Washington, D.C. welcomed a record 27.2 million visitors in 2024, generating $11.4 billion in spending, $2.3 billion in tax revenue and supporting 111,500 jobs. The surge in tourism follows increased investment in Destination DC’s marketing efforts, delivering a strong return on investment for the city.
Category: Washington D.C. News
Baltimore artists take center stage in prestigious $30K Sondheim Art Prize show
The Walters Art Museum is presenting the 2025 Janet and Walter Sondheim Art Prize Finalists Exhibition, featuring the work of five finalists, and the award ceremony will take place on June 26.
Locals to face off in ‘Ask a D.C. Native, Live!’ trivia showdown
Ask a D.C. Native, Live!” will bring to life the popular “Ask a D.C. Native” column with a live trivia showdown celebrating D.C. Natives Day. The May 19 event at Eaton House will provide locals an opportunity to test their District knowledge and celebrate hometown pride.
Proposed D.C. charter school could let teens graduate college a year after high school
NewU University is proposing a tuition-free charter high school that would let students earn up to 80 college credits before graduation. The goal is to save time and money while expanding access to a bachelor’s degree—especially for students who might otherwise be priced out.
Veteran public servant Sheila Bunn continues her bid for Ward 8 council
Sheila Bunn, a lifelong Ward 8 resident with more than 30 years of public service experience, has launched her campaign for the Ward 8 D.C. Council seat. With a background that includes work for Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and former Mayor Vincent C. Gray, Bunn brings a track record of legislative and community advocacy to the race, focusing on public safety, food access and equitable development.
Bowser announces $570k in grants to support small businesses in D.C.
Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) and the D.C. Department of Small and Local Business Development announced a $570,000 investment to support 60 small businesses through the 2025 Robust Retail Grant Program. Grants up to $10,000 will cover key operational expenses.
Six Flags to close Maryland park at end of 2025 season
Six Flags theme park is closing in Prince George’s County at the end of the 2025 season. The news hits hard at a time when many county residents are being laid off from federal employment and the Washington Commanders football team just announced a move to Washington, D.C.
Behind the bet: The mental toll of problem gambling
Problem gambling doesn’t just impact a person’s wallet — it can deeply affect their mental health, often co-occurring with or intensifying conditions like depression, anxiety and substance use disorder. Experts say the growing accessibility of betting, especially online, raises serious concerns about how quietly and quickly gambling-related harms can take hold.
MLK bust quietly removed from Oval Office
The iconic bronze bust of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., once a focal point in the Oval Office during the Obama and Biden years, has been relocated. In this photo, the sculpture can be seen in the foreground as President Barack Obama meets with Dr. Clarence B. Jones, visiting professor at the University of San Francisco and scholar writer in residence for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research & Education Institute, in the Oval Office, Feb. 2, 2015. Jones worked with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the “I Have a Dream” speech.
DC to host historic 50th anniversary Pride and WorldPride 2025 amid rising challenges
Washington, D.C. will celebrate 50 years of Pride with an unprecedented three-week event, coinciding with WorldPride 2025 and themed “The Fabric of Freedom,” highlighting the LGBTQ+ community’s resilience and global solidarity. Despite political setbacks and funding withdrawals, organizers remain steadfast in their mission to celebrate progress, amplify visibility, and defend hard-won rights at a pivotal moment for the community.
D.C. gets ‘F’ for air quality in 2025 State of the Air Report
Washington, D.C., received an “F” in the 2025 State of the Air Report, reflecting a recent decline in air quality and an uptick in unhealthy air days. While city officials noted that rare events like the 2023 Canadian wildfires impacted the results, health experts continue to express concern about the long-term effects of air pollution, particularly on vulnerable communities.
Ward 5 residents invited to help shape the future of RFK Stadium site at May 14 community meeting
By Councilman Zackary Parker (D-Ward 5) Dear Ward 5 neighbors, There’s been a lot of buzz this week around a proposal for the future of the RFK Stadium site. Mayor Muriel Bowser joined Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on May 5 to announce a deal to bring the Commanders back […]

