42% of restaurants did not turn a profit last year, National Restaurant Association says

WTOP News 2/26 10:34P Jessica Kronzer

With Americans watching their wallets, restaurants are feeling the pinch. In its State of the Industry report for 2026 , the main trade group for the nation’s restaurants and eateries is projecting sales will only grow moderately this year,...

Exhibit dedicated to Black burlesque is open in DC

WTOP News 2/26 10:17P Luke Lukert

This page contains a video which is being blocked by your ad blocker. In order to view the video you must disable your ad blocker. ‘Black burlesque’ exhibit opens in Dupont Underground Housed in D.C. s Dupont Underground, a new exhibit offers the...

Friday Freebies

WTOP News 2/26 10:00P Michelle Basch

Who doesn’t love free stuff? WTOP is relaunching “Friday Freebies,” bringing you the top freebies you can get in the D.C. region, every week. We’ll run them down every Friday morning on air at 103.5...

DC Water officials say section of Potomac River expected to reopen soon after spill

WTOP News 2/25 10:53P Dan Ronan

A standing room-only crowd heard from D.C. Water and other officials about the huge Potomac Interceptor sewer spill that resulted in more than 240 million gallons of highly polluted water getting into the Potomac River near Cabin John, Maryland....

DC Courts create new pathway for people without lawyers to get legal help

WTOP News 2/25 9:24P Scott Gelman

Nonlawyers who receive training will now be able to help with civil matters in D.C., as part of a new order issued by D.C. Courts earlier this month that expands access to legal assistance for people without an attorney. The rule, scheduled to...

Bowser, Commanders talk new stadium impacts, push for businesses to get involved

WTOP News 2/25 9:57A John Domen

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Washington Commanders President Mark Clouse (center) at Wednesday's Bisnow conference about the stadium development plan.(WTOP/John Domen) D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and...

National Safety Council estimates 12% fewer traffic deaths in 2025, larger reductions in DC and...

WTOP News 2/25 4:13A Neal Augenstein

Preliminary analysis from the National Safety Council shows a 12% decrease in the number of U.S. traffic deaths in 2025, compared to the previous year, and that D.C. and Maryland s safety improvements exceed the national average. According to the...

Neighborhood Guide: Where to Eat, Shop, and Play in Silver Spring

Washingtonian Things To Do 2/24 10:00P Kate Corliss

Your insider guide for both trendy and classic spots to eat, shop, and play in the DC area. Read More Here. In 1840, when Francis Preston Blair and his daughter came across a “mica-flecked” spring...

Kennedy Center Honors to be renamed as Trump-era changes continue

WTOP News 2/24 3:28A Jimmy Alexander

One of D.C. s most well-known arts traditions is moving forward with a new name. Related stories Kennedy Center president has message for vandal: Seek help Trump says he won t tear down the Kennedy Center arts venue but it needs to be closed for...

WATCH LIVE: President Trump delivers 2026 State of the Union address

WTOP News 2/23 11:54P Tadiwos Abedje

President Donald Trump speaks at Coosa Steel Corporation in Rome, Ga., Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

‘Unbelievably contagious’: Measles cases soar nationwide: What you need to know

WTOP News 2/23 11:32P Kate Ryan

The United States is seeing nearly 1,000 cases of measles in the first two months of 2026, a record surge that has alarmed health care providers. More than 980 have been reported across 26 states as of Monday, according to the  Centers for...

Experts warn of algal blooms in the Potomac River as temperatures rise

WTOP News 2/23 9:25P Alan Etter

Repairs to the broken Potomac Interceptor pipeline are expected to wrap up by mid-March, D.C. Water said, clearing the way for cleanup of the Potomac River and C&O Canal. Officials said the long-term restoration will address every area touched by...

Is DC still ‘Chocolate City?’ Here’s what Census data tells us

WTOP News 2/22 9:49P Scott Gelman

D.C. is no longer the Chocolate City it once was. Experts say a diversifying economy, new waves of immigration and shifting housing patterns have transformed the District into one of the most diverse cities in the U.S. After the 1930s, D.C. was...

Major events to impact DC traffic starting Sunday

WTOP News 2/21 7:17A LaDawn Black

Expect road closures and rerouting on D.C. streets this week due to the Chinese New Year parade on Sunday and the President s State of the Union address on Tuesday. Sunday — Chinese New Year Parade On Sunday, Feb. 22, at 2 p.m. traffic patterns...

Sunday storm could dump up to 5 inches of snow across DC region

WTOP News 2/21 4:34A Jessica Kronzer

The D.C. region may see several inches of heavy snowfall on Sunday, with forecasts suggesting totals could be as high as 5 inches in some parts of the area. Related stories With the melting snow comes a hazard to our waterways Where to report...