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Fairfax County, and other regions.

Virginia becomes the first U.S. state to implement a law allowing judges to order intelligent speed assistance (ISA) devices for drivers convicted of excessive speeding. The law, effective July 1, aims to curb extreme speeders by limiting vehicle speeds to posted limits, with similar measures already adopted in D.C. and Maryland.

Trump attacked DC mayoral nominee Janeese Lewis George online, labeling her a 'Communist' and vowing to block her progressive policy proposals if she takes office.

Netanyahu announces a framework accord with Lebanon that excludes Iran and Hezbollah from the country, allowing Israel to maintain a security zone. Israel will send a delegation to DC to discuss the Iran deal.

D.C. has reached a settlement in a lawsuit brought by a National Guard protester associated with 'Star Wars'. The protester was part of a National Guard group at Union Station in Washington last September.

D.C. has settled with a man who protested the National Guard by using Darth Vader’s theme song. The National Guard was patrolling near the Capitol in 2025.

The article uses the Reflecting Pool as a metaphor to critique Trump’s administration, linking it to vandalism in D.C. that begins in the Oval Office.

Janeese Lewis George, a democratic socialist, won the D.C. mayoral race by capitalizing on voter dissatisfaction with rising costs and frustration with President Trump. Her victory reflects a shift away from business-friendly leadership in the capital, supported by younger progressive voters and working-class communities, though she faces economic challenges including a budget gap and reliance on federal cooperation.

Capital Pride weekend in D.C. brings significant economic benefits, with 650,000–700,000 visitors and an estimated $300 million impact during past events. Local businesses, including JR’s and The Fireplace, highlight increased revenue and community support during the celebrations, which also attract out-of-state visitors.

D.C. Council member Janeese Lewis George is likely to win the mayor's race after her primary opponent conceded, continuing a trend where anti-establishment candidates gain office in both major parties. The article highlights democratic socialist candidates as part of this broader political shift.

A centrist Democrat has conceded to a Socialist in the D.C. mayoral primary. President Trump’s influence over the capital and potential actions if Councilwoman Janeese Lewis George is elected are highlighted, though the Associated Press has not yet called the race.